Summer’s packed with holidays, festivals, weddings and endless photo opportunities. But this time of year also comes with its beauty challenges. Increased sun exposure, dehydration, humidity and heat can all play havoc with your skin and hair.
Thankfully, today's beauty tech makes it easier than ever to get professional-looking results from home. So whether you're looking for longer-lasting hair removal, a brighter complexion, smoother hair styling or better self-tan results, there’s a tool to help.
Here's a closer look at the beauty gadgets worth trying out this summer.
Best hair removal gadgets for smooth summer skin
IPL hair removal devices are a popular choice if you're looking for long-lasting smoothness that takes you through summer and beyond. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) devices use light pulses to target hair follicles and gradually reduce hair regrowth over time. Models like the Braun Silk-expert Pro have built-in skin tone sensors that automatically adjust the light intensity to suit your skin. Just be sure to carry out a patch test 24 hours before your first session, especially after recent sun exposure, which can increase skin sensitivity.
For quick fixes, epilators are a great option. These remove hair directly from the root using rotating tweezers, so you’ll get smoother skin for up to 4 weeks. If you’ve never epilated before, it can feel a bit uncomfortable the first few times. Using a wet and dry epilator like the Braun Silk-épil 7 SE7-030 in the shower can help, as warm water softens the skin and makes hair removal feel easier.
Facial skincare gadgets for a radiant glow
LED face masks can be a big help after long travel days, late festival nights and plenty of time in the sun. Red light wavelengths stimulate collagen production while blue light targets acne-causing bacteria. And models like the Shark CryoGlow have under-eye cooling to help you feel fresher after late nights. For the full breakdown on how they work and what to look for, our ultimate guide to LED face masks covers everything you need.
Face cleansing brushes are helpful when sunscreen and sweat start building up on your skin. They use gentle sonic vibrations or rotating brush heads to lift away dirt and product build-up. And if you have sensitive skin, the Rio Pure Cleanse Facial Brush has two different speeds so you can opt for a gentler clean.
Facial steamers are really useful when long-haul flights and air conditioning leave skin feeling dry. Steamers release a fine mist of warm steam to help soften the skin and loosen dirt and oil from pores. The HoMedics Nano Facial Steamer uses gentle 43°C mist to open up your pores so your serums and moisturisers can really sink in.
Hair styling tools for frizz-free summer hair
Ionic hair dryers are a great help when summer humidity tries to ruin a good hair day. Stylers like the Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer work by emitting negatively charged ions that break down water molecules faster and seal the hair cuticle as they dry. This means smoother, shinier hair that holds up much better in muggy conditions. If you’re due an upgrade, our hair dryer guide is a solid starting point.
Air stylers are perfect for creating impressive holiday and festival looks. Plus they’re gentler on your hair than traditional styling tools. The Dyson Airwrap uses high-velocity airflow to smooth and shape rather than pressing hot plates against your hair and causing heat damage. By smoothing the hair cuticle, they can also help reduce frizz and flyaways. So, they can be a lifesaver during humid summer weather.
Tanning & body care gadgets for a sun-kissed look
Whether it comes from the sun or a bottle, the best way to ensure an even tan is by prepping your skin. Body exfoliator tools help remove dead skin cells that can make tans look patchy. The JML NuYou Body Brush comes with 4 multi-functional heads so you can cleanse, exfoliate, massage and pamper your skin for a smooth base for your tan.
Massage devices have the added benefit of helping skin look refreshed. Devices like the Therabody Theragun Relief Handheld can help boost circulation, which gives skin a naturally healthier flush before you’ve even applied anything. And it feels pretty relaxing on tight muscles too.
Travel-friendly beauty gadgets for summer holidays
The best travel-friendly tools are lightweight and cordless, so they’re easy to stash in a carry-on or gym bag. Travel hair dryers like the Dreame Pocket Neo Hair Dryer folds down to save bag space. And it comes with an unfrizz nozzle, so you’ll still get smooth, glossy hair even in hotter climates.
Hair wavers are a quick and easy hair styler when you want your hair to look great without spending ages getting ready. The Babyliss Deep Waves Hair Waver heats up in just 30 seconds and has an automatic shut off feature. So you can leave the hotel without worrying about whether you’ve left them on!
Before you pack, it’s worth checking:
Dual voltage compatibility (look for 100–240V on the label)
USB-C charging for cordless devices
A carry case that protects it in transit
Ready to find your summer style?
You don't need a complicated routine or regular salon appointments to look and feel your best this summer. From smoother skin and glowing complexions to frizz-free styling, today's beauty gadgets make it easier to achieve great results at home.
FAQs
What are the best beauty gadgets for glowing skin in summer?
LED face masks, facial cleansing brushes and facial steamers are the three most impactful tools for skin prep. Used consistently, they can help skin look clearer, brighter and more refreshed.
Is IPL hair removal safe to use at home?
Yes, modern IPL devices are designed for safe home use. Built-in skin tone sensors adjust intensity automatically and remove much of the guesswork. Always patch test first and avoid treating recently sun-exposed skin.
How often should I use LED face masks?
Three to four times a week is the general recommendation for most LED masks. Check the guidelines for your specific device as session times vary between models.
Which hair styling tools prevent frizz in humidity?
Ionic hair dryers and air stylers are your best options in humid conditions. Ionic technology seals the hair cuticle during drying, keeping frizz at bay even in warm, damp air.
Are beauty gadgets worth investing in?
For many people, beauty gadgets offer long-term value through convenience, reduced salon visits and the ability to maintain treatments at home whenever needed.
What gadgets are best for travel and holidays?
Travel hair dryers, compact hair wavers and cordless wet/dry shavers. Dual-voltage compatibility and USB charging are the two things to look for when choosing.
Can I get salon-quality results at home?
For many treatments, yes. IPL hair removal, LED light therapy and ionic styling technology have all reached a point where at-home results are comparable to professional maintenance for everyday use.
