PS Editors Share Their Shameless Go-Tos, From Lactaid to Lip Bleach

Getty; CVS.com; Amazon.com
Photo Illustration: Becky Jiras
Getty; CVS.com; Amazon.com
Photo Illustration: Becky Jiras
While each product featured is independently selected by our editors, we may include paid promotion. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission. Read more about our Product Review Guidelines here.

The internet is a wonderful place to confess things — deeply personal fears, weird fetishes, secrets that you wouldn't share with even your closest confidant. It's a space that you can contribute to with zero ramification or fear of being judged. I say all of this sarcastically, of course. The truth is that if there's anything scarier than being radically honest in real life, it's being radically honest online, where things are immortalized forever. (For more on that, check out PS's Radical Honesty Issue.)

On the flip side, the internet does provide an outlet for purchasing all of those secret products that we may hate to love but actually use on the regular. Online shopping can remove the usual awkwardness that comes with purchasing niche products that — albeit weird or embarrassing — can truly make a big difference in our day-to-day lives. Tongue-scrapers, dermaplaning kits, sweat-wicking bra liners, you name it — all of these quirky items can be bought through retailers like Amazon without any strange looks from disapproving cashiers.

In the spirit of honesty, we asked our editors to get really real and divulge perhaps their most taboo secret: aka the products they're not embarrassed to say that they use. These unique items are wide-ranging and designed to remedy a number of issues — from boob sweat and tummy aches to foot calluses and feelings of anxiety. Ahead, our editors speak honestly about the products they shamelessly love and why these picks are worth their weight in gold. Because we're not ashamed to talk about it.

A Foot Rasp
amazon.com

A Foot Rasp

ForPro Premium Stainless Steel Foot Rasp ($4)

"I have really bad calluses, and one day, I realized I was getting regular pedicures just to get that sweet, disturbing satisfaction of watching the technician shave off all my dead skin while smoothing out my feet. So, I threw away my useless pumice stones and upgraded to a stainless steel (and razor sharp!) foot shaver like they have at nail salons. Now I can shave dead skin off my feet to my heart's content and in the privacy of my own shower." — Amanda Kludt, group publisher

Bleach Cream For Upper Lip Hair
amazon.com

Bleach Cream For Upper Lip Hair

Sally Hansen Creme Hair Bleach for Face ($6, originally $7)

"Even though I've tried dermaplaning with the Billie Dermaplane Starter Kit, my favorite method of 'erasing my 'stach' will always be Sally Hansen's creme. It's easy to mix the formula quickly with the tools that come in the package, then spread it across your top lip and wait eight minutes for the bleach to take effect.

I always walk around the house and try to scare my cats while I tell Alexa to set a timer for eight minutes — it's become a fun ritual. Growing up, my mom always taught me to love my hair and remove as little as possible (i.e. 'Don't shave above the knee!') and for some reason, I've brought that sentiment into my adulthood. This product allows me to keep my peach fuzz, but just lighten the tone." — Sarah Wasilak, associate director, Shopping

An AirPod Cleaning Kit
amazon.com

An AirPod Cleaning Kit

Aijeff Cleaner Kit for Airpods ($9)

"If Apple was smart, they'd market AirPods as having dual benefits: one being that the wireless headphones deliver crystal-clear sound quality so that you can truly immerse yourself in your music, and the second being that they (indirectly) reveal just how disgusting and wax-ridden the inside of our ears truly are. When I use my Apple AirPods, I often remove them to find the crevices of the actual headphones filled with built-up dirt, grime, and yes, even sticky earwax.

It's quite an education, but thankfully I'm far from alone in my struggle — hence why this AirPod cleaning kit has over 6,000 five-star reviews on Amazon's site. The tool kit comes with a pointed cleaning pen that makes it easy to scoop out dirt and earwax in even the trickiest corners of headphones." — Kyley Warren, assistant editor, Shopping

A Hot Water Bottle For Emotional Support
amazon.com

A Hot Water Bottle For Emotional Support

Samply Hot Water Bottle with Knitted Cover ($9, originally $10)

"Some boil water in a tea kettle after dinner, but I boil water for my belly. That sounds funny, and it's definitely a comfort thing, but after dinner I crave something warm on my stomach while I'm digesting. I like to lay down on the couch with my hot water bottle buddy dressed in his purple knit sweater and drift off to sleep while I'm watching something on TV. It's my favorite way to wind down after a long work day as I ease myself into the rest of the week." — Sarah Wasilak, associate director, Shopping

A Tongue Scraper
amazon.com

A Tongue Scraper

Tongue Scraper for Adults ($10)

"I don't feel clean without scraping my tongue morning and night — I can skip mouthwash, maybe even flossing, but tongue scraping is non-negotiable. And to truly get it cleaned, I rely on these metal tongue scrapers. They can properly remove all the bad stuff and leave your breath smelling minty fresh." — Anvita Reddy, assistant editor, Shopping

Hair Strengthening Oil For Your Edges
cvs.com

Hair Strengthening Oil For Your Edges

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil ($11)

"Today, edges are a part of the popular lexicon in a playful way (i.e. "snatched my edges"), but my whole life they've been a pretty sensitive topic. Because Black women are more prone to traction alopecia, the reality is we can lose our edges — the short hair found in our hairline area — due to styles that pull tightly like braids or extensions.

To combat that, I give my hair a break in between tension-causing styles, and use this Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp and Hair Strengthening Oil. The TikTok-viral, best-selling product has rosemary to improve scalp health, mint to invigorate your scalp, and biotin which nourishes your hair follicles. My edges are slowly coming back in full force so I'm not ashamed to tell everyone about it!" — Jessica Andrews, senior content director

An Exfoliating Toner
ulta.com

An Exfoliating Toner

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner ($13)

"The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner is my deodorant, in-grown hair preventer, and scalp clarifier; I use this everywhere I possibly can and it's done wonders for managing my skin issues. The toner helps eliminate body odor while exfoliating the top layers of my underarms, so they look more even-toned. It also helps diminish ingrown hairs and congestion on my bikini line, and it works to eliminate dry scalp flakiness and dandruff. I always have a few bottles of this in stock." — Anvita Reddy, assistant editor, Shopping

An Anti-Chafe Stick For Thick Thighs
amazon.com

An Anti-Chafe Stick For Thick Thighs

Megababe Thigh Rescue Anti-Chafe Stick ($14)

"Thicc thighs do indeed save lives — but as much I love mine visually, they present a practical challenge when summer comes around. Chub rub, when your thighs rub together and become sore in the process, is a painful experience I try to avoid at all costs. When my thighs are at war with each other, everybody loses. To combat this, I took to wearing biker shorts under dresses until I discovered Megababe Thigh Rescue Anti-Chafe Stick, founded by one of my favorite influencers Katie Sturino.

With a formula that includes aloe and grapeseed oil, the balm helps prevent chafing and irritation while soothing and moisturizing the skin. Not only does it keep my thighs from fighting one another, I even use it on my heels when my shoes are rubbing up against my skin and creating fiction. It's a true hero product!" — Jessica Andrews, senior content director

Lactose Intolerance Caplets
amazon.com

Lactose Intolerance Caplets

Lactaid Original Strength Lactose Intolerance Relief Caplets ($16, originally $21)

"This one goes out to all my lactose intolerant bbs out there, who intimately understand the pain of a post-ice cream tummy ache and too have experienced the blistering side-eye that comes with pulling out and popping a white tablet (or two) in the middle of dinner. Jeez, you imagine them thinking, they could have at least done that in privacy of the bathroom — and to that I say: yeah, I'd rather not. Hence my lord and savior, Lactaid." — Kelsey Castañon, senior content director

A Dermaplaning Kit For Facial Hair
target.com

A Dermaplaning Kit For Facial Hair

Venus for Facial Hair & Skin ($17)

"There was a time not that long ago when I pretended I hadn't an upper lip hair in sight and that, yes — despite the brown hair sprouting from every other inch of my body — it was completely natural. Meanwhile in the background I was cycling through every bleach kit, dermaplaning razor, and waxing strip I could get my hands on. One day, during those early stages of a relationship when egos are delicate and secrets are kept close, my now-fiancé walked in on me shaving my mustache.

I was so startled I twitch-jumped, effectively slicing off a corner of my eyebrow. It was then and there that I decided: I'm too old, and frankly too uncoordinated, to feel shame about removing my facial hair. Now I dermablade loud and proud; in case you're wondering, my favorite tool I've found so far is this one from Venus. Shout out to my runner-up, the Flamingo Face Wax Kit ($11), though." — Kelsey Castañon, senior content director

Bra Liners For Boob Sweat
amazon.com

Bra Liners For Boob Sweat

More of Me to Love Organic Cotton Bra Liner Pack ($20)

"Growing up in the desert, three things are inevitable: scorpions, 100° summers, and a seemingly endless battle with boob sweat. I've tried to remedy the latter problem with underboob deodorants and, when appropriate, going braless altogether. But nothing has proven to be more effective in minimizing stains and preventing sweat from pooling within my bra quite like these cotton bra liners, which are made from a breathable, sweat-wicking material that keeps me cool and comfortable in even the hottest Arizona summers." — Kyley Warren, assistant editor, Shopping

Parenting Earplugs
us.loopearplugs.com

Parenting Earplugs

Loop Earplugs ($45)

"My kid is so cute and perfect and I want to hear every sound he makes at about 17 fewer decibel levels." — Lisa Robinson, director, distribution

A Clit Stimulator
womanizer.com

A Clit Stimulator

Womanizer Premium 2 ($179)

"The tried and true Womanizer Premium 2 clitoral stimulator is a fan-favorite for a reason. It replicates the feelings of oral sex with its innovative 3D Pleasure Air Technology. Though it has 14 intensity levels to choose from, the best part is that it doesn't slow down or speed up when you say 'stay right there' or 'don't stop.' (IYKYK.)" — Taylor Andrews, editor, Wellness

Cooling Bamboo Sheets
cozyearth.com

Cooling Bamboo Sheets

Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set ($230, originally $288)

"As embarrassing as it is to say, I woke up most mornings drenched in sweat before I started using these bamboo sheets with a cooling effect. These are touted all over the internet for their temperature-regulating tech, and after trying many other sheets on the market that claim to satisfy the same needs, I promise these are your best bet. I personally sweat as a side effect from the medication I'm on, and assumed no tech in the world could alleviate the issue. I now feel 100 percent more confident waking up next to my partner knowing I won't look (and feel) like I just took a dip in the pool." — Sarah Wasilak, associate director, Shopping

A Weighted Blanket For Anxiety
unhide.us

A Weighted Blanket For Anxiety

UnHide Marshmallow Blanket ($239)

"I've long struggled with anxiety and have often found respite in using this weighted blanket to calm my nerves and help me to feel more grounded. The blanket is made from a soft velvety fabric that's cool to the touch and feels oh so comforting against my skin. It's chunky, long-lasting, and the perfect cure for my silly (read: actually very dramatic) angst.

Hell, even if I'm feeling lonely (a momentary side effect of living by myself), I can drape myself in this cozy beaut and at least pretend that I'm wrapped in the embrace of another person. It's like getting all the benefits of a warm hug and none of the annoyances of a partner. Talk about an all-in-one product!" — Kyley Warren, assistant editor, Shopping

Leg Compression Boots
hyperice.com

Leg Compression Boots

Normatec 3 Legs Complete Leg Recovery Suite ($724, originally $799)

"I'm so far from being the world class athlete you think of when you see air compression boots and yet, I'm obsessed with them. I'm a working mom of two kids under 3 and my workouts range from a 30-minute PS workout video (on a good day) to endless sprints to catch up with my toddler. At the end of the day, I like nothing more than to melt into the couch to celebrate getting both kids to sleep.

I'd previously tried using a massage gun to relieve my muscles but most days I'm too tired to even hold the gun. The Normatec Legs do all of the work for me with seven levels of pressure to revive my muscles. Some people unwind with a glass of wine or trash TV, I feel at peace in these $800 boots." — Genevieve Farrell Roston, director, Fitness and Wellness Video


Kyley Warren (she/her) is an award-winning writer and editor with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on PS Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.