It’s important to have the right tools on hand when building your Path to Success. If your tools are of crappy quality, they will break halfway on the journey, and leave you in the lurch. Too expensive, and you’ll be chasing your tail all year to try and justify them. But, if you’re not on the same budget as the 1%, perhaps I can be of help. Here is my list of the most basic, yet helpful, things to have on hand to help you achieve success.

For those who are not quite Beauty Product Aficionados, but value self-care (like me):

• Micellar water – by far the best and most affordable cleanser and facial treatment that I’ve come across. Starting from $7, this is one option that will not break the bank.
• Moisturiser – as someone with sensitive skin, I feel like I’ve tried every option out there. By far, my current favourite is a wonderfully rich cream by La Roche Posay. Certainly not available to everyone, but this is one option that is worth its weight in gold. No perfumes, nasties or irritants, this baby will keep you hydrated and youthful all day long. Available in just about every chemist or department store in Australia.
• Oil – Lancombe Miracle Oil. Ok. I’m not going to lie, I didn’t buy this product – I’m still using the free sample that I was given in December (it’s now February!!). One or two drops per day, and it’s liquid GOLD, my friends. That being said, most serums and oils are much the same in my opinion, and should you choose a reputable brand, there isn’t a huge amount of difference. Failing that, just apply a rich moisturiser, like my good old favourite La Roche Posay.
• Clear nail polish – Having my nails painted (even clear!) helps to make me feel so much put together. And protects my nail health. Check out this option for an affordable, neutral colour combo.
• Mascara and eyeliner – Maybelline are selling a duo option online for the sweet, sweet price of $21.50 AUD. Bargain. That being said, my fail-proof FAVOURITE of all mascaras is Urban Decay’s Better Than Sex options, both in regular and waterproof. With the added amazing feature that they are both vegan and cruelty-free!
• Eyebrow pencil – if eyes are the windows to the soul, eyebrows are the curtains. Keep your face well framed with my current favourite eyebrow pencil from MAC. Once this runs out I do intend to replace with a cruelty-free option, but for now I am using up the products that I already have.

For the Stationary Nerds and Office Workers

• Planners, planners planners! While any notebook will do, if you are as stationary-passionate as I am then only the best will suffice. My two favourites are a simple, lined moleskin, and the infallible HOBONICHI; ie the QUEEN of planners, diaries and bullet journalling. Seriously. My utter, utter, favourite planner of all time, available with various covers, as a single whole-year volume, or split into two 6-month (lighter) modules. I like to keep my personal and work planners separate, but if you are organised enough, it’s certainly doable to combine them with these handy little options.
• Walking Pads. Personally, I love my daily walks – so much so that they are one of my most favourite times of day. I listen to podcasts, and almost always run into a friend or a neighbour for a chat. However, if you aren’t living somewhere with weather favourable to a regular walk, consider looking at a walking pad – amazon has a number of options here , for reasonable prices. While they are the one item on this list so far that is over $100, if used every day then the cost per use can be as little as $1/day (or less!) depending on the option you select.

Exercise equipment

• Skipping rope/weighted skipping rope – this one from rebel sport was a gift from my sister for last Christmas. I used to be very much into endurance running and cycling, but after completing my 70.3 Ironman in 2019, I have to admit I stopped a lot of running and opted for walking and skipping! If weighted skipping ropes aren’t your thing, a regular speed rope from a dollar store will do perfectly!
• Sports gear – My favourite brand is Lorna Jane – proudly Australian owned and designed by Lorna Jane Clarkson. My sister used to work for this brand back when we were in high school, and that was where the love affair started, and never ended. To this day, the only sports bra that I use with consistency for high-intensity workouts is this one. In addition, all their leggings are squat proof, and mine have lasted years longer than they should have, with my poor care techniques. That being said, they are certainly not the cheapest brand out there. For all my shorts, I’ve been buying Lonsdale and FILA from Target Australia without any complaints (averaging $12 per pair!), and all my racer back exercise tops are from Cotton On, without exception, and almost exclusively bought when on sale, many years ago.

These are probably the things that I use MOST commonly throughout the year for my own personal sanity, but please send through any areas that you would like me to expand into!

Disclaimer: Some of the links included in this post link to affiliate websites, and any resulting purchase may earn me a small commission. That being said, all of the items listed above have been used by me, and are genuine recommendations.

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