It’s not breaking news that exfoliating pads remove makeup and tone skin pretty well. However, we’ve spotted RoC’s Line Smoothing cleansing pads that do you one better: RoC made these babies to remove makeup and work to smooth fine lines — and shockingly, reviewers are reporting that they’re actually effective. People are literally canceling Botox appointments because these foam-infused pads are surprisingly doing quite enough. And the kicker is that they’re less than $12. An $11.97 alternative to a beauty procedure? Consider us attentive.

“I usually get Botox twice a year,” one shopper shared.

Let’s get this out of the way: Of course, the pads don’t perform an actual Botox treatment. Needles are sold separately and at a much higher price. However, reviewers say the changes they are seeing have been more than enough to pause office visits in favor of a simple tweak to their skincare routine.

“Normally I would feel the need to get botox again by this point but these really do smooth my fine lines,” they continued.

“I’m not exaggerating when I say they give you an instant facelift.”

Instant facelift is a tall order for cleansing pads, so we always raise our virtual eyebrows when anyone shares that about a skin care product — except this isn’t the only shopper who decided against a procedure after trying these specific pads.👀

No joke, reviewers call the foamy discs a “much less expensive and invasive option” than Botox, while providing the Botox-like smoothing.

“I am 53 and my concerns were forehead furrows, lip lines, marionette lines and some jowls starting to sag. I was considering looking into mini lift or maybe fillers like Botox,” another reviewer shared, noting they were concerned the pads would be “strong enough” as they don’t contain retinol.

“The results from using this product have been significant,” they wrote. “The most significant improvement is diminished appearance of lip lines…Brow furrows appear far less defined-still there but not as deep. I really hadn’t expected a change in the marionette lines or jowl thing-but they too are noticeably diminished!”

“I have found the glabellar lines between my eyebrows have become way less noticeable,” another said. “I was considering botox to help with those so I am quite happy to have found a much less expensive and invasive option. I have also noticed a considerable amount of brightening of my skin in general.”

We’ve confirmed with experts just how crucial yet often forgotten the exfoliation step is to a mature skin care routine. The process helps remove dead skin to “reveal brighter and more rejuvenated skin,” and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, aesthetician Sean Lundy previously told HuffPost.

With the RoC pads, you can tackle the cleansing and exfoliation in one session. The smooth side is great for gentle cleaning, while the textured side offers physical exfoliation as you swipe. Additionally, the foam in the pads boasts ultra-hydrating ingredients like glycerin and butylene glycol to plump the skin, while the glycine soja (soybean) protein works as an antioxidant and skin-conditioner.

People are sharing that their pores look smaller, makeup sits nicer and lifelong bumpy, oily skin is finally starting to look smooth and matte. Several shoppers also note that their skin has an “undeniable new glow.” That, good people, is evidence of a product that multi-tasks hard.

The brand says they’re gentle enough to be used twice daily, as you prep your face for the day and as you wind down for sleep. You get 28 pads in a pack, though many cut them in half to double the amount. Reviewers say the pads rival luxury skincare in experience and effect, at an unbeatable price.

Reviewers love these handy pads for making smoothing skin care quick and easy. Read more 5-star reviews and grab a set for yourself for under $12.

“I bought these on a whim in December when I ran out of my normal cleanser not expecting much. After 3 months I can safely say I’m amazed. This is one of my favorite skincare products and I’ve used everywhere from high end, prescription and drugstore. I’m 37 and have the start of wrinkles on my forehead. I usually get botox twice a year, normally I would feel the need to get botox again by this point but these really do smooth my fine lines. I’m not exaggerating when I say they give you an instant facelift. After 3 months I have less discoloration and my face feels fresh. I 100% recommend these. I can’t believe how affordable they are!” — BBRebBe

“These are amazing. I was contemplating botox due to lines in my forehead. I decided to try these disks and my skin was brighter and softer after using the first time. It had the kind of glow like I had been to the spa. I have been using almost daily for about 1 week and the difference is visible to me. The lines in my forehead have not vanished (it isnt magic) but they have dramatically diminished. I will continue to use all over my face. I hate I did not take before and after pictures.” — Monica

“Love, love this product. I’ve been using RoC products for 12 years, since I first read they were best all around for fighting wrinkles without draining your wallet. These remove makeup so fast and leave my face feeling incredibly refreshed. I find I sleep better too when I use these. I cut them in half to make them go further.” — Lelsie Stuart

“I will add my voice to all the happy reviewers of this product. I have been very pleased with how it has worked on my skin. I don’t have many wrinkles to contend with but I have found the glabellar lines between my eyebrows have become way less noticeable. I was considering botox to help with those so I am quite happy to have found a much less expensive and invasive option. I have also noticed a considerable amount of brightening of my skin in general.

Looking for more skin care for mature skin that reviewers say actually makes a difference? Check out this list below, courtesy of HuffPost Shopping.

The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)

There’s plenty of one-size-fits-all health advice out there. But for people of a certain age, the diet and exercise recommendations aimed at younger folks just aren’t as helpful as they used to be. Our bodies have changed, and we don’t need to start hardcore exercise routines or embark on crazy fad diets that skip entire food groups.

These days, there’s too much health information coming at us from all sides, much of it from questionable sources. That can be overwhelming at any age. We asked a group of cardiologists, nutritionists and other health professionals for one simple piece of advice they would give to all their senior patients.

When it comes to a healthy senior lifestyle, we can all benefit from some advice from a nutritionist who treats senior patients regularly. Four of them shared their top tips, and each one is a powerful tool for wellness.

As we age, it’s especially important to make sure we are getting plenty of fiber. Registered dietician nutritionist Kathleen Garcia-Benson told us: “Fiber is essential for a healthy digestive system, regular bowel movements, and is associated with a lower risk of colon cancer. Easy ways to boost fiber include snacking on berries, adding ground flaxseeds or chia seeds to oatmeal, or using a fiber supplement. Just be sure to drink plenty of water when increasing fiber!”

Nutritionists also urge seniors to make sure they are getting enough protein. According to registered dietician Courtney Pelitera, one of the biggest effects of aging seen across the board is something called sarcopenia, or the breakdown of muscle mass, strength and function.

“A great way to preserve as much muscle as possible (besides regular exercise) is to make sure the diet is adequate in protein,” Pelitera said. “I like to encourage at least 20g of protein or more per meal with older adults.”

Another common problem for seniors is deficiency of vitamin D, which plays a role in muscle movement and immune function, and is needed to keep bones healthy.

“The body becomes less efficient at converting sunlight into Vitamin D as we age, and older adults are at increased risk for having low levels,” said RD Annette Snyder. “Food sources of vitamin D include fatty fish (salmon, tuna, trout, mackerel), egg yolks, fish liver oil, mushrooms, and fortified dairy products.”

Something as basic as hydration can also become a problem for seniors. RDN Colette Micko says this is because the natural mechanisms that increase the sensation for thirst are diminished as you age.

“This means you cannot rely on feeling thirsty to signal that your body needs water,” she said. “Staying adequately hydrated is important for nearly every cell in your body to function, and can help with energy levels, digestion, body temperature regulation and lubrication of joints.”

Micko recommends increasing your water intake to a minimum of 48 ounces per day by drinking on a schedule, always keeping fluids nearby and focusing on hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables. This can all help ensure you are meeting your body’s minimum requirements.

The best thing that older adults can do to protect their heart health is to eat whole, plant-based foods ― and Dr. Katie Golden, a board-certified emergency medicine physician, recommends the Mediterranean diet, to be consumed joyfully with friends and family.

“It’s all about eating fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats,” Golden said. “Also, enjoy yourself and the company of those around you while doing it, because mental health and well-being is an important part of physical health.”

And all the cardiologists we spoke to agreed on one thing ― the importance of exercise. Just do whatever you can do. According to Dr. Eldad Einav, a cardiologist, obesity specialist and clinical assistant professor at SUNY Upstate Medical University, study after study shows that exercise helps with blood pressure regulation, cholesterol management, blood sugar regulation, weight maintenance, inflammation, stress, mortality, energy, stamina, sleep, cognitive ability, joint health, balance, mobility, immune system function and social interaction.

It doesn’t take hours at the gym or training for an Ironman Triathlon to maintain your health. Dr. Dany Sayad, medical director for the Tampa General Hospital Heart & Vascular Institute’s General Cardiology Center of Excellence, told us: “If I could get my senior patients to do one thing, it would be to exercise a minimum of 150 minutes per week.”

“The exercise should be tailored to the patient’s physical abilities,” Sayad said. “Chair yoga, pilates, and most importantly walking would improve not only the cardiovascular system but also lower the risk of fall, the anxiety and ameliorate the sense of well-being.”

If your doctor hasn’t already told you, cardiologists have a short list of habits you need to quit. According to Dr. Philip Nimoityn, a clinical cardiologist at Cardiology Consultants of Philadelphia at Jefferson, “seniors interested in maintaining cardiovascular health should pursue a heart-healthy lifestyle including avoidance of obesity, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.”

“A well-balanced diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, is beneficial in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease,” Nimoityn said. He also recommends asking for a few specific tests to make sure your heart is in tip-top shape.

“Better screening for cardiovascular disease can be achieved by supplementing standard lipid screening with additional tests including Apo-B, lipoprotein(a) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, which identifies vascular inflammation that can now be treated to reduce future risk,” Nimoityn said. “A CT coronary artery calcium score is also very useful in stratifying an individual’s cardiovascular risk.”

The original version of this story was published on HuffPost at an earlier date.

Prices change quickly on Prime Day, so keep checking back to see the latest updates. Make sure to sign up for an Amazon Prime account to get the deals.

Some products go on sale so rarely that it feels like breaking news when the price tag drops. That’s certainly the case for Revision Skincare’s YouthFull Lip Replenisher, a luxury, peptide-infused lip balm that I credit for transforming my aging lips. It’s like no other product out there for smoothing and replenishing my smile. After months of stubbornly sitting at full price, it’s on rare sale for Amazon Prime Day for 30% off, the lowest price it’s been since Black Friday. Trust, this balm is worth every penny at full price, so this deal is a steal. But you have to move fast because Prime Day ends tonight, and the deals are going with it.

My lips have gotten just as much sun damage as the rest of my face over the last nearly five decades, and it was starting to show. I decided to try the YouthFull Lip Replenisher in a mission to combat signs of aging on my lips. I’m not overly bothered by wrinkles, but I do want to take care of my skin. Yet, I can’t slap retinol cream on my lips like I can on my crow’s feet. Lip skin is wildly delicate.

I figured one of the most promising lip-safe active ingredients would be peptides, given that certain peptides can have skin-restoring abilities and help address things like loss of firmness, dullness and fine lines and others are solid antioxidants. Although they don’t produce quick miracles — no skin care does — peptides can be effective, and some are gentle enough to be included in lip products. I tried a few of them, including Hailey Bieber’s peptide lip gloss (what can I say? she has good skin!), but nothing was really doing it for me.

More, the balm offers vitamins E and C and green tea, which have been studied to work well in tandem with peptides. Plus, the balm offers very solid moisturizers like shea butter.

I put it on overnight, and let me tell you, I could actually tell a difference the very next morning. No wonder reviewers call it “the holy grail of anti aging lip products!”

I will note that when I first put this on, I immediately knew it wasn’t going to be a product I’d wear much during the day, despite Revisions’s guidance of applying it three times daily. It’s pretty thick and sticky (if you are constantly pulling your hair out of your lip gloss, you know the struggle).

But as one reviewer noted, this is actually the product’s superpower, because it absolutely does not budge, even if you wear it overnight. “Although some reviews complain about the tackiness of the balm, that’s actually what is so great about this product!” wrote a Dermstore customer named Lizzie. “It sticks to lips better than any other balm I’ve tried.”

I can attest to this. Each morning when I wake up, it’s still there as if I just applied it. I sleep on my side, but it doesn’t melt off or get on my pillow. The fact that it clings so hard and lasts so long gives me some assurance that all those little peptides really are hard at work while I sleep, safely ensconced on my lips in a very stay-put formula. I kept going with overnight use, and within days felt like this it was making a real difference. My lips hadn’t been in terrible shape, but they definitely seemed smoother than they’d been in years. They didn’t look wrinkly. And they certainly felt supremely healthy.

Although some reviewers do enjoy it wearing this formula as a daytime gloss, many others are using it overnight only, too, and say it makes their lipstick easier to apply the next day.

And given how little of it I have to squeeze out to give my lips a solid coat, I feel like this one tube is going to last for an almost comically long time (a relief given that $40 is way more than I typically spend on a lip balm).

Some aren’t so concerned with fine lines, and simply use it for dry, cracked lips in winter or desert climates (and they say it’s hugely effective for that).

I can’t say enough good things about Revision’s lip treatment, a sentiment that seems to be shared by everyone who’s tried it. Read more 5-star reviews and grab one for yourself before the Prime Day price jumps back to normal.

“This deserves 10 stars. I was given this as a gift from a friend, and I loved it so much I bought the regular and the tinted. Worth every single penny! Yes, it is very sticky, but I honestly prefer when glosses/balms are sticky because I feel like that helps it last all day. Plus it makes my lips feel super moisturized after taking it off. Since it’s sticky, a little goes a long way, which is such a plus given this is a little pricey!” — Marie

“After years of hearing people mention having a ‘holy grail’ product, I finally have my own. This stuff is incredible! I originally got it after having a lip moisturizing treatment done, because it was recommended as a great post-treatment maintainer, but it works fantastically all the time. I have always had great lips, but they’ve been thinning due to age. This makes them look insanely plump, incredibly moisturized, and very ‘I used a filter but in real life.’ One caveat: it is crazy sticky. That’s what keeps it on as a great all-night moisturizer, and doesn’t require constant touch-ups on a night out. But it’s definitely a hair-grabber in a windstorm. Absolutely worth it to me to just wait and put it on when I’m inside!” — Golden golden

“It actually works! My Dermatologist recommended this to me. Results are noticeable some in the beginning but with daily use (throughout the day) my lips are fuller, less wrinkles! (age 46)” — Amy Gragg

“I’ve tried so many lip masks. Laneige, Tatcha, First Aid Beauty (was amazing and now discontinued), Bite, Fresh, Ole Henricksen, Kiehl’s (tastes and smells fantastic, lasts on lips for 4 minutes)…Tarte, Buxom, Dior, was a Burt’s Bees fan for a decade. BB is nice and keeps the moisture in, but no active ingredients to nourish. Revision is serious business… I travel for work, am on planes and changing climates weekly. My lips are soft and nourished. I’m over 50, and no lip lines. **Can’t recommend strongly enough. 10/10**” — Kimberly S

The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)

Prices change quickly on Prime Day, so keep checking back to see the latest updates. Make sure to sign up for an Amazon Prime account to get the deals.

In previous HuffPost coverage, experts have shared that our body odor can actually change with aging, thanks to our skin naturally producing different compounds over time. The smell is distinct from regular BO, and while it isn’t a poor hygiene indicator, it generally doesn’t come off with just ordinary soap and water. It may, however, be addressed with this special bar of Japanese persimmon soap from the brand Mirai Clinical. It was runaway hit with HuffPost readers from the first time we covered it. For Amazon Prime Day, you can nab it for a whopping 38% off (aka, the lowest price we’ve seen it at, ever).

In previous reporting, this circular amber bar, currently on sale for Prime Day, was suggested as a possible solution to “old people smell” — a biological phenomenon caused by the compound 2-nonenal.

Typically beginning after age 40 and caused by antioxidant defenses declining in the skin, nonenal odors can have a mild to moderate organic or musty smell that varies from person to person, we’re told by dermatologists. And you might not even be able to notice it on yourself due to something called olfactory adaptation, where you become accustomed to the scent since its development is so gradual. It’s also not necessarily unpleasant to all humans, since smell is so subjective. But, if it is a concern for you, this is a possible solution.

“Persimmon soap, which contains tannins, has a plausible mechanism and a long history of use, though large randomized trials are lacking,” dermatologist Dr. Naana Boakye, founder of Bergen Dermatology, previously suggested.

And while Boakye did not mention a specific brand, the Mirai bar soap appears to be the most popular and widely reviewed option. (The founder even appeared on “Shark Tank” last year.) This formula has a dense concentration of persimmon-derived tannins, along with green tea extract, an ingredient that’s rich in antioxidants for continual defense throughout the day.

One Amazon customer put it to the test behind their ears, another part of the body where this smell can commonly develop.

“The results were pretty remarkable,” they claimed in their review. “I washed behind my ears on day one and then didn’t do it again for three days, constantly smelling that area each day. The smell stayed gone for two days, and by about the third day, it was starting to become slightly noticeable. That made me a believer.”

Others claim the soap worked on perimenopausal-related odors and just body odors in general that had previously been resistant to other soap formulas.

Reviewers love Mirai Clinical’s persimmon soap for making them feel (and smell!) their best. Read more 5-star reviews and grab a bar on sale for Prime Day.

“Magical!! This stuff really works! No more perimenopause weird odor. I was going crazy! Bought a bunch more because it’s an essential now.” — An

“The perfect soap for seniors. This is a fantastic product. I had been changing soaps, shampoos, laundry soaps and sheets, and the unpleasant smell remained. Within days of using Mirai clinical persimmon soap I smell clean and fresh again. I also use the deodorant. I like the round shape of the bar and it makes a nice lather. I recommend this to everyone.” — Kindle customer

“Now get ready because I am going to get slightly gross for a minute. I rubbed my finger behind both my ears and smelled and yeah, it wasn’t great, even though I just washed that morning. So I gave the soap a shot and in particular focused on behind the ears. The result were pretty remarkable. I washed behind my ears on day one and then didn’t do it again for 3 days. Constantly smelling that area each day. The smell stayed gone for 2 days and by about the 3rd day it was starting to become slightly noticeable. That made me a believer. So I started using it in all the places the nonenal is at. I start by washing my entire body with regular soap and then at the end of my shower I use this soap in all the places they teach you that nonenal shows up. I have to say that I feel much more confident about how I smell after using it. No one wants to go through hormonal changes but we all have to. At least now we can be more comfortable in our skin while we go through it. I know it’s very expensive for a soap. But it is worth it. And if you only use it on the parts of the body that the nonenal smell comes from you won’t have to buy it again for a couple of months.” — L.B. (This review has been edited for length. Read the full review.)

“I’m glad I decided to try this soap despite the cost. It’s a large bar that hopefully will last for months and lathers very well with a pleasant clean smell. I noticed after using the bar the sour odor that I have been struggling with is absent. I hope this soap works as well for you as it has for me.” — Patricia Kroepel

The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.

We have LOADS more Prime Day beauty deals where this came from! Browse this curated list below for more of the goods.

The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)

I am 44 years old and I might be the only woman I know who doesn’t mind getting older. In fact, I relish it.

Don’t get me wrong — I’m not fond of everything that comes with it. My hips hurt. My eyesight is getting worse. I’m forced to decide between a glass of wine or a sleepless night. Gray hair, not-so-fine lines and deep wrinkles are certainly humbling. Oh, and my moisturizers are now more expensive than they’ve ever been.

None of this is fun. But aging has given me something that I didn’t even know I needed: delicious invisibility and freedom from unwanted male attention.

I know that many will take issue with my stance. Society is not kind to women who age, and no one knows that better than women themselves. No one enjoys being ignored when they need something, but the world is not kind to girls or women at any stage, and what I’m talking about is something far more sinister than the store clerk who looks right past me.

I remember the first time a man I didn’t know put his hands on me. It happened in broad daylight at a popular spot in Brooklyn, New York, where locals go to enjoy the view of the Hudson River and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge that connects my borough to Staten Island. I was 15 years old and enjoying summer break. I spent my days biking around the city and often stopped at this spot, which I’d loved since my parents took me there as a small child.

I hopped off my bike and was admiring the whitecaps that rushed under the bridge when I felt his hand up my shorts. Then, just as quickly, he sped away on his bicycle while his friend cheered him on. The assault was fast, calculated and breathtakingly scary. I wonder now how many other unsuspecting women and children he groped before — and after — me.

I never saw the face of that man who made me afraid to go to the promenade by myself from that point forward. Nearly 30 years later, I’ve never forgotten the assault. For too many years I blamed myself for what happened: Maybe if I’d stayed on my bike … Maybe if I hadn’t worn such short shorts … Maybe if I hadn’t been so taken by that view …

That man was not the first or last to challenge my relationship with public spaces. The following year, another guy I didn’t know cornered me against a gate and wrapped his leg around my waist before animatedly thrusting his hips into me until I shoved him away with all the force my teenage body could muster. His friends laughed as I hurried off in the opposite direction, glancing over my shoulder until they were out of sight.

A few years before either of those encounters, I was walking to a family member’s house a few blocks from my own home when a man who appeared to be my father’s age pulled up next to me in a van and said, “Hey, little girl, I have a bag of candy for you.” Though this sounds like something out of an after-school special — almost too cliche to be real — the danger I felt in that moment was visceral, and I ran away from him as quickly as my feet would carry me.

I know I’m not the only one who has experienced something like this. Many girls and women are often suddenly confronted by a car horn, a whistle or obscenities being leveled at us by men and boys. It seems to get them off, and I would wager that some of them fully intend to instill a bit of fear in their targets.

A few years ago I was on a walk in a rural town when a man approached me on foot, got uncomfortably close and whispered, “Nice tits,” before rubbing himself and walking away. This happened mere feet from a preschool. It was the first time I called the police during an otherwise peaceful walk in broad daylight. I was on high alert the entire way home. I had no way to prove what had just happened, and I’m not sure the police ever came.

Women and girls are targets for unwanted male attention wherever they find themselves. Everything I’m describing has taken place in cities, suburbs and rural towns, and it’s often much worse. It happens in nightclubs. It happens in grocery stores. It’s happening on busy streets in the middle of the day. Women are told to smile. They’re badgered for their numbers. They’re called names if they don’t respond or dare to call out the behavior. It is relentless. It is daunting. And it’s exhausting.

For many of us, this kind of attention begins in our own homes, long before we’re able to make sense of our experiences. I, like many girls, was conditioned by my family to believe that my body was up for criticism, inspection and commentary. When aunts and uncles comment on the length of your legs, or when your parents talk openly about how you’re “filling out” (or not filling out), or when your grandparents admonish you for not “sitting like a lady” before you have any idea what they mean, you come to accept this hyper fixation on your body as normal.

To make matters worse, I was told that unwanted male attention was always the fault of the girl or woman receiving it — no matter what. If I was courageous enough to report these confusing, infuriating and terrifying encounters with strange men and boys to my parents, they would summarily dismiss them as my fault.

Our culture does the exact same thing. Just look at Donald Trump (the former president of the United States!) and the way he has treated women — and how our society has normalized his repugnant behavior. It’s 2024 and we’re still considered playthings for men. And if we don’t like it, we’re labeled rude or frigid, and told we can’t take a joke or don’t know our place.

So, I could not be more thrilled to finally be at an age where I’m mostly unseen by men. With each passing year, I find myself navigating unwanted male attention less and less, which means I can now do something as simple as go for a walk without preemptively bracing myself for rude and hypersexualized comments or uninvited physical contact.

It shouldn’t have to be this way. We shouldn’t have to wait half of our lives to feel safe in our own skin. We shouldn’t have to secure the invisibility that aging offers us to exist in the world without fear of who will approach us and what they’ll say or do. Just think of how much mental and emotional energy we waste — and what we could be capable of if we could spend all of that time and energy creating or connecting with others. What’s more, if women were respected — and desired for more than just their bodies — we might not be rendered invisible as we age (which obviously comes with disadvantages too), and I wouldn’t have to be so overjoyed about finally living undetected.

Unfortunately, it’s too late for me — I’ve already aged out — but it may not be too late for the women and girls coming up after me.

As an author, I believe that starting conversations about these kinds of experiences can be a powerful part of the solution. I write children’s books about unpalatable topics like bullying, family dysfunction and gender-based harassment involving minors because I do not want these traumas to continue to thrive in silence. If we can teach children how to resist objectification — and teach boys not to objectify in the first place — we can change the dominant narrative about women in our culture. For me, it all begins with a simple idea: No one is entitled to opinions about — or access to — other peoples’ bodies without their consent. Period. And I will not stop talking with children about these difficult topics until society has turned a corner.

I’m not holding my breath. It won’t be easy. It will take courage, dedication, uncomfortable discussions, and a lot of support and understanding. But it’s worth fighting for. Besides, now that I’m invisible, I’ve got all of that extra time and energy on my hands, so I hope I can help make the world a little more palatable for the girls who will soon inherit it.

Christina Wyman is a USA Today bestselling author and teacher living in Michigan. “Slouch,” her highly anticipated middle-grade novel, is about a tall girl navigating friends, family, self-esteem, boundaries and the terrifying realization that her body no longer seems to belong to her. It is available wherever books are sold, including local independent bookstores, starting in October 2024. Her debut novel, “Jawbreaker,” a middle-grade book that follows a seventh grader with a craniofacial anomaly, was named one of Publishers Weekly’s best books of 2023.

Need help? Visit RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Online Hotline or the National Sexual Violence Resource Center’s website.

This piece was previously published on HuffPost and is being shared again now as part of HuffPost Personal’s “Best Of” series.

Do you have a compelling personal story you’d like to see published on HuffPost? Find out what we’re looking for here and send us a pitch at pitch@huffpost.com.

If your makeup has been looking heavy, dull or just entirely off, it might not be your products — it’s how you’re using them. Certain application techniques can subtly emphasize fine lines, texture and unevenness, making skin look older than it actually is. And because so many of us stick to the same routines for years, those small missteps can quietly add up.

“As we age, skin loses collagen, elasticity and natural hydration, which results in texture becoming more visible, pores looking larger and increased skin laxity,” said makeup artist Sheri Knight. “Makeup that once sat beautifully can suddenly settle or look heavy, so adapting your routine is everything.”

Ahead, the six makeup habits that can instantly age your look — plus exactly what to do instead for smoother, fresher-looking skin.

According to makeup artist Erica Taylor, over-powdering is a sure-fire way to instantly make the skin appear older. “As skin becomes drier and more textured with age, powder can settle into fine lines and emphasizes dullness,” she said, adding that areas with visible lines like around the mouth, crow’s feet and underneath the eyes are especially prone to creasing.

To properly set your face, Taylor recommended lightly setting just the T-zone with a talc-free powder to control shine without flattening the skin. Also, proper skin prep, like gentle exfoliation and layering hydration, combined with hydrating mists throughout your routine, can help you further lock in makeup without dulling the glow. “Opt for skin care-infused, dewy setting sprays, like the Anua Hydrating PDRN Hydrating Capsule Mist, rather than matte-ifying ones to avoid emphasizing fine lines,” she said.

Brows are an understated area that can quietly shape your entire face, playing a bigger role in how youthful you look than most people realize. Fuller, softly structured brows tend to frame the eyes and lift your features, creating a fresher, more awake appearance. On the flip side, overly thin, harshly drawn, or overly dark brows can look rigid and flatten the face, which can read as older.

“Harsh, overly structured brows can drag the face down and compete with your features instead of framing them,” said Knight. “As we age, softness is key — use hair-like strokes and build gradually, focusing on filling sparse areas rather than drawing a whole new brow.”

Aim to keep the inner brow softer and less dense, with the arch sitting slightly higher and the tail not dropping too low. This placement helps create a subtle lift and a more awake, refreshed look. And to hold everything in place, top off with a lightweight gel like the Benefit Cosmetics Dream Sheen Waterproof Tinted Brow Glaze Gel.

Applying heavy eyeliner, especially along the lower lash line, can drag the eyes downward and make them appear smaller and more closed off. Plus, dark, thick lines under the eye can emphasize shadows, fine lines and any natural hollowness, which can contribute to a more aged look.

Makeup artist Alexandra McCormick said that when it comes to brows, it’s all about lifting. That means keeping the liner thin and tight along the upper lash line rather than heavy or thick, and tightlining — a technique that involves lining the inner waterline — to create subtle definition without adding visible weight. You can also try using an eyeshadow as eyeliner for a softer, more diffused look, or a soft brown liner pencil (rather than black) to create definition without the rigidity of a hard line, said McCormick.

When it comes to formula, relying solely on powders for blush and bronzer can make skin look drier, flatter and more textured. Cream formulas, on the other hand, tend to melt into the skin, adding back that natural-looking dimension and subtle glow that powder alone can’t always achieve. “This natural radiance catches the light, which adds the appearance of volume to the face,” Taylor said.

To keep your skin from looking glowy (not greasy), Taylor recommended a balanced approach of combining light powdering in strategic areas with creamy or luminous textures. Try lightly powdering only the T-zone to control excess oil while keeping the rest of the face luminous with cream formulas.

Frosty eyeshadows can unintentionally age the eyes because of how they interact with texture — shimmer-heavy, icy finishes tend to reflect light in a way that highlights fine lines, creasing and any natural dryness on the lids, making the area look more textured than it is. Rather than applying a whole wash of frosty eyeshadow all over the lid, McCormick said to add “a touch on the inner corner of the eye to brighten and a soft highlight on the center of the lid to give a wide awake appearance.”

For the most flattering look, though, go for a satin finish eyeshadow or a soft matte texture — these will smooth and refine the eyes while also allowing the skin to move naturally, said McCormick.

“As we age, the natural lip border softens and can lose definition — lips appear thinner and less structured, and lipstick can also bleed into fine lines around the mouth,” McCormick said.

The key for more youthful-looking lips is to choose a lip liner close to your natural lip tone and use light, feathery strokes rather than a hard outline. “Neutral pinks, rose tones, soft berries and warm nudes tend to feel fresh and enliven the complexion,” said McCormick, who recommended avoiding overly cool or flat tones that can drain warmth and life.

As I enter the eighth decade of my life, I find that I no longer want to kill anything.

Anything at all.

This dawned on me one recent night as I was brushing my teeth. A fly was buzzing around, in the chaotic path that makes sense only to flies, and I absent-mindedly swatted at it with my free hand. It was an arguably lucky swat, sending the fly in a spiral down to the drain hole of the sink. As it lay there, weakly flailing alongside the stopper, a perfect victim waiting to be washed away, I reached for the faucet handle … and stopped myself, feeling a twinge of misgiving.

About a fly.

How did I come to this? Growing up in a family where hunting season meant putting food on the table, I often hunted with my father, and I killed numerous creatures, including deer and antelope. I would join in the field-dressing of the carcasses (these were not fancy hunts facilitated by a guide; it was just my dad and me, bumping along snowy gravel roads in a battered Chevy pickup), so I was immersed in the visceral aftermath. Whatever misgivings or remorse I had were overwhelmed by the work at hand.

My father had no remorse. He grew up in northern Montana over a hundred years ago, one of eight children who lived on a homestead in a shack without electricity or running water. Hunting was an intrinsic part of life for him and his brothers — a never-ending exercise to bring home protein to feed a large family. Beyond that, though, they took joy in the act itself — the rush brought on by pursuing, shooting and killing. I know it’s unbelievable (unfathomable, really) to many, but for some it’s undeniably true.

That’s the boldface dividing line between those who hunt and those who find it repulsive. As a kid, I had none of the privations my dad had experienced, but I was introduced early to that thrill of the hunt and the kill. In my childhood home, autumn was enlivened by football, Halloween and deer season.

Then the day came for me to leave that home. I went off to college in a big city, and then started a career in journalism, where co-workers were almost all anti-gun and anti-hunting and not timid about saying so. Within an otherwise like-minded bubble, I was an outlier who thought it was OK for a person (that is, a demonstrably sane person who has had safety training) to own a gun, and to shoot an animal for food. While I didn’t hide my feelings about it, I didn’t go out of my way to advertise them, either.

This changed one September, when an in-law who was a veteran hunter persuaded me to go deer-hunting with him. I thought it would be interesting to revisit that experience, and at the same time, reexamine this whole notion about the joy of hunting. I pitched a story to the editor of my newspaper’s Sunday magazine, the late Jeffrey Klein (once of Mother Jones), who signed off with enthusiasm.

The story ended up being a lot about the nature of hunting, and not very much about the hunt itself, except for a description of two or three confused minutes in which I ended up shooting a buck. When it was published — complete with a woodsy photo of me carrying a rifle and wearing a Natty Bumppo-like scowl — it elicited an onslaught of reader response, including the most hateful mail I’d ever received. (When you write a weekly column, as I did, you sometimes are a convenient target for the angry, the disgruntled, the anal grammarian, etc.). Workplace reactions were more muted, but I did detect a subtle shift among my colleagues.

The larger shift occurred internally. I spent a lot of time reviewing the hunt and brooded over one part in particular. As is often the case, no matter how skilled the hunter, there was a lapse of several seconds or longer between when the animal was struck and when it drew its last breath. As somebody with easy access to countless sources of humanely processed protein, I asked myself: How could I justify that lapse, just for a taste of some vague atavistic thrill?

I couldn’t. And that’s the realization that started my transformation.

At first the change was gradual. Because my wife and I live in a semi-rural area, we have numerous critters hanging around. When we moved in, our horseshoer — a lanky old cowpoke who loved to hunt and shoot — warned us about diurnal skunks, which he claimed are inevitably rabid.

“If you see a skunk in the daylight, you better shoot it,” he told me.

He said this with such conviction that I was ready to shoot any skunk under the sun.

But one afternoon as I was entering an outbuilding with one foot on a step and the other on the ground, I froze. A decidedly non-rabid skunk had suddenly materialized from behind me, and proceeded to casually waddle directly between my legs, and thence into a small gap under the building. (It did not emit that acrid, sense-shocking odor usually associated with a skunk… just a whiff, maybe akin to that of a slightly flatulent and embarrassed elder relative shuffling to a corner of the room.) I was no more inclined to shoot that skunk than my own dog.

The image of this creature going about its business — and, it seemed to inquire, why didn’t I mind my own? — awakened in me a sensibility of whenever-possible-live-and-let-live. As time passed there were more skunks, then possums in the garage (mama and four or five babies, all aghast at the site of me), bold and kind of scary raccoons, raucous crows, and so on. We cohabitated without incident, though the lawn and the dogs’ water bowls did suffer some.

This became the rhythm of life for months and years, until a sudden change. Maybe intensification would be a better word. A time came when I swung drastically to where live-and-let-live became more like live-and-let-everything live. Not only that — help them live.

There was the mouse that had been fetched indoors by the cat, who relinquished it only after considerable coaxing. I gently swept the dazed creature into a dustpan and transported it to a reasonably safe spot outside. Soon after, there was another mouse (wait, was this the same mouse?), whose best-laid plan to get a drink from the edge of the swimming pool had gone agley. As it desperately swam, I scooped it out and deposited it to another safe spot, adding a gratuitous admonishment to be more careful.

There was the wolf spider that I collected with the same dustpan; the lizard, also packed in by the cat, also relocated via the dustpan; and the hummingbird, which trapped itself in the garage and chose the cobwebby window as the only way out, despite the garage door whose gaping openness, in hummingbird dimensions, must have been akin to the Grand Canyon. (The process of shepherding it out the door required a full 15 minutes of slow-mo walk-and-talk-and-wave action.) There was even the nest of pesky yellowjackets gingerly hauled from the barbecue area to the back pasture, which mitigated their peskiness not at all.

And then at last there was the fly, dazed at the sinkhole, my hand poised at the faucet handle, bringing me back to the question: How did I come to this?

Answer: I got old.

After age 30, the ensuing birthdays were inconsequential. Just another day. But surprise! The 70th, the ol’ seven-oh, wasn’t another day, but that day. At 70, a heretofore gossamer notion was revealed to be fact. Everybody must die — shockingly, even me.

Facing this reality, I realized I had no interest in hastening others to their own fate. I kept thinking of Robert Burns’ mouse, and those self-referential lines:

…thy poor, earth-born companion, / An’ fellow-mortal!

Yes, on this earth, we far-flung and disparate fellow-mortals are all crowded together onto one ineluctable path to the same end. So don’t let me rush you.

Some will want to remind me that as we proceed on the path, there always will be blood. Old fools cannot change the immemorial dynamic of dog-eat-dog and cat-eat-mouse and kill-or-be-killed. Albert Schweitzer’s “Reverence for Life” is delusional, laughable. I’m unmanly, sentimental, weak.

Yeah, I’m good with all that.

As for the fly: I wrapped it up in a bit of tissue, took it outside, and lay it on the porch. The next morning — where, how, who knows, didn’t matter — it was gone.

Larry F. Slonaker is an essayist and the author of the novel “Nothing Got Broke.” He was born and raised in Great Falls, Montana, and worked as a writer and editor at the once-renowned San Jose Mercury News, and the still-renowned Stanford University. There were a few stops at never-renowned places as well. He and his wife now live in California on five acres, which is just large enough to contain three horses and several semi-feral (all neutered!) cats.

Do you have a compelling personal story you’d like to see published on HuffPost? Find out what we’re looking for here and send us a pitch at pitch@huffpost.com.

People of all ages get body odor at some point, especially in the summer. But did you know that body odor can change with aging? In previous coverage, experts have shared that age-related body odor is a thing, caused by skin naturally producing different organic compounds. The smell is distinct from regular BO, yet you could be so used to it that you don’t notice it when others around you do. Still, it isn’t a poor hygiene indicator, as it doesn’t come off with just normal soap and water. It may, however, be addressed with this special bar of Japanese persimmon soap from the brand Mirai Clinical, which currently happens to be on super-rare sale at 20% off right this second.

In previous HuffPost reporting, this circular, amber bar was suggested as a possible solution to “old people smell” — a biological phenomenon caused by the compound 2-nonenal.

Typically beginning after age 40 and caused by antioxidant defenses declining in the skin, nonenal odors can have a mild to moderate organic or musty smell that varies from person to person, we’re told by dermatologists. And you might not even be able to notice it on yourself due to something called olfactory adaptation, where you become accustomed to the scent since its development is so gradual. It’s also not necessarily unpleasant to all humans, since smell is so subjective. But, if it is a concern for you, this is a possible solution.

“Persimmon soap, which contains tannins, has a plausible mechanism and a long history of use, though large randomized trials are lacking,” dermatologist Dr. Naana Boakye, founder of Bergen Dermatology, previously suggested.

And while Boakye did not mention a specific brand, the Mirai bar soap appears to be the most popular and widely reviewed option. (The founder even appeared on “Shark Tank” last year.) This formula has a dense concentration of persimmon-derived tannins, along with green tea extract, an ingredient that’s rich in antioxidants for continual defense throughout the day.

One Amazon customer put it to the test behind their ears, another part of the body where this smell can commonly develop.

“The results were pretty remarkable,” they claimed in their review. “I washed behind my ears on day one and then didn’t do it again for three days, constantly smelling that area each day. The smell stayed gone for two days, and by about the third day, it was starting to become slightly noticeable. That made me a believer.”

Others claim the soap worked on perimenopausal-related odors and just body odors in general that had previously been resistant to other soap formulas.

Reviewers love Mirai Clinical’s persimmon soap for making them feel (and smell!) their best. Read more 5-star reviews and grab a bar on sale.

“Magical!! This stuff really works! No more perimenopause weird odor. I was going crazy! Bought a bunch more because it’s an essential now.” — An

“The perfect soap for seniors. This is a fantastic product. I had been changing soaps, shampoos, laundry soaps and sheets, and the unpleasant smell remained. Within days of using Mirai clinical persimmon soap I smell clean and fresh again. I also use the deodorant. I like the round shape of the bar and it makes a nice lather. I recommend this to everyone.” — Kindle customer

“Now get ready because I am going to get slightly gross for a minute. I rubbed my finger behind both my ears and smelled and yeah, it wasn’t great, even though I just washed that morning. So I gave the soap a shot and in particular focused on behind the ears. The result were pretty remarkable. I washed behind my ears on day one and then didn’t do it again for 3 days. Constantly smelling that area each day. The smell stayed gone for 2 days and by about the 3rd day it was starting to become slightly noticeable. That made me a believer. So I started using it in all the places the nonenal is at. I start by washing my entire body with regular soap and then at the end of my shower I use this soap in all the places they teach you that nonenal shows up. I have to say that I feel much more confident about how I smell after using it. No one wants to go through hormonal changes but we all have to. At least now we can be more comfortable in our skin while we go through it. I know it’s very expensive for a soap. But it is worth it. And if you only use it on the parts of the body that the nonenal smell comes from you won’t have to buy it again for a couple of months.” — L.B. (This review has been edited for length. Read the full review.)

“I’m glad I decided to try this soap despite the cost. It’s a large bar that hopefully will last for months and lathers very well with a pleasant clean smell. I noticed after using the bar the sour odor that I have been struggling with is absent. I hope this soap works as well for you as it has for me.” — Patricia Kroepel

The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.

Looking for more dermatologist-recommended products for combating age-related body odor? Check out these three finds, courtesy of HuffPost shopping.

The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)