Years ago I used Q-tips to remove wax from my ears. They didn’t do a good job because most of the wax got pushed deeper into my ear. Later, I found specialized ear wax removal tools that are designed to scoop and scrape out the wax more effectively. One tool I like is the Clinere earwax removal tool, which has a built-in stop guide to prevent accidentally poking too far and damaging the eardrum. — MF

Despite their small size, Victorinox’s compact, fold-up nail clipper delivers a powerful cut, with extremely sharp blades that require minimal force. If you have only ever used cheap drug store nail clippers, this will surprise you. — MF

When doing manual work it’s hard to get your hands clean of sticky grease, paint, glue, ink, grime – all things ordinary soap won’t remove. The best way I know of to clean super grimy hands is to squirt them with Fast Orange, and then rinse with water. This is the industrial-strength cleaner auto shops use. It cleans better, faster than anything else I’ve tried. The after smell is a pleasant orange, which is a bonus. — KK

My wife purchased this battery-powered hair detangling brush when our kids were young, and she, along with my daughters, continue to use it whenever their hair becomes knotted. Instead of traditional bristles, this brush features paddles that rotate back and forth, effortlessly gliding through knots and mats in the hair. It's like magic! —MF

I learned from my daughters that decorative pimple patches are popular with teenagers. They are tiny colorful stickers that cover pimples and dry them up. “People just wear them out in public now and it’s fashionable,” one daughter told me, She has a box of star-shaped pimple patches. They are also available in flower and heart shapes. There’s even a Hello Kitty brand. – MF

After some dental work I wanted to get some soft-bristled toothbrushes and found these Nuva Dent bamboo ones on Amazon. They’re cheaper than plastic brushes and the bristles are as gentle as I hoped. — MF

If I don’t gel my hair after washing it, it lays flat and resembles the hair style of Moe Howard or Captain Kangaroo. While I have nothing against either of these fine gentlemen, it’s not a look I’m aiming for. I discovered Got2b Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Hair Gel about 10 years ago, and it’s by far the stiffest hair gel of the many dozens of brands I’ve tried since 1979. I only need to use a drop or two and my hair defies gravity for the rest of the day. — MF

This is an update to a previous Recomendo and specific to medium-long haired readers. This soft, microfiber hair wrap is a turban-style towel that has a small button on the back and a loop to secure it in place. It is very light and comfortable to wear and it squeezes out and absorbs most of the water out of my hair. It does everything my old AQUIS hair towel did, but slightly better. — CD

I don’t know how people live without a back scratcher. I keep one near my desk. The pleasure of an itch scratched is incomparable. Mine is bamboo, the perfect reach, and lasts forever. I can’t imagine why you might need five, but they are cheap, too. — KK

When you got to go, you got to go. Flush is a free iPhone app that shows on a map all the nearest public toilets. It is indispensable. — KK

During the colder months I need to apply skin moisturizer after I take a shower or else my legs itch like crazy. I recently started using The Body Shop’s Wild Argan Oil Body Butter and I love the smell and feel of it. Argan oil comes from the fruit produced by a tree of the same name. It’s edible, too! — MF

My ear-hair trimmer was at least 10 years old, maybe even 20, and the blades were getting dull. I found a cheap and highly rated ear-hair trimmer on Amazon. The sharp blades make a big difference. It’s much quieter and quicker than my old one. The best reason for owning it is that my Apple AirPods Pro stay snug in my shaved ears now. — MF

Skinskool is a “dupe finder” that compares the active ingredients in your favorite skincare products and matches them to other products on the market. This is such a useful tool if your favorite serum or cream has been discontinued or you just want to find a less expensive alternative. — CD

I’ve been a contact wearer for 20+ years and have always bought the cheapest, store brand cleaning solution on the shelf thinking they were all the same. I was forced to buy Opti-Free Puremoist with HydraGlyde ($10, 10 fl oz) while I was on vacation and it was the only option, and I’m so happy I did, because they make my contacts feel like silk! The Puremoist Rewetting Drops also help keep my contacts comfortable to wear for longer periods of time. — CD

Hand Mirror is a one-click camera check (free, Mac only). If you are about to join a Zoom or other video meeting, just click the icon on your menu bar and make sure you look presentable before you go live. — MF

It’s wintertime, which for me means my skin and scalp get itchy. Lotion helps my skin, but I don’t want to put lotion in my hair. Instead, I’ve been using a J.R. Liggett’s Tea Tree & Hemp Oil Shampoo Bar ($7) and a $6 hair scalp massager to thoroughly shampoo my hair. This shampoo doesn’t seem to remove all the oil from my hair, so my scalp doesn’t get dry and itchy. — MF

I’ve been hanging fresh Eucalyptus in our shower because it’s said to reduce sinus inflammation, which I struggle with, but mostly because it makes showering feel like a spa experience with it’s soothing scent and how it looks so pretty. I’ve tried both the Silver Dollar Eucalyptus, which Whole Foods often has in stock, and the more aromatic Baby Blue Eucalyptus, which I order on Good Eggs. Here is a good how-to article. You’ll need some natural jute twine to hang it up. This is what I ordered. — CD

A few years ago I recommended using Frownies at night to prevent the forehead wrinkles that happen when you furrow your brow, which I tend to do a lot while I sleep. I’ve now switched over to Facial Smoothies because they are easier to apply, less noticeable, and they cost less — one pack is $16 and lasts almost four months. — CD

I’ve been cutting my own hair since I was in college. I’ve used a lot of different electric hair trimmers, but just recently I got one that has ceramic coated blades. It clips hair much more efficiently than plain steel blades. As a bonus, this one is cordless, making it easier to maneuver. — MF

Many sunscreens contain ingredients harmful to coral reefs. Hawaii announced a ban on sunscreens containing oxybenzone or octinoxate, which goes into effect in 2021. Our family switched to zinc oxide sunscreen, which doesn’t hurt coral reefs. We like Thinksport SPF 50+ ($10.25 per tube). — MF