And not a supplement in sight!
I’m sharing 10 of my favourite products that have been so useful in midlife and while navigating ongoing menopause after cancer. It was genuinely hard to choose – I could easily list 20, so maybe there’ll be a sequel. Although I use these products now during menopause after cancer, they’re not just for this stage of life. They’re useful, feel-good additions that anyone can benefit from, at any time
Quick note…
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a tiny (and I mean tiny) commission if you decide to purchase through them. I only ever recommend products I’ve personally used and genuinely love. I’ll explain why each one has helped me—and if you feel like treating yourself, enjoy!
Power Leggings – Exercise is a big part of my life, which helps me manage various menopause symptoms as well as stay healthy – and I love to run.
These Sweaty Betty Power Leggings haven’t just helped during menopause or cancer, I have loved these for a long time. I have several pairs – ones that glow in the dark for those early morning runs, some thermals for the cold weather and just simple stylish black which almost became my uniform throughout lockdown and then treatment.
Water bottle – We all need to keep hydrated and more so during menopause – it helps ease common symptoms like hot flushes, fatigue, and dry skin. I have a real aversion to drinking unfiltered tap water, and this bottle filters as you drink which is perfect. Its meant I’ve been better at drinking water and regularly get to the 1.5-2L mark now.
Fan – I rarely meet any woman thrown into menopause because of cancer treatment without a fan in their hand or the talk of hot flushes. It’s the most common symptom of menopause and can be so frustrating. Mine are triggered by the smallest of stressful situations and often followed by profuse sweating. Not pleasant and reduced by my trusty fan.
Lipstick – This is probably one of the most powerful products I own for so many reasons. It helped detract from my limited eyebrows and greying hair post chemo, wearing it makes my skin look so much brighter and it’s a confidence boost when I need it. I love a strong red or pink or even orange. Lady Danger is my current fave!
Skincare – Since the screens in lockdown, I have been religious about skincare.
2 of my favourite products are – Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm and also Medik8 C-tetra Luxe which is a skin glow in a bottle.
Pillow – I was gifted this pillow by My Nature, who are going to be supporting Menopause and Cancer by donating money for each one they sell. I’ve struggled with hot flushes and night sweats and although the pillow can’t stop them, its certainly made it a much more comfortable night. The pillow stays the right side of comfortable cool.
Lavender – I love essential oils and although I always thought of lavender as being a bit old fashioned, its been brilliant for dropping on my pillow to help me relax into sleep. And actually the smell is not as old fashioned as I remembered. This one from Neals Yard Remedies is my favourite.
Pyjamas – Since my first breast cancer diagnosis, when I realised that I needed to look well dressed for bed, I’ve invested in pyjamas. Afterall, I spend a lot of time in them. I love this brand – Chelsea Peers – and have a few pairs. I’m coveting these, black Friday purchase maybe?
Books – I love books for so many reasons – escapism with a great novel or to learn. A few of my favourites are listed here.
Fiction: Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, One of Us by Elizabeth Day, Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
Non-Fiction: Navigating Menopause After Cancer by Dani Binnington, The Book of Do by Miranda West, Open When by Dr Julile Smith
Share your favourite products in the comments – what do you like to help with self-care in midlife?