21 products our editors use on repeat to save them money in the long run
When our editors aren't busy testing products or drafting articles, they're just like everyone else; they have homes to clean, grocery trips to make and errands to run. This also means they know just how quickly all those daily expenses can add up (and eat away at your bank account).
Luckily, because we're in the business of testing products, we know exactly what helps us save many a dollar over time. While some of our recommendations might initially strike you with sticker shock, think of them as worthwhile investments that — if you're willing to change a few pesky spending habits — have the potential to save you money in the long run.
From a great espresso machine that can eliminate your daily coffee shop run to an at-home hair coloring kit to a simple produce-saving device, these are the money-saving products Underscored editors can't live without.
Oxo Rapid Brewer
With the price of coffee skyrocketing, I've been trying to make more coffee at home. I've raved about Oxo's Rapid Brewer and I'll continue to do so because it's just that good. It's small but efficient and, more importantly, gets the job done in a matter of minutes. This appliance has saved me from splurging on overpriced cold brews. — Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer
Setex Gecko Grip Nose Pads
This is such a random little product that I'm so glad I found. As a glasses wearer with a low nose bridge, it's difficult for me to find frames that don't constantly slip down my nose. These little adhesive pads help solve that problem. They stick to your glasses on one side and then the other side has tons of tiny little fibers that are supposed to mimic the way geckos' feet can grip any surface. In this case, they help the glasses stay on, even with makeup, sweat or oil on your skin. At $12 for five pairs (one pair will last me three to four months), they're a cheap solution that saves me from spending hundreds on new frames. — Sophie Shaw, beauty and fashion editor
SodaStream Terra Sparkling Water Maker
I'll admit it: I have a sparkling water addiction. I sometimes drink two to three cans a day when I'm in the office. But when I'm home, I make my afternoon beverage with my SodaStream. A can of bubbly easily costs $3 to $5 at the store, so because I invested in a SodaStream long ago, I've been saving money in the long run. I've owned mine for at least five years and the exact model I have isn't available anymore, but it still works great. — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor
Who Gives A Crap Dream Cloths, 3-Pack
I buy and use paper towels a lot less after stocking up on various cellulose cloths. I really like the options from Who Gives A Crap, because I love the brand's mission and the cloths themselves have some really cute designs. I use them for wiping counters and cleaning up messes every day, and then throw them in the laundry after a few uses to keep them fresh. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pet editor
Lettuce Grow Farmstand Nook
I can't think of a time when I didn't waste leftover store-bought herbs and leafy greens. While I prep meals every Sunday, I don't cook the same things every week, so some of the herbs and veggies I bought for one meal are forgotten, leaving them to rot in my fridge. That's why this hydroponic indoor garden changed my life. It minimizes my food waste by keeping things fresh, and because it lets me grow my produce from seeds, it's cheaper in the long run. — Michelle Rae Uy, writer, testing and updates Read our review
MicroStitch The Original Tagging Gun Kit
I bought this tagging gun last summer, and it's already saved me from spending hundreds of dollars on alterations. I've used it to fix too-high slits on dresses, tighten the waistband on silk pants and close up the arm holes on shirts that showed my bra. It comes with a ton of tiny plastic fasteners (in both black and white) that are virtually invisible on most clothes. — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor
L'Oreal Colorsonic Hair Coloring Device
This device has saved me hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars at the hair salon. Ever since I turned 40, my grays are coming through thick and fast, and I went from needing a root touchup once every three months to once a month. Even if you've never been to a hair salon, I'm sure you can imagine how costly that is, especially since I live in NYC, where waking up seems to cost $50. I have had too many box dye disasters over the years so I swore off doing my hair at home — that is until L'Oreal released its Colorsonic device. This makes touching up your roots at home idiot-proof. Just insert the color cartridge, press the button to release the dye and comb through your hair; the bristles at the end of the device disperse the dye evenly through your roots. I was able to cover my grays in about 20 minutes with very minimal mess. This is not a replacement for going to the salon, but it means I can extend my visits a little and save money in the long run. — Rachel Quigley, managing editor
Thuma Classic Bed and Pillowboard
I've sung Thuma's praises before, and I'll sing them again. This ingenious bed requires zero tools to assemble, which comes in handy during moves. My previous bed was super cheap and (barely) got through at least four moves — two of them across the country. I had to get rid of it because the movers lost a bunch of screws during my multiple moves, and it was so squeaky I couldn't sleep. Because of Thuma's brilliant puzzle-like design that doesn't have small parts that'll get lost, it's way easier to move and I know will last me years to come. — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor
Tushy Cloud
After testing bidets for nearly four years, I'm still not convinced normal bidets can help you save on toilet paper. However, if you get one with a dryer, your toilet paper usage will actually go down drastically. That's why I love the new Tushy Cloud bidet. It's comfortable and has some of the best tech on the market, including an effective dryer. With this bidet, I only use a little bit of toilet paper to dry some dampness after the dryer does the bulk of the work. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pet editor Read our review
AllSaints Balfern Leather Biker Jacket
Two years ago during Black Friday, I finally invested in my first real leather jacket, and I'm never going faux again. While my previous Topshop faux-leather jacket lasted for about five years, it started peeling everywhere and was unwearable. Even though this jacket was still pricey on sale, I know it'll last a lifetime with proper care and it was worth the splurge. — Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor
Ninja Creami Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream and Frozen Treat Maker
Before I got my Ninja Creami, I was spending way too much of my weekly grocery budget on Halo Top ice cream. But now that I have this countertop ice cream maker, I can make even healthier, higher-protein ice cream right at home while spending so much less on the ingredients. I've been eating ice cream from my Ninja Creami almost every day for months, so this appliance is definitely saving me money in the long run. — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor Read our review
Caraway Glass Food Storage Set
This splurge-worthy storage set from Caraway helps me avoid wasting food because I can easily store, see and eat leftovers throughout the week. It doesn't hurt that they're aesthetically pleasing and plastic-free too. — Stephanie Griffin, director of social
Bluapple Produce Saver, 2-Pack
I was so skeptical about these produce savers, but they really do help my produce last longer. I keep one in the crisper drawer of my refrigerator and one in my countertop fruit basket, and I've definitely noticed a difference in how long my produce lasts. No more moldy blueberries or bananas that spoil almost instantly! Inside the small blue apples are little packets that absorb the ethylene gas in the air (they last about three months). In fact, writing this reminded me that my packets are due for a replacement! — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor
De'Longhi La Specialista Opera Espresso Machine
Girl, make your espresso drinks at home! While I still go to cafes, it's now for socializing instead of out of necessity, which saves me a lot of money. Think about it: A small Americano is almost $5 while a specialized latte might cost you $7, depending on the coffee shop. That's $50 to $70 every two weeks (or up to $840 in six months) that you're spending per person, and that's only if you have one cup a day for five days. Invest in a great espresso machine like this one from De'Longhi instead, and you can enjoy great coffee drinks from home and save money in the long run. — Michelle Rae Uy, writer, testing and updates Read our review
Nuuly Subscription
During months when I have a ton of events to attend, I always end up spending way too much money on outfits I'll only wear once. So, I finally caved on a Nuuly subscription, and the selection of clothing is both cute and cost-efficient. — Stephanie Griffin, director of social Read our review
Owala FreeSip Water Bottle
I haven't bought a plastic water bottle in years, all thanks to the reusable ones I've tested for our guide to the best water bottles. My current favorite is the Owala FreeSip, since it has an ingenious lid that lets you sip or chug. Not to mention it's incredibly cute too. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pet editor Read our review
Amazon Kindle
I love books — both to read and to decorate with — but like everything else, buying the newest literary drops has become increasingly expensive, and sometimes I don't want to root around for hours in a used bookstore hoping I'll stumble on something good. While it's more of an investment up front, my Kindle and a few local library cards have saved me hundreds on physical books. It's a tool every reader should have in their kit, plus it's space-saving, great for travel and lightweight. I'll still treat myself to two or three physical books a year, but my bank account and my reading goals have seen great improvements since I got my Kindle. — Jillian Tracy, associate editor
Instant Pot Milk Frother
I used to hit up Dunkin' three to four times a week for my coffee fix — mostly because I love the cold foam — but it gets expensive and melts before I can even savor all of it. Once I got this 4-in-1 frother, I've cut my trips down to maybe once a month. It makes the perfect hot and cold foam with just the push of a button. My hack: Instead of using plain milk or cream in the frother, use your favorite flavored creamer. — Lindsey Smith, newsletters editor
Therabody Theragun Relief
As much as I'd love to get a professional massage multiple times a month to relieve me of my migraines, it's just not realistic, and not to mention, it would cost me a fortune. This easy-to-use Theragun — though an investment initially — always does the trick and saves me a ton of money while I'm at it. — Stephanie Griffin, director of social Read our review
Yeti Rambler 34-Ounce French Press
I very rarely buy coffee at a store because with Yeti's ultra-durable French press, I can make delicious coffee at home. I like how easy French presses are to use and the fact they can make multiple cups at once, all with no single-use paper filters that you have to constantly buy. I'm especially fond of Yeti's unit, because I've broken countless glass coffee makers over the years and can't be trusted with anything delicate. Not only is the Yeti French press durable, but it's also insulated so your coffee stays piping hot as it brews. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainability and pet editor
LDMA Herritage Hoodie
I've been looking for a high-quality hoodie for a while, and this one is worth the investment. It has a stylish, oversized fit without being too baggy, and the soft, durable material means it'll last longer than cheaper options. In the end, it's a money-saver because I won't need to replace it anytime soon. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, associate editor Jillian Tracy curated our editors' favorite money-saving products that they use every day.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
6 days ago
- Forbes
The 11 Most Essential Grilling Tools, According To A BBQ Expert
Whether you consider yourself a barbecue expert or a total novice, there's always something to learn when it comes to honing your arsenal of essential grilling tools. After all, from heavy-duty tongs to reliable meat thermometers, the right gear makes all the difference—even if you only fire up the grill a few times each summer. To better understand what's truly worth investing in, we turned to a seasoned expert for his take on the tools that deliver real results. The best grilling essentials to have on hand include ultra-sturdy utensils, like this Mannkitchen ... More spatula and a pair of OXO tongs, says Sidoriak. Grilling expert Paul Sidoriak, cookbook author and founder of Grilling Montana, has spent years testing tools and refining his setup to make outdoor cooking more efficient and more enjoyable. Ranked high on his list are the OXO Good Grips Grilling Tongs, which he praises as 'the best by a long shot,' thanks to their durable build and ergonomic feel. Sidoriak also emphasizes the importance of smart extras and even well-chosen outdoor furniture, both of which he believes can elevate the entire grilling experience.'Whether you are an absolute beginner or someone who loves to entertain and has people over frequently, it's important to set up a space for the grilling,' he says. 'Think of it a little bit like setting up a micro kitchen.' Ahead, Sidoriak breaks down the must-haves that can turn a good barbecue into a great one. Amazon 'Not all tongs are created equal,' says Sidoriak. When shopping for a set, he advises looking for a durable material, such as stainless steel, that won't bend while in use. A built-in lock and and tab for easy hanging are also essential. It's important to look for tongs have a solid spring to them that will effortlessly open and shut as needed, too—this way, you won't fatigue your hands. OXO's Good Grips set has all of the above, plus a built-in bottle opener for even more hosting convenience, and it can be tossed in the dishwasher after use. Amazon Sidoriak has used his fair share of grilling spatulas over the years, but this Mannkitchen model stands out for a few reasons. It has a spacious, stainless steel surface that's big enough to use for burgers or pizzas alike, and the hardwood handle is heat resistant for comfortable usage. Its sturdiness can even be used to press homemade smash burgers. What really sets this spatula apart, though, is the design of the beveled edges, which Sidoriak says helps delicate foods like fish and veggies get successfully released from the grill without struggle. ThermoWorks As Sidoriak reminds us, there's no reliable way to accurately measure a meat's doneness without a thermometer. 'Any amount of poking, prodding, scratching, sniffing—it's all just hogwash,' he says. Even if you can estimate the amount of time you typically leave a steak on the grill, its cooking time will actually vary widely depending on factors like its size, as well as the temperature it starts out at. In this case, it's best to opt for a reliable meat thermometer, like the Thermapen One. This instant-read thermometer delivers accurate readings in just one second (or less). It also features an easy-to-read backlit display that automatically flips when rotated. It also comes with a five-year warranty and a variety of colors to choose from. Ace Hardware The dangers of grill brushes with bristles are relatively well-known at this point. Those thin metal wires can break off during cleaning, cling to the grill grate, and end up in food—posing a serious risk if accidentally ingested. Since his family had their own brush with the dangers of wire bristles, Sidoriak has been committed to this GrillGrate grill brush, which has a double-helix stainless steel head that's free from bristles and designed to clean two grates at once for optimal efficiency. It's also built to last: Sidoriak has personally owned his for 15 years and has no plans to replace it. 'I have abused it so much, and a normal person would have thrown it away,' he says with a laugh, but 'it's still rocking and rolling.' Williams Sonoma Marinating your chicken and steaks with a basting brush is expert-recommended for efficiency, but some brushes rise above the rest in terms of quality and usability. Sidoriak recommends silicone varieties for their superior brushing and cleaning properties. 'It's going to hold up longer, and it's going to clean better,' he says. This Cuisinart sauce pot and basting brush is one such option—a clever tool that combines storage with a built-in silicone brush for efficient, mess-free marinating. Its stainless steel build also means your sauce can be warmed right on the griddle (as long as it's not over a direct flame) in the same container. Home Depot Whether you're a fan of kebabs, satay or just any food on a stick, a set of reusable skewers is a must-have. But single-pronged skewers can make for a frustrating experience, as the food can spin around on its own when it comes time to flip. 'Once food on a stick has cooked a bit, the size of the holes change," Sidoriak explains. 'As it becomes done, the food will actually release from the stick,' causing it to spin. For that reason, a dual-pronged skewer so much more effective in keeping food in place as it's flipped, allowing you to cook both sides and serve skewers without frustration. GrillGrate Small, delicate foods like scallops and asparagus taste delicious when cooked over an open flame, but they often come with the risk of potentially sacrificing some to the fire through open grates. Enter the GrillGrate Flavor Zone, which is designed to universally fit on any grill top—be it gas grill or charcoal—to protect foods from falling through the cracks, preventing food waste. 'They [also] make beautiful, flavorful grill marks,' Sidoriak adds. These grates are made from hard anodized aluminum that promotes even heating and rust prevention, and the raised rail structure is designed to trap moisture and prevent food from drying out as it cooks. It's also double-sided, so you can switch between flat-top grilling and grates. Home Depot Regardless of how many people you're hosting for a backyard barbecue, you should always take time to prepare your area for both cooking and entertaining. 'I'm a huge proponent of setting up your outdoor space with, at the minimum, a table that's at an ergonomic height, so you're not putting stuff on the ground,' Sidoriak says. He advises against relying on the small side tables attached to the grill, as they rarely offer adequate space for both raw and cooked food, as well as things like beverages to keep you hydrated while you're grilling. Investing in a foldable table with an adjustable height option means you can switch between counter height and seated height with ease, transforming from a prep space to a serving space as needed. Amazon If you're working with a flat-top grill—or any grill without a non-stick coating—you need to make sure you keep up with seasoning the surface for optimal food release. According to Sidoriak, the best method for this is using a microfiber cloth and flaxseed or vegetable oil. 'The seasoning process is basically building layers of patina by putting on an oil and then burning it off,' he says. He recommends pouring oil directly on a microfiber cloth and then spreading it on the grill surface, as it's the most even way to do it without accidentally dripping or pooling oil. Then, burn it off completely before you start cooking. Made In Cookware If you're a fan of crispy-thin 'smash burgers,' no tool gets the job done quite as well as a grill press. This stainless steel model from Made In, recommended by Sidoriak, is high-quality, built to withstand up to 800 degrees and equipped with a genuine leather handle cover for comfortable holding. It's not a necessity (you can always use a durable spatula to smash your burgers down), but once you have it, it can become a multipurpose gadget. 'It's great on top of bacon to keep it flat or help it cook,' Sidoriak says. He adds that it can also help uneven foods like chicken breasts cook more evenly, as well as browning vegetables more effectively with the added weight. Amazon For Sidoriak, the most treacherous part of hosting a barbecue isn't necessarily cooking over an open flame; it's trying to haul all the food through three separate doors to successfully get them to the grill. 'Being able to transport foods, both raw and cooked, on these cafeteria-style trays is kind of a game changer,' he says. Each tray is spacious enough to fit six burgers at once, and the two-color pack makes it easy to designate one to raw foods and one to cooked. They're also dishwasher-safe, which makes for care-free clean-up and sanitizing after use. The home team at Forbes Vetted has researched and tested hundreds of products to help make the most of our outdoor space, from charcoal grills to smokers and everything in between. To curate this list, we combined in-house expertise with insights from grilling expert Paul Sidoriak, a seasoned cookbook author and barbecue expert. We prioritized tools that strike the right balance between performance, durability, and thoughtful design—whether you're cooking for a crowd or just firing up the grill on a weeknight. Our team also reviewed feedback from real users, analyzed top-rated picks across major retailers, and looked for products that hold up over time, not just out of the box.
Washington Post
30-05-2025
- Washington Post
What's the best way to store strawberries? We tested popular methods.
Crimson, plump, juicy and sweet-tart, fresh strawberries are a treasure to behold. When we catch them on sale at the grocery store, spot a table full of them at the farmers market, or spend the afternoon picking our own at a farm, it's easy to get carried away and find ourselves with an abundance of berries. Once we take our haul home, a sense of dread slips in: What do we do with all of these strawberries? There are lots of options to cook with or save them for later — such as baking into desserts, freezing or making jam — but with the best berries, nothing beats eating them in their natural state. Unfortunately, a strawberry's peak is short-lived. 'Thanks to their thin skin and fragile structure, they only last a few days, even in cold storage,' Harold McGee wrote in 'On Food and Cooking.' Once picked, strawberries are best consumed as soon as possible. But you can't always eat an entire berry bounty in one sitting. People tout a number of methods for storing strawberries to make them last as long as possible, so I decided to put them to the test. The methods I tried included: the original plastic clamshell the berries arrived in; an Oxo produce-keeper; a sealed glass jar; a vinegar and cold tap-water wash before drying and storing in a glass container lined with a towel with the lid ajar; and a hot tap-water wash before drying and storing in a glass container lined with a towel with the lid ajar. For each test, I started by sorting through the berries, picking out any that looked like they were on their last legs so they wouldn't drag the rest of the fruit down with them. Here's how the strawberries fared after I left them in the refrigerator for one week. The idea behind this method is to use a mixture of vinegar and water to kill off any mold spores and bacteria on the surface of the berries, usually at a ratio of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water. Then, the berries get a quick rinse in the sink to get rid of the vinegar flavor and are dried before being placed in another container lined with towels with the lid left ajar. I believe the towels are there simply to add some cushion, and keeping the lid partially open avoids trapping too much moisture. 'By washing your berries in a solution of vinegar and water, you can extend their shelf-life by days (sometimes even weeks!),' food writer Sarah Jampel wrote in Food52. Alas, I did not find this to be the case. There was visible mold on at least a few of the berries I treated this way. Perhaps it was user error? I put the strawberries in a salad spinner to dry them, as Food52 recommends, but maybe they weren't as dry as they should have been. Or perhaps the towel absorbed too much of the moisture exuded by the fruit, or the fridge was particularly humid, which in turn sped up their deterioration and negated the whole point of treating them in the first place. Similar to the vinegar solution, hot water can also kill mold and bacteria. While some people recommend using water around 125 degrees, Serious Eats editor Genevieve Yam found that there was 'barely a discernible difference' compared to berries simply rinsed in hot tap water, which comes in around 109 degrees. After rinsing, I followed the same steps as above, drying the berries in a salad spinner and placing them in a container lined with towels the lid ajar. Unfortunately, I experienced nearly the same results as the vinegar wash — although there was perhaps slightly more mold in this batch. And as with the previous method, user error could be a factor if the berries were not dried as thoroughly as they could have been. This is a method that I've seen on my social media feeds. And I will admit, they were perhaps the best-looking berries of the bunch after their stay in the fridge. However, there was a loud 'pop' when I opened the jar, making me fear it could explode if the strawberries continued to stay in there. And the longer they stay in a sealed environment, the higher the chance of the flavor becoming unpleasant and the berries falling apart. After one week, there was the slightest acidic aftertaste, as if the strawberries had begun to ferment, but overall they tasted fine. However, given the potential for exploding jars, this is not a method that I would recommend anyone try at home. There are a number of berry-storage containers available to help keep fruit from spoiling, many featuring a basket inside of another container with a lid that you can vent. The benefit is that the basket lifts the fruit from any water that collects in the bottom of the container and the vented lid allows air flow. (A colleague also loves her ceramic berry bowl, which could work similarly if loosely covered.) These strawberries fared extremely well, with no signs of spoilage and no faint aftertaste. The only real downside is that it's another item you would have to purchase and store. The one I purchased from Oxo cost about $20, but I hate the idea of having to find space in my small kitchen for a specialty item. My preferred method, it turns out, is to simply store the strawberries in the container I purchased them in. The berries weren't as plump and vibrant as those stored in the specialty container, but there was no mold, and this route required the least amount of work. (I'm lazy — sue me. But maybe you are too?) Regardless of which storage method you use, remember that strawberries are best eaten within a few days, so it's best to only buy as many as you think you can consume, cook and preserve within that time. If you accidentally forget about them in the back of the fridge and happen to come across a moldy berry or two, simply toss them. Taste one of the others, and if all is well, the rest are safe to consume — but do it soon.
Buzz Feed
21-05-2025
- Buzz Feed
If You Love Living In The Lap Of Luxury But Your Bank Account Isn't There Yet, Check Out These 40 Worthy Swaps
A CZ tennis bracelet with tons of reviewers who say it can pass as actual diamonds. Listen, you want a glamorous stack but you don't have to choose between that and a long weekend at a beach resort. E.l.f. Lash XTNDR Tubing Mascara if you've tried pricier versions but have shied away from rebuying because of $$$. Seriously, just try this! It's so good that I'm currently on my THIRD tube. Good Molecules Pineapple Exfoliating Powder made with natural rice starches and pineapple, kiwi, and papaya extracts that'll foam up and *gently* polish skin, giving you similar results to the $68 Dermalogica version. You can use it up to four times a week to see (and feel) the benefits without harsh scrubs or panicking a little bit at your Ulta total. A beaded shoulder bag in case you've added a similar Staud one to cart about a million times but haven't been able to checkout just yet. The brand's beaded bags became instant classics but you can get a little splurgey at Anthro without having to completely upend your monthly budget on a (gorgeous) $295 bag. You could get three of these at that price (if you wanted). A set of wrist and ankle weights will feel like an extra fun accessory after you look up how the pricing ($22-ish) compares to similar Bala Bangles ($50-ish). Slip on these before you take a stroll with a pal to get in your steps. Just be prepared for the onslaught of compliments by passersby. Nortiv 8 walking shoes with the pillowy comfort and bold color combos of Hokas on the cheap, so you can splurge a little bit on that boutique boxing class this week instead of shelling out more for the name-brand shoes. Sliick Ingrown Rescue Solution to halt painful (and unsightly) ingrown hairs before you realize they've rudely shown up on your first beach day of the year, no matter how you're DIY-ing hair removal. AND it's half the price of holy grail Tend Skin! Oxo's portable Cold Brew Rapid Brewer if you guzzle coffee like it's your main salaried job where you have a corner office in the C-suite. It whips up cold brew in a mere five minutes, which is even better news if you've gotten sticker shock from Aeropress but need something that'll work both at home and on the go. (For the record, some reviewers call it "Aeropress 2.0" because they prefer the Oxo version.) Self-Tanner for some super-easy-to-apply color that'll develop in an hour. No need to book a (costly) spray tan appointment. (Psst, reviewers who've previously sworn by St. Tropez products have made the switch!) A cherry bag charm can add a lil' razzle-dazzle to your plain bag that's just not doing it for you anymore. Just let your work nemesis assume that it's the $95 Coach charm. A cute two-piece pajama set in super soft fabric if you LOVE the look of $128 Roller Rabbit PJs but just can't personally justify spending that much money on something you wear to bed, no matter how comfy and cute it might be! An Elizavecca hair treatment to give you "rich girl hair" thanks to its collagen and ceramide 3 formula. And it'll take just a few minutes of your time, like as little as five minutes post-shampoo. Because time is money, money is power, and power is pizza. (In case you were curious, lots of reviewers say they prefer it over $$$ Olaplex.) A long-sleeve bodysuit will wrap you up in an incredibly soft fabric that reviews oft compare to Skims. AND it's supportive enough so you can wear it without a bra, which is always a great thing! Plus, a stretchy bodycon pencil dress with heaps of Skims comparisons for the shape and stretch. I'm guessing this is what Morticia Addams would wear to an all-inclusive beach resort. L'Oreal True Match Lumi Glotion for a super glowy, sunkissed look EVEN if work and maintaining a social life has you feeling like a vampire. No need to keep swinging by Sephora for a free sample of Drunk Elephant's bronzing drops because reviewers say this is a great cheaper alt. (We've all pulled that sample trick!) A baroque-inspired mirror to instantly dress up an entry or hallway. The gilded frame looks equally great hung on a wall or atop a console. And every time you gaze upon your reflection in it, you can think about the dough you saved by opting for this one over the more expensive Anthro version. An elegant set of square wineglasses that reviewers point out are VERY similar to the pricier ones sold at Crate & Barrel. Whether you're just drinking some water out of them or some actual Prosecco, they'll certainly elevate the moment. E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter that'll free up a bit of coin if you've been eyeing Charlotte Tilbury's Hollywood Flawless Filter as a glow-getter on a budget. This stuff has hyaluronic acid and squalane to give you that lit-from-within for less than the cost of a pricey chopped salad from that place beside your office. A faux-leather bag you'll do a double-take on because it's verrrry similar to Polène's Cyme you've been stalking online and thought, "Welp, I could buy this instead of flying to my college roommate's wedding" before buying that flight. Hanes Ultimate ankle socks that'll pass the comfort test for fans of Aritzia's TNA line. Yes, we're at that age where socks can be luxurious. Slingback heels to add an air of sophistication to a simple outfit. We're not on a Chanel budget, but that's perfectly fine and normal! These beauts will help you chase that feeling AND turn out to be super versatile so you'll have a pretty low cost per wear. And while we're chasing that feeling, a quilted leather crossbody purse can scratch a Chanel-ish itch while adding an affordable purse into your wardrobe rotation. A glitzy long-sleeve sequin dress in case you marveled at the $765 16Arlington dress Hailey Bieber wore but gasped out loud when you looked at the price. This under-$100 version is just begging to make an appearance in a loud, dark club somewhere in Europe. A faux-pearl choker that's a dead-ringer for a Vivienne Westwood piece you can easily add to all kinds of outfits that are missing something. Mystery solved. Some sharp-looking pointed-toe flats with similar comfy, machine-washable features to pricier Rothy's or Vivaia flats. You'll be glad you packed these to get you from Notre-Dame to the Eiffel Towel on a long but gorgeous scenic view! And when you get home, you can toss 'em in the wash to look like new for your next adventure! A pair of retro-style oval sunglasses your nemesis will mistake for the $400+ Miu Miu ones, which is fine. Let 'em think that and put that extra cash toward whatever else you want. Or some oversized square sunnies if you've been admiring the Bottega Veneta version but have such a horrible track record with keeping sunglasses in fighting shape that you can't in good conscience spend hundreds on a pair. A pair of satin block-heeled dress shoes you'd mistake for some Loeffler Randall heels if you didn't buy them yourself! Reviewers also say that the supportive straps mean you can still make all kinds of moves. A wedding dance floor hates to see you coming. A velvet V-neck maxi dress that'd make a perfect bridesmaid dress. Or just a wedding guest dress! You're already paying [redacted] to attend the Nashville bachelorette. We don't need to spend $400 on a dress too. Slip-on mules because you're not allowed to wear sneakers to the office (I'm emailing HR on your behalf) but don't do heels. You'll get all kinds of use out of these comfy alts to the pricier Madewell Gemma mules without having to MAKE yourself wear them enough times just to make yourself feel better about dropping serious dough on them. Platform slippers you've eyed on so many other people in public (or, well, the similar but more expensive Ugg Tazz) and want in on the cozy style. Once you slip your feet into the faux-fur shoes, you'll find every which way to wear — even in the sweaty pits of summer. A multipurpose blush stick you can try out to create the lovely watercolor blush trend. Y'know what's even lovelier? Paying $7 for this instead of the $18 Pixi Beauty version so you can build and blend color to your heart's content. Cushionaire slides to help satisfy your old dogs' yearning for comfy Birks (there are 1k+ reviews comparing them) for significantly less. A "Soft" perfume rollerball that's definitely made an appearance or five in your FYP scroll. It's only $5 and smells totally delightful (it gets compared to sweet treats like waffle cones). BUT! That's not the only reason to love it. It reminds reviewers of the $65 bottle of Pink Sugar 👀 and layers like a dream. E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops made to help plump up (hydrating hibiscus complex and hyaluronic acid) and brighten (niacinamide) your complexion for similar results to the $35 Glow Recipe Watermelon Dew Drops. Reviewers say it works great alone *or* mixed in with foundation. A plated ring with just a bit of glitz that'll help you channel the Cartier look without affecting your financial planning goals like the real-deal would. Dossier's "Ambery Vanilla" perfume because you thought about shelling out for YSL's Black Opium but your budget said no despite all your other perfume bottles being on empty. A Briotech spray can help soothe rosacea, eczema, rashes, sunburns, and other skin irritations for when your skin is just not cooperating thanks to hypochlorous acid (it's in your white blood cells and helps soothe inflammation). Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray is also what some call a miracle in a bottle. But Briotech is in a cheaper bottle. Some mid-weight sweatpants in case you wanna bring some luxe feel to your couch-rotting. Folks on TikTok compare these to Aritzia's for a fraction of the price. Everyone wear sweats but they don't have to be expensive sweats. A half-zip pullover sweatshirt that'll run you far less than Lulu's $118 scuba hoodies.
