Shopping for bargains may be a fun way to save money, but are you compromising quality for a good deal? Finding that $25 steal on a pair of shoes might seem great, but what happens when weeks later, a heel breaks? More than likely, you’ll spend more money on yet another pair of shoes and eliminate the whole point of a bargain. On the flip side, if you choose to fork up extra dough on a purchase, you want to know that your investment is worth the value.
With so many products to choose from, how do you know when it’s worth it to splurge? Start with these five splurge-worthy items.
1. Face serum
A good skincare regimen is a must for all women. As we age, brown spots, wrinkles and skin tone changes can steal our youthful looks. By investing in a quality anti-aging serum, you help to keep your skin firm, diminish age lines and promote even skin tone. According to WebMD, because serums contain a high concentration of active ingredients, you don’t want to skimp on a product that’s more fluff than formula. The good news is that a luxury serum is highly concentrated so you only need to a dot or two to provide coverage—a little goes a long way. Think about it: your face is definitely worth the investment!
2. Shoes
By scoring a bargain on shoes, you may be compromising your foot health. Shoes that are priced lower are likely held together by glue and not stitching. After normal wear and tear, poorly constructed shoes will fall apart and look worn faster. Consider splurging on a pair of classic black pumps to wear to work or even a night out on the town. Having a pair of go-to, quality shoes will give you a polished look. Shoes that are more expensive tend to reflect a better quality, last longer over time and provide more comfort.
3. Sunglasses
Splurging on sunglasses is not only a fashion choice, but one that will effect your vision health. Although it might be tempting to pick up a pair of cheap sunglasses at the local drugstore, the bargain isn’t worth compromising your eyesight. In the long run, cheap shades aren’t going to last because they easily break and are prone to lens scratches. Instead, consider purchasing aftermarket Oakley or Ray Ban sunglasses from Revant Optics. Even though they are more expensive, it is worth the extra money to protect your eyes and and feel good knowing you have a fashionable yet durable pair of shades. With this purchase, even if your lenses suffer a scratch, you can easily fix them with replacement lenses without having to fork over extra money for a new pair of sunglasses.
4. A classic white shirt
For every woman’s wardrobe, a classic white shirt is a must. A crisp, white button-down blouse is versatile enough to wear under a blazer, over a nice pair of jeans or under a business suit for work. Because it is a piece that you will likely wear multiple times, you do not want to scrimp on clothing that serves as a wardrobe staple. Consider a well-crafted designer blouse from a store like Bloomingdale’s for a timeless classic that will keep its crispness for years to come.
5. Hot tools
You are likely going to use a hair dryer, curling wand or flat iron to style your hair. The high temperatures from these tools can damage your hair so it is worth the splurge to buy hot tools with ceramic plates rather than metal. By spending more on this equipment, you prevent your hair from drying out and create a more polished look.
Bargains are definitely tempting, but skimping on items you use regularly isn’t worth the deal. Be smart about your splurges so that they create the look that you want and also make you feel better about your investment.