14 unsexy products that will be the true unicorns of your life

Who knew Head & Shoulders was the real MVP?

Kailas Jeevan is the ugly duckling of beauty products. It has unsexy packaging, looks like makkhan and does not glide on as easily as a luxurious vanilla body butter in a gold foil bottle. But when it comes to efficacy, Kailas Jeevan is the magic swan you want in your drawer. It can heal everything, from boils to burns and, I suspect if you try, it may just fix the cracks in your soul too.

The Internet has us in a chokehold with the radiant aesthetics of 20-step routines that promise you flawless glass skin. But there’s a lesser-known side of this online community where they champion unsexy products that are far more useful and pocket-friendly than a moisturiser infused with real pearl dust or hibiscus nectar. So we’ve put together a list of these must-have unsexy beauty and style products that will be your real fairy godmothers.

14 unsexy products every woman needs

Nipcare

New mom or not, Nipcare (₹183) is a godsend. For breastfeeding mothers who deal with dry, cracked and bleeding nipples the cream soothes and heals. And for the others, this will be your secret weapon against dry and itchy skin, cracked heels and chapped lips.

Nipple Pasties

While we’re on the topic of the twins, another completely unsexy but important ingredient to summer dressing is nipple pasties. Nipple pasties eliminate the need for a bra that may play peek-a-boo under strappy tops and backless dresses. The coverage also keeps your nipples from standing in attention because of a chilly breeze. For well-endowed ladies, you can also use boob tape for additional support. This set from Butt Chique (₹499) comes in four different colours, so you can pick one that matches your skin tone or outfit.

Hipster undies

From bra alternatives to underwear, we all know what sexy lingerie can do for self-confidence and passion sessions with a partner. But the thong wedgies are hardly worth it. Embrace breathable, full-coverage ‘grandma undies’ made of soft cotton fabric. These mid-rise chaddis will provide you with unparalleled comfort and keep the lady bits breathing. This pack of five hipster briefs (₹895) from Jockey will serve the purpose at a wallet-friendly rate.

Boroline

There is little that Boroline can’t heal — from sunburns to rashes and dry wounds to cuts. The antiseptic and emollient properties of Boroline (₹42) help rough and dry skin regain its smoothness, while the almond oil provides intense hydration.

Silk bonnet

Curly heads are all too familiar with this product. Wearing a silk or satin bonnet to bed prevents your hair from rubbing against the pillow covers, reducing frizz and dryness. It also helps your hair retain moisture, keeping it looking healthy and shiny. This one from Hair Love (₹783) comes in a variety of colours and three different sizes.

Scalp massager

A Parachute oil champi can exorcise any stress from your body. But this scalp massager (₹599) from Ross comes a close second. The soft silicone bristles are gentle on your skin and hair. The massager exfoliates and deep cleans the scalp, promotes blood circulation and is a great tool for even shampoo application. It can be used on wet hair as well as on dry hair before shampoo.

Hair slick stick

The one thing that can singlehandedly ruin a slick-back bun is flyaways. To keep the humidity from seducing your flyaways to rise, keep a hair slick stick handy. This one called FlyFix (₹545) from indie hair care brand Moxie contains natural ingredients and is effective in frizz control. It’s non-sticky, does not leave your hair feeling crunchy, and is suitable for wavy, curly, straight, dry and frizzy hair.

Head & Shoulders shampoo

Who knew Head & Shoulders shampoo (₹197) would turn out to be the real MVP? Yes, it’s a great product for head butting dandruff and dry skin. But did you know it also contains an active ingredient called zinc pyrithione (ZPT), which has anti-fungal properties? Hence the shampoo can double up as a face and body wash, and help heal fungal acne and hair follicle infections caused by Malassezia yeast. But if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, it’s best to check with a dermatologist before using it.

Cetaphil cleanser

No skincare routine is complete without a good cleanser. But before you spend your appraisal raise on expensive cleansers with exotic ingredients, here’s an affordable alternative. Cetaphil’s cleanser (₹675) has a gentle formula, and comes with niacinamide and Vitamin B5. It’s also hypoallergenic and perfect for dry to normal and sensitive skin.

Dental floss

Just brushing twice a day won’t keep your pearly whites clean. Elevate your oral health game with regular flossing. It removes tiny food particles, keeps plaque and bad breath-causing bacteria away, keeps your mouth safe from infections and prevents teeth discolouration. This one from Oral B (₹145) comes in a tiny round box and will fit into your purse, so you’re never stuck in a situation with food in your teeth.

Underarm roller

The quickest way to feel unsexy is with bad body odour. This underarm roll-on from Bodywise (₹349) contains 4% AHA BHA and is great for controlling body odour. You can pick a fragrance of your choice or opt for no fragrance. It also helps with pigmentation and reduces bacteria, so you can wear those spaghetti tops worry- and odour-free. Alternatively, you can also keep a bottle of benzoyl peroxide handy to keep the smell under check.

Anti-chafing shorts

Never let a cute sundress or skirt chafe you again. These seamless, anti-chafing shorts (₹1,499) from Marks & Spencer are the perfect base layer for your summer outfit. They fit your body like second skin, giving you a smooth look.

Shoe-bite protector

What good is the strappy heels if they give you shoe bites at the most inconvenient times? These shoe bite protector pads may be unsexy but are a must-have for your feet. The ones from SlickFix (₹900) slip right into any shoe and can be stuck on the heel area for more comfort. Be it stilettos, platforms, sneakers or kitten heels, with these protective pads, shoe bites will be a problem of the past.

Emolene

Last but not the least, Emolene deserves a permanent spot in your house. Emolene (₹346) works as a moisturiser for dry skin by preventing water loss from the outer layer. Ingredients like urea and propylene moisturise and heal dry skin, and glycol acts as a skin conditioner. You can use it for rashes, itchiness, flaky skin and minor skin irritations.