With age, comes wisdom. While I can’t say that I am a bargain-shopper, I have been reluctant to splurge on some items thinking that it wasn’t worth it. Well, I am here to tell you that certain products are definitely worth the splurge!
Top 10 Items To Splurge On (in no particular order)
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1 Keratin Hair Treatment
I have wavy hair that is prone to frizz in humid weather. As I got older, my hair got wavier. In May, I had a Cezanne Express Keratin treatment and I could not be happier with the results. What I like most is that it is formaldehyde-free and it does not make my hair pin straight. It just makes my hair softer, silkier, and easier to manage (especially during the summer months). I plan on repeating the treatment in September, so it lasts approximately 3 – 4 months. The only change to my haircare routine is that I need to use a sulfate-free shampoo but any conditioner is allowed. I really can’t say enough good things about this hair treatment!
2 Powerful Hairdryer
I have owned many different brands of hairdryers over the years and they have all served me well. Last year, I watched a Youtube demonstration of the Dyson Supersonic Hairdryer and I took the plunge. This was very pricey and my first thought was that I made a big mistake ordering it. But I have to say, it cuts my hair drying time down substantially. For that reason alone, it was worth every penny.
For my upcoming vacation, I purchased the T3 Featherweight Compact Folding Hair Dryer. This is another powerful, high-speed, and well-made hair dryer that is light and perfect for travel.
3 Athletic Wear
These days, I am trying to commit to a better fitness routine. Buying the right gear such as good running shoes from a knowledgeable dealer can really help with your performance and help reduce injuries. I even read in Shape magazine that wearing cute, well-fitting workout wear can actually help you feel more confident in your abilities and improve your focus and motivation. That’s reason enough for me to go shopping!
4 Leather Shoes
Who doesn’t love shoes? Whether I gain a few pounds or lose a few pounds, my shoe size remains fairly consistent (except after giving birth to my daughter when it went up a half-size and remained ever since). The other thing that is fairly consistent is the foot pain I get when I wear high heels and the blisters I endure when I wear lower quality, ill-fitting shoes for long periods of time.
Last year, I decided it was time to pay extra money for leather-soled, Italian-crafted black leather pumps by M. Gemi. I couldn’t decide whether to buy the smooth leather or the patent leather but ultimately decided on the patent. These are by far the most comfortable pair of heels I have ever worn and I think they look gorgeous on the foot. I actually wish I had a reason to wear high heels every day! But it’s great knowing that when I need them, they are waiting for me in my closet.
5 Bra
A good supportive bra is really a necessity and even more so when you have larger breasts as I do (32DD/34D). I currently do not have a favorite everyday bra as the minimizer I used to purchase (Bra Smyth Manhattan Minimizer) is no longer available. I have tried a few brands but I am still in search of a favorite. If you have any recommendations, please share!
However, my favorite sports bra is the Panache Underwire Sports Bra. It fits like a normal bra with a hook & eye closure and is very comfortable while providing great support and reducing bounce.
6 Bust Care
In keeping with the bra theme, I started using Clarin’s Bust Beauty Extra-Lift Gel in my late forties and I think it is an amazing product for firming and tightening the skin. The gel feels refreshing and doesn’t leave any residue. I truly believe it is important to start taking care of your skin (not just the face) when you are young. The earlier the better!
7 Gel Manicure
I used to get a “regular” manicure every week. Because I clean my house and I usually forget to put on gloves, my polish chips and my cuticles look ragged as quickly as I get them manicured! Since I was traveling to Newport, RI for a wedding, I wanted to ensure that my polish lasted. My manicurist suggested a gel manicure.
Well I have no idea why I didn’t try gel manicures before! It has been almost two weeks since I went to the salon and my nails look great (despite still forgetting to wear gloves might I add). I also noticed that my nails seem stronger. Normally one or more of my fingernails peel or snag but so far, so good! The gel manicure costs a little more than the double the price of the regular but, since it lasts at least two weeks, it is worth the splurge. Factor in that there is no drying time and it’s a no-brainer to me. I know there is some concern about the use of UV-light so next time I will apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ on my hands prior to the manicure.
8 Sunglasses
I rarely wore sunglasses when I was younger and, when I did, I would wear cheap, trendy glasses that I bought from street vendors. At my last yearly eye checkup, I was given a prescription for progressive lenses. While I was trying on prescriptions lenses, the frame stylist asked me if I was interested in sunglasses. I tried on quite a few styles and, with her help, finally decided on a pair of Gucci oversized, black-mirrored, cat-eyes. This is not a style (or price!) I would normally gravitate towards but I am very happy she gave me the push. They really will never go out of style and it is important to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes!
9 Pillow
A good night’s sleep is so important and I have found that my bed pillow starts out being comfortable but doesn’t remain so over time. Unfortunately, I can’t say that I have a specific pillow that I would recommend. Some people are side sleepers and some are back sleepers. Some like firm and others like soft. What I can recommend is replacing your bed pillows every year.
10 Quality Pots and Pans
Premium cookware is an investment and All-Clad’s Stainless Steel Cookware is no exception. There are various options offered but I chose the D5 brushed stainless cookware. Made in the USA, All-Clad cooks evenly, are great for searing, are oven-safe to 600°, have flared rims for easy pouring, and clean very easily. I think they are great looking and, if taken care of, they will last forever. The beauty of this purchase is that you don’t have to buy a full set all at once. Instead, buy just one pot at a time based on what you use the most and add to your collection as you see fit. And, let’s face it, All-Clad is recommended by Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa, so they have to be good!
That’s it! This is my personal list of the ten items I would have liked to splurge on when I was younger. What items do you wish you had purchased earlier?
