Elle’s Unnecessary Recommendations

Here are some uncategorized stuff that I find underrated.¹ The list is in no particular order, but organized by the location in which I associate the thing.

Airplane

• Cabeau Evolution Neck Pillow: the only neck pillow that successfully constricts my neck comfortably without choking me.²
• Comfortable noise-canceling, over-the-ear headphones: it really helps you sleep when a baby is crying a few seats over…

Bathroom

• Oral-B Pro-Expert Premium Dental Floss: other flosses haven’t been as delightful to use in terms of the taste and width and material feel.
• Wet Brush Pro Flex Dry Paddle Brush: I think this shape has been discontinued, but I specifically like the rectangular kind for increased surface area and the swirly pattern for faster drying. It’s the only hairbrush I’ve used that didn’t hurt my scalp and whose bristles haven’t fallen out while I’m trying to detangle my hair.
• Shiseido Tsubaki Shampoo Premium Moist & Repair: it leaves my hair silky smooth and also smells divine. The conditioner is okay, but I prefer the shampoo comparatively to other shampoos on the market.
• Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream: the best body cream I’ve ever used. It also smells heavenly.

Closet

• Hanging shelves: something like this is a total space saver.
• Mesh bras: I prefer minimal fabric but also an underwire. I wear these, but I’m not completely happy with the non-mesh fabric, which can feel a bit plastic-y and stiff.
• Alo Yoga puffer ski pants: The ones I have were discontinued I think, but they look chic and keep me warm on the airfield!
• Uniqlo HEATTECH Ultra Warm High Neck T-Shirt: It’s simply the best in the winter. No, I am not trying to copy Steve Jobs. Good artists copy; great artists steal :p

Fitness

• Leggings with pockets
• On running shoes: sometimes rocks can get trapped within the soles, but overall it’s decent.
• ASICS GEL-RESOLUTION shoes: I have the GEL-RESOLUTION 9, but in general I’ve been enjoying ASICS shoes for sports involving lateral movement because they’re the only ones that’s striked the right balance between stiff and flexible for my sprain-prone ankles.
• Fabric resistance bands
• Combination locks: I carry one with me all the time, mostly for the gym.
• Clear spiral hair ties: it doesn’t really work for pony tails, but it works well for buns.
• Uniqlo HEATTECH Pile Lined Joggers: honestly a lifesaver in the winter.

Kitchen

Non-perishables

• Chef’s knife: 8 inches³
• Microplane Premium Classic Series Grater: I know it says “Lemon Zester”, but I use it primarily for cheese. I live life on the edge.
• Instant PotⓇ: it’s not just for lazy students…

Perishables

• Naked Tofoo: I kinda just eat it raw lol
• Cascatelli pasta: the best pasta shape for saucy pasta, period.
• Balsamic vinegar, but the more viscous kind
• Trader Joe’s Smoked Ghost Chilies with Grinder
• Icelandic Provisions Thick & Creamy Skyr: the vanilla bean and coconut flavors
• Mae Ploy curry paste: for making authentic-tasting Thai curry
• S&B とろける (Torokeru) curry paste: for making the best Japanese curry
• Califia Farms Oat Barista Blend: I’ve literally tried all of the oat milks sold in UK grocery stores…
• Táche Pistachio Milk: as a vegan milk alternative, it’s quite solid (despite being liquid)!

Outdoors

• Small backpack: I prefer them to purses. Idk, I’m a girl; my clothes rarely have sizable pockets.
• Reebok Club C 85: it’s comfortable and functional and stylish (imo).

Room

Bed

• Heated underblanket: I run cold in my sleep.
• Foldable memory foam mattress: these things are super comfortable and perfect for house guests. Or yourself when you’re temporarily bed-less 😅

Nightstand

• Galaxy star projector: I got it because Brandon Woelfel had an aesthetic-#goals room set-up :D

Surfaces

• Super bright lights: thank you to my current housemate, whose lights I copied. I also have this – they call it “mood lighting” for a reason!

Table

• rOtring 600 Mechanical Pencil 1, 0.5mm: it’s weighted well, has a good grip, and has a working lead-guidance mechanism. I use it for writing and drawing.
• Apple Pen Metal Tips: I find it’s easier to be more precise when using metal tips.

Ubiquitous

• Hydro Flask Bottles: just a great, no-frills water bottle. It’s double insulated and dishwasher safe.⁴

_{Last update: May 1, 2025}