11 "Basic" Things We Love Unapologetically

Where’s the shame in that? “Basic” or not, these 11 items are things we own that make us unequivocally happy – whether because they genuinely enhance our lives by streamlining our daily tasks or simply because they’re pretty to look at. We’ve done our part in de-influencing by sharing our list of 10 makeup products we tried last year that you shouldn’t waste your money on, and now with that money you saved, it’s time we influence you to finally hit “buy” on the trendy things we can’t live without. You earned it – it’s girl math, really. 

So, let’s get started.

Evie's product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.

Stanley The Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler, $45

“So it looks cute with my outfits – sue me. I recently caved and finally bought myself a beautiful, pearly white Stanley. I had been essentially buying anything but for a couple of years and kept feeling envious whenever I would see the pretty tumblers my friends carried in various feminine Stanley colors. All I could find was a drab beige one on Amazon, and honestly, it looked a bit depressing. Once my toddler knocked it off the counter a couple of months ago and broke the cheap handle, it was finally my chance to splurge on the real deal, and I'm so glad I did. It's so pretty that I don't mind seeing it on my desk or in my car throughout the day, and it really does keep my water so much colder than my previous tumblers at similar price points. Does it make me basic? Of course. But it also makes me happy.” – Anna Hartman, Managing Editor

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer in Fu$$y, $21

“Why does nothing else compare to this overpriced lip gloss? I currently own three of them in the same exact shade – Fu$$y – so that I can keep one in the car, one in my go-to purse, and one in my diaper bag. Yes, I need to feel pretty even if I’m running to babynastics with my littles.” – Anna Hartman, Managing Editor

Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, $48

“It's kind of expensive for a cream, but I love the smell on my skin. I'm really picky with scents.” – Nicole Dominique, Culture Commentator

Grace and Stella Eye Masks Gold, $22

“I love Grace and Stella Eye Masks! I have them in every single shimmery color (pink, blue, gold, and purple), and they really do make a difference. Putting them on each morning makes me feel slightly more on top of my life.” – Carmen Schober, Culture Commentator 

Glass Coffee Mugs, $21

“I love my ridiculously huge glass coffee mugs! They're completely unnecessary and take up a lot of space on the shelf, but there is something super satisfying about drinking my morning espresso in a pretty cup. I'll probably end up buying fancy ice trays next so my iced drinks can also be aesthetic.” – Carmen Schober, Culture Commentator 

Aerie Bootcut Leggings, $23

“I think they look a little more elevated and ‘pant-like’ than just regular leggings, and make my legs look forever long! I just bought this pair from Aerie (on sale!) and am obsessed! The quality is amazing, there's a built-in control top to help smooth out the stomach area, and the seaming down the front adds such a nice visual detail!” – Rachel Squier, Social Media Manager

Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil, $40

“I know it's basic, but there's a reason why so many women rave over this lip product. The colors are beautiful, it stays on your lips, and adds so much natural shine. Wearing it makes me happy, so I don't even feel bad that it's considered basic.” – Caitlin Shaw, Contributing Writer

Altar’d State Cloud Slipper, $70

“Definitely my platform Tasman slippers. They're dupes of the Ugg Tasmans, and they sat in my cart for weeks while I told myself I didn't need them. They're definitely basic, but I wear them every single day, and they make me feel cute (and more put together than fuzzy socks) when I'm working from home.” – Alina Clough, Contributing Writer

UGG Classic Ultra Mini Boots, $150

“I love my UGGs. Even when they weren't in style, I've always had a pair because they're easy to throw on in the fall or winter to help keep my feet warm. Wearing them with leggings and an oversized sweater while drinking Starbucks may be the height of basic, but it brings me so much joy.” – Meghan Dillon, Contributing Writer

Beats by Dr. Dre Solo3 Wireless Headphones, $100

“They're not the best in terms of audio quality, but I'm such a slave to both my Powerbeats Beats Solo3 Wireless True Wireless On-Ear Headphones in Rose Gold and Powerbeats Pro True Wireless High-Performance Earbuds in Ivory. Yes, I had to have them in the quintessential basic colors, and yes, I had to have both headphones and earbuds to switch between based on my mood, location, and outfit – it honestly matters! I'd never be caught dead using AirPods – partially because they hurt my ears and partially because they're too basic for me – but name-brand, high-quality headphones and earbuds that I can use interchangeably make work, exercise, travel, and life in general so much smoother.” – Andrea Mew, Contributing Writer

Essential Oil Diffuser, $22

“It makes me feel put together and homey and definitely happy! And I love finding out about what scents stimulate what mood and how some herbal scents are good for different health benefits/systems!” – Anna Hugoboom, Contributing Writer

Closing Thoughts

So, there you have it! If you’ve been eyeing the latest viral product, or just that pair of UGG boots every girl and her mother definitely owns by now, this is your sign to finally hit the “check out” button. If you’re not buying something for the sole reason that you’re afraid of looking “basic,” ask yourself if you’re also willing to trade the happiness that it might bring if you do. 

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