If like us, payday just arrived and the sun is shining, chances are you’ve bought yourself something nice, or at least you’re thinking about it.
Whether you’re getting organised for an upcoming holiday or simply topping up your favourite things, if you’re looking for inspiration, look no further.
Each month we’ll be sharing with you what we’ve been spending our cash on, whether that’s kitchen utensils, a new moisturiser or gym kit.
Cut-out Swimsuit, H&M, £24.99
Nancy Groves, Life Editor
“I can’t pinpoint the moment we went from being bikini babes to one-piece lovers, but with a beach wedding in Turkey to attend this summer, top of my shopping list was a new swimming costume – and this polkadot bronze number saved my arse. Genuinely. It covers up my tum and bum, but has a lovely low back and a cut-out that works with even minimal cleavage like mine – a great choice if you’re segueing from two-piece to one.
“By keeping cuts and colours simple, H&M swimwear always looks more expensive than it actually is. And it’s hardwearing. I have swum three times a week from April to October in their last bikini I bought three years ago – and it’s still going strong.”
Becky Barnes, Audience Editor
“Having been unable to put down Sally Rooney’s first book Conversations With Friends, I was eager to read her second book, Normal People. I tend to borrow my books from the library, but there was a long waiting list for this best-seller.
“Blackwell’s bookshop is a few moments walk from my office, so I decided to head down there and treat myself. There is something really special about browsing a book shop, choosing a book (or three) and taking them home.”
Louise Whitbread, Lifestyle Reporter
“Last week I bought a top up of my all-time favourite lip balm from Space NK. At £12, it’s the most I’m prepared to pay for a lip balm and I am aware that even that is pretty steep. But no other lip balm comes close to this. It usually lasts me six months and that’s how I justify the price.
“It’s a thick gel-balm texture that’s clear in colour and I apply it twice a day, once before I start my makeup and once before I get into bed. It looks like a gloss when worn on bare lips but is also the perfect base for matte lipsticks and bold lip tints, and needs no topping up throughout the day.”
Sophie Gallagher, Lifestyle Reporter
“It’s summer and that means lots of dresses and skirts. But it also means VPL and honestly I don’t want my colleagues to be able to see the outline of my knickers when I’m going about my day.
“Let me introduce the Chantelle soft knicker. Not only are they invisible under clothes but they also feel really soft and light (no sweat), stay up all day and are just generally minimal hassle. They might be at the pricer end of the pant range but I’m encouraging everyone I know to invest.”
Amy Packham, Assistant Lifestyle Editor
“When I recently got home from a long weekend away, I found my curtains had finally given up and fallen off the pole. This needed to happen, they’d been broken for ages.
“So I seized the moment and took it as an opportunity to get some blackout curtains because the blinding sun has been getting through them and waking me up around 5am every morning (yes, I have an eye mask but it always falls off in the night). So I searched and bought some blackout curtains. I went for a plain colour, and these ones have hidden tabs at the bag so I can slide it on to my curtain pole rather than faff around with curtain hooks. Even better, they were delivered after two days and were pretty cheap considering the others I was looking at.”
Dumbbell Set & Exercise Mat, Argos, £11.99 & £15.99
Charlie Lindlar, Blogs Editor
“I’m trying to build up my confidence with free weights before I venture into the weights area at the gym, so this set is perfect for getting started at home. I want to get into yoga more and do a bit more floor-based exercises alongside running, so picked up an exercise mat too. Plus, with the size of my flat, (read: tiny) I can store these away a lot easier than a bulky, expensive machine.”
Tasha Hinde, Lifestyle Reporter
“When I first laid eyes on Carlos the Crab, a dinky necklace hanging in the jewellery section of Oliver Bonas, I knew I had to buy him – my star sign is Cancer and it was meant to be. I’m not really one for wearing jewellery, I’d describe my style as minimal, but this funky little fella turned my head with the orange chain and dainty little crustacean. Plus at £16 it wasn’t exactly going to break the bank. So I made a snappy decision and, as a birthday treat to myself, I caved and bought him.”
Brogan Driscoll, Life Editor
“After years of applying foundation with my fingers – usually on the tube, which could make for quite a mess – I was introduced to Beauty Blender sponges, which transformed the way I put on makeup. The only issue? Price.
“At £17 it costs nearly as much as my foundation, which feels excessive. I bought Real Techniques’ version this month as an alternative and am really pleased with it. It’s a little coarser on the skin, but makeup applies in the same way – and it’s a third of the price. Result.”
We all work hard to earn our money – so it shouldn’t feel like hard work to spend it well. At HuffPost Finds we’ll help you find the best stuff that deserves your cash, from the ultimate lipstick to a durable iron to replace the one that broke (RIP). All our choices are completely independent but we may earn a small commission if you click a link and make a purchase.