Mini-Ep 483: Soft Pants and Korean Skincare

Summary

Forever35 – Mini-Ep 483: Soft Pants and Korean Skincare
Hosts: Doree Shafrir & Elise Hu
Release Date: March 11, 2026

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Episode Overview

This mini-episode of Forever35 is a lively listener Q&A centered on self-care, focusing particularly on skincare routines, soft loungewear, and practical tips for everyday life. Doree and Elise respond to questions and share recommendations on everything from Korean skincare brands and cozy pants to sustainability swaps and organizing beauty products, peppered with honesty, warmth, and their signature humor. Personal anecdotes—like attending influencer tennis retreats and navigating pet antics—bring relatability and charm, while practical advice from both hosts and listeners ensures plenty of tangible takeaways.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Expertise, Advice, and Awareness (02:17–04:19)

• Doree and Elise reiterate they are not medical or mental health professionals and urge listeners to seek proper support as needed.
• Elise references online controversies around podcasts giving broad advice on boundaries (e.g. Oprah’s podcast on cutting off family members), highlighting the nuances to personal situations and the diversity of advice seen across platforms.

  “I only know this because Meredith, ...she's like an organized organizational psychologist. She brought it up with me. ...We all see completely different stuff.” – Elise Hu (03:36)

2. Massages, Restorative Self-Care, and the Art of Chatting (04:24–08:36)

• Elise shares details about her recent desert getaway, particularly a massage with women-designed features (like a chest-friendly table), personalized scents, and spa gifts.
• They discuss preferences for chatting or zoning out during services like massage and haircuts.

  “I like to just sort of like, zone out.” – Doree Shafrir (06:35) “...typically I get so many services from Koreans that we Never chat because we don't speak the same language.” – Elise Hu (07:20)

• Elise recounts being at an influencer tennis retreat and feeling like a journalist among content creators, leading to a reflection on social media bubbles and influencer culture.

3. Listener Tips: Seeds and Skincare Starters (10:01–11:57)

• Listener tip: Buy plant seeds from farmers/growers on Etsy for better prices and unique varieties.
• Skincare Routine Recommendation: A caller suggests Skincare by Sydney's personalized quiz for routines with both drugstore and high-end product suggestions—a great free resource for skincare beginners.

  “...it was a really good starting place for me to know the kinds of products that I should be using and where I could find them.” – Listener Caller (10:40)

4. Korean Skincare Recommendations (15:51–20:51)

• Elise responds to a listener’s request for approachable Korean beauty brands and product tips.
  • Makeup:
    • Rom&nd: (written as "ROM and nd") for lip tints and eyeshadow palettes
    • Jung Saem Mool: For CC cushion compacts—Elise describes Jung Saem Mool as “the Bobbi Brown of Korea.”
    • Laneige: Mentioned as a cushion compact option.
  • Skincare:
    • Medicube PDRN serum: For those interested in advanced active ingredients (notes that injectable PDRN is more impactful, as with hyaluronic acid).
    • Torriden 'Dive-In' Hyaluronic Acid: Great hydrator, especially for dry climates.
    • Mediheal Sheet Masks: Favorite for hydration/relaxation, though she critiques the name for implying something's “wrong” with your skin.

  “I am a devotee of Jung Sae Mul because ...my hair person there was at a Jung Semul and I still go see her when I'm back in Korea. Joohee, what's up Juhi?” – Elise Hu (18:06)

• Doree plugs Elise’s book for more K-beauty history.

5. Comfy Soft Pants & Wardrobe Durability (21:08–23:14)

• Listener de-influences Old Navy Bounce Fleece joggers and half-zips: initial love fades due to intense pilling after a few months.
• Hosts discuss cozy clothing alternatives:
  • Varley Half-Zip: Higher price, but holds up better.
  • Spanx Air Essentials: No pockets and reports of pilling.
• Elise affectionately defends her soft pants to her partner, affirming daily comfort is a must.

  “Do you have to wear soft pants every day? And the answer is yes. Yes, I do have to wear soft pants every day.” – Elise Hu (22:38)

6. Pet Chronicles: Oscar’s Muzzle (23:14–24:02)

• Elise updates on her “dumb dog” Oscar’s escapades (eating through his muzzle) and ongoing efforts for his safety.

  “We got him a muzzle, but there's muzzle training required ... Rob told me that Oscar had eaten through the ... clasp of his muzzle. So now it doesn't work.” – Elise Hu (23:51)

7. Sustainable Beauty: Shampoo Bars (24:11–25:24)

• Listener wonders about making the switch to shampoo bars to reduce plastic.
• Both hosts haven’t tried them, but recommend washing hair less often and using dry shampoo to reduce consumption.
  • Call for listener recommendations on effective shampoo bars.

  “I respect that impulse to try and reduce consumption...has just been to wash my hair less.” – Elise Hu (24:49)

8. Candle Warmer Use (25:24–27:11)

• Listener asks about whether to dump wax after melting with a candle warmer.
• Doree advises letting wax solidify instead, noting melting level may be due to an overly high setting.

9. Packing Liquid Essentials for Air Travel (30:29–33:26)

• Listener needs solutions for packing all liquid toiletries in a quart-sized bag.
• Elise’s tips:
  • Edit down to only essentials—consider what you can buy or do without.
  • Use travel-sized/container bottles for necessary products and only pack the amount needed.
  • Take advantage of samples and sachets from stores like Sephora.
  • Don’t stress about body lotion or sunscreen if it’s readily available at your destination.

  “My advice is to edit as much as possible. So like, if there are products that you don't have to have, if you're away just for a weekend, don't bother bringing them.” – Elise Hu (31:07)

10. Teeth Whitening & Dental Insurance (34:40–35:05)

• Listener tip: Check dental insurance for covered cleaning frequency—as some plans may allow four cleanings (but only two exams) a year to help keep teeth whiter, especially for those who drink tea.

  “So she's saying you could get more cleanings than exams. Like you could get two exams, but four cleanings?” – Elise Hu (34:55)

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• “I don't even feel like an expert on, like, my own life, do you know what I mean?” – Doree Shafrir (03:59)
• “I love coziness, but [Rob’s] like, do you have to wear soft pants every day? And the answer is yes. Yes, I do.” – Elise Hu (22:38)
• “We all see completely different stuff … [on our feeds].” – Elise Hu (03:36)
• “If you want to just have a sheet mask on your face ... then I like Mediheal sheet masks.” – Elise Hu (20:50)
• “It actually might be a little light for the desert.” – Doree Shafrir, on moisturizer (33:26)
• “If you don't have one where you can adjust [the candle warmer], I don't know. But it does sound like it might be a little hot.” – Doree Shafrir (26:19)
• “If you're feeling like you're getting oily at the crown ... use a dry shampoo in between.” – Elise Hu (25:14)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------------------|----------------| | Expertise disclaimer & Oprah advice controversy | 02:17–04:19 | | Desert massage and influencer retreat | 04:24–08:36 | | Listener tip on buying seeds | 10:01–10:23 | | Skincare by Sydney resource caller | 10:40–11:57 | | Korean skincare brands & recommendations | 15:51–20:51 | | Soft pants & Bounce fleece de-influencing | 21:08–23:14 | | Oscar the dog update | 23:14–24:02 | | Shampoo bars & sustainable habits | 24:11–25:24 | | Candle warmer troubleshooting | 25:24–27:11 | | Packing liquids for air travel | 30:29–33:26 | | Dental insurance & cleanings tip | 34:40–35:05 |

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Overall Tone and Style

Doree and Elise’s banter balances humor, empathy, and realism. They share listener stories alongside personal insights, creating an approachable, community-oriented feel. Their honesty—about the limitations of their expertise, their favorite cozy loungewear, and dog misadventures—is equal parts entertaining and reassuring.

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Summary Takeaways

• Korean skincare: Recommendations now include Rom&nd, Jung Saem Mool, Medicube, and Torriden, with emphasis on trying products that suit your routine (no need for a 10-step process!).
• Product quality honesty: Not all “influenced” products hold up (e.g., Old Navy Bounce Fleece).
• Sustainability: Small swaps (shampoo bars, air-drying clothes) matter, but clinical effectiveness and personal comfort should still guide choices.
• Packing & organizing: Pare down to true essentials and use decanting/samples to make air travel lighter.
• Dental care: Check your insurance—you may be able to get more cleanings per year for whiter teeth.
• As always, listeners are encouraged to contribute additional tips and recommendations, strengthening the Forever35 self-care community.

Transcript

[Hayden]

Howdy, howdy ho, and welcome to Fantasy Fan Fellas. I'm Hayden, producer of the Fantasy Fangirls podcast and your resident lover of all things Sanderson.

[Stephen]

And I'm Stephen, your bookish Internet goofball. But you can call me the Smash Daddy.

[Hayden]

And we are currently deep diving Brandon Sanderson's fantasy epic Mistborn. But here's the catch. Steven here has not read Mistborn before.

[Stephen]

That's right.

[Dory Shafrir]

Hey.

[Stephen]

Hey. So each week you'll get my unfiltered raw reactions to every single chapter.

[Hayden]

And along the way we'll do character deep dives, magic explainers, and Steven will even try to guess what's next. Spoiler Al he'll be wrong.

[Stephen]

News flash, I'm never wrong. Episodes come out every Wednesday and you can find Fantasy Fan fellows wherever you get your podcasts.

[Dory Shafrir]

I am really feeling that the busy season has started. I don't know about you, Elise. Yes, but I think what's really important is that we need to remember to put a little bit of ourselves first too. And we can do that with the brand new Peloton Cross Training Tread Plus. Powered by Peloton iq, it's Peloton's most elevated equipment with real time guidance and endless ways to move alone or with your favorite instructors. It's cross training reimagined with features designed to help you reach your goals effortlessly. And personally, I know that having a plan helps me stay motivated. Knowing that I have a certain class on a certain day, even at a certain time, helps me move forward with my fitness goals, even if I don't really want to show up on that certain day or certain time.

[Elise Hu]

I get it. Yeah.

[Dory Shafrir]

Peloton IQ provides just that with their personalized plans and recommendations. This can include weekly recommended classes led by instructors who match your mood, vibe and personality, not to mention the variety in workouts available. Go on a 45 minute run on the tread plus or a 5 minute stretch off of it. With one smooth spin of that swivel screen, it offers endless ways to train for a well rounded routine. No matter how busy you are, let yourself run, lift, sculpt, push and go. Explore the new peloton cross training tread [e-mail]. Hello and welcome to Forever 35, a podcast about the things we do to take care of ourselves. I'm Dory Shafrier.

[Elise Hu]

And I'm Elise Hu and we're just two friends who like to talk a lot about serums.

[Dory Shafrir]

And this is a mini episode where we hear from you, we share our comments and your Thoughts. And we answer your questions to the best of our ability. But please remember, we are podcast hosts. We are not experts. And we always urge you to seek support, first and foremost, from a medical and or mental health professional as needed.

[Elise Hu]

We have a lot of questions that we've gotten about, like, burnout and relationships and things. And we're all doing the best we can, so we will try and guide you. But, yes, Oprah, it's so funny that this disclaimer actually makes me think there's a bit of controversy. Have you heard that there's this controversy that Oprah has stepped into?

[Dory Shafrir]

No.

[Elise Hu]

Okay, so there was recently an episode of Oprah's podcast that's about setting boundaries with toxic family members. And I think that the advice. Or there was plenty of advice of just like, go, no contact, you know, or cut off this family member. But maybe it was too broad sweeping, because then there have been a lot of, like, Instagram psychologists who have come out to say, it doesn't work in this case. And, you know, you don't want to listen to a podcast and then make this decision that might be irreparable.

[Dory Shafrir]

Okay.

[Elise Hu]

But we all have different stuff in our feet, so you. I wouldn't know that. I only know this because Meredith, who's a friend of mine, who is a psychologist and behavioral. She's like an organized organizational psychologist. She brought it up with me. I was like, had no idea we could. We all see completely different stuff.

[Dory Shafrir]

That's so interesting. Wow. Okay. Okay.

[Elise Hu]

So that's why it's a reminder every time. It's like, we're not experts.

[Dory Shafrir]

We are definitely not experts. I don't even feel like an expert on, like, my own life, do you know what I mean? Let alone other people's lives. But we do.

[Elise Hu]

We are trying. We are, I feel, like, warm and affectionate toward the community. Like, I don't think that we're trying to steer you wrong.

[Dory Shafrir]

Totally, you know, 100, a hundred percent, yes. What else is happening with you?

[Elise Hu]

I am back from the desert. It was restorative. I feel great. I. Did I tell you I got a massage. I can't remember when we taped our casual chat in which I was still out at the desert, but I got a massage. And this massage table was brilliant. And it was designed by a woman, clearly, because it had a boob elevator where when you're lying face down, it'll adjust lower for your chest so that you don't feel like you're getting a mammogram when you're face down. Like you're not having to press your tatas against the table. So it was so lovely. And then also, like when you were Facetown, they had this beautiful succulent that you could look at if your eyes weren't closed underneath your face. And then they had like, you know, you could choose which scent that, that was getting sort of infused into the air. You could choose among four different ones. And then after that, as a gift from the spa, whichever scent you chose, they presented it in a roller form. So you had a little take home roller from your massage. It was really lovely.

[Dory Shafrir]

Wow.

[Elise Hu]

Yeah. But other people got different services and another gal who got a different service did something. It was called like functional fascia or I, I don't remember, but it was basically just a large, strong man who stretched you limb from limb and he would just like stretch your body in all these ways that needed to be stretched. And I really missed out on that one because I could use it now. I'm so sore. So sore. Even after the massage.

[Dory Shafrir]

Okay. Sometimes a hard massage will make you even more sore, and maybe that's what

[Elise Hu]

it's supposed to do. Somebody was like, huh, you gotta move stuff around. I don't know.

[Dory Shafrir]

I mean, I, I guess you don't want to feel like you're like, insides have been rearranged. But

[Elise Hu]

I didn't have, I didn't have anybody who was like really pressing down on me that much. But she was lovely. And we chatted a little bit. It wasn't like completely silent. Do you like to. Do you chat during your massages or do you like to just be completely silent?

[Dory Shafrir]

I don't like to chat. I usually try to, like, imply that I'm not up for chatting by just giving sort of like, you know, monosyllabic answers. I. There have been a couple times where I have said, like, the person is like, really trying to chat with me. And I'm like, you know, I'm. I'm really just trying to like, relax and I kind of just want to like, close my eyes and. And they totally. I mean, that's like their job. They get it. You can say the same thing to like a hairstylist who wants to chat. And sometimes you just want to, like, zone out. Because some people do like to chat while they're like getting a service like that. And sometimes, sometimes you don't. I mean, you know, that's just how I feel. I like to just sort of like, zone out.

[Elise Hu]

It was different for me because typically I get so many services from Koreans that we Never chat because we don't speak the same language. But in this case, this woman, English as a first language. And so she was like chatting me up and I thought, okay. But it definitely did feel different because usually I like, fall asleep. And in this case we were, like, talking about the history of the property and whether I played golf and how long she's been in Palm Springs. Yeah,

[Dory Shafrir]

I mean, that's. That does feel slightly different because I'm sure you were sort of interested in, like.

[Elise Hu]

Yeah.

[Dory Shafrir]

What was going on.

[Elise Hu]

Yeah, I guess. I mean, I am. I did apply a little bit of a journalistic or anthropological lens to this whole experience. Cause I kind of wasn't supposed to be there. It was for all tennis influencers. I was just there to take up this last minute spot. And it wasn't until the first dinner where I realized everybody else there was like a content creator. And this explains why people's plus ones were Instagram husbands who were like, so funny, shooting them as they were moving across the property and all these things.

[Dory Shafrir]

Wow. Have you seen any of the content that they made?

[Elise Hu]

I've only. I don't follow them. So, I mean, I don't know them that well. There's this one girl who's grown to a rather modest following, but just from filming her tennis journey, like going from, wow, not playing tennis at all, to now playing a little bit of tennis. And her husband was there to. To capture everything. And then Jess Pagula, one of the. One of the top ranked women, she came and taught a clinic. And so, you know, there's pictures of her in Pegula, so I saw a little bit of hers. And then there was a big model there who I didn't realize was a big model. I mean, she looked like one, but I. You know, she has like a million followers or something. And I don't know all the influencers among us because there are so many. I mean, all of Ava's friends from Brat TV have a million followers, you know, and like, I hadn't heard them, heard of them in my life. So this goes back to the original point about Oprah Daly and the controversy. We see so much different stuff from each other.

[Dory Shafrir]

Yes, yes, yes, yes. So interesting.

[Elise Hu]

Yeah.

[Dory Shafrir]

Well, Elise, we got a text from someone who heard our call out for the. From the person who wanted info on, like, how to buy seeds and.

[Elise Hu]

Yeah, and boxes.

[Dory Shafrir]

Stuff for their window boxes. Yeah. And someone said, get seeds from farmers. Slash growers on Etsy. Good prices and unusual species.

[Elise Hu]

I have never thought to do that.

[Dory Shafrir]

Me neither. I mean, not that I'm like looking for seeds, but I thought it was interesting.

[Elise Hu]

Okay, that is interesting. Cool. Thank you.

[Dory Shafrir]

Good tip, Good tip. And then we also got a voicemail that I want to play before we take a break. And this is in response to someone who was looking for info on starting a skincare routine. Okay. If you recall that, that question as well.

[Listener Caller]

Hi, Elise and Door. I was just calling in response to the listener who is wanting to get into a little bit more of a skincare routine. A few years ago, I asked a similar question in one of the Forever 35 Facebook groups and was directed to a website called Skincare by Sydney. Um, and she offers a free quiz where you answer questions about your skin and your goals and then she will send you a routine based on your skin type. And she offered steps with drug score drugstore products and then also higher end products. So you could pick and choose if you wanted to just spend a little money or really invest in those products. And I thought that was a really good starting place for me to know the kinds of products that I should be using and where I could find them. And again, that was all free from her. I'm sure if you use her links to purchase the products, there's some sort of kickback for her. But I think that's a really great starting point for someone just getting into skin care. Anyway, I hope this listener finds some great products and really starts to love a skincare routine.

[Elise Hu]

Great tip.

[Dory Shafrir]

Okay, thank you for that website recommendation. And yeah, I'm sure that they use affiliate links, but I feel like that's, that's kind of like how they get paid, especially if they're doing the. The quiz for free. So. All right, well, before we take a break, just a reminder, you can call or text us at 781-591-0390 and you can email us at forever35podcastmail.com and also a reminder that our website is forever35podcast.com. We have links there to everything we mention on the show. We are on Instagram @forever35podcast and our patreon is patreon.com forever35. We do our weekly casual chats which are now on video. So if you want to see our lovely faces, you can get our casual chats on video. Patreon.com Forever35. We also do our monthly pop culture recommendations episodes. We just put a new one up last week and we have a chat going in the Patreon app with those pop culture recs. We also do ad free episodes. We Also have our newsletter at the free tier. So if you're just kind of Patreon curious, you can sign up for our free free tier and get our newsletter. So check all of that [e-mail] forever35 and then after the break, we have a question for Elise about Korean skincare.

[Elise Hu]

Ooh, yes.

[Dory Shafrir]

And some de influencing on a product that was recommended on this very show. Okay, I'll leave you all in suspense about what that might be.

[Elise Hu]

Stay tuned.

[Dory Shafrir]

All right, we'll take a break. We'll be right back. The gift of a framed photograph is really perfect for every occasion. If it's someone's birthday, a photo of someone or something they love, graduation, that pic you snapped from their very first day. Photos show you're paying attention and you care. An aura frame does too. We have an aura frame. My parents have an aura frame. Matt's parents have an aura frame. And it's amazing because we can just keep them all updated at the same time with pictures of Henry. He loves adding pictures to the frame. He loves looking at his own frame. And then I love getting texts from the grandparents, like talking about the cute pictures that we put on. It's really special because Aura has made it effortless to share your photos and videos through the free Aura app. And now you can even just text photos straight to your frame. And best of all, Aura has free unlimited storage. That means you can send Grandma, dad, or whoever as many photos and videos as you want. Aura frames perfect gift every time. Name number one by wirecutter. You can save on the perfect gift by visiting auraframes.com for a limited time. Listeners can get $35 off their best selling Carver mat frame with code FOREVER35. That's a U R A frames.com promo code FOREVER35. Support the show by mentioning us at checkout terms and conditions. Appreciate.

[Hayden]

Howdy, howdy ho, and welcome to Fantasy Fan.

[Listener Caller]

Fellas.

[Hayden]

I'm Hayden, producer of the Fantasy Fangirls podcast and your resident lover of all things Sanderson.

[Stephen]

And I'm Stephen, your bookish Internet goofball. But you can call me the Smash Daddy.

[Hayden]

And we are currently deep diving Brandon Sanderson's fantasy epic Mistborn. But here's the catch. Steven here has not read Mistborn before.

[Stephen]

That's right.

[Dory Shafrir]

Hey.

[Stephen]

Hey. So each week, you'll get my unfiltered raw reactions to every single chapter.

[Hayden]

And along the way, we'll do character deep dives, magic explainers, and Steven will even try to guess what's next. Spoiler alert. He'll be wrong.

[Stephen]

News flash, I'm never wrong. Episodes come out every Wednesday and you can find Fantasy fan fellas wherever you get your podcasts.

[Dory Shafrir]

All right, we are back. Elise, here's the email that is mostly directed to you.

[Elise Hu]

Okay.

[Dory Shafrir]

Hi, Jordan, Elise. A new Asian cosmetics and skin care store has opened up near me, and it is equal parts fascinating and overwhelming. I was hoping that Elise could give some recommendations on Korean brands and products that she loves and that I can keep an eye out for. I remember Elise mentioning a cushion compact, but I can't remember what else she loves, and I'm keen to try some new products. I'm drawn to Toboko, but only because I like their branding and packaging. Any suggestions would be super helpful. Also, on the topic of shows to watch while going through the IVF process, this may be a little dark, though sometimes the journey gets a little dark. But I liked watching the Handmaid's Tale where not being having, where not being able to have a baby was the norm. I was probably a few egg retrievals into the process with nothing working when I watched this, but it made me feel less alone at the time. I also want to say that Matt and Dory's excellent adventure really got me through that time in my life. I was really in the thick of it when I came across your podcast. I and following your journey at the same time was so, so helpful. So a big thank you. Oh my gosh, thank you. That is so nice.

[Elise Hu]

That's great. And you're still making Matt and Dory's excellent adventure, right?

[Dory Shafrir]

We are. We, we record like our regular main feed episodes, like kind of sporadically. It's, it's gotten down to like a once a month cadence, I would say. But we still have a Patreon and we do two Patreon episodes every month as well, so.

[Elise Hu]

Okay.

[Dory Shafrir]

It's still pretty active on the Patreon.

[Elise Hu]

Great.

[Dory Shafrir]

It just, it got to be a lot. And we're also not going, you know, we haven't gone through IVF in a few years and so we didn't like make an official announcement about anything. But it just sort of seems to be like slowing down naturally. So that's a status.

[Elise Hu]

Okay. To the question about skincare brands that I like in K Beauty for makeup, I really like this brand called Rome and nd. It's rom. Just, it looks like ROM and nd. They have great tints, lip tints and then and their eyeshadow palettes are fantastic. And I would totally, totally recommend that my cushion that I Use is actually from Mac, but it's muled to me from Singapore because my face, my skin is too dark for the cushions. A lot of the cushion brands that I like from Korean skincare companies. But the cushion compact that I think is good from Korea, besides the lineage one is by Jongse Mool. That's J U N G say S A E Mool. And that is the name of a makeup artist who became like really huge. Sort of like she's like the Bobby Brown of Korea and she has a really great CC cushion compact or her line has a great CC cushion compact. And I'm a devotee of Jung Sae Mul because there's also Jung Sae Mul salons in three or four places in Seoul. And my hair person there was at a Jung Semul and I still go see her when I'm back in Korea. Joohee, what's up Juhi? And she's fantastic. And Joohee knew people at a salon here in Koreatown la, which then helped me get all hooked up to my K beauty services here in L A. It's because like they kind of all are connected across the pond. And so anyway, Jones Good CC cushions Roman. And for makeup for skin care, the Medicube PDRN serum is very hot right now. If you want to try pdrn, I brought some back a few years ago and like I think PDRN is more effective when shot in your face, frankly, like in, in the form of rejuvenating. I mean, and most, most of these things are right, but like, because hyaluronic acid, same thing, they were like shooting hyaluronic acid in, in faces and you could see like an immediate difference. But if you want to try pdrn, Medicube makes a good one. And then the other brand that Koreans love, which I haven't seen as much here in the US is Torriden T O R R I D E N and they make an awesome hyaluronic acid called dive in or it's in their dive in line. And I always use that when I travel because I need a little bit more because as you all know, I don't have a multi step skincare routine. I just try and stay really hydrated, especially when I'm in super dry places like the desert. And so and in addition, one more thing on sheet masks because everybody loves a sheet mask. Metaheal is the kind of sheet mask that I like and I hate that name because it problematizes our skin. It's like Mediheal, AKA something's wrong with you. Which Dory, I think talked about in a recent episode. Nothing's wrong with you, but if you want to just have a sheet mask on your face for. For moisturizing and to feel, like, the relaxation of it, then I like Mediheal sheet masks.

[Dory Shafrir]

Okay. Thank you, Elise.

[Elise Hu]

Yeah. Got you.

[Dory Shafrir]

I love that you are the resident Korean skincare expert.

[Elise Hu]

You can also pick up my book if you want to hear the history of all this.

[Dory Shafrir]

I was gonna say, you did literally write a book, so. Okay, Elise, do you want to read this this next text?

[Elise Hu]

Okay. Hi, Dora and Elise reaching out with some not so great news about the Old Navy Bounce fleece. Oh, no. I was obsessed when I first got it. I bought a set of joggers and a half zip. I wanted to get more in every color. Pretty quickly, though, it started to pill. Despite washing it inside out and air drying, my set is only a few months old, and it's so pilly that I won't wear it out of the house. It looks awful. I'm so bummed. It's so comfy and flattering, but this is a fatal flaw. Oh. Question to you and the listeners. Is there another option that will hold up better? I've considered Spanx Air Essentials, but no pockets is an issue. Plus, reviews say they pill badly too. Ugh. Would love any Rex for a comfy and cute set that doesn't deteriorate after just a few washes. Thanks. Love you guys in the pod. I am bummed to hear that. I, like, am so turning off Rob every time I wear my Old Navy Bounce fleece set. But I love it and I continue to wear it. Maybe. I mean, I guess in a couple months it will really show its wear and tear. But I've had my Varley half zip half since Christmas, and it's still looking great. And so you can get Varley sets. It's just at a price point that I didn't like. I only have that half zip because Rob's mom bought it for me for Christmas. I. I didn't want to.

[Dory Shafrir]

Does Rob hate coziness? What does he have against the bounce fleece?

[Elise Hu]

He's like, just. Yeah, it's not his thing. I love coziness, but he's like, do you have to wear soft pants every day? And the answer is yes. Yes, I do have to wear soft pants every day. So it's now become this running joke. What? What? What? What was the nickname for my bounce fleece outfit? Like, what's that? Casino Yamava. Oh, yeah, Yamava Casinos and Resorts. Oh, there's more. And also, Elise, I'm sorry to hear about Oscar's latest surgery. I also have a dumb dog. Thank goodness. She's cute. Sigh.

[Dory Shafrir]

How is Oscar doing, by the way? We haven't had an Oscar update in a few minutes.

[Elise Hu]

We got him a muzzle because the vets who have had to operate him, operate on him, recommend that he just be in a muzzle, like, all the time. Yeah. In order to prevent accidents. Because who knows? We got him a muzzle, but there's muzzle training required for him to get used to having it on his face. And so, like, he'll wear it for a little bit and then I'll take it off. And then yesterday or the day before, Rob told me that Oscar had eaten through the clip, the clasp of his muzzle. So now it doesn't work.

[Dory Shafrir]

Oh, my God.

[Elise Hu]

Because it was off his face at some point. So we have to get him a new one. That is the update. Is he still with us? Yes, for now. Always a journey.

[Dory Shafrir]

Always a journey. Okay, we have a voicemail on a. On a different topic. A non osc. Great topic.

[Listener Caller]

Hi, Dori and Elise. I had a quick question about shampoo bars. I'm really curious about trying shampoo bars just to reduce my use of plastic, but I'm worried about not having, you know, as nice of hair at the end. I've gotten really comfortable with the type of shampoo I use, and I really love having nice, soft hair. So I'm just curious about if either of you have tried shampoo bars or if there's other listeners who'd like to chime in with other shampoo bars they might have used that have left them with great results. All right, thanks so much. Bye.

[Elise Hu]

I haven't. I respect that impulse to try and reduce consumption and reduce the amount of plastic that you're using. My response to that, because I also feel that is has just been to wash my hair less. So I'm like washing my hair every three days sometimes, like my hair person was like every other day. But now I. Now I'll go longer. Cause it'll really stretch out the amount of shampoo that you use.

[Dory Shafrir]

Yeah, totally.

[Elise Hu]

And then I use a dry shampoo in between if I need. If I'm feeling like I'm getting oily at the crown. But I haven't tried. What about you, Dor?

[Dory Shafrir]

I have not used a shampoo bar. Okay. So I have no recommendations, but I know shampoo bars have definitely come up before and I know people had recommendations, so if you are someone who, who has recommendations on a shampoo bar, please show yourselves and let us know what you like. Okay, One more text that we got before we take another break. And this is for me. Candle warmer question for Dory. Are we supposed to be dumping the wax after it's melted? How frequently, how much? How am I doing this dumping exactly without getting hot wax everywhere? I don't dump my hot wax. I let it resolidify. I also, I wonder if you have your candle warmer on too high of a setting.

[Elise Hu]

Yeah, because it shouldn't really liquefy, right?

[Dory Shafrir]

It shouldn't really liquefy. Yeah, like mine. Mine doesn't really liquefy exactly. Like, it gets soft, but it's not like a, like a, you know, puddle. So maybe try turning yours down a little. The one I have, you can adjust, you know, how intense the light is. And actually mine was about a little past, like halfway on the dial. So, you know, not. Definitely not as intense as it. It is capable of. So maybe just check that. And if you don't have one where you can adjust it, I don't know. But it does sound like it might be a little hot. So that's. That's my only thought. Okay, we're gonna take another little break and when we come back, we have a packing question, which I feel like, Elise, you're kind of our packing guru.

[Elise Hu]

Love. Love a packing question.

[Listener Caller]

Great.

[Dory Shafrir]

So you might be the one answering this one. All right, we will be right back.

[Elise Hu]

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[Dory Shafrir]

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[Elise Hu]

Love a cube. Love a cube. Yeah, I remember doing some reporting on packing for another episode of NPR's Life Kit and interviewing the around the world person for the New York Times. A few years ago the New York Times had this like person who did went to 52 places in the world in 52 weeks or something and she said to me something I won't forget which is that liquids obviously weigh a lot more than solids and so she never packed liquids. Like anytime she got to a destination she would just figure it out. But you're saying that you don't like to buy more products after arriving at a destination. So if you want to bring your Own. My advice is to edit as much as possible. So like, if there are products that you don't have to have, if you're away just for a weekend, don't bother bringing them. Things like sunscreen for your body. Right. Like most places have that. If you're out by the pool, you know, there, there are sunscreen jugs or things and then, or those pump, what do you call it, pump bottles. And then if you get those travel packs, you know, for your quart sized bag at a CVS or any drugstore, they come with all those mini bottles and things. So you can just kind of figure out you can use your full size things to fill those out. And that's how I usually travel with my cleanser and like condition hair conditioner. I like a certain kind of hair conditioner. Those travel with me when I go in any places. And then the other is a lot of times if you do buy some, buy something at Sephora and you get samples, the samples are in those little packets rather than a full bottle. Because it's such a limited amount. You could always bring those with you if it's like body lotion or something that you want to bring. But ask yourself what is going to be at the destination that you're fine to live with. Maybe that's body lotion, maybe that's, you know, the sunscreen at the pool. And if that's the case, you don't have to pack them with you. And then when you can or, and then for the things that you want to travel with for sure, fit them into those little bottles and don't fill them all the way up. Only fill them the amount that you need for the length of your trip.

[Dory Shafrir]

Okay.

[Elise Hu]

Yeah. I try to reduce liquids as much as possible.

[Dory Shafrir]

Yeah. I decant into, into smaller.

[Elise Hu]

Yeah, yeah.

[Dory Shafrir]

Okay.

[Elise Hu]

I forgot to bring moisturizer to the desert Face moisturizer. I got there and I was like, I guess I'm going to have to put this body lotion on my face. But it wasn't great. It wasn't great. So the next day we got a swag bag. And what was in the swag bag?

[Dory Shafrir]

Moisture. Oh my gosh. That's a lovely moisturizer.

[Elise Hu]

Yeah, that.

[Dory Shafrir]

Yeah. It actually might be a little light for the desert.

[Elise Hu]

I had to open it. I mean, I could have kept it and like given it to somebody as a gift. But then I was like, nope, I actually need this right now.

[Dory Shafrir]

You know, the other thing that I find I always need in the desert, like copious amounts of is lip balm. Your lips get so dry. Also, what's funny is just as an aside, I feel like the way that we feel like our skin and our lips get so dry when we go to the desert is how people from other places feel when they come to la. Like, yeah, everyone's always like, my skin's so dry. And I'm like, I'm used to it at this point. But people are very surprised by that. Okay, last question or comment. Regarding the caller who asked about teeth whitening slash enamel health, I recommend that the caller check their dental insurance to see how many cleanings they'll cover per year. My insurance covers four cleanings per year. Still two exams per year. I now go every three months where every other cleaning I'm seen by the dentist. I'm also a dedicated tea drinker and I've noticed my teeth are whiter with this routine.

[Elise Hu]

Oh, I have to look at that. I think my insurance only covers two. I'm pretty sure I had a conversation with insurance about this once when I was asking about reimbursements. But check your insurance.

[Dory Shafrir]

Check your insurance. If you have insurance, check your insurance. Yeah, yeah.

[Elise Hu]

So she's saying you could get more cleanings than exams. Like you could get two exams, but four cleanings? Yeah.

[Dory Shafrir]

Yes, yes, yes, exactly.

[Elise Hu]

Okay, good tip. Thanks.

[Dory Shafrir]

All right, well, thanks everyone so much. Thanks for your questions and your comments and we will talk to you soon. Take care.

[Elise Hu]

Bye.

[Dory Shafrir]

Bye.

[Hayden]

Howdy, howdy ho, and welcome to Fantasy Fan Fellas, I'm Hayden, producer of the Fantasy Fangirls podcast and your resident lover of all things Sanderson.

[Stephen]

And I'm Stephen, your bookish Internet goofball, but you can call me the Smash Daddy.

[Hayden]

And we are currently deep diving Brandon Sanderson's fantasy epic Mistborn. But here's the catch. Steven here has not read Mistborn before.

[Stephen]

That's right.

[Dory Shafrir]

Hey.

[Stephen]

Hey. So each week you'll get my unfiltered raw reactions to every single chapter.

[Hayden]

And along the way, we'll do character deep dives, magic explainers, and Steven will even try to guess what's next. Spoiler alert. He'll be wrong.

[Stephen]

News flash. I'm never wrong. Episodes come out every Wednesday, and you can find Fantasy Fan fellows wherever you get your podcasts.

[Dory Shafrir]

Acast powers, the world's best podcasts. Here's a show that we recommend.

[Zibby Owens]

Hi, this is Zibby Owens, host of Totally Booked with Zibby, formerly Moms don't have Time to Read Books. In my daily show, I interview today's latest best selling, buzziest or underrated authors and story creators whose work I think is worth your time. As a bookstore owner, publisher, author, and obviously podcaster, I get a comprehensive look at everything that's coming out and spend my time curating the best books so you don't have to stay in the know. Get insider insights and connect with guests like Grammy Award winning singer Alicia Keys, critically acclaimed author Judy Blume, and Academy Award winning screenwriter John Irving every single day. With Totally Booked, you aren't just listening, you're part of the story, so don't miss out. Follow Totally Booked with Zibby on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you're listening now.

[Dory Shafrir]

Acast helps creators launch, grow and monetize their podcasts everywhere.

[Stephen]

Acast. Com.