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This post is all about material things I can’t live without.
I’m turning 30 soon, and I got the idea from a friend that I should make a list of 30 things that I can’t live without!
To be totally honest, I don’t like having too much stuff. I’m constantly decluttering or thinking about decluttering, but the material possessions in this list are things that I am genuinely happy to have.
So without further ado, here are 30 material things I can’t live without that also make me happy, or just make my life easier or better.
30 Material Things I Can’t Live Without
Here are various material things I can’t live without. Before you read this post, let me just say: if you don’t NEED any of these material items, don’t buy them!
Beauty Products
Here are some of my absolute favorite beauty products.
1. Maybelline Define-A-Lash Mascara
I’ve been using this mascara since I was 16 years old, no joke. You can get it at your local drug store.
I’ve always felt that this mascara does a great job of elongating your lashes and separating them. If you’re into chunky, thick lashes, you may not like this mascara.
This mascara is the makeup product that I have used for the longest period of my life, hands down.
2. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Palette
This is another makeup product that I have been using for a really long time. I have green eyes, so for the last few years I’ve been using the palette with various shades of pink.
This palette is a little more costly, but my latest one has lasted me at least 3 years or so, so I feel like it’s a good investment.
3. Lorac Eyeliner
If you want a great product for winged eyeliner, I highly recommend Lorac’s liquid eyeliner. I’m a wing-loving gal, so if I ever want to do a wing as part of my makeup routine, I am ALWAYS using this one!
I’ve found that the brown color (now called “Espresso”) works great with my green eyes, but if I’m ever wanting to do a more dramatic look, I’ll opt for their black eyeliner instead.
I’m obsessed with this eyeliner and as far as liquid eyeliner goes, I’m never switching!
4. Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser
I love this face wash, and it’s actually what I use to remove my makeup each day.
I’ve struggled with cystic acne for all of my adult life and I feel like this cleanser has always been really gentle on my face.
I LOVE a foaming cleanser as opposed to a gel cleanser that doesn’t foam. I never feel like gel cleansers clean my face in the same way that foaming cleansers do.
I love keeping a bottle of it in the shower to wash my face and remove my makeup there, too.
5. Revlon Kiss Lip Balm
This is my favorite lip balm for an everyday kind of wear. I love the Cherry color, personally, but I often wear all of them.
I will say that it doesn’t last super long nor does it build well, but it’s great if you want to throw something on before heading out the door and running errands.
It’s also really cheap, and I just learned that it has SPF 20, so that’s a perk!
6. Redken Detangler
On days where I wet my hair but don’t fully wash it (like after a tough workout, for example) I love using this Redken product.
It’s a leave-in conditioner, heat protectant, and so many other things, but I use it for its detangling. This way, when I get out of the shower, I spray this in my hair to help detangle it, which makes it so much easier to brush through.
Plus, I live in Florida where the sun is really strong, and this spray makes me feel like I’m protecting my hair from it just a little bit 🙂 I love this stuff. It’s super effective and a must-have for my lifestyle.
7. “Wet” Hair Brush
I have really fine hair, so I need a brush that is super gentle. In my opinion, there’s nothing better than the Wet Brushes!
There are so many different colors, but I just have the plain black one.
8. Sonicare Electric Toothbrush
If you don’t have an electric toothbrush, what are you doing?! I have an Oral B electric toothbrush and it works great.
These clean your teeth so much better than manual tooth brushes do, and leave your mouth feeling so much cleaner afterward.
9. Claw Clips
I love claw clips because they help salvage a bad hair day or just a day where you don’t feel like washing your hair!
Plus, I feel better about wearing them to keep my hair up than I do when I use a hair tie. I like that I’m not pulling or tightening my hair with a claw clip like I would with a hair tie.
These come in so many kinds and colors, just make sure you get bigger ones if you have thicker hair.
Everyday Must-haves
Here is a list of things that I use on a daily basis, or almost every day!
10. Stanley Cup
I feel like such a dork saying that I love my Stanley Cup because they are so trendy lol but it’s true!!
I have a 30 oz. and a 40 oz. and I love them both so much. They make drinking water so easy, and my overall water intake has increased tremendously because of them.
11. Journal
I have been journaling since I was 15 years old, so having a journal that I can write in at all times is absolutely essential to my life.
I usually just find a pretty journal with plain pages. This journal from Hallmark might be my favorite journal of all time. It comes with a pen that writes so nicely, a softcover, a ribbon to mark your place, and it is a great size.
I also like this similar journal from Amazon:
12. Lululemon Bag
Another thing that is quite trendy but I take with me EVERYWHERE – my Lululemon bag!! This thing is so dang convenient.
I wear it when I’m running errands and going on walks. It’s just so nice to have something that’s relatively small, but big enough to hold my phone, wallet, and keys.
13. Atomic Habits by James Clear
This is the book that changed my life the most in my twenties, I would say. If you haven’t read it, you must!!
It’s all about starting small to develop the habits you want to incorporate into your life. It’s the most practical, helpful book I’ve ever read. Ever!
14. Keurig
I use my Keurig every morning. I have the kind that makes one cup, so it’s perfect for me (especially since I’m trying to drink a little less caffeine these days!).
If you like to drink more than one cup a day, I would say get a regular coffee pot or a Keurig that makes more than just one cup at a time. But if you’re like me, this would be perfect for you!
15. Toolkit
Okay this is such a silly thing but when I tell you that my toolkit has been with me for the last 10+ years, I’m not kidding! I LOVE this thing hahaha.
It’s been with me through at least 5 moves, and is great for if I need to hang things up, measure furniture, ensure that what I hang is level, and so on.
Every woman needs their own toolkit 🙂
16. Robe
For better or for worse, I LIVE in my robe. If you don’t have a robe, idk how you are operating hahaha. They are just so comfortable.
I couldn’t find the exact one that I have, but here’s something similar. It’s soft, light weight, easy to wash, and comes in many different styles and colors.
17. Tommy Bahama Beach Chair
This is, in my opinion, the best beach chair out there.
Not only do they come in multiple styles, but they are comfortable. They have built-in coolers in the back, backpack straps for easy transport, built-in cellphone and drink holders, and a little pillow for your head (lol).
They are a little more pricey than your average beach chair, but they are well worth the investment because they’ll last you for years and years to come.
Tech Essentials
When it comes to technology, I have a few basic necessities… besides my smart phone lol.
18. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
These AirPods are essential on my runs. I’ve been running a lot lately, and it’s nice to not have corded headphones, so that I never feel like I’m going to accidentally rip out an ear bud.
They also last a really long time – I want to say one charge lasts over about a week’s worth of runs. Which is much longer than my Apple Watch, for example.
19. Ergonomic Computer Mouse
Alright, this thing is life-changing, too. I am constantly on a computer, and I used to have really bad wrist pain until I switched over to this mouse.
When I first got it, I was worried about how long it would take me to get comfortable. It took me – not kidding – 5 minutes before I got used to it.
If you are constantly using a computer and always using a standard mouse, I highly recommend you get this mouse instead. Just be sure it’s compatible with whatever computer you have!
20. Long Charger
Long chargers are crucial if you have anything that you want to charge. They just make life so much easier! Lol.
I typically use my long charger to charge my iPhone when I’m in bed. It’s nice to not have to be confined to a certain position if I’m on my phone while it’s charging. Long chargers just give you a lot more flexibility.
These specific chargers only work with an iPhone, so make sure that whatever charger you get is compatible with the kind of phone you have.
21. Music Speaker (UE Boom)
I’m obsessed with my speaker. I bring it whenever I’m going to the beach, or doing anything outdoors. It can get super loud and is a great, convenient size. It also charges relatively quickly!
I’ve had this speaker for at least 5 years now, and it still works just like new.
22. Ring Light / Tripod
Okay I know, I know – a ring light? Really? But honestly this is sooo convenient!
I make content often, and this comes in handy all the time. There are multiple lighting settings and you can adjust the height of it as necessary. I most recently used it for a webinar I held on overcoming self-doubt.
Fitness / Working Out
23. Running Shoes
So one of my friends recently got me new running shoes as an early birthday present, and I am already in love.
I’ve run in Adidas, Nike, and Asics, but my new shoes by On Running are my absolute favorite.
I hurt my knee a few months ago, and I’m always a little nervous about how it will react to new shoes. But it’s safe to say my knee has been unbothered since running with these.
ALSO they are just so cute and come in so many different colors. 10/10 recommend.
24. Lululemon Leggings
I know, I know – real unique haha. But I really do love my Lululemon leggings so much. Especially as someone who sweats a ton when working out, I love that no one can ever tell haha.
PLUS they last forever. And if they rip or tear, you can always take them back to the store and exchange them for a new pair.
They’re expensive, but you get your money’s worth.
I prefer the 25 inch inseam (I’m 5′ 6″) because it stops just above my ankles. If you’re taller, you might like the 28 inch inseam.
25. Pickleball Set
Something that my boyfriend and I have been doing lately is playing pickleball!
Pickleball, to me, is like a giant version of ping pong. It’s great exercise that’s often outdoors and a fun way to spend quality time with other people.
Pickleball was foreign to us just a few months ago, but ever since buying a pickleball set and finding a few pickleball courts near our apartment, we play every now and then and it’s always so much fun.
26. Running Hat
Living in Florida, I can’t operate without a hat to protect my face/eyes.
Lately, I’ve been wearing simple hats, but I really like these ones for running. I’m asking for one of these for my birthday.
They are also sweat-wicking, so they’ll help keep sweat from getting in your eyes.
27. Alani Nu Pre Workout
Like I said above, I’ve been trying not to drink too much caffeine these days, but on days where I could really use a boost of energy before a workout, I really love this pre workout.
It’s yummy, and oftentimes I’ll take half a scoop if I don’t want to take a full one, and it’s still helpful for my workouts!
This pre workout also comes in a variety of flavors. Alani Nu energy drinks are great, too!
Travel Essentials
Here are a few different things that make travel so much easier and more enjoyable.
28. Samsonite Carryon Suitcase
I’m obsessed with my Samsonite suitcase. Not only is it super cute, but it comes in multiple colors as well.
My favorite things about this suitcase are the 360 degree wheels and the lock that it has. This way, whenever I travel and check my bag, for instance, I always feel good about leaving it on its own.
Especially today when there seems to be a ton of luggage getting left behind or lost, the locking system makes me feel so much better!
29. Toiletry Bag
Alright, I’m OBSESSED with this toiletry bag. I take it with me on every single trip I go on.
It’s a great size (I have the black one in medium) and can hold everything from q-tips to medicine to makeup.
It helps me stay organized and ensure that I pack everything I need. Plus, it’s so easy to fold and zip-up and throw in your suitcase. I don’t even remember what I did before I had this thing haha but I’m never going back!
30. Anniversary Travel Map
A few years ago, my boyfriend got me a travel map, and it was one of the best gifts that I’ve ever been given.
Our map says our names, our anniversary date, and then we get to use pushpins to mark every country that we’ve been to together so far.
If you travel with your significant other, or even your best friend or family member(s), this is a GREAT, sentimental gift idea that you can have in your lives forever.
Final Thoughts
Which of these items from my list of material things I can’t live without are you most interested in? Let me know in the comments below!
This post was all about 30 material things I can’t live without.
Other posts you might like that are similar to this one about material things I can’t live without:
The BEST Minimalist Packing List For A Beach Vacation
12 Perfect Gifts For The Solo Traveler In Your Life
