Whether you live with kids, cats, a significant other, or roommates, get these grown-woman essentials cheap. Then you can either save the rest or blow it on a riding mower that plays Beyoncé when you beep the horn (no judgments). Men’s version here.
A Fire Extinguisher
Oh, did you think this was going to be all about purses and makeup? Well, how do you feel about something called NOT DYING? If you've made it to 30, congrats. But guess what? You're going to have to work a little hard to NOT DIE, and this means owning a fire extinguisher.
These puppies expire, so if your landlord provided one when you moved in three years ago, guess what's going to happen when your scented candle tips over and lights up your curtains? YOU'RE GOING TO DIE A FLAMEY DEATH.
Seriously. Be a grown-up. Don't die. Your mother would be proud. This is only $21 at Amazon, which is a lot less than a funeral.
Ed. note from Doree: An ex-boyfriend got me a fire extinguisher for my 25th birthday. It was TOO SOON.
A Clothes Steamer
Who actually irons? Just hang up that shirt that was crumpled in the back of your drawer and steam it on the hanger. Those fancy ones that stylists use with the attached racks are probably better, but this portable steamer is just fine and it's only $24 at Amazon, and it doesn't take up too much space.
A Good Hair Straightener
CHI is the standard fancy straightener brand. It does really make a difference — it irons without frying your hair or making you look like a MySpace emo teen. It's $99 at Target, but Overstock.com has a "refurbished" (who knew?) one for $50.
Good Sunscreen for Your Face
Go nuts with those sprays or cheap lotion with SPF for your body, but you need something decent if you're gonna put it on your face. Especially since you should be wearing it daily, right? Allure magazine voted Neutrogena's Pure & Free Liquid as one the best.
Thrifty tip: Sunscreen is annoyingly expensive, but it goes on sale in drugstores during the fall/winter, so stock up now for next summer.
