9 best cheap at-home beauty devices & tools TESTED
The Toolbox
Image Credit: Author (2025)
If getting into beauty devices is part of your 2025 "skincare goals" but you're on a budget or would like to start with some more affordable options before splurging on advanced beauty tech, this article is for you. I was inspired to write this post because with the rise of expensive skincare devices for at-home use in recent years, especially since COVID, I wanted to challenge myself to curate affordable tools that give you results without having to sell your left kidney. Keep in mind that all of the tools featured here are by no means meant to replace pricier devices most are much simpler in nature and don't use high-end technology. Rather, they're a way for you to:
a.) take part in the ever growing trend of beauty devices without breaking the bank.
b.) explore if you're the type of person who enjoys using tools regularly in their skincare routine. If you're considering whether or not to invest in a more expensive beauty gadget, especially the gua sha's below can be a great way to test the waters.
Disclaimer: This is an independent blog post that expresses my professional opinion as a Cosmetics Marketer. I was not sponsored or compensated to write this post nor received or accepted any products/PR packages. For SEO purposes, the word 'skincare' is occasionally written as 'skin care'/'skin-care'.
How I curated
Image Credit: Author (2025)
#1 Daily use-approved: The best skin care tools are the ones you use consistently, not once in a blue moon, so I picked items you can easily use every single day.
#2 Travel-proof: You probably already have enough baggage which is why I chose light gadgets that fit in every toiletry kit, even into your uber full carry-on pouch.
#3 Skincare routine fit: Compatible with your already existing skincare routine — no need to purchase any "special serums", or attachments like many expensive skincare devices demand.
#4 Quality over quantity: I wanted most of the items featured here to be with you for a long time so with exception of the silicone massager and nail brush, they're all refillable, reusable, support sustainable beauty habits/niche brands, or minority founders and are made from long-lasting materials.
Beauty Devices: A Rant
As a Cosmetics Marketer (and skincare nerd), I'm equally enraged by yet curious about the world of high-end beauty tech: It concerns me how "clinical studies" and marketing are handled by some (not all!) brands selling facial devices: From studies that aren't conducted independently/transparently, to influencers who do not disclose their "reviews" as #ad or #sponsored, I do wonder how many people might end up purchasing a device with their hard-earned money only to be let down when they don't see any significant changes, because let's be so real: For $400 and up, we probably all expect more than our skin to be "glowy" (the word I read the most while researching for this article lol).
I also have a hard time buying into many brands claiming how their device delivers "professional results" in the form of "at-home treatments". I religiously get professional treatments such as various targeted facials, more intense, as well as low-level laser therapy, or LED light therapy in dedicated skin clinics South Korea is famous for by licensed dermatologists because I have seen the amazing effects they have had for my acne, redness, and texture. These are professional results I have not been able to achieve (yet!) by using "only" skincare or beauty/"medical devices" at home because at-home devices by default (and for safety reasons!) do not have the same strength as in-clinic treatment apparatuses but also because they are administered by, well, a medical professional who has studied my skin concerns and selects the treatment that will give me the best results, something I doubt one self-administered device can do. That's why I'd much rather prefer brands to call these devices for what they are: Interesting additions to an already established skincare routine and a nice option to treat your skin at home for these times when you can't make it to the skin clinic due to money or time reasons.
Image Credit themedicube.co.kr
All that said: Have I thought of getting one myself? Multiple times, yes. You bet I looked at the "Theraface Pro", an all-round device that offers nanocurrent™ and microcurrent technology alongside blue light and red light therapy. I was intrigued when I read it won Allure's Best of Beauty Award last year, yet all this glory still couldn't convince me that its $399 price tag was 100% worth it, especially as I've seen researchers and dermatologists online being torn on the efficacy behind various beauty devices.
I've also had my eye on the "Ziip Halo", another microcurrent device that comes with an app which offers different preprogrammed facials (how cool?!) centered around microcurrent treatments but again, the $399 made me go "umm maybe next time."
And as a K-beauty curator, I've also been guilty of abandoning Medicube's "Booster Pro" device, which has been taking South Korea and the world by storm with glowing reviews by Elle, Harper's Bazaar, and even celebs like Hailey Bieber, in my cart more than once. What intrigued me about this particular gadget was that it promises to tackle various skin concerns including my two main concerns of enlarged pores and elasticity with different beauty tech ranging from electroporation, to microcurrent, EMS, Electics needles, LED and sonic technology. Yet, according to Medicube's many reminder emails that have been piling up in my inbox, the fancy wand-like device that retails for a proud $450 is "still waiting" for me. At the same time: do I think it's a little wild to spend $$$ on gadgets that promise to "increase collagen production", and unlock "unparalleled" skin rejuvenation and your "most radiant complexion ever" with one "cutting-edge" technology? Also yes. You see, it's complicated and I neither plan on demonizing, nor worshipping any of these high-end skin care devices because who knows, maybe I end up falling for one myself once I try them, jury's still out on this. Until then, let's look at some more affordable options that aren't techy but still effective and fun, shall we?
Affordable Beauty Tools
Ring Gua Sha ($35)
Image Credit: Author (2025)
Let's start off with a tool I'm sure you haven't seen in this particular shape yet: A Gua Sha Ring by Korean newcomer beauty brand HAUA. Launched in April of last year, the ring started gaining attention online when Aespa's NingNing showed it off as one of her favorite beauty tools during an interview.
I first saw and immediately fell for its unique design during one of my visits to HEMEKO, Seoul's hip new beauty store that exclusively features Korean indie brands. I highly recommend dropping by when you're in Seoul as the store is not only ✨a vibe✨ but you'll find many skincare and makeup products that are hard to find at Olive Young or online.
Image Credit: Author (2025)
Known for their potential beneficial effects on blood circulation or lymphatic drainage, reduced puffiness, and underlying muscle tension, gua sha is a traditionally Chinese facial massage tool has been used for centuries. I've also seen wild anti-aging claims circulating in relation to gua sha such as "reduces fine lines", "enhances elasticity", or even "fades dark circles" and I don't think I have to tell you that there's only so much a piece of steel or stone can do and it does not include making you look younger, that's what retinoids, Botox, lasers, and procedures are for. BUT: I've seen people online and I also feel that it does help to snatch one's jaw line over time and with dedicated use of the gua sha every day.
HAUA's idea of redesigning the gua sha to make it not only the perfect travel companion but to turn it into a wearable beauty tool that allows you to massage your face (+ neck and upper shoulders!) in a more targeted way makes one's daily skincare routine that much more fun. I've been using gua sha's for a while now and I usually opt for versions that aren't made from stone or clay because:
The surface can have porous openings that potentially trap impurities making it unhygienic especially for people with underlying inflammatory skin conditions such as acne.
In recent years, many cheap gua sha's have made their way onto the market and the issue with those is that the stone or clay those are made of can often be unethically sourced.
So why choose HAUA?
Image Credit: Author (2025)
HAUA convinced me with their carefully hand-crafted design that uses natural ceramic coated in a thick, meticulously applied layer that gives it a smooth finish.
I also felt that the ring design itself allowed me to hold on to the gua sha better especially when using slippery serums and the little crown design on top makes targeting different areas of your face very precise.
I love how HAUA's tip of either placing the ring in the freezer for 5 minutes for a cooling, debloating massage, or in the microwave for 30 seconds for a relaxing, warming massage, something I'll be trying for sure. As with any stone- or clay-made gua shas, it goes without saying that you absolutely should not drop it or use it in case it chipped (which should be a no brainer really).
You can order it from HEMEKO's global store and while it does have a higher price point than other gua shas on the market, it is still a lot more affordable than many high end beauty tools + you're supporting an up-and-coming brand that manufactures in Korea.
Oil-Control Compact ($4-8)
Image Credit: Author (2025)
If you're the skin type that tends to have acne, oily skin, breakouts, or your skin just gets really shiny throughout the day, oil-control paper will be nothing new for you but I'm sure this beauty tool will change your life, it sure blew my mind. Tell me why pulling out a pack of these regular oil-control papers and dabbing your face with them feels so ... humbling? Not only do you unintentionally draw out too many of the thin, tiny sheets but the packaging ends up looking more wrinkled and disgusting day by day. It's not it.
Image Credit: Author (2025)
This product however is: I first found it in the best seller section at Olive Young and it turned a somewhat embarrassing beauty touch up that I would try to hide (lol) into a glam session on the go. The design was inspired by Korean cushion foundations, particularly by the cushion puffs: The square puff has a small sticky surface on the bottom that allows you to easily pick up sheet after sheet. And the best part? You can refill the compact with most regular-sized oil-control papers making it refillable.
What I've always loved about oil-control paper is that it doesn't add more layers of product to your skin which potentially can make you even oilier but rather takes away the excess sebum while maintaining that look of radiant skin. This might just be my individual experience and I'm not sure if there really is a difference in manufacturing these oil-control papers (realistically, there probably isn't) but personally, I've found that some of the Western versions have given me dry skin over time which is something that has not happened to my skin with the Korean or Chinese versions. I wasn't able to find this particular design you see here by Korean brand FilliMilli online but you can purchase a similar version by Korean OG makeup brand Too Cool For School in the Olive Young global store that ships worldwide. There are also a bunch of Chinese brands like this one you can find on YesStyle with similar designs.
Tube Squeezing Tool ($0-6)
Image Credit: Author (2025)
Our beauty routines don't always have to be fancy, sometimes they can be practical and no-nonsense. That's exactly what the next tools is all about: I got this little guy as a freebie when I was looking for a new scented hand cream and ended up buying Round A'Round's matcha one at Olive Young.
It came with a sleek, stainless steel tube squeezing gadget that looks chic and can be applied not only to their hand cream but to any other tubes such as toothpaste to make dispensing every last drop of product easy and non-messy.
Many tube squeezers tend to either have hideous designs or are clunky and heavy but this one is light and fits everywhere so you can even take it with you on your next trip. Especially with skincare and personal care being an inherently wasteful category due of all the packaging and shipping, there really is no good reason not to use this beauty tool to make sure you're using your product well and are wasting less. You can get the exact one I got as a freebie by ordering or Round A'Round's scented hand cream in lilac that comes with the tube squeezer from Olive Young's global store but it is much cheaper when you buy it at an Olive Young store in Korea to be honest. But don't you worry, I came prepared with alternatives! I also like this stainless steel tube squeezer (that name lol💀) from another Korean brand called URBANAND with an equally beautiful and simplistic design that'll only cost you $6.10 and can be found on YesStyle.
Stainless Steel Gua-Sha ($15-25)
Image Credit: Author (2025)
Now to my favorite style of gua sha ever: Stainless steel. Why do I think it's superior to other stone and clay-made gua shas?
Stainless steel has close to no porosity making it more hygienic than higher porosity stone or clay.
Is cooling by nature and amazing if your skin tends to get hot easily. Put it in the fridge before use and just like that, you have a depuffing tool for your eye area as well.
It does not break or chip when you drop it (hello slippery serum butter fingers)
I've had mine and really was serious about its consistent use for years now and the size is perfect to relief facial tension and increase blood flow to your skin and even do some body care by massaging areas that tend to hold a lot of tension like your calves, shoulders, or upper neck. I got mine off Amazon but I'd recommend you support Mount Lai, a minority-owned beauty business founded by holistic aesthetician Stephanie Zheng who was inspired to start the company thanks to her grandmother's lifelong practice of Traditional Chinese beauty rituals.
Wrist Water Catchers ($8-12)
Image Credit: Author (2025)
These little guys don't just look cute but they make your skincare routine less messy: No more water dripping down your arms, into your sleeves, and all over the floor. I found that since I started using them, I spend more time thoroughly cleansing my face because I'm not stressed out by water getting everywhere and my skin certainly has been enjoying these calmer face washing sessions. I got mine as a freebie at Olive Young but you can order similarly fluffy ones from Bath & Unwind. Only one thing to keep in mind: Make sure you wash them regularly at least once a month alongside the rest of your laundry to keep them clean. I’ve also seen these silicone ones floating around the internet and I’m intrigued and might get some because they appear to be even more hygienic (yes, they have them on Temu I know I know but Liquilinks are a small beauty business so supporting them could be a nice thing to do in the new year🥹).
Stainless Steel Tongue Scraper ($5-9)
Image Credit: Author (2025)
A solid beauty routine also includes your oral health so let's step it up in 2025 with the best device to complement your toothbrush, dental floss, and whitening stripes: A stainless steel tongue scraper. And before you think: I'd rather just use my toothbrush and get another lippie instead: Don't😬 Using your toothbrush instead of nothing at all to clean your tongue is of course better than nothing but tongue scrapers with their deep cleansing ability have shown to remove roughly 30% more impurities b (Pedrazzi et al. 2004). Aside from this, tongue scrapers also have a bunch of other beauty and health benefits such as:
Removing excess build-up from your tongue which improves its overall appearance.
Preventing dental and gum decay, cavities, and bad breath.
Reducing bad breath.
Improving your ability to differentiate between different tastes such as bitter, salty, or sweet.
I bought mine at Olive Young (are we surprised?) but this one from The Good Fill looks amazing and very similar in design, too.
Nail Brush ($3-18)
You might be wondering: How did this essential tool even make it into my best skin-care tools? Before you scroll to the next item, hear me out, I've got good reasons, I promise!
I see nail brushes as a form of “double cleansing” for your hands: Ever since I started scrubbing my nails with it before washing my hands and doing my evening and morning skincare routine, I have seen a significant improvement in the frequency of those random, smaller acne breakouts. This might be related to giving less chance for acne-causing bacteria to be fed my the impurities that can accumulate under your nails. Especially if you have extensions or longer natural nails, I strongly recommend getting your hands on this basic tool, you'll see it will make a difference in your overall hygiene regiment. I again got mine at Olive Young and I actually prefer nail brushes made from plastic as I feel the wooden ones have sometimes started to show signs of wear when they've accidentally sat in water that accumulated on my sink but if you'd like to give wood a chance and splurge (just a little!), I love these French nail brushes from Heliotrope, a California-based beauty store.
Image Credit: Author (2025)
Scalp Massager ($3-10)
Image Credit: Author (2025)
You might have seen these little fellows before so maybe this is nothing new for you but allow me to introduce you regardless: I got my scalp massager at one of the many convenience stores in Gangnam for roughly $3 two years ago and I've never looked back since.
Not only doest it increase your scalp's blood circulation and aids overall scalp health when used consistently but it lets you work either hair oil, shampoo or hair serums/essences into the roots more thoroughly. I use it in my weekly haircare routine, as well as when I apply hair serum or shampoo and even give myself a little relaxing massage before going to bed some days.
I have found that ever since I started this dedicated routine, I've gotten visibly better results when it comes to the strength of and the speed at which my hair grows.
My massager is made from silicone and I'd recommend this material especially if you're planning to use is under the shower but in case you're looking for a more sustainable option in terms of material, you might like this stunning wooden one from YesStyle. From my experience, the pointier the spikes, the more intense the scalp massage (and the more effective the removal of dead skin cells but always be gentle of course, the message should never hurt!), so this silicone one from YesStyle that's similar to mine might also be a good and affordable choice.
Image Credit: Author (2025)
Claw Clip ($12-14)
Last but certainly not least, a beauty tool that many of us already have in their collection but in case you don't: Get with the times and treat your hair to a claw clip. A simple beauty tool that fits any hair textures and type, it makes for the perfect addition to your haircare routine: Not only does it help you look put together without having to invest tons of time into a complicated hairstyle but it is gentler on your roots and strands than hair ties or even scrunchies. If you're looking to grow your hair long and strong, or trying heal from color damage, treating it as gently as possible is essential. Getting into the habit of using a claw clip is an important first step because repeated pulling and tugging on your roots or overly tight and slick back styles can make them grow weaker and less resistant in the long run.
I got mine at a small boutique in Seoul run by a mom and daughter duo but Idaho-based jewellery small business Fenna&Fei has an absolutely beautiful collection of sustainable claw clips that are made from acetate, a form of plant-based plastic created by fusing cotton pulp with 100% acetic acid (how interesting?!). They're not only biodegradable, as well as lightweight and durable but at an average price of $12-14 also surprisingly affordable! And if you’re looking for a similar design as mine, these from YesStyle should be what you’re looking for.
Sources
Pedrazzi, V., Sato, S., Da Glória Chiarello De Mattos, M., Lara, E. H. G., & Panzeri, H. (2004). Tongue‐Cleaning methods: A comparative clinical trial employing a toothbrush and a tongue scraper. Journal of Periodontology, 75(7), 1009–1012. https://doi.org/10.1902/jop.2004.75.7.1009
Lisa is a Cosmetics Marketer & Science Writer with 10 years of experience in curating skincare. When she isn’t taking care of Sweet Chemistry’s global brand messaging, she’s researching Korea’ latest launches and Seoul’s places to be for The Skin Special blog.
