Imagine putting together your best glam without the right tools. Just as a chef wouldn’t dare cook without their knives, trying to blend foundation with your fingers or style your hair using nothing but hope is an uphill battle. This year, beauty brands have seriously outdone themselves, and 2024’s lineup of tools — from brushes to blow dryers — isn’t just innovative, it’s revolutionary. Below are the beauty tools I’ve tested, obsessed over, and now can’t go a single glam session without.
Danessa Myricks Yummy Face 2.0 Teardrop Kabuki Brush
🛒 \$30 – Available at Sephora
This brush is the definition of luxurious practicality. When I first picked up the Danessa Myricks Yummy Face 2.0, I was struck by its teardrop shape — sleek, modern, but more importantly, extremely functional. Designed like a tiny kabuki sculpture, this brush fits effortlessly around the contours of your face. It blends cream, liquid, and powder foundations seamlessly without streaks.
The bristles are synthetic, dense yet flexible. I often use it when I’m in a rush — a few circular strokes and boom — airbrushed skin that looks like it took 30 minutes, not five. If you love complexion perfection without the hassle, this is a must-have.
💡Pro Tip: Use the pointy end to get into the creases around your nose and under your eyes. That precision is game-changing.
Laura Mercier Real Flawless Foundation Brush
🛒 \$46 – Available at Nordstrom and Bluemercury
Every now and then a foundation brush enters your routine and quietly takes over everything. That’s what happened with this Laura Mercier brush. The 18-degree angled head isn’t just for show — it hugs your cheekbones and jawline, smoothing product into the skin like velvet.
I love how tightly packed the bristles are, making blending foolproof. When I pair it with Laura Mercier’s Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Foundation, it genuinely looks like my skin — just better.
💡Pro Tip: Try applying your foundation in thin layers. This brush makes it so easy to build up coverage without cakiness.
Ami Colé Angled Concealer Brush
🛒 \$15 – Available at amicole.com
If you’ve been using your fingers to tap on concealer, let me change your life. This \$15 gem from Ami Colé blew me away with how easily it blends product, especially in trickier spots like around the nose and under the eyes.
The vegan bristles are angled just enough to fit under the lower lash line, and it’s dense enough to work with cream textures, but soft enough not to tug. I use this one daily and appreciate how well it washes — no shedding, no fraying.
💡Pro Tip: After applying concealer under the eyes, use the brush to softly tap in a bit of translucent powder — the result is a crease-free, bright-eyed finish.
Hourglass Veil Powder Brush
🛒 \$65 – Available at Amazon
A dual-ended brush that actually does both jobs well? Believe it. The Hourglass Veil Powder Brush is probably the most used item on my vanity right now. One side is fluffy and large for sweeping setting powder across the face; the other, smaller and denser, is perfect for pressing powder into the under-eye area.
The sleek, weighted handle makes it feel like a luxury item, and the bristles are synthetic but ultra-soft. I never travel without it — it’s like getting two pro tools in one.
💡Pro Tip: Use the smaller end to bake with a brightening powder, then dust off the excess with the larger side.
Patrick Ta Major Sculpt Dual-Ended Contour Brush
🛒 \$45 – Available at Sephora, Kohl’s
Contouring has always been intimidating for me — that is, until I met this brush. Patrick Ta’s dual-ended wonder simplifies the entire process. One end is compact and firm for placing cream contour; the other is fluffier for blending out.
What I love most? The control. The smaller end creates precise lines under the cheekbones, and the fluffier end turns that stripe into natural shadow. My face instantly looks lifted, but never painted on.
💡Pro Tip: Warm your cream contour on the back of your hand, pick it up with the small end, place it, and immediately blend out with the larger end. Foolproof sculpting!
DIBS Beauty Duo Face Brush
🛒 \$36 – Available at dibsbeauty.com and Revolve
Space-saving and multitasking — this brush was built for efficiency. The dense angled side is my go-to for cream blush and bronzer. It blends with minimal effort, even if you accidentally apply too much. The fluffier end? Perfect for powder blush or a finishing sweep of highlighter.
It’s lightweight, ergonomic, and seriously sturdy. I’ve washed it a dozen times already and the bristles haven’t moved a bit.
💡Pro Tip: Keep one in your purse for touch-ups. The dual-ended design means you’ll always have the right brush on hand.
Jones Road Blush Brush
🛒 \$34 – Available at jonesroadbeauty.com
Blush can be tricky — too little and you look washed out, too much and it’s clown town. This brush hits the sweet spot. It picks up just the right amount of pigment and lays it down evenly, no blotchiness.
The bristles are soft and feathery, allowing for controlled blending. Even beginners will find this easy to use. I especially love pairing it with Jones Road’s Miracle Balm.
💡Pro Tip: Start at the apples of the cheeks and lightly sweep upwards towards the temples for a lifted effect.
Sigma Beauty F03 High Cheekbone Highlighter Brush
🛒 \$19 – Currently on sale for \$14 at Amazon
This brush is a hidden gem. Its tapered bristles are shaped to hug the cheekbone, giving you a diffused glow rather than a metallic stripe. I’ve tried this with both powder and cream highlighters — flawless every time.
The bristles are tightly bound, giving you precision without compromising blendability. Plus, the handle is long and slim, which helps with control.
💡Pro Tip: Spray your brush with setting spray before dipping into your highlighter for an amplified glow.
Half Magic Pyramid Eyeshadow Brush
🛒 \$20 – Available at Ulta Beauty
This brush is just cool. Its three-sided pyramid shape isn’t just a visual gimmick — it actually helps you apply and blend shadows with ease. The pointed tip works well for outer corner definition, while the broader sides can blend creases and lids.
It’s one of the most versatile eye brushes I’ve tried in years. Plus, it fits perfectly into those tiny corners other brushes miss.
💡Pro Tip: Use it with a wet eyeshadow for a bolder, metallic finish. The triangle shape gives you painter-like precision.
Beautyblender Original Makeup Sponge
🛒 \$20 – Available at Amazon, Sephora
Yes, it’s still the queen. The Beautyblender remains unrivaled when it comes to blending cream and liquid products. It expands when damp, giving you that plush, airbrushed finish every time.
I’ve tried plenty of dupes, but nothing compares in terms of bounce, absorption rate, and durability. I use it for foundation, concealer, cream blush, and even powder in a pinch.
💡Pro Tip: Clean it after every use and replace it every three months. It makes a huge difference in performance and hygiene.
Tweezerman Slant Tweezer
🛒 \$22 – Available at Amazon, Ulta Beauty
Some tools just don’t need improvement. Tweezerman’s slant-tip tweezer is still the gold standard — sharp, precise, and sturdy. I’ve used mine for years, and it still grabs the finest hairs without snapping them.
Whether I’m shaping brows, applying lashes, or pulling out a rogue chin hair, this is the only tweezer I trust.
💡Pro Tip: Clean the tips with alcohol before each use to maintain grip and hygiene.
Shu Uemura Iconic Eyelash Curler
🛒 \$25 – Available at Shu Uemura and Amazon
This curler lives up to the hype. It curls every lash without pinching, crimping, or tugging. The curved frame fits perfectly on my lash line, and the updated silicone pad offers better grip and longevity.
It’s an instant eye-opener. I use it before mascara every time — the curl holds all day.
💡Pro Tip: Warm it slightly with a hair dryer for a more dramatic curl — just test the temp first!
ghd Paddle Brush
🛒 \$35 – Available at Amazon and ghdhair.com
Thick hair, meet your match. The ghd Paddle Brush is everything I never knew I needed for detangling without drama. Unlike flimsy brushes that break halfway through a knot, this paddle is solid — seamless construction, cushioned base, and firm bristles that actually get through dense strands without ripping them out.
It works on wet or dry hair and is amazing for blow-drying straight styles. The wide surface area makes it super efficient, especially when you’re running late.
💡Pro Tip: Use this brush with your blow dryer’s concentrator nozzle for smooth, voluminous blowouts — no round brush required.
British M Hot Curling Ceramic Brush
🛒 \$26 – Available at Amazon
Bangs? Layers? Face-framing waves? This ceramic brush handles it all. The barrel heats evenly, and the bristles grip just enough to let you style without tangling. It’s compact but powerful.
I use it after a light mist of water on my bangs — just a few twirls with the blow dryer and I’ve got that effortless, flippy finish. For under \$30, it’s one of the most effective hot tools I own.
💡Pro Tip: Let the brush cool while wrapped in your hair to “set” the curl for longer-lasting volume.
Tangle Teezer The Ultimate Detangler
🛒 \$16 – Available at Amazon and Ulta
This little brush sits in my shower and has saved me from countless breakage nightmares. The dual-length teeth gently glide through conditioner-soaked hair, minimizing snapping and tugging.
I’ve got wavy hair prone to knots, and this is one of the few tools that detangle without pain. It’s also a great prep step before styling — smoother hair equals smoother results.
💡Pro Tip: Start at the ends and work up. Always brush when the hair is coated in conditioner — not before!
Pattern Retractable Comb
🛒 \$9 – Available at patternbeauty.com
A rat tail comb, but upgraded. The metal tail slides in and out like a pen, making it portable and safe for travel. It sections hair perfectly for braids, parts, or styling.
What impressed me is how solid it feels — the teeth don’t warp or bend under tension, even on coily textures. It’s a tiny but mighty addition to your toolkit.
💡Pro Tip: Use the retractable tail to create super clean center or zigzag parts with absolute precision.
Baby Tress Edge Styler
🛒 \$12 – Available at Amazon and babyhair.com
Edges deserve their own styling tool, and this one delivers. Featuring a boar-bristle brush, fine-tooth comb, and a pointed end for parting, it’s three tools in one.
I use it with edge control gel to shape baby hairs into swoops, swirls, or clean lines. It’s compact and easy to clean, plus it comes in cute colors that make it feel more fun than functional — though it’s absolutely both.
💡Pro Tip: Use the pointed end to define parts and the boar bristles to lay edges with a gentle hand.
Slip Small Slipsilk Scrunchies
🛒 \$39 – Available at Nordstrom and Ulta Beauty
Let me be real: once you try silk scrunchies, there’s no going back. These from Slip are gentle, cute, and strong. They don’t leave dents in my ponytail and reduce friction, which means less breakage over time.
Whether I’m wearing one during sleep or out running errands, they’ve become my everyday go-to. Yes, they’re pricey — but your hair will thank you.
💡Pro Tip: Use one to loosely tie up damp hair at night for gentle waves by morning, minus the creases.
The Hair Edit Epic Clip
🛒 \$15 – Available at Amazon
Finally, a claw clip that actually holds all my hair. I’ve tried dozens, but most either look good or hold well — rarely both. The Epic Clip does both. It’s oversized, stylish, and has the grip strength of a steel trap.
I twist my hair into a bun and secure it in one motion. It even stays in place during workouts, which is rare. For those of us with thick or curly hair, this is a game changer.
💡Pro Tip: Use it on day-two hair for an effortlessly chic updo with volume at the crown.
Shark SpeedStyle Hair Dryer
🛒 \$230 (\$206 on sale) – Available at Amazon
Let’s talk about blow dryers. The Shark SpeedStyle blew me away — literally. It’s lighter than a Dyson, but has almost all the same high-tech features: temperature regulation (so you don’t fry your ends), quick dry time, and multiple attachments for smoothing and styling.
It includes a RapidGloss finisher that gives you the sleekest, glass-hair finish imaginable. And if you’ve got frizz-prone hair like mine, you’ll appreciate the cool shot that actually seals the style.
💡Pro Tip: Use the diffuser attachment on low heat to enhance natural curls without disturbing the pattern.
Kristin Ess Soft Volume Blow Dry Brush
🛒 \$85 (\$43 on sale) – Available at Amazon
Blowout at home, no coordination needed. This all-in-one blow dry brush replaces your round brush and dryer combo. The negative ion tech smooths frizz, and the shape adds lift at the roots while taming the ends.
I use this after towel-drying and my hair looks fresh-from-the-salon in under 15 minutes. It’s lightweight and intuitive, perfect for anyone who hates fighting with multiple tools.
💡Pro Tip: Focus on lifting sections at the crown for a volume boost that lasts all day.
ghd Platinum+ Styler
🛒 \$319 (\$239 on sale) – Available at Amazon
This isn’t just a flat iron. The ghd Platinum+ reads your hair’s thickness and adjusts the temperature accordingly, delivering even heat without sizzling your strands. At a consistent 365°F, it’s hot enough to smooth but cool enough to avoid long-term damage.
I’ve used it for sleek straight styles, polished waves, and even s-bends. The beveled edges help prevent harsh lines — essential when curling with a flat iron.
💡Pro Tip: Section hair into small panels for max control and less pass-throughs. Smooth once and be done.
Pattern Interchangeable Curling Iron
🛒 \$249 (\$223 on sale) – Available at Amazon
Curls in all shapes, coming right up. This tool comes with three different barrels: ⅜”, ¾”, and 1″. That’s flexibility no other iron gives you. Whether you want tight spirals, retro ringlets, or loose waves, one tool can handle them all.
The ceramic barrels heat evenly, and the ergonomic design makes styling quick and painless. A dream for anyone with multiple textures or those who like switching it up.
💡Pro Tip: Alternate curl directions and use a wide-tooth comb post-curl to loosen them into lived-in waves.
Bio Ionic Long Barrel Curling Iron 1.5″
🛒 \$162 (\$149 on sale) – Available at Amazon
Loose curls, soft waves, red carpet volume — this iron nails it. The barrel is 2″ longer than most, which is a huge help if you have long hair. No awkward overlaps or line marks — just smooth, polished curls.
The ionic tech seals the cuticle, giving hair that healthy sheen. And I love that the heat settings are clearly visible — no guessing games.
💡Pro Tip: After curling, let the hair cool in your palm before releasing to lock in shape.
Amika High Tide Deep Waver
🛒 \$120 – Available at Amazon
Beachy waves with no beach in sight? Done. This three-barrel waver creates gorgeous, uniform waves that last for days. It heats up fast, stays hot, and doesn’t crimp weird ridges into your hair.
I use it on second-day hair with a bit of texturizing spray, and the results are always mermaid-worthy. It’s user-friendly, even for styling newbies.
💡Pro Tip: Hold the tool horizontally and clamp section by section, starting at the roots. The zigzag ripple it creates is ridiculously pretty.
Mane It’s Giving Body Hot Round Brush
🛒 \$98 – Available at Sephora
This is like having a professional stylist built into your brush. The vented ceramic barrel delivers 355°F heat as you style, adding bounce and body in one smooth motion.
Perfect for volume at the crown, bouncy blowouts, or even smoothing frizz. The bristles glide through strands without tugging. It’s ideal for medium to long hair, especially if you struggle to use a round brush + dryer combo.
💡Pro Tip: For the classic “Farrah Fawcett flick,” pull hair upward and roll back while heating.
Curl Queen The Glove
🛒 \$48 – Available at curlqueen.com
You’ve never detangled like this before. The Curl Queen Glove turns your hands into a super tool — the palms are covered in rubber nubs that detangle, distribute product, and massage the scalp.
I use it on wash days to rake conditioner or curl cream through my coils. It makes product application more even and seriously reduces shedding.
💡Pro Tip: Use it to massage in shampoo as well — helps stimulate the scalp for better hair growth.
Where to Buy the Best Tools in the U.S.
You’ll find most of these award-winning tools at major beauty retailers:
- Amazon – Fast shipping and often the best discounts
- Sephora – Loyalty perks, in-store testing, and tool exclusives
- Ulta Beauty – Frequent sales and broad brand selection
- Nordstrom – Luxury tools, plus generous return policies
- Brand websites – Sometimes offer limited-edition colors and exclusive bundles
When your tools work harder, you don’t have to. Every brush, sponge, clip, and curler on this list has earned its place — not just in my drawer, but in my everyday beauty routine. If you’ve been doing your glam with the same old tools for years, 2024 is the year to upgrade.
Let the tools do the talking — and trust me, they’ve got a lot to say.
