For the past six years, I’ve covered all things shopping—including Prime Day—at Real Simple, and in that time, I’ve learned two money-saving lessons: always buy items on sale and always shop early.
If you’re a deal hunter like me, Amazon Prime Day 2024 is probably already on your radar, but you may not know that you can start shopping deals before it begins. Amazon dropped thousands of markdowns on coveted tech, home, kitchen, fashion, and beauty products, which I’m taking advantage of now to ensure I can get everything I want before popular items sell out. Everything I’m buying is practical, and it’s all $80 or less.
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Sometimes you don’t know you want or need something until you see it, and that was the case with this dress. The simplicity, versatility—and that color—I love it all. Reviewers say it’s comfortable, elegant, and easy to dress up and down. And I know I’ll find endless ways to wear this to the office, out with friends, while traveling, and more through early fall.
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iMy friend who has this clever charger let me test it during a recent trip together, and I knew right away that I’d have to get one for myself. The travel-friendly charging station folds up into a small, space-saving square that’s easy to throw into a bag or suitcase, and it features a dedicated spot for Apple Watches, AirPods, and phones, allowing you to power up multiple devices at one time.
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I always use Prime Day as a chance to stock up on products that I tend to go through quickly, like my favorite L’Oréal Paris Lash Paradise mascara. I’ve been using this one for years and always receive compliments galore for the long and full lash look it achieves.
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Similarly, I’m grabbing at least one more bottle of this mineral spray sunscreen from Sun Bum. This one quickly melts into skin and doesn’t feel sticky, and I have peace of mind knowing this one relies on a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formula that won’t irritate sensitive skin.
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I am slowly, but surely upgrading my cookware to replace pieces that have seen better days or ones that contain potentially harmful nonstick coatings. This time around, I’m opting for stainless steel, which is naturally nonstick when used correctly, lasts a lifetime, and can be used to make all kinds of meals. This one is oven and broiler safe, too.
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Likewise, I’m on a mission to eventually remove all plastics from my kitchen, which is why I’m snagging several reusable food containers made from microwave- and dishwasher-safe glass. This set features a leak-proof design in large sizes that will be great for storing meal-prepped sides for the week.
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My keyboard is also starting to go, so I’m planning to replace it with this affordable one, which offers a low profile, quiet typing, and soft keys that makes it a “great alternative” to pricer brands, like Apple. My fingers, which are tired of hard, sticky keys, will be thrilled.