10 fuss-free beauty tools to help upkeep your grooming routine at home

From time to time, be it yearly, monthly or weekly, we all need some pampering, a good ol’ Donna Meagle treat yo’self from professionals who know what they’re doing.

After all, there’s nothing like a good massage after weeks of being hunched over the computer, or seeing your nails restore their shine after roughing your fingers out over housework. It’s only deserved.

But with Covid-19 looming over us like an ominous cloud, you might be a little on the fence about visiting your favourite beauty destinations.

Even make-up stores have taken down their testers, and beauty establishments across Singapore have rightfully complied with the precautionary measures put in place to control the virus.

This might pose some inconveniences – but with everyone’s safety guaranteed, it’s really not a bad deal at all, especially if you make use of the situation to try your hand at some simple DIY self-care.

1. Ryo Mild Formula Hairdye Cream, $18.90, from Guardian

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Many of us rely on salon visits every few weeks to get our roots retouched, but a good product is all it takes for the colour and hair care.

This hair colouring kit can lengthen the time between your appointments with its long lasting coverage formula, delightfully made with botanical ingredients that nourish both your hair and scalp.

It's also free of fragrance, PPD, animal ingredients, mineral oil, ammonia, silicone oil and PEG surfactant, and comes with Dandelion Nourishing Essence that coats your hair with a healthy shine.

2. Skin Inc Optimiser Voyage Tri-Light Glasses for Bright Eyes, $298, from Sephora

Out of whack body clock stemming from work-from-home orders? You probably don't need to see anybody during daylight hours, but even if you have dark eye circles, you don't need to go to such lengths of isolation.

Needing only a press of a button, this LED eye treatment can be done any time of the day and, lo and behold, takes only 10 minutes. Just remember to apply eye cream or serum around your eye area, put and turn it on, and you can get on with your business.

3. LG Pra.L

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LG has taken their technology beyond household items and introduced a line of handy, innovative beauty devices to help you achieve firmness, elasticity and glow in your skin at home.

Take your pick between the Dual Cleanser, which delicately but thoroughly cleanses your skin; the Galvanic Ion Booster, which offers your pores a deep cleanse; the Total Lift Up Care, which uplifts and tightens your skin; and the Derma LED Mask, a multifunctional beauty device that evens, brightens and firms your skin.

4. Illuminage TOUCH Permanent Hair Remover, $656.50, from Look Fantastic

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Safe to use on the face and body, this hair remover will eliminate your shaving woes as it would with the hair you want to get rid of.

Its game-changing technology combines Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Radio Frequency (RF) so you achieve that smooth and hair-free skin without pain or bumps. The best part? You can do it as many times as you want, in the comfort of your home. A godsend for the shy ones out there!

5. Foreo Luna Go, $159, from Sephora

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Nothing can beat a comprehensive cleansing procedure that'll leave you stepping out clean and fresh, but your complexion could still definitely benefit from Foreo's Luna Go, which will help you clean your skin, ridding it of the dirt, oil and make-up your fingertips have trouble reaching.

In a joint force of silicone touch-points and T-Sonic pulsations, this device will help you slough off dead cells for better absorption of skincare products, leading to an overall healthier, more refined skin. It's also travel-friendly, so you can still upkeep your newfound beauty regime once those planes fly again.

6. Nail polish wraps, $15, from Nodspark

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Nail art surely isn't everybody's forte, and many of us only realise how horrible our fine motor skills are until we start painting our nails.

You can avoid the horrible messy and clumpy experience with homegrown brand Nodspark's convenient nail wraps that only require you to apply and file. It comes with a huge variety of colours and designs too, so you're sure to find one that suits your style.

7. Dashing Diva Nails, from $16.90

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Dashing Diva has similar alternatives, with a wide range of press-on nails for those who prefer something with a bit more dazzle, all without the weight of something coating over the fingers.

If you're feeling a little fancy, browse through their glittery selections or head for something with a bigger bling from their Big Stone Gloss Gel Strip collection.

8. Benefit Cosmetics Grooming Tweezer & Brush, $35, from Sephora or Lazada

Thicker brows are a blessing in disguise, the disguise of unruly strands that quickly grow and warp the shape of your brows. If you haven't been able to pop by your go-to threading salon, or if they're getting a tad too out of hand, consider plucking them on your own to ground the basic brow work down.

This pair of dual-ended, diamond-dusted tweezers with a slant will grip onto the finest hairs, leaving polished, defined brows once you brush them in place.

9. Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Pro Facial Steamer, $214.90

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You may not be able to get to a professional, but you can be your very own beautician with a professional steamer. Suitable for all skin types, this Pro Facial Steamer uses micro-steam technology to detox your skin, readying it for exfoliation and absorption of skincare products.

It also hydrates, helps clear pores and softens your skin, revealing a radiant, dewy and youthful complexion. Do note that while Dr Dennis Gross is available in Singapore, this particular product ships from overseas.

10. Magnitone London Well Heeled! Express Pedicure System, $44, from Look Fantastic

Are your heels getting a little rough and dry? You might be due for a pedicure, and this time there's no walking distance required.

Coming with two roller heads, one for general buffing and the other for more stubborn areas, this pedicure device glides effortlessly over all of your feet, making sure no part is left out. Now you can comfortably get in your bed without the roughness catching on your sheets.

This article was first published in The Singapore Women's Weekly.