Despite being a shopping editor, I'm generally not an overspender. Don't get me wrong. I love to invest in a timeless designer piece and dabble in new trends from time to time, but there's no denying I inherited the frugal gene. (Thanks, mom.) There are, however, several small luxuries I've discovered over the years that I'll never stop buying. I'm loyal to them because, despite being small in size, they bring me an overwhelming sense of comfort, pleasure, elegance, and joy!
Below, I'm sharing a selective list of the happiness-inducing items for my wardrobe, home, and beauty regime that I take great pleasure in, from luxurious hand wash to the most sumptuous cleansing balm and silk scrunchies. (If I could include my $9 latte from my corner coffee shop, I would—I'm a sucker for homemade almond milk and vanilla syrup.)
Aesop's fancy hand wash is one small luxury I now refuse to live without. Not only does it elevate my bathroom, but the scent of mandarin, rosemary, and cedar also makes the simple act of washing my hands 10 times more enjoyable.
I've always been one to grab a $5 pack of black hair ties from CVS without giving it much thought—until I tried Donni's silk scrunchie. I've never looked back. It's the perfect size, luxuriously soft, never leaves any of those dreaded hair creases, and looks incredibly chic. It comes in a variety of colors, but I'm particularly fond of the versatile cocoa.
Sometimes, I wish I'd never been introduced to this spectacular cleanser because it's really not cheap by any stretch of the imagination. Honestly, I'm obsessed. The luxurious formula with its unique blend of four aromatic oils makes my skin feel beautiful, fresh, and thoroughly cleansed. It comes with a muslin cloth, which feels gorgeous and really makes me relish the ritual of cleansing. I'll happily forfeit a fancy dinner and drinks to keep it in my skincare rotation!
One of my favorite everyday lipsticks in a matte, neutral pink, this is an elegant small luxury that makes me feel like a million bucks!
Simply put, Stanley cups are superior. I'll always drink far more water when I have it by my side. My kids love to drink from it too, so its double-wall vacuum insulation, rotating handle, ergonomic design, built-in flip straw, and leakproof lid are obviously doing something right!
I've been buying Jo Malone's Lime Basil Mandarin scented candle for years. As it's reminiscent of the scent of limes carried on a Caribbean sea breeze, I always indulge in one during the holidays. Plus, it makes any coffee table look more elegant.
I have an unhealthy obsession with notebooks. I suspect it has something to do with the thrill and exhilaration of an empty page just waiting to be filled with creative thoughts, surprising ideas, and deep desires. Smythson's notebooks are simply gorgeous, elegant, and timeless. This is something you'll whip out of your handbag with pride at any meeting.
I'm British, so I inherently love tea. Over the years, I've tried and tested my fair share of leaves. Hands down, one of my favorites is Mariage Frères's Marco Polo. Considered the "haute couture of tea," the brand is the world's most exclusive merchant for luxury tea. Marco Polo is an iconic blend of sumptuous fruits and flowers from China and Tibet. Plus, it's lovely to show off at teatime.
I'm a picky fashion editor, but I'm even pickier when it comes to the butter I buy. Le Beurre Bordier butter (popularly known as the best butter in the world) is renowned for its deep, complex flavor and wonderfully smooth texture. It's a little sweet, a little salty, and a tiny bit tart. Quite honestly, once you try it, you'll keep wanting to fork out ridiculous coin to buy more. While I don't solely use Le Beurre Bordier (Kerrygold is on frequent rotation too), I won't stop buying it because my toast tastes exponentially better because of it.
If you haven't experienced Barefoot Dreams' plush CozyChic Socks, you're in for a real treat. They're the ultimate in warmth and softness, and my cozy evenings at home wouldn't be the same without them.
This sunscreen is a miracle worker. This multitasking primer with SPF gives my skin the most gorgeous, dewy glow, like I've just come back from a well-rested two-week vacation in St. Barths. I wear it daily on its own or under makeup—I can't stop, won't stop.
It's buttery soft, it's super comfortable, it's smooth, and it has a great fit. Simply put, this is the perfect everyday bra. I barely use anything else in my lingerie drawer.
I didn't realize how much I loved body oil until I tried Osea. After having two babies, I had somewhat neglected my dry skin and was eager to improve my skin's elasticity and get my skin glowing again. This seaweed-infused body oil does all that and more. It's rich in antioxidants, which soften, hydrate, nourish, and firm like no other. My skin actually looks more toned and sculpted after using it. It never feels greasy, glides onto the skin beautifully, and smells absolutely divine! It's become a rather luxurious and therapeutic part of my post-shower and bath routine.
Merit's creamy blush literally transforms me from a tired zombie in the morning to someone who looks fresh, alive, and ready for anything! It melts into my skin beautifully and adds a subtle glow and color to my cheeks. I can't recommend it more.
I suffer from very dry hands in winter, and this rich, hydrating hand moisturizer is my absolute savior. It's packed with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, moisture-locking cactus flower, and soothing cedarwood. It makes my hands feel wonderfully soft and smooth, and the scent (a blend of vanilla, mandarin, and almond) is divine!
I probably spritz my face with this energizing and hydrating face mist at least 10 times a day. It's honestly like a shot of caffeine. Invigorating and fresh, it revives my dehydrated skin and leaves it with a dewy glow. I've been using it for years and will never stop!
There's something about sleeping on a fine mulberry silk pillowcase that makes me feel like a million bucks. Moreover, it protects and hydrates my skin and reduces hair frizziness.
It started with a sample, and I resisted buying it for a long time because it's so darn expensive, but there's no other moisturizer that makes me feel hydrated, plump, and gorgeous quite like La Mer's moisturizing cream. It's worth every penny.
I take my bath time rituals seriously. As a busy mom of two, I live for a luxurious soak, and nothing makes my bath experience better than these magnesium-infused bath salts. My skin feels silky soft after I use them, and I always drift off to sleep peacefully.
I can't live without this intensive lip balm. It's soothing and moisturizing, and you don't have to keep reapplying it all the time. It lasts for ages.
