Being a baddie isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling good too.

Too many products? Not in our dictionary. Let’s be real, life doesn’t always give you a heads-up. One minute you’re fine, the next it’s your period, the sun is scorching, or you just need a quick refresh on the go. That’s why having a few health essentials within reach isn’t extra, it’s necessary.

It’s not about having a million products, but the right ones that keep you comfortable, prepared, and feeling like yourself no matter where you are. The kind of things you keep in your bag, your bathroom, or stocked at home without even thinking twice.

Here are five health products every woman should always have close by.

• 1. Multivitamins

Menopause and menstruation may both start with M, but as women, they’re our biggest opps. Both natural processes leave the female body drained, weak, and vulnerable, and that’s why we need extra support with multivitamins.

Multivitamins are a simple way to fill in the gaps and keep things balanced, from your energy levels to your skin, hair, and overall well-being.

Some multivitamins and wellness supplements to consider include:

• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is crucial for women's health, providing strong antioxidant protection, supporting immune function, and promoting collagen synthesis for healthy skin and joint repair. It boosts iron absorption to prevent anaemia, aids in hormonal balance, and helps manage high blood pressure.
• Vitamin E: Vitamin E offers significant benefits for women, acting as a powerful antioxidant that supports skin health, immune function, and cardiovascular health. It helps reduce inflammation, relieves menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea), supports reproductive health, and may protect against cognitive decline, particularly in older women.
• Evening Primrose: Evening primrose oil is an herbal supplement rich in gamma-linolenic acid, often used by women to manage hormonal fluctuations, inflammatory conditions, and skin health. It is commonly used to ease premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms like breast pain, acne, and irritability, as well as menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes
• Wellness Woman: Wellwoman multivitamins provide comprehensive nutritional support tailored for women, focusing on energy release, immune health, skin/hair vitality, and hormonal balance.
• Magnesium: Magnesium is important because it plays a role in hundreds of different functions involved in hormone regulation. Thankfully, increasing dietary magnesium intake and taking a daily supplement can reverse symptoms and optimise blood sugar levels, mood, sleep, and menstrual cycles.

You can easily find them at pharmacies, but online stores like Amazon, Naturefields, Jumia, etc., give you more options to choose from. And if you’re not a fan of swallowing pills, there are gummies, dissolvables, and flavoured options that make it a lot easier to stay consistent.

2. Sunscreen

Have you stepped outside lately? The sun is not playing. A good sunscreen is a must-have for every woman, whether dark or fair. It protects your skin from damage, premature ageing, and long-term skin issues. Think of it as an everyday shield for your skin; your present and future self will thank you. You can find sunscreen at pharmacies, supermarkets, beauty stores, or trusted online retailers. When choosing one, you should be on the lookout for products with:

• SPF 30 or higher for proper protection
• Broad-spectrum coverage (protects against UVA & UVB rays)
• A formula that works well for your skin type

Some popular options you might come across include brands like CeraVe, Aveeno, Nivea, and Dang!

3. Period Care Essentials

These are important to keep close, whether it’s in your bag or at home. Sometimes your hormones can be a little unpredictable, and your period might come earlier or later than expected. Having these essentials on hand can help you stay prepared and avoid uncomfortable or embarrassing moments. Such products include:

• Tampons
• Pads
• Panty-Liners
• Menstrual Cups
• Pain Relief
• Cycle Tracking App (Flo)

Some examples that work really well for the majority of women include Molped, Softcare, Besense, Dry Love, Joy, Diva and Virony, among others. Be sure to look out for properties that may give you rashes or allergic reactions.

4. Everyday Hygiene Essentials

Maintaining a sense of freshness and cleanliness throughout the day is just as crucial as any supplement or skincare regimen. Having some basic hygiene items handy in your bag or at home can really boost your comfort and confidence, especially during hectic days or when you're out and about.

• Wet wipes
• Tissue paper
• Hand sanitizer
• Hand cream
• Deodorant

If you prefer softness, Tea Tree and Femfresh are good options for wipes. Good deodorants for women include Dove, Nivea, Mineral by Forever, and Enchanteur. They also help with armpit discolouration, so you might want to check them out.

5. Skincare

Skincare is a pretty big deal. You can’t be a baddie with your face looking a mess. Taking care of your skin and hair is an important part of staying healthy. A simple self-care routine helps keep your skin clean, refreshed, and protected from everyday stress, pollution, and product buildup.

Having a few reliable skincare and haircare products within reach makes it easier to maintain healthy skin and hair without overcomplicating your routine.

Some common self-care skincare essentials include:

• Face wash and eye masks
• Moisturizing lotions
• Lip balm
• Shampoo & Conditioner
• Serums and essential oils

An example of an eye mask that works really well for the majority of women is Faded. And for face wash, Cerave, Face Facts, and Simple, among others. Be sure to look out for properties that may give you rashes or allergic reactions.

Final words

Taking care of your health should be simple, and having flexible payment options like Squareme makes it easier to get the products you need when you need them. Whether you’re shopping from international stores or picking things up locally, it’s all about convenience and ease.

Keeping these health essentials within reach helps you stay prepared, comfortable, and ready for whatever the day brings, because feeling good is the real glow-up.