In my time writing about holistic health, I thought I’d just about seen all the ways to improve the look and feel of skin and hair. I’ve indulged in basically every trend, from oil pulling to putting raw egg yolks in my hair, and by now, I don’t raise my eyebrow at much. Getting better skin from a few of these weird beauty gadgets, however, has successfully managed to force that eyebrow three-quarters of the way up to my hairline.
Then again, though, bizarre advancements in industries across the board have been met with skepticism: The telephone was shunned by the chief engineer of the British Post Office in 1878 because they had “plenty of messenger boys,” and Time magazine said in 1966 that, if it ever came about, online shopping would turn out to be a “complete failure.” Who’s to say that one of these bizarre, head-tilting inventions won’t turn out to be one of the top gadgets for improving skin to come out of the 21st century?
Frankly, you can’t knock something ‘til you try it, and judging from the comments and reviews of the people who have tried them (with pretty great results, might I add), there might be some method to all the madness. Check out these eight weird and unlikely but seriously effective skincare tools that just might make all the difference in your beauty routine.
Give Your Face A Morning Jolt With A Rolling Hunk Of Ice
Esarora Ice Roller , $13, Amazon
The thought never occurred to me that my face might benefit from rubbing an inedible version of a popsicle all over it, but nonetheless, this Esarora ice roller has been named the number one best new release. You pop the thing in the freezer overnight, and when you wake up in the morning, you massage your face with it to shrink pores, stimulate muscles, relieve eye fatigue, and calm your skin. Not something I would’ve thought up all on my own, but it’s getting great reviews so far — things like, “no more puffy face!” and “little roller, big difference!”
Vibrate Your Way To Clear, Beautiful Skin
Organic Silicone Rechargeable Waterproof Washer , $20, Amazon
This thing might look like a strange bulb-looking finger vibrator, but that’s only because it is. However, despite the oddness factor, people have only good things to say about this silicone and waterproof washer. You charge it up and put it on the end of your finger to gently (but effectively) exfoliate your skin, loosen up makeup, dirt, and residue, and activate cell rejuvenation. Because it’s made of silicone instead of bristles, it’s a lot more sanitary, and you don’t have to replace the brush head every few months. It’s apparently great for blackheads and tightening up the skin, and some reviewers go as far as to say this is the best facial brush they’ve ever owned.
Wear These Bizarre Glasses To Massage Away Dark Circles
Electric Magnetic Eye Massager , $10, Amazon
When it comes to massages, your eye sockets are pretty often left out of the fun, but you can now rest easy knowing that the option’s there. If you’re looking to channel your inner Back To The Future vibes, as well as alleviate dark circles, eye bags, and wrinkles, this electric eye massager might just be for you. While it also helps with headaches, the 26 massage modes stimulate the muscles around your eyes to improve circulation and relax the nerves. It’s also got an adjustable massage timer, and tons of little fingers on the inside to rub your eyes back to their optimal state of brightness. Creepy? A little. Effective? You bet.
Remove Blackheads And Breakouts With This Horror-Esque Kit
Aotearoa Beauty Blackhead Remover Kit , $12, Amazon
No, this isn’t something you’d find in Hannibal Lecter’s tool kit. Actually, it might be, but that’s not its intended function. This Aotearoa blackhead remover kit comes with five double-ended stainless steel tools for extracting and removing blackheads, pimples, and blemishes because, let’s be real — if you’re going to do it, it might as well be as sanitary as possible. This set also comes with a cute and organized leather case for easy storage and travel (also to offset the horror vibes), and people are loving it because it’s professional quality, durable, and does what it’s supposed to do.
Pull Dirt And Oil Out Of Your Pores With A Wad Of Burnt Tree
Activated Charcoal Konjac Facial Sponge , $10, Amazon
Until recently, no one had the bright idea, “Let me rub a burnt tree all over my body,” but it turns out it’s actually a great idea. This activated charcoal konjac facial sponge is crazy popular right now, because it uses 100 percent natural and eco-friendly konjac to exfoliate and cleanse the skin, while the activated charcoal in the sponge has extra-absorbent qualities that just pull all the dirt and impurities out from your pores. They soften up very quickly when placed in water, they’re much more sanitary and healthier than your usual plastic sponge, and this one comes with a suction cup and a cute little box for easy drying and storage.
Turn Your Bathtub Into Your Own Personal Swamp
The Seaweed Bath , $11, Amazon
Most people can’t wait to get the feeling of salt and seaweed off their skin after the beach, but The Seaweed Bath Co. suggests that you should probably bring the beach to your bathtub. It contains absolutely nothing except sustainably harvested brown seaweed from Maine, which you dump into your bathtub and soak in. It has over 65 vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that nourish and rejuvenate your skin, as well as natural anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties, the ability to improve circulation and UV protection, and enough iodine levels to help you detox from the inside out. Yeah, it may turn the water green, but it’s apparently super-relaxing and makes your skin feel wonderful.
Tone And Hydrate Your Whole Face With A Mask Made Of Snail Slime
Deep Moisturizing Rich Snail Facial Mask , $18, Amazon
Nope, that little guy in the corner isn’t just a cute but irrelevant logo. These deep moisturizing snail facial masks are made with real snail secretion, which, if you can get past the weird-factor, is actually awesome for your skin. They’re also infused with collagen and glycolic acid to protect and purify, and because the mask is made from 100 percent cotton and has cut-outs for your eyes and mouth, it’s a pretty convenient process that leaves you with smooth, rejuvenated, and moisturized skin. Reviewers are loving the at-home spa treatment. One in particular says, “I don't think I could handle real snails applied to my face, so this is the next best thing.”
Rough Calluses On Your Feet? Have You Tried Molting?
Baby Foot Deep Exfoliation Peel , $18, Amazon
Ever wish that stubborn layer of rough skin on your feet would just molt off like an iguana? Apparently, the results are great. This peel just requires you to let your feet soak for about 15 minutes, after which, you apply this deep exfoliation peel. Then, in two to four days, that stubborn layer of tough skin just… falls off. If you’ve tried everything from exfoliators to creams on your feet and nothing seems to be working, this might just be your new favorite thing. One particularly enthusiastic reviewer comments, “Pruney the first day, nothing the second day, looking dry the third day, on the fourth day...oh my god I'm shedding like a freaking snake this is awesome.”
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Images: Fotolia (1); Amazon (8)
