The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. 

The high-tech grooming gadgets you need in your routine

Now’s the time to fill your bathroom cabinet with some innovative tools

Sarah Jones
Friday 23 November 2018 17:36 GMT
Comments
Eye of the beholder: grooming gadgets can give you a new look
Eye of the beholder: grooming gadgets can give you a new look (Getty/iStockphoto)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

From AI to electric cars, technology in 2018 is making everything faster, better and stronger, including our beauty routines.

Nowadays, gadget-free grooming is pretty much a thing of the past: innovative new tools allow us to cleanse our pores more deeply, style our locks without heat, and remove unwanted body hair without a trip to the beauty salon.

We roundup the best of the tech taking skin care and hair maintenance to the next level.

The trend for sonic skin care, which began in 2001 with the launch of Clarisonic’s cleansing system, has grown and grown.

Newer versions like the Mia Smart cleanse the skin up to six times better than hands alone, delivering a cooling and firming massage into the bargain. And it can even help you apply your makeup.

Other brands, such as Foreo have also launched smart-skin devices: their new Luna Fofo reads your skin’s hydration levels and suggests an appropriate cleansing routine.

Clarisonic Mia Smart Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush, £89, Selfridges
Clarisonic Mia Smart Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush, £89, Selfridges

And then there’s the Foreo UFO, a clever tool that transforms sheet-masking from a 20-minute fuss to a 90-second breeze.

Styling our hair has never been easier, or less harmful. Dyson has followed its best-selling Supersonic Hairdryer with the Airwrap – a heat-free styling tool that uses aerospace technology to create a spinning vortex of air for effortless bouncy waves.

Foreo, UFO Smart Mask Treatment, £249, Cult Beauty
Foreo, UFO Smart Mask Treatment, £249, Cult Beauty

Similarly, GHD has improved on its signature straighteners with the introduction of its new Platinum+ Styler.

It recognises the thickness of your hair and heats it accordingly. The result? Hair that's shinier and stronger than ever before.

Dyson Airwrap, £399.99, John Lewis
Dyson Airwrap, £399.99, John Lewis

If you’re more interested in removing hair than styling it, a device that means you can deliver the beauty treatment from the comfort of your own home should be at the top of your list.

For this, we recommend Philips’ Lumea Prestige. A leading product in at-home IPL hair removal, it comes with a hefty price tag of £299 but, when you consider this will no longer mean having to attend costly in-salon sessions, it’s well worth the splurge.

Philips Lumea Prestige IPL Hair Removal Device, £299, John Lewis
Philips Lumea Prestige IPL Hair Removal Device, £299, John Lewis

Of course, beauty gadgets aren’t just for women. The male grooming industry is also awash with innovation.

For guys who want to take extra care of their skin, Foreo has launched a version of its Luna cleanser specifically for men.

Panasonic ER-SB40-K811 Wet & Dry Beard Trimmer: £150, Panasonic
Panasonic ER-SB40-K811 Wet & Dry Beard Trimmer: £150, Panasonic

Similarly, shavers have come a long way since the early days. Panasonic’s Wet & Dry Beard Trimmer will give your facial fuzz a superior cut.

Designed with new, narrow blade tips, it captures more hair at once, including curly or flat lying whiskers, and offers the highest speed in Panasonic history.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in