Shopping·11 min read

The Problem-Solving Products Skimm HQ’rs Can’t Live Without

problem-solving-skimm-hq
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Wild One, Staff
February 21, 2024

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When we gush about our obsessions or test products and give an honest review, you trust our recommendations, and we love you for it. But behind our team of highly trained shoppers are our fellow Skimm HQ’rs who have dynamite products to share, as well. We’re highlighting the problem-solvers that have changed our coworkers’ lives exponentially. Straight from our Slack channel to you.

aesop
Aesop

A supercharged vitamin C serum from one of our favorite skincare brands…

You may know Aesop for its coveted hand soap, but we love it for its skincare products, too. This lightweight serum is no exception, with its formula of vitamins C and B3, plus niacinamide and red algae to support the skin barrier. It’s a great first boost of hydration and essential antioxidants that can be layered with the other serums in your skincare routine. ($125, Aesop)

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fabric-shaver
Amazon

A fabric shaver to revive your favorite clothing…

We’ve recommended this fabric shaver before, but one HQ’r went so far as to say it was the best money they’ve spent in the past few years. Run this handheld device over your sweaters to remove pills, fuzz, and loose threads instead of buying new ones every season. You can even use it on upholstered furniture and sheets. ($14.99, Amazon)

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pan-organizer
Amazon

A pan organizer for cluttered cabinets…

One HQ’r said their cabinets were a mess before this organizer. It has five slots for storing pots and pans and can either be used standing up or lying on its side. The shelves are adjustable and it’s incredibly sturdy. The best part? Assembly is easy and there’s no hardware required. ($18.87+, Amazon)

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leggings
Amazon

The leggings that one HQ’r can’t stop wearing…

“These leggings got me through the pandemic, I swear,” one HQ’r says, but they’re still wearing them now. They have side pockets great for storing your phone, headphones, or keys when you’re working out, and you don’t have to worry about anything falling out even if you’re running. They have just the right amount of stretch and support and come in a huge range of sizes. “The black ones don’t look like leggings, so they’re comfy enough for a plane ride but cute enough to wear to lunch,” they say. ($19.99, Amazon)

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toothbrush
Amazon

An electric toothbrush that’s surprisingly affordable…

“I used to have the occasional cavity and now I never do,” one HQ'r says after consistently using this toothbrush. Coincidence? We think not. It has five brushing modes and a timer to let you know when to move to different sections of your mouth. It also comes with six replacement heads so you can maintain the best oral hygiene. ($22.99+, Amazon)

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paw-cleaner
Amazon

A portable cleaner for messy paws…

This comes courtesy of one pet owner, who says, “This mud buster is a game changer if you have pets. Just fill it with water and dunk their paws in it after a muddy walk outside, and it removes alllll the dirt in seconds. Literally can't live without it.” ($22.10+, Amazon)

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sponge
Amazon

A sponge that removes deodorant from clothes…

Is there anything worse than going to put on your favorite dress and realizing there are white deodorant marks all over it? Just wipe this sponge over the fabric a few times and the marks will disappear like magic. We even stash it in our bags in case we need a quick touch up midway through a night out. Psst…these often sell out, so grab one while you can. ($9.99, Amazon)

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dog-bowl
Chewy

A dog bowl that promotes patient eaters…

If your dog tends to gobble their food down — which is not great for digestion — this bowl will slow them down as they work to grab kibble out of the crevices. We swear our dogs have had fewer stomachaches and accidents after we started using this. Plus, it has a nonslip bottom and is dishwasher-safe. ($9.99, Chewy)

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pocket-knife
Amazon

A pocket knife we keep on our keys…

Here’s a pick from me. Growing up, my dad always had a pocket knife on him, so when I went to college, he got me a pink one to go on my keys. Not only did I cherish it, but the scissors, nail file, and small blade also came in handy in all kinds of situations. You never know when you’re going to need a pair of tiny scissors. ($19.42, Amazon)

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plunger
Staff

An actually cute plunger…

The problem that this plunger solves is that it’s not an eyesore to look at like other plungers, and that’s good enough for us. Between the smiley face handle and five neon colors, it’s hard not to smile when you see it sitting next to your toilet. Plus, it has a tray that prevents dripping on the bathroom floor. ($32, Staff)

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treat-pouch
Wild One

A treat pouch perfect for long walks…

This belt bag-esque treat pouch stores everything you need to go the distance with your dog. It has pockets for treats and your personal belongings, plus a built-in poop bag dispenser. It’ll keep your hands free so you can hold the leash and pump your other arm to get your heart rate moving. Grab the matching harness so you and your dog can walk in style. ($44, Wild One)

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iron
Nori

An iron that keeps our clothes wrinkle-free…

The Nori Press looks like a classic hair straightener and works to steam and/or iron your clothes — no ironing board necessary. It’s lightweight, has six fabric settings, and has built-in sensors so that it’ll automatically shut off after 10 minutes. We love how easy it is to travel with. Psst…check out our full review for more details. ($120, Nori)

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diamond-stick
Amazon

A stick that will make your diamonds shine like new…

Brush this solution onto any precious stones and metals and it’ll polish your most cherished pieces. It’ll reduce the appearance of scratches, make dull jewelry shine again, but won’t strip delicate finishings. We’re always throwing it in our bags and using it on the go. ($9.48, Amazon)

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setting-spray
Amazon

A drugstore setting spray we always go back to…

Even though there are plenty of expensive setting sprays on the market, one HQ’r says this one is better than others. A drugstore classic, this mist will lock in your makeup for up to 16 hours and comes with either a matte or dewy finish, depending on your preferred skin aesthetic. It's also made with some soothing ingredients like niacinamide. ($9.38, Amazon)

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tend-skin
Amazon

A razor bump solution we won’t shave without…

If you often experience irritation after shaving or waxing, this is for you. Just apply this formula post-shave to keep skin smooth, calm, and clear. It’s made with salicylic acid to gently exfoliate, while glycerin hydrates and heals the skin barrier. We’ve used this for years, and have also shared it with our partners with facial hair. ($18.99, Amazon)

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ice-roller
Nordstrom

An ice roller we can’t stop talking about…

I wrote about this ice roller when I first became obsessed with it, but months later, it’s still one of the best purchases I’ve made. It just makes me feel better, especially in the mornings, since it wakes me up, relieves any puffiness, dispels any tension in my jaw, and takes away my headaches. It really does stay cold longer than others, so I’m not getting up to pop it back in the freezer every five minutes. ($69, Nordstrom)

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book-light
Amazon

A book light that changed our nighttime reading game…

An avid bookworm on our team says, “After many years of searching, I’ve finally found the perfect book light. It’s super lightweight so it doesn’t weigh down paperbacks and the clip doesn’t dent the pages. I love the three brightness settings that truly feel like they prevent eye strain. The best part is the head that swivels in all directions, so no matter what, the page will catch the light.” ($12.09+, Amazon)

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frame
Amazon

A magnetic frame to display all your artwork…

Custom frames can be pricey and take weeks to make; with this magnetic frame, you’ll save money and get the instant gratification of hanging your new print ASAP. It has a strong magnet to keep the poster in place and can easily be swapped out when you’re ready to look at something new. ($10.99, Amazon)

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car-mount
Amazon

A CD car mount to hold your phone in place…

One HQ’r whose car doesn’t have Bluetooth says, “My phone is too old for carplay, so this mount solves the problem of me having to hold my phone to look at directions or change songs on my Spotify. There are versions that mount onto vents and the dash, too.” ($24.99, Amazon)

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