Monthly Archives: October 2017

Lifestyle

The Three Things I Splurge On

October 30, 2017

Okay, I’ll admit it: I’m an indulgent person. I’m never one to deprive myself of something fabulous. If I want it, I will most likely get it, and this goes for pretty much everything (clothing, makeup, all the delicious foods, etc., etc., etc.).

HOWEVER. I am not rich. By any means. Therefore, I cannot indulge my every whim or I would shop myself into a giant hole of debt.

So, I’ve figured out the three things that I want to prioritize over everything else I spend my money on. I allow myself to splurge on these things while cutting back on the other aspects of my life. It would be amazing to be able to afford everything my heart desired and more, and maybe someday I will get there. For right now, this is what works for me (and obviously we all have different priorities), so keep reading to find out the three things that I splurge on and WHY I choose to spend my money on these three things.

SHOES

Omg, shoes. Such a cliche girly thing to say but hear me out, okay? I’m not spending my money on designer shoes. In fact, I have never owned a pair of designer shoes (even though those Gucci loafers are mighty enticing). I prefer to buy high quality, well-made shoes that will last me years.

It’s important to be kind to your feet when you’re young. I’ve stopped wearing heels entirely because they’re uncomfortable and the payoff just isn’t there. Nowadays, I find myself drawn to mules, flat boots, and comfortable sandals. Finding comfy shoes that are also high-quality is important to me – after all, who am I trying to impress?

Finding sustainably made shoes is also important to me. Nisolo is one of those brands that just gets it. Their shoes are extremely comfortable, well-made, and high quality – they sell the shoes that you wish you could find in other stores. Nisolo designs their shoes in Nashville and makes them in Peru. They’re also 100% sustainable and their workers get paid a fair wage. I currently own two pairs of Nisolos (this pair and this pair) and plan to get more this season.

I’m also a huge fan of Freda Salvador and I’m currently saving up for my first pair. Their shoes are super unique and give off major cool-girl vibes. Fredas are designed in Sausalito and handmade in Spain by a family of shoemaking artisans. They’re designed to last and be enjoyed by generations to come.

I may not have many pairs of shoes, but I’m happy wearing a few well-made pairs that will last me for years.

HAIR

The second thing I splurge on is my hair. It’s important for my hair to be my crowning jewel – it’s on my head every day, after all! That’s why I really don’t mind spending a bit of extra cash to keep my hair looking luscious.

I go to diPietro Todd Salon in Walnut Creek (diPietro Todd has a few salons around the Bay Area) and typically ask for a full balayage/foil. The Balayage technique is hand-painted, so it grows out very naturally; I only need to go in a few times a year to touch up my color. I also “dust” my hair between trim appointments (read about hair dusting here!), and therefore only need to go in for a cut when my hair needs a good shaping.

Between appointments, I extend the life of my color by only using sulfate-free hair products and applying the Oribe Glaze for Beautiful Color once a week. It keeps my hair healthy and glossy! I also love Miriam Quevedo White Caviar Shampoo. It’s pricey but honestly, I’ve never used another shampoo like it! It thoroughly cleanses my hair and scalp but doesn’t strip my hair. One time, I completely forgot to use conditioner afterward and didn’t even notice a difference.

To moisturize my curls, I use Oribe Supershine moisturizing cream. My hair is naturally dry, so I use the regular Oribe Supershine – but for those who are prone to greasiness, Oribe makes Supershine Light which is less heavy. Once my hair has dried, I’ll add in a bit more Supershine for extra glossiness – this product is seriously heaven-sent. Depending on the day, I’ll also spritz in a bit of the Oribe Aprés Beach spray. I’ve also been loving Living Proof T.B.D. Multi-Tasking Styler for second-day waves and curls.

So – with a few splurge-worthy hair appointments throughout the year, quality cuts and color, and good hair products, my crowning jewel has never looked better! ;)

SKIN

I’ve talked about my skincare routine in-depth in the past, and not much has changed. I am fastidious about my skincare and don’t mind splurging big bucks for the products that deliver results.

Overall, though the products may fluctuate from time to time, I have a pretty solid process that I follow daily. Consistency is the key to great skin, so regardless of the specific products, if you follow a consistent schedule/routine, you’ll most likely see great results. Another thing to keep in mind with skincare: results take time. Not days, not even weeks, but months and sometimes years. Did you know that it takes two weeks for a zit to form underneath your skin and finally surface? Think about that for a minute.

Every evening, I’ll use an oil-based cleanser, like a balm or cleansing oil, to remove the makeup and dirt from the day (currently loving this one by Rodial). After massaging in the cleanser for about a minute, I remove with a clean muslin cloth that I run under hot water. Once my skin is clean, I squirt a glycolic acid toner (I use the Pixi Glow Tonic) onto a cotton pad and swipe all over my face and neck. Then, after the toner has dried, I apply my Retinol treatment (this one from The Ordinary is my jam and only $10). On top of that goes my serum – currently using this one from Instytutum. Finally, I pat my Indie Lee Squalane Oil onto my face and neck. I’ll also apply my old standby, Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, around my orbital bones. I top everything off by sleeping with a silk eye mask and silk pillowcase to lock in the moisture.

It’s taken years of routine for my skin to look good, and I definitely want to keep it that way! I try to go in for a facial once a season (so 4x a year) to keep my skin balanced.

Honestly, if you have great skin and hair, you don’t need much makeup. Also, great shoes can totally elevate an outfit. I’m happy dressing myself in Old Navy and ASOS and buying my mascara at Walgreens if it means I can delegate my funds to these three splurge-worthy categories.

Now that you know mine, I’d love to know… what are the things you like to splurge on? Leave me a comment and let’s chat!