Just For Fun, Quiz Yourself
Men and women live in utterly different universes of everyday objects. Tools, beauty products, and grooming items that are a no-brainer to one gender are completely alien to the other, which can lead to confusion. While many people can probably name these objects, it might surprise you how many can't. So, just for fun, let's see how many of these you can name!
1. Toe Separators
Toe separators are those odd-looking foam or silicone pieces that get stuffed between your toes during a pedicure. They keep the toes separated to allow nail polish to dry evenly without smudging. Most men have seen them in a salon or a bathroom drawer, but few could name them.
2. Cuticle Pusher
The eponymous cuticle pusher is a small metal or plastic device designed to push back the skin at the base of your nails. It is part of the manicure process, and while it's not terribly difficult to find, many would mistake it for something else. Very few men would recognize this.
Auckland Museum Collections from Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand on Wikimedia
3. Beauty Blenders
These spongy applicators are used to blend on foundation and concealer for an airbrushed finish. Women are completely obsessed with these little eggs. Most men might not understand that this is one of the most important makeup items of the day.
4. Face Rollers
Face rollers are usually jade or rose quartz and are rolled over the face to help reduce puffiness, aid in product absorption, and give a spa-like relaxation sensation. To the average man, however, they're likely just looking like an overpriced mini paint roller without a clear function.
5. Bobby Pins
Flat and small to the point of disappearing, hair clips known as bobby pins hold hairstyles in place. All women have at least dozens of them, yet over time they inexplicably disappear. Most men know what they are but have no idea how they stay so securely in hair.
6. Tampons
Tampons are small cylinders of absorbent material designed for feminine hygiene. Men know they're a daily occurrence for half the population, but wouldn't know how to describe the actual process. To most, they're that thing they keep in the bathroom drawer.
7. Dermaplaner
A dermaplaner resembles a miniature razor. It exfoliates the skin by lightly shaving off peach fuzz and old skin cells. It leaves the face smooth and radiant, like a spa facial, only at home. Some men might think this is more of a utensil than a beauty tool.
8. Highlighter Makeup
It's a shimmering powder or liquid applied to cheekbones, the nose, and other high points on the face. It creates a radiant, glowing finish that's also photogenic. Men think it's just "glittery makeup"; they don't realize how effectively it highlights natural beauty.
Joanna Żołnierkiewcz on Unsplash
9. Spanx
Spanx are tight undergarments women wear under clothes to smooth and shape the body. They are adored by women for a sleek silhouette, but sometimes men can get lost on the meaning. In fact, some men have described them as just “tight shorts,” not knowing how much work they are.
Mike Mozart from Funny YouTube, USA on Wikimedia
10. Heatless Curlers
These soft, flexible tools help you curl hair overnight without heat damage. They come in many shapes, ribbons, rods, and more. Gorgeous waves by morning. The average man would be perplexed at the sight of them.
Now that we’ve talked about objects most men can’t recognize, here are 10 some women might struggle with. As always, this is just a generalization, as some handy women might know all of these!
1. Torque Wrenches
A torque wrench is used for fastening bolts or nuts to a specific level of tension. They are very necessary for car repair and building, where excess or insufficient force may result in major consequences. Many women have seen one in a toolbox but not really know how important they are to safe and precise work.
J.C. Fields (Talk) (Uploads) on Wikimedia
2. Allen Key
Sometimes known as hex keys, these small L-shaped wrenches are designed to tighten or loosen hexagonal socket screws. They are most commonly available in sets of different sizes and are often found as part of a furniture assembly kit. Most women know them as “the little IKEA tools,” even though they may not know the correct terminology.
3. Tie Clips
A tie clip is a slim piece of fashion jewelry used to secure a necktie to a shirt. It is useful as well as decorative. It holds the tie in place while allowing a little bit of flair. Many women have seen them on men's suits but do not know the purpose of the little piece of metal.
4. Level
A level is an instrument for determining if a surface is horizontal or vertical, usually by observing a bubble move between two marked lines. It is used for tasks such as hanging a picture frame straight or building a flat surface. To most women, it may appear to be just a wacky ruler with fluid inside.
5. Jumper Cables
Jumper cables are heavy insulated wires with clamps on each end. You use them to connect a failing car battery to a live one in order to jump-start the car. They're handy to have in emergencies, but it's a daunting process if you've never done it.
Daniel @ bestjumpstarterreview.com on Unsplash
6. Socket Wrench
A socket wrench is a ratcheting tool for quickly tightening and loosening nuts and bolts without removing the tool after each turn. It's an essential item in any mechanic's toolbox and makes hard work a whole lot easier. To most women, it's just another weird metal contraption from the garage.
Photograph: Frank C. Müller, Baden-Baden on Wikimedia
7. Aftershave Balm
Aftershave balm is a product applied after shaving in order to soothe and moisturize skin. It helps to minimize any irritation and razor burn from the shave. A balm is usually lightly scented and very soothing. Lots of women will have seen it in their bathrooms but probably don't know how important it is to apply after shaving.
8. Beard Oil
Beard oil is an oil product to soften facial hair and moisturize the skin beneath. It reduces itch and helps beards look well-groomed and healthy. The average woman probably only sees it as "men's hair oil" without knowing it is part of beard care.
9. Pocket Square
A pocket square is a piece of cloth folded small and laid in a suit jacket pocket. It's an easy way to add flair to your formalwear. Lots of ladies have been swooning over them on tuxedos and not known they can be folded perfectly.
10. Stud Finder
Contrary to what its adorable name might suggest, a stud finder is a handheld device that helps you locate wooden beams in walls before you hang something heavy. The gadget aims to prevent disasters by helping you ensure that you're hammering a nail or screw into something more substantial than just empty space. While most women have probably witnessed one in action at some point, they might not know what it's called.
