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Laundry Pods That Smell Rich, Cat Toys That Save My Furniture, and 15 Other Favorites

Lori Ballen by Lori Ballen
June 1, 2025
in Shopping Hauls
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A cheerful beauty enthusiast shares her top 17 makeup picks—including unexpected favorites—after testing countless products.

This website contains affiliate links. Some products are gifted by the brand to test. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The content on this website was created with the help of AI.

This week’s haul is a little fashion, a little beauty, some poolside luxury, and a whole lot of “I didn’t expect to love this, but now I do.” I test a lot of things—some I buy, some are gifted—but only the winners make it here. If I’m wearing it, using it, or recommending it, it passed my test. Let’s get into it.


Fashion & Style

Crop Top (with Built-In Bra)

I love not wearing a bra. This crop top makes that possible. It’s fitted, flattering, and actually holds up my 34DDDs without screaming “support tank.” Perfect for hot days, errands, or layered under an open button-down. And yes, it comes in multiple colors—I own more than one.

WeWoreWhat Beach Pants

These lightweight satin beach pants are your new summer go-to—soft, stretchy, and made to move with you from coffee to coastline.

These are the pants that started it all—my cruise pants. They’re lightweight, breezy, and give serious resort-chic energy. I paid around $110 for them, and while that shocked a few people when I shared the price, I stand by it. They’re flattering, elevated, and I’ve worn them enough times to justify every penny. High-rise, flowy fit, and they move beautifully. If you’re doing vacation content, cruise wear, or just want to feel put together without sacrificing comfort, they’re a solid buy.

Linen Harem Pants

These are my everyday, go-to, buy-them-in-every-color pants. Light, flowy, high-waisted, drawstring waistband with roomy pockets. They’re comfy without being sloppy. I pair them with crop tops, beach sweaters, or whatever I grab on the way out the door.

CupShe V-Cut Two-Piece Bikini

I did not expect to love this bikini—but here I am, posting about it. The V-cut bottom makes my waist look smaller while skimming over that new midlife belly. It’s flattering, it’s comfortable, and the back detailing is super cute. CupShe nailed this one.


Skincare & Beauty

Laura Geller SPF 50 Serum Foundation

This is lightweight, dewy, and super hydrating. It’s more skincare than full coverage, and that’s exactly what I want at 53. Liquidy enough to drip out of the bottle—so you know it blends beautifully. No filter, no cakey finish, just glow. It’s Laura Geller’s Better than Block serum foundation.

PH Balancing Licorice Toner

Step one in my skin-flooding routine. I double cleanse and then layer the Acwell PH Balancing licorice toner on first. It hydrates, balances, and feels like a spa moment. Korean beauty is next-level, and this one’s been a fan favorite for good reason.

Beekman 1802 Milkshake Facial Toner

Goat milk, mugwort, hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil—this mist hydrates and refreshes without irritation. I shake and mist between serum layers, and it keeps my skin feeling alive in this desert heat. The Beekman 1802 Milkshake facial toner smells amazing too.

InnBeauty Eye Cream

This brand surprised me. Their face cream was incredible, so I agreed to try the eye cream as well. It hydrates, brightens, and wears well under makeup (or on its own). Already used one jar, opened a second.

Luminous Eye Corrector (SPF 41)

This is not a concealer—it’s a brightener. Smooth, glowy, with just enough pigment to wake up your under-eyes. I wear the Luminous eye corrector even on no-makeup days, especially if I’m heading out into the Vegas sun.


Bath & Body

Beekman 1802 Goat Milk Face Wipes

These wipes are a little luxury I now keep everywhere—car, desk, nightstand. I use them post-walk, after sunscreen, around allergy-irritated eyes… they’re gentle, refreshing, and clean without drying me out.

Laundry Sauce Pods (Egyptian Rose)

Yes, I said laundry detergent is bougie—and I meant it. These pods smell like a high-end perfume. One laundry detergent pod does the trick for most loads. My bedding smells dreamy. Plus, they’re enzyme-boosted and eco-packaged. Total yes.


Poolside Favorites

Sloosh XL Pool Raft

This is a floating lounge for two—with drink holders and a removable pillow. You can let water in or drain it depending on the vibe. I manifested a pool and now I’m living in it with this raft. Instant luxury.

Sloosh Inflatable Pool Chairs

Honestly, I like these better than the raft. Mesh seat, inflatable sides, and you actually float in the water instead of just on top. Keeps you cool while you tan or scroll. Comes in a two-pack and packs up small.

Casemate Waterproof Phone Pouch

This pouch saved my phone—and let me TikTok while floating. I tested it by dunking it in my pool. Bone dry. Touchscreen still worked. If your phone’s your plus-one at the pool, get this.


Sleep & Wellness

Lullabytes Natural Sleep Gummies

One gummy. That’s all I need. 20 minutes later, lights out. These are star-shaped and taste like candy, but they’re packed with passion flower, magnesium, and 5-HTP. Game-changer for winding down.


Home & Kitchen

HexClad Hybrid Pans

Non-stick meets stainless steel. Oven-safe. Dishwasher-safe. Scratch resistant. Lifetime warranty. I started with one set and slowly built out my full collection—fry pans, woks, saucepans, griddles. Expensive? Yep. Worth it? Every penny.


Pets

Cardboard Cat Lounger Scratchers

These live on my patio (aka the catio), and my cats are obsessed. They nap, scratch, sunbathe—and I don’t have to worry about shredded furniture. Affordable, stackable, and I keep repurchasing.


Final Thoughts
That’s the full list for this week’s haul. If you want the links, they’re over on my main product page or in the descriptions across my socials. Have a favorite from the list? Tried something I should check out next? Drop it in the comments.

This website contains affiliate links. Some products are gifted by the brand to test. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The content on this website was created with the help of AI.

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Lori Ballen

Ballen Blogger

Lori Ballen

Midlife Lifestlyle Blogger

Hi! I’m Lori Ballen. I’m a midlife creator who finds joy in home projects, cozy spaces, effortless style, and simple-but-delicious recipes. I started this lifestyle blog as my personal outlet—a place to create, explore, and share what I’m loving right now.

I live in Las Vegas and travel often, especially on solo adventures and cruises that feed my love for freedom and discovery. When I’m not writing or filming, I’m probably hanging out at home with my two adopted cats—one spunky and playful, the other a total lap lover. They’re constant companions in my quiet, creative life.

This blog is a reflection of that life—equal parts fun, functional, and full of soul. Whether you’re looking for a new DIY idea, a comfy outfit, or a quick dinner recipe, I hope you find inspiration here to create a home and lifestyle you love.

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