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Showing posts with label gifts for women. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Best Silicone Face Cleansing Brushes for Better Skin and Smoother Lips

I recently reviewed two of my favorite products for washing the face, reusable microfiber facial cleansing sponges and microfiber face washing wristbands.

Today's health and beauty product review is about another favorite tool in my skincare routine: silicone face scrubbers that I use a few times a week to help gently yet effectively deep clean pores around the oilier T-zone and to gently exfoliate and plump the lips.

These inexpensive silicone facial scrubbers are also hygienic and can't harbor bacteria like face towels, so they're great for anyone who deals with acne or blemishes.

Silicone Face Cleansing Brushes and Lip Scrubbers

Proper Cleansing Is Key to a Clearer, Smoother, Brighter Complexion

As I mentioned in previous reviews, the most important steps for achieving and maintaining your best complexion are 1) cleansing your face properly both morning and night (and after exercising), 2) using good skincare products targeted to your skin type and skin concerns, and 3) applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen that will provide UVA, UVB, and blue light protection 365 days a year, rain, snow or shine.

Washing your face properly means cleansing gently and thoroughly with lukewarm water and a good facial cleanser, lathering and massaging your face for 30-60 seconds, either once (single cleanse) or twice (double cleanse), either with the same cleanser or with two different cleansers, usually an oil-based cleanser for the first cleanse to break down sunscreen and/or makeup and a water-based cleanser for the second cleanse to break down excess oil and sebum.

The Right Tools Help Cleanse Your Face Thoroughly and Gently

I like to wear a terrycloth headband to hold my hair back away from my face and microfiber face-washing wristbands to keep my arms dry when I am cleansing my face. I also use soft microfiber facial cleansing sponges rather than a washcloth as part of my facial cleansing routine, for reasons I explained in my recent microfiber facial cleansing sponges product review.

At age 69, my former peaches-and-cream complexion with virtually invisible pores is no longer. Inevitably, the pores in my T-zone have enlarged with age. And, despite never having had so much as a blemish or a blackhead through my teens and twenties, I now have to deal with periodic, random blemishes.

That's why I have also started using silicone face cleansing brushes to gently but thoroughly clean the pores in my T-zone.

I have two kinds of silicone facial scrubbers, as they are often called (although I caution against using them to aggressively scrub your skin): a silicone facial brush and a silicone lip scrubber.

How to Use Silicone Face Cleansing Brushes and Lip Scrubber Brushes

Here is how I recommend using these types of brushes for cleansing the skin effectively, applying skincare products after cleansing, and exfoliating and massaging the lips before applying lip balm, gloss, or lipstick.

Silicone Face Cleansing Brushes AKA Silicone Facial Scrubbers

The facial cleansing brush is an oval pad with small, fine silicone bristles covering most of it and a smaller section at one edge with larger, round nubs.

The small, fine brush bristles deep-clean pores around your nose and the rest of your T-zone more deeply than by using cleanser and water with your hands or the microfiber face washing sponges I recommend. If you have oily or combination skin or are blemish- or acne-prone, adding these silicone facial cleansing brushes will help keep your pores clear and avoid spreading bacteria from your hands or a cleansing cloth.

The small silicone brush bristles are also great for applying your skincare products after washing your face. It allows you to cover more surface area with the same amount of product by spreading it without absorbing it (like your fingers and palms do), which makes your investment in your skincare products go further. It's also a more hygienic way of applying these products to your face.

The section with the larger nubs is great for giving yourself a gentle facial massage, either with cleanser and water immediately after you have used the fine silicone brush bristles to cleanse your pores or with a facial oil, serum, lotion, or cream when you are applying your skincare. A facial massage will increase circulation, giving your skin a more youthful glow.

Silicone Lip Scrubbers / Lip Brushes

One side of the silicone lip scrubber has small, fine brush bristles. The other side has larger, round nubs.

The small, fine silicone brush bristles can be used with your facial cleanser to gently and lightly exfoliate lips and remove dead skin. You can also use them to gently dry brush your lips before applying lip balm.

Keep in mind that the skin covering your lips is extremely thin and delicate. Don't rub hard and don't over-exfoliate!

I also like using this side of the lip brush to deep clean the pores around my nostrils.

The side of the lip brush with the larger, round nubs can be used to massage lips, increasing circulation that will temporarily give you plumper, fuller-looking lips.

Note: Although there is an oval hole in the handle of the lip scrubber for extracting blackheads, I strongly recommend against using it for that purpose. Using a combination of gentle but effective chemical and physical exfoliants is much safer and less likely to damage your skin!

Benefits of Silicone Face and Lip Brushes Recap

Helps to cleanse pores gently yet effectively.
Hygienic and antibacterial.
Perfect for oily, combination, blemish- or acne-prone skin.
Improves circulation for a more glowing complexion.
Bonus: Can be used to apply facial oils, serums, lotions, or creams to make your skincare products go further.

A 5-Piece Silicone Face and Lip Brush Set at a Great Price

3PCS Silicone Exfoliating Lip Brush 2 in 1 Double-Sided Soft Silicone Lip Brush & and 2PCS Silicone Facial Cleaning Brushes Pad for Smoother and Fuller Lip Appearance Cleanning Blackhead

I bought my silicone face and lip scrubbers on Sephora a while back. The ones I bought, which are hot pink in color, are no longer available (although Sephora does carry other versions). However, I found almost identical ones on Amazon in a 5-piece set that costs less than either the single face brush or lip brush I purchased on Sephora!

For just $6.99 with free Amazon Prime Delivery (at the time of this post's publication), you can get a set of three silicone lip scrubber brushes and two silicone facial cleansing brushes. It's a fantastic deal that lets you keep one set in the bathroom, one set at your skincare or makeup dressing table (if you have one), and an extra lip brush for your purse (to massage and plump your lips before reapplying lip balm, lip gloss or lipstick during the day).

Thoughtful, Affordable Gifts for Beauty and Skincare Lovers

If there is a woman you know who enjoys skincare products and taking good care of her skin, she would probably love to receive a gift set of these silicone face cleansing brushes and lip scrubbers, along with the plush microfiber face-washing puffs and microfiber spa wristbands I reviewed previously and a pair of cushioned terrycloth headbands.

3 Silicone Exfoliating Lip Brushes and 2 Silicone Facial Cleaning Brushes

Vtrem 4 Colors Reusable Soft Facial Cleaning Puffs

8 Pcs Microfiber Face Washing Spa Wristbands

Set of 2 Terry Cloth Spa Headbands for Washing Face

The Best Silicone Face Cleansing Brushes for Better Skin and Smoother Lips by Margaret Schindel

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

The Best Reusable Microfiber Facial Cleansing Sponges for Better Skin

Receiving several compliments on my skin recently was a delightful surprise, something I never expected at age 69! I have been blessed with good genes and have invested in medical-grade skincare products for the past several years, which have made a big difference. But I also have noticed a big improvement in the appearance of my skin over the past few months since I changed the way I cleanse my face, using an enzyme-based facial cleanser and a microfiber facial cleansing sponge.

I purchased my first one at Sephora, but when I went back to purchase a second so I could have one in use and one in the laundry, I was dismayed to discover that Sephora no longer carries it. Fortunately, I found a nearly-identical microfiber plush-covered face-washing puffs on Amazon in a smaller size that I like even better.

Here's my product review of the Vtrem Reusable Makeup Remover Pads Soft Facial Cleaning Puffs I chose.

The Importance of Proper Face Washing for Beautiful Skin

A few years ago, when my formerly peaches-and-cream complexion was showing its age, I decided to upgrade my drugstore and Sephora skincare products and invest in medical-grade skincare products with high concentrations of active ingredients delivering clinically proven superior effectiveness. I have been amazed at the difference these products have made in my complexion.

Until this year, however, I didn't realize how much of a difference simply cleansing the face properly would make in the health and appearance of my skin. If I was working on the computer until the wee hours or came home very late after an evening out, I confess that sometimes I would just swipe my face with makeup remover or micellar water on a cotton pad, brush my teeth and go to bed. But not anymore!

What does "cleansing the face properly" mean? Removing makeup and/or sunscreen thoroughly, washing the face by massaging with a good, gentle facial cleanser and lukewarm water for a full 30 seconds, and then rinsing thoroughly, both morning and night. This is especially important if you use a mineral-based sunscreen*, as I do.

My skin is clearer and my pores are much less visible since I started washing my face properly a.m. and p.m., no matter how tired I am. Honestly, the difference has been remarkable!

Using a Microfiber Facial Cleansing Sponge vs. a Wash Cloth

An equally surprising discovery was the difference it made when I switched from using a washcloth to a soft, microfiber plush-covered face-washing puff.

Like many people, I grew up using a cotton terrycloth facecloth to wash my face. A few years ago, when I was upgrading my skincare products, I switched to a bamboo terry facecloth. The terrycloth texture was supposed to provide light exfoliation, and the bamboo fiber was softer than cotton.

Instead of massaging in my facial cleanser with my wet hands for 30 seconds, as recommended by dermatologists and estheticians, I was putting the cleanser on the wet washcloth and using that. Unfortunately, I finally realized that even using the bamboo terrycloth cloth gently was irritating my skin and that what I had been mistaking as a healthy flush was actually low-level inflammation.

There are much better — and safer — ways to exfoliate the face, and over-exfoliation can cause significant problems on delicate facial skin! So, when I saw the microfiber plush-covered facial cleansing sponges on Sephora, I decided to trade in my bamboo facial washcloth for a plush microfiber face washing puff and use my hands to massage my face with cleanser and water for 30 seconds before removing the lather with the wet microfiber puff and doing a final rinse.

It took only a few days for me to start noticing a difference! My skin looked smoother, I had fewer tiny breakouts and my complexion was more even-toned. I never dreamed that cleansing my face correctly — i.e., thoroughly but gently — twice a day would result in such a noticeable improvement!

How I Use Microfiber Facial Cleansing Sponges

I wear broadband mineral sunscreen every day, rain or shine, indoors and outdoors to protect from UVA and UVA rays as well as "blue light" from my mobile phone, laptop, TV, and other electronic devices. Sometimes I also wear makeup.

Many people do a "double cleanse," a first cleanse with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve and remove sunscreen and makeup and then a second cleanse with a water-based cleanser to cleanse the skin and pores thoroughly. But I find that using a good micellar water cleanser as the first step works just as well and allows me to get off all my makeup and mineral sunscreen so I can clean my pores gently and thoroughly afterward with just a single cleanse with an enzyme-based facial cleanser and water.

Microfiber facial cleansing sponge, spa wristbands, spa headband and skincare on bathroom counter

Here's my facial cleansing routine, which I do after pulling back my hair with a comfortable terrycloth spa headband and putting on my favorite microfiber face washing spa wristbands (you can read my detailed product review) to keep my arms dry:

Use ISDIN Micellar Solution, 4 in 1 on a couple of cotton pads to remove makeup, if I am wearing any, as well as sunscreen. It is far and away the most gentle and effective micellar water cleanser I have used, including my former favorite, Bioderma Sensibio. It removes even mineral sunscreens easily and is suitable even for sensitive skin.
Wet the face and neck area as well as the hands.
Dispense a small amount of a gentle yet effective facial cleanser onto one palm, then rub the palms together to create a lather and massage it over the wet face (including the eyes) and neck for at least 30 seconds. Then use a silicone facial cleansing brush to work the cleanser into the pores. (Read my detailed silicone facial cleansing brush product review to learn more about this helpful and inexpensive skincare tool.)
Note: Currently, I use either Osmosis Purify Enzyme Cleanser or Revision Skincare Enzyme Cleanser, which are expensive but worth trying if you have enlarged pores and sensitive skin.
Saturate the microfiber face washing puff thoroughly with water and wipe/rinse off any remaining lather, then do a final rinse by splashing your face and neck with water.

Features and Benefits of My Favorite Microfiber Face Washing Puffs

Microfiber makeup remover puff with skincare products

The Vtrem Reusable Makeup Remover Pads Soft Facial Cleaning Puffs (Set of 4 Colors) are:

Soft and gentle on your skin. As I learned from my experiment with bamboo terrycloth facial cleansing cloths, it's important to be very gentle with your skin, especially your facial skin. These hypoallergenic makeup remover pads / facial cleansing sponges are covered with soft, silky microfiber plush fabric that is gentle enough for even sensitive skin.
Gentle but effective. Even though these face washing puffs are gentle on your skin, they are also effective, allowing the cleanser to get deep into the pores for a thorough cleanse.
Reusable and hygienic. Because they are reusable, like washcloths, they are environmentally friendly. And because they come in a set of four, you can wash them frequently and still have a fresh one ready to use, so they are also hygienic.
Well made, durable, and affordable. These facial cleansing sponges will last through 200 washes apiece and come in a set of four, so they will last you for several years. They come in a set of four for just $11.99 at the time of this product review's publication, less than $3 apiece.

Note: The Amazon product image shows a black drawstring pouch for these face washing puffs, but mine did not come with one. However, each facial cleansing sponge in the set of four does arrive in its own clear cellophane envelope.

A Thoughtful, Affordable Gift for a Beauty and Skincare Lover

I think any woman who enjoys makeup or skincare would love to receive a set of these plush microfiber face washing puffs as a gift, either alone or with the microfiber spa wristbands and terry spa headband I mentioned previously. You could even splurge and add a VOLO Hero premium microfiber hair towel / turban (see my product review).

Vtrem 4 Colors Reusable Soft Facial Cleaning Puffs

8 Pcs Microfiber Face Washing Spa Wristbands

Set of 2 Terry Cloth Spa Headbands for Washing Face

VOLO Hero Premium Microfiber Hair Towel

* An Important Note About Wearing Sunscreen

A good face cleansing routine is especially important if you wear and reapply sunscreen every day. As any dermatologist or esthetician will tell you, wearing an effective broadband sunscreen is one of the most important steps in any skincare routine.

A broadband sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 and preferably with filters that block "blue light" should be worn every day, rain or shine, 365 days a year and reapplied every 2 hours or after swimming. Even though UVB rays (the ones that cause sunburn) don't penetrate through car or window glass, UVA rays (the ones that are skin-aging and cause fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, etc.) do pass through. And our electronic devices expose us to blue light that also causes photo-aging!

Please read my review of two of my favorite mineral sunscreen brands to learn more about this important topic: Review of EltaMD® and Colorescience® Mineral-Based Physical Sunscreens.

The Best Reusable Microfiber Facial Cleansing Sponges for Better Skin by Margaret Schindel

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

These Inexpensive Face Washing Wristbands Keep Your Arms Dry

Spa wristbands, AKA face washing wristbands or towel wristbands, solve the annoying problem of water running down your arms while washing or rinsing your face (and dripping onto your bathroom sink or counter). I only recently learned that these handy spa wristbands existed while watching a popular online skincare store owner using them during a “get ready with me” video of her current AM and PM skincare routines. Even though she didn’t talk about them (and doesn’t sell them), the minute I saw them, it was like a lightbulb moment for me!

Here's my product review of the soft, absorbent microfiber face washing wristbands I bought and love.

Ultra Absorbent Face Washing Spa Wristbands Keep Arms & Sleeves Dry!

I chose the white, pastel blue, pastel lavender and pastel pink ("Blue, Purple, Pink") color assortment, but there are 13 assortments to choose from including leopard prints, tie dye prints and adorable embroidered animal appliqués.

While it's true that having water running down your forearms while washing your face or rinsing off a facial masque or other skincare treatment certainly isn't the end of the world, it can be quite annoying. That's especially true if you wear a long-sleeved bathrobe or nightgown while cleansing your face.

I used to try standing farther away from my sink and bending over it at a steeper angle to try to avoid the drips, but the water simply ran down my forearms more slowly and dripped off my elbows onto the bathroom floor instead of into the sink. Not exactly an improvement!

Since discovering these towel wristbands, both my arms and my sleeves stay comfortably dry while I'm washing my face.

Woman splashing water on her face while wearing face washing wristbands

I can splash water on my face without getting the sleeves of my peignoir wet!

What I Love About These Microfiber Face Washing Spa Wristbands

These deliciously plush microfiber towel wristbands come in sets of 4 pairs and are:

Extremely Absorbent

Microfiber is deservedly popular as a towel material because of its high absorbency. The more plush the material, the more surface area there is to absorb water.

At 3.5"/9 cm wide by 2.4"/6 cm tall, there's enough of the plush microfiber toweling to absorb dripping water before it can get past your wrists.

Delightfully Soft and Silky Microfiber Fleece

Snuggly soft microfiber fleece material feels great against your skin.

Very Stretchy

These wristbands have excellent elasticity and stretch easily to fit most wrists. They go on and off easily and stay put while wearing, providing a snug yet extremely comfortable dam to prevent water from dripping down your forearms.

Wide Selection of Solid Colors, Leopard Prints, Tie Dye and Appliqué Designs

You'll find a choice of 13 pretty color assortments, including not only solids but also colorful leopard prints, vibrant tie dye prints, and adorable appliquéd and embroidered animal faces that teens (and the young at heart) will enjoy.

Easy Care

Although the product page suggests hand washing and I usually do (and then wring them out and allow them to air dry), some Amazon reviewers have said they throw theirs in the washing machine. I haven't found mine to need washing very often.

Surprisingly Affordable

Although the list price for four pairs of spa wristbands is $12.99, they were priced between $9.98 and $11.99 on Amazon, depending on the color and pattern selection, at the time of this review's publication.

Most were $9.98 per set or just $2.50 per pair, with free Prime shipping and free returns for Amazon Prime members!

Woman washing face while wearing microfiber towel spa wristbands

I have extras of these plush microfiber spa wristbands and my stretch terrycloth spa headbands so I never run out while they are being laundered. I also keep a set in my suitcase for travel.

They Can Do Double Duty as Sweat Wristbands for Sports (or Hot Weather)

The plush, absorbent microfiber material can wick away sweat as well as water effectively, and they feel much nicer against the skin than typical terrycloth sweatbands.

These Spa Wristbands Make Great, Affordable Gifts for Her

They would make a great gift for any woman, teen or young girl on your list. Girls and teens (and playful adults) would especially love the leopard prints, colorful tie dye patterns and cute, fun, kawaii animal appliqué sets with cats, bunnies, teddy bears, etc.

For an even nicer gift idea, consider pairing these face washing wristbands with my favorite stretch terrycloth spa headband wrap with Velcro closure (I've tried a few brands and this one is my favorite).

If you want to splurge, add my favorite VOLO Hero premium microfiber hair towel or some luxury skincare for a gift she's sure to love that will make her feel pretty and pampered!

These Inexpensive Face Washing Wristbands Keep Your Arms Dry by Margaret Schindel

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Wednesday, April 12, 2023

You’ll Love These Insanely Comfortable Memory Foam Slippers

Now that I am semi-retired and work from home, I wear slippers a lot. Especially since we have a large ivory antique Turkish rug in our living room, I prefer not to tramp around the house in shoes that have been worn outside. However, finding comfortable, machine-washable slippers with a memory foam foot bed and a sturdy but flexible sole has been a longstanding quest, especially since most slippers are too narrow for my feet.

For decades, I made do with the Acorn Spa Wrap slippers that are very popular for people with foot problems. Then, I finally found my “holy grail” slippers last year.

Here is my product review of my wonderful Landeer memory foam slippers, which I wear every day and love, and which Amazon buyers with both narrow and wide feet also rave about.

Ultra Comfortable Memory Foam Slippers With Flexible Rubber Outsole

I first discovered these slippers about a year and a half ago while putting together a Christmas wish list, which my husband's parents request from both us every year during the holiday shopping season. Since my old Acorn Spa Wrap quilted terrycloth slippers with a memory foam foot bed (a popular model that I had worn and periodically repurchased for decades) had gotten quite "long in the tooth" and the memory foam had eventually lost its resilience, I decided that new slippers would be a good, affordable wish list item and a gift I would appreciate and use daily.

Since I have wide feet, the selection is pretty limited. Even though the Acorn slippers came in a wide width option, were machine washable and had a Velcro closure that accommodated my high instep, I didn't love them. They also had a very thin rubber outsole that wasn't ideal for, say, walking outside to the mailbox (especially given our New England weather).

After researching memory foam slippers with a sturdy, non-slip rubber sole that would fit my wide feet comfortably, I decided to put these Landeer indoor-outdoor slippers on my Christmas wish list. Since they were from Amazon, I knew they would be easy to return if they didn't work out. Fortunately, they turned out to be great!

What I Love About These Landeer Memory Foam Slippers

I much prefer these Landeer Memory Foam Slippers to my old, tried-and-true Acorn Spa Wrap ones. Here are some of the reasons:

Extremely comfortable, well cushioned and lightweight. These are by far the most comfortable slippers I've ever worn! The memory foam foot bed is substantial and has held up extremely well over time, much better than that of my old Acorn Spa Wrap slippers. And, unlike many indoor-outdoor slippers with a sturdy rubber outsole, these are also very lightweight.
Breathable fabric uppers. These slippers have uppers made of a breathable knitted fabric. My feet stay comfortably warm while wearing these but don't become hot and perspired.
Plush fleece lining. The soft, plush fleece lining feels so good against my tender feet!
Flexible, sturdy, waterproof rubber outsoles for good traction. The much thicker rubber outsoles have deeper treads for better traction and absorb the impact when I'm walking on a hard surface, like our kitchen laminate flooring, bathroom floor tiles and uncarpeted areas of our wood floors. Despite their thickness (just over an inch at the heel and tapering down slightly at the toe), these waterproof rubber outsoles are also flexible enough to bend in half. And although they are not marketed as indoor-outdoor slippers, I and many other Amazon customers who have reviewed them find these slippers suitable to wear on a cement patio, walkway or pavement, if desired.
Machine washable and durable. Being able to toss these into the washing machine is especially important for the (admittedly infrequent) occasions when I wear them outdoors. (I wish we could do that with our regular shoes, lol!) I'm pleased to say that these have held up well after repeated machine washing.
Fits both regular and wide width feet (not recommended for narrow feet). If you have been unhappy with the limited options for wide slippers, I recommend giving these a try. Even though I wear a size 7 or 7.5 extra wide shoe, these slippers fit me perfectly. Based on the many Amazon customer reviews I've read, buyers with regular width feet love them, too!

Note: I found that they run a bit long and, after wearing the Women's size 7/8 slippers that my in-laws bought me two Christmases ago for a while, I eventually bought myself a pair in size 5/6, which fits me perfectly. However, the majority of customer reviews indicate that they fit true to size, so I would recommend ordering your usual size and then exchanging them if you find them too long for your feet.
A wide choice of colors. As of this writing, there are 14 color choices for these Landeer mule slippers: Moonlight (a pretty aqua, and the color I chose), Navy, Olive Green, Purple, Red, Wine Red, Apple Green (a lighter olive green), Dark Gray, Light Gray, Pink Orange (a light peach shade), Rose Red (actually a bright medium pink), Pink (pale pink), Black and Yellow. Something to suit everyone, both men and women.
Very affordable price. The list price for these slippers on Amazon is $29.99 as of this post's publication date. As I write this, there's currently a 33%-off deal, so you can snag a pair (or two) for just $19.99. (I don't know how long it will last, though, so if you want to try a pair at this great price, don't wait to order!)

Feet wearing Landeer memory foam slippers

Sitting with my legs stretched out looking at my feet in my ultra comfy Landeer memory foam slippers

Backless "Mule" Slippers Are a Mixed Blessing

I appreciate that backless mule slippers are quicker and easier to slip on and off than styles that enclose the heels. Fortunately, thanks to the long uppers that cover the entire instep, these Landeer slippers stay on my feet without my having to grip the insole with my toes (like other backless styles I have tried on in the past).

On the other hand, they can also come off more easily in situations when I'd rather they didn't, such as when I'm going up and down our treacherous old basement steps, which are very steep and have narrow treads that were built long before the current codes were established.

Designed for Both Women and Men

I was delighted to see that these Landeer memory foam slippers are sized to fit both women and men. Because of the width of the size selection boxes, the size decriptions are truncated until you click on a box to display the full description, so at first glance it might appear that there are only women's sizes. However, when you click one one of the size selection boxes, you will see that each size includes corresponding men's sizes for each of the women's sizes, e.g., "9-10 Women/7-8 Men."

The Amazon product listing also includes helpful size charts that convert U.S. women's and men's sizes to European sizes and foot lengths in both inches and centimeters, as well as instructions for how to measure your foot length correctly.

Makes a Thoughtful Gift

After having put them on my Christmas wish list and worn them since Christmas 2021 (including ordering a pair one size smaller after a few months), I can't say enough good things about what a terrific gift these Landeer memory foam slippers have been.

I think they would make great gifts for men as well as for women, and especially for people who work from home or are retired or bedridden. I'll bet someone who requires an extended hospital stay would also appreciate these soft, easy-on and easy-off slippers with a sturdy rubber outsole that provides good traction.

The price is right, especially if you can snag a pair during the 33% off deal on Amazon. Why not pick up a few pairs and get a jump on your birthday and Christmas shopping?

Finally, don't forget yourself! If you don't love your current slippers, I highly recommend giving these a try.

Landeer Memory Foam Slippers - Selected Colors

Landeer memory foam slippers Moonlight Landeer Memory Foam Slippers - Moonlight

Landeer memory foam slippers Dark Gray Landeer Memory Foam Slippers - Dark Gray

Landeer memory foam slippers Navy Landeer Memory Foam Slippers - Navy

Landeer memory foam slippers Red Landeer Memory Foam Slippers - Red

Landeer memory foam slippers Purple Landeer Memory Foam Slippers - Purple

Landeer memory foam slippers Apple Green Landeer Memory Foam Slippers - Apple Green

Landeer memory foam slippers Rose Red Landeer Memory Foam Slippers - Rose Red

Landeer memory foam slippers Black Landeer Memory Foam Slippers - Black

You’ll Love These Insanely Comfortable Memory Foam Slippers by Margaret Schindel

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Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Long, Lined Leather Gloves — A Luxurious, Affordable Gift She'll Love

With the winter holidays fast approaching, many of us are starting to think about Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Christmas gifts for teachers, friends, family and other loved ones. Gloves are traditional and practical gifts, but not always exciting. A gift-worthy pair needs something special, such as a pretty color or luxury materials, to make the recipient's eyes light up when they unwrap their present.

The long lambskin leather touchscreen gloves I bought myself a couple of years ago are beautifully made, have a soft, plush lining, look and feel much more expensive than they are and keep my hands and arms toasty warm during the cold winter months.

I'm sharing my in-depth product review of these yummy, extra-long, warm winter gloves that would make a luxurious and surprisingly affordable gift idea for the women on your holiday shopping list.

Soft lambskin leather long, warm winter gloves with cozy plush lining

Beautiful VIKIDEER long leather lambskin gloves with a soft, warm, plush lining that are also touchscreen compatible to work with your mobile phone, tablet or Kindle

Here in New England, winters are long, snowy and bitter cold. Even when I lived in New York City, I always purchased warm winter gloves that extended several inches above my wrist. However, once I moved to the Boston area I found that they weren't long enough to protect my forearms from the bite of the arctic winter wind, which forced its way inside my coat sleeves every time I bent my arms to take something out of my purse, such as a tissue or bus fare, or use my phone.

I have always had a weakness for high-quality, cashmere-lined lambskin leather gloves. I had several pairs, purchased when I still lived in Manhattan and long before I got my first mobile phone, that were still in great shape. However, in addition to not being long enough, they also weren't touchscreen compatible. So, when I used public transportation to get from our house in the suburbs into Boston and back, every time I wanted to check the status of the bus I was waiting for, listen to my audiobook, check my email, text or phone messages, call a taxi, etc., I had to remove my right glove and expose my hand to the freezing cold.

I tried a pair of long, knitted cashmere gloves similar to, but a bit shorter than, these long cashmere blend touchscreen gloves. Although they were long enough to protect my forearms when I bent my elbows and allowed me to keep my hands covered while using my phone, they weren't warm enough for my needs.

Eventually, however, I found my current pair of well made, very warm, long leather gloves with touchscreen compatible fingertips. Jackpot!

What I Love About VIKIDEER Long, Lined, Warm Lambskin Leather Gloves

Here are some of the reasons I recommend these excellent quality, surprisingly affordable VIKIDEER lined, long, warm leather gloves for yourself or as a gift.

Buttery Soft, Supple, Genuine Lambskin Leather

These feel deliciously smooth, soft and luxurious from the moment you take them out of the box.

Pair of long brown leather winter gloves with one cuff turned back to show plush fleece lining

The silky soft, plush polyester fleece lining of these winter gloves keeps hands toasty warm

Warm, Plush Lining

The genuine leather shell, silky soft polyester plush lining and windproof, close stitching keep even my temperature-sensitive hands toasty warm during our cold, snowy, windy New England winters.

Long Enough To Protect Forearms Against the Wind

I bought these luxurious leather gloves in the three-quarter length (15.5" long), which covers most of my forearms, so when I bend my arms there's no gap where skin is exposed to the cold or wind. These warm winter gloves are also available in a longer elbow length (19.6" long).

woman wearing coat with arm bent to show long leather gloves covering forearms

Even when I bend or raise my arms, my forearms stay warm covered by these long winter gloves

Choice of Four Colors

Both the 15.5-inch and 19.6-inch lengths are available in Black, Brown, Champagne (which I would call tan or saddle brown) and Red. I bought the 15.5-inch long gloves in the rich, dark chocolate brown to go with my faux fur-lined microsuede hooded coat. I'm also planning to buy a black pair to go with my nearly ankle-length, black, hooded down coat, which I wear on the coldest days.

High Quality, Made to Last

The materials and workmanship make them durable and wear resistant. The lambskin leather also becomes even softer and more supple with wear and gradually conforms to the shape of your hands over time.

After wearing mine frequently throughout two frigid Massachusetts winters, the leather as well as the fleece lining and stitching have all held up beautifully.

Touchscreen Compatible

These may look like traditional, high quality, warm leather gloves, but there is a hidden feature (probably conductive thread stitching or fabric between the lambskin leather shell and the soft, cozy plush lining) that also makes these touchscreen gloves. I love being able to use my mobile phone, tablet or Kindle while I'm on the go without having to remove my gloves (especially since it is harder to put a long glove back on while wearing a long-sleeved winter coat).

True to Size

These are sold in small, medium, large, extra-large and extra-extra large sizes rather than numerical glove sizes. I ordered the medium, which equaltes to my usual glove size 7, and found that the fit is true to size. At the time of this post's publication, 88% of Amazon buyers who rated the fit of these gloves also said they fit true to size.

Here is a size guide to help you choose the best fit for yourself or your gift recipient:

Small (6.5)

Medium (7)

Large (7.5)

X-Large (8)

XX-Large (8.5)

Attractive Gift Box

These beautiful, warm winter gloves arrive in an elegant tissue-lined gift box with gold embossing, ready for holiday gift giving. Just add wrapping paper and a bow!

A Fantastic Value

These plush lined, genuine lambskin leather gloves look, feel and last like pairs that cost much more. The gift box is a lovely, unexpected bonus.

Luxury Gifts for Her at An Affordable Price

You won't find more elegant, luxurious, well made and affordable gifts for women for less than $37 for these 15.5-inch, three-quarter-length lambskin leather gloves. Even the longer, 19.6-inch elbow-length gloves cost less than $40.

They would make excellent Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or Christmas gifts as well as birthday or Valentine's Day gifts that the lucky recipients will enjoy and appreciate for many years to come.

Consider a Pair For Yourself

These high-quality warm winter gloves are as practical as they are pretty. If yours don't have touchscreen compatible fingertips or you're tired of having cold hands in the winter, consider treating yourself to a pair of these beautiful, long-lasting, affordable, long leather gloves. You deserve to have warm hands this winter, too!