Whether it's a laser or a lip gloss, it seems like you can buy any beauty treatment off a shelf these days. While the DIY options are convenient and budget-friendly, there are some beauty rituals better left to the pros. Our experts on speed dial weighed in on the convenience and safety of the top beauty treatments to determine when to get gorgeous at home and when to make the investment in seeing a professional:
Facial: Do It Yourself. At-home facials can be just as therapeutic as most spa treatments with the right mask and environment. On a budget? Use common ingredients right in your own home, like lemon, sugar, honey, avocado and cucumbers. Pinterest features many DIY facial recipes tailored to all skin types. So improvise your own spa and create the full experience right at home.
Waxing: Professional. At-home waxing is one treatment we definitely recommend leaving to the pros! DIY waxing tends to leave unwanted stray hairs, and commonly causes burns and ingrown hairs. Try out the pro's at Uni K Wax Centers. They have their own unique proprietary all-natural elastic wax and provide a clean, fast, and painless waxing experience.
Teeth Whitening: Do It Yourself. At-home toothpastes, strips, gels and trays can get teeth almost as white as a professional treatment. Try an over-the-counter whitener like Supersmile Ultimate Whitening System. It's a fave among celebs too, just as Kristen Bell.
Sunless Tanning: Professional. Visiting a professional is essential to obtaining absolute even color, not to mention it will last longer than one applied at home! Professionals can even add definition to your abs or arms by darkening certain areas, if desired. Try scheduling your appointment at least 24 hours in advance, to allow ample time for the spray to dry before showering and to avoid rubbing off on your clothes.
Manicure: Do It Yourself. $15-$50 salon manicures can add up over the course of a year - and that's not even including tips! When it comes to a quick polish change we definitely recommend DIY to save a few bucks. A neat trick to avoid staining the skin around the nail is to apply a cuticle oil or cream like Sebamed Hand & Nail Balm before and after removing old nail polish. This drugstore gem will keep hands hydrated while keeping hangnails, cuticles and breakage in check, allowing for less frequent manicures.