Save Money, Skip the Hassle: These Are the Best Affordable Essentials Right Now
I used to think you had to pay a premium to get quality. Whether it was earbuds that never fit right, water bottles that leaked, or razors that left me with irritated skin -- I just figured the frustration was part of the deal. But then I decided to make a change, commit to finding and using more innovative, affordable options, money can buy, that actually work. The first item was the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Lite. I'd gone through my fair share of cheap earbuds that sounded tinny or had horrible battery life, but I was surprised by how good these were. They're light, comfortable, and sound pretty great for the price. I use them every day, at the gym, when I work, and on the phone. The SIGG Stainless Steel Bottle was next. I would routinely replace the plastic bottles I had, as they cracked, leaked or smelled bad. This one is solid, leakproof and simply feels premium. It freshens water, looks clean, and fits in my bag without leaking. Finally, the Philips OneBlade 360 Face has revolutionised my shaving experience. It is light, precise, and does not irritate my skin--plus the flexible head makes edging and trimming so much easier!
SIGG Stainless Steel Bottle — Durable, Stylish, and Perfect for All-Day Hydration
Pros
- High-quality stainless steel construction
- Excellent insulation
- Leak-proof design with a wide mouth
Where to buy
While I had tried a number of different water bottles that leaked, smelled bad, or felt cheap, I knew I had to have something that felt more permanent and dependable. I was looking for something that would keep my drinks fresh and cold all day long. That was when I found the SIGG Stainless Steel Bottle. I wanted a water bottle that was solid, unique and easy to haul, and it was precisely that and more! From the start, the quality and build of this bottle were apparent. It is made of high-quality stainless steel, and it definitely feels strong! The insulated version keeps my drinks cold for several hours, and on the cooler days, it keeps my drinks warm without any sweating or losing heat quickly. The cap is leak-proof, which hopefully means no spills in my bag. I really liked that it had a wide mouth, which makes it easy to throw some ice in and to clean your bottle very easily. There is no weird taste or smell, because it is made from BPA-free material, and you are just drinking water! This is not the cheapest bottle, but if you are looking for a dependable, environmentally friendly water bottle that showcases durability, unique style and fantastic temperature control, you've found it with the SIGG Stainless Steel Bottle!
Why Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Lite Are My Go-To Budget Earbuds
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable for long hours of use
- Compact and portable charging case
Where to buy
I have tried plenty of wireless earbuds in the past, but the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Lite blew me away. They are under 30 euros at the time of this review and provide decent sound quality at a price point where people shouldn't have high expectations. They are lightweight, and they felt great in my ears right out of the box. I wore them for hours without fatigue. One of my favourite experiences is setting up Wi-Fi 5.2 on my phone and earbuds. I have hardly experienced dropouts or lag, no matter if I am walking around my house or out for a jog. The sound is clear, there is decent bass for music and podcasts, and they put enjoyable sound playback above average for a budget earbud. I would rate battery life as decent. About 5.5 hours on a single charge using the earbuds. The compact charging case allows for an extra 20 hours. I use them nearly every day for calls, music, or simply tuning out while I work and writing this review, I realise I am writing this with the earbuds. The touch controls they provide are perfect for pausing, playing, or skipping a track, and there is an ellipsis available to answer a call without even looking for my phone. For people looking for a wireless earbud that doesn't break the bank with expected budget issues, the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Lite deliver incredible performance.
Philips OneBlade 360 Face — The Ultimate All-in-One Grooming Tool
Pros
- Versatile grooming
- Comfortable and precise
- Convenient design
Where to buy
I had tried so many razors that either irritated my skin or did not give me a proper clean and trim. I knew I needed something different- something versatile, reliable and straightforward. That is when I found the Philips OneBlade 360 Face. I wanted a grooming tool that could trim, edge and shave without hassle, and this one has not let me down. From the moment I took it out of the package, I admired the solid build and ergonomic design. The dual-sided blade glides across my skin and can trim and shave hairs of all lengths effortlessly. The 360° flexible head makes it easy to navigate all of the contours of my face, including some of the difficult spots under my nose and around my jawline. The included stubble combs allow you to adjust the beard length easily. It is waterproof, so you may use it wet or dry. The battery life is also surprisingly good; you can expect to get about 45 minutes of Cordless use when fully charged, so it provides you enough time to use it daily, which is ideal for travel.