If you would question me about being “brand loyal”, I would most likely tell you I’m NOT — and I suppose, for the majority of things I truly don’t care much about what specific brand I buy. I’ll buy whatever is more readily available, more practical, more user-friendly, on sale, etc. and it usually works just fine for me.
However, over the years (as I get older!!!) I’ve become more and more brand loyal as I find specific brands I love, that my kids prefer, and that seem to work better for me.
SO….. in honor of my birthday coming up this Saturday, I thought it might be fun to share some of the things I’m willing to spend more on JUST to get the brand I’ve come to love.
You’ll probably notice that many of the things listed below have also been featured on my ever-growing list of Favorite Things over the years… and that’s because these items and brands truly are MY FAVORITES!
Hint hint Dave… all of these would be good gifts! 🙂
NOTE: This post is not sponsored, and the products are not listed in any particular order!
Yoplait Strawberry Yogurt Tubs
Even as a child, my most favorite yogurt was Yoplait strawberry yogurt — mainly because it didn’t have any “chunks” of fruit in it (note: the 32 oz. tubs of strawberry yogurt don’t have chunks, the individual serving size cups DO have chunks).
Then, after Nora was born and refused ALL foods until she was almost 2, I almost started crying happy tears the day she let me feed her a tiny bit of my beloved Yoplait strawberry yogurt!
It was the first food Nora ate, and still today, she (and all my kiddos) love Yoplait Strawberry Yogurt (from the tub)!
I’ve tried other brands, but they all have chunks or different tastes/textures… which means no one will eat it. So, I always, always, always, ALWAYS buy Yoplait Strawberry Yogurt tubs whether they are twice the price of any other strawberry yogurt or not.
Now days, I’ve personally switched to just eating plain Greek yogurt; and a couple years ago, I started mixing plain Greek yogurt into my kid’s strawberry yogurt too.
We’re to the point now that their yogurt is probably 2/3rds plain Greek yogurt and 1/3rd strawberry yogurt. They like the thicker texture and I like the fact that they are getting much less sugar with their yogurt snacks!
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göt2b ‘Glued’ Hair Products
I’ve been using the göt2b hair products for years and years — specifically their Glued Spiking Wax and Glued Blasting Freeze Spray
They frequently go on sale Buy-One-Get-One-Free at our grocery store, so I always stock up then, and am set for a few months.
Over the past 8 years of having short hair, I’ve tried MANY different hair products, but I always come back to the göt2b Glued line as it just does such a great job (for a great price).
NOTE: if you are interested in exactly how I style my hair, watch the video in this post!
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Prairieland Herbs Face Cream
This face cream was probably the very first cosmetic item I became brand-loyal with — which is super surprising as it’s somewhat pricey and I started buying it over 8 years ago (when I was MUCH MUCH MUCH more frugal than I am now!)
A friend from work convinced me to try the Prairieland Herbs 3-Citrus Face Cream, and WOW! do I love it!
I currently buy the largest 8 oz. jar ($42) and it lasts me almost 2 years (I only use it at night, after I get out of the shower). Even though I have very dry skin, I have no need to apply this cream more than once a day as my skin stays super hydrated throughout the entire next day.
My skin honestly looks better now than it did when I was in college, and I’m convinced this cream is one of the main reasons why. My skin is so soft, smooth and hydrated… I really can’t say enough good things about this face cream.
I also love that Prairieland Herbs is owned and operated by a mother-daughter team right here in the United States (Iowa, for anyone interested!) and that all their products are hand-made in small batches using many herbs they grow themselves!
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Seventh Generation Baby Wipes
I got hooked on the Seventh Generation baby wipes right before Simon was born, as I had FINALLY found a wipe that didn’t cause diaper rash for Nora. Of course, she was potty trained 6 months later, but at least I enjoyed the benefits for my other kids!
I’ve always ordered my wipes through Grove (formerly ePantry) and love that I can get a full month’s supply delivered to my door each month.
I don’t have to remember to buy them at the store, I don’t need to load and unload diapers and wipes from my shopping cart or car, and I get a discounted price, thanks to their monthly subscription deals.
The Seventh Generation brand IS more expensive than other wipes — BUT if you’ve never tried them before, let me assure you they are worth the extra pennies.
These wipes are SUPER soft and thick, they have no smell, they are very gentle on your baby’s skin, they pull out of the package easily, and they won’t rip or tear. As a bonus, they are more environmentally friendly too!
With each new baby, I’ve tried a handful of other wipe brands as I get them as gifts and from the hospital, but I always end up returning to my beloved Seventh Generation brand again because I just like them so much more.
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Ann Taylor / LOFT Pants
Although I would not consider myself “short” (I’m 5′ 7″), I have very short legs and a very long torso — which means I’ve had trouble buying pants for pretty much my entire life.
Sometimes, I roll the cuffs of my pants, sometimes I hem them myself, but more often now days, I just try to find pants that ACTUALLY fit me right in the first place!
I’ve had the best luck with the petite pants from Ann Taylor and/or the petite pants from LOFT (I’m still honestly not sure what the difference is between these two stores!)
Of course, I’ve never actually purchased a pair of these pants at full price! I’ve always ordered them from ThredUp, from Swap, or found bargain deals at our local thrift store (I’ve gotten several pairs for less than $5 each!)
More recently, I mentioned that I’m a huge fan of high-waist pants these days (thank you 4 children!) and the Ann Taylor and LOFT brands have great high-waist options as well.
I’ve also purchased 2 pairs of the Super High Waist Jeggings from American Eagle and LOVE them (AE also has a line of “short” pants that fit me perfectly!)
NOTE: If you’ve never shopped with ThredUp before, you can get $10 off your first order by shopping through my affiliate link (listed below)!!
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Physicians Formula Bronzer
In general, I wear almost zero makeup. However, I rarely leave the house without mascara and little bronzer (both of which take seconds to apply).
I DO own a bit of makeup for times when I want to be/feel more glamorous (more on that below), but on a daily basis, mascara and bronzer are all I care to wear — and when I go on vacation, I usually only take mascara, bronzer, and lip stain!
I don’t remember when exactly I got hooked on the Physicians Formula Bronzer, but I know it’s been at least 6 years, as I was using it when Nora was a baby.
I’ve tried other brands over the years, some super expensive, some super cheap, but I always come back to Physicians Formula, for whatever reason.
I wear the lighter shade in the winter and the darker bronzer in the summer. One compact easily lasts a couple of years (maybe more).
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MAM Pacifiers and Bottles
Anyone who has read my blog over the past 5 years knows how much our family loves the MAM brand of pacifiers, bottles, and other baby oral care essentials.
After trying countless brands and products throughout Nora’s infancy (all with no luck), I FINALLY stumbled across the line of MAM products, and instantly fell in love with them.
Nora would actually suck on a MAM sippy cup and actually let me put the MAM toothbrush in her mouth — Hallelujah!
Since then, we have exclusively used MAM pacifiers, bottles, sippy cups, bottle cleaners, pacifier wipes, teethers, etc. with all 4 of our children — and I still have no complaints!
I include some sort of MAM product with every baby gift I give — so even though my days of bottles and sippy cups are numbered, I know I will continue buying and gifting this brand to other moms and dads!
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Meijer Brand Milk
You’ve probably heard of “wine snobs”… or people who will only drink high-quality wine.
Well, Dave and I are “milk snobs” because we will only drink Meijer brand milk!
There is honestly a huge difference in the taste of milk, and Dave and I both strongly prefer the taste of Meijer milk — to the point where I will drive further and pay more JUST to buy Meijer milk.
We have a small grocery store within walking distance of our house, where I often go to pick up bread, eggs, bananas, etc. if we just need 1 or 2 things. However, their milk is horrible, so I will drive all the way to Meijer just for milk if we need it — although I always keep several gallons on hand, so we are rarely ever completely out of milk!
Our families both think we’re nuts, but Dave and I stand strong in our devotion to Meijer brand milk!
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CoverGirl Lipstain
I first got hooked on CoverGirl Lipstain 5 years ago when my sister got married. We all used the lipstain to make our lips BRIGHT PINK to match her wedding colors of grey and pink.
Since then, I’ve purchased several more “tubes” of this lip stain, usually keeping 2 in rotation in my makeup drawer at a time (one lighter pink, one darker)
Note: my favorite shades are Everbloom Kiss and Plum Pout
As I mentioned earlier, I wear almost zero makeup on a daily basis. However, whenever I want to LOOK like I spent a lot of time getting ready, I simply add a quick smear of CoverGirl Lip Stain… and (in my opinion) it instantly looks like I took a considerable amount of effort to get myself ready and look presentable.
The Lip Stain goes on SO smoothly, and once it’s on, you can’t feel it at all. I put a layer of Vaseline over top for some shimmer and moisture, and my lips are nice and bright for hours and hours (even if I’m eating or drinking).
If you hate all traditional lipstick (or think you hate all lipstick) I wouldn’t be surprised if you loved the CoverGirl Lipstain as much as I do!
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I could probably add a few more things if I had time to really think through every aspect of my life — but these are the items that quickly came to my mind when I thought of various items I am brand loyal to.
I realize it’s a very random (somewhat silly) list… but
What brands are you super loyal to?
Hannah Beth Reid says
My children are very brand loyal to the smooth yogurt too! Glad to know we aren’t the only ones!
Andrea says
haha — definitely not the only ones!
Lori says
Just curious- do you use bronzer as blush? Your cheeks don’t look “bronzed” they look more pinky. Just wondering! Thank you! Happy Birthday and love the blog! Go get some Culvers! Lol!!!!
Andrea says
Hi Lori!! My cheeks are SUPER pink naturally, so the bronzer actually tones them down! I never ever wear blush 🙂
Thanks for the birthday wishes — no Culver’s for me, but I did get cheesecake AND a bike basket!
Angela says
I’m not a brand loyal person either so I definitely put a lot of stock in your opinion when you say something is great!
I’m definitely going to check out the AE jeggings. My teen I’m the opposite of you – short with long legs, but I also definitely like a higher waist after four kids as well! 🙂 I love how you’ve incorporated some colored jeans into your wardrobe (and I’d love it if you’d consider doing an updated wardrobe post about how you mix & match – the old post showing photos of you in all your outfits was how I stumbled across your site in the first place, through a link on Money Saving Mom I believe!)
The face cream sounds fabulous – I’ve been using your idea for showering at night and using the oil pulling on my face, and I’m loving that calming bedtime routine. I previously never thought it would work for me to shower at night with my short hair (I definitely wake up looking like my hair had a party especially when I go to bed with it wet) but was inspired to try it after reading your post about it!
I’m not a lipstick person but curious to try your lip stain idea! (And that bridesmaid’s dress is still just the cutest one I’ve ever seen!) 🙂
Andrea says
Hey Angela — I actually did a post (sort of) about my current wardrobe just last month!!
Here’s the link: https://andreadekker.com/my-not-minimalist-capsule-wardrobe/
And yes, my sister’s bridesmaid dresses were FANTASTIC! I think we got them for $40 on clearance at JCPenny!
Angela says
Thank you, I missed that post somehow! I love to mix and match a few favorite colors as well (and my style is similar, lots of skinny jeans and cardigans), and it’s so inspiring to see others’ ideas!
Dorothy says
We are milk snobs, too. But to Aldi milk!
Jenny says
Hi Andrea. I love your list. One question – is the face cream greasy or oily feeling, or does it absorb completely? I’m looking for a “favorite” skin care, but haven’t settled on any yet. Thanks.
Andrea says
I would say it’s on the “oily” side of things (which is one reason I love it so much). That said, it definitely absorbs, so my skin is not shiny or slick at all. Just soft and NO DRYNESS at all for 24 hours.
JoDi says
I am a total milk snob too. Rutter’s is the only brand I’ll buy. Luckily the store that carries it is close by and on my way home from work.
Yes to Pomegranate spf 15 lip balm is my favorite because the only sunscreen in it is zinc oxide, and it doesn’t feel weird on my lips like some zinc oxide sunscreens do.
Andrea says
Good to know — we’ve used the Yes to sunscreen too (and liked it!)
Dawn Kaestner says
I tried Prairieland Herbs lip glosses years ago after reading your post about the brand. I do not like the stickiness or taste of traditional lipstick so I tried their gloss and have never looked back. They look and feel like chapstick but with great colors (my favorite is Brick). I am intrigued to try their face cream too but wonder if it would work on my oily/combo skin? I also think I will try the CoverGirl lip stain you mentioned.
Andrea says
their lipgloss is fabulous!!! Glad you like it!
As for the Face Cream, they offer 2 types — the other type is called “Wise Women”. You might check that out too. And you could always contact the ladies from Prairieland directly, I’m sure they would answer your questions!
Becki says
My family also is “Meijer milk” snobs! While I don’t drink much of it, my kids will say that other brands (Aldi, Family Fare, etc.) “smells funny” or “lastes funny”. I’ve decided they don’t like the “strong” smell/taste, they want the “less taste” which is Meijer all the way. So yeah, I’ve been known to make a separate stop at Meijer just for milk. If only my cow would keep up! Ha!
Andrea says
yes! Meijer milk all the way!
Sher Wetzel says
Good post. I am going to tell my daughter about seventh generation wipes (she is expecting her first baby this year!) Here are some brand name products I am loyal to:
TAZO chai tea concentrate (the flavor/spice is just right. other brands too sweet!)
Covergirl mascara and eyeliner (funny how the more expensive brands are worse!)
Tillamook dairy products (for taste and because my hubby grew up on a dairy farm that supplied the Tillamook factory here in Oregon!) the chocolate peanut butter ice cream is the BEST 🙂
OPI nail polish (it just spreads better and lasts longer)
Andrea says
oh yes, the wipes are fantastic!
Tracy says
My sister in law just introduced me to the AE jeggings and I loooove them! I told her I was done with jeans because I never like any and she had me try hers. I immediately bought a pair and I’m saving and waiting on a sale for more!
Andrea says
yup, they are amazing! So soft and stretchy! I got such a good deal on mine earlier this spring ($19.99!!!)
Barbara says
Love this list. Thx for sharing. On an unrelated note, it looks like the desktop version of your blog is still having issues. I can access it from my phone just fine though.
Andrea says
we’re making progress on the blog slowness issues. We THINK we might know what the issues are and are taking steps to fix them. Hopefully by next week!!
Pascale says
Hi Andrea,
Thank you for sharing your brand-loyal products. A few years ago, you posted a review of a company called Simple Beauty Minerals. I even went on their website to purchase a few things and I also spoke with Lisa. I was surprised that you didn’t mention any of their products. Did you stop using that brand and if so, would you mind sharing why?
Looking forward to your answer.
Thank you in advance.
Suzanne says
I got hooked on Simple Beauty Minerals after learning about it from Andrea’s website. I have been using them ever since and I love the products. Not only do I love the way they look on me, the skin on my face has never been more healthy!
Andrea says
yay — so glad it’s been working well for you!
Andrea says
Yes, The Simple Beauty products are great — but just a little too “fussy” for me. I literally spend less than 5 minutes doing my makeup, and the Simple Beauty powder felt too time-consuming for me to apply. Plus, it kept spilling all over the place because I was trying to hurry!
So it’s still a great product, just not for this stage of my life!
Summer says
Happy Birthday! How’s the pool?!? A perfect weekend for that!
Andrea says
thanks — the pool is still COLD, but fun!
Summer says
So, it has a circulation system but not a heater??? We had to replace our heater for our in ground pool this year and then the pump went out, which will be fixed Friday. It’s always something with a pool and it’s kind of crazy to have a pool in Michigan for only 3 months a year, but we have LOVED having it! I recommend it personally. We spend so many hours and fun back there! We only have one kiddo at home now full time, but all the others still come around with their friends and use it. We are homebodies, so it’s worth the continual investment. With you and Dave and your energy, you will be fine with it!
Andrea says
yes, there’s a pump, sand filter, solar heater (the water runs through and warms before going back into the pool again). It’s literally just a mini above-ground pool. We put chemicals in it, test the water weekly, vacuum and skim it, etc.
And yes, it seems ridiculous to spend money on a pool in MI, but Dave and I are willing to be ridiculous 🙂 We know we’ll get tons of use out of it, and we can’t wait to finally get our underground pool in a few more years!
JoAnn C. says
Yay! I’m a Meijer milk snob too! The whole milk makes the best tasting slow cooker yogurt.
I prefer Edy’s Slow Churn Chocolate Ice Cream and Sander’s Bumpy Cake, either together or separate. I have a major chocolate crave going on today. ; )
Andrea says
Meijer milk is the best! I’ve never tried it for yogurt though — now I’m curious!
Julie says
Here in upstate NY, we have Stewart’s shops and my husband and I feel the same way about their milk (and eggs and ice cream). Thankfully they have LOTS of stores so it’s super easy to stock up.
Paulette says
Andrea, if you like something, I take it to the bank. My favorite posts are your first of the month Favorites! I’ve already tried Ann Taylor/Loft jeans and I LOVE them. However, I have a short torso and long legs..and I’m 4’11”. These jeans are the best. I’ll definitely being trying some of these items. I appreciate you sharing your favorites because it saves me the trouble of buying and wasting things!
Andrea says
yes, exactly!
Carol says
Heinz Ketchup, Hellman’s Mayo, Ivory Soap,
Andrea says
short and simple — love it!
Michele M says
Definitely Hellmann’s mayo for my family, too!
Jen says
I LOVE the AE extra long jeans. I’m 5.10 and I do have long legs. I always have success with the AE extra long jeans and Old Navy long jeans, too. My only complaint with ON is that the long sizes are often only available online.
I am brand loyal to Colgate toothpaste, Dove sensitive skin body wash, Bath and Body Works candles (they smell so much better than Yankee Candle) and Tide detergent and Downy fabric softener. I’ve tried other detergents and softeners. I’ve even made my own detergent and tried vinegar as a softener. Nothing beats Tide and Downy (only the original scent!).
Andrea says
well we found a difference — you have long legs I have short legs 🙂
Laurel says
Maxwell House coffee, Meijer brand Ice Cream, Maybeline mascara, Tide laundry detergent
Liz says
Perry’s Ice Cream (maybe just a NY thing?)
Tide, Persil, or Cheer laundry detergents
Cascade ActionPacs
Huggins diapers
Wegmans milk
Apple computers/iPhones
Esther says
Perry’s ice cream is awesome! I do think it’s only a NY thing, but I lived in NY for 8 years and my family is still there.
Andrea says
oh, I should have added Apple products!!
Karri says
Hudsonville ice cream is my only go to.for ice cream
Liane says
Me too on the milk. But we buy Clover. It’s local – about 20 min. from home. Only brand of yogurt I buy is Fage plain or sometimes Greek Gods. It’s hard to find full fat in the Fage brand. Cottage cheese and sour — only Daisy, only brand without gums.
Downy and Tide scent free. I hate fab softener smell but we have hard water that turns stuff to cardboard if I don’t use it. Downy has no color or perfume.
Dishwasher detergent — only Finish. Cascade stinks. Literally.
Paper towels — only brand that’s not recycled from trash without BPA and metal particles that I have found is Bounty.
Costco tall scent free trash bags in the 11 gallon size. Hefty and Glad are too pricey. And now they are puckery. Not smooth. They annoy me.
I actually pick from three toilet tissues — all name brand and not from recycled material. Usually Northern or Angel Soft and sometime cottonelle.
Funny about the jeans. I’m only 5’4″. That qualifies as short, at least when it comes to high shelves at the grocery store. My legs are long for my height. I can’t wear Ann Taylor loft — the waist size is too close to the hip size. I love Lee Riders and ThredUp has them occasionally. I’ve a waist that’s 12 inches smaller than my hips. riders fit my curvy body.
Clinique mascara. Never smears.
Caudalie skin care and Clarisonic gentle brush.
After writing this I realized how picky I am. Maybe it’s not picky, but discerning taste LOL.
Andrea says
haha — somehow it doesn’t surprise me that you have such a specific list 🙂