14 Essential Makeup Tools and Innovative Gadgets for Your Beauty Arsenal (2024)

From sponges to blackhead vacuums, the market is full of gadgets to help you maximize your beauty routine. Finding a tool that simplifies literally any aspect of our makeup routine (or just makes it more fun) is our favorite hobby outside of the office⁠—that's why we've rounded up the most essential beauty tools that every makeup lover should own.

Finding the best tools for you depends on your skin type and specific needs. But all-in-all, you'll want to look for high-quality products that are vetted and recommended by experts. (It doesn't hurt if the product has a bunch of positive reviews.) It's also wise to check for details that are important to you, such as eco-friendliness or portability. Read on for our top picks.

Best Overall: Pure Daily Care NanoSteamer 3-in-1 Nano Ionic Facial Steamer

What We Like

• Unclogs pores
• Improves product penetration
• Comes with everything you need

What We Don't Like

• Requires distilled water

This daily care steamer and humidifier in one is perfect for helping to open your pores and may improve product penetration. The better your skincare is absorbed, the better canvas you have for makeup application.

Features: Silent operation, 30-minute run time, 5-piece stainless steel skin kit with storage pouch, built-in towel warming chamber | Wireless: No

Best Reusable: Face Halo The Modern Makeup Remover

What We Like

• Only need water
• Machine-washable
• Soft material

What We Don't Like

• Must machine-wash frequently
  

This product is essentially a velvety washcloth that removes every trace of product when you wet it⁠—no cleanser required. Pretty genius, right? All you do is wet the pad with water, then lightly buff over your face in a circular motion to remove makeup on the face, lips, and even eyes. Each Halo is reusable⁠—just throw it in the washing machine.

Material: HaloTech | Size: 3 6-inch pads | Shape: Round

Best for Blending: Beautyblender Original Makeup Sponge

What We Like

• Doesn't absorb too much product
• Easy to clean
• Travel-friendly

What We Don't Like

• Can tear easily
  

Don't let any other lookalike sponge fool you; the Beauty Blender makeup blending sponge reigns supreme. This water-activated sponge helps you blend foundation, liquid highlighters, cream blushes, and so much more. And since it's reusable, you'll definitely get your money's worth. Formulated to absorb minimal product to help your makeup stay on your face and not get absorbed (i.e. wasted) by the sponge. Extend the life of your blender by cleaning it regularly with Beauty Blender Liquid Cleanser.

Material: Latex-free foam | Shape: Egg | Size: Large

Best Dermaplaning: Dermaflash Luxe+ Anti-Aging, Exfoliation + Peach Fuzz Dermaplaning Kit

What We Like

• Boosts radiance
• Improves product penetration
• Creates an even base for makeup

What We Don't Like

• Pricey
  

This at-home dermaplaning tool helps create a smooth canvas for makeup by removing the oldest layer of dead skin cells, along with peach fuzz and surface debris that has built up on your skin over time. According to Dermaflash, a clinical study found that the texture, tone, and radiance of skin were instantly improved after just one use of the device, helping skincare to absorb more efficiently and allowing for flawless makeup application. Dermaplaning may help products to moisturize better as they can penetrate the skin more effectively.

Type: Electric

Best Organizer: Boxalls Rotating Makeup Organizer

What We Like

• Spins
• Adjustable trays
• Stores tools and products

What We Don't Like

• Not as durable as other options
  

This rotating makeup organizer helps keep all of your makeup, skincare, and fragrances neatly organized for easy access. You can store everything from makeup brushes to skincare in this easy-to-spin holder, featuring clear, adjustable trays for optimal customization and visibility.

Material: Plastic | Color: Clear | Size: 10.2 x 10.2 x 15 in.

Best Jade Roller: ETHONS Jade Facial Roller and 2-in-1 For Face Massager

What We Like

• Improves lymphatic flow drainage
• Boosts radiance
• Relaxing

What We Don't Like

• Roller can fall off of prongs
  

This jade facial roller and gua sha stone are formulated to help soothe tired and puffy skin, promote circulation, improve lymphatic flow drainage, and may help skincare absorb more efficiently with daily use. Massage over skin in the morning to help wake it up, and use at night for a calming, relaxing experience. Keep it in the refrigerator to allow the stone to fully cool before rolling on the face for the maximum depuffing effect.

Features: Comes with a gua sha stone | Manual or Electric: Manual

Best Eco-Friendly: EcoTools Start the Day Beautifully Kit

What We Like

• Affordable
• Made from recycled materials
• Travel-friendly

What We Don't Like

• Included case could be more durable
  

This easy-to-use makeup brush set comes with everything you need for a starter set of makeup brushes, perfect for daily use and travel. With an angled foundation brush, concealer brush, eyeshadow brush, angled liner, and blush brush, you have all the bases covered. To boot, everything is cruelty-free and made from recycled aluminum and plastic (with 20 percent cotton and 80 percent bamboo fibers).

Size: 4.75 x 1.05 x 8.63 in. | Material: Taklon

Best Mirror: Glamcor Riki Skinny Smart Vanity Mirror

What We Like

• Comes in various colors
• Lightweight

What We Don't Like

• Pricey
  

Say goodbye to bad lighting and leaning over your sink to look into your bathroom mirror—you'll never be the same after using this light-up glam stand from Glamcor. A lighted perimeter lets you see every detail when applying makeup in the morning or evening for a perfect finish and features dimmer settings, a rechargeable battery, and a selfie timer function. This was also chosen as best for magnification as part of our top picks for best lighted travel makeup mirrors.

Magnification: 5X | Shape: Rectangle | Features: Bluetooth selfie function, 5 dimming stages, adjustable stand, rechargeable battery, magnetic phone clip, micro USB charger | Size: 13 x 0.37 x 9.5 in.

Best for Avoiding Smudges: Hotop Mascara Shield Applicator

What We Like

• Affordable
• Great for makeup beginners
• Durable

What We Don't Like

• Can be hard to use at first
  

Ever applied mascara only to tap your lids or brows with the wand accidentally? This mascara "shield" helps you apply mascara to the tops and bottom of eyelashes without the dreaded smudges. Place on the eye, apply mascara liberally, and don't worry about anything else, k?

Size: 4.33 x 1.77 in. | Material: Plastic

Best Face Mask Brush: Cuttte Face Mask Brushes

What We Like

• Helps save product
• Allows for even application
• Affordable

What We Don't Like

• Reviewers note bristles could be more flexible
  

The next time you reach for your favorite face mask to prep for makeup application, use one of these brushes versus dipping your fingers in the jar—which can contaminate the product with bacteria from your hands. When you use a synthetic face brush to apply your mask, you may end up using less product and get a more even application (plus cleaner lines for better selfies).

Size: 5.39 x 2.83 x 0.59 in. | Material: Acrylic

Best Eyelash Curler: Chella Heated Eyelash Curler

What We Like

• Easy to use
• Doesn't damage lashes
• Heats up evenly

What We Don't Like

• Feels cheap

Are you tired of clamping down traditional metal eyelash curlers? Just like a hot tool works better on your hair when it's... hot, this heated lash curler gently warms lashes to deliver a long-lasting curl: no crimping, no pinching, no clamping.

Material: Plastic | Size: 1 x 0.62 x 5.5 in. | Features: Temperature indicator light

Best Makeup Fridge: Cooluli Electric Cooler and Warmer

What We Like

• Lightweight
• Quiet operation
• Can use indoors or outdoors

What We Don't Like

• Pricey
  

The novelty deemed the "skincare fridge" has become all the rage, and the obsession is nowhere near over. Want to boost the calming, de-puffing powers of your face rollers, eye creams, gel patches, and primers? Store your products in this mini fridge to enhance the cooling effect of your favorite products.

Size: 7.6 x 10.8 x 10.25 in. | Temperature Range: 40 to 149 F | Colors: Black, blue, cow print, fuchsia, pink, red, white | Features: Energy-efficient, Energy-saving high capacity cooling chip, quiet cooling fan, includes AC, DC, and USB power cords

Best Brush Set: Qivange Eye Makeup Brushes Set Eye Makeup Brushes Set

What We Like

• Versatile
• Doesn't shed
• Durable

What We Don't Like

• Reviewers note blending brushes are too soft
  

Brushes are definitely the most basic, versatile product to keep in your beauty arsenal. And while there are essentials for the face, the eyes are often (mistakenly) overlooked. If you're just smudging eyeshadow on with your fingertips and hoping for the best, let this brush set made specifically for the eyes elevate your look.

Size: 0.51 x 4.09 x 7.6 in. | Material: Synthetic

Best Lip Hydrator: Patchology Flashpatch Hydrating Lip Gels

What We Like

• Great to apply before drying lipstick
• Smooths lip lines
• Plumps

What We Don't Like

• Leaves a sticky feeling behind
  

Are you experiencing dry, cracked lips? Use them often (and correctly), and these lip gels can be one of the most essential tools at your disposal. Wear before applying a drying matte to infuse moisture into lips, while peptides and green tea extract may help soothe and restore elasticity.

Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, peptides, green tea extract | Size: Single or 5-pack | Cruelty-Free: Yes

What to Look For in Makeup and Skin Gadgets

High Quality Materials

Buying cheap products might be tempting but if you want them to last, be sure to check for high-quality materials. Lower quality products may not even work, in some cases, and can leave you feeling disappointed.

Positive Reviews

Reviews can tell you a lot about a product. Check for recurring themes, both positive and negative, while you scour reviews. If you keep seeing specific issues pop up or are pleased to see similar positive outcomes from real people, these reviews can help inform you.

Expert Recommendations

While reviews can go a long way toward helping you make the best choice, checking for expert opinions is a good idea when it comes to skincare products. Some tools and products can do more harm than good if they damage the skin. A dermatologist or other skincare expert can provide insight into the latest gadget trends to help advise you on whether a particular item is ideal for your skin type or if it is all hype.