8 Cheap Things I Like
It seems very unlikely I will ever stop buying luxury products, unless forced to do so by financial circumstances (so pretty likely then, in fact?). There are things I enjoy and use enough to make spending what others consider unreasonable amounts of money seem justified for me. But of course I’m not buying fancy things all the time – the blog gives a skewed picture, as one tends to show and talk about the most special things one owns. So when contemplating my consumption patterns in the context of my January buying freeze (not an absolute ban, it only covers beauty and perfume), I thought I’d write about some bargain products I like. I do realize that what’s a bargain for me may not be a bargain for someone else – as my luxury is completely commonplace for others -, but nothing here is crazily priced.
1. Twinings tea. I do love my fancy teas from the French brands that I still cannot pronounce, but I always have some Twinings tea at home too. I think it all started with the tins, they used to have very stylish old-fashioned tins for their loose-leaf tea (the Lady Grey cornflower blue!) – they are much uglier these days, unfortunately. Now I prefer to have their tea bags at home for the moments when I just want tea that tastes decent and doesn’t need to be “appreciated”. I especially like Prince of Wales. As a tea.
2. Lindex Holly & Whyte collection. This is probably useless for those who don’t live in Europe, as Lindex is only present in Northern and Eastern Europe and a few other places. It’s one of those interchangeable clothing chains there are so many of – cheaper than Zara, slightly more expensive than H&M. But I do like their sub-brand Holly & Whyte very much. They do basics inspired by expensive European casual wear with very slight nods to current trends (the selection is not great at the moment, as it’s sale time). Think khaki trousers and navy blazers and patterned scarves. When I arrive in Estonia and realize on my way to the countryside that I have nothing weather-appropriate to wear, I go to Lindex and buy a small capsule wardrobe. I bought three jumpers this time around and they saved my life.
3. Penguin classics. Yesterday, I had a discussion with some friends and acquaintances about how reading a lot can end up meaning also spending a lot. The biggest bargain is of course the library and you can also save quite bit with buying e-books, but that’s not for everyone. So I’ve singled out Penguin Classics: in addition to being reasonably priced, they are also well produced and look great. Plus spending on a classic can always be considered an investment. Trust me, I work with lots of economists
4. L’Oreal Elvive Fibralogy shampoo and conditioner. I found these thanks to Sali Hughes (her entire guide to beauty products under 20 pounds is well worth reading) and I highly recommend both if you have fine hair. These really do add body without making your hair feel unpleasant. You know that matte, almost dirty feeling that volumising products give? Not the case here. I would gladly use the Fibralogy collection most of the time, if I didn’t have coloured hair that requires special attention.
5. KIKO Milano cosmetics. If you don’t live in Italy or Spain, you may not have heard of this reasonably priced make-up brand unless you are a regular beauty blog reader. I bought a few products when in Spain this year and if your budget is limited, this is a great brand. I use their eye shadow stick in Slate Blue almost daily and also like their BB Lip Glazes. Perfect if you want to experiment a bit and not spend big on something you might never use again. Or if you know any teenagers.
6. Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Pads. Skincare bargains are a difficult category for me – I tend to spend quite a bit on skincare and I don’t really mind doing it. But these acid pads are easily as good as their high-end counterparts. I’m reluctant to recommend that you add another step to your routine, but if you struggle with dullness or blocked pores, using a mild acid product daily can help a lot.
7. IKEA toys. I’m sorry, I just couldn’t resist adding these, as I think they are brilliant. IKEA produced them based on children’s drawings and I had to buy three (for myself!) when I was there last weekend. But I find IKEA useful for more than green dentally challenged monsters: I would not build my interior design scheme around their furniture, but when I need to fill the gaps after I’ve spent all my money on the statement pieces, I have found no place quite as useful. And that powder pink/delicate green colour scheme they currently have going on in the kitchen section was very inspiring.
8. Milk chocolate and mascara. Always OK to buy cheap.
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Do not agree about cheap mascara. It is one thing from cosmetics woman must buy from high shelves…
Oooo, Mascara War :)! As always, everybody should do what works for them. For me, I often see no point in expensive mascaras. I own quite a few – Chanel, Lancome, YSL, Dior, Armani, Chantecaille, some of the fancy Japanese ones… But there are mascaras by L’Oreal and Max Factor that give me equally good results. The only type of mascara that mainstream high street cannot do well (in my opinion) is the tubing mascara, I use Kevin Aucoin for that.
I would also add Elnett hairspray and tea-lights; they are cheap as chips and even placed in just some drinking glasses they are a sure way to liven up a room in winter; a table full of tea-lights feels like a luxury to me.(and then maybe a nice scented candle somewhere but that’s a different story).
Agreed! I did in fact consider adding Elnett to the list, but I didn’t want to have two L’Oreal products and I thought the shampoo is less well known and deserves a wider audience.
Such a fun post and a good reminder of how enjoyable the normal stuff is. Incidentally did you see Salli Smith in the Guardian recommends Nip + Fab glycolic fix pads. I really quite enjoy finding cheaper but good versions of things which otherwise cost silly money (although my friends and husband would generally think I only buy the high end stuff but I actually feel happier in the normal stuff). Cannot agree more on Ikea, not so much for toys which I don’t know about but generally their designs can look so good.
For clothes both & other stories and Cos can have a really range of basics, and Jigsaw and Whistles, while not cheap, are good alternatives or additions to other items. For food I do love going to interesting ethnic shops and exploring spices and new ideas in jams and jellies, dried fruit etc.
For hair Dessert Organics are really fabulous I find, and good old olive oil or camellia oil (slightly less cheap…) spread through at night seem pretty good. Also I have recently rediscovered John Frieda’s mousse which seems to fight frizz well.
For books completely agree on Penguin classics.
I know it’s a cliche, but nowhere is highstreet shopping better than in the UK. There are many brands that offer something I would consider buying and some where I’d be tempted to buy quite a lot. Cos is indeed good for basics, although I find that the quality varies a lot. I wear their cashmere hats and scarves almost daily. & Other Stories is in a way similar, but trendier, and good for statement pieces.
You are also absolutely right about ethnic shops, there is an Asian supermarket in Brussels that is great for that, as it products from several countries in one place. And I’m obsessed with nice pots of spices and condiments and thingies in general, not only exotic ones.
Also one of my all time favourite lipsticks is “fire and Ice” from Revlon. Not expensive.
This is a nice one, but I heard it was discontinued. Is it true?
Nice and thrifty Anniky! All great suggestions, I will keep an eye on the Holly and Whyte collection, it seems perfect for not expensive but nice enough working from home wear. One cheap thrill from me: Catrice Pure Shine Colour Lip Balm in Rose & Woody, the perfect MLBB ‘chubby stick’, it doesn’t have great lasting power but it disappears in a good way (no garish stains) and it is so cheap you can apply as often as you want, and it leaves your lips moisturised of sorts. Costs 4,99 euro’s.
I don’t think that I have EVER been called thrifty 🙂 Rose & Woody is exactly my kind of colour, so I’ll keep my eyes peeled for Catrice. The sticks look like cheaper versions of Clinique.
I am happy to send it to you, it is available everywhere here. It is indeed a much cheaper (but imho equally performing) Clinique stick. I have a few of them and keep them on my desk, at the frontdoor, in my car, in my bag, emergency colour when my naturally pale skin is not permitting bare lips!
I did not know that Fire and ice was discontinued; fact is you cannot buy Revlon in Sweden so I stock up when abroad; bought like 5 in London last Year. But nice lipsticks in general do not have to be expensive; cheap mascara never works for me but as a lipstick- junkie the new H&M beauty-range has a lot to offer.
I did in fact consider including H&M beauty, but as I don’t actually own any of the products, didn’t feel comfortable doing it. But they’ve done a really good job. Thanks for bringing it up!