Although I love heading to the spa or for a blowout as much as the next gal, time and funds don’t permit this to happen more than a few times per year. Fortunately, at-home tools and products have come a long way, baby—you can get fairly professional results without leaving your boudoir.
Here are a few of my tried and tested favorites from years of research, all available for a fraction of the cost of hitting up the spa or salon.
Blowout
I can count on one hand the times I have had a professional blowout. I love it for a special occasion, but I can’t fathom regularly paying $50+ for something that washes out the next day. My friend Elise of the blog Belle Meets World introduced me to the Revlon One-Step Volumizer Hair Dryer. At just under $60, I was skeptical that this blow dryer/round brush combo could deliver a sleek, professional-looking blowout, but I was an instant convert after one use. Bonus: it works so well on my 5-year-old’s hair, who never lets me use a real blow dryer but doesn’t mind this tool.
Dermaplaning
Don’t confuse this procedure with shaving! Dermaplaning is a skincare treatment that removes vellus hair (aka peach fuzz) while clearing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. I have had two professional dermaplane sessions and my skin NEVER looked better. I was introduced to DERMAFLASH, an at-home dermaplaning system. It takes less than 10 minutes, and I am always shocked at how smooth and glowing my skin is after using it. Added bonuses: Skincare products are absorbed easier and makeup glides on like silk.
Manicure
Heading to the nail salon is a treat for me; I usually get a professional mani/pedi a few times a year prior to beachy vacations or before swimsuit season. The rest of the time? I am popping on polish at home after the kids have gone to school. The issue? My manicures generally last two days max before chipping. I found Sally Hansen Miracle Gel on sale at the drugstore and gave it a try. In my experience, this is the longest-lasting nail polish at the best price point with a good selection of colors. Helpful hints: Let polish dry completely between coats, apply three coats of color, then apply gel top coat and let dry thoroughly in a sunny location. This is the perfect time to grab your cup of coffee in the morning spring light and take a little time to yourself!
Facial
Spring is a time that I focus on my skin. A professional pore-clearing facial costs at least $60. I received a GlamGlow product in one of my makeup subscription boxes and was shocked that I could actually FEEL it working. The SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment is the perfect spring cleaning product for your face, it also smooths texture and brightens in addition to sucking gunk from your pores. The L’Oreal Detox & Brighten Clay Mask comes in a close second at a fraction of the price.
This article originally appeared in the April 2019 issue of Chicago Parent. Read the rest of the issue.
