Fashion

11 Essential Beauty Upgrades You Can Buy Online

by Erin Reimel

Walking into a store with aisles of beauty products can be overwhelming. Oftentimes, pushy salespeople are more distracting than they are helpful, and it's not like there's any indication as to which one of the 20 overnight face masks actually keeps its promises. I'm more a fan of finding the best beauty products online, where I can kick up my feet and take my time (or take no time at all).

Reading the feedback from fellow shoppers is a major plus, especially when it comes down to knowing which beauty upgrades are actually worth it. When you're staring down four different prices of curling wands, you want to know exactly why one is worth more than the other: Is a ceramic surface more important, or was it the barrel width that ended up mattering to users most? Or perhaps you've been holding onto your one-speed blow dryer for forever, and your hair is suffering the outdated technology's damaging side effects. Shop from a way better selection of tools that's custom-fit (by the person who knows best — you!) to match your haircare routine.

So go ahead: Upgrade your everyday beauty products with the best of the best — as verified by user reviews and delivered right to your doorstep.

Ceramic Wand Evenly Distributes Heat For Better Curls

Remington Ceramic Curling Wand , $25, Amazon

If you've been chasing that perfect head of curls for as long as you can remember, it's time to stop blaming your hair. Your curling iron could simply be outdated, so do yourself a favor, and take advantage of the best developments in hot tool technology. This ceramic curling wand is the No. one best seller because it only takes 30 short seconds to heat up, and it automatically shuts off after 60 minutes. Ceramic technology evenly distributes heat throughout the wand, in addition to protecting your tool from any hair products you're wearing. It comes with a heat-resistant glove for shaping natural-looking curls by hand, and one user said they were amazed at how speedily they could style their hair. They said, "My hair keeps its shine and has great springy curls that relax into natural looking waves as the day goes on."

YouTube Makeup Artist-Designed Brushes For Streak-Free Finish

Real Techniques Core Collection Set, $12, Amazon

You've probably had the same makeup brushes for years now, but after a while, old bristles break down and retain more bacteria — no matter how much you wash them. This brush collection set was designed by makeup artists and YouTubers, Samantha and Nicola Chapman. You get an upgraded detailer brush, pointed foundation brush, buffing brush, and contour brush, so you've got everything you need to get a full look. The hair is hand cut, so your makeup will be streak free, plus, the synthetic taklon bristles are non-porous — meaning they won't absorb product, bacteria, or dead skin cells. Score!

The Dryer With Six Combinations Customizes Your Styling

xTava Allure Ionic Ceramic Hairdryer, $36, Amazon

When you walk into any beauty store, you could see a wall of overpriced blow dryers. But when you look online, you'll see that this ionic ceramic hairdryer is the No. 1 best seller, which is a pretty compelling argument in and of itself. But if you need more proof, check out its three heat settings and two speeds (for six unique styling combos), a cool shot button, and a concentrator nozzle, which helps you achieve any style you want, no matter your hair type. Plus, it's lightweight, so it's a great option for on-the-go traveling (no more dinky hotel hair dryers!).

Lavender & Clay Mask Clears Up Breakouts And Purifies Skin

ELEMIS Herbal Lavender Repair Mask, $46, Amazon

It's time to upgrade your skincare routine, and give your face a little TLC with the soothing herbal repair mask to end all others. There are way too many many face masks on the market to look at, so thankfully, this one's numerous reviews tell you all you need to know. It contains pure clay, which soaks up oil as it restores balance and clarity to the skin. Rosemary, thyme, and lavender essential oils heal and prevent acne breakouts, too, while reviewers noticed an improvement in their skin's texture after just a few weeks. Not only that, but they report that just a little bit goes a long way, which is always a plus when it comes to skincare upgrades worth the investment.

A Hair Brush Designed To Detangle Without Snagging & Pulling

Crave Naturals Detangling Brush, $11, Amazon

A hair brush is just one of those things you never really think to replace, but your old one could be causing more damage than you think. Stop pulling out your hair once and for all with the brush specially designed with detangling in mind. Cone shaped bristles separate strands sideways, so that you're not yanking knots downwards to pull out your hair. The bristles also stimulate your scalp for increased circulation, which can encourage hair growth.

Olive Oil Lotion Deeply Conditions Skin Without Clogging Pores

Mario Badescu Super Rich Olive Body Lotion, $22, Amazon

Your body needs just as much moisture as your face, so treat it right with a nourishing body lotion containing olive oil. Why? Olive oil actually works as an antioxidant, protecting your skin from the damaging effects of UV rays without clogging pores. Users love that it's super rich, so it fixes dry skin right away — without leaving a greasy film behind. It brings moisture back to your skin and keeps it there, leaving your skin feeling silky and soft.

Nourish Your Nails & Heal Cuticles With Nail Cream

Kur Restorative Nail Cream, $25, Amazon

If you appreciate the value of a good at-home manicure, go the full nine yards and invest in the right restorative nail cream. Users love this keratin nail cream because it really improves their nails and cuticles, all by restoring protein and balances out natural oils. Don't just paint your nails at home, actually help them look and feel better.

Non-Abrasive Ash Detoxifies And Whitens Teeth

Smart Ash Organic Whitening Tooth Powder, $30, Amazon

If you're experiencing teeth sensitivity from intense whitening toothpastes, it's time to switch gears. This organic ash contains bentonite clay and activated charcoal, which both work to detoxify your teeth and break down plaque. The black powder's pure organic mint freshens your breath, and one user even said, "you feel 'dentist clean' every time. I even wake up with fresher breath and I don't have that morning 'film.'"

Rice Wax Lip Balm That Replenishes, Instead of Dehydrates

Korres Lip Butter , $12, Amazon

Lip balms can be formulated with humectants, which pull moisture out of your lips and let it evaporate. This Korres lip butter has shea butter and rice wax, which give your lips the lasting hydration that keeps lips soft. Users love that it actually improves their dried, cracked lips — rather than just laying on top and making them feel more dry.

Tweezers Guaranteed To Stay Sharp

Tweezerman Stainless Steel Slant Tweezer, $16, Amazon

If there's one tool you won't regret investing in, it's a set of stainless steel tweezers that never get dull. No, seriously: When you get Tweezerman brand tweezers, you also get a lifetime sharpening guarantee. The tips are hand-filed to be perfectly aligned, so they grab the hair you want — every time. One reviewer said, "Excellent quality and absolutely wonderful to use."

Actually See What You're Doing When You Use a Lighted Mirror

ANART Reflections LED Lighted Collection Mirror, $50, Amazon

If you've been doing your makeup in a compact mirror or standing under florescent lights in a bathroom, it's time to treat yourself to an LED lighted mirror. Users love that this one (the No. one new release in vanity mirrors, by the way) is two-sided, so they can do their makeup with one side and then flip it to tweeze their eyebrows. There are a ton of expensive alternatives in stores, but users say this is the one that's both affordable and super durable.

Bustle may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Bustle's editorial and sales departments.

Images: Fotolia (1); Amazon (11)