The 10 beauty gadgets, from $11 to $680, actually worth your money

There’s nothing worse than buying a new hair or skin tool only for it to languish in the bottom of a drawer after a couple of weeks. The reasons for this can vary – it might be a product that under-delivers on its promise, doesn’t suit your individual needs, or requires a PhD to master. Here, then, are 10 products worth your time and money.

Dyson Supersonic Travel Hair Dryer ($449) When you’re travelling, size matters. Not only is this dryer compact, it also works in multiple wattages and destinations. Pop it in your gym bag or pack it for a holiday.

The Beauty Fridge ($130) Extend the life of your beauty products by keeping them fresh. This is great for storing skincare items, fragrances, nail polish and cosmetics, and also comes with a warm setting for storing oils, waxes and hot towels.

CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask Series 2 ($680) This mask has red and near-infrared light combinations while the flexible silicone casing means it sits close to the skin to help target fine lines and wrinkles, dullness and inflammation.

Sacheu Body Gua Sha ($56) A good-looking massager made from non-porous stainless steel that gives good glide. The different-size edges of the gua sha target lymphatic drainage and deep muscle tension.

ghd The All-Rounder Paddle Brush ($59) Just as the name suggests, this brush is great for a range of jobs, from smoothing hair to fast blow-drying. Make sure to clean it regularly to remove hair build-up to maintain its effectiveness.

Etoile Duo Vanity Case ($120) This cosmetics case has serious old-world glamour and comes in 13 colours. It’s tall enough to stand products upright and wide enough to accommodate most palettes, so say goodbye to messy leaks.

Rae Morris Travel Brush Set ($537) This set has seven brushes that should service all your needs, in sizes small enough to be practical at home and for travel.

Bondi Sands Technocolor Deluxe Self Tan Application Mitt ($11) Comes with a thumb grip for better control on knees, elbows and ankles, and dries without going stiff.

Tymo CurlPro Plus Automatic Curling Iron ($156) It’s beginner-friendly (read: you won’t burn your forehead), rotates and is a fast styler.

Braun Silk-expert Pro 5 ($485) Don’t expect salon-level outcomes, but this device, which uses intense pulsed light (IPL) to stunt hair growth, will give you good results with consistent use.

ASK STEPH

What is azelaic acid, and how does it help skin?
Azelaic acid is a great ingredient for sensitive, inflamed skin experiencing conditions like rosacea and is also good for blemish-prone skin. Be patient, though – it’s slow-acting and can be months before you see a difference. Try Azclear Medicated Lotion ($19).
Send questions via Instagram, @mrssdarling.

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