

The first salary has a magic of its own. It’s not just about earning money—it’s about stepping into independence. That moment when your effort transforms into something tangible, when your work is finally rewarded, feels like crossing a threshold into adulthood.
And with that comes a quiet thrill: suddenly, the things that once seemed just out of reach no longer feel impossible. Maybe it’s a fragrance you’ve admired from afar, the one that always made you pause at the store. Maybe it’s that lipstick that feels like confidence in a tube, or a skincare gem that turns a routine into a ritual. Whatever form it takes, the first splurge is never just a purchase—it’s a celebration. A little luxury that marks not just your style, but your independence.
At Tira, we live surrounded by beauty every day—testing serums, spritzing fragrances, swatching lipsticks. And yet, we know there’s something uniquely special about buying a luxe product with your own hard-earned money. So, we turned the question inward and asked Team Tira: If you could splurge your first salary on one indulgence, what would it be?
Kayali fragrances have held a permanent spot on the trending beauty must-have list—and it’s easy to see why. Their Vanilla | 28 Eau de Parfum, in particular, has quietly earned cult status. It’s the kind of fragrance that makes you smell like a literal snack but never feels cloying or over the top. Think warm vanilla wrapped in soft patchouli, a hint of musk and a sprinkle of brown sugar for that sweet-meets-spicy, woody finish. Plus, because it’s an EDP, it lingers long after you’ve left the room (in the best way). Bonus: It also comes in a mini size, perfect for tossing in your beauty pouch when you’re on the move.
Kayali Vanilla 28 is the kind of fragrance that lingers beautifully on your skin. With notes of vanilla orchid, brown sugar and amber, this perfume is like a sweet indulgence you’ll want to wear every day. Now on sale, it’s a great time to treat yourself to this signature scent.
The ideal pick for anyone who wants to experiment with vanilla scents without delving too deep into the profile, Kayali Vanilla is subtly sweet and universally loved. It has notes of amber and musk, that are complemented by jasmine and orchid; and strikes a balance between ambrosial dew and cotton candy. Have a sweet tooth? This might be the perfect choice for you.
Perfume lovers know vanilla can be tricky—it’s either too sweet or too flat. Kayali’s Vanilla 28 strikes a balance that feels grown-up yet wearable. The fragrance weaves vanilla orchid with jasmine for a blend that’s warm, sensual and never overpowering. It lingers beautifully, and the compliments that follow are almost guaranteed. If you’ve been searching for a vanilla scent that feels both timeless and modern, this is the bottle to start with.
"My first luxe buy would definitely be Kayali Vanilla. I’ve always felt fragrance has the power to shift your mood in an instant, and Vanilla feels both comforting and powerful. I love how it balances sweetness with strength—it’s like wearing confidence wrapped in warmth. Spritzing it every day wouldn’t just be about smelling good—it’d be a little reminder that I’ve earned it, and that I deserve to spoil myself with something that feels timeless."
If you’ve been staring at it in your wishlist since forever, now’s the moment. The Dyson Airwrap lives up to its cult status—it curls, smoothes and volumises without extreme heat. The limited edition colours are great—and the price drop? Rare. Get it before it’s full price and sold out.
The Dyson Airwrap has been the dream tool for ages, and this updated version makes it even smarter. You get all the styling options—waves, curls, smooth blow-dries—plus personalised settings through the MyDyson app. Heat control keeps your hair safe, and the six attachments cover pretty much any look you want. It’s definitely a splurge, but it’s one of those tools that genuinely replaces multiple gadgets and saves you time in the morning.
"I’d splurge on the Dyson Airwrap, no question. They say half your look is your hair and I’m not about to risk a bad hair day. The idea of styling my hair without damaging it and still getting that salon finish at home feels like such a win. For me, it’s more than just a tool—it feels like an investment in myself. Every time I style my hair, it would remind me that I’ve worked hard enough to afford something that makes me feel polished, confident and ready to take on anything."
Yvonne Monteiro, Studio Team
"For me, Chloé Love Story is more than just a fragrance—it’s a feeling. The cedarwood and neroli notes take me straight back to nature, like carrying a little piece of the forest with me wherever I go. It’s fresh, romantic and has this airy elegance that instantly puts me in a space of calm and joy. I love the idea of having a scent that feels both personal and powerful—something that’s as much a part of my story as the memories it reminds me of."
If you think vanilla can be a bit much in the heat, this one might surprise you. Burberry Goddess blends three types of vanilla—infusion, caviar and absolute—but somehow keeps things light, not cloying. It’s soft, slightly sweet and balanced out beautifully with lavender, giving it an easy-going, clean vibe that holds up when things get sticky. Warm, pretty and quietly powerful.
"I’d choose Burberry Goddess as my first salary splurge—a little reward for landing this job and starting a new chapter. The fragrance has such a confident, empowering vibe and I know every spritz would give me that extra strength to walk into a room with elegance and power. It’s the kind of scent that isn’t just complementary, it’s uplifting. For me, it would be more than a perfume—it would be a daily reminder of this milestone and everything it represents."
"With my first salary, I’d definitely invest in La Mer. I’ve always admired how iconic and transformative it is, almost like the gold standard of skincare. For me, investing in good skincare feels like the ultimate form of indulgence—it’s not flashy, but it’s deeply personal. Having that jar on my shelf would feel like proof of how far I’ve come, a small luxury that celebrates growth, and also a promise to keep prioritising myself in the midst of everything else."
"My first salary buy wouldn’t be for me—it’d be for my wife. She’s been wanting the Augustinus Bader Rich Cream for ages, and I know how much it would mean to her to finally have it. For me, true luxury is about sharing, about making the people I love feel special. Surprising her with something she’s dreamed of would make this milestone even more memorable. It’s about celebrating this moment together."
This one’s a cult favourite for a reason. Wood Sage & Sea Salt feels like a breath of fresh air—earthy, salty and just the right amount of clean. Ambrette, sage and sea salt come together to create something that’s effortless, unfussy and perfect for days when you want to smell fresh but not like you’re trying too hard.
"I’ve always been drawn to earthy, grounding scents—they make me feel like I’m carrying a little piece of home with me wherever I go. That’s exactly why Jo Malone’s Wood Sage & Sea Salt feels perfect for me. It’s fresh, familiar and freeing all at once. Buying it with my first salary would make it even more special, because every time I wear it, it wouldn’t just be a fragrance—it would be a reminder of this moment in my life and the journey it took to get here."
Mansi Rani, Data Operations
This is my version of a reset button. It’s light, breezy and smells like clean air after the rain. There’s something about the wood sage that makes it feel grounding while the sea salt keeps it fresh and crisp. It’s not too perfumey, just natural and easy to wear. I reach for it when I want to feel clear-headed and relaxed—it’s like a quick escape from a busy day. Even though it’s subtle, people always ask what it is, which says a lot.

