I had a Sephora gift card that I got for my birthday last weekend and went in and blew the whole thing, plus $12 of my own money. I got three Phyto hair products (the shampoo at $24, a hair mask at $38 and a leave-in conditioner at $22), a Lancome moisturizer at $50 and a couple of little odds and ends. I could spend $500 – who am I kidding, $1000 – in that store SO EASILY. Love it.

I’ve used Lancome makeup for 20-plus years. I’ve tried other products off and on, but they’ve made my skin break out. I don’t know if it’s because it’s just something different or if Lancome is better for my skin, but I’m hesitant to change because of it.

I do use salon quality shampoo and conditioner. I used Pantene for a while years ago, but broke out in the worst back acne of my life and stopped using it once I figured out it was the hair product that was doing it. I will switch between a cheaper shampoo and the more expensive ones because your hair does get “used” to a shampoo if you use it all the time and doesn’t clean as well. Plus, it stretches out the more expensive products. The same with styling products, but those last me about 6 months, so I don’t feel as bad about the expense.

Cheap tip….I use an inexpensive shampoo to shave with. It works really well and it doesn’t leave the grime in the tub you have to clean up that shave creams/gels do.

Handbads and shoes….

I bought my first designer handbag (Dooney & Burke) in college. It cost $160 and I had to borrow half of that from my roomate (promptly paid her back, of course…and this is when I could live on $400 a month INCLUDING my half of the rent, phone and utilities on our apartment….VERY cheap).

I LOVE HANDBAGS. I’ve owned/own about 8 Coach bags (although I’m not fond of their current line), several Burberry and Kate Spade. My highschool boyfriend started the trend when he brought me back a Gucci bag he bought in Italy on a summer trip (still have that one). I have bought some bags that I just love the design that weren’t overly expensive….Anne Taylor, J. Crew.

I tell my husband I’m a collector of EVENTUALLY vintage handbags. What? It could be true….

I don’t go too cheap on shoes (i.e., Payless) because I have VERY sensitive feet. The skin literally melts off if I have an improper fit or the material is too rough. I do try to look for bargains and shop often to hit sales before the masses find them.

I did just indulge in a pair of Cole Hann heels. NOT because I’m suddenly aware of them because of K. Gosselin, but because I read about it when they introduced the Nike Air technology they put in their heels…extra cushioning you can’t even see. I tried them on in the store and fell in love. Sling backs, open-toed, 3-inch heels…and they felt WONDERFUL. SOLD!!!! Although, that’s my shoe budget for the year. BUT…I do have to wear heels for work, and walk around downtown A LOT, so it’s an investment in my quality of life….or my feet.

I realize there are many people out there who think it would be RIDICULOUS to spend more than you have to for make-up, hair products, purses or shoes. I can appreciate that point of view, but I’m also not going to tell another person how to spend their money. (Not that anyone here is).

I’m all for doing what makes you happy, whether it’s being frugal or splurging once in a while (while being financially responsible, of course). As women and moms we’re always thinking about others. If the fact our hair is “bouncin’ and behavin’” or our calves look fabulous in those heels gives us the extra boost to get through the day, then I say, “GO FOR IT!”

I get my hair done at a salon but that’s only because my husband got me a gift certificate. I buy Bath and Body Works handsoap, body wash and lotion. And makeup from MAC but are those considered expensive? They’re no Aveda or Chanel.