First thing I have to admit: this list won’t be cheap. Quality costs money, so save up to get what will last, or you’ll end up spending more in the long run. I would say these products I recommend are not crazy expensive, but I understand that they are not cheap. As always, do your research and don’t rely on just my advice in your decision-making, but I hope to help!
I thought about what I use daily, and there are only a few things I go back to time and time again. There are so many hidden gems (that aren’t really hidden) that I can, and will, share. Good products are hard to come by, but when I find them, I always share.
Prada ParadoxE Intense
PRADA Paradoxe Intense Eau de Parfum – $175.00
The holy grail of perfume. I have never in my life smelled such beautiful perfume. Ever. Next time you go to Sephora or Ulta, please, please, please try it out. I still remember my first time putting it on. I had been testing out so many perfumes, trying to find the one — spoiler, I found it. I didn’t buy it that day, or even that month; I just left it on my arm as I drove home. I couldn’t stop smelling my arm. No joke. It lasted through the dip in the hot tub and a whole night’s sleep. I knew it was the one.
If that doesn’t convince you, the amount of “You smell so good, like, when you walk by it’s just a wave of your perfume,” and “I knew you were here because I smelled your perfume when I walked in,” and “Oh my God, you smell so good,” should. My response is always, “I can’t really smell it anymore because I always wear it, but thank you!” It’s become a part of me.
I know it’s a little pricey, but the three ounces lasts me about a year (and I do maybe five spritzes each morning), and I cannot get enough of it. It is a very unique scent, too. It lasts all day, and even if you can’t smell it, everyone else can.
Ilia mascara
ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara – $29.00
I’ve been loyal to my mascara since I started wearing makeup around five years ago. It’s a little pricey as well, but it lasts for about a year (with everyday use). I’ve tried out a couple of mascaras just to see if there were “more fish in the sea,” but I never found a good replacement. Guess that’s only true for men.
The only reason I tried finding a new one, though, was because it has some noticeable fallout after about 10 hours of wear. I don’t mind it now, because it’s super easy to fix. Just one wipe under the eyes and it’s gone! It’s not ideal, but everything else about it is flawless. I have never had another mascara keep my lashes lifted as well as this does. It’s so light and natural, and I swear nobody can really tell I’m wearing mascara. My possibly controversial take on this mascara is that it’s super easy to wash off with water, and honestly, I love it because it’s not harsh on my lashes at all. It is bad, though, if you cry. But I love the drama.
This mascara might not be for everyone, but I do recommend this brand because it’s such good quality! I have a skin tint (foundation) from them as well, and it looks so light and natural. I have freckles, and they’re still visible even after I apply the tint.
Lululemon Wristlet
LULULEMON Dual Pouch Wristlet – $48.00
The most convenient thing I own. Literally, I bring this everywhere with me, and it’s small enough not to get in the way most of the time. I have my keys, cards, ID, cash, AirPods, chapstick, and an AirTag on it. I wouldn’t recommend getting a dupe from somewhere else, because this has stayed in amazing condition for over four years. The only things are that I have some stains (from my own doing, which I can probably get out if I try), the letters printed on are peeling off a bit, and the metal is wearing off to a different color. Pretty good for being used every day. If I need to go somewhere, all I need to grab is my phone and wallet. I love it.
As for price, the quality is 100% worth it. I have an olive green color, so it doesn’t get too dirty. I shove it in my pocket, backpack, or just swing it around if I’m holding it. It’s one of the best gifts I’ve ever received. Shoutout to my day one, Madi, for getting me this!
Lip oil/gloss
TOWER 28 ShineOn Lip Oil Jelly – $16.00
Finally, a cheap product. This has been my top lip product for over a year now because of the texture, color, and price. It’s not sticky like some other products, and it has great packaging — it’s sturdy. I put it in my coat pocket, pant pocket, car, backpack, you name it. Unlike the squeeze packaging, it won’t explode. Yes, my Summer Fridays exploded from me squeezing it out to use it. Yes, I did do surgery to transfer the product from the original squeeze packaging into my used and almost gone Tower 28 tubes. Woman in STEM right here.
The only thing I don’t enjoy about this lip oil is the amount and the lack of flavor. Since I’ve realized how little product there is in my Tower 28, I’ve decided to explore other options, but she hasn’t done me wrong. I just reapply so frequently that I need something with more product in it.
OLEHENRIKSEN Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment – $23.00
I couldn’t choose between these two. You get four times the product in this than in the Tower28 gloss (sorry), and it’s so smooth. Even has a great taste. I feel like this actually moisturizes my lips and keeps them that way even after no product is left. Maybe that’s the peptide part. It’s super expensive for what it is, I know, but comparatively, it’s a good price for the amount of product it has. I put this on every morning now, and my lips stay hydrated until lunch. I’ve never had this happen before, where it actually moisturizes and stays moisturized.
She’s a new member of the “can’t live without” club, but a valued member nonetheless.
OWALA
OWALA FreeSip Water Bottle – $29.99
If you don’t have an Owala or haven’t switched to one, this is your sign: don’t waste your old water bottles, please. Actually, just keep the old one if you have it. But if you need a water bottle, give Owala a try.
No hate, but I don’t like their designs other than the FreeSip bottles, and I am also very picky about the colors. Anyway, I had never had a good metal water bottle until I got an Owala. It’s easy to clean, features a handle that also protects the button opening the lid to prevent leaks, and offers two ways to sip. I never use the way that isn’t the straw, but maybe other people do.
I never liked how big Stanleys are or the design with the handle, but I do love how small and sleek my Owala is. Not sure if it’s just my car, but it doesn’t fit in the cup holder. Good news! It doesn’t spill anyway, so I just throw it in my passenger seat or in my backpack for school. Invest now. Trust. It’s not a trend, it’s a lifestyle. I actually didn’t know they were becoming popular when I bought mine — I just thought it was so cute, and I needed a water bottle. Now I’m trendy. Silly how that works.
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What works for me might not work for you, but I really hope and have faith that it will. I’m the type of person who, when I find something that works for me, I almost never look back. Like my love for chicken tikka masala. Now, I want to end off with some honorable mentions: Shoutout to OUAI hair mask; shoutout to CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser and Moisturizing Cream; and lastly, shoutout to my Pura Vide bracelets that have stuck with me through everything. Thank you.