Worth the Splurge
In this economy I've been pinching pennies wherever I can, but there are certain products that I reorder as soon as they're empty. Here are my non-negotiables.
Right now everything is incredibly expensive, as you all know, so I've been committed to pinching pennies wherever and whenever I can. Case in point: My toes could use some professional attention right about now. Since most of us are watching our wallets a little more closely, I thought it would be fun to do an update on the items I rebuy as soon as they're empty because they are that worth it.
While some of the items may still seem pricey, in many cases they take the place of multiple products, last a really long time, or are just that good!
When it comes to skincare, these are some stars:
Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm, $14.35 at Amazon (the updated version has a green container) is downright dreamy, if you ask me. This eucalyptus oil-infused cleansing balm (think Noxzema scent vibes) is oh-so gentle and refreshing. It's great for removing makeup, but I love it in the AM, as it helps wake me up in the morning. I actually look forward to washing my face with this and a soft, warm wash cloth; truly, it pushes my sleepy head to get out of bed. I've reordered it again and again at Amazon and Target. And it's got a great rating on EWG. And I actually prefer it to most costlier cleansing balms like Elemis.
I love me some Counter Lotus Glow Cleansing Balm the most, but my budget isn't as big of a fan right now.
When it comes to perfecting the no-makeup makeup look, RMS Sun Coverup in the shade Buff, $49 on Amazon, is my favorite foundation, though it is technically a tinted moisturizer with SPF 50. I find it to be just the right amount of dewy coverage. It evens out my skin tone, protects against sun damage, provides great moisture, and improves radiance. My combination skin LOVES it! I won't let it get fully empty before rebuying. Available in 13 flexible shades, I recommend it to everyone! It's not cheap, but it's an overachiever.
Also good and costing less than the RMS, the next gem provides a more matte look: Alleyoop Sunsational Tinted Moisturizer SPF 50 . I get the shade Glimmer. It's only $38 at time of posting on Amazon with some shades under $13 (looks like they're phasing out old packaging — love the new look). What I appreciate most about this item is that it feels like nothing on the skin and has jojoba esters to help minimize redness. If I'm feeling breakout prone, I reach for this one.
As I've mentioned before, my love for RMS runs deep. The Kakadu Luxe Cream, $55, is the nighttime moisturizer that I simply won't part from ... period. Anyone I've recommended it to LOVES it as well. It's super moisturizing without being greasy. A little of it goes a long way, so it really lasts. Plus, it smooths, firms and brightens! Its five-star reviews are so well-earned.
Sometimes my skin reacts to something out of the blue, or my eczema flares due to dry fall/winter air. For those scenarios, my face requires cooler showers and a face wash that is super duper kind to sensitive skin. Enter this many-times-a-rebuy gem: LaRoche Posay Lipikar AP + Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash, $19.96 for a big bottle at Amazon. It's so calming and moisturizing, and it's never caused a breakout. I consider it to be the Switzerland of face washes; and, actually, you can use it as a body wash as well.
Speaking of gentle, my skin also loves drinking up Prequel Half & Half, just $25.99 at Amazon. This liquid moisturizer, which feels like an essence, keeps selling out, and I understand why. It's that good! Full of ceramides, peptides and amino acids, it was developed by one of my favorite YouTube derms, Dr. Sam Ellis. It's a drugstore buy that feels just as luxurious as similar items that cost 3x the price.
As for my strands, the items that I can't stop include:
Color Wow Dream Coat, $28 at time of posting, is truly dreamy for smoothing hair and blocking humidity. It gives me an incredibly silky blowout, and it doesn't make my super fine hair look dirty or feel super limp. It has a cult following for a reason. Izzy also loves it, though she uses the extra strength version for her majorly thick mane.
To protect my highlights and extend time between cuts, I also use the Kerastase Chroma Absolut Anti-Frizz Leave-in Treatment for Color Treated Hair , $50, as a color-protecting moisturizer with heat protection up to 450 degrees. I have this on a every-four-months subscription, so I save a few bucks that way. My fine hair that is heavily highlighted loves it.
When my ends need extra love, I hit them with Virtue Healing Oil $46. A bottle of it lasts and lasts; I've been using it for several years and have bought maybe two bottles, as a little goes a long way. And basically nothing smells better than this stuff! It's a tropical dream. Virtue Healing Oil doesn't weigh down my fine hair at all, and my thick-haired mama loves it as well.
When it comes to everyone's favorite convenience foods (because, hey, life is BUSY) ... here are two items that tick all the boxes.
Oikos Triple Zero Yogurt has only 90 calories, with no added sugar and 15 grams of protein! *I wish it were organic, but otherwise it's winning. Find epic deals on it at Costco.
Undercover Chocolate Quinoa Crisps, $25.29 for a 30-count box, are a snack/dessert that feels super indulgent but is actually pretty healthy. The deliciously crunchy chocolate delights only have 3 grams of sugar and 60 calories, 1 g. of fiber. Thank you, United Airlines, for introducing us to these gems. And, Grandma, thanks for sending us a case of them after the discovery! They are such a treat, worth every penny.
Happy smart shopping!
-Natalie Kaar
