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Products I Bought From Ads (Yes, really!)

     These days, you cannot scroll through Instagram or listen to a podcast without hearing ads. I mean, if you're a fan of the Bachelor franchise like I am, then you know that the only post-Bachelor career trajectory is Instagram Influencer. I'm not shitting on that as a way to make money: do you and collect your paychecks! Hell, if I could get paid to try products and talk about them on social media, I would totally do it (you hear that, companies?). Some people also hate the ads in their favorite podcasts but podcasts are a lot of work, so I'm all about them collecting money however they can so I can keep listening to my favorite episodes. All of this is to say, that for a long time I was skeptical of anything I heard or saw in one of those ads. Until I wasn't.

     Over the past couple of years in an attempt to save money, I finally tried some products and I want to share my favorites with you. All of what I am about to show you gets delivered to my mailbox; it seems funny that that statement should be a highlight, but in these times of social distancing, that fact is more important than ever. These things have saved me money and been good for beauty  routine. If I have referral codes, I'll share, because we could all use a little extra savings. 

Dollar Shave Club Razor

     If anyone has needed to purchase equipment for shaving ever, then you know how expensive it is. Even disposable razors add up. And because of the stupid pink tax, razors marketed at women sometimes cost more than those marketed to men. Enter: Dollar Shave Club. Now, a little disclaimer: DSC is definitely marketed to cis-gendered men, which is silly, because people of all genders shave parts of their body. Interestingly, I heard about this on the Throwing Shade podcast, and one of the hosts, Erin, did an ad for DSC and said she uses them. They could definitely use work on genderless branding though. But that aside, this has saved me so much money over the years. The handle is sturdy, doesn't rust, and works very well.  I think the initial purchase was like, $15? I don't remember, as I have been at this for a couple years now. I get 4 cartridges sent every 2 months and it costs $10. That's right. $10. And the blades last a long time since they are designed "for men" whatever that means. 
Very sleek and functional
Added bonus: if you live in a household where other people shave, then you can both be members and order blades that each of you can use when you need them. They also have all sorts of other grooming and shaving products. Tell the pink tax to shove it and sign up for the Club! 

Function of Beauty Shampoo

     About 18 months ago, this was all the rage. And now I see why. It seemed like it was the only product the influencers were pitching. I had been buying and rotating through various drug-store brands of shampoo and while my hair always looked okay, I got split ends easily, and it didn't seem as shiny as I wanted it to be. The thing I liked about the Function of Beauty ads was the whole hair quiz thing. You answer a few questions about what your "hair goals" are, choose a color and a scent (including strength of the fragrance!) and then BAM. You get a personalized set of shampoo and conditioner sent to you. 

This stuff is slightly on the pricey side, but IMO it is worth every penny. It does what it says it will and has transformed my hair. I get so many compliments on it (also because of the amazing Nyssa) but this is part of why. As someone who does public speaking and interfacing with the public for a living (except for right now, obviously) my appearance is important to me. I don't mind spending money on beauty products that make me feel beautiful.

The set pictured I pay $51 every three months, so like, $17/month. They have a lot of options. I use the purple shampoo because I do get my blonde enhanced and I don't want my hair to be brassy. I chose peach scent because it smells i n c r e d i b l e. They have other hair treatments etc. that I will definitely be trying at some point. But if you're looking to solve some hair problems and feel like your best self, I highly recommend this one. Be your own #hairgoals!

Quip Toothbrush

 I had braces for 3.5 years. Headgear, elastics, the. whole. jam. And since the moment they were removed, I have taken my tooth brushing very seriously. Like my hair, I want to make sure my smile looks pretty and healthy because of the public speaking aspects of my job. I have floss in my purse and every bag I carry around for work. And I brush at least twice a day. So when I heard over and over again about the Quip toothbrush, I decided I had to try it. I am so glad I did!
So sleek.

First of all, it looks sleek AF. It's actually gorgeous. It also works like a dream. The first time I used it, my mouth had never felt so clean. It pulses every 30 seconds or so to remind you to shift quadrants of your mouth. I love traveling with it because it's so easy to pack and comes with its own cover! I think I got a promotional deal, and they have different levels but I think I paid around $65 for the brush itself and every 3 months I pay $10 and get a new brush head, battery, AND toothpaste. This was totally worth it, as my mouth has never felt better.

If you're able to shop online and looking to up your beauty game and save money in the long run, then these are products I really recommend. I still sometimes roll my eyes at the various Instagram and podcast ads I hear, but I totally support the folks that do them. Have you purchased anything from an ad you heard and ended up loving it? Drop a comment and let me know!

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