Not-expensive things

Recommendations from my commerce writer brain to your inbox

Actually Good Things is a Friday-morning newsletter written by a seasoned commerce editor who’s tested, tasted, sniffed, and swiped about a gazillion items.

This week, while sipping 7UP Shirley Temples and chain-smoking Nobody Wants This szn 2, I’m jotting down my favorite items that don’t cost a lot of money.

These are actually good things [mostly] under $25.*

1. Tweezerman Slant Tweezer

I’ve tried dozens of tweezers, and Tweezerman is, well…the man. Brow hairs, splinters, ingrowns, forget about it. My current pair has held up for several years—still sharp as ever with a strong grip.

2. Milani Lash Extensions Tubing Mascara

This is the best drugstore tubing mascara—and maybe the best tubing mascara overall. (I’ll tell you my favorite higher-end one another time.)

3. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

I don’t normally use moisturizers that come in lidded pots because they’re essentially germy petri dishes. But I’ll make an exception for this truly supreme product. The gel formula gives an ooey-dewy (but not greasy) glow and works well under makeup.

4. Thank You Farmer Sun Project Sun Cream

This was the first Korean sunscreen I ever tried, and I have the pristine formula to thank for opening my eyes to the elite world of K-beauty.

5. Lumify Redness Reliever Eye Drops

These whitening eye drops are insane. Everyone I know who’s tried them is a believer. My husband and I both use them when we want to look fancy, awake, presentable, better, etc., etc.

6. Kitsch Claw Clip

I like when a claw clip is medium-sized with a strong hold and a glossy sheen that doesn’t make it slippery. This one checks all the boxes. (I admire women with claw-clip confidence—effortlessly fastening their hair into a “who cares?” updo without a mirror—and aspire to become more of a claw-clip queen myself.)

7. Grown Alchemist Vanilla-Watermelon Lip Balm

Grown Alchemist is an Australian brand with a modern apothecary vibe. I keep this lip balm in my desk drawer and swipe it on when my lips feel dry.

8. I’m From Rice Whip Facial Cleanser

Skincare products that use rice-derived ingredients and promise to soften your skin are a win (in my experience). This face wash is a less-expensive version of my favorite rice cleanser from Tatcha and basically just as good.

9. Laird Superfood Protein Creamer

I put this powdered protein creamer in my coffee every morning and give it a little zzzt-zzzt with an electric hand whisk. Chef’s kiss.

10. Hisea Short Rain Boots

Okay, these rain boots are not under $25. But they’re less than $50, durable as hell, come in half-sizes (rare for rain boots), and have arch support (also rare). I got the dusty pink color.

*Some products with affiliate links might earn me a small commission.

What I’m reading lately:

• Esquire | Men Who Don’t Use Soap, Explained

• The Atlantic | The Great Friendship Flattening

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