Beauty Tools of the Trade.

I wrote an entry back in 2012 about some of my favorite beauty tools and I'm happy to see that they're all still things I use regularly. Still, I felt like an update was in order because I firmly believe that tools (of all kinds) are important and should be best quality you can afford. Bad tools are the worst. (I think we've all tried to dry our hair with that shitty gym/hotel hair dryer that attaches to the wall, right? Those should be smashed.) Anyway, here's what I use and recommend:

BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Flat Iron
I reviewed this after I bought it and I'm happy to say it's still the best flat iron I've ever owned. I love the titanium plates - so smooth like butter! I like that the lowest heat setting is 200° because that'll generally hot enough for my hair but it goes up to 450°! Eep. It's hard to find my exact model except on Ulta, but I suspect it's because this ultra-thin version is the newest shiny thing.

Solano SuperSolano Hair Dryer
I've reviewed this already but it remains one of the best beauty tool upgrades I've ever made. It's just solid and powerful and dries my hair fast will minimal frizz or fuss. It's available on Amazon but the best price I can find right now is at Overstock (plus code 247885 should get you an extra 12% off and go through eBates for 2.0% cash back.) Also, the ultra-light version is under $100 on Amazon!

Bed Head Split Personality Oval Brush

Ooh, I'm so happy this is still available! I bought this brush probably ten years ago and I still use it every day for blow-drying my hair. Every now and then I'll try a different round brush and get mad that it's not my weird oval brush with two different kinds of bristles. I don't even understand why it's superior, it just works great and my hair never, ever gets tangled up in it.  If you're looking for a round brush, get this one. It's good times. 

The Wet Brush

I got the travel version of this brush in a subscription box and I love it. It’s so nice to be able to brush out wet hair without that horrible stretchy breakage! My brush is a little worse for wear and the bristles have started pushing into the brush pad, which is annoying, but it’s something I use daily so I'll be buying another soon.  

Makeup Brushes

My makeup brushes are a motley bunch and it's probably time for a new set, but I've had pretty good luck with Sonia Kashuk sets and love my RealTechniques foundation brush. I've also re-discovered my Beauty Blender, though I wonder if the must less expensive RealTechniques version is just as good? Anyone tried it? And brush recommendations?