Every once in a while, a beauty innovation pops up that makes our lives 10 times easier. You know those "why didn't I think of that?" items that save us money, time and sanity? These latest and greatest beauty breakthroughs do just that.

Whether you're in desperate need of a chip-resistant manicure or a major eyelash boost, these advancements are sure to make us all a little prettier.


1. Gel Manicures
UV gel manicures have been an offering on nail salon menus for years. However, only recently, when big brands like OPI and CND, introduced their versions did the trend start catching on. A mani that goes unchipped for three weeks? We now understand why salons have kept it under wraps.

Gel manis are a brilliant breakthrough. Unlike their old school predecessors that required tons of buffing and filing, the upgraded versions go on like regular polish. It sets under a UV lamp and dries in a snap. It's really chip resistant and, depending on how fast your nails grow out, there's no need to worry about them until your nail beds are significantly visible.

In addition to being low maintenance and easy to apply, if you're in the mood for a little pop, the 3-D or ombre options offer up some pretty cool design choices. You can also keep it simple with a decent range of classic colors. Gel manis are a bit pricier than standard manicure, ranging anywhere from $25 to $60, but totally worth the time and effort. At the salon, be sure to ask for the UV Axxium gel lacquer service instead of the regular UV gel manicures.

2. Lash Extensions
For years, woman have gone to great lengths for long, lush lashes. Some mascara formulas got it right, and others fell short. If you've ever experimented with false lashes, they you'll know that they take a serious level of skill to apply. Thanks to semi-permanent lash extensions, which are individual hairs that are applied to your lash line by a professional, upping your batting average is a breeze.

The lash extensions last anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks and the average price is around $150. To get the look just right, ask for pieces to be applied just on the outer corners of the lash line. This will look the most natural. The extensions will either fall off after a few weeks or can be removed by a professional. 3. Dry Shampooing
Unfortunately, we don't have the luxury of washing out hair every day; the wash-and-go look just doesn't work on everyone, and for most of us, wash and dry sessions take hours. Thanks to some thoughtful minds in the beauty business, dry shampoo has become a secret weapon in keeping strands fresh in between washes. Try the Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo ($10, ulta.com) Remember dousing your body with baby powder in the summertime to keep sweat at bay? Well, dry shampoo has a similar effect, especially for black women, since we usually wash our hair about once a week. The scalp can turn into an oil slick quickly, and if you also tend to sweat a lot, the buildup of gunk beneath our strands can get out of control. Just like baby powder absorbs oil and sweat on our skin, hair powder does the same for the scalp.

Look for ingredients like Soap Bark Tree Extract, Natural Rice and Oat Starches, which cleanse oil buildup the same way a wet wash would (except there's no water required and no drying time). Be sure to read instructions carefully, as some formulas require brushing the shampoo out after massaging into the scalp, while with others you just spray and go. This is only for touch-ups between washes, though; you still need to wash your hair every few days!

4. Brazilian Peels
The Brazilian Peel ($78, sephora.com) is an at-home glycolic treatment that has the same potency as the professional stuff, but without the skin-irritating harsh chemicals. It's made with glycolic acid and acai and is supposed to smooth wrinkles, tighten and brighten skin after four weekly treatments. The chemical-free formula and the significantly leaner price tag is what sets it apart from regular glycolic peels.

It's pretty easy to use: Once a week you'll wash your face as you normally do, apply the solution all the way from your hairline down to the base of your neck and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse it off with cool water and apply a moisturizer with sunscreen. 5. Brazilian Keratin Treatments
There is no question about it, Brazilians have the beauty game on lock. As if the wax and peel weren't enough, the stylist-administered Keratin Treatment may be an alternative to traditional hair relaxers. A Keratin solution is flat-ironed into hair and is not permanent (just in case you want to switch back to your curly roots), and it leaves hair moisturized and glossy for six weeks to three months.

The main difference between a Keratin and a regular relaxer is that Keratin is lye-free and can get really pricey. Depending on the salon you go to, the treatment can range anywhere from $150 to $600. The treatment lasts the longest if you steer clear of shampoos and conditioners with sodium chloride (a.k.a. salt), which break the keratin bonds.

Have you heard of a new beauty trend that we haven't mentioned? Tell us!