My Go-To Beauty Tools: 19 Essentials That Have Stood the Test of Time
There are so many amazing beauty tools that it can be overwhelming to decide what's worth investing in and what's not.
Here are some of my favorites.
These are things that I've used for years that work great for my skin, and I love using them. I avoid plastic and disposable items as much as possible.
The majority of my favorite tools are eco-friendly, reusable, and sustainable. Plus, many are more lifestyle than actual products, so you can feel good about incorporating them into your beauty routine.
1. Hairband
Whether I'm washing my face at the end of the day, applying a skincare mask, or I want to keep my hair away from my face. The solution is easy: spa hairbands. I prefer a Velcro closure so I don't have to pull over my head and back up again.
2. Hair Brush
Once I've finished my skincare routine, I gently brush my hair with this natural bamboo brush. Its gentle boar bristles and reinforced ionic bristles protect the natural oils in the hair. This anti-static brush gives my hair a smooth, glossy finish.
3. Vegetable juice
Every evening I drink a glass of freshly squeezed vegetable juice before dinner. Daily veggie juice gives my body a concentrated shot of vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and good oils.
The juice helps to improve my oxygen uptake, and it's anti-inflammatory.
Why not eat the vegetables instead? You might think.
Firstly, because there are a lot of vegetables in my juices - more than I can or want to eat in one sitting.
Secondly, the nutrients are in juices, not so much in the pulp.
Third, I add all my health powders (spirulina, collagen, etc.) to the mix to maximize the nutritional content in a flavorful way.
What we eat and drink significantly affects the skin's appearance, glow, and elasticity. Plus, a daily juice like this boosts my energy.
I also add kombucha (lactic acid bacteria) and, as mentioned, collagen to my juice for an extra kick to my skin, gut, bones, and joints.
Veggie Juice Recipe
A TYPICAL JUICE CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING:
(Serves 2 - all organic)
Wash and pop the following ingredients into a blender:
1 apple
1 lemon (plus a tiny bit of the peel)
2 cm fresh ginger (peeled)
Frozen spinach
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp. marine collagen
1-2 pcs. fresh turmeric (peeled)
1 bok choy or other green leafy veggies like kale
1/4 cucumber
3-4 stalks of celery
1 dl kombucha
1 dl almond milk or coconut water
2 tsp. cod liver oil
1 tsp. chlorella powder
1 tsp. spirulina powder
1 capsule magnesium citrate
1 tsp. wheatgrass powder
Blend on high speed for 20-30 seconds.
4. Facial mask
I make my own facial masks.
I mainly use clay, honey, cocoa, herbal teas, vitamin powders, oatmeal, cucumber, and spices.
My face masks aim to cleanse, restart circulation, nourish, moisturize, and tighten.
Recipe for my honey mask for moisture, enzymes and circulation.
Recharging and deep cleansing mask with clay, hibiscus, and spices.
Oat mask that leaves skin moisturized, deliciously tightened, and with a healthier look.
5. Paintbrush
I apply my face masks with a cheap, flat, stiff-bristled paintbrush. It is more effective than a fancy cosmetic brush.
6. Tabletop Makeup Mirror
A mirror with a light in it is every selfie queen's prized possession. There are no harsh shadows in the old face - just some nice soft light on a gray day, then Mama is happy.
7. Water
Drinking enough clean water daily is one of the most essential beauty tools.
The human body is about 60-70% water, and about 46% is inside our cells - including our skin cells.
Water improves the skin's elasticity and contributes to a more beautiful and healthy glow because water carries nutrients and oxygen to the cells and removes toxins and other waste from the (skin) cells and our body.
Unfortunately, drug residues, pesticides, and nitrates in drinking water are a reality. I use a TVÜ-tested Carbonit filter for my drinking water for the highest filtration performance and optimal water quality.
8. Save My Face - pillow
Sleeping on the side night after night for years inevitably leads to vertical wrinkles on your face and chest. You can help prevent this for free by sleeping on your back; it's difficult to control.
I'm sleeping on the side, so I bought myself a "Save My Face" pillow, which helps prevent vertical wrinkles, ease aches and pains in my neck, shoulders, and back, and improve my breathing.
MORE: Sleep better - 7 tips for a better sleep
9. Collagen supplements
Every day I take a shot of Marine Collagen.
While it's great for the skin, it also strengthens bones, joints, and connective tissue; it has also made a significant difference in my flexibility and muscle strength.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It is found in muscles, bones, skin, blood vessels, digestive systems, and tendons. It helps give skin strength and elasticity and replace dead skin cells. In our joints and tendons, collagen is the "glue" that helps hold it all together.
I use Vital Proteins Marine Collagen
MORE: Collagen - the secret to resilient skin and a supple body
10. Face Yoga
I've become a big fan of face gym in recent years. I've taken classes and bought online courses and books on the subject. It makes a difference, but it's challenging for me to find a daily routine including all the different exercises - and face gym should preferably be done regularly to have an effect.
I've made a compromise program instead. I do the same seven exercises every morning after my shower.
You can see my face yoga routine on Instagram.
11. Mini fridge
Mini fridge for products, gua sha, and face roller.
The fridge helps keep the products fresh, plus the chilled products can increase their effectiveness, reducing redness and puffiness. Cooled eye cream is especially nice to apply to the skin.
This fridge has a built-in shelf for sheet masks - just in case. If you've got a sunburn, a little cooled aloe gel on the skin is wonderfully soothing.
12. Washcloth
I use washcloths and never cotton pads or Kleenex.
13. Towels
I use small thin towels instead of paper towels.
14. Suction cup
Cupping help tightens connective tissue, removes accumulated waste products, and improves blood circulation. After a few days of treatment, new skin cells form, and the skin gets tighter.
The suction cup helps give the skin a more radiant glow and a fresher and healthier look.
The suction cup in the picture is for the face and neck and is 1.5 cm. in diameter.
15. Moisturizing Gloves
Sometimes I rub my hard-working paws with my scrub in the evening, then wrap them in an overdose of oils, serum, and rich night cream. I then put on my cotton gloves and sleep with them overnight.
16. Gua Sha
I use nephrite jade Gua Sha to help flush fresh blood flow to the skin and muscles, release fascia, relieve tensions in the jaw (TMJ), ward off headaches, help even out skin tone, and reduce puffiness via lymphatic drainage, clear up acne and rosacea, reduce fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin clarity and radiance, firm sagging facial muscles. Plump and brighten the skin for a more youthful and healthy appearance.
MORE: How Facial Gua Sha Can Transform Your Skin & How To Perform It Like A Pro
17. Facial roller
I use my jade roller in the evening, lying on the couch watching tv. The massaging motion increases circulation, breaks up any stagnation in the lymphatic system, and helps any skin product sink in deeper. Promoting more plump, firm, and glowing skin.
A cooled roller can calm the nerve endings and soothes the skin.
18. Face Brush
I use a natural and gentle, but not too soft brush to exfoliate my face in the evening. I use it 2-3 times a week.
It gets the blood and microcirculation flowing so I get fresh blood to the surface of my skin, and it helps to rid of the dead skin cells.
19. HAROCARE products
I want top-notch care for my skin - not just vitamins and herbs but also repairing peptides, deeply moisturizing hyaluronic acid, gently exfoliating fruit acid, and protective ceramides and antioxidants. Plus, wonderful scents from natural essential oils and the best organic oils.
That's why I created my own skincare range.
