The holiday season is here, and it's the perfect time to treat yourself to some incredible tools, gadgets, and gifts that will bring your personal DIY Cosmetics Home Lab to another level! If you are shopping for Black Friday deals or planning your Christmas wishlist, these must-have items will make any DIY Cosmetics formulator happy!
Ready to get inspired by my suggestions, featuring tools I love and gifts that have transformed my wonderlab and skincare routine?
Check out the video and continue reading for all the details and links!
1. A Homogenizer: a dream come true!
If you’re serious about DIY cosmetics and your are looking for something very special to improve your home lab, a homogenizer will make your dreams come true. It ensures your emulsions are silky smooth, more stable and perfectly consistent, giving your creations a professional finish you’ll notice since the beginning. Good for very small quantities as well.
A lot of people assume a homogenizer is an extravagant or overly expensive tool. That’s what I thought, too, until I started researching. While it’s pricier than a hand mixer, it’s surprisingly affordable for what it does. You can find excellent models for under $200 (or around €160 in Europe) on Amazon. Mine is from Vevor (it looks like it's available in Europe only, but you can find very similar ones everywhere).
I received one as a Christmas gift last year, and it was honestly the best present ever! My husband surprised me, knowing how much I love experimenting in my wonderlab, and it completely transformed my formulator experience!
This tool is a dream come true for any homemade formulator looking to bring their hobby to another level. It’s worth every penny and has made creating skincare products even more exciting and rewarding. If it’s not already on your wishlist, add it, you won’t regret it!
2. Bath Bomb Press: Craft Like a Pro
Making bath bombs or solid shampoos? A bath bomb press simplifies the process, producing beautifully consistent results. It’s also a lifesaver if you struggle with strength or need something quick and efficient. My husband gifted me one for my birthday and I adore it. It’s a delightful mix of practicality and creativity. Pair it with cute bath bomb molds for extra flair! I have this one from Amalurnature. You can find some on Amazon as well, but only in Countries like the USA, not everywhere.
3. Smart Pen: Modernize Your Recipe Notebook
Imagine taking notes on paper and instantly syncing them to your phone or computer. This is exactly what a smart pen does! It’s a clever tool for keeping track of your formulations, ideas, and tweaks. With one of these, your DIY cosmetics notebook is always organized and accessible.
I bought one for my husband last Christmas, and he uses it every day for work with so much enthusiasm that I’m planning to add it to my own wishlist this year. It’s perfect for ensuring your DIY cosmetics formulas notebook is always accessible, modernized, and ready to inspire your next creation!
With this referral link you get the 15% discount on Neo Smart Pen. I'm also looking at the Moleskine Smart Writing Set.
4. Foreo Luna 4: Boost DIY Cosmetics Absorption and Enhance Your Skincare
Foreo Luna 4 could be a fantastic addition to your skincare routine, especially when paired with your high-performing DIY cosmetics. Its T-Sonic pulsations promote microcirculation, improve lymphatic drainage, and help your skin absorb products more effectively. My parents gifted me the Luna 4 Mini last Christmas and it has been a game-changer in my routine. The smaller, budget-friendly version is perfect for precise face cleansing and massaging, easily reaching every angle of my face.
This device leaves my skin incredibly smooth, especially around the nose, which used to be a problematic area for me. I love pairing it with my serums and creams, it helps them penetrate better and enhances their effectiveness. I’m so happy about it that this year I added the body version to my wish list!
As a side note, Foreo also offers the Luna 4 Plus, which features red LED light and microcurrent technology. However, I opted for the simpler version for now, as I prefer sticking to less invasive, more natural approaches while I research the newer technologies. Not sure I'm comfortable with those. For eye care, I also use the Foreo Iris, and it’s absolutely fabulous for reducing puffiness and brightening tired eyes! Together, these tools have taken my skincare routine to the next level, complementing my DIY cosmetics beautifully and ensuring they are better absorbed. 
5. Gua Sha: A Natural Beauty Tool
For a natural and relaxing beauty ritual, gua sha is unmatched. This wonderful tool promotes lymphatic drainage, reduces puffiness and firms the skin, offering visible results after just one session. I use mine every morning with a custom face oil I formulated to boost circulation and a toner that enhances the effect (recipes coming soon!).
I’ve tried both rose quartz and stainless steel versions, and while I adore the softer, soothing feel of quartz, I’ve switched to steel. Why? Because I’m clumsy and have already broken three quartz gua sha tools! The steel one is sturdier and does the job perfectly, even though quartz has a softer, gentler touch. If you are not clumsy like me, I suggest you buy the quartz version.
To get the most out of your gua sha, use it consistently. I combine it with my Foreo Luna 4 mini to maximize the benefits of both tools. Together, they’re a powerful duo integrated in my daily skincare routine for smoother, healthier-looking skin.
6. Water Bath Heater: A Budget-Friendly Lab Upgrade
A water bath heater simplifies the process of melting butters, waxes, and emulsifiers. For emulsion-making, having two (one for each phase) is ideal. I used to struggle with kitchen methods, but this tool has been a revelation. Plus, it’s surprisingly affordable, a great upgrade if you're watching your budget.
Mines are from Aroma-Zone and are the cheaper and more user friendly version for a DIY home lab.
7. Precision Digital Scale (0.01 g Sensitivity)
Precision is everything in DIY cosmetics and a 0.01 g digital scale is an absolute must. Don’t rely on kitchen scales or even 0.1 g versions. They aren’t accurate enough for small batches. You must invest in this cheap but extremely useful DIY Cosmetics tool. You can find them for less than 10 dollars!
8. Digital Thermometer
A digital thermometer is a must-have for any DIY cosmetics formulator, especially when making emulsions. It helps you melt ingredients to the perfect point and ensures actives like Ceramides III reach the precise 90°C they need. With this tool, you can achieve accuracy and consistency in every recipe.
9. Mandy Aftel’s Book: Essence and Alchemy
For anyone passionate about botanical DIY perfumes, Mandy Aftel’s Essence and Alchemy is a masterpiece. It’s enchanting, educational, and perfect for both beginners and expert DIY perfumes makers. I adore her unique writing style and find it endlessly inspiring. Check out my full review here, it’s the perfect book to gift or receive!
10. Digital pH Meter: Precision in pH Testing
When working with emulsions or colored formulations like foundation, a digital pH meter is an invaluable addition. Unlike pH strips, it provides precise readings even with colored formulations, ensuring your creations are safe and skin-friendly.
And more…! Stock Up on Supplies During Holiday Sales!
Take advantage of seasonal discounts of your favorites DIY Cosmetics suppliers to restock your ingredients, tools, and packaging supplies. Start by making a wishlist of must-haves and follow my guide here to plan your purchases strategically. Black Friday and Christmas deals are perfect opportunities to save on high-quality essentials for your DIY cosmetics wonderlab!
These tools and gifts have transformed how I create and enjoy skincare. I hope this guide inspires you to craft, experiment, and take your formulations to new heights this holiday season. What’s on your wishlist? Share your comments in my video or on Instagram, I’d love to know!