It is nigh impossible to enter a Boots store and leave without being £30 down, laden with two bags full of suspiciously unwarranted new additions to your beauty cabinet. Spray moisturiser anyone?
However, changing your beauty regime, shaking up your makeup bag and adding some advanced technology to your bathroom shelves is sometimes a good idea. Why? Because if we don't do it, we carry on using that same eye-makeup remover from 12 months ago that our friend left when she stayed over and we blithely continue to use that battered old eyelash curler each morning.
So, when there's so much newness to discover in the beauty world and most that is better left untested (mascara "foundation" seems one step too far), which are the truly transformative products that are well worth the investment?
From new tools that will help take your face to a whole new level of cleanliness, to innovative face masks that will rejuvenate your skin, it's time to step into the brave new world of beauty. You won't look back.
This cordless laser hair removal tool is the stuff of futuristic fantasy. Firstly, did we feel pain? No, not really, more something akin to an elastic band being twisted over our skin. Secondly, the battery life is forty minutes and it has five levels, so you can take things at your own pace. After four sessions, you really start to see a difference. After seven, the price tag seems worth it.
This filter easily attaches to shower heads and prevents the chemicals in water, like chlorine, reaching you and wrecking your dyed hair or drying out your skin.
T3 Source Showerhead Shower Filter, £175, available at Amazon
No, it's not numb chucks nor is it a nut cracker. This tiny tool actually removes facial hair. Say goodbye to plucking stray beard hairs! It's virtually pain-free hair removal at home, and ideal for those niggly spots; the chin, upper lip and ye olde sideburns. It nips hairs at the root and minimises re-growth.
Tweezerman Facial Hair Removal, £20, available at Look Fantastic
This might sound far-fetched, but if you're after a photo-ready, flawless finish, this foundation applicator that uses sonic pulse technology to mimic the 'tapping' of professional make up artistry is the tool for you.
Color Me Automatic Foundation Applicator, £58, available at net-a-porter
It's almost impossible to wave your hair from tip to root with a wand, especially if you have long hair. Introducing the InStyler curler, which quickly gives you XL waves. It also rotates both ways so you don't get identical curls, for a more natural finish. It's the ideal way to save on blow dries over the long run.
A good workman has good tools. If you want to start taking your makeup application seriously it's time to invest in some Artis brushes. The circular surface areas give a much more even blend and the brushes themselves are so ergonomically attractive, they deserve a spot on your vanity table anyway.
Be gone eye-watering, uncomfortable lash curlers. This gentle, cushioned device, gives perfectly bended lashes for the most flirtatious flutter.
This eye mask is as magical as it sounds. Each under-eye sheet mask banishes sagging skin and lessens the appearance of encroaching crow's feet. It's not actually Dragon's blood (sad face) but a red sap from the legendary Dragon Tree that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Red Seaweed is a bonus ingredient, and helps keep the delicate eye area moisturised.
This little device is for the hardcore beauty thrill seekers. It is the first product to be released by cult 'salon' Facegym. Facegym is all about giving your face a full work out; using hands, lasers and the latest electrical muscle stimulation tech. The feeling is akin to a low G force and you're face feels truly elastic afterwards. It's like a mini face lift in a handbag-size tool. They're selling out fast, so order one pronto.
Another hair removal device for you here. Why? Because this little zap gun is best for more sensitive areas like your face and bikini line, and promises smooth skin for up to 8 weeks. We love it because we could do our legs in about ten minutes.
Philips Lumea prestige hair removal system, £360, available at Boots
Forget a cleanser and hot cloth routine, this little device is about to send your skin into new stratospheres of squeaky-clean. Sonic pulses emitted by the silicone touch-points remove and disrupt dirt in ways cleansers can't achieve alone. Simply rinse your face, apply a foamy wash and get this device on. It promises removal of 99.5% of dirt and oil. You'll find moisturisers and serums absorb much better afterwards.
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