Edition 34: An Assortment of Useful Things
Quick answers for lens cloths, mouthwash and soap dispensers
Greetings, friends! And welcome to Caroline Finds It: my weekly newsletter where I reply to submissions from YOU for objects and products you need recommendations for.
It’s the final sprint for holiday shopping, and I’m a little tired of talking about gifts, so I’m taking on three very different quick answers today. If you’re still in gift mode, godspeed to you! Reach out to me on Instagram @ladygraphite for emergency recommendations. For now:
Bill in Tigard, OR: “My wife and I are going to Europe for the first time! So excited. In effort to pack light, I’m looking for a non-liquid mouthwash replacement.”
Bill, this is so exciting!! I hope you’re having a lot of fun planning your perfect trip. You have right idea — there are a surprising number of non-liquid swaps for traditionally liquid things when traveling (see my Favorite Product of the Week below!). For years I’ve been using Georganics Mouthwash Tablets ($12 for 180), which taste palatable and make my mouth feel squeaky clean. One thing I’d suggest, though, is popping it in water as soon as you start your bathroom routine because they take a good couple of minutes to dissolve completely.
Another option is Marvis Mouthwash Concentrate ($6), which comes in a very small travel bottle and is shockingly concentrated. It’s still a liquid, but will be significantly more compact that a vacation’s worth of regular mouthwash. This is the real deal and would be a great option if you’re used to that Listerine burn.
Lisa in NYC: “I’m looking for a cute and effective way to clean my glasses. I have those cheap microfiber squares the eyeglasses store gives you but I want something more durable and effective. I should be able to clean them without a spray and the fabric should look cool. I’ve heard about Toddy cloths but wondering if there are others out there? Maybe those cute little Japanese cloths?”
Can I admit something? I almost exclusively use my shirt to clean my glasses. But I can tell you that it’s ALWAYS a silk shirt that cleans them best — even better than a microfiber cloth on the rare occasion that I actually have one. The thing is, people used things with lenses long before synthetic microfibers came along and I refuse to believe that they are actually better! What you need to look for in a lens cleaning cloth is: a tight weave with a little traction and a fiber type that is totally lint-free. I found a site that sells colorful 100% silk cloths for lenses that are also washable. You can find them from Royal Silk ($8 for 3):
Lauren in Los Angeles: “Hello, I'm looking for an attractive hand soap bottle, and a dish soap bottle dispenser (both with a pump). It's been difficult to find something that is aesthetically not offensive! My style leans towards kitschy or minimal in design, in case that helps.”
Soap dispensers tend to be SO UGLY! Don’t worry, Lauren, there are options that don’t look like they were bought on impulse at Bed Bath and Beyond. A couple of years ago I went on this same hunt for myself and ended up with a pair of soap dispensers from Helen Levi that still make me smile everytime I wash my hands. She currently doesn’t have any available (but it’s worth signing up for her newsletter and checking regularly for new stock!). Alternately, you can re-use a glass bottle that you like the shape/size of by popping a cork soap dispenser top into it, or by using a oil spout stopper (do this for dish soap!). I’ve been using a big old Absolut London bottle with an oil spout in my kitchen for 10 years!
My favorite soap dispensers for hand soap I’ve seen recently are these ones made from rocks at Stowe Craft for $39:
I like that they’re handmade and unique but not too crafty looking. There are a bajillion ceramic options on Etsy, but I find that it’s hard to sift through the amateur ones. Check in with any ceramicists you follow on Instagram to see if they make any, or take commissions! I’ve seen pretty ones at hand-blown glass shops, too.
For your dish soap, how about using a Menda bottle? Menda bottles are made for storing and dispensing small amounts of sensitive substances with a single hand. You’ve probably seen these in nail salons for acetone, but they can be used for any liquidy substance, including dish soap. The vintage chem lab aesthetic is great, but the best part is that you can just press your sponge on it with one hand while doing the dishes. Talk about ease of use! The come in a wide variety of sizes and colors, too.
FAVORITE PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
Since my very first trip to Japan 7 years ago I haven’t stopped talking about Kanebo Suisai Beauty Clear Powder (about $20 for 32 pods). It goes against all of my more sensible judgment about waste, but it’s just so cute and convenient I have accepted it as an exception to most of my rules. Adorable tiny packaging aside, Beauty Clear is a single serving of water-activated foamy face wash powder that is gently exfoliating and safe for my sensitive skin. Since it’s a powder, it won’t take up precious space in your liquids bag. I’ve also found it useful to keep in my bag just in case I happen to spend the night away from home, or find myself in a situation where I just really need to wash something off my face. You can find it IRL at any Reiwatakiya store (on St. Marks here in NYC!) or easily online.
Is there a product you’re looking for? Submit your request here. See you next week for fresh recommendations! xo Caroline
Caroline, thank you so much for helping me in my quest! I love your newsletter, and appreciate your talent.