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8 Best At-Home DIY Beauty Gadgets

Are these DIY beauty devices better than in-salon treatments? Our readers weigh in on the best at-home gadgets for hair removal, microdermabrasion, shrinking acne and more
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No. 3: Gigi Wax Warmer, $49.95
TotalBeauty.com Average Member Rating: 9.7*

What it is: Like a crockpot for wax, this little bowl will keep your wax at just the right temperature, a crucial element in avoiding senseless pain during self-waxing.

Why it's great: Professional and amateur waxers alike found this little device to be a game changer in waxing. "I cannot live without it in my kit," says one aesthetician. This "must-have" will "warm all types of wax from soft wax (strip wax) to hard wax (stripless)," she notes. One woman who uses it at home says she "keeps looking for new places to wax," because this machine makes waxing "fun." Intrigued yet? Another reviewer says the wax warmer is a "must-get if you want to save money."

Before you buy: This waxer, plus at-home supplies, won't run you more than $60 ... but be sure to watch a few YouTube waxing tutorials before pouring on the wax. Replacement wax is around $15 for a 14-ounce jar.

Salon rate: Waxing your lip or eyebrows will cost anywhere from $10-40 at a salon. A full leg costs around $70, and a Brazilian costs $50-75.

Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

*At time of publication

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No. 2: Silk'n Blue, $149
TotalBeauty.com Average Member Rating: 9.8*

What it is: A handheld LED device for treating acne. The blue light and dermal heating neutralize acne-causing bacteria.

Why it's great: This handheld, at-home acne-destroying device is loved by reviewers because it gets rid of acne fast. "Whenever I use the device on a premature blemish, it gets rid of it and I notice a difference within a day or two, which is great," says one user. Another reviewer says her "blemishes have faded drastically by the next day." One woman noticed a difference in her overall skin after just two weeks of daily use. A TotalBeauty.com member who says this helps keep her skin clear on a regular basis uses it while she watches TV -- nothing like catching up on your TiVO and clearing your skin at the same time, amiright?

Before you buy: Silk'n Blue should be used every day, for three to four minutes on each area of the skin, for three to seven weeks. The head is about two inches wide, so you can expect to spend a lot of quality time with this device.

Salon rate: A blue light treatment is usually $80-100 in a spa or medical office, and will usually include a facial and 20-30 minutes under the light.

Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

*At time of publication

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No. 1: Temptu Airbrush Makeup System, $200
TotalBeauty.com Average Member Rating: 10*

What it is: An at-home, professional quality airbrushing kit that comes with your choice of a foundation, blush and highlighter.

Why it's great: While readers acknowledge this is no small purchase, they also confess they're addicted to their Temptu. "I'm so glad I invested in this product! I'll never use regular foundation again," says a reader. "Even though it's really expensive, it's one of my best makeup buys ever," says another. Although it looks like a heavy product, readers say this system provides a completely natural look. "It's a second, more perfect skin," says one reader. "NO makeup line and it looks amazingly natural!" says another. Readers also say it's convenient and hygienic, as there are "no brushes to clean" and "no fear of bacterial contamination, which you may have with using sponges or brushes."

Before you buy: Readers say they go through about one makeup pod a month with daily application, although they get more out of the blush and highlighter pods. Replacement foundation pods are $45, blush pods are $30 and highlighter pods are $35. Bronzer blushes (they don't come with the starter kit) are $35.

Salon rate: A full airbrush makeup application (popular for brides) costs $85-200, but generally includes full eye makeup application, too.

Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

*At time of publication

Think you're the DIY beauty queen because your Pinterest page is stacked with pins for lemon and honey masks, apple cider vinegar toner and exfoliating coffee bean foot scrub? Before you get started on your papier mâché crown, give one of these DIY beauty gadgets a spin. When used correctly, our readers say these beauty devices saved them tons of time and money -- we're talking thousands of dollars. That's enough to bankroll your own DIY skin care line made from your personal lemon orchard and beehive, ladies. Here's the lowdown on spending a little (these high tech beauty gadgets aren't cheap) to save a lot.
BY EMILY WOODRUFF | MAR 7, 2014 | SHARES
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