Rinse, Rally, Repeat!
With 33 fabulous years in the beauty industry, I’ve become the go-to gal for product recommendations. I’m often asked, “What are your absolute must-haves?” Well, today, I’m spilling the tea on the products I truly love and trust—because sharing is caring (and looking fabulous is a must)!
- Renée -
"Getting Ready to Go Out in Midlife: Less Drama, More Glam"
Ahh, the art of getting ready for a night out in midlife—it’s no longer a three-hour production involving contouring tutorials and panic over what’s “in.” Nope, we’ve graduated from that madness. Now, it’s all about strategic glam, maximizing comfort without looking like we’ve given up, and ensuring that whatever we wear can survive the evening without needing a chiropractor the next day.
The 20-somethings may have their smoky eyes and sky-high heels, but we’ve got wisdom, good shapewear, and a signature scent that says, I know who I am, and I smell fabulous doing it. So, let’s talk about the midlife pre-game routine—the products, the mindset, and the magic that happens when we swap stress for confidence. Because getting ready should be fun, not a full-contact sport.
Here are a few of my go-to items that never let me down—and trust me, I’ve tested them all. Welcome to The Fab List, an ongoing series where I share my absolute favorite finds that make midlife feel extra fabulous.
HOLY SH*T, THIS STUFF IS INCREDIBLE!
ALERT!
So, I took my Glissant Wellness Oil with me to Cabo, and let me just say—WOW. I usually end up sunburned and blistered on my décolleté (because, let’s be honest, I spend all day in the pool with a cocktail in hand). Classic me. After day one, I had my usual lobster-red “oops,” but this time, I slathered on the Wellness Oil without thinking much of it.
The next morning? SUNBURN. GONE. In its place? A glowing, bronzed tan. I mean… NO JOKE. I was shook. Never in a million years did I think our new wellness/body oil would double as a miracle sunburn healer, but here we are. Now, I’m officially obsessed—I even carry it in my purse because I refuse to be without it.
And get this—my 98-year-old grandmother is just as in love with it as I am. It helps relieve her neuropathy pain, and she’s absolutely smitten with the scent.
Thanks, Grams—love her! 💛
How to Use (a.k.a. Why You’ll Be Obsessed )
Massage into sore spots—because life (and bad decisions at the gym) happen.
Smooth onto damp skin post-shower for that effortless, lit-from-within glow.
Apply to freshly shaved or sun-kissed skin to keep things calm, cool, and collected.
Pamper that post-pregnancy bod—hello, collagen & elasticity boost!
Rub into dry hair for a little ooh-la-la shine or a luxe hot oil treatment.
Revive dry hands, cuticles & feet—because cracked heels are never the vibe.
Turn up the heat with a massage—trust me, it’s a game-changer.
Absorbs like a dream & keeps skin happy all day long.
The Post-Shower Essential You Didn’t Know You Needed (Until Now…)
Alright, let’s talk getting ready in midlife—aka, the art of trying to look fabulous while simultaneously breaking into a full-body menopause sweat before you even leave the house. It’s a skill, really. That’s why the first thing I do after I slightly dry off (because, let’s be real, I still need some moisture for my Glissant Wellness Oil to work its magic) is wrap myself in comfort—and by comfort, I mean the Coleen Robe by SKIN.
Made from 100% organic Pima cotton, this robe is so lightweight and breathable, it’s basically my new best friend. Plus, it has pockets—which, at this stage in life, is a non-negotiable because I need somewhere to stash my phone, lip balm, tissue, and possibly an ice pack for when the hot flashes hit mid-mascara application.
The attached belt? Genius. No more hunting for a missing tie while half-dressed and yelling, “Where the hell did I put it?!”—because trust me, it’s always attached.
Available in a variety of colors, this robe is my go-to for post-bath lounging, pre-game glam sessions, and those mornings when I just can’t with real clothes yet. Luxuriously soft, effortlessly stylish, and menopause-approved. What more could you ask for?
“Middle age is not the beginning of decline, but a time to reinvent, redefine, and reclaim who you are.”
— Unknown
My Ride-or-Die Slides (Judge Me If You Must )
I literally cannot live without these cozy AF Adidas Comfort Slides—and yes, I shamelessly wear them year-round with socks. (Fashion police, do your worst. Comfort wins.) Whether I’m working, traveling, running errands, hitting the grocery store, or just existing, these slides are on my feet.
Now, don’t get me wrong—I do have standards. I don’t wear them out-out… I haven’t reached that level yet. But for everyday life? Game-changer.
Oh, and a little PSA: DO NOT buy these on Amazon. I repeat, do not. Those are cheap knockoffs that feel like sandpaper and regret. The real ones? Almost always sold out—so good luck. But if you do snag a pair, prepare to become just as obsessed as I am.
The Secret to My Pearly Whites (Because Y’all Keep Asking )
I swear, I get asked all the time how I keep my teeth so white—so here it is, my not-so-secret secret! I use this whitening set once a week, and for daily maintenance, I sneak just a touch of the #2 into my regular toothpaste. Game. Changer.
Now, let’s be real—my teeth are super sensitive (like, one wrong move and it’s an instant ice cream-induced regret situation). But this? Total lifesaver. Keeps my pearly whites actually white without making me want to cry every time I take a sip of cold water.
So yeah, absolute must-have. You’re welcome.
From Lube to Luxe: The Upcycle Hack You Didn’t Know You Needed
So, you’ve reached the end of your Glissant lube (RIP, good times), but before you toss that bottle—wait! You can refill it with more of your favorite Glissant lube or give it a second life as your go-to hydration mist. Swap between the luxurious rose water mist and lube refills to keep the pleasure (and hydration) flowing.
Here’s how to turn your empty bottle into a DIY face mist that’s so good, that you’ll wonder why you haven’t been doing this all along:
Remove the glass container from the shell and twist off the sprayer.
Toss the glass in the dishwasher for a deep clean.
Once dry, pour in a small amount of alcohol, twist the sprayer back on, and pump a few times to cleanse the nozzle.
Empty out any leftover alcohol, then add a few droppers of rosewater and bottled water into the glass container.
Twist the sprayer back on nice and tight, pop it back into the shell, and voilà—your new go-to facial mist is ready!
I always keep mine in my purse, especially when traveling, because nothing revives tired, dry skin like a quick spritz. I spray it after applying my face lotion to help it absorb better, and I use it after powdering my makeup to set everything in place.
Honestly? This might be my favorite at-home product hack I’ve ever made. Hydrated, glowing skin—all thanks to a lube bottle. Who knew?!
My Yeti: From Morning Lifeline to Nighttime Lifesaver
Listen, my Yeti tumbler is basically an extension of my hand—I use it all day, every day for my coffee addiction… I mean, habit. But here’s where things take a turn.
See, in theory, I love the idea of going out. I’ll even make plans with full enthusiasm. But when the actual day arrives? Exhaustion hits, regret sinks in, and I will try EVERYTHING to escape. I know, I know. But the couch, some mindless TV, and zoning out sound much better than putting on pants and functioning socially.
Buuuut—this is where my Yeti saves the day. Usually, there’s still a little coffee left in it (don’t judge), so I throw in some ice, a splash of cream, and a generous pour of vodka—and just like that, my lazy-girl espresso martini is born.
One sip, a killer 80’s playlist (because nothing peps you up like Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go), and suddenly, I’m ready to rally.
So yeah, if you see me out, just know it took caffeine, liquor, and George Michael to get me there.
Thank You, Lovelies!
I’m so touched by all your sweet emails—it means the world!
I’ll keep sharing my favorite finds because, honestly, what’s life without a little fabulousness to pass along? If you have any questions or need help finding something special, don’t be shy—shoot me an email, and I’ll do my best to help you out.
I’m always on the hunt for the best beauty, fashion, and wellness must-haves—so tell me your favorites! Drop your go-to products in the comments, and as a thank you, I’ll send you a 20% promo code for your input. Can’t wait to try your recommendations!
PS. Be sure to sign up for Glissant so we can send you your promo code!
Xoxo,
Renée 💋
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