Use a microfiber makeup remover cloth, not a disposable wipe.
The Wipe-Free Wonder
My trash can used to be full of disposable makeup wipes every single week. It was a wasteful and expensive habit. Plus, the wipes often left my skin feeling stripped and irritated. I switched to a simple microfiber cloth, the kind that removes makeup with just water. It was a complete game-changer. The cloth gently removes every trace of makeup without any harsh chemicals, and I can just toss it in the wash and reuse it hundreds of times. It’s better for my skin, my wallet, and the planet.
Stop using a pore vacuum; you’re breaking capillaries and causing inflammation.
The Vacuum Void
I was so tempted by the satisfying videos of pore vacuums sucking gunk out of people’s skin. I bought one, hoping it would be the secret to clear pores. But after using it, my nose was covered in red marks and tiny broken blood vessels. These devices use powerful suction that can be incredibly traumatic for the skin, leading to bruising, broken capillaries, and inflammation, which can actually make breakouts worse. I learned that gentle chemical exfoliation with salicylic acid is a much safer and more effective way to keep pores clear.
Stop using your Clarisonic with a harsh scrub; the device itself is the exfoliation.
The Double-Exfoliation Damage
When I first got my Clarisonic brush, I thought I should use it with my favorite gritty, exfoliating scrub to get a super-deep clean. This was a huge mistake. My skin became red, raw, and incredibly sensitive. I didn’t realize that the sonic brush itself is a form of physical exfoliation. By using it with another scrub, I was double-exfoliating my skin, which was way too aggressive and was destroying my skin’s protective barrier. The brush should only ever be used with a gentle, non-exfoliating cleanser.
The #1 secret for de-puffing your face that models use is a chilled jade roller or gua sha.
The Cool Companion
I would often wake up with a puffy, bloated-looking face, especially after a salty dinner or a poor night’s sleep. The best secret I learned for a quick fix is to use a chilled facial tool. I keep a jade roller or a gua sha stone in my refrigerator. In the morning, I apply a bit of facial oil and then gently glide the cold stone over my face, moving outwards towards my lymph nodes. The combination of the gentle pressure and the cold temperature is incredible for reducing puffiness and inflammation.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about beauty tools is that you need the most expensive, high-tech version.
The Pricey-Tool Myth
I used to believe that to get good results, I needed the most expensive, high-tech beauty gadgets on the market. I’d lust after the priciest cleansing brushes and the most advanced microcurrent devices. The lie is that more expensive always means better. A simple, affordable jade roller can de-puff your face just as well as a vibrating gold bar. A basic hairdryer with a nozzle can give you a great blowout. Your technique and your consistency are so much more important than the price tag of the tool you are using.
I wish I knew this about how to properly clean my makeup brushes when I was younger.
The Grimy Brush Grief
As a teenager, I almost never washed my makeup brushes. I would use the same foundation brush for months, and my eyeshadow brushes were a muddy mix of old colors. I couldn’t figure out why my skin was always breaking out and my makeup looked so messy. I wish someone had told me that my dirty brushes were a breeding ground for bacteria, oil, and old makeup, which I was smearing back on my face every day. A simple weekly wash with gentle soap and water is the key to clearer skin and better makeup application.
I’m just going to say it: You probably don’t need that LED face mask.
The LED Letdown
I was so influenced by social media and saw everyone using those futuristic, full-face LED masks. I felt like I needed one to have a complete skincare routine. I’m just going to say it: you probably don’t need one. While LED therapy can have benefits for collagen production and acne, the at-home devices are far less powerful than the machines used in a dermatologist’s office. They require extreme consistency over a very long period to see even minor results. For most people, the high cost is not worth the subtle outcome.
99% of people make this one mistake when using a beauty sponge for the first time.
The Dry Sponge Disaster
The first time I bought a makeup sponge, I used it straight out of the package. It was stiff, it soaked up all my foundation like a thirsty bandit, and it left a streaky, patchy finish on my skin. I was so disappointed. The huge mistake I was making was using it dry. The key to a beauty sponge is to get it fully saturated with water and then squeeze out all the excess. This makes it soft and bouncy and ensures it blends your makeup flawlessly instead of absorbing it.
This one small habit of sanitizing your tweezers and lash curler will change the way you prevent eye infections forever.
The Eye Tool Tactic
My tweezers and eyelash curler were tools I used every day, but I never thought to clean them. I would just toss them back in my makeup bag. I didn’t consider the bacteria that could be building up on them. The thought of putting a dirty tool so close to my eye now makes me shudder. I started a simple habit of wiping them down with a bit of rubbing alcohol once a week. This quick, 30-second action helps to sanitize the tools and prevent a potential nasty eye infection.
If you’re still using the same eyelash curler pad from a year ago, you’re losing your lashes.
The Worn-Out Pad Problem
I had been using the same eyelash curler for years without ever changing the little rubber pad. I noticed that my lashes weren’t curling as well and that I was seeing more breakage. The soft pad had become worn down and hardened over time, creating a sharp edge that was crimping and cutting my delicate lashes instead of gently curling them. If you’re using an old curler pad, you are putting your lashes at risk. Replacing that little pad every few months is a crucial and inexpensive step for healthy lashes.
Use a gua sha tool for lymphatic drainage, not just your fingers.
The Gua Sha Glide
I used to try and give myself a facial massage with just my fingers to help with puffiness. It was nice, but the results were minimal. When I finally learned how to properly use a gua sha tool, I understood the difference. The flat, smooth stone allows you to apply a gentle but firm pressure and to “scrape” along the skin in a way that is much more effective at moving stagnant lymphatic fluid than just your fingertips. The tool’s shape is designed to hug the contours of your face, making it the superior choice for a true lymphatic drainage massage.
Stop sharing your makeup brushes with anyone; it’s a recipe for pink eye and breakouts.
The Sharing Sin
When getting ready with friends, it seemed so harmless to borrow their eyeshadow brush or use their concealer wand. I never thought twice about it. But makeup brushes and applicators are very personal items. They can easily transfer bacteria, oils, and germs from one person’s skin to another. Sharing tools is a fast track to getting breakouts, a cold sore, or even a nasty eye infection like pink eye. It’s a simple rule of hygiene: your brushes are for your face, and your face only.
Stop using a dermaroller at home; the risk of infection and scarring is too high.
The Rolling Risk
I was intrigued by the concept of dermarolling, using a tool with tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen. I saw many affordable rollers available online for at-home use. But this is a tool that is best left to the professionals. It’s incredibly difficult to properly sterilize the roller at home, which creates a huge risk of infection. Using it with improper technique can also lead to permanent scarring. The potential risks of doing it yourself far outweigh any potential benefits.
The #1 hack for getting foundation out of a dense brush is using oil before soap.
The Oil Cleanse
Cleaning my dense foundation brushes was a nightmare. I would wash them with soap and water over and over, but there would still be a stubborn residue of foundation deep within the bristles. The best hack I ever learned was to do a “double cleanse” on my brushes, just like on my face. First, I massage a bit of oil (like baby oil or olive oil) into the dry brush. The oil breaks down the oils in the makeup. Then, I wash it with gentle soap and water. The foundation melts away completely.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about microcurrent devices is that the results are permanent.
The Current Conundrum
Microcurrent devices are often marketed as a “non-invasive facelift.” They work by stimulating the facial muscles, which can lead to a temporary lifted and toned appearance. And they do work! But the biggest lie is that these results are permanent. Just like exercise for your body, the effects on your facial muscles only last as long as you are consistently using the device. The moment you stop, your muscles will slowly return to their previous state. It’s a commitment, not a one-time fix.
I wish I knew this about the difference between a jade roller and a gua sha tool when I first bought one.
The Tool Tutorial
I bought a jade roller and a gua sha stone because they were trendy, but I had no idea what the difference was. I wish I had known how to use them properly. A jade roller is fantastic for a quick, cooling massage to reduce puffiness. It’s simple and intuitive. A gua sha tool, on the other hand, is designed for a deeper, more intentional massage. It’s better for releasing muscle tension, encouraging lymphatic drainage, and sculpting the contours of the face. They are two different tools with two different, though related, purposes.
I’m just going to say it: Your heated eyelash curler is making your lashes brittle.
The Heat Lash Hazard
I bought a heated eyelash curler, thinking it would give me a super-dramatic, long-lasting curl. It worked well, but over time I noticed my lashes were becoming dry, brittle, and seemed to be breaking more easily. I’m just going to say it: applying direct heat to your delicate lashes on a daily basis is damaging. Just like using a curling iron on your hair every day, the heat can weaken the lashes and make them prone to snapping. A traditional mechanical curler is a much safer option for daily use.
99% of people make this one mistake when using a facial cleansing brush.
The Pressure Problem
When I first got my facial cleansing brush, I thought that to get a really deep clean, I needed to press it firmly against my skin and scrub. I was basically using it like a floor polisher on my face. This was a huge mistake. It left my skin feeling irritated and sensitive. The bristles on these devices are designed to do all the work with a very light touch. You should just be gently gliding the brush over your face and letting the sonic vibrations or oscillations do their job. Pressing too hard is counterproductive.
This one small action of deep cleaning your makeup sponge weekly will change the way your makeup applies and your skin behaves forever.
The Sponge Soak
I was pretty good about rinsing my makeup sponge after each use, but I wasn’t giving it a proper deep clean. It was stained and I didn’t realize how much old makeup was trapped inside. My foundation application was starting to look a bit muddy. I started a weekly ritual of giving it a deep clean with a gentle soap and warm water until the water ran completely clear. This small action not only made my foundation apply so much more smoothly, but it was also so much more hygienic for my skin.
If you’re still using your fingers to get product out of a jar, you’re losing product integrity to bacteria.
The Jar Germs
I used to just dip my fingers directly into my jars of face cream and moisturizer. It was easy and I didn’t think anything of it. But every time you do that, you are introducing bacteria from your hands into the product. This can cause the product to spoil faster and can even lead to breakouts. If you are still using your fingers, you are compromising your product. Using a small, clean cosmetic spatula or a cotton swab to get the product out is a much more hygienic practice that will preserve the integrity of your skincare.
Use a silicone brush cleaning mat, not just the palm of your hand.
The Mat Method
I used to clean my makeup brushes by swirling them in the palm of my hand with a bit of soap. It worked okay, but it never felt like they were getting truly clean, especially my foundation brushes. I invested in a simple, inexpensive silicone brush cleaning mat. The different textures and grooves on the mat are designed to get deep into the bristles of the brush and provide the friction needed to break up stubborn makeup. It made my brush cleaning routine so much faster and more effective.
Stop storing your damp beauty blender in a sealed makeup bag; let it air dry to prevent mold.
The Moldy Sponge
After washing my makeup sponge, I would often just toss it back into my dark, enclosed makeup bag while it was still damp. I once went on a trip and opened my bag to find that my sponge had developed little black spots on it. It was mold. A damp sponge in a dark, enclosed space is the perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria. I learned that you must always let your sponge air dry completely in an open, well-ventilated area before storing it away.
Stop using a magnifying mirror for everyday makeup; it will make you over-apply.
The Magnification Mistake
I had a 10x magnifying mirror that I thought was helping me to achieve a flawless makeup application. But I would get so close and obsessed with covering every tiny imperfection that I would end up applying way too much foundation and concealer. Then, when I looked at my face in a regular mirror, it looked heavy and cakey. A magnifying mirror distorts your perception. It’s a great tool for tweezing eyebrows, but it should be avoided for your everyday makeup routine.
The #1 secret for an amazing blowout that stylists know is using the concentrator nozzle on your hairdryer.
The Nozzle Necessity
My hairdryer came with a flat, plastic attachment called a concentrator nozzle, but for years, I just left it in the box. I would just blow-dry my hair with the open barrel, which resulted in a frizzy, uncontrolled mess. The number one secret to a sleek, salon-quality blowout is to use that nozzle. It concentrates the airflow into a targeted stream, which allows you to direct the heat exactly where you want it, smoothing the hair cuticle as you dry. It’s the key to a smooth, polished finish instead of a frizzy halo.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about dermaplaning is that your hair will grow back thicker.
The Peach Fuzz Fallacy
I was intrigued by dermaplaning, the process of using a small blade to exfoliate the skin and remove fine vellus hair, or “peach fuzz.” But I was terrified to try it because I believed the old wives’ tale that my hair would grow back thicker and darker. This is the biggest lie. Dermaplaning cuts the hair at a blunt angle at the skin’s surface. It does absolutely nothing to the hair follicle itself. Your hair will grow back with exactly the same texture and color as before.
I wish I knew this about how to hold a curling wand to get different types of curls.
The Wand Wrap
I had a curling wand, but I only knew how to create one type of curl. I would always wrap the hair flat against the barrel. I wish I had known that the way you hold the wand and wrap the hair can create completely different looks. Holding the wand vertically creates a looser, more modern wave. Holding it horizontally creates a bouncier, more classic curl. And twisting the section of hair before you wrap it around the wand can create a cool, beachy, rope-like texture. It’s a versatile tool if you know the techniques.
I’m just going to say it: Those vibrating facial massagers don’t do much.
The Vibration Vacation
I was so tempted by the ads for those fancy, vibrating T-bar facial massagers. They claimed to lift, tone, and de-puff the face. I’m just going to say it: they really don’t do much. The vibration feels nice and can provide a temporary, minor boost in circulation, but it’s not powerful enough to create any real, lasting change in your muscle tone or skin structure. A manual massage with your hands or a gua sha tool is just as, if not more, effective for lymphatic drainage and relaxation, and it’s free.
99% of people make this one mistake when using a flat iron to create waves.
The Clamp and Drag
I was trying to learn how to create those effortless, beachy waves with my flat iron. But my waves always had weird, crimped ends and looked unnatural. The mistake I was making was clamping down hard on the hair and dragging the flat iron all the way through to the ends. The correct technique is to clamp the hair, rotate the iron, and then glide it down the hair shaft, releasing the ends before they go through the iron. This leaves the ends straight, which is the key to that modern, cool-girl wave.
This one small habit of cleaning your hair dryer’s filter will change the way your tool performs and lasts forever.
The Filter Fix
My hairdryer had started to feel weak and was taking forever to dry my hair. I thought it was just getting old and was ready to buy a new one. Then I noticed that the filter on the back was completely clogged with dust and lint. This was preventing air from flowing properly and was causing the motor to overheat. I started a simple habit of cleaning that filter out once a month. This small action has made my hairdryer so much more powerful and has extended its life significantly.
If you’re still using a metal round brush, you’re losing your hair to excessive heat damage.
The Hot Metal Hazard
I used to use a round brush with a metal barrel for my blowouts. I thought it was great because it got really hot and seemed to style my hair faster. I didn’t realize that the metal core was basically acting like a curling iron, reaching extreme temperatures from the heat of the blow dryer. I was essentially frying my hair every time I used it. If you’re still using one of these brushes, you are causing unnecessary heat damage. A brush with a ceramic or ionic core is a much safer option that distributes heat more evenly.
Use a T-bar facial massager for relaxation, not for expecting a facelift.
The Relaxation Tool
I bought one of those trendy, gold T-bar facial massagers that vibrates. The marketing promised it would lift and sculpt my face. While it felt nice and was a relaxing part of my evening routine, I didn’t notice any real change in my facial contours. I learned to reframe its purpose. It’s not a magical facelift device. It’s a wonderful tool for relieving facial tension, especially in the jaw and forehead, and for a moment of mindful self-care. Expect relaxation, not reconstruction.
Stop using your straightener on the highest heat setting; it’s frying your hair.
The Heat Overkill
When I used my flat iron, my philosophy was “hotter is better.” I would crank it up to the highest setting, over 450 degrees, thinking this was the key to getting my hair super straight, super fast. My hair was also super damaged, dry, and brittle. I learned that such extreme heat is completely unnecessary for most hair types and is causing irreversible damage. Most stylists recommend a temperature around 365°F, which is hot enough to style the hair effectively without completely destroying its protein structure.
Stop using harsh tools on your feet; a gentle foot file is more effective over time.
The Foot Tool Folly
I used to attack the calluses on my feet with those aggressive, cheese-grater-like metal files. They would remove a lot of skin at once, but my feet would often be left feeling raw and sensitive, and the calluses would seem to grow back even thicker. I learned that a gentler, more consistent approach is far more effective. Using a simple, gentle foot file or a pumice stone on my damp feet a few times a week, combined with a good foot cream, has made my feet so much softer and healthier in the long run.
The #1 tip for using a gua sha that estheticians teach is to always use it with a facial oil for slip.
The Oil and Glide
When I first got a gua sha tool, I tried to use it on my dry skin. It tugged, pulled, and felt uncomfortable. I wasn’t getting that smooth, relaxing glide I saw in tutorials. The most important tip for using a gua sha is that you must have “slip.” You should always apply a generous amount of a facial oil or a very rich cream before you start. This allows the tool to glide smoothly over the skin without any friction or pulling, which is essential for an effective and enjoyable lymphatic drainage massage.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about high-frequency wands is that they will erase your acne overnight.
The High-Frequency Hype
I bought an at-home high-frequency wand, intrigued by the claims that it could “zap” pimples and make them disappear. While the tool, which uses a small electrical current to create ozone, can be effective at killing acne-causing bacteria and reducing inflammation, the lie is that it’s an overnight miracle cure. It can help to shorten the lifespan of a pimple and is a great tool for estheticians, but it’s not going to make a deep, cystic pimple vanish in a few hours. It’s a helpful supplement to a routine, not a magic wand.
I wish I knew this about investing in one good quality hair dryer versus buying cheap ones that break.
The Dryer Dilemma
I used to be in a constant cycle of buying cheap, $20 hairdryers. They would work for about a year, and then the motor would burn out, and I’d have to buy another one. I thought I was saving money. I wish I had known that investing in one good-quality hairdryer from the start would have been the smarter choice. A well-made dryer has a more powerful motor, better heat technology that causes less damage, and is built to last for years. In the long run, it’s actually more economical and so much better for your hair.
I’m just going to say it: You don’t need a separate brush for every single eyeshadow color.
The Brush Burden
I fell into the trap of thinking that to be good at makeup, I needed a huge collection of brushes. I had dozens of eyeshadow brushes, believing I needed a different one for every single color to avoid getting them muddy. I’m just going to say it: you don’t. While having a few key brushes is important, you can easily clean your brush between colors using a color-switching sponge or a quick spray of a brush cleaner on a paper towel. A few versatile brushes are all you really need.
99% of people make this one mistake when buying makeup brushes.
The Set Seduction
When I was first building my makeup kit, I was seduced by the big, inexpensive makeup brush sets that came with 20 different brushes in a fancy case. It seemed like such a great value. The mistake was that I only ever ended up using three or four of the brushes in the set, and the rest just sat there, unused. The quality was also often subpar. It’s a much smarter investment to buy your brushes individually, choosing only the specific shapes you know you will use, and prioritizing the quality of those few essential tools.
This one small action of using a hair diffuser attachment will change the way you dry your curly or wavy hair forever.
The Diffuser Difference
I have naturally wavy hair, but whenever I tried to blow-dry it, the powerful stream of air would just blow my waves apart and create a frizzy, undefined poof. I just gave up and air-dried for years. The tool that completely changed my hair was the diffuser attachment that came with my dryer. This bowl-shaped tool disperses the airflow, allowing you to gently dry your curls and waves without disturbing their natural pattern. It’s the key to getting defined, voluminous, frizz-free curls with a blow dryer.
If you’re still not cleaning your hairbrush, you’re losing your hair’s shine by redistributing oil and product buildup.
The Dirty Brush Drab
My hairbrush was a repository of old hair, dust, and styling product residue. I never thought to clean it. I couldn’t figure out why my freshly washed hair would look dull and get greasy so quickly. I was literally brushing all that old gunk back into my clean hair every single day. I started a simple routine of removing the trapped hair after each use and giving the brush a proper wash with shampoo once a month. My hair stays cleaner longer and looks so much shinier.
Use a micro-needle patch for blemishes, not a scary at-home roller.
The Pimple Patch Plus
When I would get a deep, painful pimple that hadn’t come to a head yet, I felt helpless. Then I discovered micro-needle patches. These are not like regular hydrocolloid patches. They have tiny, dissolvable micro-needles made of ingredients like salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid. You press the patch onto the blemish, and the needles gently penetrate the top layer of skin to deliver the ingredients directly to the source. It’s a much safer and more effective way to treat an early-stage pimple than using a risky at-home dermaroller.
Stop using an epilator on your face; it can cause serious irritation and ingrowns.
The Facial Follicle Fiasco
I was looking for a longer-lasting solution for the peach fuzz on my upper lip and thought my body epilator might work. This was a terrible idea. An epilator, which pulls hair out from the root, is far too aggressive for the delicate skin on the face. It caused extreme redness, irritation, and led to a crop of painful ingrown hairs. The face is not the place for such a powerful tool. Gentler methods like dermaplaning or waxing by a professional are much safer options for facial hair removal.
Stop thinking you need a special machine to warm your towels; just use warm water.
The Warm Towel Workaround
I love the feeling of a warm towel on my face during a home facial. I was tempted to buy one of those special towel-warming cabinets that they have in spas. But I realized that was a completely unnecessary gadget. A much simpler and cheaper way to get the same effect is to just soak a clean washcloth in warm (not scalding) water and wring it out. It provides the same relaxing, pore-softening warmth without another piece of equipment cluttering up my bathroom.
The #1 secret for cleaning a beauty blender that the pros use is the “soak and squeeze” method with oil and soap.
The Super Sponge Clean
My beauty blender was perpetually stained with foundation, no matter how much I washed it with soap. The secret I learned from makeup artists for getting it perfectly clean is a two-step process. First, I massage a bit of oil into the dry, dirty sponge. The oil helps to break down the makeup. Then, without rinsing, I add a gentle soap or a special sponge cleanser, and lather it up. I let it soak in warm water for a bit and then squeeze it until the water runs completely clear. It gets out even the most stubborn stains.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about facial steamers is that they “open” your pores.
The Pore Myth
I used to use a facial steamer before doing extractions, believing that the steam was “opening” my pores to make them easier to clean. The lie is that pores can open and close like little doors. They don’t have muscles. What the steam actually does is soften the sebum and debris that is trapped inside the pore, which can make it easier to extract. It also increases circulation and feels relaxing, but it is not physically opening your pores.
I wish I knew this about the importance of the quality of an eyelash curler when I first started using it.
The Curler Calamity
My first eyelash curler was a cheap, flimsy one from the dollar store. It didn’t seem to fit my eye shape well, and I was constantly pinching my eyelid, which was both painful and scary. It also didn’t give a very good curl. I wish I had known that investing in a good-quality eyelash curler from a reputable brand makes a huge difference. A well-designed curler is shaped to fit the eye better, has a better quality pad, and provides a beautiful, lifted curl without the risk of pinching.
I’m just going to say it: The Dyson Airwrap is cool, but it’s not worth the price for most people.
The Dyson Debate
I was mesmerized by the videos of the Dyson Airwrap, a hair tool that uses air to wrap and curl the hair. It looked like magic, and I wanted one badly. But the price tag was astronomical. I’m just going to say it: while the technology is incredibly cool and innovative, for most people, it is not worth the price. You can achieve very similar results with a traditional curling iron or wand for a tiny fraction of the cost. It’s a luxury gadget, not a necessary tool for a beautiful hairstyle.
99% of people make this one mistake when using a pumice stone.
The Dry Rub Disaster
When my heels were dry and callused, my instinct was to grab a pumice stone and start aggressively rubbing away at my dry feet. It took a lot of effort and would often leave my skin feeling raw. The mistake was using it on dry skin. A pumice stone is designed to be used on wet, softened skin. Soaking your feet in warm water for 10-15 minutes before you start using the pumice stone will soften the calluses and allow you to gently and effectively slough off the dead skin without irritation.
This one small habit of having a designated spot for your tools will change the way you keep your vanity organized forever.
The Tool Tamer
My bathroom vanity used to be a chaotic mess of brushes, sponges, and hair tools. I could never find what I was looking for, and it was stressful getting ready in the morning. The small habit that brought order to the chaos was to create a designated spot for everything. I got some simple acrylic organizers and gave every tool a home. My brushes went in one cup, my hair tools in another. Knowing exactly where everything belongs has made my space so much more organized and my routine so much more peaceful.
If you’re still using old, shedding makeup brushes, you’re losing a smooth, flawless application.
The Shedding Situation
I was holding on to some of my makeup brushes for way too long. They were old, the bristles were starting to splay out, and they would shed little hairs all over my face when I was trying to apply my foundation. I would have to spend time picking the stray hairs off my face. If you are using old, shedding brushes, you are sabotaging your makeup application. A good brush with intact bristles is key to a smooth, blended, professional-looking finish. Sometimes, you just have to say goodbye to an old tool.
Use a fine-toothed comb to de-clump mascara, not a safety pin.
The Mascara Comb
I would often end up with clumpy, spidery lashes after applying my mascara. In a moment of desperation, I used to use the tip of a safety pin to try and separate them. This was so incredibly dangerous and risky. A much safer and more effective tool is a simple, metal, fine-toothed eyelash comb. After applying mascara, while it’s still wet, you can gently comb through your lashes to remove any clumps and separate them perfectly. It’s a professional tool that gives you a clean look without risking your eyesight.
Stop buying cheap knock-off beauty tools; they can be made with unsafe materials.
The Knock-Off Nightmare
I saw a knock-off version of a popular, expensive beauty device online for a fraction of the price. I thought I was getting a great deal. But the tool felt flimsy, it didn’t work well, and it sparked when I plugged it in. Cheap, counterfeit beauty tools, especially electronic ones, are not subject to the same safety testing and regulations as legitimate products. They can be made with unsafe materials, have faulty wiring, and can be a genuine fire or safety hazard. It’s not worth the risk to save a few dollars.
Stop using a sonic cleansing brush more than a few times per week; it can lead to over-exfoliation.
The Over-Cleanse
I loved the super-clean feeling I got from my sonic cleansing brush, so I started using it twice a day, every single day. Soon, my skin became sensitive, red, and irritated. I didn’t realize that these devices provide a significant amount of physical exfoliation. Using it too frequently was leading to over-exfoliation and was stripping my skin’s protective barrier. I learned that for most people, using a cleansing brush just two or three times a week is more than enough to get the benefits without the irritation.
The #1 tip for making your tools last longer is proper cleaning and storage.
The Tool Care Tenet
I used to be careless with my beauty tools. I’d leave my brushes dirty, my hairdryer filter clogged, and my sponges damp. As a result, my tools would underperform and break down much faster. The number one tip for making your expensive tools last is to take care of them. This means regular, proper cleaning and appropriate storage. A well-cared-for makeup brush, a clean hairdryer, and a properly dried sponge will not only work better, but they will also last for years, protecting your investment.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about LED therapy is that at-home devices are as powerful as in-office ones.
The Power Play
The market is now flooded with at-home LED masks and devices that promise the same results as a treatment at a dermatologist’s office. The biggest lie is that they are just as powerful. The LED machines used in a professional setting are significantly stronger and more powerful than anything you can buy for at-home use. While an at-home device can provide some subtle, long-term benefits with extremely consistent use, it will not deliver the same dramatic, fast results as an in-office treatment. You have to manage your expectations.
I wish I knew this about how to properly use a safety razor to avoid nicks and cuts.
The Safety Shave
I switched to an old-school safety razor to be more sustainable and to get a better shave. But my first few attempts left me with a lot of nicks and cuts. I was treating it like a modern, multi-blade cartridge razor. I wish I had known the proper technique. With a safety razor, you must use absolutely no pressure. You let the weight of the razor do all the work. You also need to maintain a 30-degree angle to the skin. Once I mastered this light touch, I got the closest, most irritation-free shave of my life.
I’m just going to say it: Most beauty gadgets end up collecting dust in a drawer.
The Gadget Graveyard
My bathroom drawers used to be a graveyard for trendy beauty gadgets. I had the vibrating facial massager, the at-home microdermabrasion tool, the heated eyelash curler. I would be so excited about them for the first week, but then the novelty would wear off, and they would end up collecting dust. I’m just going to say it: most of these gadgets are not necessary and require a level of consistency that most of us don’t have. A simple, consistent routine with your hands and a few basic tools is often much more effective.
99% of people make this one mistake with their new gua sha tool.
The Angle Error
When I first got my gua sha tool, I made the mistake of holding it at a 90-degree angle to my skin, using the edge to scrape my face. It felt a bit harsh and didn’t give me that smooth, gliding massage I was expecting. The correct technique is to hold the tool almost flat against your skin, at about a 15-degree angle. This allows you to use the surface of the stone, not the sharp edge, to apply a gentle, pulling pressure that is much more effective for lymphatic drainage and much more pleasant on the skin.
This one small action of laying your brushes flat to dry will change the way they keep their shape forever.
The Flat Dry
After I washed my makeup brushes, I used to stand them upright in a cup to dry, with the bristles facing up. I didn’t realize that this allows water to seep down into the ferrule (the metal part that connects the handle to the bristles), which can loosen the glue and cause the bristles to shed over time. The small action that has preserved the life of my brushes is to lay them flat on a clean towel to dry, with the bristles hanging just over the edge of the counter to ensure they dry in their proper shape.
If you’re still using the little sponge applicator that comes with eyeshadow, you’re losing a blended, professional look.
The Sponge Sabotage
For years, I used the tiny, double-sided sponge-tip applicator that came free with my eyeshadow palettes. I thought that’s what you were supposed to use. It would pack on the color in a harsh, unblended line. If you are still using this tool, you are missing out on the magic of a real blending brush. A fluffy eyeshadow blending brush is the key to diffusing the color and creating a soft, seamless, professional-looking gradient. That little sponge applicator just can’t compete.
Use a scalp massager in the shower, not just your fingertips, to stimulate blood flow.
The Scalp Stimulator
I would wash my hair by quickly rubbing the shampoo in with my fingertips. It got the job done, but it wasn’t anything special. Then I got a silicone scalp massager. Using this tool in the shower to massage in my shampoo has been a complete game-changer. The soft, silicone bristles provide a much more invigorating massage than my fingers can, which helps to increase blood flow to the scalp, exfoliate dead skin cells, and just feels incredibly relaxing. It turns a mundane chore into a spa-like experience.
Stop using your curling iron without cleaning off the hairspray residue; it causes uneven heating.
The Gunked-Up Iron
My curling iron had a sticky, brown residue on the barrel from years of using it with hairspray. I never thought to clean it. I noticed that my curls were looking less consistent and my hair would sometimes snag on the barrel. That buildup of old product was causing the iron to heat unevenly, and the stickiness was damaging my hair. I learned to regularly clean the barrel (when it’s cool, of course) with a bit of rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad. A clean tool is a more effective and safer tool.
Stop thinking that a more expensive tool automatically means better results; technique is more important.
The Technique Over Tech
I used to be convinced that if I just bought the super-expensive, professional-grade curling iron, I would suddenly have perfect, supermodel waves. I bought the pricey tool, and my hair still looked mediocre. The truth is that a more expensive tool does not guarantee better results. Your technique—how you section your hair, how you hold the tool, how long you apply the heat—is infinitely more important than the brand name on the barrel. A skilled person can create a beautiful style with a cheap tool, but an unskilled person can’t be saved by an expensive one.
The #1 secret for a streak-free self-tan is using a velvet applicator mitt.
The Mitt Miracle
My at-home self-tanning attempts used to be a disaster. I would apply the tanner with my bare hands, which would leave my palms a horrifying shade of orange and my body a streaky mess. The single tool that changed everything was a simple, velvet applicator mitt. This mitt allows you to apply the tanning mousse or lotion in long, smooth, sweeping motions, resulting in a perfectly even, streak-free application. And, it keeps your hands completely clean. It is a non-negotiable tool for a believable fake tan.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about at-home laser hair removal is that it’s permanent.
The Laser Lie
I was so tempted by the promise of at-home laser hair removal devices. The idea of getting permanent results without the salon price tag was very appealing. The lie is that it’s permanent. These devices use Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), which is not a true laser. They can be effective at reducing hair growth over time, but the results are often not permanent, and they require very consistent, long-term use to be maintained. They are a tool for hair reduction, not permanent hair removal.
I wish I knew this about the different shapes of makeup sponges and what they’re used for.
The Sponge Shapes
I used the classic, teardrop-shaped makeup sponge for everything. I didn’t know that the other shapes I saw in the store actually had specific purposes. I wish I had known this sooner. The classic teardrop is great for all-over foundation. A sponge with a flat edge is perfect for “baking” with powder or for creating a sharp line when contouring. And the smaller, pointed sponges are designed for getting into tight spaces, like around the nose or for blending concealer under the eyes. Using the right shape can make your application so much more precise.
I’m just going to say it: A good set of fingers is sometimes the best beauty tool.
The Finger Factor
We are constantly being sold new and innovative beauty tools and gadgets. But I’m just going to say it: sometimes, the best tools you have are at the end of your arms. Your clean fingers are fantastic for applying makeup. The warmth of your skin helps to melt cream products like blush and concealer, blending them in for a seamless, natural finish. While brushes and sponges are amazing, don’t underestimate the power and precision of your own two hands. They are free, and you always have them with you.
99% of people make this one mistake when storing their gua sha or jade roller.
The Countertop Contamination
I used to leave my beautiful jade roller or gua sha stone just sitting out on my bathroom counter after I used it. I didn’t think about all the dust, hairspray residue, and bathroom germs that could be settling on it. The mistake was not storing it properly. After washing and drying my tool, I now keep it in a small, clean cloth bag in a drawer. This protects it from contamination, ensuring that the tool I’m using on my face every day is clean and sanitary.
This one small habit of having a “clean” and “dirty” brush holder will change the way you manage your brush hygiene forever.
The Two-Cup System
My makeup brush holder used to be a chaotic mix of clean and used brushes. I could never remember which ones were which, so I would often just grab a dirty one by mistake. The small habit that revolutionized my brush hygiene was the two-cup system. I have two identical cups on my vanity. One is labeled “Clean” and one is labeled “Dirty.” After I use a brush, it immediately goes into the “Dirty” cup. This way, I always know which brushes are ready to use and which ones are waiting to be washed.
If you’re still not using a diffuser on your curly hair, you’re losing volume and definition.
The Diffuser Devotion
I have curly hair, but for years I just let it air-dry into a frizzy, undefined triangle. I was afraid of blow dryers because they just seemed to make the frizz worse. But I was missing a key tool. A diffuser is a bowl-shaped attachment that disperses the air from your dryer, allowing you to gently dry your curls without blowing them all over the place. Using a diffuser on a low speed and low heat setting has been the key to getting voluminous, defined, and frizz-free curls. It’s an essential tool for any curly girl.
Use a dedicated brush cleaner spray for spot cleaning, not just deep cleaning.
The Spot Clean
I was good about deep cleaning my makeup brushes once a week, but I would often want to use the same eyeshadow brush for a different color mid-application. I discovered the magic of a spot-cleaning brush spray. You just spritz a little bit on the brush and then wipe it back and forth on a paper towel. The color comes right off, and the alcohol-based spray dries almost instantly, so you can immediately use the brush again. It’s perfect for quick color changes without having to do a full wash.
Stop pressing so hard with your facial roller; a light touch is all that’s needed for lymphatic drainage.
The Gentle Roll
When I used my jade roller, I would press down hard, thinking that more pressure meant it was working better. I thought I had to be aggressive to de-puff my face. But the lymphatic system, which is what you’re trying to stimulate, is very close to the skin’s surface. It responds to a very light, gentle touch. You don’t need to press hard at all. A light, feather-like pressure is all that’s needed to encourage the fluid to move. It’s a gentle process, not a deep-tissue massage.
Stop using your hairdryer without the nozzle; it just creates frizz.
The Nozzle Know-How
For years, I used my hairdryer without the flat concentrator nozzle that came in the box. I figured it was an optional accessory. My blowouts were always a frizzy, poofy mess. The nozzle is not optional if you want smooth hair. It works by concentrating the airflow into a single, direct stream. This allows you to aim the air down the hair shaft as you brush, which smooths the cuticle and creates a sleek, polished finish. Without it, the air is just blowing everywhere, roughing up the cuticle and creating frizz.
The #1 tip for using a dermaplaning tool at home is to hold the skin taut and use a 45-degree angle.
The Dermaplaning Directive
I was a little nervous to try dermaplaning at home, afraid I would cut myself. The two tips that made me feel confident and get great results were simple. First, you have to hold the skin taut with your other hand. This creates a smooth, flat surface for the blade to glide over. Second, you must hold the blade at a 45-degree angle to the skin and use short, light, feathery strokes. This angle is the key to effectively removing the dead skin and peach fuzz without any nicks or irritation.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about beauty tech is that you need to be connected to an app for it to work.
The App Anxiety
I see more and more beauty tools that require you to connect them to a smartphone app to use them. They promise personalized routines and tracking. The lie is that this connectivity is necessary. It often just feels like another way for a company to collect your data and to make a simple tool feel more complicated than it needs to be. A simple, effective tool that you can just turn on and use is often a much better and less frustrating option than one that requires a Wi-Fi connection and a software update.
I wish I knew this about the difference between synthetic and natural bristle brushes when I started buying makeup tools.
The Bristle Breakdown
When I first started buying makeup brushes, I had no idea that the bristles were different. I wish I had known the basic rule: synthetic bristles are best for cream and liquid products, while natural hair bristles are best for powder products. Synthetic brushes don’t absorb as much product, so they are perfect for applying foundation and concealer. Natural hair brushes have a cuticle that helps to pick up and distribute powder products, like blush and eyeshadow, more effectively. Knowing this makes it so much easier to choose the right brush for the job.
I’m just going to say it: That vibrating rose quartz roller is a gimmick.
The Roller Ruse
I see the ads for the vibrating rose quartz facial rollers, which are often more expensive than the regular ones. They claim that the vibration provides extra lifting and toning benefits. I’m just going to say it: it’s a gimmick. The primary benefits of a facial roller come from the coolness of the stone and the gentle pressure of the massage, which helps with lymphatic drainage. The vibration adds nothing to this process. A regular, non-vibrating roller will give you the exact same de-puffing benefits for a lower price.
99% of people make this one mistake when using hot rollers.
The Cool-Down Crime
I would use hot rollers to create beautiful, bouncy curls. I would put them in, let them heat up my hair, and then immediately take them out and be disappointed when the curls would fall flat within an hour. The huge mistake I was making was not letting them cool down completely. The hair sets in its new shape during the cooling process. You have to leave the rollers in your hair until they are completely cool to the touch. This is what will lock the curl in place and make it last all day.
This one small action of chilling your eye cream applicator will change the way you de-puff your eyes in the morning forever.
The Cool Tip
Many eye creams now come with a metal or ceramic applicator tip. I used to just use it as it was. The small action that transformed my morning eye routine was to store my eye cream in the refrigerator. In the morning, that chilled applicator tip feels incredible on my puffy, tired under-eyes. The cold helps to constrict the blood vessels and provides an instant de-puffing and soothing effect that a room-temperature applicator just can’t match. It’s a simple way to boost the benefits of my eye cream.
If you’re still using a regular towel to dry your hair, you’re losing the fight against frizz that a microfiber tool can win.
The Microfiber Miracle
For years, I used my regular, rough cotton bath towel to dry my hair. I would rub it vigorously, and it would always leave my hair frizzy and undefined. The rough texture of a standard towel roughs up the hair’s cuticle. If you’re still using one, you are creating frizz. Switching to a super-soft, ultra-absorbent microfiber towel or hair turban has been a game-changer. It absorbs the excess water so much more gently, without the friction, leaving my hair smoother and so much less frizzy.
Use a spoolie to tame flyaways and brow hairs, not just for mascara.
The Spoolie’s Secret
I used to think that a spoolie—the little mascara-wand-like brush—was only good for combing through my eyebrows. But this humble little tool is a secret multi-tasker. Its best alternative use is for taming flyaways. I lightly spray the spoolie with hairspray and then gently brush it over any stray hairs around my hairline. It catches every single tiny hair and smooths it down perfectly without making my hair look stiff. It’s a makeup artist’s secret weapon for a polished look.
Stop buying brush sets where you’ll only use two of the ten brushes.
The Set Sabotage
I was always tempted by the large, affordable makeup brush sets. They seemed like such a great deal—so many brushes for such a low price! But I would always find that I only ever reached for the same two or three brushes from the set, and the other eight oddly shaped brushes would just sit there, completely unused. It’s so much more economical and less wasteful to identify the specific brush shapes you actually need and to invest in high-quality individual versions of those, rather than a set full of filler brushes.
Stop using your flat iron to curl hair without cleaning the plates first.
The Plate Problem
I love using my flat iron to create beachy waves, but I noticed that my hair would sometimes snag or pull as I was doing it. I looked at the plates of my flat iron and saw they were coated with a sticky residue from hairspray and other styling products. This buildup was causing the tool to drag instead of glide. I learned that it’s crucial to clean the plates (when they are cool!) with a bit of rubbing alcohol to remove the gunk. A clean plate means a smoother glide and less damage to your hair.
The #1 secret for getting the most out of your microcurrent device is using a conductive gel.
The Gel Game
I invested in an at-home microcurrent device, excited for its firming and lifting benefits. But my first few uses were disappointing. I didn’t feel much, and I didn’t see much of a result. The secret I was missing was the conductive gel. Microcurrent devices need a water-based, conductive gel to be applied to the skin first. This gel is what allows the electrical current to actually travel from the device to your facial muscles. Without it, the current can’t penetrate properly, and the tool is basically useless.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about cryotherapy tools is that they provide lasting skin-tightening benefits.
The Cold, Hard Truth
Cryotherapy tools, like ice rollers and cold globes, have become incredibly popular. They feel amazing on the skin and are fantastic for temporarily reducing puffiness and inflammation by constricting blood vessels. The lie is that they provide any sort of long-term skin-tightening or wrinkle-reducing benefits. The effects are purely temporary. Once your skin warms up again, the blood vessels dilate, and your skin returns to its previous state. They are a great quick fix for puffiness, but they are not a long-term anti-aging solution.
I wish I knew this about investing in a good pair of tweezers when I was struggling with splinters and ingrowns.
The Tweezer Truth
I used to buy cheap, flimsy tweezers from the checkout aisle. They were fine for grabbing a stray eyebrow hair, but when it came to a more delicate task, like removing a tiny splinter or a stubborn ingrown hair, they were useless. They would just slip and fail to grab on. I wish I had known that investing in one good-quality, perfectly aligned pair of tweezers, like a Tweezerman, is a worthy investment. The precision and grip they provide make those frustrating, delicate tasks so much easier and more successful.
I’m just going to say it: The PMD (Personal Microdermabrasion) tool is too harsh for most people.
The PMD Problem
The Personal Microdermabrasion (PMD) tool, which uses a spinning disc with aluminum oxide crystals to exfoliate the skin, is a popular at-home gadget. I’m just going to say it: for the vast majority of people, it is way too aggressive. The level of physical exfoliation it provides can easily lead to a compromised skin barrier, sensitivity, and irritation, especially if used incorrectly. There are so many gentler, safer, and more effective ways to exfoliate at home, like using a chemical exfoliant with AHA or BHA.
99% of people make this one mistake when using a new beauty gadget for the first time.
The Instruction Ignorance
When I get a new beauty gadget, my first instinct is to tear open the box and immediately start using it, full of excitement. I rarely take the time to read the instruction manual thoroughly. This is a huge mistake. I’ve used tools incorrectly, on the wrong setting, or missed a crucial prep step, all because I was too impatient to read the directions. Taking the five minutes to understand how the tool is designed to be used will save you from potential misuse, damage, and disappointment.
This one small habit of charging your beauty tools regularly will change the way you’re able to use them consistently forever.
The Charge Up
I had a collection of rechargeable beauty tools—a cleansing brush, a microcurrent device, an LED mask. But I was terrible at keeping them charged. I would go to use one, find that it was dead, and then not bother with it. The small habit that made a huge difference in my consistency was to create a designated “charging station” on my vanity. Every Sunday night, I make it a point to plug in all my devices so they are charged up and ready to go for the week.
If you’re still using your fingers to apply a clay mask, you’re losing product and making a mess.
The Mask Mess
I used to apply my clay face masks with my fingers. It was a messy, goopy process. I could never get an even layer, and I would waste so much product that got stuck under my fingernails. I finally invested in a simple, flat silicone or synthetic brush designed for face masks. It allows me to paint on a smooth, even layer of the mask with no mess and no wasted product. It feels more professional, more hygienic, and it’s so much more pleasant than having clay all over my hands.
Use a foundation brush for a full-coverage look, not a sponge.
The Brush vs. Sponge
I love my makeup sponge for a natural, dewy finish. But on days when I wanted a truly full-coverage, flawless look, the sponge would always sheer out my foundation a bit too much. I learned that for maximum coverage, a dense foundation brush is the superior tool. A brush, especially a flat-top kabuki brush, allows you to buff and stipple the foundation into the skin without soaking up as much product as a sponge does. This gives you a much more opaque, full-coverage finish.
Stop leaving your tools in the shower; they can rust and grow bacteria.
The Shower Storage Sin
I used to leave my razor and my metal foot file sitting in my shower caddy. It was convenient, but it was also a terrible idea. The constant, damp environment is a perfect place for rust to form on metal tools and for bacteria to grow. My razor blades would get dull and rusty so much faster. I learned to take my tools out of the shower after each use, dry them off, and store them in a dry place. This keeps them clean, sanitary, and makes them last so much longer.
Stop thinking you can’t get good beauty tools at the drugstore.
The Drugstore Deal
I used to believe that good-quality makeup brushes and tools could only be found at high-end department stores or Sephora. I would turn my nose up at the drugstore options. But the drugstore beauty tool game has gotten so good. Brands like Real Techniques and EcoTools make incredible, high-quality, and affordable brushes and sponges that perform just as well as, if not better than, many of their more expensive counterparts. You absolutely do not need to spend a fortune to build a fantastic collection of tools.
The #1 hack for a quick curl is using a flat iron to create bends in your hair.
The Flat Iron Flick
Some mornings I don’t have time to heat up a curling iron and meticulously curl my whole head. The fastest and easiest way to get a bit of texture and movement in my hair is to use my flat iron. Instead of clamping and pulling straight down, I clamp a section of hair and then flick my wrist, turning the flat iron 180 degrees as I glide it down the hair shaft. This creates a cool, effortless “S” wave or bend in the hair in a matter of seconds. It’s my go-to hack for a quick, lived-in style.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about cosmetic sanitizing sprays is that they can replace deep cleaning.
The Sanitizer Shortcut
I bought a spray-on cosmetic sanitizer, thinking it was a magic shortcut to cleaning my makeup brushes. I would just spritz them after each use and assume they were clean. The lie is that this can replace a proper deep cleaning with soap and water. While these sprays are great for spot-cleaning or for sanitizing products between uses, they do not remove the buildup of oil, dead skin, and pigment that gets trapped deep within the bristles of a brush. A weekly wash is still a non-negotiable for true hygiene.
I wish I knew this about the learning curve for the Dyson Airwrap before I asked for it for my birthday.
The Airwrap Adjustment
I was so excited when I got a Dyson Airwrap. I had seen the videos and thought I would have perfect, bouncy curls in minutes. I wish someone had told me about the significant learning curve. It’s a completely different tool that requires a different technique than a traditional curling iron. My first few attempts were a frizzy, disappointing mess. It took me weeks of practice to figure out how to properly use it to get the results I wanted. It’s an amazing tool, but it is not as intuitive as it looks.
I’m just going to say it: An ice cube from your freezer works just as well as a fancy ice roller.
The Ice Cube Icon
I was so tempted to buy one of those chic, expensive ice rollers or cryo globes for de-puffing my face in the morning. They look so luxurious on social media. But then I realized I already had a perfectly effective cryo tool in my freezer. I’m just going to say it: a simple ice cube works just as well. I wrap an ice cube in a thin, soft cloth and gently glide it over my face. It provides the same cooling, vasoconstricting, de-puffing effect as the fancy tool, and it’s completely free.
99% of people make this one mistake when cleaning their hair straightener plates.
The Water Wash
When the plates of my flat iron got covered in product residue, my first instinct was to try and clean them with water. This was a mistake. Water doesn’t do much to break down the sticky, baked-on hairspray and styling products, and you risk getting water into the electronic components of the tool. The correct way to clean the plates (when the tool is completely cool and unplugged!) is to use a cotton pad soaked in a little bit of rubbing alcohol. It cuts through the gunk instantly.
This one small action of organizing your tools by type will change the way you get ready in the morning forever.
The Organization Overhaul
My vanity drawer was a jumbled mess of beauty tools. Hairbrushes were mixed with makeup brushes, and my eyelash curler was always lost at the bottom. Getting ready in the morning was a stressful scavenger hunt. The small action that changed everything was to get some simple drawer dividers and to organize my tools by category. Now, I have a section for hair tools, a section for face makeup brushes, and a section for eye makeup brushes. Knowing exactly where everything is has made my routine so much faster and more peaceful.
If you’re still not investing in quality tools, you’re losing product and getting subpar results.
The Quality Quotient
I used to think that the product was all that mattered, and the tool was just an afterthought. I would use cheap, flimsy brushes and sponges with my expensive makeup. I didn’t realize how much this was sabotaging my results. A cheap brush can shed hairs all over your face and apply product patchily. A cheap sponge can soak up all your foundation. If you are not investing in decent quality tools, you are wasting your good products and not getting the beautiful application you deserve. Good tools are a worthy investment.