What's Worth the Splurge? This frugal chic shares her top picks!
Hello frugal friends! Since I live a 98% thrifted lifestyle, people often ask me - what do you splurge on and buy new? While I like to save money on EVERYTHING, there are certain things that I simply must buy retail (*cough*cough *), and you might be surprised by some of my frugal favorites!
Eating out is my biggest weakness. With work, reselling, and managing this blog, finding time to cook is a challenge. I particularly enjoy Cava, Saladworks, and Panera. Both Cava and Panera offer loyalty perks, including occasional freebies, making it worthwhile to sign up. I also keep an eye out for coupons and deals. Our local Avid deals site often features offers like spending $10 to get $20 worth of food at Saladworks, as well as other eateries and services. If you're unfamiliar with this platform, check it out to see if there are any savings available in your area. Just remember to read the fine print, as these deals are not the same as gift cards. For instance, if I purchase a $20 voucher for Saladworks but only spend $12, I won't receive change back and will lose the remaining balance. It's something to keep in mind. After all, throwing money away is NOT thrifty!
My second splurge is beauty products. I love what I love and know what works for me. That doesn't mean I'm not open to trying something new if I find a good deal, but usually I go back to my tried and true and always keep them on hand.
Sally Hansen airbrush legs - You absolutely need this! I never go without it when wearing shorts or dresses. Its popularity speaks for itself. Take a look at the reviews. Whether you need a hint of color or want to hide veins, stretch marks and cellulite, this product is a lifesaver! It is not the same as a self tanner, and you see the color as it's applied. I stock up on multiple bottles because, well, I 💗 it!!
I have been using the Paul Mitchell Soft Spray since my time working at a salon in the 90s, and it has remained my go-to choice ever since. Unlike many other hair sprays, it provides strong hold without making your hair feel stiff, allowing you to run your fingers through it while maintaining your style. While I occasionally come across deals on eBay and get cash back through Rakuten, I usually find that Amazon consistently offers the best price. A single large 16.9 oz bottle lasts me almost a year with daily (sometimes twice daily) use!
K18 hair mask: This is a product I started using within the past year as it came highly recommended by a coworker. It is a bit of a splurge, but when I tell you that you'll see results with the first use, I mean it! My hair was so badly damaged by a series of color treatments and corrections to go salt and pepper. That was a total fail, and I realized after spending too much money at the salon that the only effective way is to let it happen naturally. Unfortunately, my hair was a casualty in this hair war, and K18 made a huge difference even with just occasional use!
Falsies Mascara: I love this stuff, especially since it's one of the few brands that have navy. It adds length without fibers (which are horrible if you wear contacts) and doesn't flake off during the day. A perk is that it's very affordable and works much better than high-end brands. While I sometimes can find this at flea markets that sell cosmetics they purchase in pallet sales, if I can't find it, I can't go without it and add it to the cart.🛒
Revlon Colorstay liquid lipstick: My color is Premier Plum, and I buy this in multiples - for my desk at work, at home, purse, car, you get the picture. While I come across other lip products from cosmetic sellers and usually purchase a few, this brand/color is my tried and true. I hate naked lips, so I love that this lasts and lasts. Even when the shine wears off, the color remains, sometimes even overnight!
Self-care is so important and can also be done on the cheap! It's crucial to decompress and relax. For that purpose, I make my own bath bombs and buy supplies new, except for the silicone molds. You can buy all the supplies to make dozens for the price of buying a few retail. Plus, they make great, inexpensive gifts!Check out my affordable and easy diy recipe here to make your own!🫧
PRO TIP: If you like to experiment with cosmetics, check your local flea markets. Pallet sellers are big in my area (and probably yours too), and cosmetics are often featured. Target products are also popular and plentiful. I don't know why anyone shops at the store when the second-hand market is saturated with new-with-tags Target products from pallet sellers! This is how I was able to get my new storage ottoman for such a good deal. Inventory is so plentiful that the prices are outrageously low because multiple sellers at the flea market carry the same items!
My third splurge is good underwear - obviously something I don't thrift, because... YUCK! Now that I'm a woman "of a certain age," I prefer comfort over cuteness when it comes to undergarments. Since I discovered this brand, I went back and ordered all the colors. While they have a brief cut, they are not your granny's panties! Not only do they eliminate the dreaded muffin top, but they're stylish to boot! Other features include their soft feel, that they stay put without riding up, and are comfortable even in hot, sticky weather.
Krud Kutter is another must-have. I've never found another product that removes the grease and everyday ick from my white cabinets like this product. Plus, it removed marker on furniture and walls where other products failed. It's a must for my cleaning arsenal!
Lastly, I am a decor addict. I love to change things up in my home, probably a little too much. There are times when I don't finish a room before I change directions. I'm easily influenced by things I see or acquire, and that often guides my designs. Check out my bathroom remodel on the cheap for examples of how I mixed thrifted items with new ones. While I do thrift 99% of my decor, there are odds and ends that I know I can't wait on and must buy new. Hardware, curtain rods, and especially home lighting are my splurges in this area. Plus, the occasional faux pampas - because who doesn't want faux pampas in their life without paying Hobby Lobby prices?!?
Just because I'm buying these items new don't think I'm not checking first for deals, especially since I refuse to pay shipping. Did you know if you're low income you can qualify for a free trial of Prime + discounted monthly rate? This is sure to save money on shipping costs!
If you haven't subscribed yet, please click here as I will be sharing some insightful blog posts soon. You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more in the moment content.
Now that you know all my secrets, what are your favorite purchases that you don't thrift? What tried and true products can you not do without? Comment below 👇
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Comments