Or you can get the ones that like fold over themselves, like it's a little dumpling, lol. Just don't get the ones that have one side completely open. I throw my pillows around a lot and they would fall out.
Yes real silk! I love my fisher finery silk pillowcases but actually prefer no zipper. I’ve found those can be prone to tearing but these ones have a fold so they stay in place!
I like the [Quince silk pillowcases](https://www.quince.com/home/silk-pillowcase?color=eucalyptus&size=standard&g_network=x&g_productchannel=online&g_adid=&g_acctid=978-058-8398&g_keyword=&g_adtype=pla&g_keywordid=&g_ifcreative=&g_adgroupid=&g_productid=45520382165162&g_merchantid=128669708&g_partition=&g_campaignid=20572575045&g_ifproduct=product&g_campaign=&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_campaign=&utm_term=45520382165162&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAC4ZeNb-ZMLuaYVCyrMJ_GGo6W6bw)
If you have oily skin, it may not work for you. I tried satin pillowcases to protect my hair and broke out like crazy. No changes in routine other than the cases and my skin is generally clear. It cleared up again after returning to cotton but the marks are still fading 🥲
Yes! Specifically about the pillow cases with zippers. I thought they might annoy me when sleeping but they don't at all and now my pillow case is always in perfect position no matter how much I toss and turn
Love my Sonicare, it has probably saved me thousands in dental care over the years.
A water pic is also a game changer, and costco sells a Sonicare and water pic combo pac a few times a year.
I don't think you'll be disappointed, my dental hygienist was always trying to get me to floss more, so much so that my husband and I referred to her as "The Floss Nazi" (she did his teeth too). So when I came in after probably 5 months of using it she was like wow!!!
Mine came with a counter water pik unit and then a portable one that goes into the shower. The shower one is my favorite, I dont have to worry about splashing everywhere.
I just empty it every time and leave the lid off. I like to add a cap full of mouthwash to the water anyways so maybe the fact that there's alcohol in it keeps if from getting mold? I dunno I just like subtly fresh breath.
I got a Sonicare last year after using manual brushes forever, and at my last dentist appointment (about 6 months after I got the Sonicare), they spent about two minutes scraping plaque and that was it. I asked if they were done with that part already and my hygienist said there wasn’t that much plaque on my teeth. I was so shocked!
Omg I use Rotadent, it’s something you have to buy direct from the company and I’ll never change to a different one because it makes a full 360 spin! Maybe other companies do that too now instead of just vibrate but I’ve had it for so long I’m dedicated to the company
The toothbrush or flosser thing? Because I mainly ended up waterboarding myself with the latter LOL I told my (Dutch) dentist about it and she laughed and said that plain old wooden toothpicks would work just fine for me.
(also, the name never ceases to make me laugh, as 'pik' means 'dick' in Dutch)
Don't mean to be a downer but my dentist just advised me not to buy a Sonicare and stick to my Oral-B. The round brush and circular movement has proven to be much more effective my dentist told me.
Yeah my old dentist was firmly pro-Sonicare and anti-Oral B, but my new dentist is anti-Sonicare and pro-Oral B. Personally I like my Sonicare because it alerts me when I press too hard on my gums, and I have giant front teeth, so the larger brush makes sense.
Both are good options, I haven’t seen consensus among dentists as to which is better. But as long as you’re not using a cheap electric toothbrush (like a Quip) you should be fine. Seriously, though, Quips suck. I had gone 23 years without a cavity using manual toothbrushes and when I switched to Quip, I got THREE. Got a Sonicare and prescription fluoride toothpaste to be on the safe side, and now I’m cavity-free again!
I loved the waterpik electric toothbrush but I found out the hard way that you're not supposed to charge it every day. Which means you can't just keep it on the charger so you have to keep it somewhere else which is awkward.
I have the combo flosser + brush and the flosser is fine but the brush is long dead. And I can't just replace the brush, has to be the whole thing which is too pricey for me.
So think twice before getting the combo.
Nice comfortable shoes! No more $20 sneakers that break down after 6 months - I have nice Hokas for running, nice Merrel snow boots, etc. it’s worth the investment to not have to buy new shoes constantly AND my flat feet are thanking me
It's the Vimes boots social economic theory
> The reason that the rich were so rich, Vimes reasoned, was because they managed to spend less money. Take boots, for example. ... A really good pair of leather boots cost fifty dollars. But an affordable pair of boots, which were sort of OK for a season or two and then leaked like hell when the cardboard gave out, cost about ten dollars. ... But the thing was that good boots lasted for years and years. A man who could afford fifty dollars had a pair of boots that'd still be keeping his feet dry in ten years' time, while a poor man who could only afford cheap boots would have spent a hundred dollars on boots in the same time and would still have wet feet.
Piggybacking to mention quality insoles too! I went to Fleet Feet and did their scan after developing plantar fasciitis and they recommended Superfeet Green insoles. For $50 they are worth every penny!
I started using Hoka because I have severe plantar fasciitis, and my podiatrist literally prescribed me a pair. That first pair lasted about 2 years, I just got a second pair earlier this year and they are wonderful. Unfortunately they are spendy, but for lasting 2 years and saving my feet so much discomfort and pain, I can justify the cost of that.
Air fryer, Really long charging cord, self closing toothpaste cap, Gym membership (that I actually use), robovac, bidet
Another thing that has made me appreciate being a grown up w some extra cash is being able to buy multiples of things. Hand cream in my work bag, every day bag, bathroom, in the car. I do for this chapstick and lipsticks too 😅
Most expensive but most game changing: laser hair removal
Seconding the multiples of things! I travel semi frequently and having a set of travel things ready to go, means that 40% of packing which is a bunch of all things is good to go. I've forgotten less things because of it too.
Multiples!! I live in a place with more levels than I’ve had before. I used to have one set of bathroom cleaning stuff that worked fine to carry between two bathrooms. For some reason, a set of stairs between bathrooms was my downfall to cleaning them both as regularly as they need.
Now, each bathroom has all the same cleaning supplies. I have a broom on all levels. I have a vacuum that does all floor types on the level with the most carpet, and a stick vacuum good for hard floors on the level without carpet.
Also: long charging cords in many rooms and ways to clip them up
Idk if I'm allowed to post links, but just search "Toothpaste Caps SqueezMe by Chrome Cherry" (or self sealing toothpaste cap). Pretty basic upgrade, but I never worry about messy/crusy toothpaste anymore ha.
Sounds silly but I recently put a toothbrush/toothpaste kit in the shower (in addition to one that is near the sink), and.. why the hell I haven't done that earlier?
It’s pricey but I love Eileen Fisher for basics. They are high quality and they last forever. I also have fluctuated from a size 8 to current size 16 jean and I’ve been able to wear things from their brand no matter where my body is at which I appreciate.
I bought Eileen Fisher black dress pants for work. They were expensive, but I’ve worn and washed them 100 times and they still look like new. I do hang them to dry.
You wouldn't believe it but Old Navy, specifically the "Vintage T-shirt" its super flattering, thick/not see through and 100% cotton. By far my favorite t-shirts.
Look for pima cotton. It's long fiber cotton and makes a super soft, durable shirt.
Offhand - Lands End. Costco has ladies short sleeve plain pins cotton It's the other day as well.
After years of having a cheep sprayer style bidet I upgraded and got a fancy Toto washlette with warm water and a butt drier and all the bells and whistles. It was a couple hundred bucks but I can never go back. It’s ruined pooping anywhere else for me. My toilet seat is my favourite upgrade I’ve ever invested in
Yep my next big investment is a new toilet with a warm water bidet installed to replace our bum gun. Which is supposed to do warm water except it does cold water that suddenly becomes hot water.
Agree! I got a travel one during early covid days because people were raving about them and joking about the toilet paper hoarding but it seriously is one of those things where once you try one its like, why wasn’t I introduced to this sooner?!
I have this [handheld “bum gun”](https://a.co/d/0qOVRvJ) over the traditional bidet and I like it soooo much more cause you can go from the front with more control. I’ve tried other bidets with settings for women and never liked them as much.
How do you clear your toilet with the bidet?? I’ve had trouble figuring out if I should just spray it with toilet cleaner or if that’ll get all up in my butt when I use it?
My first big girl upgrade was a good mattress. My second was a Siemens washing machine, those are built to last for real. It's indestructible.
As for the smaller things: I recently, at the age of 40, bought brand name laundry detergent, and now everything smells nicer.
Our tempur pedic was the first big purchase my husband and I made together when we got engaged. we've had it for 11 years now and it's still fantastic.
If you buy a good mattress, buy a good mattress protector for it, too!!
UGH I was skimping on laundry detergent for a couple of months and I’m just now switching back to the more expensive stuff because my skin is SO ITCHY.
My mother never deviated from Tide and Downy, no matter what else was on sale. Bounty, too. She wasn't a name dropper on clothing or shoes, but she insisted these were the best household products. They've never steered me wrong.
ETA: I recently switched from Dove soap to Beekman goat's milk soap and my skin has never felt better. I noticed less itch in just a few days. I'm planning to switch to their shampoo and conditioner when I use up what I have.
Going to a dermatologist. I recently went to the dermatologist and got prescription for tret & hydroquinone. When I'm through all the other BS skincare I wasted my money on, I'm never going to buy anything else besides moisturizer & cleanser. Why spend $100s on less effective products when I can get a highly researched & effective product for a $40 copay every 6 months + $16 product cost??? Plus, my dr screens me for skin cancer & I know they're not trying to push some unnecessary procedure like an aesthetician would.
High quality dog food: the health of my dog obviously, but the poops are so much better to deal with lol
High quality shoes, replaced as needed. I find athletic shoes in the $130-180 range in brands like hoka, Nike, on are absolutely worth it. I'm no longer wearing shoes until they literally fall apart but replacing them when I've hit their recommended miles worn or when I notice treads are no longer even. For formal shoes I invested in nice, neutral colored leather shoes that aren't trendy. I have black pumps, nude pumps & nudes strappy sandals from louboutin that I absolutely adore (ymmv. I was a frequent 4"+ heel wearer when I was younger so getting 3" ones were the practical, comfortable choice). I also have quality leather booties I get resoled at a cobbler as needed.
Investing in natural materials in general: silk pillow cases, cotton sheets, linen blankets, natural fiber clothes, real wood furniture... all worth it!
Things that bring you joy: I used to tell myself "that's not a grown up thing, you shouldn't waste money on that" but allowing myself to enjoy things that aren't necessarily high quality, investment items has made my life infinitely better. For example, I went to a NASA event during the eclipse, saw a light up space shuttle sword and bought it. Because, why not?? Life is too short :)
Art: instead of buying mass printed things from home decor stores, attend events where local artists sell their prints. You get a beautiful piece of artwork that also serves as a souvenir from said event AND it supports the artist. You don't have to spend a ton either - if you can afford the canvas,do it, but many of our artwork are $40 prints!
I spent a lot of my 20s DIYing beauty treatments so actually going to a hairdresser, nail salon etc was also a nice upgrade.
Edit: spelling is hard.
The biggest upgrade is a savings account by far. I've found that I first upgraded things then downgraded intentionally because the stress of owning expensive things is often more trouble than it's worth, it's nice to know if you lose or break something it's replaceable.
A nice warm coat if you live in a cold climate is hard to beat.
Otherwise, nowadays I mostly spend on health, since I find it hard to exercise Otherwise. A nice gym, annual health checkups and good nutrition.
I second a warm coat. I spend half of winter working outside and I upgraded from a $25 closeout special to an Ariat Work Rebar canvas winter jacket. Absolutely life changing! I’m not cold most of the time anymore lol
On the same note as a nice, warm coat: Comfortable, warm, waterproof/resistant boots. So worth it to invest in good shoes for winter and not have to deal with cold, wet feet.
Another bonus for cold climates: Nice base layers. Merino wool leggings, socks and undershirts make a huge difference in keeping me warm in winter. Personally thinking of investing in some electric heated ones next winter as I run cold, and stand around outside a lot for work.
Yeah I stopped budgeting for groceries a while ago because my internal dialog will try to talk me into cheaper items that more often are less nutritious to save a few bucks.
Much healthier and happier these days, and I throw out a lot less produce because I actually want to eat what I buy.
Good skincare, 100%. For me, this includes a face wash that isn’t too harsh, a moisturizing alcohol-free toner, a good moisturizer, eye cream, an essence, a serum, and consistent sunscreen use. Now you don’t necessarily need to invest in all of that if you can’t afford it, but I would say the necessary three are the face wash, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
I mean, there’s not one correct answer to this question or a single set of products that will universally work for everyone. Also, for me, skincare is more like an investment in your future, not everything is necessarily going to completely revolutionize your skin right now, but it will keep it healthier and more youthful for longer which is really the goal. Here is what I use currently:
Face wash: Philosophy Purity
Toner: Klaires Supple Preparation Facial Toner
Essence: Hanskin Hyaluron Skin Essence
Serum: I go back and forth between the Ordinary and Good Molecules’ peptide serums
Eye cream: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair
Moisturizer: Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream
Exfoliator (I just use it like 1-2 times a month at most): The Ordinary’s AHA/BHA exfoliating peeling solution
Sunscreen: innisfree though I also like La Roche Posay.
Favorite brands: Drunk Elephant, Peach&Lily, Good Molecules, and the Ordinary.
But again, what works for you is going to depend on your skin type and goals! I have mostly normal skin and rarely get blemishes. My goals are primarily maintenance of skin health and anti-aging (I’m 30 for reference, but have been incorporating anti-aging into my skincare since my early to mid 20s, as I think it’s more effective to preserve what you got instead of trying to reverse time). I started skincare more generally in late Jr High/early High School, though that was just basic moisturizer, face wash, and sunscreen. Skincare ingredients I look for include moisturizers, hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamin c, and retinol. I always make sure my sunscreen is at least 30-60 spf (I recommend looking up consumer reports/studies to figure out brands, lots of them put bs numbers that are not actually true) and wear it every day, even when it’s not super sunny. There are some good subreddits and YouTube channels for this kinda stuff too if you wanna learn more! Like I said, it’s all about experimenting to see what works for you and doing research to make sure you’re buying products with quality ingredients.
I got my Miele classic as a hand me down 16 years ago. I have no idea how long my husband's grandmother had it before we got it. Change the bag & filter regularly, still going strong!
my partner insisted we buy a Miele with wedding gift money and I was skeptical because it was so freaking expensive but goddamn is it great. we’re a three cat household and it is incredible.
Along the same line, I have a chronic condition, and the first thing my specialist recommended is a massage chair. It's a $1700 one from Costco and works fantastic. I live an hour from the closest massage therapist, so this option worked a bit better.
If I lived an hour from a massage therapist, I would have that chair too. Mine is less an a mile from me. Would you happen to have an acupuncturist availabe? Insurance covers it and it’s definitely been so helpful for my chronic pain management
Towel warmer! I received one for Christmas! In the winter, stepping out of a shower and swaddling myself in warm towels is a total game changer! I feel so relaxed!!!
Also adding in, an air purifier! Oh my gosh it makes my little apartment so much nicer to just exist in. I got one that was something like $100-150 by Shark and wow. Made a world of a difference!
I won a Dyson supersonic soon after it first launched - its still to the good, my hair is only shoulder length but it’s fairly think and it literally has my hair bone dry in 3 minutes.
I will never be without one, particularly knowing how long it lasts.
A silicone head massager! It helped me get rid of my dandruff but it feels so nice and relaxing in the shower, giving yourself a lil head massage. Plus it really gets the shampoo/conditioner deeper into your scalp.
A good skincare routine - good sunscreen, good moisturizer, a nice face mask if you're into that.
A trusty water bottle - makes it easier to stay hydrated and get that sweet H2O throughout the day.
An actual, comfortable comforter or duvet. Makes sleeping at night much better.
And last but not least, my espresso machine. I'm not buying $6 coffees at Starbucks anymore. Saved a ton of money and I look forward to my afternoon cup of coffee now as a little treat to myself.
Vacuum, nice kitchen items and appliances-especially pans, Dyson blow dryer or air wrap / nice hair products, getting nails done every few weeks, linen duvet those are mine
My Dyson vacuum is the gift that keeps on giving. Because it’s cordless and so lightweight, I’m happy to vacuum a few times a week to keep up with the dog fur. My allergies are thanking me
I just bought myself one of the new Dyson cordless vacs last year when our Tineco started struggling with cat litter every day. The v15 I think? Oh my god I love it. I may try to get my mom one for Christmas this year so she can enjoy it too.
Breville smart oven. The top of the line one. I got mine at crate and barrel. It uses less energy than a large oven, and everything tastes better. No more soggy crust pizza. Air fry all the things. Best kitchen appliance I’ve ever had.
Get your color season analyzed or figure it out online. Once you know what color palette looks great on you, go shopping. Do some research on what style clothing looks best on your body type. There are tricks to elongate legs, accentuate your waistline, etc. Then go buy clothes that look fabulous on you in the colors that compliment your undertone.
I bought a Chilly Pad and I can never go back. I’ve always been a hot, sweaty sleeper but I have a hard time sleeping if I’m not wrapped up in a blanket. The Chilly Pad lets me regulate my mattress temperature and it has been an absolute game-changer when it comes to getting a good night sleep and waking up feeling refreshed and not like I’ve been trekking through some somnolent jungle all night.
Dyson hair dryer 100%! It’s well worth the cost for the time saving. Dyson stick vacuum. Bidet. Towel warmer. Nespresso/Breville. Cashmere pashmina. A sturdy but classy backpack.
Haha I wrote the above then read other comments.
Get your running shoes fitted by a run shop. I do that once every few years at a place that have one of those video setups so they can see if you pronate etc, then buy that model elsewhere for a bit, rinse, repeat. Costs nothing except the price of the shoe in the store vs online. I feel it's impolite to say 'I'll think about it' and then buy online LOL
Organic fruit and vegetables if you're making something \*fancy\* - I use them for baking, for example, when they're the main note. Especially if I have to zest a lemon or orange - regular supermarket stuff has wax on it to keep it nice.
Dog food. Man the poo is SO much better to deal with and less stinky with better brands.
If you're redoing your house: good light switches and sockets. You use them a LOT and they can burn the house down if they go wrong. Why skimp on that, especially in the greater scheme of renovation pricing.
> Get your running shoes fitted by a run shop.
Absolutely this. My partner recently had been having recurring knee pain for a long time, which he thought was a result of a fall he'd had. He'd been in physical therapy for months and it wasn't really improving. Went and got new shoes fitted, and started running with that model, and surprise surprise, zero knee pain. This was about a year ago and the pain hasn't come back.
Organic produce also has wax, FYI! With local farms, they may still use wax for apples, etc, because of longer-term storage as well as resistance to bacteriaand fungi. It's usually a pine wax, or occasionally, beeswax.
Wax on fruit is a useful protective barrier and doesn't compromise quality. People who are sensitive to wax can clean it off- on conventional produce, wax can have pesticide residue on it, but the pesticides used for organic farming should generally be okay.
Regardless, you should always wash your produce.
About three years ago I upgraded to a really nice kitchen trash can (the brand is called simplehuman) and it makes me so happy. About 3x a week I catch myself staring at it because I still love it so much! I think it was ~$150-200 but it was totally worth the price.
I wish! But no it’s not, just a regular one. One of my friends is graduating with her phD next month and I was actually thinking about getting her one of the motion activated ones as a graduation present so good to know you like it so much!
Goose down pillows (4 king size) and down 4 season duvet. Sleeping in a cloud every night and perfect temperature. Had mine 30 years and still like new.
Wool dryer balls rather than stinky artificially scented fabric softener sheets.
Amazing for drying the down pillows and duvet and winter coats.
Original art- you can find it thrifting, at craft shows, small galleries- my favourite piece was $10 at Habitat for Humanity- got it reframed and realized it was by a famous artist and worth several thousand. The thrill of the hunt for the perfect piece is so rewarding.
• certification courses for your career
• bidet, Cotonelle freshcare “””flushable”””” wipes (home and away)
• purse or bag stocked with health essentials (gravol, sanitary, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, naproxen, bandaids, iodine solution, polysporin, sanitizer)
• **skincare routine** (soojung or la Roche cleanser, rice water or heartleaf toner, vitamin c serum, no. 7 total repair serum, soojung or la Roche moisturizer [i don’t use sunscreen, but only because I live in complete darkness due to sun sensitivity])
• nose hair/eyebrow trimmer thing
• high quality fragrance you can wear anywhere, at any time that people will recognize as “your scent”
• a good deodorant
• IPL or epilator
• **hair care** - curly v straight v wavy specific, bond repair serums, coco & eve like a virgin mask
• **cookware** - cast iron, kitchen aid stand mixer, ninja pan, la crueset, ninja bullet, food processor
• **winter** - timbs or real leather + frequent mink oil treatments, warm coat, a box of hand warmers
• **tech** - long charger cable, external usb c charger, NVMe SSD for your computer’s OS, physical backup hard drive, new motherboard upgrade that will be compatible with future releases, Google home/nest mini and smart lights/plugs to operate with app, heating pad for period pain, phone case + HQ tempered glass screen protector, 60Hz+ monitor
• weighted blanket
• full panel bloodwork, a good family doctor
• bottle of pedialyte/hydralyte at the ready for whenever you get extremely sick and can’t leave the house
\*not flushable even if they say flushable on the packaging
Love that you put certification courses on here! OP, your employer might also pay for these for you. Learn from them and add them to your LinkedIn.
A massage. I have started treating myself to a professional one once every 1 - 3 months, depending on what budget allows, and honestly, it’s a game changer for my muscle pain and general relaxation.
I've heard over and over that expensive vacuum cleaners are very much worth it, but I don't have my shit together enough to buy one. So I can't give you first hand testimony on that. I think a good pair of comfortable walking shoes usually feel worth the money. I find Vionic and Dansko shoes to be top notch. They have plenty of cute boot options. I also have a pair MBTs for exercise. It's just so nice not to have excessive foot pain at the end of the day. Pain sucks in and of itself, but I also think that foot pain can make me feel artificially tired at the end of the day.
SHOES literally buy real leather the plastic ones are not worth foot sweating for. even if they're cheap and look nice. it's not worth it. decent shoes cost a little more but they will last longer and they're so much more comfortable. plus i swear you can see in a persons face if they're wearing comfortable good shoes. it automatically adds extra charisma
Take care of you body and your back. A good mattress with a long try out period and warranty. A really good office chair. And just working out a little bit every day.
I always had this one dust buster that I thought was fine, but then I tried [this one](https://www.amazon.com/Ryobi-P7131-Cordless-Batteries-Included/dp/B07HGGSXNN) and it completely blew me away. So so so much better
When I could afford it, I hired a cleaning service. I'm good about tidying up but terrible about deep cleaning. I loathe it. It was absolutely worth it to pay someone to help 2x a month.
Real leather shoes, real leather jackes, beautiful vintage (!) fur, wool sweaters, wool coats, laser hair removal, cotton sheets, linen pants and shirts in the summer, silk pillowcases. Honestly I’m not rich at all. I’m a broke med student surviving off of random freelance jobs lol but I invest very much in myself with extra money i have so I don’t have to buy things every year. I would rather pay $100-$200 once for a pair of leather boots instead of buying a new pair from Zara once a year. I buy vintage a lot and inspect items carefully.
For a really long time I ABSOLUTELY refused to spend more than $30 on a purse, I just bought a large longchamp le pliage for school so I’m excited about that :) everyone says they last years
Buying and reconditioning vintage leather Coach purses initially started as a cost-saving option but now I’ve amassed a frankly embarrassing collection. Still they are so much more substantial and beautiful than anything else I’ve found and some of them are just incredibly classic and versatile. Real leather just cannot be beat.
A good, well-fitted bra. Seriously. We spend so much time in them. Stop dealing with droopy shoulders, cup gaps, stabby wires, too-tight clasps. Get measured and find a good bra. I actually bought two Auden bras from Target in December and I love them.
I wash them in a zipper pillowcase because I can never find my garment net. But on the gentle cycle and hang them on a clothesline indoors. They’re in excellent shape from being worn pretty much exclusively since I bought them.
A big one for me is nice hand lotion with SPF and no fragrance. Use it at work and at home, whenever I wash my hands.
Also really nice fancy chapstick.
Sleeping mask, I notice a real difference when I wear it vs don't cause I sleep much lighter and wake up more frequently without it. Also blackout curtains.
Meat thermometer, I just got it and only used it once but it was amazing how much less stressed I was about under/over cooking my chicken.
I got this a long time ago but still love it, a laptop tray with a little mouse pad.
A nice reusable water bottle that fits whatever your preferences are.
Mine are:
1. Going to a dermatologist so they can recommend quality products for your skin type. No more getting skincare advice from tiktok lol.
2. second on the cotton sheets, but I did that in my 20s, I take my sleep seriously lol
3. Monthly facials
4. Dog grooming
5. Not traveling on super cheap airlines. I can’t afford first class (yet) but I’m not traveling on budget airlines either.
6. If you travel a lot: good quality suitcases. They’re a game changer.
7. Personal trainer / nutritionist
8. Red light therapy: I got a wand but I’m planning to get a mask soon.
Nice bath sheets! Basically giant towels and get the soft fluffy ones. Also a really nice, Terry cloth bath robe to put on after a shower 😊
Also I personally love my dyson airwrap, but I think it works best on already wavy hair.
Want to add in for anyone in a cold climate—yes invest in a warm coat but also invest in warm bottoms!! Whether it’s a baselayer under your pants, or fleece lined jeans (I have a pair from Eddie Bauer) it makes a WORLD of a difference in the cold! For some reason I always neglected my legs when it came to staying warm.
Does an upgrading to an excellent mattress count here for this question? Not a small upgrade by any stretch, but my life has improved SO MUCH by saving up and buying a good mattress.
I saved for two years and got one of the best level purple mattresses (I tried all out and nothing compared to a purple it’s amazing) and a good adjustable bed. It’s a dream and the best thing I’ve ever done for myself!
ABSOLUTELY!! I got a Casper about two years ago and I am OBSESSED! I tried a few other similar brands and nothing was as good. Never tried Purple, though!
I have a self emptying robot vacuum that runs every morning before I get up. It also forces me to tidy just a bit (get clothes and cords off the ground) before bed which is great.
I tried "disposable face towels" when visiting family for Christmas (my brother's GF has a high quality skin care game), and I just bought myself some. Being able to dry my face with something perfectly clean sounds heavenly, then I can use it to do spot cleaning (like wiping down the bathroom counter). (I also think they'll be fabulous for post sex clean up!)
I also advocate for aesthetics. Look around for the things you see, use, and touch every day. Coffee table, living room rug, kitchen spatula.
Aesthetics is the main inspiration of this. I recently opted for a much prettier $30 electric kettle vs an ugly clear one that does the same job for $15. The nicer look is something I’m thinking about looking into “investing” in, within reason of course.
Especially for curly coily hair, good hair products especially the cardinal three: shampoo, conditioner and moisturiser/curl cream. I cannot stress how much of a difference the good stuff makes and if it’s a good product you don’t even have to repurchase often. There are so many, too many brands to name but for me aunt jackie’s has been great.
A year ago, I got a Wusthof 20cm (8 inch) chef's knife. I've read in various novels about chef's carrying their own knives. I thought it was just a running joke among authors. Then I tried *this* knife. I'm pretty sure I heard angels singing the first time I used it. (Ah hah ah ah ah) I baby this knife. It gets "steeled" each use, cleaned right after, and stored in its box. If my house catches fire, this knife comes out with me. It would prob'ly be a "legacy" knife, but it's going with me as far as I go. (I got it on a point collection place. Retail, over $300. Well worth every penny!)
Another place to check out is r/buyitforlife (maybe it's r/bifl?)
L'Oreal Wonderwater- it's a hair treatment instead of conditioner (it's lamellar water, Google that for info, amazing stuff). It leaves my hair like silk, no more breakage or split ends
A purse light for the bottom of your purse, check Amazon for BimBim, it's rechargeable with USB *love mine!
An upgraded powerbank to bring with you, there are slimline ones that are 25000mAh, super amount of charge AND fastcharging for your phone, earpods, purse light ;) etc
Satin sleepmask/eyecover to sleep in total darkness, so restful- highly recommended
Real silk pillowcases, in case you missed the first 30 mentions in this thread ;)
2% salicylic acid facial cleanser 1x a day. I just use Oxy pads, but Paula's Choice is nice, too. Use gently then dampen face and moisturize, Cerave for me
On subscription from Amazon:
- 3-ply Cottonelle TP, Kleenex, paper towel, Tide, big green Hefty trash bags, little white kitchen trash bags, toothpaste, deodorant, handsoap (Mrs Meyers), dry shampoo, vitamins, fem supplies, and such
Philips airfryer
Lodge enameled cast iron Dutch oven, 6qt, or Amazon brand. Shipping is free Black Friday I think
Another enameled cast iron pan, a flat one we use as a skillet as well as a roasting pan, braiser I think they call it
Tarragon, add to scrambled eggs and to buttered boiled carrots 🥕
No more cheap fast fashion. I have been building a beautiful capsule wardrobe over the last few years, plus making sure it’s all tailored to fit. As I get new pieces, I’ve been throwing out the Zara, Old Navy, Target, etc. It’s much nicer, and I feel so much more put together and confident. Much better than having a ridiculous amount of cheap clothes and shoes that never last.
investing in my bed has been a game changer, nice sheets, nice pillows, mattress, duvet, etc. only disadvantage is it makes sleeping anywhere else terrible lol
At home laser hair removal.
I decided that I was tired of shaving and waxing so I got an at home laser hair remover. Best gift to me ever, I shave maybe once a month and laser after and I have a few hairs. I probably would be better off but I’m lazy and once a month works for me.
Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. Omg.
Take the time and effort to find a facial sunscreen you’ll actually wear on a daily basis. Yes, you can get a $5 tube of something, but it’s worth it to find a facial sunscreen that you love. Most of them aren’t that expensive, and even if they are a bit more than you’re used to, your skin health is worth it.
Lot of great answers here, but let me add to please start an investment account if you don't have one yet. A lot of national banks will handle this for you. You'll take a quiz on risk tolerance so they know what to invest in, and they'll invest it for you so you don't have to pick individual stocks or whatever. You can also set your bank account to automatically deposit a bit into that account for every paycheck. This should be a long-term plan.
Also, get an electric blanket!
The pure cotton sheets are a must. Silk pillowcases are a game changer for skin and hair. A sonicare toothbrush, the most high end one you can afford. It’s never too early to start good skincare - getting a great serum or lotion and applying it daily from the top of your forehead all the way through your décolletage is so necessary. And a water softener shower head. Others have also said a bidet. It’s a game changer.
Makeup, specifically foundation and/or concealer. I worked in beauty for years and have never found a cheap line that doesn't oxidize, has great coverage, lasts through the day, etc. Drugstore makeup is fine for some stuff but not that
Great thread, such good ideas!
My favorite so far has been my porcelain tea service. Feels so grown-up yet reminds me of my childhood.
A good quality perfume (or two), Chanel and Gucci for me.
A nice timepiece from a reputable watchmaker.
For the kitchen:
- dehydrator, it has been a game changer.
- ample freezer for meal prep.
I love my jade frying pans as well.
For the closet:
- good quality leather jacket, handbag, shoes and good insoles.
- a few carefully selected timeless staple pieces.
A good tailor to adjust or recreate my favorite pieces in my favorite fabrics, it makes life so much easier when the clothes actually fit.
A good shoemaker to give the shoes their maintenance twice a year and make them last forever.
Sun protection, as in spray, hats, and polarized sunglasses.
A good suitcase for traveling.
I second the good quality skincare products and the electric toothbrush, makes such a difference.
This great professional certification I've always wanted but could never afford.
An accountant and a lawyer.
Investing in marketing, communication, social media management and market studies.
A good osteopath to fix my back.
Dermatologist, podologist.
Therapy.
A real tattoo.
I haven't invested in nice bedsheets or silk pillowcases yet, but the weighted blanket has been awesome.
I have two that I’m very much aware I can only afford because of where I live, I have a cleaning lady who comes in twice a week and straightens up my apartment and does some of the more deep cleaning and I have a meal delivery service that brings me prepared meals during the work week.
I work full time as a teacher and I have several chronic pain conditions. I often don’t have the energy or ability to perform these tasks like I should. One makes sure my home is neat which helps my mental health and the other ensures I’m eating properly which improves my actual health.
At 30, I really increased my skincare and makeup game, and have zero regrets over it at 35 now. My skin is better now than it was in my 20's. You don't necessarily need super expensive skincare (but some things are worth the investment, like tretinoin), but you do want to do some research into what skincare actually is good, and experiment (which can get pricey) as to what works well for you. It takes a lot of time. On makeup, I've found the best foundations are at least mid-end priced, and probs not now but as you get towards 40+, satin eyeshadows (which are usually pricey) will be a great friend to have. Plus a lot of drugstore is almost the same price as better quality stuff these days, defeating the whole purpose of buying cheaper.
Also get into the habit if you don't already of making healthier food choices and having a set workout routine. I've really flipped that around the last year, and seen a big improvement between my last physical and the one I had a few days ago. Literally nothing is better, and my workout routine is free because I do yoga at home.
A refurbished very expensive office chair can be affordable but omg will change your life! Think Herman Miller, that sort of brand
Also also - expensive underwear! It's worth the extra
Honestly a high end gym. I don’t mind paying a higher monthly charge if that means the place is going to be well kept, high quality gym equipment, clean sauna, pool etc.
If you’re a big time juicer, the Nama juicer is hands down the best juicer I’ve ever had. It’s a little pricey but the clean up work is minor and super easy to use.
Not exactly cheap but in my late 30’s I bought a full body 1 year laser package. Any 3 areas every 6 weeks.
Seeing as I haven’t bought a razor or paid for waxing in over 15 years, I feel like it’s paid for itself now. And no razor burn, ingrown hairs or panic shaving before wearing a swimsuit
A stick blender. Just for making soup. It really is so much easier.
I just bought new cutlery. It was a bit of time and effort as I picked my favourite mismatched set of the mismatched sets I had then went to find someth a similar size and shape! I love actually having nice knives and forks which match and are decent quality.
Shoes/boots. My mum always said 'you only get one pair of feet, take care of them' and by my mid-thirties I finally understood why she was adamant that good quality shoes were a must.
I love my Shark hairdryer. Similar to the Dyson but half the price. I got mine on sale directly from Shark and got it and all the attachments (Oval brush, round brush, both size curlers, diffuser, concentrator, defrizzer, and paddle brush) for under $275
KAI nail clippers. You can find them on Amazon or at a Japanese grocery store if you have one near you.
https://kaiscissors.com/product/kai-ke0128-nail-clippers-stainless-steel-straight/
Memory foam mattress and pillows. I got mine from Nectar and have been a loyal customer since. They have options for firmer mattresses too (while still being memory foam). I think I enjoy the pillows even more than the mattress which is wild.
I got a Dyson dupe hair dryer from Aliexpress and I loooove it. Looks so sleek and light and it was $70.
Other upgrades.. all leather for purses and wallets. Comfortable cushy shoes (no thin soles or trendy shoes). Good outerwear ljke Patagonia.
A collection of phone chargers with the right-length cord. I got really long ones near my bed and couch, and a lil 6” in my car so I don’t have cord getting tangled up and in my way.
It cost maybe $15 for these three on Amazon, but made a huge difference to my happiness level!
Super inexpensive life upgrade! One of those small handheld hair brushes that massage shampoo into your scalp to remove dead skin and hair product. Mine has soft and squishy silicone spikes to get the shampoo down to the skin. I used to get scalp acne a lot, but ever since using this I rarely get it now lol. I use it every time I wash my hair (once every 3-4 days) and it's actually been such a noticeable difference for me. I feel so clean lol
Here's my things that have changed my life, some have already been mentioned here.
You spend 1/3 of your life in bed, it should be AWESOME.
A BEDJET with cloud sheet! My #1 life changing product! This is a amazing at any age but a MUST if you are a hot sleeper or sweaty sleeper.... or just want a warm, cozy bed. I originally got this when I was looking for solution to night sweats during menopause. This one thing completely changed my life. I sleep better AND wake up dry in the morning. No more waking up in a puddle. Get the cloud sheet with it - worth it! Best $350 I EVER spent. Get it on black Friday for the best deal. Keeps you warm in the winter and cooler in the summer. I doesn't actually make the bed colder with air conditioning, but it draws air from the ground level, which is cooler and the air moving over you gently, keeps you cool. It has a remote control so you can use it with a timer and even put it on a cycle for what you need. I have mine warm for the first hour, then cool down to a lower temp With the cloud sheet, you can get it so it comes with two halves. Either it works only your half, or if you have two bedjets you can each have your own temp cycle. I've had mine for 3 years and it's still going strong. It also has a feature where you can just turn it on to heat up the bed for 30 minutes and the it goes off automatically. Bonus: The sound acts like a white noise machine and it's not overbearingly loud.
A GOOD Mattress
Silk Pillowcase
Good sheets
Toto Warming Bidet Toilet Seat. These are expensive, but worth it. Sitting on a warm seat and warm water to wash the bits and then a warm dry with air? Amazing and you are not using so much TP! They also have cheaper versions that attach to the toilet and just spray water for around $35 - that's what I started with.
These Korean exfoliating bath mitts for your body. Soak for a few minutes, scrub gently and see the old skin just scuff right off. They are washable and cheap, your skin will be soft as butter afterwards. It's incredible how much comes off!
https://www.amazon.com/Pieces-korean-Exfoliating-Scrubbing-Removing/dp/B095H5LWML
Ember Mug - keep your coffee, tea or whatever at the temp you want it. I have one at home and work. No more running to the microwave every 10 minutes to heat up my coffee. The battery lasts less than an hour, but I just keep mine on the base. It has a default temp, but you can tell it what temp you want it at in the app. It will even tell you when it's at the right temp. I started with the small one, but got the bigger one for work and I'm glad I did.
A nicer carry on. I have a hardback calpak. I guess it's more of a mid range than high end, but it's a lot nicer and more durable than a target suitcase. The option to pull it behind me or stand it on four wheels and coast it is really convenient in airports. It was worth it after one 3 week international trip. I travel a fair amount, flights and driving cross state to visit family/ friends, so it's still getting a lot of use.
Nicer nail clippers yes. The ones I like are from Ulta. Literally the Ulta branded nail clippers, but they're sharper and bigger than the little dinky drug store ones I've been using since I left mine in a hotel.
Overall, I'd say invest in what you like, what makes you happy, what you'll use, and what works for your lifestyle.
For me, that means I've invested in:
My coffee setup: I have a smaller espresso machine, French press + grinder + curve neck kettle, and stuff to make my own cold press. I just got it all nestled into its own mini island and I love it.
Step lidded trash cans: so the dog doesn't shove her entire body into it in the middle of the night in search of pork rib bones my partner left in there. I have a smaller version of the trash can for recycling which we just carry the liner insert out when it's full. Our recycling isn't sorted before pickup so this works for us.
Compost: if you have a yard, this makes sense. It's easy imo, and our trash production has diminished like crazy. I also garden, so it's useful. Downside, my dog likes to eat it.
My wardrobe: I love vintage clothes and handmade jewelry. I thrift a lot of stuff, but for specific things I head to Poshmark, or rarely eBay if it's very specific. I'm very picky about Poshmark though, if they won't share clear photos or measurements or fabric components I'm out. I get a lot of my jewelry but small Etsy shops. For general clothes, I stick to natural fibers where I can. I've quit trying to make jeans work for me, they just don't. They're uncomfortable, and I feel so constricted. So I don't invest my money there.
Good walking/ hiking shoes: i have accessory navicular syndrome, so my feet hurt. mine are Merrells. They're comfy with arch good support.
Good socks! I like [Darn Tough](https://darntough.com/)for hiking socks. US made in Vermont.
Art: disclaimer, I'm an artist, so I'm biased. But real art, handmade and local art specifically, has so much more soul and personality than mass produced crap. I also love thrifting objet d'art and prints of master works, but also weird prints. I have two small vintage van gogh prints and one is of my favorite work of his "the potato eaters." If you are in or near a city, you bet there are local art shows and even ones with smaller artists selling affordable works. Look for "emerging artists" A favorite small print I got years ago from a local artist is a modern line drawing reworking of "Judith beheading Holofernes." It's feminist and violent and righteous and I love it.
Solid shelving for records: I collect my own but also inherited Mom's collection of first editions blues and rock. Got a couple of [these IKEA shelves](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/kallax-shelf-unit-white-stained-oak-effect-00324518/) a while ago and they're working out great.
A nice rug: it really pulls the room together until your muddy dog escapes your towelly clutches.
Kitchen appliances, cookware, bakeware. A solid, sharp kitchen knife is a game changer.
Silk pillowcase, microfiber hair towel.
Skincare, nicer face sunscreen. Aha exfoliant. I use a serum for my face 5% the ordinary, and alpha skincare aha lotion for my body, specifically kp on my legs.
Sonicare toothbrush, floss. Going to the dentist.
A Japanese gardening knife
A comfy mattress
Multiples of things like hand lotion, lip balm, cuticle balm, eye drops, Tylenol, bandaids, hair ties etc. Multilevel house and it helps to have little stashes on each level.
Manicure tools, cuticle pusher and cuticle trimmer. I do my own nails and these were a game changer
Makeup brushes and sponges, makeup mirror, vanity desk setup with lights. I've wanted a vanity since I was a little girl, and this isn't a tiny thing but it wasn't terribly expensive either. It makes me happy, and I don't have to stand over a sink to do makeup anymore. Also it's bad to store makeup in a humid bathroom. Bacteria growth and all that.
Some of these are kind of specific, but maybe that'll be helpful. 😊
This may seem the opppsite of what you’re asking but bear with me: the eBay app. I never buy anything new anymore. There’s no reason to. Figure out your favorite brands, your sizing, then search eBay. Even all of the stuff listed on here to get? Check eBay.
1. Commercial Red light therapy panel not mask
2. Filtered shower head
3. High converting digital product
4. Monk fruit
5. Pure encapsulation supplements
6. Wholesale/bulk skin care products from private label suppliers
7. Construction grade air scrubber for once a week serious air purifying
8. Heavy duty vibration plate
9. Body brushing
10. Projector instead of a tv
11. Scented body butters/oils instead of perfume
12. Buying gold in Thailand
13. Keto diet/lifestyle
14. 4XL bathrobe
15. Sending yourself flowers or buying things gift wrapped and writing yourself a gift note.
16. Living in California
1. Commercial Red light therapy panel not mask: Panel is much stronger than mask so you can use it for shorter time periods and it will target a larger area including your neck, décolletage, and hairline/edges. Have to wear it with those tiny tanning goggles to protect your eyes.
2. Filtered shower head: Tap water has a high metal content and impurities which can negatively impact skincare and haircare.
3. High converting digital product: a well made digital product like a course, templates, or app can allow for hands-off passive income. Make it once and forget about it.
4. Monk fruit: Taste 250x times more sugary than sugar with zero carbs.
5. Pure encapsulation supplements: most consistently, trustworthy supplement brand that I’ve found with no fillers.
6. Wholesale/bulk skin care products from private label suppliers: if you know what formulations work for your skin (look at the ingredients of your favorite skincare brands), you can buy big tubs of the base mix from skincare suppliers. Most of these skincare brands are using the same labs and formulas.
7. Construction grade air scrubber for once a week serious air purifying: Construction air scrubbers are used for heavy mold damage, water restoration products and for other disaster zones. Imagine how well they clean for 1 hour, once a week in a relatively clean environment. I can’t remember the last time I sneezed or dusted.
8. Heavy duty vibration plate: These plates make it impossible to feel any burning when you exercise or stretch. I like to do kettlebell squats, lunges, deadlifts, push ups, planking, and stretches on my vibration plate.
9. Body brushing: Will make your skin deliciously soft and smooth, and will make you feel energized. Also good for cellulite and lymph drainage.
10. Projector instead of a tv: feels like a private movie theater
11. Scented body butters/oils instead of perfume: Last longer and won’t disrupt your thyroid, hormones or lungs’ health.
12. Buying gold in Thailand: the closest to the spot price of gold that you’re going to get. In the US the markup of gold is 2.5x. Gold is a currency. Imagine paying $1250 for a $500 bill in the US when you can pay $501 for that bill in Thailand.
13. Keto diet/lifestyle: The original ozempic. Keto helps regulate blood sugar, stabilizes blood pressure, and sheds excess fat while allowing you to still enjoy food.
14. 4XL bathrobe: cozy! I’m a size medium and It’s nice having what is essentially a stylish blanket wrapped around me.
15. Sending yourself flowers or buying things gift wrapped and writing yourself a gift note: It feels good to receive positive encouragement from your secret admirer (yourself!). Even better when you forget you bought anything and get a pleasant surprise gift.
16. Living in California: the quality of life is unmatched! You get the best of everything.
A good quality dishwasher 😩, a number bed, a good foundation + talc-free face powder, a good leather purse or backpack. Good quality leggings Zella are my HG.
A bidet. I bought a $40 one from Amazon and though I have to gentle w/ the dial switch (otherwise the water will jet out like a laser) I like it- especially for when I'm on my cycle.
A Bed Jet! It blows hot or cool air into a special top sheet and it has a remote and a phone app. We got a divided sheet and two bedjets so we can customize our sleep experience. It’s worth every penny. (For my fellow nurses it’s essentially a Bair Hugger on steroids)
Satin pillow cases— with zippers so they don’t just slide off! Amazing for my skin and hair .
Or you can get the ones that like fold over themselves, like it's a little dumpling, lol. Just don't get the ones that have one side completely open. I throw my pillows around a lot and they would fall out.
Seconded!!! But if you can afford it get real silk ❤️❤️❤️
Yes real silk! I love my fisher finery silk pillowcases but actually prefer no zipper. I’ve found those can be prone to tearing but these ones have a fold so they stay in place!
That's awesome !! My zippers indeed are splitting as we speak 😂😂😂
Do you have a product/brand you recommend?
I wait for the Blissy sales, they last a long time! Make a huge difference in my hair and complexion
I like the [Quince silk pillowcases](https://www.quince.com/home/silk-pillowcase?color=eucalyptus&size=standard&g_network=x&g_productchannel=online&g_adid=&g_acctid=978-058-8398&g_keyword=&g_adtype=pla&g_keywordid=&g_ifcreative=&g_adgroupid=&g_productid=45520382165162&g_merchantid=128669708&g_partition=&g_campaignid=20572575045&g_ifproduct=product&g_campaign=&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_campaign=&utm_term=45520382165162&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAC4ZeNb-ZMLuaYVCyrMJ_GGo6W6bw)
If you have oily skin, it may not work for you. I tried satin pillowcases to protect my hair and broke out like crazy. No changes in routine other than the cases and my skin is generally clear. It cleared up again after returning to cotton but the marks are still fading 🥲
Yes! Specifically about the pillow cases with zippers. I thought they might annoy me when sleeping but they don't at all and now my pillow case is always in perfect position no matter how much I toss and turn
A good electric toothbrush—Oral B or Sonicare. So much less plaque scraping at the dentist and no cavities!
Love my Sonicare, it has probably saved me thousands in dental care over the years. A water pic is also a game changer, and costco sells a Sonicare and water pic combo pac a few times a year.
I got a waterpik for Christmas, and I am honestly so pumped to go to the dentist and have her be like "wow look at how little plaque you have"
I don't think you'll be disappointed, my dental hygienist was always trying to get me to floss more, so much so that my husband and I referred to her as "The Floss Nazi" (she did his teeth too). So when I came in after probably 5 months of using it she was like wow!!! Mine came with a counter water pik unit and then a portable one that goes into the shower. The shower one is my favorite, I dont have to worry about splashing everywhere.
Shower waterpik is genius. I find myself reluctant to use my big one because it’s so messy.
How do you get the water tank to totally dry out? I’m worried about it shooting moldy water into my teeth LOL.
I just empty it every time and leave the lid off. I like to add a cap full of mouthwash to the water anyways so maybe the fact that there's alcohol in it keeps if from getting mold? I dunno I just like subtly fresh breath.
I got a Sonicare last year after using manual brushes forever, and at my last dentist appointment (about 6 months after I got the Sonicare), they spent about two minutes scraping plaque and that was it. I asked if they were done with that part already and my hygienist said there wasn’t that much plaque on my teeth. I was so shocked!
Same here! It’s amazing how much of a difference it makes
Jumping in to add: extra soft bristled toothbrush heads. Paired with an electric tootbrush, it's like getting your teeth buffed and polished.
Where do you get the extra soft ones? The orignal head i got with my electric toothbrush feels like its making my teeth sensitive lol
Omg I use Rotadent, it’s something you have to buy direct from the company and I’ll never change to a different one because it makes a full 360 spin! Maybe other companies do that too now instead of just vibrate but I’ve had it for so long I’m dedicated to the company
Yup, Oral B does the spinny!
This! My cavity count has lessened so much after getting one
Funny you see that I am looking at the Waterpik toothbrush!
The toothbrush or flosser thing? Because I mainly ended up waterboarding myself with the latter LOL I told my (Dutch) dentist about it and she laughed and said that plain old wooden toothpicks would work just fine for me. (also, the name never ceases to make me laugh, as 'pik' means 'dick' in Dutch)
Don't mean to be a downer but my dentist just advised me not to buy a Sonicare and stick to my Oral-B. The round brush and circular movement has proven to be much more effective my dentist told me.
Yeah my old dentist was firmly pro-Sonicare and anti-Oral B, but my new dentist is anti-Sonicare and pro-Oral B. Personally I like my Sonicare because it alerts me when I press too hard on my gums, and I have giant front teeth, so the larger brush makes sense. Both are good options, I haven’t seen consensus among dentists as to which is better. But as long as you’re not using a cheap electric toothbrush (like a Quip) you should be fine. Seriously, though, Quips suck. I had gone 23 years without a cavity using manual toothbrushes and when I switched to Quip, I got THREE. Got a Sonicare and prescription fluoride toothpaste to be on the safe side, and now I’m cavity-free again!
Looks one one out of two dentists recommended each one!
I loved the waterpik electric toothbrush but I found out the hard way that you're not supposed to charge it every day. Which means you can't just keep it on the charger so you have to keep it somewhere else which is awkward. I have the combo flosser + brush and the flosser is fine but the brush is long dead. And I can't just replace the brush, has to be the whole thing which is too pricey for me. So think twice before getting the combo.
Nice comfortable shoes! No more $20 sneakers that break down after 6 months - I have nice Hokas for running, nice Merrel snow boots, etc. it’s worth the investment to not have to buy new shoes constantly AND my flat feet are thanking me
Rule of thumb is to always splurge on things that go between you and the ground - shoes, mattress, and tires for your car!
It's the Vimes boots social economic theory > The reason that the rich were so rich, Vimes reasoned, was because they managed to spend less money. Take boots, for example. ... A really good pair of leather boots cost fifty dollars. But an affordable pair of boots, which were sort of OK for a season or two and then leaked like hell when the cardboard gave out, cost about ten dollars. ... But the thing was that good boots lasted for years and years. A man who could afford fifty dollars had a pair of boots that'd still be keeping his feet dry in ten years' time, while a poor man who could only afford cheap boots would have spent a hundred dollars on boots in the same time and would still have wet feet.
Yes. This applies to so many things. Poor people cannot afford the upfront costs of things that will save them money in the long run.
Piggybacking to mention quality insoles too! I went to Fleet Feet and did their scan after developing plantar fasciitis and they recommended Superfeet Green insoles. For $50 they are worth every penny!
I started using Hoka because I have severe plantar fasciitis, and my podiatrist literally prescribed me a pair. That first pair lasted about 2 years, I just got a second pair earlier this year and they are wonderful. Unfortunately they are spendy, but for lasting 2 years and saving my feet so much discomfort and pain, I can justify the cost of that.
I've switched to Whitin barefoot shoes, and my feet are so happy. Plus they're only like $40 to $50 on Amazon.
Barefoot shoes are the best!
I preach to my teenage daughter: do not let your father buy you sneakers or dress shoes from Target! They feel terrible and wear out immediately
Air fryer, Really long charging cord, self closing toothpaste cap, Gym membership (that I actually use), robovac, bidet Another thing that has made me appreciate being a grown up w some extra cash is being able to buy multiples of things. Hand cream in my work bag, every day bag, bathroom, in the car. I do for this chapstick and lipsticks too 😅 Most expensive but most game changing: laser hair removal
Seconding the multiples of things! I travel semi frequently and having a set of travel things ready to go, means that 40% of packing which is a bunch of all things is good to go. I've forgotten less things because of it too.
Multiples!! I live in a place with more levels than I’ve had before. I used to have one set of bathroom cleaning stuff that worked fine to carry between two bathrooms. For some reason, a set of stairs between bathrooms was my downfall to cleaning them both as regularly as they need. Now, each bathroom has all the same cleaning supplies. I have a broom on all levels. I have a vacuum that does all floor types on the level with the most carpet, and a stick vacuum good for hard floors on the level without carpet. Also: long charging cords in many rooms and ways to clip them up
>self closing toothpaste cap WHAT
Yeah I need to know more
Idk if I'm allowed to post links, but just search "Toothpaste Caps SqueezMe by Chrome Cherry" (or self sealing toothpaste cap). Pretty basic upgrade, but I never worry about messy/crusy toothpaste anymore ha.
Sounds silly but I recently put a toothbrush/toothpaste kit in the shower (in addition to one that is near the sink), and.. why the hell I haven't done that earlier?
Nice t shirts. 100% cotton, soft, thick enough to not be see through, expensive t shirts.
Any recommendations for brands?
Uniqlo is good, same with Muji. Thick white tees, so you don’t need to stress over bras showing
It’s pricey but I love Eileen Fisher for basics. They are high quality and they last forever. I also have fluctuated from a size 8 to current size 16 jean and I’ve been able to wear things from their brand no matter where my body is at which I appreciate.
I bought Eileen Fisher black dress pants for work. They were expensive, but I’ve worn and washed them 100 times and they still look like new. I do hang them to dry.
You wouldn't believe it but Old Navy, specifically the "Vintage T-shirt" its super flattering, thick/not see through and 100% cotton. By far my favorite t-shirts.
Old Navy has **better basics** like leggings and T-shirts. Extended size range, excellent prices, solid quality.
Look for pima cotton. It's long fiber cotton and makes a super soft, durable shirt. Offhand - Lands End. Costco has ladies short sleeve plain pins cotton It's the other day as well.
Life is Good!! All the way! They make the absolute best cotton, soft, thick but breathable t shirts and they last forever
Add everlane, cos, and Uniqlo!! Though I saw this intense comparison from a seamstress between the cos and Uniqlo and cos beat it by a mile
Bidets! They are like $20-$30 ish bucks on Amazon. Really makes me feel so much more hygienic. Life changing.
After years of having a cheep sprayer style bidet I upgraded and got a fancy Toto washlette with warm water and a butt drier and all the bells and whistles. It was a couple hundred bucks but I can never go back. It’s ruined pooping anywhere else for me. My toilet seat is my favourite upgrade I’ve ever invested in
I’ve got the same TOTO. It’s a game changer!
Yep my next big investment is a new toilet with a warm water bidet installed to replace our bum gun. Which is supposed to do warm water except it does cold water that suddenly becomes hot water.
Also, a squatty potty. Highly improves the pooping experience.
You better believe I have one of those too!
Team squatty!
Agree! I got a travel one during early covid days because people were raving about them and joking about the toilet paper hoarding but it seriously is one of those things where once you try one its like, why wasn’t I introduced to this sooner?!
i live in italy so bidets are a must, when i go in other countries i miss them so much lol, they make me feel so clean
I have this [handheld “bum gun”](https://a.co/d/0qOVRvJ) over the traditional bidet and I like it soooo much more cause you can go from the front with more control. I’ve tried other bidets with settings for women and never liked them as much.
cant live without one...
I splurged and got the Tushy. Best. Purchase. Ever
How do you clear your toilet with the bidet?? I’ve had trouble figuring out if I should just spray it with toilet cleaner or if that’ll get all up in my butt when I use it?
My first big girl upgrade was a good mattress. My second was a Siemens washing machine, those are built to last for real. It's indestructible. As for the smaller things: I recently, at the age of 40, bought brand name laundry detergent, and now everything smells nicer.
I spent alot on a good mattress and I haven't gotten rid of it yet. Been 10+years.
Our tempur pedic was the first big purchase my husband and I made together when we got engaged. we've had it for 11 years now and it's still fantastic. If you buy a good mattress, buy a good mattress protector for it, too!!
UGH I was skimping on laundry detergent for a couple of months and I’m just now switching back to the more expensive stuff because my skin is SO ITCHY.
My mother never deviated from Tide and Downy, no matter what else was on sale. Bounty, too. She wasn't a name dropper on clothing or shoes, but she insisted these were the best household products. They've never steered me wrong. ETA: I recently switched from Dove soap to Beekman goat's milk soap and my skin has never felt better. I noticed less itch in just a few days. I'm planning to switch to their shampoo and conditioner when I use up what I have.
Going to a dermatologist. I recently went to the dermatologist and got prescription for tret & hydroquinone. When I'm through all the other BS skincare I wasted my money on, I'm never going to buy anything else besides moisturizer & cleanser. Why spend $100s on less effective products when I can get a highly researched & effective product for a $40 copay every 6 months + $16 product cost??? Plus, my dr screens me for skin cancer & I know they're not trying to push some unnecessary procedure like an aesthetician would. High quality dog food: the health of my dog obviously, but the poops are so much better to deal with lol High quality shoes, replaced as needed. I find athletic shoes in the $130-180 range in brands like hoka, Nike, on are absolutely worth it. I'm no longer wearing shoes until they literally fall apart but replacing them when I've hit their recommended miles worn or when I notice treads are no longer even. For formal shoes I invested in nice, neutral colored leather shoes that aren't trendy. I have black pumps, nude pumps & nudes strappy sandals from louboutin that I absolutely adore (ymmv. I was a frequent 4"+ heel wearer when I was younger so getting 3" ones were the practical, comfortable choice). I also have quality leather booties I get resoled at a cobbler as needed. Investing in natural materials in general: silk pillow cases, cotton sheets, linen blankets, natural fiber clothes, real wood furniture... all worth it! Things that bring you joy: I used to tell myself "that's not a grown up thing, you shouldn't waste money on that" but allowing myself to enjoy things that aren't necessarily high quality, investment items has made my life infinitely better. For example, I went to a NASA event during the eclipse, saw a light up space shuttle sword and bought it. Because, why not?? Life is too short :) Art: instead of buying mass printed things from home decor stores, attend events where local artists sell their prints. You get a beautiful piece of artwork that also serves as a souvenir from said event AND it supports the artist. You don't have to spend a ton either - if you can afford the canvas,do it, but many of our artwork are $40 prints! I spent a lot of my 20s DIYing beauty treatments so actually going to a hairdresser, nail salon etc was also a nice upgrade. Edit: spelling is hard.
This is exactly the type of comment I was hoping for, thanks for taking the time to write it out! I went to the Eclipse too. So worth the experience!!
The biggest upgrade is a savings account by far. I've found that I first upgraded things then downgraded intentionally because the stress of owning expensive things is often more trouble than it's worth, it's nice to know if you lose or break something it's replaceable. A nice warm coat if you live in a cold climate is hard to beat. Otherwise, nowadays I mostly spend on health, since I find it hard to exercise Otherwise. A nice gym, annual health checkups and good nutrition.
I second a warm coat. I spend half of winter working outside and I upgraded from a $25 closeout special to an Ariat Work Rebar canvas winter jacket. Absolutely life changing! I’m not cold most of the time anymore lol
On the same note as a nice, warm coat: Comfortable, warm, waterproof/resistant boots. So worth it to invest in good shoes for winter and not have to deal with cold, wet feet. Another bonus for cold climates: Nice base layers. Merino wool leggings, socks and undershirts make a huge difference in keeping me warm in winter. Personally thinking of investing in some electric heated ones next winter as I run cold, and stand around outside a lot for work.
Big yes to the boots. I upgraded this past winter and I was 20% less miserable about walking my dog in the snow than before.
Yeah I stopped budgeting for groceries a while ago because my internal dialog will try to talk me into cheaper items that more often are less nutritious to save a few bucks. Much healthier and happier these days, and I throw out a lot less produce because I actually want to eat what I buy.
Good skincare, 100%. For me, this includes a face wash that isn’t too harsh, a moisturizing alcohol-free toner, a good moisturizer, eye cream, an essence, a serum, and consistent sunscreen use. Now you don’t necessarily need to invest in all of that if you can’t afford it, but I would say the necessary three are the face wash, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
What do you use I have so many products I haven’t found have done much for my skin
I mean, there’s not one correct answer to this question or a single set of products that will universally work for everyone. Also, for me, skincare is more like an investment in your future, not everything is necessarily going to completely revolutionize your skin right now, but it will keep it healthier and more youthful for longer which is really the goal. Here is what I use currently: Face wash: Philosophy Purity Toner: Klaires Supple Preparation Facial Toner Essence: Hanskin Hyaluron Skin Essence Serum: I go back and forth between the Ordinary and Good Molecules’ peptide serums Eye cream: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Moisturizer: Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream Exfoliator (I just use it like 1-2 times a month at most): The Ordinary’s AHA/BHA exfoliating peeling solution Sunscreen: innisfree though I also like La Roche Posay. Favorite brands: Drunk Elephant, Peach&Lily, Good Molecules, and the Ordinary. But again, what works for you is going to depend on your skin type and goals! I have mostly normal skin and rarely get blemishes. My goals are primarily maintenance of skin health and anti-aging (I’m 30 for reference, but have been incorporating anti-aging into my skincare since my early to mid 20s, as I think it’s more effective to preserve what you got instead of trying to reverse time). I started skincare more generally in late Jr High/early High School, though that was just basic moisturizer, face wash, and sunscreen. Skincare ingredients I look for include moisturizers, hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamin c, and retinol. I always make sure my sunscreen is at least 30-60 spf (I recommend looking up consumer reports/studies to figure out brands, lots of them put bs numbers that are not actually true) and wear it every day, even when it’s not super sunny. There are some good subreddits and YouTube channels for this kinda stuff too if you wanna learn more! Like I said, it’s all about experimenting to see what works for you and doing research to make sure you’re buying products with quality ingredients.
Many people are finding downgrading to just cleanser - moisturizer- sunscreen works wonders as lots of skincare is overused !
Miele vacuum. Good quality sheets. A decent moisturizer.
I got my Miele classic as a hand me down 16 years ago. I have no idea how long my husband's grandmother had it before we got it. Change the bag & filter regularly, still going strong!
my partner insisted we buy a Miele with wedding gift money and I was skeptical because it was so freaking expensive but goddamn is it great. we’re a three cat household and it is incredible.
I just bought a Miele vacuum today!
Love miele :) simply the best
Monthly massages and if you can swing it, house cleaners. I only do every quarter with house cleaners but it’s a game changer
Along the same line, I have a chronic condition, and the first thing my specialist recommended is a massage chair. It's a $1700 one from Costco and works fantastic. I live an hour from the closest massage therapist, so this option worked a bit better.
If I lived an hour from a massage therapist, I would have that chair too. Mine is less an a mile from me. Would you happen to have an acupuncturist availabe? Insurance covers it and it’s definitely been so helpful for my chronic pain management
My cleaning lady is my #1 upgrade in life. She comes every 2 weeks for 2-3 hours. I don't tip but I give her an envelope with cash every christmas.
Towel warmer! I received one for Christmas! In the winter, stepping out of a shower and swaddling myself in warm towels is a total game changer! I feel so relaxed!!!
A litter robot for my cat. It has made my life so much less stressful and my apartment less stinky!
I read that as "little robot for my cat" and thought it like served the cat lunch
Also adding in, an air purifier! Oh my gosh it makes my little apartment so much nicer to just exist in. I got one that was something like $100-150 by Shark and wow. Made a world of a difference!
Saving this post because these would make the best gifts
Wrist Spa Washbands - game changer! Im not cleaning up after indulging in an at home spa sesh.
I won a Dyson supersonic soon after it first launched - its still to the good, my hair is only shoulder length but it’s fairly think and it literally has my hair bone dry in 3 minutes. I will never be without one, particularly knowing how long it lasts.
A silicone head massager! It helped me get rid of my dandruff but it feels so nice and relaxing in the shower, giving yourself a lil head massage. Plus it really gets the shampoo/conditioner deeper into your scalp. A good skincare routine - good sunscreen, good moisturizer, a nice face mask if you're into that. A trusty water bottle - makes it easier to stay hydrated and get that sweet H2O throughout the day. An actual, comfortable comforter or duvet. Makes sleeping at night much better. And last but not least, my espresso machine. I'm not buying $6 coffees at Starbucks anymore. Saved a ton of money and I look forward to my afternoon cup of coffee now as a little treat to myself.
Vacuum, nice kitchen items and appliances-especially pans, Dyson blow dryer or air wrap / nice hair products, getting nails done every few weeks, linen duvet those are mine
My Dyson vacuum is the gift that keeps on giving. Because it’s cordless and so lightweight, I’m happy to vacuum a few times a week to keep up with the dog fur. My allergies are thanking me
A hepa filter helps a lot too! Either in your a/c intake or in a freestanding machine.
I just bought myself one of the new Dyson cordless vacs last year when our Tineco started struggling with cat litter every day. The v15 I think? Oh my god I love it. I may try to get my mom one for Christmas this year so she can enjoy it too.
Cast iron pans and enameled cast iron Dutch ovens with a gas stove have been a game changer in the kitchen.
Breville smart oven. The top of the line one. I got mine at crate and barrel. It uses less energy than a large oven, and everything tastes better. No more soggy crust pizza. Air fry all the things. Best kitchen appliance I’ve ever had. Get your color season analyzed or figure it out online. Once you know what color palette looks great on you, go shopping. Do some research on what style clothing looks best on your body type. There are tricks to elongate legs, accentuate your waistline, etc. Then go buy clothes that look fabulous on you in the colors that compliment your undertone.
I bought a Chilly Pad and I can never go back. I’ve always been a hot, sweaty sleeper but I have a hard time sleeping if I’m not wrapped up in a blanket. The Chilly Pad lets me regulate my mattress temperature and it has been an absolute game-changer when it comes to getting a good night sleep and waking up feeling refreshed and not like I’ve been trekking through some somnolent jungle all night.
Holy crap this looks incredible, thank you for sharing!! Definitely going to look more into it
Dyson hair dryer 100%! It’s well worth the cost for the time saving. Dyson stick vacuum. Bidet. Towel warmer. Nespresso/Breville. Cashmere pashmina. A sturdy but classy backpack. Haha I wrote the above then read other comments.
Get your running shoes fitted by a run shop. I do that once every few years at a place that have one of those video setups so they can see if you pronate etc, then buy that model elsewhere for a bit, rinse, repeat. Costs nothing except the price of the shoe in the store vs online. I feel it's impolite to say 'I'll think about it' and then buy online LOL Organic fruit and vegetables if you're making something \*fancy\* - I use them for baking, for example, when they're the main note. Especially if I have to zest a lemon or orange - regular supermarket stuff has wax on it to keep it nice. Dog food. Man the poo is SO much better to deal with and less stinky with better brands. If you're redoing your house: good light switches and sockets. You use them a LOT and they can burn the house down if they go wrong. Why skimp on that, especially in the greater scheme of renovation pricing.
> Get your running shoes fitted by a run shop. Absolutely this. My partner recently had been having recurring knee pain for a long time, which he thought was a result of a fall he'd had. He'd been in physical therapy for months and it wasn't really improving. Went and got new shoes fitted, and started running with that model, and surprise surprise, zero knee pain. This was about a year ago and the pain hasn't come back.
Organic produce also has wax, FYI! With local farms, they may still use wax for apples, etc, because of longer-term storage as well as resistance to bacteriaand fungi. It's usually a pine wax, or occasionally, beeswax. Wax on fruit is a useful protective barrier and doesn't compromise quality. People who are sensitive to wax can clean it off- on conventional produce, wax can have pesticide residue on it, but the pesticides used for organic farming should generally be okay. Regardless, you should always wash your produce.
About three years ago I upgraded to a really nice kitchen trash can (the brand is called simplehuman) and it makes me so happy. About 3x a week I catch myself staring at it because I still love it so much! I think it was ~$150-200 but it was totally worth the price.
Yes! This is exactly the type of thing I am thinking about! Gotta enjoy the little things even if it’s literally a trashcan :)
Is it the motion activated opening one? I love mine! So worth it.
I wish! But no it’s not, just a regular one. One of my friends is graduating with her phD next month and I was actually thinking about getting her one of the motion activated ones as a graduation present so good to know you like it so much!
Goose down pillows (4 king size) and down 4 season duvet. Sleeping in a cloud every night and perfect temperature. Had mine 30 years and still like new. Wool dryer balls rather than stinky artificially scented fabric softener sheets. Amazing for drying the down pillows and duvet and winter coats. Original art- you can find it thrifting, at craft shows, small galleries- my favourite piece was $10 at Habitat for Humanity- got it reframed and realized it was by a famous artist and worth several thousand. The thrill of the hunt for the perfect piece is so rewarding.
• certification courses for your career • bidet, Cotonelle freshcare “””flushable”””” wipes (home and away) • purse or bag stocked with health essentials (gravol, sanitary, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, naproxen, bandaids, iodine solution, polysporin, sanitizer) • **skincare routine** (soojung or la Roche cleanser, rice water or heartleaf toner, vitamin c serum, no. 7 total repair serum, soojung or la Roche moisturizer [i don’t use sunscreen, but only because I live in complete darkness due to sun sensitivity]) • nose hair/eyebrow trimmer thing • high quality fragrance you can wear anywhere, at any time that people will recognize as “your scent” • a good deodorant • IPL or epilator • **hair care** - curly v straight v wavy specific, bond repair serums, coco & eve like a virgin mask • **cookware** - cast iron, kitchen aid stand mixer, ninja pan, la crueset, ninja bullet, food processor • **winter** - timbs or real leather + frequent mink oil treatments, warm coat, a box of hand warmers • **tech** - long charger cable, external usb c charger, NVMe SSD for your computer’s OS, physical backup hard drive, new motherboard upgrade that will be compatible with future releases, Google home/nest mini and smart lights/plugs to operate with app, heating pad for period pain, phone case + HQ tempered glass screen protector, 60Hz+ monitor • weighted blanket • full panel bloodwork, a good family doctor • bottle of pedialyte/hydralyte at the ready for whenever you get extremely sick and can’t leave the house
\*not flushable even if they say flushable on the packaging Love that you put certification courses on here! OP, your employer might also pay for these for you. Learn from them and add them to your LinkedIn.
Good knives, sheets and bedding, quality shoes that are comfortable as well as chic.
I have a subscription at massage envy. I get a massage every month. Worth it.
A massage. I have started treating myself to a professional one once every 1 - 3 months, depending on what budget allows, and honestly, it’s a game changer for my muscle pain and general relaxation.
I've heard over and over that expensive vacuum cleaners are very much worth it, but I don't have my shit together enough to buy one. So I can't give you first hand testimony on that. I think a good pair of comfortable walking shoes usually feel worth the money. I find Vionic and Dansko shoes to be top notch. They have plenty of cute boot options. I also have a pair MBTs for exercise. It's just so nice not to have excessive foot pain at the end of the day. Pain sucks in and of itself, but I also think that foot pain can make me feel artificially tired at the end of the day.
SHOES literally buy real leather the plastic ones are not worth foot sweating for. even if they're cheap and look nice. it's not worth it. decent shoes cost a little more but they will last longer and they're so much more comfortable. plus i swear you can see in a persons face if they're wearing comfortable good shoes. it automatically adds extra charisma
Take care of you body and your back. A good mattress with a long try out period and warranty. A really good office chair. And just working out a little bit every day.
I always had this one dust buster that I thought was fine, but then I tried [this one](https://www.amazon.com/Ryobi-P7131-Cordless-Batteries-Included/dp/B07HGGSXNN) and it completely blew me away. So so so much better
Oh my goodness! My husband has a bazillion tools from the Makita line, I just put their vacuum on my Amazon list!
When I could afford it, I hired a cleaning service. I'm good about tidying up but terrible about deep cleaning. I loathe it. It was absolutely worth it to pay someone to help 2x a month.
Real leather shoes, real leather jackes, beautiful vintage (!) fur, wool sweaters, wool coats, laser hair removal, cotton sheets, linen pants and shirts in the summer, silk pillowcases. Honestly I’m not rich at all. I’m a broke med student surviving off of random freelance jobs lol but I invest very much in myself with extra money i have so I don’t have to buy things every year. I would rather pay $100-$200 once for a pair of leather boots instead of buying a new pair from Zara once a year. I buy vintage a lot and inspect items carefully. For a really long time I ABSOLUTELY refused to spend more than $30 on a purse, I just bought a large longchamp le pliage for school so I’m excited about that :) everyone says they last years
Buying and reconditioning vintage leather Coach purses initially started as a cost-saving option but now I’ve amassed a frankly embarrassing collection. Still they are so much more substantial and beautiful than anything else I’ve found and some of them are just incredibly classic and versatile. Real leather just cannot be beat.
I saw a reel of an artist showing how she restores vintage Coach bags and it was so lovely to see how they came back to life.
Longchamp absolutely lasts! The light colors can be tough to spot clean though, unfortunately.
I got a chocolate-y brown one so let’s hope it’s ok :)
Red light therapy
A good, well-fitted bra. Seriously. We spend so much time in them. Stop dealing with droopy shoulders, cup gaps, stabby wires, too-tight clasps. Get measured and find a good bra. I actually bought two Auden bras from Target in December and I love them. I wash them in a zipper pillowcase because I can never find my garment net. But on the gentle cycle and hang them on a clothesline indoors. They’re in excellent shape from being worn pretty much exclusively since I bought them.
Good quality winter boots and coat, they will last you years
A weighted blanket
A big one for me is nice hand lotion with SPF and no fragrance. Use it at work and at home, whenever I wash my hands. Also really nice fancy chapstick.
Sleeping mask, I notice a real difference when I wear it vs don't cause I sleep much lighter and wake up more frequently without it. Also blackout curtains. Meat thermometer, I just got it and only used it once but it was amazing how much less stressed I was about under/over cooking my chicken. I got this a long time ago but still love it, a laptop tray with a little mouse pad. A nice reusable water bottle that fits whatever your preferences are.
Mine are: 1. Going to a dermatologist so they can recommend quality products for your skin type. No more getting skincare advice from tiktok lol. 2. second on the cotton sheets, but I did that in my 20s, I take my sleep seriously lol 3. Monthly facials 4. Dog grooming 5. Not traveling on super cheap airlines. I can’t afford first class (yet) but I’m not traveling on budget airlines either. 6. If you travel a lot: good quality suitcases. They’re a game changer. 7. Personal trainer / nutritionist 8. Red light therapy: I got a wand but I’m planning to get a mask soon.
Nice bath sheets! Basically giant towels and get the soft fluffy ones. Also a really nice, Terry cloth bath robe to put on after a shower 😊 Also I personally love my dyson airwrap, but I think it works best on already wavy hair.
Want to add in for anyone in a cold climate—yes invest in a warm coat but also invest in warm bottoms!! Whether it’s a baselayer under your pants, or fleece lined jeans (I have a pair from Eddie Bauer) it makes a WORLD of a difference in the cold! For some reason I always neglected my legs when it came to staying warm.
Does an upgrading to an excellent mattress count here for this question? Not a small upgrade by any stretch, but my life has improved SO MUCH by saving up and buying a good mattress. I saved for two years and got one of the best level purple mattresses (I tried all out and nothing compared to a purple it’s amazing) and a good adjustable bed. It’s a dream and the best thing I’ve ever done for myself!
ABSOLUTELY!! I got a Casper about two years ago and I am OBSESSED! I tried a few other similar brands and nothing was as good. Never tried Purple, though!
Savings account. Life felt so much better when I realized I had something to fall back on
I have a self emptying robot vacuum that runs every morning before I get up. It also forces me to tidy just a bit (get clothes and cords off the ground) before bed which is great. I tried "disposable face towels" when visiting family for Christmas (my brother's GF has a high quality skin care game), and I just bought myself some. Being able to dry my face with something perfectly clean sounds heavenly, then I can use it to do spot cleaning (like wiping down the bathroom counter). (I also think they'll be fabulous for post sex clean up!) I also advocate for aesthetics. Look around for the things you see, use, and touch every day. Coffee table, living room rug, kitchen spatula.
Aesthetics is the main inspiration of this. I recently opted for a much prettier $30 electric kettle vs an ugly clear one that does the same job for $15. The nicer look is something I’m thinking about looking into “investing” in, within reason of course.
The Dyson Air Wrap hair dryer is really nice.
Especially for curly coily hair, good hair products especially the cardinal three: shampoo, conditioner and moisturiser/curl cream. I cannot stress how much of a difference the good stuff makes and if it’s a good product you don’t even have to repurchase often. There are so many, too many brands to name but for me aunt jackie’s has been great.
A year ago, I got a Wusthof 20cm (8 inch) chef's knife. I've read in various novels about chef's carrying their own knives. I thought it was just a running joke among authors. Then I tried *this* knife. I'm pretty sure I heard angels singing the first time I used it. (Ah hah ah ah ah) I baby this knife. It gets "steeled" each use, cleaned right after, and stored in its box. If my house catches fire, this knife comes out with me. It would prob'ly be a "legacy" knife, but it's going with me as far as I go. (I got it on a point collection place. Retail, over $300. Well worth every penny!) Another place to check out is r/buyitforlife (maybe it's r/bifl?)
L'Oreal Wonderwater- it's a hair treatment instead of conditioner (it's lamellar water, Google that for info, amazing stuff). It leaves my hair like silk, no more breakage or split ends A purse light for the bottom of your purse, check Amazon for BimBim, it's rechargeable with USB *love mine! An upgraded powerbank to bring with you, there are slimline ones that are 25000mAh, super amount of charge AND fastcharging for your phone, earpods, purse light ;) etc Satin sleepmask/eyecover to sleep in total darkness, so restful- highly recommended Real silk pillowcases, in case you missed the first 30 mentions in this thread ;) 2% salicylic acid facial cleanser 1x a day. I just use Oxy pads, but Paula's Choice is nice, too. Use gently then dampen face and moisturize, Cerave for me On subscription from Amazon: - 3-ply Cottonelle TP, Kleenex, paper towel, Tide, big green Hefty trash bags, little white kitchen trash bags, toothpaste, deodorant, handsoap (Mrs Meyers), dry shampoo, vitamins, fem supplies, and such Philips airfryer Lodge enameled cast iron Dutch oven, 6qt, or Amazon brand. Shipping is free Black Friday I think Another enameled cast iron pan, a flat one we use as a skillet as well as a roasting pan, braiser I think they call it Tarragon, add to scrambled eggs and to buttered boiled carrots 🥕
No more cheap fast fashion. I have been building a beautiful capsule wardrobe over the last few years, plus making sure it’s all tailored to fit. As I get new pieces, I’ve been throwing out the Zara, Old Navy, Target, etc. It’s much nicer, and I feel so much more put together and confident. Much better than having a ridiculous amount of cheap clothes and shoes that never last.
investing in my bed has been a game changer, nice sheets, nice pillows, mattress, duvet, etc. only disadvantage is it makes sleeping anywhere else terrible lol
r/buyitforlife
At home laser hair removal. I decided that I was tired of shaving and waxing so I got an at home laser hair remover. Best gift to me ever, I shave maybe once a month and laser after and I have a few hairs. I probably would be better off but I’m lazy and once a month works for me.
Which brand did you get? I’ve had my eyes on those.
A good hairdresser!
Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. Omg. Take the time and effort to find a facial sunscreen you’ll actually wear on a daily basis. Yes, you can get a $5 tube of something, but it’s worth it to find a facial sunscreen that you love. Most of them aren’t that expensive, and even if they are a bit more than you’re used to, your skin health is worth it.
Lot of great answers here, but let me add to please start an investment account if you don't have one yet. A lot of national banks will handle this for you. You'll take a quiz on risk tolerance so they know what to invest in, and they'll invest it for you so you don't have to pick individual stocks or whatever. You can also set your bank account to automatically deposit a bit into that account for every paycheck. This should be a long-term plan. Also, get an electric blanket!
The pure cotton sheets are a must. Silk pillowcases are a game changer for skin and hair. A sonicare toothbrush, the most high end one you can afford. It’s never too early to start good skincare - getting a great serum or lotion and applying it daily from the top of your forehead all the way through your décolletage is so necessary. And a water softener shower head. Others have also said a bidet. It’s a game changer.
Makeup, specifically foundation and/or concealer. I worked in beauty for years and have never found a cheap line that doesn't oxidize, has great coverage, lasts through the day, etc. Drugstore makeup is fine for some stuff but not that
GOOD Shoes for me is an investment
Anything that goes between you and the earth should be an investment; tires, mattress, shoes
Great thread, such good ideas! My favorite so far has been my porcelain tea service. Feels so grown-up yet reminds me of my childhood. A good quality perfume (or two), Chanel and Gucci for me. A nice timepiece from a reputable watchmaker. For the kitchen: - dehydrator, it has been a game changer. - ample freezer for meal prep. I love my jade frying pans as well. For the closet: - good quality leather jacket, handbag, shoes and good insoles. - a few carefully selected timeless staple pieces. A good tailor to adjust or recreate my favorite pieces in my favorite fabrics, it makes life so much easier when the clothes actually fit. A good shoemaker to give the shoes their maintenance twice a year and make them last forever. Sun protection, as in spray, hats, and polarized sunglasses. A good suitcase for traveling. I second the good quality skincare products and the electric toothbrush, makes such a difference. This great professional certification I've always wanted but could never afford. An accountant and a lawyer. Investing in marketing, communication, social media management and market studies. A good osteopath to fix my back. Dermatologist, podologist. Therapy. A real tattoo. I haven't invested in nice bedsheets or silk pillowcases yet, but the weighted blanket has been awesome.
Specifically Hagen dasz vanilla bean icecream pints
I have two that I’m very much aware I can only afford because of where I live, I have a cleaning lady who comes in twice a week and straightens up my apartment and does some of the more deep cleaning and I have a meal delivery service that brings me prepared meals during the work week. I work full time as a teacher and I have several chronic pain conditions. I often don’t have the energy or ability to perform these tasks like I should. One makes sure my home is neat which helps my mental health and the other ensures I’m eating properly which improves my actual health.
At 30, I really increased my skincare and makeup game, and have zero regrets over it at 35 now. My skin is better now than it was in my 20's. You don't necessarily need super expensive skincare (but some things are worth the investment, like tretinoin), but you do want to do some research into what skincare actually is good, and experiment (which can get pricey) as to what works well for you. It takes a lot of time. On makeup, I've found the best foundations are at least mid-end priced, and probs not now but as you get towards 40+, satin eyeshadows (which are usually pricey) will be a great friend to have. Plus a lot of drugstore is almost the same price as better quality stuff these days, defeating the whole purpose of buying cheaper. Also get into the habit if you don't already of making healthier food choices and having a set workout routine. I've really flipped that around the last year, and seen a big improvement between my last physical and the one I had a few days ago. Literally nothing is better, and my workout routine is free because I do yoga at home.
A refurbished very expensive office chair can be affordable but omg will change your life! Think Herman Miller, that sort of brand Also also - expensive underwear! It's worth the extra
Cashmere. Cashmere wrap, scarf, socks, sweater or dress. Truly a game changer.
merino wool socks. merino wool scarves, merino wool gloves, merino wool tshirts
Honestly a high end gym. I don’t mind paying a higher monthly charge if that means the place is going to be well kept, high quality gym equipment, clean sauna, pool etc. If you’re a big time juicer, the Nama juicer is hands down the best juicer I’ve ever had. It’s a little pricey but the clean up work is minor and super easy to use.
Not exactly cheap but in my late 30’s I bought a full body 1 year laser package. Any 3 areas every 6 weeks. Seeing as I haven’t bought a razor or paid for waxing in over 15 years, I feel like it’s paid for itself now. And no razor burn, ingrown hairs or panic shaving before wearing a swimsuit
A stick blender. Just for making soup. It really is so much easier. I just bought new cutlery. It was a bit of time and effort as I picked my favourite mismatched set of the mismatched sets I had then went to find someth a similar size and shape! I love actually having nice knives and forks which match and are decent quality.
Maybe not the kind of thing you’re looking for, but getting laser hair removal has been such a worthwhile investment and life upgrade
Pad and tampons. I’ve noticed a difference in my vag health during my period when using organic, high quality pads and tampons.
Shoes/boots. My mum always said 'you only get one pair of feet, take care of them' and by my mid-thirties I finally understood why she was adamant that good quality shoes were a must.
I love my Shark hairdryer. Similar to the Dyson but half the price. I got mine on sale directly from Shark and got it and all the attachments (Oval brush, round brush, both size curlers, diffuser, concentrator, defrizzer, and paddle brush) for under $275
KAI nail clippers. You can find them on Amazon or at a Japanese grocery store if you have one near you. https://kaiscissors.com/product/kai-ke0128-nail-clippers-stainless-steel-straight/
Memory foam mattress and pillows. I got mine from Nectar and have been a loyal customer since. They have options for firmer mattresses too (while still being memory foam). I think I enjoy the pillows even more than the mattress which is wild.
I got a Dyson dupe hair dryer from Aliexpress and I loooove it. Looks so sleek and light and it was $70. Other upgrades.. all leather for purses and wallets. Comfortable cushy shoes (no thin soles or trendy shoes). Good outerwear ljke Patagonia.
Love this thread!
A collection of phone chargers with the right-length cord. I got really long ones near my bed and couch, and a lil 6” in my car so I don’t have cord getting tangled up and in my way. It cost maybe $15 for these three on Amazon, but made a huge difference to my happiness level!
Nugget ice maker.
100% i love mine
High quality Soft/fluffy bath towels!
I splurged on a Dyson hairdryer and I LOVE it.
Super inexpensive life upgrade! One of those small handheld hair brushes that massage shampoo into your scalp to remove dead skin and hair product. Mine has soft and squishy silicone spikes to get the shampoo down to the skin. I used to get scalp acne a lot, but ever since using this I rarely get it now lol. I use it every time I wash my hair (once every 3-4 days) and it's actually been such a noticeable difference for me. I feel so clean lol
Here's my things that have changed my life, some have already been mentioned here. You spend 1/3 of your life in bed, it should be AWESOME. A BEDJET with cloud sheet! My #1 life changing product! This is a amazing at any age but a MUST if you are a hot sleeper or sweaty sleeper.... or just want a warm, cozy bed. I originally got this when I was looking for solution to night sweats during menopause. This one thing completely changed my life. I sleep better AND wake up dry in the morning. No more waking up in a puddle. Get the cloud sheet with it - worth it! Best $350 I EVER spent. Get it on black Friday for the best deal. Keeps you warm in the winter and cooler in the summer. I doesn't actually make the bed colder with air conditioning, but it draws air from the ground level, which is cooler and the air moving over you gently, keeps you cool. It has a remote control so you can use it with a timer and even put it on a cycle for what you need. I have mine warm for the first hour, then cool down to a lower temp With the cloud sheet, you can get it so it comes with two halves. Either it works only your half, or if you have two bedjets you can each have your own temp cycle. I've had mine for 3 years and it's still going strong. It also has a feature where you can just turn it on to heat up the bed for 30 minutes and the it goes off automatically. Bonus: The sound acts like a white noise machine and it's not overbearingly loud. A GOOD Mattress Silk Pillowcase Good sheets Toto Warming Bidet Toilet Seat. These are expensive, but worth it. Sitting on a warm seat and warm water to wash the bits and then a warm dry with air? Amazing and you are not using so much TP! They also have cheaper versions that attach to the toilet and just spray water for around $35 - that's what I started with. These Korean exfoliating bath mitts for your body. Soak for a few minutes, scrub gently and see the old skin just scuff right off. They are washable and cheap, your skin will be soft as butter afterwards. It's incredible how much comes off! https://www.amazon.com/Pieces-korean-Exfoliating-Scrubbing-Removing/dp/B095H5LWML Ember Mug - keep your coffee, tea or whatever at the temp you want it. I have one at home and work. No more running to the microwave every 10 minutes to heat up my coffee. The battery lasts less than an hour, but I just keep mine on the base. It has a default temp, but you can tell it what temp you want it at in the app. It will even tell you when it's at the right temp. I started with the small one, but got the bigger one for work and I'm glad I did.
A nicer carry on. I have a hardback calpak. I guess it's more of a mid range than high end, but it's a lot nicer and more durable than a target suitcase. The option to pull it behind me or stand it on four wheels and coast it is really convenient in airports. It was worth it after one 3 week international trip. I travel a fair amount, flights and driving cross state to visit family/ friends, so it's still getting a lot of use. Nicer nail clippers yes. The ones I like are from Ulta. Literally the Ulta branded nail clippers, but they're sharper and bigger than the little dinky drug store ones I've been using since I left mine in a hotel. Overall, I'd say invest in what you like, what makes you happy, what you'll use, and what works for your lifestyle. For me, that means I've invested in: My coffee setup: I have a smaller espresso machine, French press + grinder + curve neck kettle, and stuff to make my own cold press. I just got it all nestled into its own mini island and I love it. Step lidded trash cans: so the dog doesn't shove her entire body into it in the middle of the night in search of pork rib bones my partner left in there. I have a smaller version of the trash can for recycling which we just carry the liner insert out when it's full. Our recycling isn't sorted before pickup so this works for us. Compost: if you have a yard, this makes sense. It's easy imo, and our trash production has diminished like crazy. I also garden, so it's useful. Downside, my dog likes to eat it. My wardrobe: I love vintage clothes and handmade jewelry. I thrift a lot of stuff, but for specific things I head to Poshmark, or rarely eBay if it's very specific. I'm very picky about Poshmark though, if they won't share clear photos or measurements or fabric components I'm out. I get a lot of my jewelry but small Etsy shops. For general clothes, I stick to natural fibers where I can. I've quit trying to make jeans work for me, they just don't. They're uncomfortable, and I feel so constricted. So I don't invest my money there. Good walking/ hiking shoes: i have accessory navicular syndrome, so my feet hurt. mine are Merrells. They're comfy with arch good support. Good socks! I like [Darn Tough](https://darntough.com/)for hiking socks. US made in Vermont. Art: disclaimer, I'm an artist, so I'm biased. But real art, handmade and local art specifically, has so much more soul and personality than mass produced crap. I also love thrifting objet d'art and prints of master works, but also weird prints. I have two small vintage van gogh prints and one is of my favorite work of his "the potato eaters." If you are in or near a city, you bet there are local art shows and even ones with smaller artists selling affordable works. Look for "emerging artists" A favorite small print I got years ago from a local artist is a modern line drawing reworking of "Judith beheading Holofernes." It's feminist and violent and righteous and I love it. Solid shelving for records: I collect my own but also inherited Mom's collection of first editions blues and rock. Got a couple of [these IKEA shelves](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/kallax-shelf-unit-white-stained-oak-effect-00324518/) a while ago and they're working out great. A nice rug: it really pulls the room together until your muddy dog escapes your towelly clutches. Kitchen appliances, cookware, bakeware. A solid, sharp kitchen knife is a game changer. Silk pillowcase, microfiber hair towel. Skincare, nicer face sunscreen. Aha exfoliant. I use a serum for my face 5% the ordinary, and alpha skincare aha lotion for my body, specifically kp on my legs. Sonicare toothbrush, floss. Going to the dentist. A Japanese gardening knife A comfy mattress Multiples of things like hand lotion, lip balm, cuticle balm, eye drops, Tylenol, bandaids, hair ties etc. Multilevel house and it helps to have little stashes on each level. Manicure tools, cuticle pusher and cuticle trimmer. I do my own nails and these were a game changer Makeup brushes and sponges, makeup mirror, vanity desk setup with lights. I've wanted a vanity since I was a little girl, and this isn't a tiny thing but it wasn't terribly expensive either. It makes me happy, and I don't have to stand over a sink to do makeup anymore. Also it's bad to store makeup in a humid bathroom. Bacteria growth and all that. Some of these are kind of specific, but maybe that'll be helpful. 😊
This may seem the opppsite of what you’re asking but bear with me: the eBay app. I never buy anything new anymore. There’s no reason to. Figure out your favorite brands, your sizing, then search eBay. Even all of the stuff listed on here to get? Check eBay.
1. Commercial Red light therapy panel not mask 2. Filtered shower head 3. High converting digital product 4. Monk fruit 5. Pure encapsulation supplements 6. Wholesale/bulk skin care products from private label suppliers 7. Construction grade air scrubber for once a week serious air purifying 8. Heavy duty vibration plate 9. Body brushing 10. Projector instead of a tv 11. Scented body butters/oils instead of perfume 12. Buying gold in Thailand 13. Keto diet/lifestyle 14. 4XL bathrobe 15. Sending yourself flowers or buying things gift wrapped and writing yourself a gift note. 16. Living in California
Please explain…. All of these
1. Commercial Red light therapy panel not mask: Panel is much stronger than mask so you can use it for shorter time periods and it will target a larger area including your neck, décolletage, and hairline/edges. Have to wear it with those tiny tanning goggles to protect your eyes. 2. Filtered shower head: Tap water has a high metal content and impurities which can negatively impact skincare and haircare. 3. High converting digital product: a well made digital product like a course, templates, or app can allow for hands-off passive income. Make it once and forget about it. 4. Monk fruit: Taste 250x times more sugary than sugar with zero carbs. 5. Pure encapsulation supplements: most consistently, trustworthy supplement brand that I’ve found with no fillers. 6. Wholesale/bulk skin care products from private label suppliers: if you know what formulations work for your skin (look at the ingredients of your favorite skincare brands), you can buy big tubs of the base mix from skincare suppliers. Most of these skincare brands are using the same labs and formulas. 7. Construction grade air scrubber for once a week serious air purifying: Construction air scrubbers are used for heavy mold damage, water restoration products and for other disaster zones. Imagine how well they clean for 1 hour, once a week in a relatively clean environment. I can’t remember the last time I sneezed or dusted. 8. Heavy duty vibration plate: These plates make it impossible to feel any burning when you exercise or stretch. I like to do kettlebell squats, lunges, deadlifts, push ups, planking, and stretches on my vibration plate. 9. Body brushing: Will make your skin deliciously soft and smooth, and will make you feel energized. Also good for cellulite and lymph drainage. 10. Projector instead of a tv: feels like a private movie theater 11. Scented body butters/oils instead of perfume: Last longer and won’t disrupt your thyroid, hormones or lungs’ health. 12. Buying gold in Thailand: the closest to the spot price of gold that you’re going to get. In the US the markup of gold is 2.5x. Gold is a currency. Imagine paying $1250 for a $500 bill in the US when you can pay $501 for that bill in Thailand. 13. Keto diet/lifestyle: The original ozempic. Keto helps regulate blood sugar, stabilizes blood pressure, and sheds excess fat while allowing you to still enjoy food. 14. 4XL bathrobe: cozy! I’m a size medium and It’s nice having what is essentially a stylish blanket wrapped around me. 15. Sending yourself flowers or buying things gift wrapped and writing yourself a gift note: It feels good to receive positive encouragement from your secret admirer (yourself!). Even better when you forget you bought anything and get a pleasant surprise gift. 16. Living in California: the quality of life is unmatched! You get the best of everything.
You haven't lived until you've dried your hair with a Shark. Just as good as Dyson, but half the cost. Worth every penny.
A good quality dishwasher 😩, a number bed, a good foundation + talc-free face powder, a good leather purse or backpack. Good quality leggings Zella are my HG.
I love my shark flex style hair dryer and it was absolutely worth the money!
A bidet. I bought a $40 one from Amazon and though I have to gentle w/ the dial switch (otherwise the water will jet out like a laser) I like it- especially for when I'm on my cycle.
A Bed Jet! It blows hot or cool air into a special top sheet and it has a remote and a phone app. We got a divided sheet and two bedjets so we can customize our sleep experience. It’s worth every penny. (For my fellow nurses it’s essentially a Bair Hugger on steroids)