Three Favorites Under $30, Part III

"I'm back... three-peat"

Shitters!!! It’s been a hot minute since we did a quick and dirty three under $30! (This time it’s technically four under $40, but that’s because there was one thing over budget that was just too good to pass up.) Last time around we found some all-time greats (this one was just restocked in every color—perhaps excessive, but I have one in my bag, one in my bathroom, and one replacement at the ready at all times), and I have high hopes for this batch too! Read on for eye patches that rival 111Skin without the $111 price tag, the SPF you’ve probably never thought about before, the world’s zippiest little pens, and plenty more!

Three Favorites Under $30

Shit I Bought and Liked: Three Favorites Under $30

YSE Brightening Eye Masks ($38 $32 with code PRIYANKA15): I’ve spent years spreading The Good Word about 111Skin’s rose gold eye masks*—they are the gold standard, my go-to for big events, and one of the few things that will leave your skin looking noticeably better immediately, but they come with a price tag that unfortunately matches. So imagine my surprise when I discovered that these give you incredibly similar results for a fraction of the price! I’m always hesitant to try new eye patches because my skin is sensitive (G**p’s gave me a full on allergic reaction) and most of them don’t actually do anything. But these visibly brighten dark circles without causing irritation, and they come at a price point that doesn’t make me hesitate to actually use them. They’ve been a staple in every carry on bag I’ve packed this summer (I think I used a pair every single day of my trip to LA last month), and if you want to save, the 12-pack comes out to under $5 a pop. Update: The YSE team very kindly offered us a code! PRIYANKA15 gets you 15% off across their site!

Ultra Violette SPF 50 Lip Balm ($22): You are (hopefully) slathering your face in sunscreen everyday, but what about your lips?? I don’t, and I think most people out there don’t either. But that skin is susceptible to the same sun damage, so it doesn’t make much sense that we’re all mostly content to let them raw dog UV rays all day? This feels just like a regular lip balm, has no weird cast or taste, and the dusk tint is flattering to the point that I’d reach for it regardless of the protection. I’ve worn it out to the beach and poolside, but I also put it on most mornings when I’m out and about. It’s another banger from Ultra Violette, whose body sunscreen is hands down the best I’ve ever tried (and has gotten rave reviews from so many of you too!).

Muji Pens + Spiral Journals ($10/12 pack + $10): Last but not least! Whether you’re brainstorming for a project or dumping the contents of your soul, there is nothing like putting pen to paper! These are my favorite little pens. I love how sharp and zippy they feel and how they make my handwriting look—they’re just fun to write with! Shoutout to

Madison Snider Podpirka

for introducing me! And after years of journaling, I’ve realized that I much prefer a spiral notebook to the traditional bound styles. They lay flat and are much easier to write comfortably in whether you’re at a desk, or journaling from the couch/bed/sauna (my new favorite spot to let it all out). These ones have a nice hard cover (a must) and come in colors that’ll actually look nice on your desk or bedside table.

I’m not the world’s most organized person by any stretch, but I am a deep believer in different notebooks for different things. I have three personally: One is strictly for journaling/brain dumps, another is for work projects/brainstorming, and the last is for self-work. Having pages ranging from “Dear Diary” to “8/20 AM Standup Notes” in the same notebook is diabolical behavior, don’t do that!!!!

Thinking about the time in college when I went to a date party with a boy who locked himself in my room to do dr*gs while I freaked out that he could be in there reading my diary…

Other things I’m loving lately, $30ish edition: These nontoxic wipes in a display-friendly dispenser (good for countertops, pet paws, etc.). I was influenced by Phia of

Consumer Digest

to pick up this fun little bag hook—so helpful if you dine outdoors or at the bar and don’t want to put your bag on a wet countertop or (God forbid) the ground. This leather and pine candle is very fall, but it gets closer to $30 with our code.* I’m still in a big scented laundry phase.*And not exactly the same speed, but I recently rediscovered hardboiled eggs… I know, instinct says ick, but batching a warm breakfast to have for a few days has been SO nice, and when you warm for 10 seconds and dress them up with a little EVOO, S&P, and red pepper flakes they’re actually delicious.

*PRIYANKA15 gets you a discount at Violet Grey, Ranger Station, and DedCool!

Not under $30, but still noteworthy! I dropped by the Fewer Finer Townhouse last week and got three compliments and a DM the next day asking about these cotton pants! They’re the perfect easy fit and straight leg (and usually out of stock, but now available in most sizes!)—I wear a S! Need an event to wear this fun little party dress (perfect with sky high heels and the world’s tiniest clutch). I’ve been using these magnetic sets for travel lately and I love them. And my favorite simple gold chain bracelet is part of FF’s Archive Sale. Not cheap, but it’s the perfect size/weight (which is hard to find!) and I knew I’d have it forever.

Find something here that you’re excited about? Do us a solid and hit the heart-shaped like button at the end of this letter! It helps other people find us, and makes me feel like I’m not just up here talking to myself!