I’m a shopping editor, and this is what I will always buy again (and again)
Updated
As Nine’s Shopping editor, I have a black book of products I like to call my ‘buy agains’; they’re my hall of famers, desert island picks, best in class – the products I will loyally throw down for over and over again, buy in every colour and tell anyone who will listen, “Yes, it’s worth it!”
Sneak a peek at Carina's favourite things. Supplied
To celebrate the relaunch of Nine Shopping (welcome, we hope you like it here!) I feel it’s only fair to share the fruits of my labour – and in some small way justify my spending – because a smart shopping decision is a shopping decision worth sharing.
If you’re after fail-safe recommendations that are deserving of your hard-earned, here’s a shortlist from my Black Book of Buy Agains.
Want to skip straight to part two? Read: What to buy according to a shopping editor who can’t stop shopping.
Happy shopping!
The suitcase you’ll never lose
July Checked Suitcase with CaseSafe, $445
July CaseSafe suitcase July
I’m all for tracking. I’ve spent too much of my life standing around a baggage carousel waiting for my bag to appear, stressed that it’s been left on the tarmac, or somehow ended up on a plane to Barbados, or even worse, stolen!
Sure, I could get the same result, for a lot less, by chucking a Tile or AirTag into any old suitcase, but July is expert in creating suitcases that are considered, and the CaseSafe feature (which is a world first, btw) is compatible with Apple’s Find My network and Google’s Find Hub network. The compartments are well-thought-out, and the dividers make sharing the 80L Checked Suitcase a pleasant experience.
As for carry-on…
Luggage is definitely moving into sleek territory, thankfully away from the less inspiring soft-shell fabrications, which is why I love wheeling Antler’s Icon Stripe Cabin with Expander carry-on suitcase around. It’s ridiculously easy to squeeze your hand into the body to grab your passport, and it will fit nicely in overhead compartments on the planes and in your car’s backseat footwell.
The silk pillowcase to boost your hair and skincare
Adairs silk pillowcase, $74.99
Adairs silk pillowcase Adairs
It should be a universal rule. If you have a head and you sleep on a pillow, your pillowcase should be made of silk. Beyond the hair benefits and how gentle it is on your skin, especially for side sleepers (guilty as charged), the cooling effect and comfort that it provides are unlike anything. I buy these in bulk so I always have a fresh pillowcase. Even when I travel, I BYO, so I never have to rest my head on anything but silk, sue me.
The polish that will save you hundreds
Essie Gel Couture nail polish, $8.99
Essie Gel Couture nail polish Essie
My nails have been through a lot. At this point, I should leave them alone, but I can’t and I won’t. After an allergic reaction to a BIAB manicure, my nails demanded a break because they were breaking away from my nail bed (gross, I know, I’m sorry). The professional recommendation? No more gel polish or anything that requires curing under lights. I cried for a bit. But then realised if I was ‘careful’ I could still paint my nails.
Essie’s Gel Couture range gives the gel effect without the damage, cost and time-wasting. The colour range is solid (Fairy Tailor is my go-to), and the formula is long-lasting. Fifteen days to be exact, but when your nails grow fast, does anyone want their polish to last that long? I don’t, so while I can get 15 days out of this polish, I choose to reapply every 10 days, and my nails and bank balance are better for it. Just note, you need the top coat to set it and achieve the long-lasting finish.
The appliance you’ll wish you bought sooner
KitchenAid Go Cordless Collection
KitchenAid Go Cordless range KitchenAid
When I’m not here, I’m in the kitchen, usually blitzing avocado in my Top Down Chopper, juicing lemons with the Citrus Juicer and then cleaning up all my mess with the Kitchen Vacuum. These three appliances are my pride and joy, mostly because they are so good at what they do, but also because they don’t require a powerpoint to work, just a 10.8V battery that you can use for all three. The Go Cordless range has a lot more to it, like a blender, hand mixer and coffee grinder if you want the full set. It’s a clever approach to cooking for kitchens and benchtops that don’t have the space for plug-in appliances.
The do-everything-in pants
Nimble In Motion Cropped Flared Pant, $139
Nimble In Motion Cropped Flared Pants Nimble
These are the cropped flares I live in. If I’m heading to Pilates, grocery shopping, hanging around the house, running for a coffee or catching up with friends at the pub, I’m probably wearing my cropped flared pants. Designed more for the athleisure aesthetic, they’re easy to dress up while remaining super comfortable no matter what you’re up to. Bonus points for the hidden pocket tucked into the back of the waistband.
In case you’re wondering, the pants I wear exclusively for gym workouts are straight from Amazon. The CRZ Yoga tights from the Butterluxe Collection are a cheaper alternative to lululemon, saving you close to $100. Beyond the logo and price, there’s no telling the two apart.
The pimple patch that actually works
Derma Angel Acne Patches with Salicylic Acid, $12.99
Derma Angel pimple patch Derma Angel
Turns out you’re never too old for a pimple patch. But when it comes to using them, I have some rules. They need to be subtle, clear stickers that don’t offend or draw more attention to the pimple that’s decided to take up prime real estate on your face.
Derma Angel Acne Patches with Salicylic Acid, particularly the soothing and clearing options, stick and stay stuck over long stints (where other brands fail) and helpfully clear and diffuse a blemish before it turns. The trick is to catch them early and use the patches overnight for best results.
The coffee machine if you’re serious about coffee
Breville The Oracle Jet, $3349
Breville coffee machine Breville
This is the only machine I trust to make my morning coffee, but also my espresso martinis. It’s so intuitive; it knows me better than I know myself. With the ability to automatically grind, dose and tamp, you can turn it on, select your pre-set coffee preference and let it do its thing.
Sure, this feels like an investment, but once you start making your daily coffee (or martini – we don’t judge), you’ll appreciate how cost-effective it is long term.
The pyjamas everyone deserves to sleep in
Papinelle pyjamas, $139.95
Papinelle pyjamas Papinelle
Papinelle’s Kate Modal Soft Full-Length PJ Set will never die, which means that I shouldn’t be buying them over and over again, but I do. I buy them as gifts (new mums love them) and when I want a new colour to throw into my pyjama rotation. I wish all clothes were made with the same silky and sustainably sourced Lenzing Tencel Modal fibres as these pyjamas.
Want more? When the Shopping team isn’t busy vetting and testing, they’re scouring the internet for the best deals so you never miss out on an affordable, top-tier recommendation.
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