Self-care

The 10 best self-care tools we have found

Every pick below was chosen against three tests: can sore hands use it, will it last, and would you be happy for guests to see it. Hospital beige did not make the cut.

How we choose: we only list tools we would gift to someone we love. Some links may become affiliate links in the future, which never changes the price you pay or the order of this list.
1

Tilt Beauty ergonomic makeup

Beauty | founder has psoriatic arthritis | around $20-40 per piece

Makeup designed by someone whose hands know the problem: chunky grips, refillable, and it looks great on a vanity.

See Tilt Beauty
2

Kohl Kreative adaptive makeup brushes

Beauty | flexible, stand-alone grips

Brushes that adapt to your angle and pressure, stand up on their own, and forgive shaky or stiff grip days.

See Kohl Kreative
3

Grace & Able compression gloves

Comfort | sized properly, actually pretty

Compression gloves you will not hide in a drawer. Designed with a hand therapist, made in colors that feel like you.

See Grace & Able
4

TUSHY bidet attachment

Bathroom | fits standard toilets | around $100

The community said it best: one hundred percent recommend. Less twisting, less reaching, more dignity.

See TUSHY
5

Teak shower bench

Bathroom | naturally water-resistant

A community favorite described as a game changer for bad hip and knee days. Also great for leg shaving.

Compare teak benches
6

Electric toothbrush with wide handle

Daily | any major brand works

The fat handle does the gripping and the motor does the scrubbing. An occupational therapist staple for a reason.

Compare electric toothbrushes
7

Long-handled lotion applicator

Reach | replaceable pads

Reaches your back and lower legs without the shoulder gymnastics. Look for one with a curved, padded handle.

Compare applicators
8

Sock aid with foam grips

Dressing | under $20

Slide, pull, done. The single cheapest way to take the fight out of getting dressed.

Compare sock aids
9

Button hook and zipper pull

Dressing | one tool, two jobs

Buttons and zips stop being a morning battle. Choose a wide, ribbed handle over the skinny hospital version.

Compare button hooks
10

Table-top nail clippers

Grooming | one-hand operation

Mounted clippers you press with a palm instead of squeezing with fingers. Safer, steadier, kinder.

Compare clippers
What about hairbrushes? The long-handled brush category failed our testing so badly that we are building our own. Meet the Swoop Brush, coming soon.