Beauty gadgets are always an investment, but they will generally save time or money in the long run. From practical to technical, here are eight of the very best to buy now.
Philips Lumea Prestige IPL Hair Removal Device
This at-home hair removal device is a serious investment, and takes time and commitment to see results. However, for anyone who spends a lot of time and money on waxing appointments, this is a lifesaver. It will pay for itself over years (no more paying professionals for painful hair removal) and can be used on face, legs, underarms, arms and the bikini area. €549.99, Boots stores countrywide and boots.ie
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
The Supersonic isn't new, but it is one of the best gifts a longish or long-haired person could ever get. It uses power rather than heat to tame the hair, maintaining hair quality over time. It lasts for years and now comes with a really convenient magnetic stand, so you don't have to stick all the attachments in a drawer when you aren't using it. €399, dyson.ie
Bolin Webb Prestige 24-carat gold razor and stand
Prices for the more affordable R1 model (which comes in a variety of finishes and colours) start at a more realistic £60, but if you know someone you think should be shaving with a 24-carat gold razor, here it is. Bolin Webb razors use a Gillette Mach3 blade, are sleek, minimalistic, pleasingly weighted for comfy use, and come in a nice gift box. £300, bollinwebb.com
Panasonic EH-XS01 Facial Steamer
At-home facial steaming (widely used by facialists and make-up artists like Nam Vo) is gaining popularity. It plumps and hydrates the skin, readies it for blackhead extraction (if you dare), and improves the absorption of skincare – an ideal gift for skincare enthusiasts. €169.99, Boots stores countrywide and boots.ie
Jillian Dempsey Gold Sculpting Bar
I was beyond sceptical when I first tried this – a facial massage bar? It sounds like the height of notions. However, it's cooling and incredibly powerful, doing several useful jobs including improving lymphatic drainage and pushing skincare into the skin. It even works wonders around puffy eyes (go gently) and congested sinuses during cold season. €225, libertylondon.com
Glamcor Riki Cutie mirror
These handy mirrors come in much larger sizes, but the pocket version is ideal for touch-ups, bus and train make-up, and, in a pinch, selfie lighting. It's phone-sized, so it fits handily in a bag or pocket, and the finger rings allow you to hold it while maintaining the use of your fingers to hold make-up brushes. £55, cultbeauty.co.uk
Waterpik Black Cordless Plus Waterflosser
You have to try this powerful water-flosser to be converted, but you only have to try it once. It's particularly great for anyone who struggles to get floss or interdental brushes between their teeth. Prepare to marvel (and be a little grossed out) by all the particles of food you see going down the plug hole. €71.99, Boots stores countrywide and boots.ie
Babyliss 9000 Cordless Straightener
Though I love my ghd straightener and always have, for those on the go, a cordless straightener is the holy grail. This one heats up to 200 degrees in seconds, and has an auto shut-off function in case you forget you've left it on. For people who travel a lot, this is worth investing in. £250, babyliss.co.uk
