It feels a bit strange writing this, as I’m not entirely sure spring has properly arrived in Brussels and Tallinn, while in Senegal – where I am now – things are obviously way past what I’d usually call spring. Still, the blog is a monster that needs to be fed several times a week and I’m relatively certain that spring will eventually come. So here’s a list of things I feel compelled to buy every spring with illustrative material from this year.

1. Sunscreen. It continues to amaze me how the capitalist system can turn anything and everything – including the change of season – into an occasion to consume, to buy. Spring is here? Get a new lipstick! Spring not yet here? Buy some macaroons to console yourself! And a new lipstick, to pretend it’s spring! There are a couple of things I really think people should buy, though, and sunscreen is one of them. The Body Shop Skin Defense Multi-Purpose Essence SPF 50 gives impressive protection, has a wonderful, lightweight texture and is easily accessible. I still like my Biore more, but this is a great product.

2. Sunglasses. Another thing I – and many others – actually need when the sun comes out. My eyes are sensitive to light, so without sunglasses, I just don’t see anything. I’m notoriously bad with them, unfortunately: sunglasses tend to look hideous on me and I kind of forget to buy proper ones and when I do, I lose them. These & Other Stories glasses on the picture are an interim solution, as I have an eye on this YSL pair. I cannot really afford those and it’s clear they won’t be flattering, but I’m genuinely excited.

3. Shoes. Possibly a little less necessary, but still a justified purchase, I feel. Especially if you live somewhere that gets snow, it’s such a relief when you no longer have to wear heavy boots. The problem is that fashion magazines will start pushing open shoes at you as of January, while sandal/slide weather in these parts will arrive around July. I think these Adidas Gazelle sneakers are a great, cheerful, walk-friendly option. I’d even call them practical, if they weren’t made of white suede, but there are other colours available.

4. Inspiration. If there is a global list of unnecessary things somewhere, I’m sure fashion magazines rank pretty high on it. Still, in spring and autumn I often feel like buying some for style and beauty inspiration (and I really like the cover of this Harper’s Bazaar April edition)*. The good news is that in the age of Instagram, Pinterest and style v/blogs you don’t need to buy a magazine to see some great looks.

5. New lips. Yes, I know, it’s pathetic, but I get an almost physical craving for a new lipcolour every spring. I’m sure it’s just a symptom of a spiritual void deep in my soul. But as I don’t know where that void is or what’s causing it, it’s just so much easier to buy a lipstick. Or a gloss. Chanel launched a new lipgloss formula recently that many love, but I still prefer Dior Rouge Brilliant glosses. The applicator is better, the colours are better and the formula certainly isn’t worse. I have three shades (Miss, Swan and Times Square), I love all three and they are all completely different. It’s a fact.

6. Something I don’t need. Nobody needs a tube of Byredo hand cream. So buying two Byredo hand creams simply because the packaging is green instead the usual white qualifies as… I think the technical term is “folly”. But I like them and the set makes for a nice gift.

Usually, a perfume would also feature on this list, but since I bought Tom Ford’s Vert de Fleur, I haven’t found anything I absolutely must have. Suggestions?

*I buy them all the time, but this is when I actually want to.