2025 was the year I stopped asking, “Do I really need this?” and started asking, “Will this support the life I’m building?” From skincare to shoes, fitness to friendships, I invested in things that made me feel stronger, more grounded, and honestly more me. Some of them were big splurges. Others were simple choices that changed my everyday. Either way, these 10 investments made the biggest impact on my life this year, and I’d make them all over again.
My Top Purchases from 2025
I made some really fun investments in my closet and beauty routine this year! Here are my favorites that I’m glad I got and that I would buy again! Notice that they are all pieces that are versatile, well made, and will elevate your look.
- Barrel Jeans– I was very hesitant to try this trend. But once I found a style and inseam that worked for my long legs, I loved it!! These jeans in particular come in several inseam lengths so they work on lots of body types! Don’t knock it til you try it!
- Silver Birkenstocks– I wore these sandals all summer long!! The metallic sheen elevates the normally casual Birkenstock look. They’re comfy. They’re cute. I’m already looking forward to wearing them again when the weather gets warmer!
- Leather Belt– It’s hard finding a belt with silver hardware! I found this leather belt on Amazon of all places!! The price is unbeatable and the quality is really great! It comes in lots of belt colors and hardware combinations.
- 4D Laser Light Therapy Mask– This is by far the best beauty investment I made this year! It’s more than just a red light therapy mask…it penetrates deeper and is more effective. I use it about 3 times a week and use it along with my waterless skincare. My skin is skinning!! It is an investment but totally worth it! Save $160 with this discount code: JOELLEN (Read my full mask review!)
- Waterless Beauty– I’ve been using waterless skincare for almost 2 years, but this year I started using waterless makeup too! And I LOVE it!! It’s skincare infused makeup so it’s hydrating and nourishing. It especially works well with mature skin. My favorite products are the skin tint, contour stick, and blush stick. So so so good!
- Mirror– I got this mirror for myself for Christmas and I feel so fancy! It’s a desktop mirror that is so classy and chic! And…it’s under $50!!
- Left on Friday Swimsuit– During the summer, I’m in a swimsuit a lot!! So it’s important that I feel comfortable and confident in one. I tried Left on Friday for the first time and I LOVE their suits!! The top and bottom are extremely comfy…like wearing nothing. They cover in the right places and stay put. The range of colors are AMAZING. You can mix and match. So so good!
- Sapahn Purse- You know my love for Sapahn purses is strong! I added this French Navy with silver hardware purse to my collection and it’s the perfect everyday bag. So classy. So chic. Save 15% with this discount code: JOELLEN15
- Wool Bomber Jacket– I love a wool jacket. And this one is so cool! It’s not a traditional wool coat…it’s a bomber! I reach for it all the time!! It’s casual yet chic. It comes in 3 colors. I love it so much!
- Suede Boots– I love the femininity of these boots. They’re sleek, the color is subtle, and they go so well with pants or skirts. And! They’re extremely comfortable. Win win!
- Bonus! (and not pictured) Jean Jumper– I LOVE this dress!! I bought it in September and have worn it so much! It’s a dress that can be worn all year round…on its own, with a short sleeve or long sleeve tee underneath, or with a jacket. It looks great with sandals, sneakers, boots, or heals. It comes in 3 washes and different lengths.
How to Be More Intentional
Not everything I spent money on this year was flashy or fun…but some things truly changed my daily life, mindset, or confidence. These are the things that felt like investments, not just purchases. The kind of things that gave more than they took. That supported my growth, my peace, my glow, and my goals.
If you’re making your 2026 vision board, let this be a little inspiration for what to say yes to.
Invest in Better Skincare and Makeup
There comes a point when you realize drugstore just isn’t cutting it anymore…and not because you’re high-maintenance, but because your skin deserves better. At this stage in life, you want products that work with your skin, not against it. Skincare that actually delivers hydration, glow, and healing. Makeup that enhances your features without settling into every line.
Investing in better products isn’t about vanity…it’s about honoring the skin you’re in. When your skincare is clean, concentrated, and nourishing, your makeup doesn’t have to work as hard. And when your makeup melts into your skin instead of masking it? You look and feel like your best self, effortlessly.
Better products = better results = better confidence. It’s that simple.
For me, I’ve learned that waterless beauty is the way to go. It’s more potent and powerful and more effective! I’m done wasting money on watered down products that don’t do anything for my skin. Waterless skincare was the best investment I made in my skin in 2024 and 2025. My skin got its glow back!
Fill out my custom skin form to get complimentary skincare recommendations for your skin type!
How to Make Good Investments in Your Wardrobe
If you want to be wiser with your time and money, then it’s important to be intentional with your purchases. It’s easy to see something you love and quickly click add to cart. It’s harder being intentional before and during you purchase something. Here are some tips that help me make good investments in my wardrobe that I won’t regret…
Take Inventory
Before you go shopping online or in person, you need to do a little homework. It will take some time, but it will be worth it in the end!
- Go through your closet and see what it’s missing. Are there shoes, accessories, outerwear, basics, or other items that you feel could help round out your closet?
- Look through your clothes and see what you need to replace. Are any items worn out, don’t fit, or stained/ripped?
- Is there anything that you’ve been wanting that will go well with other pieces in your closet?
Make a list of all the things that are missing, need to be replaced, or that you want. Keep the list handy on your phone so you can refer to it when you’re shopping. When you shop with a plan, you will make better purchases!
Take Your Measurements
To avoid wasting time and money on clothing that doesn’t fit, it’s crucial to know your sizing! You can’t rely on the size on the tag to know something will fit. If you’re shopping online, you can check the size charts and the item’s size details to get an idea if it will fit.
Here are the steps to take your proper body measurements:
- Bust– Wearing a bra, take a flexible measuring tape and wrap it completely around the fullest part of your bust and back. Make sure the measuring tape is level all the way around to get an accurate measurement. Record your measurement where the tape meets the beginning.
- Waist– Either wear a tight fitting shirt or measure directly on your bare skin. Place the flexible measuring tape above your hip bone, near your belly button. Wrap it around your front and back. This should be loose enough that you can easily breathe, but without any slack in the tape. Record your measurement where the tape meets the beginning.
- Hips– To get the most accurate measurement, wear very tight bottoms or just your underwear. Wrap the tape measure completely around the fullest part of your bum and hips. Record your measurement where the tape meets the beginning.
- Inseam– Take a measuring tape and measure from just below your crotch to the bottom of your ankle.
Pause and Ask
While you shop, you’re bound to find clothing and shoes and accessories you love! And it will be really easy to like something because the price is amazing! But before you commit to buying something, it’s crucial to pause and ask yourself some questions:
- Do you love it?
- Does it fit?
- Do you look & feel great in it?
- Is it well made?
- Is it versatile? (can it go with other items in your closet?)
- Will you use it?
- Would I buy it even if it wasn’t on sale?
If you can answer yes to those questions, then it’s safe to say that it will be a good investment! That pause and reflection can save you so much wasted money!
Looking back, these weren’t just purchases…they were permission slips. To care for my skin, my body, my home, my people, and myself. If you’re stepping into 2026 wanting to feel more aligned, more confident, and more intentional…maybe one of these can be your next best investment too. Because when women invest in themselves? Everyone around them benefits.
Here are other blogposts that you might enjoy:
- Where to Buy Oliveda Skincare
- Top 5 Oliveda Products I Can’t Live Without
- Why Waterless Skincare is Ideal for Aging Skin (Featuring Oliveda)
- Oliveda Serums Review: Best Picks for Aging, Sensitivity, & Glow
- My Year of Waterless Skincare: Results, Favorites & What’s Next
- Olive Rose Gift Guide
- New Year, New Glow: 5 Skincare Habits to Start in 2026
- Styling Olive Rose Makeup with Oliveda Skincare: Layering & Prep for Perfect Foundation
About the Author
JoEllen is a licensed esthetician, certified makeup artist, and certified John Maxwell coach, speaker, and trainer. She works with women helping them look and feel confident. She loves teaching women simple beauty techniques so they can feel empowered to try it at home. Her motto is that when you look and feel good, you do good!
*This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase an item featured in this post, I get a small portion from the sale. Thank you!
