In partnership with NYX Cosmetics
When I was in my 20s, all of my older friends would tell me— how amazing being in your 30s was. You don’t care what people think anymore!! Relationships get better! You finally understand what a 401k is! Now that I am here as a real life 34-year-old, I can wholeheartedly say that everything my friends told me was great about this decade is true. Do you know how incredible it is to turn down three different plans on a Friday night and just sit in your apartment and organize your leggings drawer? Bliss, I tell you — bliss I *never* experienced when I was a 23-year-old club rat.
With wisdom comes age, and that is especially true when it comes to beauty products. I can’t tell you *how* many times I was told that a specific product was a “holy grail” buy, only to have it do absolutely nothing but cost me $50. Now that I’m in my 30s, I can confidently say that I know which products are worth it and which ones aren’t — and I’m here to share my wisdom. Ahead, find the products that are *actually* worth your investment, from your friendly, neighborhood old crone 30-something.
A good hairdryer
Yes, they are expensive. But yes, they are worth the money. Putting the cash up for that pricey hairdryer means that you won’t have to worry about it breaking the first time it falls off the sink and onto the floor. (This happens all the time to everyone, I promise.) Plus, a quality dryer is actually better for your hair. Save up for the one that you’ve been eyeing—or better yet, grab it on sale. (You shop a lot more on sale in your 30s, FYI.)
A 3-in-1 primer with SPF
Listen, if you want to layer on 16 different skin care products and then put on a primer AND an SPF, be my guest. But who has the time?! Products that do more are always, always the better option. I love the NYX Cosmetics Blurscreen SPF 30 Primer, because it blurs, primes, and offers sun protection. The best part? Unlike a lot of sunscreens, it leaves zero white cast, so it’s SPF you’ll actually use. (And SPF is the most important product you can have for your skin.) The best part? It’s only $14!
Cuticle oil
After years and years and years of dealing with nails that would split as soon as they got long, I finally had a nail tech tell me what was wrong: My cuticles were dry AF. Now, every night before I go to bed, I rub a few drops of oil into my cuticles. And you know what? My nails don’t split anymore. Science!
Deep moisturizing hair mask
Unless you have very thin, very straight hair, a moisturizing mask for your strands is *so* helpful. Gone are the days of frizzy, unruly, dull strands. I use it in place of a conditioner once a week and honestly, my hair has never looked better. Add it to your everything shower routine. You won’t regret it.
Eyelash curler
I cannot tell you how many times I have completely skipped mascara and just curled my lashes. Curled lashes fix a wide range of problems. They make you look more awake, they make your eyes look bigger, and they help your mascara pack a bigger punch. Give your lashes a curl, and you’ll be ready to take on the world. Trust me.
