Stuff that Works

A product round-up, road-tested and demi-elder™ approved.

None of the below is going to solve any of the world’s considerable problems, but there’s something satisfying about a product that actually does what it says it will do. And hey, sometimes feeling better happens from the inside out, other times it’s from the outside in. 

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Stinky but worth it. 

A girlfriend of mine who I hadn’t seen in over a year just told me that I am Benjamin Button’ing, I look fresher and younger than I did nearly two years ago. I thanked her and said it’s due in large part to this weird product. I spray it on my hands and pat onto my face, neck and decolleté. It smells sulfurous for about sixty seconds, then the scent disappears. My tone and “bounce” are just…different. My skin is smoother and a bit plumper and my complexion is more even. The fine lines and sunspots on my decolleté (evidence of my beach girl days) are softening. 

I used to take glutathione orally for its liver support and detoxification properties, but according to Dana James this is a much more effective delivery mechanism. Health benefits + skincare in one product, I love a multi-tasker. 

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See the light. 

The other element of my skincare routine that I swear by is this not-cheap LED light mask. I initially used it to help me control rosacea breakouts (and it worked well), but once my rosacea ebbed, it ended up abandoned in a drawer. Last year when I started feeling “meh” about what I saw in the mirror, I pulled it out and within a few weeks of consistent use the results started to kick in. It’s three minutes a day, and you need to stick with it otherwise this will be a waste of dough. 

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Like butter. 

Mid-winter, it’s lizard-skin season here in the dry, cold Northeast. This in-shower moisture treatment from a brand you probably haven’t heard of is unlike anything I’ve ever used. You slather it on in the shower, do a quick rinse and then pat dry. It leaves my skin silky and smooth. I feel like I’ve been wrapped in a cocoon of moisture. Just don’t put it on your feet or you could end up Scooby-Doo’ing in the shower. 

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Buh-bye dark under-eye circles. 

I have thin skin under my eyes so I regularly sport aubergine semi-circles regardless of how much sleep I get. It’s hereditary; I even looked tired in my first grade class photo. Eye creams don’t help, regardless of whatever claims they make. Other than concealer, this is the single most effective product I’ve come across to brighten up my under-eye area. Like an espresso for my face. No hydration, though so layer your eye cream on top.

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Prime time. 

I’m no good at makeup. It’s just not my thing. But I tried this clear, magic-water prep and wow. When I do wear makeup, this goes underneath and everything stays put. I look fresher for longer, which is sort of the whole point of makeup, I guess. I prefer the pump vs. the spray for added accuracy. 

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At bat. 

A lash extension addiction can be hard to break. I discovered this lash primer via Jimena Garcia and broke the cycle. Layer it under your go-to mascara (here’s mine) for feathery, long lashes that last all day, no smudging. I still occasionally get asked where I get my lashes done. I’ve turned so many friends on to this star product and they all thank me. 

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Morning person. 

Waking up isn’t my forté. I need a beat (and a big matcha) in order to embrace the day. These help. I’ve tried all the expensive eye masks on the market and none of them are any better than these cheap-and-cheerful blue babies. They’re refreshing and feel like a little luxury, a nice way to ease on into the morning. I stumbled across them online and keep reordering because I get a bit peevish when I run out. 

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Habit forming white powder?

Whether you have textured, curly hair or a blow-dry addiction, or both, the need for dry shampoo is real. I try to limit aerosols (for all the reasons), and was curious about this product. It works quickly without any gummy residue, the scent is light and lovely, and because of the brush applicator you have more control over where you’re applying it. Not exactly a travel-friendly situation, but this is the best dry shampoo I’ve come across. 

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As a demi-elder™, I’m sharing what I think is worth investing your highly valuable time and money in. Let me know if you have any questions and if you have any all-star products to share, please drop them into the comments below. As always, thanks for reading.

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