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Let’s be clear: You never need an excuse to try out a new wellness product. Investing in small things to make your everyday life more comfortable and less stressful is pretty much always worthwhile. But for those of us who need a little incentive to treat ourselves, November has plenty to offer: Shorter days and chillier nights; holiday travel; a little too much time with family…the list goes on. But a more positive read here is that each of these annoyances offers a new opportunity to pamper yourself.
This month, the SELF staff is leaning into small adjustments and upgrades that make a big difference. From a spa-like exfoliating scalp treatment to cushioned, temp-controlled socks with a lifetime guarantee, we’ve literally got you covered from head to toe. We hope that these products work as well for you as they have for us, and bring a little extra joy to your fall routine.
(Note: This list includes a mix of samples that brands sent to us gratis for testing purposes as well as stuff we purchased, but everything listed is only here because we actually really like it.)
1. Darn Tough Socks
I got a couple of free samples of Darn Tough socks a couple of years ago and was instantly sold. They’re so soft and stretchy, they don’t get stinky, and they keep my feet from getting too hot or cold—all standout features of merino wool. They come in a bunch of different styles and colors, but I think my favorite is the Hiking Micro Crew, which is nice and cushioned around the toe. They’re great for hiking, naturally, but also for wearing with casual boots or lounging around on a cozy fall or winter weekend. Oh, and they come with a lifetime guarantee(!). I was just in Woodstock, Vermont, with my brother when I saw a display of Darn Tough socks in the town’s general store (it’s a Vermont-based company), and I knew I had to introduce him to them. When I started explaining how great they are, another customer overheard and piped in to say that her husband, who was standing beside her, “won’t shut up about those damn socks”—I totally get it, dude. —Cathryne Keller, associate wellness director
2. L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
My love of winter runs deep. Other people embrace the hot summer months, but I look forward to cold weather all year. As a New Yorker, I don’t get as many snow days as I did as a kid in Ontario, but I still love everything the season brings—except for the dry, cracked skin I inevitably develop. I’ve probably tried upwards of 50 lotions, but most of them soak in immediately and leave my hands feeling irritated and itchy again within minutes. Then I discovered L’Occitane Shea Butter hand cream. It’s rich and creamy but doesn’t leave an oily residue that gets all over anything I touch—and it keeps my skin hydrated for hours. I keep a tube on my nightstand and ritually apply it when I get into bed. I also keep small tubes in my car, work bag, travel dopp kit, and by the kitchen sink. (Listen, when I find something that works, I go all in!) —Westry Green, director of operations
3. Lululemon Wundermost Bra
I have really sensitive skin, and I recently noticed that my old standby bralette had started to irritate me—the seams were rubbing, causing a big patch of itchiness. So when I was sent a sample of Lululemon’s new Wundermost collection, I was eager to find out if the bralette would cut down on the scratching. It was so comfy that I’m actually embarrassed to say how many days I wore it in a row. The fabric is silky smooth, and there’s no padding, meaning no stitching to cause rubbing. It’s one of those rare bras where you’re perfectly fine to wear it all day and well into the evening—because you honestly even forget that it’s on. —Christa Sgobba, food and fitness director
4. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
When temperatures dip below 50, I become a walking lip balm factory. I need a soldier in every purse and coat pocket to stave off the dreaded, inevitable chapped lips. I’ll admit, I can be my own worst enemy in this battle: I love a festive red lip around the holidays, but my favorite bold shades (that’ll actually stay intact through a meal or a party) tend to leave my lips feeling dry and flaky. At first, I was skeptical of the rave reviews that the Laneige overnight lip mask was raking in; could it really be that much better for my lips than good old Vaseline, or was it just in a prettier package? But, after a few weeks of applying the mask nightly, I’m a believer. It’s deeply hydrating—my lips actually feel fuller when I wake up—without feeling sticky or oily. It’s also a lighter weight than my tried and true Aquaphor, and it goes on glob-free. Plus, it’s added a little extra glamor and ritual to my nightly routine; the light pink sheen is so pretty, I sometimes dab it on with a neutral lip liner on my way out the door. —Grace McCarty, editorial assistant
5. Self Dates on Sundays
Making time to be alone and rest has been huge for me this year. Sundays have officially become the day I take all to myself and go on “self-dates.” As an ex-church girl, it feels nice to spend my Sundays doing a structured activity that centers my mental well-being. I usually take myself out for coffee or breakfast and listen to audiobooks. My book this month is Emergent Strategy by adrienne maree brown, and it has been soul-soothing as I’ve been dealing with changes in my own life and as the world has felt more chaotic than usual. Rooted in radical feminism and Afro-futurist theory, this book has reminded me to be present with the beauty of the world—and that everything will be okay. —Maritza Cayo, social media editor
6. Virtue Scalp Treatment
My hair surprises me every day. Sometimes it’s wavy, sometimes it’s curly-ish, and sometimes it holds a sleek blowout like a champ. I usually embrace my naturally wavy texture on a day-to-day basis, though, and that requires a lot of product: dry shampoo; leave-in conditioner; the occasional mousse, cream, or gel; and a fair bit of hairspray. So, safe to say, I need a little reset each week! On Sundays, I start my shower with this scalp treatment to ensure that I’m (gently) sloughing away all the gunk that’s built up on my scalp and hair. It contains both physical and chemical exfoliants that never feel too harsh on my sensitive scalp, has a delightfully whipped texture, and smells like a spa. I truly feel like I’ve stepped out of the salon when I use it—and my hair always looks curlier and bouncier the next day. —Alisa Hrustic, executive editor
7. Hedley & Bennet Crocs Bistro Clogs
I started working in restaurants when I was in high school, and very early on, I learned it’s just as important to come prepared with appropriate shoes as it is to have sharp knives. Here’s my hot take: Kitchen footwear doesn’t have to be reserved for industry purposes solely—in fact, they’re an all-star hack for comfier home cooking. Hedley & Bennett recently sent me a pair of their Crocs Bistro Clogs to try out, and I’m already a fan: They’re the perfect accessory for preparing big meals. They’re made with a contoured footbed, which comes in handy for avoiding swollen feet after hosting dinners and being glued to the stove all day. The clogs deliver functionality, too, since they’re slip-resistant and enclosed, which protects my toes against spills and drops. With the holiday season approaching, you’ll likely find me swagging out a pair of these kicks with a cozy cardigan or ugly Christmas sweater at all my delicious gatherings. —Ashia Aubourg, food writer
8. Opalhouse Personality Candle
After recently moving into a new apartment, I needed a way to make it feel home-y. I grew up with a lot of scents in my life: burning sage, lavender pillow spray, and the smell of mothballs (which I actually like)! So, I wanted to find a way to connect my past to this next chapter of my life. As I was strolling through the aisles of Target, piling my shopping cart with items for my new place, shelves stacked with candles caught my eye—and nose. There was a collection stamped with words like introverted, sassy, and explorer, meant to represent a personality trait you already have or one you want to cultivate. I chose the “artsy” candle as I’m not someone who’s all that creatively inclined—plus it smelled incredible. Ever since this purchase, I’ve been adding pretty throw pillows to my bed and couch and hanging up new artwork on the walls. So, I’m going to say that this candle brought out my creative side because my apartment went from boring and monotone to looking vibrant and good AF! —Ayana Underwood, senior health editor
9. Aquis Hair-Drying Wrap
I have a lot of (long) hair that takes forever to dry, so I try to keep it wrapped up for as long as I can after I get out of the shower. Regular towels feel heavy on my head, pull my hair, and always come undone, so I got into hair-drying wraps around five years ago and this one is my new favorite. It’s a lot lighter than a standard towel, it doesn’t tug my hair or feel too tight, and it offers plenty of coverage and has a little tab at the back that you tuck the excess material into. Basically, it checks all of my boxes: It stays on my head, it doesn’t hurt, and it absorbs a decent amount of moisture while I’m getting ready in the morning. (Mine was a custom gift with my nickname, Cat, printed on it, and unfortunately, no, you can’t customize the wrap on the Aquis site–but if you get one, I highly encourage you to name yours.) —CK
10. Logitech Bluetooth Keyboard & Mouse
As someone who logs a serious amount of time on a computer, I think about ergonomics—the study of the best product designs and body positions you can use to avoid repetitive strain injuries—quite a bit. So when I recently ended up with a long and awkward keyboard that forced my right hand outside of its comfort zone, I knew it had to change. I researched alternatives and ended up buying a Logitech K380 Bluetooth keyboard. Its low profile, short width, and the ease with which it paired with my multiple computers (fewer clicks!) made it an instant win. I also bought the matching Bluetooth mouse, which has a flat design that reduces the need to angle your wrist. The slim shape and rounded buttons also happen to be aesthetically pleasing, which is important for the equipment you’re staring at for hours each day. I got them both in white, but they come in other soothing colors like rose and dusty blue. I’ve tried a lot of the “ergonomically designed” products out there, but this duo met my ergonomic needs perfectly without being way more expensive than standard equipment. —Theresa Tampkins, health conditions director
11. Oken Swimming Ear Plugs
I love swimming laps, and part of the fun is getting better at it over time. I recently progressed to a bilateral breathing pattern, meaning I can now breathe on both sides while swimming freestyle! The downside? For some reason, my left ear always gets water-logged. That’s where these great ear plugs come in. A friend recommended them to me, and since I started wearing them in the pool, my ears have stayed perfectly dry while I swim. I won’t be getting in the pool without these anytime soon. —Sarah Yalowitz, director of programming and development
12. Tatcha Rice Polish Exfoliant
I know physical exfoliants tend to get a bad rap, but hear me out: If chemical exfoliants (in the form of acids) also tend to irritate your sensitive skin (hi, it’s me), I highly recommend trying this super-fine powder. You pour a little bit into your hand, activate it with water, and it turns into a light, creamy foam. I use this about once a week, or whenever my skin is feeling congested or looking super dull. I can instantly see and feel a difference in the texture of my complexion, and it truly never irritates my acne-prone skin. It’s on the pricey side, but if you don’t mind splurging or just love investing in your skin care, give it a go—you only need a little bit, too, so it lasts a while. —AH
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