Given that researching and writing about beauty products makes up a large chunk of my job description, I receive a lot—and I mean, a lot—of skin- and hair-related questions. My friends and family members are constantly sending me screenshots of their Sephora baskets or calling me up to ask if they *really* need to invest in a toner. But the most common question I receive, hands down, is this: Which beauty products are actually worth the money? And to that, I say: tools and tech, 100%.
Hear me out. I love a luxury cream as much as the next beauty-obsessed consumer, but you can snag some pretty high-quality skin and haircare products on a budget (some of my all-time favorite formulas come from the drugstore, as a matter of fact!). So if you have room to splurge on one item in your routine, I say drop some coin on a device.
You see, beauty tools often have robust technology and research behind them—and typically a higher price tag to match. But when used correctly and consistently, they can truly take your beauty routine to new heights. After all, even the most sophisticated firming cream can't replicate the jaw-snatching sorcery of a microcurrent device.
If you have a beauty device or two lingering in your cart, you're in luck! A bunch of iconic brands are offering Memorial Day discounts, which means there's truly no better time to take the plunge. Ahead, find my favorite picks to score ahead of MDW. Happy shopping!
T3
The Deal: Take 25% off the FeatherWeight StyleMax Hair Dryer and SinglePass StyleMax Flat Iron from May 24 to May 27 on sephora.com.
Our Picks
T3 has some of the most elevated styling tools on the market, including this smart hair dryer that auto-adjusts the heat and speed to your hair texture. It features four attachments based on your styling goals, so you wind up with a mane that looks professionally coiffed.
Many flat irons with healthier heat technology often don't give me the super-sleek results I crave (my thick, wavy locks need the heat!), but this one straightens like no other. It's great for smooth styles, and even better for creating "undone" bends.
CurrentBody
The Deal: Score 20% off the CurrentBody Skin Limited Edition LED Beauty Gift Set and 19% off the CurrentBody Skin Face & Neck Kit from May 20 to May 28. No code necessary.
Our Picks
This FDA-cleared LED mask contains 132 bulbs with a special "pillow technology" to diffuse the light and ensure maximum coverage. When paired with the antioxidant-rich Green Tea Serum, the brightening benefits abound.
Don't forget to give your neck and décolletage the love they deserve! Snag this bundle to promote collagen production in your most sun-exposed areas.
HigherDose
The Deal: Score 20% off sitewide from May 14 to May 28 using the code MDW2024. Sale excludes bundles, subscriptions, and full saunas.
Our Picks
I've personally had my eye on this PEMF Mat for ages, and now feels like the perfect time to make the splurge. It's a recovery treatment for the whole body. I can totally see myself using it daily to recharge.
This Red Light Hat, the brand's newest launch, features 120 medical-grade bulbs of red LED light to rejuvenate hair follicles and reduce shedding. It's also pretty discreet—you could easily wear it while running errands or out with friends. Talk about a multitasker!
NuFace
The Deal: Score 20% off the Last Chance collection from May 22 to May 28. Enter code SAVE20 at checkout.
Our Picks
If you haven't yet hopped on the NuFace bandwagon, now is your chance—the brand's beloved skin-snatching device is on sale for 20% off.
Or if you already have your Trinity, cop the accompanying lip and eye attachment to lift and tone those delicate areas.
Drybar
The Deal: Score 30% off sitewide from May 23 to May 31. From May 27 to May 28, you can also get a free Hot Shots Kit with purchases over $99. No code necessary.
Our Picks
A heated round brush is the secret weapon to securing the bounciest '90s blowout every time. This one delivers the softest, frizz-free curls.
This blow-drying flat iron is A+ for impatient stylers (self very much included), as it allows you to straighten from wet to dry without sizzling your locks.
Solawave
The Deal: Score $40 off orders over $150 from May 22 to May 28. Plus, get a free Hydrating Sheet Mask. Use the code MEMDAY at checkout.
Our Picks
Here we have a muscle-toning, circulation-stimulating, glow-inducing device in one, sleek tool. What's not to love? Solawave's 4-in-1 Skincare Wand makes it easy to incorporate into your daily routine, given its user-friendly design (take it from someone who is very impatient when it comes to at-home skin treatments).
It almost seems too good to be true, but trust me when I say that this three-minute device really performs magic. Blue light wavelengths have been shown to fend off acne-causing bacteria, and this handheld device allows you to target pesky breakouts with precision.
Canopy
The Deal: Score 15% off the Filtered Showerhead from May 24 to May 27. Use code SUMMERGLOW at checkout.
Our Picks
I didn't realize how much I needed a shower filter until I tried one. The hard NYC water does a number on my skin and strands, but this easy-to-install device filters out chlorine, bacteria, and other contaminants for a soothed skin barrier and healthy scalp.
Finally: a compact, effective humidifier that actually looks cute at my bedside! I love this sandstone option, and Who What Wear beauty editor Shawna Hudson also counts herself a fan.
Lyma
The Deal: Score a free full size LYMA Skincare Starter Kit with the purchase of a Lyma Laser from May 17 to May 31.
Our Picks
Yes, she's pricey, but, oh, is she worth it. Plenty of celebs swear by the gentle at-home laser (like Sabrina Carpenter, Cynthia Erivo, and Eiza Gonzalez, to name a few), and facialists claim it's truly one of the best investments you can make for firm, glowing skin.
Lyma's skincare formulas (a serum and cream) are meant to give you maximum results when used with the best-selling tool. Right now, you can get them both for free with the laser.
Beachwaver
The Deal: Score 40% off sitewide from May 16 to May 27. No code necessary. In the Beachwaver app, you can score an extra 30% off on May 23 for 30 minutes with the code APPY30.
Our Picks
Cowgirl cuts are having a moment, and this one-inch ceramic barrel is delightfully on-trend.
This rotating tool comes with three attachments for three different—yet equally gorgeous—types of curls: a Curly Cone for effortless, cool-girl curls; a Classic Barrel for consistent waves; and a Mega Cone for a big, blowout effect.
Act+Acre
The Deal: Score 25% off sitewide from May 22 to May 29. No code necessary.
Our Picks
I'm usually one to shy away from at-home dermarollers (best to let the professionals deal with the needles, right?), but I make an exception for this scalp-stimulating tool. One, because it's formulated by a trichologist and trusted source Helen Reavey, and two, because the .25mm microneedles are tiny enough to invigorate the follicles without irritating the skin.
The upgraded water pressure alone is reason enough to snag this shower filter. It was the first thing I noticed after I installed it (very seamlessly, I might add) in my bathroom. The even, gentle spray makes my shower experience exponentially more spa-grade.
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