I was doing a bit of thinking recently. Dangerous business, this thinking thing 😛
But I was thinking of all the beauty gadgets and fads that have hit us with cult status at one time or another through the years and how many I’d fallen for just “to try” and how much money I have wasted over time. Yeah, I think you know my answer to my question above.
I have followed fads and although they were fab at the time, just how many of they are still fab for me months or years down the road?
I’m going to share with you a couple of beauty gadgets and fads that I’ve tried and you can tell me if you too have fallen for them or any other fad or gadget du jour, and whether you are still using them. Deal? 😀 Onward!
Clarisonic Mia (review)
Biggest and most expensive fad of all. I think it did a fair job of cleaning out pores but I couldn’t use it too often. Perhaps it’s because I don’t have oily skin. Perhaps it’s because my pores are already fairly clean. Either way, it killed my skin and gave me one of the worst breakouts I’d ever experienced as an adult.
I can use this weekly if I wanted to. I did. Then the battery wore out and I never bothered getting it recharged. It is now a very expensive white elephant. Bah.
Aspirin Mask (review)
Back in the day when I was just learning more about my skin the aspirin mask was THE thing. Everyone and their aunty was trying it. So I naturally did.
Only to find out that we don’t take aspirin for headaches here in Malaysia, we take paracetamol, popularized by Panadol. So, aspirin is terribly hard to find and not as cheap as it is in the USA where the hype was coming out of. The key ingredient in this aspirin mask is salicylic acid. So no, paracetamol or Panadol is NOT a substitute for aspirin when making this mask. Anyone who tells you otherwise doesn’t know what they’re on about.
It does work, in case you’re wondering. It leaves your skin feeling lovely and smooth and clean. But it’s helluva messy and when I eventually ran out of Disprin (which is about the only brand of uncoated aspirin we get here – yes it must be uncoated for it to work) I told myself to forget it. I could get just as good results from using proper skincare. I have 🙂
Konjac Sponge (review)
Konjac sponges burst on the beauty scene some time last year, I believe. I tried it and it was a very lovely, gentle way to cleanse and exfoliate your skin. It’s like the Clarisonic, only less abrasive. It was fun.
But friends reported of their sponges growing mould (yucks!) and it will disintegrate over time, and also, after a while, it looks manky and horrible and you don’t want to use it anymore. They come in varying prices, and although I don’t know if the cheaper alternatives are as good as the pricier “branded” ones, I never bothered finding out. I now use a washcloth that I change daily. Better in the long run, I’m thinking 🙂
Talika Cream Booster (partial review)
I have to say this gadget does work. It did make my skincare absorb into my skin more quickly and seemed to make lines less noticeable. But, it takes far too long. I think it was something like a minute each time, but it was a minute too long. I found that I preferred doing just a simple facial massage and my skincare never takes effort to absorb into my skin anyway. So, often I was running the gadget over a cream-free face which I didn’t like either.
Yes, it works, but no, I have no patience nor enough conviction to use it daily. I find I get better results with my skin with just using proper skincare and techniques, rather than a gadget.
BeautyBlender foundation Sponge (no review because I don’t own it! LOL)
Ok, this one is a curveball out of left field (if you forgive my mangling baseball terminology) I don’t own the Beautyblender although I have toyed with the idea from time to time over the years. Back in the day when it first exploded on the beauty scene, I was not into liquid foundation and when I did use it, I was using my hands to apply foundation.
I eventually got the hang of using liquid foundation but not with a sponge. I’ve graduated to brushes and learned an awesome technique for applying foundation with brushes but I’ve recently experimented with using a damp sponge and I’m liking the results!
I happen to own the Sonia Kashuk foundation blending sponge pictured above, which at one time was widely touted as a “dupe” for the Beautyblender. Had it for a couple of years and this is the first time I’m actually getting any results from it LOL! Opinions do differ of course, and I can’t compare since I don’t own the BB (yet) but after about a week, I’m quite happy with the effects and the results. Maybe once this dies, I’ll graduate to the Beautyblender. I know it gets a lot of love so feel free to share the love 🙂
Are you using or have used any of these very popular beauty gadgets/fads? Are there other fads/gadgets you’d like to share?
So far, it appears only the foundation sponge fad has found favour with me and only now, because I’ve only worked out how to use it now LOL! As for the rest, as fads go, they were fleeting (and expensive).
Paris B
Sunny says
Hey Paris, I’ve only tried Clarisonic out of everything you listed. I do like it. It cleanses really well, and I like how easy it is when I’m feeling lazy or tired. However, I can’t use it for more than 3 days in a row, because that’s when it breaks me out (mainly on my chin for some reason). Nowadays I use it in moderation. Say I bust it out twice or maybe three time a week and no more. I’ve only owned it for about two months so I can’t say how I’ll feel about it in the long run though!
Paris B says
I experienced chin breakouts too, Sunny! I think there’s something in it that must irritate our skin there or something LOL! I try to remember to use it once a week but keep forgetting anyway. Sigh…
Parita says
I want to try the aspirin mask and the original beauty blender…i have the dupe of beauty blender which I got from SaSa and it does work well but it definitely gives very sheer coverage..i do like it a lot 🙂
Paris B says
Another reader mentioned that Disprin is very common in India and isn’t very pricey, so it’ll be good to try the mask 🙂 Just be careful not to inhale it because you’ll sneeze off your mask LOL 😀 You’re right about the sponge giving a sheer coverage. It’s actually very nice, and makes my thicker foundations go on very nicely so I like that! I’m not ready to buy the original BB though 😛
Jyoan says
I have not bought any of the others and I am so glad I did not.
I only use the konjac sponge, and am still using, because I really enjoy the feel of it and it does polish off dead cells gently and daily, since I use it daily. It does disintegrate, but I went into it knowing this! And I also know the sponge has to be air dried daily YET can’t be too dry. You really have just got to find the right spot in the house to air it. All these I learned from taiwan beauty show Nu Ren Wo Zui Da, before the sponge was imported to Singapore.
I have the beauty blender and I swear by it too. The only con is that you really need to invest in the beauty blender wash soap because that one truly works, and not others. This means that one should properly analyse one’s own finances first… Beauty blender is not cheap to begin with, and its cleanser is also not cheap. But if you really like it and properly set aside budget for it, then it is fantastic!
Paris B says
That’s interesting to know about the Beautyblender. Another reason not to get it I suppose. Not for the finances bit, but more for the hassle and the fact you need their and only their cleanser to get it clean 😛 I’m using just the Daiso cleanser for now for the Sonia Kashuk sponge and it does a good job. Cleans it quickly and easily and doesn’t stain. Have you tried using it with the BB?
PositivelyNice says
Haha! Guess we’re the opposite on this. I do value the exclusivity, in the sense, I am really amazed by how good the BeautyBlender cleanser is on its own. At first, I thought it is just some lousy thing that is marketed in a way to make people think they must buy it, but it really can stand on its own. And even for people who do not use BeautyBlender, I’d recommend the cleanser for their sponges. Overall, I am glad that the cleanser can hold itself, and not a marketing ploy.
I have not tried using other things to cleanse it for two reasons,
i) I think the BB cleanser does it job perfectly, so no need to find an alternative,
ii) I am afraid another cleanser would spoil my BB.
Maybe if I do run out of BB cleanser before the BB spoils, I will try Daiso cleanser. I have the Daiso cleanser actually, but I use it for other things. I must admit that the BB cleanser is a tough one to maintain, financially.
S. Drama&Makeup says
I used to love the konjac sponge! I used to buy the *original* one but then I found one sold by Kiko, an italian brand, which was basically the same thing.
I’ve bought and loved that a couple of times. The third one I’ve bought basically started to disintegrate after a couple of weeks. I’ve read of similar experiences by other italian bloggers so I’m not buying it again.
I’d like to go back to the original one, I surely will soon.
The Clarisonic has hit italian sephora a couple of months ago and I really wanted it. I have pretty good skin but I still wanted it! Now I’ve realized that it probably would be a waste of money.
I love this kind of post, they’re always so interesting to read 🙂 x
Paris B says
You’re right S! Konjac is just the type of sponge so there are many different brands and different grades and at different prices! I think they all essentially do the same thing but quality does differ too I think 🙂 If you already have good skin and don’t have oily, or clogged skin I will advise caution getting the Clarisonic. If you do get it, don’t use it too often because it can be too much for normal/dry skin. Sometimes, it’s worth not to follow the herd (and save a little money too!)
Lynn says
Hi Paris,
I’ve only tried the beauty blender from your list and really love it!i thought i had the best tool in my good ol fingers,but boy i was wrong.The bb makes foundy application a breeze and really leaves a flawless,definitely not cakey finish.love love love it.certainly lives up to the hype!oh and i got it from serendipity.com.my.fast and reliable service!
Paris B says
Good to know it works for you Lynn 🙂 I have to admit I used to think my hands were best for foundation too but I now use a brush or a sponge exclusively for foundations 🙂
Catherine says
I used Beauty Blender for months but then I changed the foundation and also my skin got better so I dont need that much coverage now. I think its great, it really does leave flawless finish!
Clarisonic Mia 2- Im not sure how I feel about it now but I loved it when I had oilier skin. It helped me and it also kind of made me aware how important proper cleansing is. I really saw and felt the difference. Now I use mostly cleansing oil but once a week or when I feel like ‘its time’ (I cannot explain that LOL) I will still use it and follow with a masque. I also dont feel the need to get peelings because I think it acts as one. I used it 3 days in a row and my skin was so sensitive and I could see its stripped (I hope I make sense).
The other things I didnt try. I dont think its a bad thing, I believe it can help some people with finding what works for them. I never got into cleaning with muslin cloth, homemade diy masks or sulphate-free frenzies. I like to know whats happening and whats trendy but I try to stay reasonable.
Paris B says
You’re right about the Clarisonic working for oilier skin. I find that those who have oily/clogged skin will always rave about it while those with more normal skin may experience breakouts. As with everything, monderation is key 🙂 I’m trying out washcloths now and I’m very happy with it because I’m also using a cleansing balm for my evening routine most days, and a cloth is the easiest way to get it all off. I don’t do DIY anything just because I”m not into messing about with food and things for my face. I’d rather some expert mix it all up for me 😀
Lip Chick says
I loved using the beauty blender, however, I think Clarisonic is way too aggressive on the skin and actually broke me out 🙁
Paris B says
That’s a common complaint about the Clarisonic, actually but one that isn’t talked about a lot. Most of the time, you only read about the raves 😀 As I’ve said to the rest, I think the Clarisonic works best for oily/clogged skin and those sort of skin will get the best results 🙂
Jane says
I’ve had my Clarisonic Mia for almost 3 years now and still love it! I use it nightly to help remove my makeup – it’s fast and thorough and I’ve never had problems with the recharger. For my normal/combination skin, it’s an essential part of my skincare routine.
Paris B says
Good to know the investment paid off for you Jane 🙂
Lily says
I still love my 2-year-old Clarisonic Plus. I guess it’s because I have combination skin so it doesn’t irritate me. It does a great job at clearing my pores and it makes my skin brighter too. I’ve started using it in the shower, and I come out with baby soft skin. Good thing is, I only have to charge it, so I don’t have to worry about batteries dying.
Tried the Beauty Blender, and I find it meh. It’s faster if I use a brush or even my fingers. It’s difficult to get it squeaky clean and it rips very easily if you’re not careful. I can achieve the same results in less time using other tools >_<
Paris B says
That might be the case, Lily. I find those who have combination/oily skin love the Clarisonic but not otherewise. It’s one of those things I guess. Love or hate. I didn’t know the Beautyblender could rip! Reports are that it is so durable etc. Now I know otherwise.
Lynda says
Clarisonic Mia…aha… I have the tangerine one and it sit in my bathroom cabinet for such a long time. LOL.. I used it for a couple weeks, but i feel it scratch my face, I used a sensitive brush though. so regretful.. (sigh)
I dont own a beauty blender, but I do own something similar from Etude house, but again i dont use it, because i prefer using a tool from God aka my finger or Shiseido Foundation brush ( lovely tool, thanks to your review, i have a dupe brush from The face shop, and i does a great job too)
PeiQing says
I have not used any of the gadgets you mentioned, but I have use the Daiso pore scrub (a pink colour flat piece of silicone with little stubbles that are suppose to help clean the pores out) – my friend commented the pores on my nose looked very clean and shrunken once after I use it. But I have not been using it regularly because I still tend to get little outbreaks on the other parts of my face and I dare not use it too rigorously where there are more inflamed clogs near by. I think it might be good for maintenance, but not during acute flares.
I also tried the Slim brush (a variation of the pore brush), bought here http://list.qoo10.sg/item/AMAZING-PRICE-T-ZONE-BRUSH-SLIM/407441365?selectedOptions=;
I think it’s suppose to be a cheaper copy of Tosowoong brush. I was bought by the microfiber technology that they claimed, but actually I think it does not work for the more stubborn comedones I have. Those still need some mild pressure extraction. I have not received comments that my pores look smaller after using, but I think it’s still a good product to spread and lather my cleanser evenly over the face and its crevices
lazeny says
I used beauty blender before, and IMO it’s nothing special, but a fancy shaped and colored sponge. I’d rather use alcone or a similar product w/c does the same thing. And I can tear them off into 2 so I can double the use per sponge, plus disposable too. I don’t like washing sponges ever so often because no matter how you wash it, the stain will never be removed.
Paris B says
So no magic, no unicorn fairy dust with the beautyblender then? hehe… I guess sticking with the Sonia Kashuk till it dies is a good idea and then I’ll see what others to try. Don’t think I really want to shell out so much money for a sponge.
Amanda says
My Mia has been sitting there untouched for almost a year now… *lol*
Paris B says
Probably dead too! 😛
Ika Roseworn says
I still use my Mia on days I wear makeup which is pretty often these days. And I have the BeautyBlender. I like it, but I don’t use it enough I suppose. I like using it with cream foundations which I prefer, but lately have found liquids to be quicker to apply (w/ flat-top brush), so the BeautyBlender sits pink and pretty in its casing. I think I could do without it. Oh! Well!
Paris B says
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the Beautyblender, Ika! It looks like opinions are really divided on it. Some say I shouldn’t live without it and others tell me I can LOL! I however, am not ready to shell out so much money on it so I guess I’ll have to live without 😉
Michelle Beh says
Honestly saying, I heard a lot of good raves from those gadgets you mentioned above but I never try using them. Clarisonic Mia is way too expensive for cleansing purpose. I would rather use the exfoliation method to achieve same purpose. I almost attempted to buy konjac kuu sponge but in the end I still stick to my wet cloth. Lol. Thanks for sharing these.
Paris B says
You’re using a washcloth too? I’ve just started using one for about 2 weeks and I love it! My skin looks so much better too!
Kristin T. says
I do not own any of these, but I’m interested to try out Giverny’s Egg Tap V Puff. It’s a vibrating puff which speeds up the application of BB cream and liquid foundation.
I tried looking for it in Hong Kong last week but it was sold out!! 🙁
Paris B says
Hmm interesting. I remember Lancome had a foundation that had a vibrating applicator too. Gimmicky of course, so it’s been pulled LOL!
Jacques says
I think Clarisonic is only good a Western skin? I would like to own one just to compare to the one I have right now which is a Korean version of Clarisonic, ElishaCoy 3D Spin Cleaner. I really like my ElishaCoy 3D Spin Cleaner. (I have normal-dry skin and a little bit of sensitive skin.) It’s very soft and gentle to the skin. It effectively cleans my face and can even remove makeup! I really recommend it. 😉
Paris B says
Thanks for sharing. I didn’t know Elishacoy had a gadget too but I no longer use gadgets. Have found a just as effective method for cleaning skin that practically costs nothing 😉
zaag says
Man, if only you would have written this article a month and a half earlier, i would have offered to buy your Mia off you so I could have save some hard earned money, lol. I feel it’s sort of a big waste of money. It’s been hyped up too much by those “trusty” youtube gurus. My sister was right when she said the others are JUST AS GOOD and CHEAPER.
I’ve only used it twice and it’s just sitting there! It does make my skin feel good for a couple of days, but it just sits there! I don’t want to dry out my skin so I use it only once or twice a week or; I do have combo skin, though, but it’s getting dryer as I age.
Paris B says
Ah pity it didn’t work for you either Zaag. It IS a very expensive investment and one that can be quite a dud but there are also people who do love it. I have found that not using a gadget is best for my skin and I still manage to keep it clean with a very simple tip which I’ll be sharing soon 🙂