The Definitive List For Casual Shopping - Smiles Guaranteed
I don't need to tell anyone that it's been a rough 18 months. When the world gets too overwhelming or I'm just having a particularly rough day, I like to engage in a little retail therapy, especially if I can get something that makes me feel a little bougie but doesn't cost a lot of money. My first stop: Amazon. Where else can I get something that makes me feel fancy for under $20? Answer: basically nowhere.
Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.Bath Bombs Fit for a Queen
Amazon
Is there anything more luxurious than a bath loaded with bubbles and fragrant oils? I don't think so, especially if I get to spend my time in the bath with my nose in a book, ignoring the demands of adulthood.
See it on AmazonLiving the Princess Life With This Tumbler
Amazon
Speaking of royalty, this tumbler comes in a color for every princess and keeps beverages cold for hours. It also communicates everything that people need to know about me, namely that I'm kind of a big deal and don't want to hang out with them.
See it on AmazonA Luxe Body Lotion Because Winter Is Coming
Amazon
I live in the frozen tundra of the northeastern United States, and it seems like immediately after Labor Day, my fellow residents start thinking about snow. With snow comes cold, and with the cold comes dry, crusty skin that we spend the entire winter attempting to defeat. This lotion is part of my arsenal. It feels so luxe, smells amazing, and doesn't make my bank account weep.
See it on AmazonAnimal Sheet Masks Because Even Fancy People Need Some Whimsy
Amazon
When I think of self-care and spa time, I think of face masks. Sheet masks are my go-to, since they're convenient, relatively inexpensive, and produce noticeable results. Most sheet masks are boring though - they don't even have cartoon faces. Which is why I love these. They look a little weird, but you should still send mask selfies to your friends.
See it on AmazonSpecial Tea In a Fancy Box
Amazon
Is there anything better on a rainy fall day than curling up with a cup of delicious tea and a good book? I think not. Sometimes I don't feel like dealing with loose tea though - cleaning soggy leaves out of an infuser isn't my idea of a good time, and occasionally I'm too lazy to do it. In those times I turn to tea bags, and these are just about perfect. The box comes with classic varieties, the tea is good quality, and that's really all I can ask for.
See it on AmazonTurn Your Shower Into a Spa
Amazon
I realize that many people don't have bathtubs, and I don't think they should be excluded from the spa experience. Shower steamers help solve that problem. Just put one of these little tablets in your shower, and you'll get an aromatherapy experience while you're washing your hair. When I use one my bathroom smells amazing for hours and it brings me joy.
See it on AmazonBetter Lighting for Better Makeup Application
Amazon
Lighting is a constant struggle when I'm trying to do my makeup. What will it look like in warm lighting? Neutral lighting? No one wants to look like a clown because they got ready in bad lighting, which is why I love these lights. They can attach to any mirror without permanent damage, and I can control the tone and intensity. It requires an AC adapter to power it, but can also run on the power of my laptop or battery pack or whatever USB power source I have handy, and I like that flexibility.
See it on AmazonA Brush to Elevate Your Hair Washing Experience
Amazon
Having my hair washed is the best part of going to the salon. I could fall asleep and be totally happy while my stylist is massaging my scalp. This brush comes close to that experience. It just feels so amazing. It's not too harsh and doesn't scratch my sensitive scalp, and I have noticed less itchiness since I started using it. I don't know if the claims about helping with hair loss are true, but it feels so good that it doesn't matter to me.
See it on AmazonThe Ultimate Mask for Oily Skin
Amazon
This mask gained a cult following in the earliest days of beauty YouTube, and with good reason. First and foremost, the price - you get a ton of product for the money, and it lasts for years. It can be used on the face, body, even hair. I really like that I get to mix it myself and choose what it's mixed with. I've used it once a week for years and I've seen a huge improvement in the appearance of my skin. It's reduced my breakouts and I'm far less oily than I was, which dramatically increased my confidence. This is a holy grail product for sure.
See it on AmazonA Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Natural Body Scrub For Your Next Self-Care Day
Amazon
This is such a good body scrub, and something I bring out when I decide to take a long shower and really take care of my skin. I've tried the lavender and brown sugar and they both smelled amazing. Both are scrubby enough to get the job done but don't irritate my skin. My skin feels softer and healthier after I use it and it's reduced the severity of razor bumps after I shave. It's the best scrub I've found at this price point.
See it on AmazonA Powerful Wireless Charger
Amazon
Wireless chargers have historically not been great. It's a cool concept, but unless you're willing to leave your phone for hours, there's no point. This wireless charger though... it's pretty impressive. It has different modes that adjust the level of power for the battery capacity for different types of phones. It's not necessary to remove your phone case, and it can also charge AirPods or other wireless earbuds. A small detail that I love is that the light on the charger turns off after a few seconds, so I can charge my phone while I'm sleeping and not be disturbed by the glow of the charger.
See it on AmazonA Beautiful Candle That Smells Amazing
Amazon
If you're into candles with actual flames, these are for you. They're beautiful, with a sort of art deco style. I have the vanilla cake scent and it makes my entire house smell like I've been baking all day. It's so good that even my neighbors compliment me on it. I will definitely be purchasing more of these.
See it on AmazonMagic Wand Makeup Brushes
Amazon
I won't call these Harry Potter brushes because of licensing, but I don't mind how reminiscent they are of the wands used by those fictional wizards. They're heavy and feel well-made. They're not the best eye brushes I've ever used, but they look extremely pretty sitting on my vanity and I love them.
See it on AmazonBlank Cards for Any Occasion
Amazon
People like getting mail. I really thought that the internet killed that, but it turns out that getting cards and letters brings joy to my friends and family, so I've invested in some blank cards. They're great for sending a quick hello, thank you notes, or even birthday cards. They're simple, recycled, and classy. A good purchase for sure.
See it on AmazonTREASURE!
Amazon
I like clever and pretty storage solutions, and these treasure chests fit the bill. They're pretty and relatively well-made. The hardware feels sturdy. Also, it looks like pirate treasure and I'm into that. I use them to store my jewelry and some little keepsakes, and they're fun and attractive additions to my home decor.
See it on AmazonWater Your Plants Like a Duchess
Amazon
These vintage glass plant spritzers are just so pretty. They're totally impractical, of course. You could spend just a few dollars on a plastic spray bottle and accomplish the same thing. That plastic bottle wouldn't look pretty sitting on your shelf though. I really think that having a pretty thing to water my plants with makes me more likely to actually do it.
See it on AmazonAn Essential Oil Diffuser That Makes Any Room Smell Like a Spa
Amazon
I like essential oils. They make my house smell good without having to worry about an open flame. I also feel like aromatherapy actually helps. When I'm stressed or can't sleep I employ my diffuser, and because it shuts itself off I don't have to remember to turn it off or worry about it running dry. I don't use it with the lights but they are cute, and not so bright that they'd keep me awake. I like being able to choose how and when mist is dispersed, so this is definitely worth the money.
See it on AmazonPumpkin Coffee That's Anything But Basic
Amazon
Bones Coffee. a small-ish roaster out of Cape Coral, Florida, is one of my favorite coffee companies. I was initially attracted to the company because of its creepy aesthetic, and I keep coming back because of the quality of the product. This is hands down my all-time favorite pumpkin coffee. It's got just enough pumpkin and just enough spice to make it interesting, but the flavor of the coffee is what really comes through. It's not overly sweet. It's just excellent and anyone who likes pumpkin spice needs to try it.
See it on AmazonA Rainbow In Your Shower
Amazon
I mentioned that I'm not a morning person. There are only two things that make me even passably functional: coffee, and my morning shower. Sure, my shower is full of fancy products that smell amazing, but the rainbow shower head is a lovely addition to my shower experience. The lights are pretty and give me something to think about other than how hateful mornings are. Bonus: it filters my hard water, which makes my hair and skin happy.
See it on AmazonA Set of Bohemian Earrings for the Free Spirit Who's Also Fancy
Amazon
I'm a hippie at heart and I love anything with a Bohemian aesthetic, which is why I love these earrings. These just scream, "I'm down to earth but also made a million dollars last year so let's be VIPs at Coachella."
See it on AmazonA Skirt for That Trip to Coachella
Amazon
This skirt is the perfect thing to wear with those Boho earrings. It comes in different colors and prints, plus a variety of sizes to suit so many people. It's cool, it's comfortable, and you'll want one for every day of your next vacation or music festival.
See it on AmazonFancy Legal Pads for Fancy Notes
Amazon
I like using a pen and paper to take notes, like it's 1998, and I take notes for everything: school, work, articles I'm planning, to-do lists, sometimes even handwritten letters. I know that it brings my grandma great joy to receive a letter from me, even more so if that letter is on nice paper, and these legal pads fit the bill. They're pretty colors, obviously, and the paper is high-quality enough to handle my gel pens. That's all I really need from a legal pad.
See it on AmazonA Luxurious Eye Cream That Won't Blow Your Budget
Amazon
I'm always tempted by an expensive eye cream. The higher the price the better it works, right? No. Wrong. I've used $12 eye creams that do more for me than $120 eye creams. This is one of those inexpensive eye creams that does what it promises to do. It contains hyaluronic acid, caffeine, peptides, all the good things to keep your eyes looking their best. I have dry under eyes with deep lines from years of laughing and this cream makes a noticeable difference. I still have lines of course, but they're considerably smoother. It also doesn't affect my makeup, and that is awesome.
See it on Amazona Journal Fit For A Queen
Amazon
I'm one of those writers who loves buying really pretty journals, and this is one of the prettiest I've ever seen. The embossing on the cover and the gold edges scream royalty, and the binding lays flat to make it easier to write in. Not that I'd ever write in one of the decorate journals I buy, obviously.
See it on AmazonA Weirdly Fancy Tea Cup
Amazon
I love mugs, much to the consternation of my fiance, and this one is just extra. It's gorgeous and I appreciate the inclusion of a matching spoon. There's something about it that screams "Empress of all the Russias" to me.
See it on AmazonIf You Have to Use an Alarm Clock It Might as Well Be Cute
Amazon
I'm not a morning person. I actually loathe mornings and hate getting out of bed, so an alarm clock is a must. Having a backup to my phone alarm is vital, since I'm notorious for forgetting to charge my phone, and this clock is particularly cute. There's no radio or extraneous stuff, just a cute clock that gets me out of bed.
See it on AmazonA Simple and Beautiful Tea Pot
Amazon
Sometimes I want to make tea for multiple people, and this tea pot makes me feel so grown up. I can steep the tea right in the pot and it just looks pretty sitting on my table. It's a classic. Let's get some crumpets and go see the Queen.
See it on AmazonCandles That Won't Set Your House on Fire
Amazon
I love candles but I have pets, so open flames are a terrible idea. I also have a borderline irrational fear of house fires, partly because of those aforementioned pets. Flameless candles solve this problem but so many of them don't offer the same kind of ambiance as real candles. I missed the flicker, and then I found these candles. They look like birch trees, which is adorable and fits that farm/nature aesthetic, and they flicker! Plus the remote. I love them.
See it on AmazonA Refreshing Facial Spray to Give You a Midday Boost
Amazon
I'm a big fan of Mario Badescu facial sprays. I don't really know what they're supposed to do, other than feel good on my skin, but that alone is worth it for me. They have hydrating and soothing ingredients like aloe and herbs. There are a few different kinds that are supposed to do different things, but all of the varieties I've tried have been lovely and make me feel like I'm in a spa, if only for a minute. They smell amazing, they feel good, all of the yes.
See it on AmazonSuper Soft Cotton Sheets
Amazon
Oh, sleep, how I love thee. A key element of sleep, for me, is my bedding. I need sheets that breathe but still feel soft and luxurious. They better not pill. I don't want to wake up sweaty and covered in fuzz. That's why I absolutely love these sheets. They're so soft and silky and keep me cool all night. I've washed them several times, and the color hasn't bled. There's no fuzz. They're lovely.
See it on AmazonHang Your Clothes Like a Fancy Boss
Amazon
Laundry is the bane of my existence. I don't like doing it, and I like putting it away even less. Hanging clothes are especially annoying to me, because it's a multi-step process just to have the shoulders of my clothes be mangled by a hanger. Then there's velvet hangers. They feel luxe and bougie and they're lightweight, so it's less likely that the rickety rod in my closet won't fall down. They don't trash the shoulders of my dresses and sweaters, and that makes them worth every penny.
See it on AmazonHand Towels For Adults
Amazon
I hate to admit this, but I'm in my 30s, and until recently I didn't really use bathroom hand towels. The towels from my kitchen served double duty and I never thought twice about it until my mom made fun of me and bought me some Turkish hand towels. Man, I didn't know what I was missing. They look really nice and classy in my bathroom, and they're so absorbent. I might even replace my hand-me-down bath towels with some fancy Turkish bath towels.
See it on AmazonA Hydrating Lip Balm With a Hint of Color
Amazon
Honest Beauty is a clean beauty brand, which I appreciate, and its aesthetic is very clean and casual. They do the whole no-makeup makeup thing really well, and that's what I'm into right now. One of my favorite products is their lip balm. My lips are constantly dry so lip balm is vital, and I appreciate having a sheer tint. I can build up the color to be more opaque and it's really pretty and flattering. The best part: it holds up under a mask and doesn't smear all over my face.
See it on AmazonA Fruity Mask That Keeps Summer Alive
Amazon
Watermelon smells amazing, and I'm inclined to buy any skincare product containing it. So many of these products are super hydrating and glowy, which aren't great for my oily skin. This mask is different though. Sure, it's hydrating but my skin just feels plump and healthy, not greasy or sticky. It also has vitamin C for brightening, and it smells good. I enjoy it.
See it on AmazonSome Glasses to Make You Look Smart While Protecting Your Eyes
Amazon
I spend my entire day at the computer and have for the last 20 years. My poor eyeballs are tired. It also contributes to headaches and other issues, so I finally broke down and bought myself some blue light blocking glasses. I thought it was a gimmick at first but they really help. At the end of the day, my eyes don't feel like fire, and for an added bonus, I look pretty smart. Like a librarian or a teacher. I'm into it.
See it on AmazonA Floating Tea Infuser
Amazon
I know there are a lot of tea items on this list, but tea makes me feel like a bougie adult. This infuser adds a little whimsy to my life, and the unicorn looks so snobby that I can't help but love it. Some may think it's ridiculous and ineffective to float the tea on the top of the cup, but seriously, look how cute this is.
See it on AmazonA Lipstick That Looks High-End Without the Price Tag
Amazon
Lipstick has become my weakness. Bullets, liquids, creams, I don't care what form it comes in, I just love it. What I don't love is the price of some of these gorgeous lipsticks, which is why I was so excited to find these from Catkin. It's an Asian beauty brand, and these colors are divine. They go on smoothly and with a light hand, they give a gorgeous blotted lip effect. An extra swipe gives you full opacity. That packaging though - feels expensive, has a magnetic closure, and is just plain stunning. Love love love.
See it on AmazonThe Only Oil You Need for Anti-Aging
Amazon
Rosehip oil has been used for centuries as a folk remedy for wound healing, and like so many others, we're now finding that this really works. Maybe not for wounds, but it contains fatty acids and antioxidants, promoting cell regeneration in the skin. It's great for fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne scarring, and even stretch marks. I haven't used it in that capacity, but I can say it's helped with acne scars and texture on my skin. It's a regular part of my skincare routine.
See it on AmazonHave Spa Time With Some Gold Masks
Amazon
These are my other favorite sheet masks. They're gold. The product itself is really nice and I enjoy it, but the gold is most of the appeal for me. I think it looks really cool and fancy to walk around with gold on my face, even if it isn't actual gold. I don't know if it actually brightens my skin, but it does feel hydrated and plump when I take the mask off. That's good enough for me.
See it on AmazonCover Your Throw Pillows in Velvet
Amazon
Throw pillows are another of those things that I didn't really get until I was in my 30s. What's the point of having pillows that you're not supposed to lay on? I still wonder about that, but I do appreciate how pretty they look, and these covers are particularly luxe. They're velvet and so soft, and they come in so many colors. The pompoms are adorable and the whole effect gives my living room a sort of overly decorated Victorian vibe that I really dig.
See it on AmazonA Fancy Mug With a Helpful Reminder
Amazon
Remember how I said I love mugs? Well, I do, and this is one of my favorites. The artwork is gorgeous, and it's a good size. To me, the best part is the saying on the inside. It's a quote from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. It's one of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite books. I feel like a lost wanderer sometimes, and it's nice to have a reminder that wandering is ok.
See it on AmazonA Bamboo Travel Mug
Amazon
That's right, bamboo. This mug is made from recycled disposable chopsticks, with a silicone lid and handguard. It's spill-proof, leak-proof, and designed for hot liquids. I just think it's so cool. It's an innovative way to use bamboo fibers that would otherwise end up in a landfill. It comes in cool colors and an awesome Halloween print for my spooky friends. I feel really chic and eco-conscious when I use it.
See it on AmazonPretty Plants That Don't Require Much Work
Amazon
I associate plants with people who have time for hobbies, which is a luxury in itself. I'm bad at taking care of plants because I just don't remember to. They end up being the last thing on my to-do list and get lost in the shuffle. Succulents don't need much care and are in fashion, as much as plants can be in fashion, so there is a lot to choose from, and they'll probably survive my ownership. These from Amazon are so small and cute, and they make me feel like I have tiny friends.
See it on AmazonA Laptop Bag That Will Make You Feel Like a Real Professional
Amazon
I've worked from home for a long time, and occasionally I get tired of looking at my office walls. On those days I take my computer to a coffee shop or library and attempt to work in the world with other humans. For that, I need a laptop bag, and this one makes me feel like a professional adult with an agenda. I have tasks, everyone get out of my way. It has a pocket for my charger and my headphones, and I'm ready for anything.
See it on AmazonGel Eye Masks To Fake Being Well-Rested
Amazon
Another weapon in my battle for self-care is these eye masks. Like the aforementioned eye cream, these help with puffiness, dark circles, and dryness. For those of us for whom sleep is elusive, these will absolutely fake getting a good nights' sleep. The sleep is better, obviously, but for times when there's just no time for sleep, you need these masks.
See it on AmazonA Clip to Keep Your Prada Bag Off of the Floor
Amazon
I'm going to call this clip fancy-adjacent. The clip itself is nice, comes in a few different colors to fit your aesthetic, and feels well-made. It's capable of holding my bag, even when my bag is holding books and makeup and all of the other things that end up getting shoved in my purse. The most important part is that this clip will keep your expensive bag off the floor, out of the flow of people, and in your eye line. These are all very good things.
See it on AmazonA Whimsical Scarf That's Still Classy
Amazon
I like unicorns. They're sparkly and cute and make me happy, and I take happiness from anywhere I can get it. I love this scarf because it has unicorns on it, but it's still appropriate to wear out in the world. It's lightweight and made from good material so I wouldn't have any qualms about wearing it out in the world when I have someone to impress.
See it on AmazonThe Pillowcase That Protects Your Hair
Amazon
Silk pillowcases are supposed to be amazing for your hair and skin. I've been using this one for a few weeks, and I have noticed that my face doesn't have sheet wrinkles when I wake up. My hair is also smoother. My stylist said that in time it will help with split ends and frizziness, so I'm excited to keep using it.
See it on AmazonA Winter Hat With a Surprise
Amazon
Winter is coming. People in my part of the United States are already preparing, pulling coats and hats out of storage, and dreading the hours of shoveling ahead of them. This hat could make that chore a little nicer with the Bluetooth headphones hidden inside. The hat is comfortable, and the sound is pretty good, considering the sound is coming through the hat. The battery life is really good, and this will definitely keep you warm this winter.
See it on AmazonThe Best Gummi Bears You'll Ever Eat
Amazon
Ok, I realize that gummi bears don't seem like a luxury thing, but hear me out - this is a five-pound bag. Five. Pounds. There are flavors you won't find in other gummi bears, like mango and blue raspberry. Also, they're just delicious. I don't know what this company does with their candy, but they're hands down the best gummi bears I've had. Gummi candies aren't my favorite but these are so good.
See it on AmazonA Jade Set To Help Relieve Tension
Amazon
I use my jade roller every day. It's really helped with the tension in my face. I tend to clench a lot when I'm stressed or anxious, so giving myself a facial massage is lovely. I keep the roller in the fridge and when I roll it under my eyes it feels amazing. I use the gua sha less, but I've noticed that the skin along my jawline is tighter. It could be my imagination, or wishful thinking, but I don't think it is.
See it on AmazonClear Mugs for Visually Appealing Coffee
Amazon
Clear mugs make me think of coffee cocktails in Italian restaurants or spending the afternoon chatting with my mom over Irish coffee. I think coffee looks so appealing in a clear mug, and these are lovely. The glass is heavy and feels expensive. They're a nice shape, simple but classic. This was an excellent purchase.
See it on AmazonKeep Your Business Cards Safe and Look Good Doing It
Amazon
I've recently reached the point in my life when business cards are a necessary thing. I've been caught without a few times, and the experience is oddly embarrassing, so I make sure I'm fully stocked when I leave the house. This little wallet has helped with that. It holds about 20 cards, and it looks really pretty. I feel like a professional and powerful woman when I pull it out and hand someone my cards, and I've gotten so many compliments on it.
See it on AmazonAre Those Diamonds?
Amazon
I love jewelry but don't want to spend a ton of money on it, so I'm always on the lookout for lab-created stones or other ways to reduce the cost without sacrificing quality. That's why I bought these earrings. They're so pretty, and it's impossible to tell that they're not real. I've worn them in the shower and swimming without any ill effects to the metal, and they haven't turned my sensitive ears green. I get compliments galore when I wear these, and I may need another color.
See it on Amazon