Jonathan Van Ness and Antoni Porowski's Must Haves: From Hair Serums to Sleep Masks

Yummers
Photo Illustration: Aly Lim
Yummers
Photo Illustration: Aly Lim
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If you're a fan of Netflix's hit TV show "Queer Eye" (which recently collected an Emmy), chances are you're equally a fan of cast members Jonathan Van Ness and Antoni Porowski. Both are known for their incredible talents on TV and in real life. Van Ness, a grooming expert who founded JVN Hair, and Porowski, a food expert, have undoubtedly made their trademarks. But did you know aside from hair and food, these two friends have a passion for animals as well? To enhance the lives of both dogs and cats, the pair have officially joined in business to launch a gourmet pet mix-in brand called Yummers.

The friends turned business partners both have pets of their own and came to a realization talking about their own animals' needs. "If you have animals that have different health needs, are different ages, have different temperaments, whatever, they just need different things, and that doesn't necessarily come in their main food," Van Ness says.

Yummers offers functional mix-ins that help with digestion, skin, and coat, as well as your pet's heart. The brand also offers a handful of gourmet mix-ins that sweeten your pet's food. "We felt like this was an immediate need and a bigger space that could impact change, because it's annoying having to do such separate things for your animals if you're making it yourself, or having to get these probiotics prescribed," Van Ness says.

Beyond their love of pets, food, and hair, the two have a plethora of other interests (like products) that we were curious to learn about. We sat down with the "Queer Eye" stars to hear all about their current must-have products — from an affordable glass water bottle that keeps Van Ness hydrated to Porowski's timeless sneakers that he's owned for years. And of course, we got to learn their favorite Yummers mix-ins. Keep reading to find out which must-have products these two friends reach for most.

Jonathan Van Ness's Affordable Must Have: Syndicate 20oz Glass Water Bottle
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Photo Illustration: Aly Lim

Jonathan Van Ness's Affordable Must Have: Syndicate 20oz Glass Water Bottle

We all know how important it is to drink water, and this Syndicate 20oz Glass Water Bottle ($17) is one of Van Ness's favorites. "It has the times, so I know if I haven't drank that much water by a certain time that I'm behind," Van Ness says. The water bottle is made of glass so it won't stain or smell and has a convenient silicone carrying loop that makes it easy to take on the go. Van Ness drinks three of these a day to ensure they stay hydrated.

Pro Tip: Health experts recommend you drink eight cups of water a day, which equals about a half gallon. To drink a half gallon of water with this water bottle, you'll need to refill it almost four times a day.

Antoni Porowski's Affordable Must Have: Nutricost 5-HTP Capsules
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Photo Illustration: Aly Lim

Antoni Porowski's Affordable Must Have: Nutricost 5-HTP Capsules

Porowski is a huge fan of the way these Nutricost 5-HTP Capsules ($24), taken at night alongside his chamomile tea, make him feel. "I've spoken to two or three different nutritionists and really did my research on it. It helps boost serotonin levels and overall mood and positive feelings without any weird comedown." He takes 200 milligrams of it and says, "It's nothing that's really extreme, but over time, it's something that I've definitely noticed [that works]."

Pro Tip: As a dietary supplement, it's recommended to take one capsule on an empty stomach with water. This might be best to do as soon as you wake up in the morning or before you go to bed at night (as Porowski does).

Jonathan Van Ness's Investment Must Have: JVN Complete Instant Recovery Serum
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Photo Illustration: Aly Lim

Jonathan Van Ness's Investment Must Have: JVN Complete Instant Recovery Serum

The JVN Complete Instant Recovery Serum ($29, originally $43) is made to reduce split ends, smooth and restore hair, and protect hair from heat styling. "If you just wore the same T-shirt, day in and day out, all the time, it's going to be tattered. It's not going to hold up well. You need to do something to condition and help to strengthen the integrity of the structure of the hair. So using some sort of buffer to help infuse the hair with strength from the elements is really important," Van Ness says.

Pro Tip: Van Ness recommends starting with a grape-size amount and adding more depending on the thickness and porosity of your hair. Use this before your other products or on its own when your hair is damp or straight out of the shower.

Antoni Porowski's Investment Must Have: Potted Ficus Altissima Tree Indoor Plant
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Photo Illustration: Aly Lim

Antoni Porowski's Investment Must Have: Potted Ficus Altissima Tree Indoor Plant

Turn your city apartment into your own lush and vibrant jungle with the Potted Ficus Altissima Tree Indoor Plant ($450). Porowski did this with his NYC apartment. "It's just something nice to have that reminds me of the nature that exists off the island." He added, "Trees are actually so much easier to care for than smaller plants, in my opinion. You have to water them less; just wipe the leaves every once in a while so they can breathe properly — and they're just so beautiful! It's a piece of living art that you get to have."

Pro Tip: This ficus tree weighs 60 pounds, so before purchasing, make sure you can carry it to its appropriate destination without worry. If you have a lot of stairs, it might be hard getting this plant up them, so make sure you have a game plan.

Jonathan Van Ness's Morning-Routine Must Have: Yummers Digestive Functional Mix-Ins For Cats
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Photo Illustration: Aly Lim

Jonathan Van Ness's Morning-Routine Must Have: Yummers Digestive Functional Mix-Ins For Cats

Van Ness owns five cats, and one of them has digestive issues. Every morning, she mixes these Yummers Digestive Functional Mix-Ins For Cats ($15) into her cats' food, and she's seen a huge difference in how they all eat (especially the one with digestive issues). "I'm not saying it's going to help everybody's cat, everyone's different, but for my cat with the most sensitive stomach, it was such a huge improvement."

Pro Tip: It's recommended to serve one tablespoon per 10 pounds of bodyweight, so tread lightly when mixing this in.

Antoni Porowski's Morning-Routine Must Have: Yummers Freeze-Dried Cheddar Cheese For Dogs
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Photo Illustration: Aly Lim

Antoni Porowski's Morning-Routine Must Have: Yummers Freeze-Dried Cheddar Cheese For Dogs

Every morning, Porowski wakes up and feeds his dog Neon this Yummers Freeze-Dried Cheddar Cheese For Dogs ($15), and he says he's never seen a happier dog. "I put a little bit on the base and a little bit on top, and she literally, I'm not even kidding, she smiles. We call her Mrs. Burns, like Mr. Burns from 'The Simpsons,' and she comes and she genuinely thanks us. She did not use to do that."

Pro Tip: Rather than a one-time purchase, you can subscribe and save by having this cheese topping delivered every two or eight weeks. That way, you don't have to think about repurchasing and your pup can have this as often as necessary.

Jonathan Van Ness's Sleep Must Have: Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase
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Photo Illustration: Aly Lim

Jonathan Van Ness's Sleep Must Have: Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase

As a hair connoisseur, Van Ness loves the Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase ($89). "It conducts less heat, so it creates less friction and less heat buildup on your hair and face." Additionally, it's a good product for skin, too, and absorbs fewer creams and serums at night as well as reduces tugging — which can create fine lines and wrinkles.

Pro Tip: To get the best results and maintain the pillowcase's naturally soft material, make sure to wash it in cold water on a delicate cycle.

Antoni Porowski's Sleep Must Have: Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask in Black
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Photo Illustration: Aly Lim

Antoni Porowski's Sleep Must Have: Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask in Black

To sleep, Porowski prefers complete darkness, and this Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask in Black ($50) does the trick in an incredibly comfortable way. He describes the mask as "a pillow for your eyes" and says, "It's something that I can't believe I've gone most of my life not being able to have." The mask comes in five color options and is made with nontoxic dyes.

Pro Tip: The mask can be used beyond the bedroom — take it on planes, car rides, or even train rides and enjoy the ability to gain complete darkness and get some shut-eye wherever you are.

Jonathan Van Ness's Sneaker Must Have: Balenciaga Speed Knit Sock Trainer Sneakers
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Photo Illustration: Aly Lim

Jonathan Van Ness's Sneaker Must Have: Balenciaga Speed Knit Sock Trainer Sneakers

Van Ness says they "can't help" this must have; they simply love the Balenciaga Speed Knit Sock Trainer Sneakers ($995). The sock shoes give off a barefoot feel and are lightweight and easy to walk in. Not to mention they're stylish, too. "They're just fierce. They make everything look a little cuter, and it's just not my fault that that's true," he says jokingly.

Pro Tip: These sneakers run large, so if you're in between sizes, it's best you size down to get your perfect fit.

Antoni Porowski's Sneaker Must Have: Adidas Stan Smith Shoes
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Photo Illustration: Aly Lim

Antoni Porowski's Sneaker Must Have: Adidas Stan Smith Shoes

Porowski has relied on the Adidas Stan Smith Shoes ($95) for years, and he doesn't plan on ever not owning them. "I know that in 15 or 20 years from now when I see myself in photos, I'm still going to be wearing these shoes — they're made with ocean plastic now, which is really awesome." Being a dedicated wearer of these sneakers for years, Porowski says the ocean-plastic version is just as comfortable as the previous animal-leather version, so you can rest assured these sneakers are a great choice.

Pro Tip: If (and when) these sneakers get dirty, the rubber outsoles can be cleaned with soap and water.