I’ve been pretty picky lately about what I’ll spend my money on. With the economy always up and down, I’m not as comfortable as I used to be with splurging. There are, however, some things that I just can’t deny spending all my coins on….and then there are some items that are gems that don’t require my wallet to be stuffed full to enjoy. Here are my summer Splurge & Steals Picks:
Let’s start with the Splurges. My VASH Pony Hair bag is a splurge at $180, but this oversize clutch is ahhhhmazing. It holds everything I need, looks fantastic with a party dress or a pair of jeans, and has a detachable wrist band sling so you can carry it easily. (It can even double as an iPad case!) I’ve been wearing horsehair jewelry since I was a kid, so having a pony hair bag was like receiving a piece of childhood. You can carry this beauty as a clutch or use the shoulder strap to make it a shoulder bag/crossbody. What I love most about this bag is how soft and eye-catching it is. Worth every penny and then some!
My next splurge is my Stuart Weitzman Nudistsong sandals in Adobe Aniline. They are the perfect patent nude, and despite having a high heel, they are actually comfortable to walk in! I’d seen these online for a few years and finally decided to take the plunge. At $395, these are investment heels, but you can wear them with literally everything, and they won’t go out of style.
Now, on the the Steals. I have fallen deeply in love with a cosmetics line that my sister has been a fan of for years. I finally decided to give It Cosmetics a try, and sis was right. I started with the Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream, which is like the un-foundation foundation. It’s full coverage, but doesn’t look like a heavy, caked on mess. It looks smooth, dewey, and blends beautifully. I originally expected it to last like a normal foundation, which stays put for about three or four hours and then starts to fade a bit. Not so, my friends! This formula stays put and also provides the much needed 50 SPF to protect skin from wrinkles. You can ditch the tinted moisturizer and heavy foundations…this is product is a marriage of full coverage and a natural look.
Since I have rejected my natural redhead paleness, I knew I needed some bronzing ammunition. It Cosmetics has two bronzers that serve two different purposes for me. One is the Confidence in Your Glow Blush, Highlighter, and Bronzer in one ($32). I LOVE this multi-tasking product because you can get a Nude Glow – for the most natural effect, Natural Glow for a rosy shade on your cheeks, and Warm Glow – the richest shade of bronzer for the most color on your face. (Plus, the Vitamin C in it makes it smell delicious!)
The other is the Sunshine in Compact bronzer, which is matte and gorgeous for everyday or for being on camera. (It’s my favorite for work since it doesn’t have an shimmer and doesn’t settle into lines and wrinkles!) It’s $34 and makes my skin look airbrushed. I LOVE this product. Side note: I use both of these products with the Heavenly Skin One Sweep Wonder Brush, which is perfect for reaching every corner on your face. It doesn’t blow powder all over your face like some brushes do. It’s worth the $48…trust me!
My last steal is a new toothpaste. This toothpaste is THE best whitening toothpaste I’ve ever used. I would’ve taken a before and after pic, but to be honest, my teeth are already pretty white. However, after using Luster Power White Deep Stain Eraser, I could tell my teeth were noticeably whiter! I’m using it everyday now. I had no idea that my habitual tea drinking each morning had dulled the shine. If you don’t have the time, money, or desire for in-office teeth whitening or whitening strips, this is the perfect alternative. OR, if you just want a daily brightening toothpaste, this is the best $7 you’ll spend.
Happy Tuesday!
Photography: S. Jackson
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