3 at-home beauty devices that will make your life easier

If half your life depends on that thing called a hair dryer, a.k.a. the blow-dryer you cling to at home and on every trip (heaven forbid you end up with one that just goes “pffff” when you get to the hotel), then a review of the FlexStyle device by Shark Beauty will hit the spot – literally, or in the tester’s case, hit the bob. This versatile hair styling device is taking over feeds and beauty girls worldwide. The whole concept is its hybrid functionality: Part blow-dry brush, part curler, part dryer.

It’s a single device promising to meet almost every need: Fast drying, dramatic volume, soft Hollywood-style curls, effortless “I woke up like this” waves (but we really didn’t wake up like this), flat iron straightening with reverse suction action from the “pffff,” and curl-taming using small pins. All of this is made possible by a variety of interchangeable heads that magnetically attach to the device like magic.

What makes it a strong competitor against pricier brands (hi, Dyson) is that it delivers great results at a more accessible price point, without compromising on technology. It’s light, comfortable to hold, and – most importantly – gentle on your hair with a heat sensor that regulates temperature. It doesn’t burn your hair but styles it while preserving its health. The recommendation? Follow its lead – yes, you read that right. What does that mean? The device automatically adjusts airflow and temperature to fit the desired styling.

Besides being lightweight and cute, another bonus is that it’s foldable and compact (hence the name), making it travel-friendly or perfect for space-saving storage.

On first use, it felt a bit tricky to figure out which head does what and how, but we quickly realized the folks at Shark are here to make our lives easier. One of the brand’s top values – fun, fair, and honest – comes through in their motto: “We don’t damage hair.” This is evident in the temperature gauge – the device never exceeds 100°C automatically. Sensors in the nozzle measure the temperature thousands of times in seconds to stay within limits and compensate with a strong airflow that handles the load. Honestly? Worth checking out if you love to switch up your look and want something convenient at home without running to the salon – and without taking out a mortgage on a beauty device.

Without diving into the straightening “terror” debate targeting the oppressed minority nurturing their curls, the upcoming humidity isn’t great news for anyone curly or frizz-prone – or heaven help us, both.

One of the hottest solutions on the market right now for these issues is the SteamPod 4, the latest straightener by L’Oréal Professionnel. Bottom line – this isn’t just another flat iron; it’s a promise to do for your hair what a wet Swedish sauna does for your soul. This is the fourth generation of the steam-powered straightener, using water vapor to gently open the hair shaft, smooth it from the inside out, and deliver shinier, less damaged results – even on dry, frizzy, or just plain moody hair.

The device is a bit heavier than standard straighteners, so it takes some getting used to – or a gym-toned shoulder. The tester, who’s tried every straightener under the sun over the past decade, reports it’s fast, effective, and delivers smooth, shiny results without burning the hair. “It feels like the hair suffers less, the ends are less fried, and the real benefit is that the straightening lasts longer. Even in humid or rainy weather, my hair didn’t frizz or puff up. The straightener works well on thick and curly hair – even borderline afro, which is rare for standard irons.” For the pros who like to tinker, it also comes with several interchangeable combs depending on hair type and density.

Cons? You need to refill the water tank every few uses – not hard, but necessary. It’s not the most compact device, so if you’re taking it on a trip, you’ll need to make room in your suitcase or ditch a pair of shoes. And of course – the price. This isn’t a NIS 250 impulse buy. It’s a serious tool that delivers results and is priced accordingly.

I heard about it even before it arrived in Israel – the Ulike ReGlow mask that popped up in every possible feed, from clinics in New York to beauty influencers on TikTok. Now that it’s here, I tried it for two weeks to see if there’s real magic behind those 272 LED lights. From the first moment, it feels like a smart gadget: it’s lightweight, fits the face precisely, and even has special eye padding.

It features four modes:

Anti-acne – blue and red light to reduce pimples, redness, and oiliness.

The technology behind the mask is impressive: High light intensity, even distribution, and deep penetration into skin layers. And it’s not just marketing – it has FDA approval, and there are studies supporting the use of red and infrared light to improve skin elasticity and boost collagen production. My biggest advantage? Short treatment time, all without leaving the house – and without skipping my evening TV shows. My skin looks healthier, more even, and calmer – like I finally got eight hours of sleep without Red Alert sirens waking me up.

Is it the perfect at-home replacement for a facialist? Maybe not. But as a daily care tool that fits my lifestyle – it pleasantly surprised me and noticeably improved my skin.