What's Worth The Splurge
From red light masks to the EightSleep, here are the buzzy things actually worth splurging on
Today’s letter was written in partnership with CurrentBody, my go-to for years for all things red light! If you’d like to partner on a future newsletter, drop me a note at priyanka.aribindi@gmail.com.
Shitters! Have you been seeing those “expensive but worth the money” TikToks (or, God forbid, Reels…)? I thought it would be fun to give you my version (written out in extensive detail, of course!). As I’m sure you’re all aware, not everything with a big price tag is worth it, but the following are things that I’ve loved and think are worth the splurge depending on your wants/needs. As always, apologies in advance for any of the credit card statements to come…
CurrentBody Series 2 Red Light Mask (PRIYANKACB for 10% off)
I get questions about red light masks from my friends and family all the time, and it’s not just my opinion that this one is worth the hype—it’s clinically proven to be. Red light builds collagen, smoothes wrinkles, reduces redness, and accelerates tissue repair over time, but honestly my skin looks brighter and more even after just one session. And when I’m consistent with using it 4-5x/week (the sessions are only 10 minutes long), those changes become my new baseline.
There are SEVERAL red light masks on the market, but CurrentBody’s have always been my personal pick. They do extensive clinical testing to back their results, and extensive hardware testing to ensure that every single LED delivers the exact wavelengths it’s supposed to, and that the light is evenly distributed so you get consistent coverage across your entire face. They’re also one of the few brands cleared by the FDA. To me, qualifications like that are important when you’re making an investment in a device—why would you want to spend a little less for results that never come?
I started with their Series 1 mask a few years ago, but have since upgraded to the Series 2—it has nearly double the bulbs, better fit and face coverage, and much improved straps (one of my biggest gripes with the 1.0 version). I pop it on for 10 minutes of work at my computer, while making breakfast in the morning, or while I read (or scroll) at night. IMO, it’s very easy to integrate into your routine, and at a price that’s comparable to a facial or two in NYC, it’s something you can benefit from on a daily basis. If you want to try it for yourself, code PRIYANKACB will get you over $45 off!
EightSleep Pod 5
This has a STEEP price tag. So much so that I wish it sucked so I could tell you all to save your money, but unfortunately it is really nice. The EightSleep is a mattress heating/cooling system that adjusts automatically to bring your bed to the optimal temperature. For me, especially this summer, this has meant cooling the bed (I haven’t had night sweats ONCE since I brought this home in June), but you can also make it nice and toasty if you prefer. It learns your sleep habits and can sense temperature fluctuations in your body and bedroom, making adjustments accordingly, and you can set each side to work independently, so it can calibrate to your partner’s temperature too.
Does everyone need this? No. It’s expensive, and not everyone has issues regulating their temperature at night. If that’s not a problem for you, don’t waste your money! But if it is (calling everyone with hot flashes, who keeps their bedroom windows open in the winter, is suffering through their third trimester in NYC summer heat, etc.), this has been so nice to have. I feel like I’m sleeping on a sheet of ice, and if it’s ever too warm or cold, I press the buttons right on the side of the mattress cover to adjust as needed—no phone necessary.
It also tracks your sleep and gives you detailed stats on your resting heart rate, HRV, deep/REM sleep, and peak performance windows for focus and workouts, and you can use it as an alarm. It’s cool tech, a great user experience, and definitely a treat-yourself splurge, but one that takes next to no effort to actually benefit from. Code PRIYANKA gets you up to $500 off the Pod + Accessories. More of our discount codes are available here!
111Skin Black Diamond Masks
The most splurge-worthy sheet masks in existence are all by 111Skin, but their Black Diamond line is my favorite of the entire bunch (narrowly beating out the brightening rose gold version). They’re designed to lift, smooth, and firm the skin in two different parts (three if you count the accompanying neck mask, which you absolutely should if you’re as neck-conscious as I am). The top half smoothes wrinkles and fine lines on the forehead, around the eyes, etc. The bottom one stimulates collagen for plumpness. And the neck mask lifts and smooths lines (my main issue) and crepey skin. Admittedly, this is marketed to skin that’s more mature than mine, but it really does have great results regardless. I feel like my skin looks its brightest, smoothest, and most even after I use them, and the results last—I tend to use them the day before a big event to give the ingredients a little extra time to work their magic.
They’re definitely a splurge for a single-use product (especially if you’re going for the neck mask too), but I would use them before something extra special, especially if there will be photos involved (think wedding festivities, family or engagement photos, big events, etc.).
The Row Park Tote
On first glance, this is a simple leather tote, but it really is the perfect version. Relaxed-but-not-too-slouchy leather (pebbled is my preference for everyday). The perfect size and bucket shape. And a chic single strap that’s comfortable and different than every double strap leather tote bag out there. I have a good number of bags, but I find myself reaching for this one most often for errands, work, weeknight dinners, city-based travels, etc. It’s easy, versatile, and just right.
IMO, the medium is the best size. The small doesn’t fit comfortably over most shoulders (a must for me with a daily driver), and the large is honestly huge (it could work as a work bag, but I wouldn’t carry something that big around day-to-day otherwise). The medium fits my usual daily stuff—a water bottle, phone/ keys/ wallet/ sunglasses (I just got stopped in the street about this pair earlier today!), and I can definitely fit a notebook, real book and an iPad in there too. (It can fit my laptop if needed, but only without a sleeve.)
Swimwear You Feel Comfortable In
Being in a swimsuit isn’t always the most comfortable thing in the world (if it is for you, consider yourself blessed). You’re more exposed than usual, and if you’re feeling self-conscious, not your best, or even just bloated, it’s not always carefree fun-in-the-sun. IMO, in this category especially, it is 1000% worth it to spend a little more on something you feel your best in. Whether it’s a color or print you love, a fit or fabric that flatters your shape, etc.
I think because most people aren’t in swimwear super often, they do the opposite and try to spend less, but especially if you’re not using it all the time, swimwear can last a LONG time. I think even just one suit that makes you feel more comfortable and confident is worth a splurge. I pull out the same few ones that I feel my best in all the time—this from LOF, this from Hunza G, an old Christopher Esber bikini (really more of a tankini, but a chic strapless one!!)—and I’m always grateful to have them.
Art + Decor
Last but not least! Even if you’re not in your forever home (or anywhere near it yet—I’m writing this from my 625 sq. foot box…), I think it’s nice to start collecting a few “forever” pieces—art, decor, furniture items, basically things you love and want to have with you wherever you end up. These don’t have to be massive investments—one of mine is an antique dresser from an LA flea market that couldn’t have been more than $500. But it’s something that caught my eye from the jump and I knew I wanted to have in my home forever (shoutout to Jessica Kane for the inspo!).
Not everything has to be a forever piece (oftentimes we are constrained by unfortunate things like budgets…), but art/decor is my favorite place to start making those investments. They can come with you as you move, make a space feel like yours, and always remind me of the time in my life when I got them.
More artists whose work has caught my eye recently: Jess Allen, Leighton Bannock (obsessed with this commission she did for the ShopMy office), and Down The Street’s amazing vintage curation!
Any more splurges that are worth it?? Or better yet, ones that aren’t?! I want to know! Drop them in the comments!