I’ve Tested Every Buzzy Beauty Tool Out There—11 You Shouldn’t Miss While They’re on Sale
From LED masks to PEMF mats.
In case you haven't heard, the epic Nordstrom Anniversary Sale officially opened to the public on July 18, and no lie, this year's assortment is one of the best I've ever seen. The retailer added 50 new brands to the lineup this go around, and the beauty deals in particular are not to be missed. (Consider this your sign to snag a coveted Baccarat Rouge perfume or color-changing Prada lip balm before they fly out of stock!) That said, I totally understand that sale shopping can feel overwhelming—especially one as legendary as Nordstrom's yearly event—so if you need help strategizing your cart, I'd say the smartest thing you can do is focus on tools.
See, beauty tools (be it skincare devices, hair stylers, or other wellness gadgets) tend to be high-ticket items, many of which rarely (if ever) go on sale. What's more, they're often one-time purchases, so you really feel like the cat that got the cream if you manage to snag one at a major discount. I've tested practically every buzzy tool in the beauty space (because, you know, it's kind of my job), so if you're wondering which expensive item is actually worth the splurge, you've come to the right place. Ahead, discover the 11 tools I wholly recommend investing in before they revert back to full price on August 9.
The Best Beauty and Wellness Tools to Buy From Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
I don't know how I managed my hairstyling routine before this award-winning Curling Straightener came into my life. (Thank you, Alyssa, for influencing me to get it!) While I have no shortage of hot tools in my closet, I would get by fine with just this multitasking hero. Best part? It's dual voltage, so you can bring it with you abroad.
I, too, thought the benefits of PEMF technology sounded too good to be true. Less stress, better sleep, faster muscle recovery, and increased energy? Sorry, but I need receipts! Then I learned more about the science (including studies on sleep and pain management) and tested a mat for myself, and now I fully believe the hype. It's literally prized possession, and while $1036 is still a bit steep, this is an item that never goes on sale.
If you've been eyeing the Dyson Airwrap for ages but haven't yet made the commitment, well, you know what to do! I genuinely use mine every single day, even if it's just to refresh my curtain bangs.
After testing more LED masks than I can count, I still consider Theraface's one of the best. (For the record: I've recommended it to my mom and sister, who both now consider it a staple!) With each 12-minute treatment, you get not only red, red + infrared, and blue light but also a relaxing scalp massage via vibration therapy.
Wow, this wet-to-dry straightener works like a charm. Each time I use it, I'm floored by how quickly it transforms my frizz-prone 2C curls into a sleek, smooth style.
I've tried hairbrushes that cost upwards of $100, and still, I always come back to my trusty Tangle Teezer. That mini version really comes in handy during travel!
I've tried both red light masks and panels, and both have their perks. If you're someone who wants to treat a larger surface area, then a panel like this might be your best bet, as it tends to have wider coverage and stronger bulbs that can be used at a distance.
Bring on the mermaid waves. This compact device is as easy to use as a flat-iron, and it creates the most stunning, natural-looking bends.
For extra-smooth blowouts, I'm such a fan of T3's blow-dry brush. The design allows for max tension while you style (and thus less frizz and more shine), but because it has a smart microchip to adjust the heat, it won't ever fry your strands.
This is no ordinary flat-iron. It features sonic vibrating plates that separate strands with each pass, leading to faster, smoother styling. If you're a fan of that glassy, "liquid hair" finish, trust me, this is the hot tool to choose.
While I haven't tried this exact model, I have tested leg compression boots at my gym and low-key became obsessed. They're so good for muscle recovery and promoting circulation, but I the ones I wore were a bit too bulky for at-home use. This cordless option, however, looks super lightweight and portable, so I'm thinking it's more of a fit (pun intended).
Why Trust Who What Wear
At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we'd truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.
