Best body lotion for dry skin

CeraVe Moisturizing Face & Body Cream

What is it? If you struggle with dry skin, this all-over moisturizing cream from CeraVe contains hyaluronic acid to provide all-day hydration and contains three ceramides to restore your skin barrier t. Plus, it’s gentle, hypoallergenic, and good for all skin types — it’s even been accepted by the National Eczema Association.

Why experts love it: Recommended by three different dermatologists, this product is a clear expert favorite. “You can’t go wrong here,” says Dr. William Shipman, a board-certified dermatologist based in Pasadena. “It’s packed with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and is fragrance-free—perfect for sensitive or eczema-prone skin, especially in dry climates.” Dr. Robyn Gmyre, board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm, points out that it’s “lightweight, non-greasy” and includes “MVE (multivesicular emulsion) technology, a patented delivery system used in CeraVe products, that releases moisturizing ingredients gradually over time to ensures a steady release of moisture, making it an excellent daily choice for dry skin, providing hydration up to 24 hours.”

Best body serum

Nécessaire The Body Serum

What is it? This hydrating serum from Nécessaire provides a powerful blend of 0.5 percent Hyaluronic Acid with glycerin and niacinamide. It absorbs fast into the skin and is free of silicones, phthalates, parabens, and PEGs.  Reviewers describe it as having “the perfect consistency” and says it leaves their skin soft and smooth.

Why experts love it: “Nécessaire The Body Serum can help address dry skin and is suited well for anyone with sensitive skin,” says Dr. Corey L. Hartman, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama. “The formula combines hyaluronic acid, ceramides and niacinamide for a more hydrated, brighter appearance.” Dr. Gmyre describes this product as “excellent for restoring moisture, strengthening the skin barrier, and calming inflammation,” and Dr. David Johnson, board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of RedliteX, says it “leaves skin silky and looking even.”

Best body exfoliator

KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub

What is it? The KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub can help smooth out dry, rough bumps from keratosis pilaris (KP) and other tough skin patches while opening up and and exfoliating your pores. It’s formulated with pumice, glycolic and lactic acids, and bisabolol, a soothing, hydrating, anti-inflammatory ingredient.

Why experts love it: This powerful body scrub and exfoliator “combines glycolic acid with pumice for dual chemical and physical exfoliation,” says Dr. Shipman, who says this product is “effective without being overly harsh.” It “exfoliates and scrubs concurrently,” adds Dr. Johnson, making it “good to use on bumps and patches of dry skin.”

Best moisturizer for mature skin

Alastin Restorative Skin Complex

What is it? Alastin’s Restorative Skin Complex is filled with peptides to nourish mature skin. It’s formulated to address fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin

texture, tone, and elasticity — everything you need from a good moisturizer. It also helps protect skin from future damage with antioxidants. Another standout quality: the patented TriHex Technology, which helps your skin produce new elastin and collagen.

Why experts love it: Dr. Serena Mraz, board-certified dermatologist at Solano Dermatology and Associates, recommends this moisturizer because of its powerful ingredients. “Mature skin should look for potent peptide products such as Alastin Restorative Skin Complex,” she explains.

Best night cream

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 242

What is it? This SkinCeuticals moisturizing cream is all about replenishing your skin with lipids, Vitamin E for cell repair, and essential oils containing antioxidants. The results? Skin that looks fuller, smoother, and more even and radiant as you age.

Why experts love it: Dermatologists across the board recognized this cream as a standout. Dr. Shipman called it “a splurge, but a favorite in dermatology. It replenishes essential skin lipids and smooths texture overnight.” Dr. Johnson noted that it “nourishes the skin lipids that are lost with time” and “strengthens skin and makes it smoother,” while Dr. Gmyre pointed out the high-quality ingredients: “2% pure ceramides 1 & 3, 4% natural cholesterol, 2% fatty acids, essential oils, and vitamin E restores essential lipids to the skin (very important for mature skin),” she says. “It provides intense moisture without feeling heavy.”

Best sheet mask for mature skin

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin™ Skin Barrier Moisturizing Face Mask 5 Pack

What is it? This moisturizing sheet mask contains ceramide and panthenol to soothe dry, tight skin while boosting your skin’s barrier, along with glycerin to lock in moisture. One 15 to 20 minute session with a Dr. Jart+ mask helps skin feel softer and healthier, and shoppers describe it as “very hydrating,” even for extra-dry and damaged skin.

Why experts love it: Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin mask is “rich in ceramides and super hydrating,” Dr. Shipman says, noting that it’s “perfect for soothing post-procedure or dry, mature skin.” Dr. Johnson highlighted that the mask contains “peptides that firm and lift the skin” for a natural, glowing look.

Best red light face mask

CurrentBody LED Light Therapy
Face Mask: Series 2

What is it? This customer-favorite red light therapy face mask from CurrentBody works to boost collagen production in the skin. The result: reduced wrinkles and plumper skin overall. This mask in particular is made of flexible silicone for additional comfort and a better fit, and includes a chin strap to cover a larger area of skin. The brand recommends using it three to five times a week for four weeks to see visible results.

Why experts love it: Recommended by three different dermatologists, the CurrentBody LED Light Therapy Face Mask was a clear frontrunner in this category. “Clinically tested, FDA-cleared, and backed by studies—it’s one of the few at-home red light devices I actually recommend,” Dr. Shipman said.

Best vitamin C serum

La Roche-Posay 10% Pure
Vitamin C Serum

What is it? For brightness and wrinkle reduction, this vitamin C serum from LaRoche-Posay is an excellent choice. It feels fresh (not greasy) going on and absorbs quickly to help your face feel soft and hydrated. The combination of Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and salicylic acid just can’t be beat.

Why experts love it: “La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Serum is an effective drugstore Vitamin C Serum that can be used daily,” Dr. Hartman says. “The formula combines vitamin C with salicylic acid, making it ideal for acne-prone or oily skin as it will help unclog pores and brighten skin.” Dr. Shipman adds that this serum has a “great texture” and is “well-tolerated even by sensitive skin.”

Best face sunscreen

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum
SPF 46 Facial Sunscreen 1.7 oz

What is it? This lightweight face sunscreen is a favorite of both shoppers and dermatologists. It absorbs fast with no greasy residue left behind, making it easy to apply makeup on top if you choose. Plus, this sunscreen includes moisturizing ingredients like sodium hyaluronate to hydrate your skin while you protect it.

Why experts love it: This sunscreen is “a cult favorite for good reason,” Dr. Shipman says. “Lightweight, mineral-based, and packed with niacinamide — ideal for acne-prone or sensitive skin.” Dr. Gmyre describes it as her “go-to for everyday… feels like you are not even wearing sunscreen.” (She does note that this sunscreen isn’t waterproof, “so I do not recommend it for beach days.”)

Best lipstick for mature skin

Chanel Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lipstick

What is it? Chanel’s Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lipstick comes in 24 shades, each one as flattering — and hydrating — as the next. Featuring a blend of mimosa, jojoba, and sunflower waxes to seal in moisture, this lipstick is especially great for those with mature skin looking for some extra plump.

Why experts love it: “For a high-end pout, I love the Chanel Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Color,” says celebrity makeup artist Gregory Arlt. “It’s an iconic formula and has an opaque coverage that is non-drying.” This lipstick also got a vote from Dr. Ava Shamban, a board-certified dermatologist in Beverly Hills, who says it features “great texture and creamy emollient formulation help

Best lip balm for dry lips

LaRoche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Lip Balm

What is it? Those of us who struggle with dry lips know it’s not easy to find a balm that provides truly lasting hydration, but La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast Lips Hydration Restore Lip Balm does the trick. Formulated with a soothing combination of thermal water, panthenol, and shea butter, it’s designed to soften your chapped lips without leaving a greasy residue behind. As a bonus, shoppers say it also works great as a lipstick primer.

Why experts love it: “This is a deeply reparative lip balm I often recommend to patients with very dry or sensitive lips,” says Dr. Shereen Teymour, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “It’s powered by vitamin B5 and shea butter to soothe, protect, and restore the skin barrier. It’s also fragrance-free, making it ideal for sensitive, compromised lips.”

Best SPF lip balm

SuperGoop Play Lip Balm

What is it? Supergoop!’s SPF products are always crowd pleasers, so we’re not surprised that multiple experts recommended the brand’s Play SPF 30 lip balm. Infused with shea butter to hydrate, honey to nourish, and sunflower seed oil to help retain moisture, this lip balm heals your lips while protecting them from UV damage.

Why experts love it: “You can’t beat Supergoop! Play SPF 30, which is the bomb of balms,” Dr. Shamban says. “It is super moisturizing and emollient, including safflower, sunflower, and sesame oils along with shea butter.” It also contains that “magic number of  SPF 30—literally just what the doctor ordered,” she says. It’s one of Arlt’s favorites as well, “for the texture and the SPF 30.”

Best cream eyeshadow

Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Eye Shadow Stick

What is it? This incredibly creamy eyeshadow feels smooth and soothing on the skin without leaving a dry finish behind — and it never creases, even after all-day wear. It’s also waterproof and comes in 25 different shades, ranging from matte to shimmer options.

Why experts love it: Multiple beauty veterans recommended this product, including makeup artist Maria Jones at CoverClap. “I always recommend the Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick as one of my top cream eyeshadows,” she explains. “It glides on easily, doesn’t tug on the extremely thin eyelid skin, and hardens without creasing” — great for aging lids, “which often have more texture.”

Best liquid eyeliner

Trish McEvoy Intense Gel Eyeliner

What is it? It may look like a classic pencil liner, but this eyeliner from Trish McEvoy actually offers a gel formula and finish that slides on so easily — and stays put once it’s there (but comes off with a few swipes makeup remover when you’re done for the day). It’s waterproof, crease-proof, and comes in a few choice colors for any occasion, from black and brown to violet and emerald green.

Why experts love it: Shanna Bynes Bradford, a master aromatherapist chemist and licensed medical aesthetician educator with over 26 years of experience, calls this product “a must-have for your makeup bag. This gel liner offers rich colors and is also waterproof that stays on until it’s time to remove your eye makeup, no creasing or fading throughout the day.”

Best eyelash growth serum

Dr. Perricone MD, No Makeup
Lash Treatment & Mascara

What is it? Who doesn’t love efficiency? This two-for-one serum is both a lash treatment and a mascara, designed to nourish and condition your lashes as it volumizes. The formula contains standout ingredients like biotin (aka vitamin B7), which may help prevent hair loss, and avocado oil stimulate blood flow to your hair follicles and encourage growth.

Why experts love it: “This flexible duo treatment provides treatment and mascara application in one product,” Bradford says. “It has an amazing brush that creates the appearance of more lifted, fuller, longer lashes and a hue of black or brown mascara selection.”

Best eyebrow growth serum

Vegamour GRO Brow Serum

What is it? Brow thinning can happen during midlife and menopause, but Vegamour’s GROW Brow Serum can help. This bestselling product contains active phytomolecules along with zinc and biotin to help your hair follicules stay healthy and promote growth. The brand recommends applying the serum twice a day for the first two months, and says you may see results in as soon as four weeks — though some shoppers report new growth within just two.

Why experts love it: “Vegamour GRO Brow Serum is a clean, plant-based option that’s gentle but effective,” says Jones. She also points out that it “hydrates the skin under the brows, which helps promote a healthier environment for hair growth.”

Best tinted moisturizer

Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

What is it? Ilia’s bestselling skin tint serves as makeup, moisturizer, and sunscreen all in one standout product. With hyaluronic acid for deep hydration, squalane to maintain moisture, and niacinamide to even out skin tone, you get everything you need with just a few drops. It slides on like a serum as well, blending easily for even coverage.

Why experts love it: “I absolutely adore ILIA’s Super Serum Skin Tint,” says makeup artist Michelle Quaranta, “because it seamlessly combines skincare and makeup. It hydrates beautifully, leaves a radiant finish, and feels incredibly lightweight. It’s my go-to for effortless, natural-looking skin.” Makeup artist Victoria DiPietro also recommends this tint, calling it a “cult-favorite” that “offers lightweight, dewy finish with sheer coverage, making it perfect for a natural look.”

Best liquid highlighter

Saie Glowy Super Gel Lightweight
Dewy Highlighter

What is it? For a dewy, subtle glow, Saie’s Glowy Super Gel Highlighter is our expert-approved choice. Coming in four radiant shades, it’s versatile enough to be worn on its own or mixed into skincare or other makeup. That’s thanks to this product’s gel texture, which helps it absorb easily into your skin. The ingredient list is a standout too, featuring glycerin, squalane, and rosehip seed oil for hydration.

Why experts love it: Quaranta describes this highlighter as “simply perfection,” delivering “a luminous, natural glow without glitter or heavy shimmer and is ideal for all skin tones and textures.” DiPietro calls out its “lightweight, clean” qualities and said the ingredients, like glycerin and aloe vera, make it “suitable for all skin types.”

Best cream bronzer

Ilia Sunshift Cream Bronzer

What is it? Ilia’s Sunshift Cream Bronzer provides that instant brightness and classic sun-kissed glow along with a creamy finish that’s perfect for mature skin. This bronzer contains ingredients like squalane, to seal in moisture, along with green tea and microalgae to nourish and protect your skin from harmful pollutants. The easy-blending formula comes in four shades and is designed to last up to 12 hours.

Why experts love it: “I always tell my clients that you look younger and healthier with the glow of the golden hour and that’s what this does,” says celebrity makeup artist Michele Probst of Worth Beauty Company, who adds that this bronzer is “It’s not only gorgeous on you, it’s vegan and cruelty free.”

Best cream blush

Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take Creme & Powder Blush Duo

What is it? This cream blush and powder pack from Patrick Ta is designed to hydrate your skin while providing an even, luminous finish. The emollient cream is what helps the blush blend into your skin while keeping it dewy and moisturized, so the powder doesn’t crease or migrate. Pro tip: Patrick Ta himself recommends applying the powder and then the cream, which allows the pigments to blend for a long-lasting, natural glow.

Why experts love it: This blush duo is “a top favorite within the pro makeup artist community,” glam makeup artist Caitlyn Dominic says. “You get both cream and powder in one product, and… [i]t comes in 15 absolutely beautiful shades.” She also highlights how long-lasting this blush combo is, both on the face and over time; both cream and powder are “very pigmented,” she notes, “so a little goes a long way.”

Best mood-boosting fragrance

Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Bergamote Calabria Eau de Toilette

What is it? When it comes to uplifting fragrances, bergamot is one scent note to keep an eye on. This essential oil has been found to improve positive feelings, mood, and wakefulness, which is why a few spritzes of Guerlain’s Aqua Allegoria Bergamote Calabria Eau de Toilette might just turn your next bad day around. This fruity, floral scent counts bergamot zest and link pepper among its top notes, along with cardamom and ginger in the middle and white musks and vanilla amber as a base, and it comes in a gorgeous honeycomb bottle that looks as luxe as the fragrance smells. 

Why experts love it: “Ginger and bergamot are my two mood-boosting notes,” says fragrance expert Kudzi Chikumbu. He loves this fragrance because “[t]t has citrus and ginger but dries down to almost like a skin-like musk with warmth to it — feels like the perfect warm spring day.”

best hair growth tool

Goldie Locks Micro-Needle Derma Roller Kit

What is it? With so much innovation in the hair growth space, experts still love affordable tools like this Micro-Needle Derma Roller Kit from Goldie Locks. Gently rolling this small tool (featuring 0.25 mm-length needles) along your scalp twice a week can help increase blood circulation to your scalp, which can also boost collagen production and encourage hair growth. Shoppers report that the roller delivers real results, particularly when paired with the brand’s scalp serum.

Why experts love it: “Using this at home can be a great part of your evening routine one or two days a week,” says Jennifer Donovan, owner of Le Shag salon in Kingston, NY, which has a dedicated program for hair restoration. “Just be sure to thoroughly sterilize your derma roller after each session to prevent infections and keep your scalp safe,” adds Rogerio Cavalcante, Master Stylist and colorist and owner of The Second Floor Salon in New York City.

Best serum for thinning hair

Davines NaturalTech Energizing
Season Superactive Treatment

What is it? This serum from Davines is specially formulated to address hair loss from stress, hormones, or seasonal changes. It’s packed with ingredients to improve your scalp health, like a microbiotic booster to strengthen your scalp’s skin barrier and reduce itchiness and discomfort, as well as an exclusive Hair Energy Complex and Agastache Mexicana Extract to protect against hair loss. Shoppers reported hair regrowth with consistent use and praised its texture, which “isn’t oily like a lot of growth serums.”

Why experts love it: “It’s wonderful,” says Kasha Ferran, who owns Swank Hair Salon in New York City and works with many clients with concerns about thinning hair, of this standout serum.

Best shampoo for thinning hair

Davines NaturalTech Energizing Shampoo

What is it? Davines also offers a high-quality shampoo to prevent hair loss, featuring its Hair Energy Complex. The energizing shampoo gently cleanses and moisturizes the hair while reinvigorating the scalp to encourage growth. It’s also designed to strengthen weak hair and protect from breakage so hair grows in long, strong, and healthy.

Why experts love it: Multiple stylists raved about Davines products for thinning hair, with Ferran noting that she uses the Davines line and pointing to this product as being “specific for hair loss.” Donovan adds that “Davines offers gentle, clean formulations.”

Best conditioner for thinning hair

Joico Joifull Volumizing Conditioner

What is it? If you’re looking to nourish and give a big boost to thin hair, Joico Joifull Volumizing Conditioner is our choice. It contains volumizing ingredients like bamboo extract, rice protein to strengthen and thicken your hair, and lotus flower for elasticity and overall appearance — all coming together to detangle, amplify, and revitalize thin strands. Shoppers say it helps their hair feel “fuller” and gives it a silky, volumized appearance without any frizz.

Why experts love it: “I like this conditioner for thin hair that needs a boost in volume,” says Ellery Kania, a hair stylist in Pittsburgh, PA, who works with many women over 40. She describes it as a “very lightweight” formulation that “does not leave the hair feeling greasy or weighed down. It has ingredients such as rice protein and bamboo extract, which both aid in thickening hair strands and boosting volume.”

Best conditioner for gray hair

OLAPLEX N5P

What is it? This vegan purple conditioner from Olaplex helps to tone and brighten gray hair, and strengthens strands thanks to Olaplex’s patented Bond Building Technology. A healthy dose of shea butter helps to hydrate and detangle hair as well. The result: Gray hair that looks healthier, shinier, and less brassy after use, so much so that one shopper texted her hairdresser to delay her next highlight appointment. (Note: some shoppers recommend using a small amount, as this product’s purple color can be intense.)

Why experts love it: “This hydrates and brightens gray hair, leaving it feeling soft and luxurious,” says Ashley Person, a hair stylist in New York City.

Best root cover-up

L’Oréal Magic Root Cover Up

What is it? Roots grow in faster than we can book coloring appointments, but that’s why products like L’Oréal’s Magic Root Cover Up exist. With eight different shades to choose from, just a couple spritzes onto your new growth will cover up any grays. It also works on all hair types and textures.

Why experts love it: Recommended by three stylists, this root cover up is a clear winner when it comes to touch-ups. “It’s a reliable, easy-to-use option,” Cavalcante says. “It’s quick-drying, comes in a range of shades, and is great for clients in between color appointments.” Kania says many of her clients use this product in between color appointments “to feel more comfortable and confident while their roots are growing in.”

Best non-damaging hot tool

Dyson Airwrap ID Multi-Styler and Dryer

What is it? Another repeat winner, the Dyson Airwrap stays well-loved for a reason. This one-of-a-kind tool uses high-speed air to attract and wrap hair in both directions, shaping the kind of effortlessly smooth curls you’re used to getting with a professional blowout. It manages to dry, curl, and smooth your hair without using the kind of high heat that causes damage.

Why experts love it: Recommended by multiple experts, “this tool is perfect if you don’t have time to go to the salon but want a salon-like blowout,” Person says. “It’s designed to adapt heat, airflow, and timing to your hair type so you will have less heat damage. It’s a little pricey but definitely worth it!”

Best silk pillowcases for healthy hair

Blissy Pillowcase

What is it? If you haven’t heard, silk pillowcases can make a world of difference when it comes to minimizing hair damage and frizz. (They’re better for your skin, too.) This luxurious, award-winning pillowcase from Blissy helps reduce friction and irritation, cools you down, and ensures your hair looks smooth and healthy come morning. Bonus: It’s machine washable, too.

Why experts love it: “This pillowcase is amazing. It’s hypoallergenic, bug resistant and is 100% pure Mulberry silk that can be machine washed,” Person says. “Sleeping on it helps reduce frizz and hair breakage.”

Best cooling bedding

Slumber Cloud Performance Sheet Set

What is it? For sheets that keep you cool through hot flashes and night sweats, Slumber Cloud’s Performance Sheet Set has you covered. The brand combines Outlast viscose fibers (as developed by NASA) with moisture-wicking TENCEL to create sheets that are ultra-breathable, moisture-wicking, and silky soft.

Why experts love it: “These sheets use NASA-developed Outlast technology to absorb excess heat and release it when your body cools down, making them ideal for managing night sweats,” says Ali McGowan, a registered dietitian specializing in women’s health and hormonal changes. Board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Nicole Sparks also recommends this sheet set, noting that it “uses breathable fabrics to draw sweat away from the body, helping to alleviate night sweats and improve the quality of sleep.”

Best cooling pajamas

Cool Nights Pajamas

What is it? Sleeping in cooling pajamas, like this short sleeved option from Soma’s Cool Nights collection, can help you deal with discomfort during night sweats. This set is made with rayon fibers designed to stay cool and never stick to your body, no matter how sweaty you might feel. They’re also lightweight, soft, and offer tons of fun prints.

Why experts love it: “The Cool Nights fabric feels like heaven when your hormones turn up the heat,” says menopause expert Davida Elizabeth, founder of We The Aunties. Dr. Sparks also recommended this brand, noting that “they wick away moisture from the body and help to keep you cool and provide a more restful sleep.”

Best cooling Pillow

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Breeze Pro Pillow

What is it? The TEMPUR-Breeze Pro Pillow from Tempur-Pedic features multiple layers of cooling technology to keep your hot flashes at bay — or at least manageable. That includes a cooling SmartClimate Cover (which is removable and washable) along with the brand’s patented Breeze technology to pull excess heat away from your body, and under all that, a supportive core to keep you comfortable throughout the night.

Why experts love it: This pillow is a good choice for menopause because it “can provide a consistent temperature while you are sleeping and minimize night sweats and the amount of times you wake up from sleep,” Dr. Sparks says.

Best cooling Gadget

Embr Wave 2

What is it? This isn’t your usual smart wearable. The Embr Wave 2 provides cooling (or warming) power to your inner wrist at the touch of a button, and has been clinically proven to provide relief for hot flashes and night sweats, as well as helping relieve stress and promote better sleep. It’s non-invasive, long-lasting (over nine hours of battery life), and more subtle than carrying around a cooling fan; just use the free app to select from six temperature modes and over 30 thermal sessions you can personalize for your needs.

Why experts love it: “​​Designed by MIT scientists, this wearable gives you instant cooling relief at the wrist,” Davida Elizabeth says, noting that it’s “ideal for discreet hot flash management” and is “frequently recommended in menopause research studies.”

Best Lube for menopause

pjur Med SENSITIVE

What is it? Anything that goes near your vaginal area should be thoroughly vetted, and that’s especially the case when you’re dealing with menopausal symptoms like dryness and sensitivity, which can prove disruptive to your sex life. To help, we recommend Pjur Med Sensitive Glide, a water-based lubricant that’s free of glycerine, parabens, and preservatives. It’s formulated for extra-sensitive skin to ease that uncomfortable vaginal dryness during intimate moments without any questionable ingredients that can cause infections or sensitivity.

Why experts love it: “If you or your partner have sensitivity issues, we really love this addition to the Pjur line,” says Angie Rowntree, founder and director of the ethical porn site Sssh.com. “Pjur Med Sensitive Glide is a water-based formula free of glycerin, parabens, and preservatives, so you can use it for intimate fun or just your general comfort.”

Best meditation app

Let’s Meditate

What is it? It’s a crowded market when it comes to meditation apps, but Let’s Meditate stands out by keeping it simple. It offers a wide yet curated range of focuses and topics, from anxiety to healing to sleep, with tracks that last anywhere from five to 40 minutes. It also is entirely donation-based, meaning that you’re not required to subscribe and aren’t bombarded by ads mid-meditation — just download the app, get comfortable, and start finding your calm.

Why experts love it: “For first-time users, this is a standout,” says therapist and author Laurie Singer, highlighting the app’s no-cost approach and wide variety of track topics and lengths. “There are countless meditation apps on the market and there is no one size fits all option,” she says, “… but Let’s Meditate ticks the boxes of what a good meditation app should be.”

Best brain health device

Apollo Neuro

What is it? Apollo Neuro is a vagus nerve stimulation device that offers stress relief, aid with sleep, better focus, and an energy boost when you need it — all through the power of vibrations. The wristband can be worn on your inner ankle, the inside of your wrist, or clipped to your chest, and you control the modes and intensity of vibration through a simple app. It’s one of those easy (if expensive) mental health solutions that can make a real difference in your day-to-day, whether you’re struggling with sleep, stress, or finding calm.

Why experts love it: For women in midlife, one of the tools psychotherapist Zuania Capó often recommends is a vagus nerve stimulator like Apollo Neuro. “These tools support autonomic regulation, improve sleep, and reduce stress, all of which are heightened and taxed during hormonal transition,” she explains.

Best product for calm in anxious moments

The Five Minute Journal by Intelligent Change

What is it? Journaling is a powerful tool for mental health, and this science-backed Five Minute Journal makes it simple. Each day, you’ll write short answers to prompts like “What would make today great?” and “What did I learn today?” while sharing daily affirmations and gratitudes, all of which can help you reflect and ground yourself during moments of anxiety.

Why experts love it: “Many people believe that journaling needs to take hours to be effective, but sometimes all you need is five minutes,” says therapist, author, and mental health educator Minaa B. “This journal features prompts and serves as a great tool for helping people manage their anxious thoughts, stay grounded in the present, and engage in cognitive refocusing by reflecting on the here and now.

Best slippers with arch support

Vionic Relax II Slippers

What is it? While you might prefer walking around barefoot at home, the hard, non-cushioned surfaces we typically live on aren’t the best for your feet. Opting for a supportive slipper like Vionic’s Relax II Slippers is a way to feel cozy and relaxed while still protecting the health of your feet. These comfortable slippers feature a padded, contoured footbed to absorb shock and provide support, along with a durable outsole designed for both indoor and outdoor use.

Why experts love it: “I keep rebuying these staple Vionic slippers,” says podiatrist Dr. Priya Parthasarathy. “They are supportive but plush. I prefer an open design to let my feet breathe, but they offer a closed option as well.”

Best insoles

Dr. Scholl’s 24-Hour Energy
Multipurpose Insoles

What is it? Dr. Scholl’s insoles have stood the test of time, and for good reason. The brand’s 24-Hour Energy Multipurpose Insoles contain patented Boosting Beads technology layered alongside gel and memory sole to give your feet optimal support and bounce. They’re approved to provide comfort and fatigue in any shoe and for any activity, whether you’re walking, running, exercising, or running errands.

Why experts love it: These insoles “contain flexible gel, memory foam, and energy boosting beads that provide energy return with each step,” says foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Brad Schaeffer. “They’re specially designed for people who want to move more, and clinically proven to provide long-lasting comfort and reduce fatigue.”

Best recovery tool

TheraGun Elite

What is it? The TheraGun Elite is a well-known tool for athletic recovery, but did you know you can use it on your feet? Starting on a low setting and running the device gently along your arch can relieve tension, help with circulation, and ease your foot muscles into recovery mode when they’re sore.

Why experts love it: “The TheraGun Elite is a percussive therapy device that helps relieve muscle soreness and tension in the feet,” says podiatrist Dr. Suzanne Fuchs. “Its adjustable speed settings allow for customized treatment, enhancing recovery and promoting blood flow, which is especially beneficial after prolonged activity.”

Best weighted vest

Amstaff Fitness Weighted Vest

What is it? Midlife women naturally begin to lose muscle mass as they age, putting them at risk for injuries, mobility limitations, and health issues like heart disease. Whether you’re walking or holding a plank, wearing a weighted vest during workouts is a great way to add resistance without investing in bulky equipment, and this weighted vest from Amstaff Fitness is our experts’ choice. It comes in seven different weight options and is easily adjustable with chest straps to keep you comfortable.

Why experts love it: “Studies suggest that wearing a weighted vest can help prevent bone loss and enhance overall bone health, making it a valuable tool for those aiming to maintain fitness and vitality as [we] age,” says Julie Powers, a certified perimenopause and menopause fitness coach. She recommends the weighted vest from Amstaff Fitness because it “fits the female physique better than others on the market.”

Best virtual workout

Nike Run Club

What is it? With so many virtual and app-based workouts available, the Nike Run Club still comes out on top in this category. That’s because it provides ready-made workouts, training plans for everything from 5Ks to marathons, access to expert running coaches, and a connection to a community, along with all the stat-tracking you could want. Whether you’re a regular runner, are getting back into it, or have never so much as laced up, this app is for you.

Why experts love it: “This app can help you track your runs, provide guided workouts, and find Local Nike run clubs near you gaining community along your fitness journey,” says Holly Roser, a certified personal trainer and sports nutritionist. “You’ll receive workout plans for a 5K or a half marathon to help you systematically reach your running goals.”

Best supportive leggings

Fanka Body Sculpt Recovery Leggings

What is it? Fanka’s compression leggings use 3D sculpting printing to provide compression in targeted areas, like your calves, quads, hamstrings, and glutes. Why? That kind of compression not only provides support, but also boosts blood circulation to aid with muscle recovery and reduce soreness and inflammation. Shoppers also praised these leggings for helping with poor circulation, varicose veins, and lipedema. “They are the best,” one shopper emphasized.

Why experts love it: Exercise physiologist Dr. Jim Stoppani, PhD recommends Fanka’s compression leggings, explaining that “compression leggings improve blood flow not only to the working muscles but also help return more blood to the heart making the heart work easier during exercise.”

Best fitness tracker

Garmin Venu 2S

What is it? Our experts agree that fitness trackers are crucial for tracking your progress and making sure you’re getting the most out of your workout. “For midlife women, [they] aid in maintaining cardiovascular health and tailoring exercise routines to individual needs,” Powers explains. The good news is that with a tracker like the Garmin Venu 2S, you don’t have to sacrifice style for function. This tracker looks like a sleek wristwatch, but features state-of-the-art heart monitoring and workout tracking and can even generate a sleep score and keep an eye on your stress and energy levels.

Why experts love it: “I use Garmin watches,” says fitness and meditation instructor Sara Brannin-Mooser, owner of Stoking Radiance. She recommends the Venu 2S “for everyday use,” as it provides “a lot of interesting and relevant data points including heart rate, step tracking, many different options for exercise tracking,” while offering a long battery life.

Best set of handweights

NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbells

What is it? If you’re looking to get strong, Nordic Track’s Select-A-Weight Dumbbells are well worth the investment. With just one set of dumbbells, you can access a weight range of 10 to 55 pounds, saving you space and providing the perfect tool for progressive overload.

Why experts love it: “I recommend a set of adjustable dumbbells like Nordic Track Select-A-Weight Dumbbells,” Dr. Stoppani says. The incremental weight adjustments help you “employ progressive overload, where you gradually increase the weight you use over time as your muscles adapt and get stronger,” he explains. “This is the best way to maintain and build more muscle as you age.”

Best tasting protein powder

Clean Simple Eats Whey Protein Powder, Chocolate Peanut Butter Flavor

What is it? Building muscle is as much about what you put in your body as how you exercise it, and while it’s recommended to consume your daily protein through whole foods, protein powders can help you make up ground when you’re too busy to make chicken or salmon. The chocolate peanut butter whey protein powder from Clean Simple Eats is not only made with clean ingredients, it also boasts a delicious and sweet peanut butter cup taste for your next protein shake. 

Why experts love it: Powers says she loves adding this type of protein powder to plain Greek yogurt “for a sweet treat that keeps me full.” She adds, “We want to make sure you are getting 30-40 g of protein per meal, so having a protein powder to help achieve those goals is optimal!”

Best white noise machine for sleep

The Hatch Restore 3

What is it? Whether you live in a loud area or need a calming distraction when you’re falling asleep, white noise is a great option. There are apps, playlists, and even YouTube videos that offer it, but we love the Hatch Restore 3 for its beauty and versatility. It provides white noise options to fall asleep to, but also serves as a bedside light, a dimmable clock, and a sunrise alarm to gently ease you out of sleep.

Why experts love it: Sleep expert Dr. Whitney Roban, the founder of Solve Our Sleep, says the best white noise machines offer “different noise color options (such as pink, green and brown noise),” plus “a red light option and a sunrise alarm clock. The Hatch Restore 3 has all of these features and is a popular option,” she says.

Best magnesium product for sleep

Magnesium Glycinate from
Double Wood Supplements

What is it? Magnesium is a key player in sleep regulation, helping to regulate nerve function, produce melatonin, and increase levels of GABA, a neurotransmitter that helps with sleep. Unfortunately, your natural supply of magnesium tends to decrease along with estrogen levels during menopause, which is where supplementation comes in. Taking a dose of magnesium glycinate, like this option from Double Wood Supplements, before bed can give you a boost of this calming mineral to help you rest a little easier.  

Why experts love it: “For sleep, magnesium glycinate is often the best choice because it’s gentle on the stomach and supports relaxation,” says Kerri Taylor, a board-certified primary care physician’s assistant with Circle Medical. She recommends a supplement that’s third-party-tested and provides 200 to 400 milligrams of magnesium per dose, such as Double Wood Supplements’ Magnesium Glycinate.

Best sleep gadget

Carex Day-Light

What is it? Sometimes, the best sleep gadget is actually designed to wake you up. The Carex Day-Light mimics sunlight to boost your mood, combat fatigue, and help to treat circadian sleep disorders. The brand recommends spending 20 to 30 minutes in front of the lamp — and its glare-free, UV-filtered LED lights — every morning to feel the beneficial effects, and shoppers praise its simple, attractive design as well as its mood benefits. “It has made me feel a bit more ‘up,’” one person reported.

Why experts love it: “Light exposure in the morning improves sleep quality, energy, and mood, all of which commonly disrupt during menopause,” says Dr. Pin-Chieh Chiang ,a board-certified family medicine doctor at Circle Medical. She recommends the Carex Day-Light for this purpose because “light therapy is low-risk, well-supported in clinical trials, and especially helpful for early morning awakening or seasonal mood dips.”