The matching flat iron has teeny 3/4-inch plates. I have a lot of hair, so using a plate that small just isn't realistic for straightening my entire head, but you shouldn't have an issue if you have thinner or shorter hair. I didn't have high hopes when I realized it didn't have temperature control and had only one setting: 382 degrees Fahrenheit. But it did a solid job, straightening my curls without yanking out any stray hairs as I pulled the plates down. That's a huge problem with even full-size, pricey flat irons. Chi's left my hair shiny—a hard feat for my coarse hair—and it created nice small curls too.

While I wouldn't use this to straighten my whole head, I would definitely use it for touch-ups and for reaching my unruly roots. Sometimes before short trips, I straighten my hair beforehand and just touch it up as the days go on. This would be a perfect companion for that occasion, so I don't have to worry about bad hair days without lugging a full-size straightener with me. I wouldn't need the hair dryer in that situation, but if you need both, the included case will fit into a carry-on or backpack.

There are two other hair tools in the CHI x Barbie collection that we did not try: a triple barrel waver and a larger flat iron in the same swirly pattern as this kit's carrying case. Based on my experience with the tiny flat iron, I'd consider buying the 1.25-inch. That one has a digital display and multi-heat control.

The problem lies with the price. All three of the items in the Barbie lineup are $110. That's about what Chi products typically cost, but it's too expensive given just how small and basic they are. I like them and will continue to use them, but you're definitely paying for the Barbie branding. Sometimes that's enough.