47 Cheap Product Swaps That You'll Wish You Made A Long Time Ago
Gold Bond's firming neck and chest cream to *gently* hydrate, exfoliate, and tighten the skin that's more sensitive than the rest of your body but less sensitive than the skin on your face. This makes for a lovely, quite effective in-between formula packed with aloe, salicylic acid, and jojoba oil in a formula that reviewers say works just as well as much pricier creams.
Good Molecules Pineapple Exfoliating Powder made with natural rice starches and pineapple, kiwi, and papaya extracts that'll foam up and *gently* polish skin, giving you similar results to the $68 Dermalogica version. You can use it up to four times a week to see (and feel) the benefits without harsh scrubs or panicking a little bit at your Ulta total.
Plus, Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel. Reviewers swear that this works just as well as $$$ eye creams at minimizing puffiness and swelling thanks to a powerhouse duo of caffeine and hyaluronic acid.
A set of seamless "invisible" underwear that are an awful lot like pricier versions from Victoria's Secret you always wait 'til a sale to stock up on. Now you won't have to do math to figure out how much longer you can put off laundry based on what undies are clean.
Hanes Ultimate ankle socks that'll pass the comfort test for fans of Aritzia's TNA line. Yes, we're at that age where socks can be luxurious.
An Elizavecca hair treatment to give you "rich girl hair" thanks to its collagen and ceramide 3 formula. And it'll take just a few minutes of your time, like as little as five minutes post-shampoo. Because time is money, money is power, and power is pizza. (In case you were curious, lots of reviewers say they prefer it over $$$ Olaplex.)
E.l.f. Lash Xtndr Tubing Mascara if you've tried pricier versions but have shied away from rebuying because of $$$. Seriously, just try this! It's so good that I'm currently on my THIRD tube.
A Lululemon-inspired tennis skirt with built-in shorts and a secret inner pocket because are you even living your best summer life if you're not claw-handing your iced coffee and phone in one hand while you wildly gesticulate as you tell your friend a story on a neighborhood walk? No need to worry about a strong breeze.
A tinted lip balm you'd SWEAR is Clinique's $25 "Almost Lipstick" Black Honey for the lovely, sophisticated hue it'll turn your lips. This is great for people who 1) always want a little lip color, 2) hate a sticky feel, and 3) love a bargain.
A pair of wireless over-the-ear headphones you might mistake for AirPods Max if you weren't paying close attention thanks to the similar shape and shade options. These beauts are at a small fraction of the price (I swear, that math is easy) with good noise-blocking, 10 hours of play per charge, a built-in mic for calls, and cushy padding so you can put those extra HUNDREDS you're not spending on AirPods Max for a flight to your college roommate's wedding.
Essence's Drop of Sunshine Bronzing Drops will help you fake that you spent the weekend taking in the sunshine instead of sick and holed up on your couch catching up on all the horror movies you've been meaning to watch. And at $33 cheaper than the Drunk Elephant version, you might just go ahead and invest in a second or third bottle now. Reviewers say it's super hydrating and buildable!
A CZ tennis bracelet with tons of reviewers who say it can pass as actual diamonds. Listen, you want a glamorous stack but you don't have to choose between that and a long weekend at a beach resort.
A set of wrist and ankle weights will feel like an extra fun accessory after you look up how the pricing ($22-ish) compares to similar Bala Bangles ($50-ish). Slip on these before you take a stroll with a pal to get in your steps. Just be prepared for the onslaught of compliments by passersby.
A pair booty-highlighting biker shorts people say are dead ringers for $48 Buffy Bunny ones in case warmer weather has you looking for workout shorts that'll stay put through runs, squats, and more.
An elegant set of square wineglasses that reviewers point out are VERY similar to the pricier ones sold at Crate & Barrel. Whether you're just drinking some water out of them or some actual Prosecco, they'll certainly elevate the moment. (Now you won't have to be SO precious about your wineglasses!)
Sliick Ingrown Rescue Solution to halt painful (and unsightly) ingrown hairs before you realize they've rudely shown up on your first beach day of the year, no matter how you're DIY-ing hair removal. AND it's half the price of holy grail Tend Skin!
B.tan Self-Tanner for some super-easy-to-apply color that'll develop in an hour. No need to book a (costly) spray tan appointment. (Psst, reviewers who've previously sworn by St. Tropez products have made the switch!)
A trendy tote bag that'll give Longchamp Le Pliage vibes for about a sixth of the price. This bag silhouette is SO handy and practical but looks sophisticated, even if you've got some Flamin' Hot Cheetos in there that's your only potluck contribution to your pal's bday picnic.
A long-sleeve bodysuit will wrap you up in an incredibly soft fabric that reviews oft compare to Skims. AND it's supportive enough so you can wear it without a bra, which is always a great thing!
Plus, a stretchy bodycon pencil dress with heaps of Skims comparisons for the shape and stretch. I'm guessing this is what Morticia Addams would wear to an all-inclusive beach resort.
Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener can be a quick, easy fix for concealing and brightening your under-eye dark circles because you don't wanna have to do a full face every single day. This "invisible" coverage oft gets compared to the $33 Becca version.
A cutesy juice glass that'll run you $6 less a pop than the iconic Anthro icon juice glasses. Once you start collecting 'em, you may not want to stop!
E.l.f. Soft Glam Foundation has buildable full coverage without *looking* like you put on a layer or two (I should know, it's become my go-to!). Its satiny finish leaves you looking all dewy and has garnered some compliments from friends who see me often enough to tell the difference! After all, finding your holy-grail foundation is a JOURNEY. Might as well try the affordable, effective ones first!
E.l.f. Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm in case your lip balm habit (and losing-your-lip-balm habit) is start to eat into your fun money. Fans of Laneige, Rhode, *and* Summer Fridays are in the reviews singing this stuff's praises.
A baroque-inspired mirror to instantly dress up an entry or hallway. The gilded frame looks equally great hung on a wall or atop a console. And every time you gaze upon your reflection in it, you can think about the dough you saved by opting for this one over the more expensive Anthro version. Now you can FINALLY replace that mirror from your college dorm.
E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter that'll free up a bit of coin if you've been eyeing Charlotte Tilbury's Hollywood Flawless Filter as a glow-getter on a budget. This stuff has hyaluronic acid and squalane to give you that lit-from-within for less than the cost of a pricey chopped salad from that place beside your office.
Some sharp-looking pointed-toe flats with similar comfy, machine-washable features to pricier Rothy's or Vivaia flats. You'll be glad you packed these to get you from Notre-Dame to the Eiffel Towel on a long but gorgeous scenic view! And when you get home, you can toss 'em in the wash to look like new for your next adventure!
A pair of retro-style oval sunglasses your nemesis will mistake for the $400+ Miu Miu ones, which is fine. Let 'em think that and put that extra cash toward whatever else you want.
Or some oversize square sunnies if you've been admiring the Bottega Veneta version but have such a horrible track record with keeping sunglasses in fighting shape that you can't in good conscience spend hundreds on a pair.
Slip-on mules because you're not allowed to wear sneakers to the office (I'm emailing HR on your behalf) but don't do heels. You'll get all kinds of use out of these comfy alts to the pricier Madewell Gemma mules without having to MAKE yourself wear them enough times just to make yourself feel better about dropping serious dough on them.
Platform slippers you've eyed on so many other people in public (or, well, the similar but more expensive Ugg Tazz) and want in on the cozy style. Once you slip your feet into the faux-fur shoes, you'll find every which way to wear — even in the sweaty pits of summer.
A multipurpose blush stick you can try out to create the lovely watercolor blush trend. Y'know what's even lovelier? Paying $7 for this instead of the $18 Pixi Beauty version so you can build and blend color to your heart's content.
Cushionaire slides to help satisfy your old dogs' yearning for comfy Birks (there are 1k+ reviews comparing them) for significantly less.
A "Soft" perfume rollerball that's definitely made an appearance or five in your FYP scroll. It's only $5 and smells totally delightful (it gets compared to sweet treats like waffle cones). BUT! That's not the only reason to love it. It reminds reviewers of the $65 bottle of Pink Sugar 👀 and layers like a dream.
Or a Creamy Coconut fragrance rollerball to have everyone assuming you paid full price for the $25 Sol de Janeiro fragrance. Even if your immediate plans don't entail sitting on a beach and drinking out of an actual coconut, you can still catch a whiff of the island vibe with this sweet scent.
A longline sports bra you can (and tbh, SHOULD) just wear as a crop top. It's too hot out for shirts that cover your belly button and regular bras.
E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops made to help plump up (hydrating hibiscus complex and hyaluronic acid) and brighten (niacinamide) your complexion for similar results to the $35 Glow Recipe Watermelon Dew Drops. Reviewers say it works great alone *or* mixed in with foundation.
Dossier's "Ambery Vanilla" perfume because you thought about shelling out for YSL's Black Opium but your budget said no despite all your other perfume bottles being on empty.
Etude's delightfully multipurpose Dear Darling Water Tint, which a lot of reviewers compare to Benefit's Lip Tint. This smudgeproof formula is designed primarily to be a natural-looking, weightless lip stain, but reviewers use it as a blush as well!
A Briotech spray can help soothe rosacea, eczema, rashes, sunburns, and other skin irritations for when your skin is just not cooperating thanks to hypochlorous acid (it's in your white blood cells and helps soothe inflammation). Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray is also what some call a miracle in a bottle. But Briotech is in a cheaper bottle.
Some mid-weight sweatpants in case you wanna bring some luxe feel to your couch-rotting. Folks on TikTok compare these to Aritzia's for a fraction of the price. Everyone wear sweats but they don't have to be expensive sweats.
A half-zip pullover sweatshirt that'll run you far less than Lulu's $118 scuba hoodies.
Mise En Scene Perfect Serum, a K-beauty product that's probably come across your radar for its stunning before-and-after results *and* lower price tag than a comparable $46 Gisou hair oil. Locking down a cheap but transformative hair oil will soften the blow of putting off having your split ends snipped off for a few more months.
Catrice's Magic Shaper Face Cream Palette to help you build out and highlight your face's gorgeous assets for a mere $8 instead of $88 with a similar Makeup Forever palette. Listen, you don't have to spend a bunch of money to LOOK it. And a palette like this is gonna last you a while.
A set of satin pillowcases that are MUCH cheaper than other brands' but they're so legit that I own five pairs of them. I even pack them for travel! Once you start sleeping on one of these (they're cooling and keep your hair and skin more moisturized), you won't want to go back to a cotton pillowcase.
A slightly compressive layering T-shirt that comes in different colors and at a very budget-friendly price, so you can stock up on them to help fill wardrobe gaps. Oh, and the kicker? Reviewers say it feels like Skims shirts but, obviously, for cheaper.
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This stuff has hyaluronic acid and squalane to give you that lit-from-within for less than the cost of a pricey chopped salad from that place beside your office. A faux-leather bag you'll do a double-take on because it's verrrry similar to Polène's Cyme you've been stalking online and thought, "Welp, I could buy this instead of flying to my college roommate's wedding" before buying that flight. Hanes Ultimate ankle socks can pass the comfort test for fans of Aritzia's TNA line. Yes, we're at that age where socks can be luxurious. A faux-pearl choker that's a dead-ringer for a Vivienne Westwood piece you can easily add to all kinds of outfits that are missing something. Mystery solved. Slingback heels to add an air of sophistication to a simple outfit. We're not on a Chanel budget, but that's perfectly fine and normal! These beauts will help you chase that feeling AND turn out to be super versatile so you'll have a pretty low cost per wear. And while we're chasing that feeling, a quilted leather crossbody purse can scratch a Chanel-ish itch while adding an affordable purse into your wardrobe rotation. A glitzy long-sleeve sequin dress in case you marveled at the $765 16Arlington dress Hailey Bieber wore but gasped out loud when you looked at the price. This under-$100 version is just begging to make an appearance in a loud, dark club somewhere in Europe. A pair of retro-style oval sunglasses your nemesis will mistake for the $400+ Miu Miu ones, which is fine. Let 'em think that and put that extra cash toward whatever else you want. A multipurpose blush stick you can try out to create the lovely watercolor blush trend. Y'know what's even lovelier? Paying $7 for this instead of the $18 Pixi Beauty version so you can build and blend color to your heart's content. A pair of satin block-heeled dress shoes you'd mistake for some Loeffler Randall heels if you didn't buy them yourself! 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Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray is also what some call a miracle in a bottle. But Briotech is in a cheaper bottle. Some mid-weight sweatpants in case you wanna bring some luxe feel to your couch-rotting. Folks on TikTok compare these to Aritzia's for a fraction of the price. Everyone wear sweats but they don't have to be expensive sweats. A half-zip pullover sweatshirt that'll run you far less than Lulu's $118 scuba hoodies.
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Catrice "Instant Awake" under-eye brightener for when you don't want to look like a walking zombie at your friend's cookout — *or* wear a full face of makeup when it's 90 degrees out. This magical, lightweight formula blends seamlessly and instantly brightens your under-eye area, so it might be all you need to feel like a presentable human on casual days. And at six bucks, it sure beats splurging on the $33 Becca version. A tennis skirt with built-in shorts because skorts are all the rage right now, and you can stock up on 'em in a few colors without going broke at Lululemon (Align High-Rise Skirt, we love you, but we're in different tax brackets). The secret inner pockets are perfect for stashing your keys, phone, and even tennis balls if you're hitting the court. Nortiv 8 walking shoes that are like gifting your feet little pillows to walk around on 24/7 — except throw in arch and heel support too. At a glance, people would easily mistake these for Hokas, but you'll have an extra 100 bucks still in your bank account. Monday Haircare dry shampoo if your mane seems to get greasy within 24–48 hours of washing your hair (especially this time of year), but you *don't* want to wash it such a hellish cycle. On top of that, stocking up on Batiste or even pricier brands like Living Proof or Philosophy puts a dent in the budget fast. This oil-absorbing, keratin-infused formula costs less than 8 bucks — 'nuff said. A glazed lip mask that would send the Laneige overnight mask running for the hills. This *intensive* Korean lip mask drenches your lips with moisture and creates a protective barrier that actually lasts, making your lips shine like a glazed donut while eliminating any cracks and lines. It's less than half the price of the Laneige mask for the same amount of product, and (*whispers*) I like this one *way* more. A Simple Modern tumbler as a swap for the popular (and more expensive) Stanley Quencher. This minimalist travel cup comes in some seriously ~aesthetic~ shades, but more importantly, it'll keep your iced drinks cold for *hours* thanks to its double-wall insulation, and the leak-resistant straw lid might just save you from an accident or two. A sophisticated laptop tote bag that'll have you looking and feeling so put together, especially if you're trying to embrace that whole "dress for the job you want" mantra (but can't afford the $128 Béis tote yet). It's stylish and well-designed, with ample depth and pockets for holding all your on-the-go essentials. A smocked midi dress because Hill House's Nap Dress is truly ~dreamy~ but your bank account is like, "Um, we still need to buy groceries." This cutie's a fraction of the cost and just as gorgeous, not to mention breathable as heck thanks to its 100% organic cotton poplin fabric. Prepare to fall head over heels for this dress — I definitely did. E.l.f. Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen if you're still trying to find a daily sunscreen you don't despise. This clear gel sunscreen offers SPF 35 and goes on so smooth and lightweight, you'll immediately forget you're wearing it — no white cast here, folks. It doubles as a blurring primer, so it's great for wearing under makeup too! If you love Supergoop but the price is becoming hard to I suggest trying this, because it's *very* similar. Or Neutrogena's Ultra-Sheer Face Serum for a higher SPF option that won't make you feel like you're wearing a thick, greasy mask on your face. It's got broad-spectrum SPF 60, it's fragrance-free (sensitive skin folks, rejoice), and it comes in a travel-size bottle — which would cost you $43 for the *same amount* from EltaMD, BTW. Honestly, if you're still a face sunscreen hater in the year 2025, you have no excuse at this point. Cushionaire sandals made to fit your feet like a glove thanks to the flexible cork footbed and supportive, padded suede insole. They have over 59,000 5-star ratings, and over 1,000 reviews (!) draw comparisons between these and Birkenstocks, with many claiming they're just as comfortable for a fraction of the price. A wildly popular set of wireless Bluetooth earbuds that are super reliable and won't break the bank. These bbs have — no joke — over 169,000 (!!) 5-star ratings on Amazon from reviewers who consider them a fantastic AirPods alternative for their low price, great sound, waterproof + sweatproof design, and solid battery life (over 10 hours on a single charge). Some buttery soft high-waisted leggings giving Lululemon a run for their money, according to (*checks notes*) over 600 reviewers drawing comparisons between the two. They're squat-proof, stretchy, and so soft that many pregnant people say they basically live in these! Or (because it's hot out there rn) some cute running shorts drawing comparisons to pricier brands like Lulu, Nike, and Under Armour in terms of quality. They're designed with a stretchy elastic waistband, soft and breathable fabric, and even deep zipper pockets for holding your phone and other small items. Workouts aside, these would be great for everyday summer wear! And a soft, stretchy longline sports bra remarkably similar to a tank from the Lulu Align collection, so you can stock up and upgrade your gym/athleisure wardrobe for a lot, lot less (you're welcome!!). The breathable, sweat-wicking fabric makes it perfect for all sorts of summer outdoor activities, from hiking and camping to sporting events and festivals. L'Oreal's illuminating Lumi Glotion as a cheat code for dewy, shimmery skin, and for less than half the cost of alternatives like Glossier's Futuredew and Drunk Elephant's D-Bronzi Drops. This works beautifully as a lightweight foundation alternative or for adding a little glow on top of your makeup. A "flossing toothbrush" expertly designed with two layers of bristles, including the regular firm kind for brushing and ultra-thin ones designed to clean deeeep within the grooves of your teeth — almost like you were actually flossing. As one reviewer puts it, this leaves you feeling "just home from the hygienist"–level clean; others say it even feels comparable to their fancy electric toothbrush (sorry, Oral-B)! A bottle of Elizavecca Hair Treatment formulated to deeply repair and hydrate your hair thanks to restorative ingredients like collagen and ceramide 3. You just apply it after shampooing, wait as little as five minutes, then rinse it out for hair that looks *and* feels silky soft. Some reviewers say it's even BETTER than Olaplex, which is over three times the price! A sleeveless bodycon maxi dress if you can't justify the cost of Skims but *would* like to look snatched for nights out. This versatile piece stretches beautifully to hug your curves, with adjustable spaghetti straps and a fishtail hem adding to its flawless fit. You can accessorize this endlessly and get sooo much wear out of it. Cosrx Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence, a hydrating holy grail for many people with dry, sensitive skin and a gentler, cheaper alternative to many name-brand moisturizers and serums. It's effective on all skin types, and reviewers report seeing improvement after just a few uses! Acne scars, dark spots, and fine lines are about to meet their match. A popular checkerboard throw blanket — I'm absolutely *living* for the sage green shade, but it comes in other beautiful colors as well. Reviewers consider it a great alternative to the popular Barefoot Dreams throw (which is p-r-i-c-e-y) and say it's extremely soft. A tube of Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later eyeshadow primer because if you're applying eyeshadow without a base, you're not getting its full effect. Not only will it make your eyeshadow look bolder and extra pigmented, but it'll also combat oil and creasing so your smoky eye looks flawless all night long. Mac Paint Pot, it was nice knowin' ya. And E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer, which blurs your pores and creates a smooth, velvety texture for makeup to glide over and also grip onto. Infused with squalane for hydration, Poreless Putty Primer has a mattifying effect that doesn't look dry — plus, it's small enough to take on the go in case you need touch-ups. Blink, and you might mistake it for Tatcha's Silk Canvas primer and other pricier options. A Wise Owl camping hammock that'll leave more money for s'mores, hot dogs, and other camping ~essentials~ because you didn't drop $50+ on an Eno hammock. It would also be great for lounging in your backyard or the local park with a good book! A Briotech spray for soothing rashes, sunburns, rosacea, eczema, and other skin irritations, *extremely* similar to the beloved (but pricey) Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray. Its secret is hypochlorous acid, an ingredient found naturally in our white blood cells that helps soothe inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier. This stuff = magic in a bottle. Some breathable, machine-washable pointed-toe flats ready to cushion and support your feet while looking impeccably asking for way less money out of your wallet than Rothy's or Vivaia would. The stretchy knit upper is so comfy and trendy-looking (meet your new office staple!), and you can toss 'em in the wash before they even have the *chance* to get stinky. LilyAna Naturals Eye Cream to brighten and firm undereye skin to reduce puffiness, fine lines, and bags, but it doesn't stop there — this potent cream also nourishes the delicate area with restorative ingredients like rosehip seed oil, organic hibiscus flower extracts, and vitamin E. And unlike some eye creams, it also won't break the bank — a win-win. A set of aesthetic wrist and ankle weights because *yes* you can achieve your fitness goals and have cute gear without shelling out $50+ on a set of trendy Bala Bangles. Happy tears, commence — but not for too long, because it's time to go for a power walk. A pair of breathable, wide-leg petal sweatpants giving such intense cozy-chic vibes, you'll feel like an Anthropologie model while brewing your morning coffee and lounging around catching up on Love Island (you've gotta be comfy when there are *that* many episodes). Skin1004's Zombie Pack, which works in just 15 minutes to noticeably reduce the appearance of fine lines, tighten pores, improve texture, and brighten your complexion. The mask itself tightens and cracks as it works on your skin — hence the name! — but when you rinse it off, your skin is left soooo soft and smooth. Essence's Lash Princess Mascara beloved for its ability to give you bold, dramatic lashes while also separating them to prevent clumping — and for its $5 price tag. People *rave* about this bestselling tube as a swap for more expensive mascaras like Too Faced Better Than Sex, L'Oreal Telescopic Lift, and many, many more. A 20-pack (!) of extra thick magic cleaning pads most reviewers agree is a great swap for the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. They're extra durable, so you can put them to work on your toughest cleaning jobs and watch the mess just ✨ disappear ✨. Rael Beauty's Miracle Patch, a budget-friendly hydrocolloid acne patch option with ultra-thin edges that make it way less detectable on your face. Keep a pack around if you're prone to sudden breakouts, and they'll come in clutch: Just apply one to a zit, and it'll literally suck out all that gunk, leaving the area noticeably flatter with less redness overnight. An internet-beloved set of makeup sponges — reviewers sing their praises as a budget-friendly swap for Beauty Blender and Real Techniques, since you get five of these for less than $10! Plus, when it comes to blending foundation, concealer, powder, and BB creams, there's no better tool for a ~flawless~ finish. Liquid matte lipstick from The Lip Bar for bold color that lasts all day without drying out your lips — or costing as much as designer brands like Pat McGrath. The gorgeous red shade "Bawse Lady" has some reviewers retiring their trusty Mac "Ruby Woo" for good! Oversized square sunnies exuding high-end vibes at a far more appealing price, plus polarized lenses with UV 400 protection. When someone asks, "Are those Bottega?" you can just smile mysteriously behind your chic new shades. Or an oval style with retro flair proving you don't *have* to drop over $400 at Miu Miu to look like you did. The gold detailing on the sides of the frame and vintage-y lens shape elevate these over that cheap pair from the drugstore, without costing much more — so you don't have to panic if you lose them at the beach. A glass mushroom lamp because the price of one of these at Urban Outfitters and West Elm? Painful. This one? Very reasonable! This'll cozy up your space at night without breaking the bank and makes a lovely, unique addition to your ambient lighting. And a new-and-improved Govee neon rope light to incorporate super customizable lighting that doubles as unique wall decor. Its bendable design lets you twist it into all sorts of neat shapes (though the squiggle is classic), and by using an app, you can program it to all sorts of color combos and lighting effects! The cozy glow this gives at night is unmatched. Hue, who? An eyebrow soap kit reviewers love as an alternative to name brands to help you sculpt your brows so they have the exact shape, volume, and texture you're going for — and keep them looking defined and fluffy throughout the day. When it comes to precision and hold, this stuff is *chef's kiss*. Slip-on mules stylish enough for work and so comfy, you'll probably end up wearing them even on casual days — reviewers say they hold up well to light walking. They're a budget-friendly alternative to Madewell's Gemma mules, well worth it for half the price and how much use you'll get out of them! A LuckyZ lightweight canvas backpack in case you need a cute daypack for that upcoming trip and *don't* need to go broke when you've already spent hundreds on tickets and lodgings. As many reviewers attest, there's really no sense in dropping $60+ on a Fjallraven Kanken backpack — that's souvenir money, folks!! Eva Naturals' vitamin C serum, which deserves a spot in your bag because it's basically a skincare superhero with powerful ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, niacinimide, and salicylic acid all rolled into one. This stuff might just spell the end for any acne, rough skin, fine lines, clogged pores, and dark spots you have. A pair of satin block-heeled dress shoes with supportive straps holding them securely to your feet and a darling bow detail that'll have everyone gushing over your shoes at that upcoming formal event. Despite the 3-inch heel, these pleated beauties are comfortable enough for the dance floor — not to mention their uncanny resemblance to a designer option from Loeffler Randall. Nyx Fat Oil Lip Drip in case that $40 Dior lip oil has been in your cart forever, but you just can't bring yourself to pull the trigger. At $9, this version's a much lighter hit to your wallet, with the same burst of hydration (made with vegan squalane!) sheer color, and non-sticky finish reviewers can't get enough of. A sleeveless halter bodysuit that looks like something from Zara or Skims — the fact that it's under $30 at Amazon will be our little secret. And just *think* how much use you'll get out of this single article of clothing — it'll pair beautifully with high-waisted jeans, skirts, shorts, and blazers. It's also slightly compressive similar to shapewear, but not in a restrictive way. A Revlon one-step hair dryer and volumizer so you can give yourself a gorgeous blowout without visiting the salon — it knocks out drying *and* styling your hair in one step to save time in the mornings too! With this under-$50 option, dropping $500+ on a Dyson Airwrap (or even $100 on the Drybar version) suddenly less appealing. Faux leather slip-ons that might make your friends stop, rub their eyes, and go, "Are those Hermès?" They're definitely not, but if you wanna save $800 and buy these instead, I certainly wouldn't blame you. These affordable but dressy slides will (*in the voice of Chappell Roan*) get the job done! A faux pearl choker so you can live out your dreams of owning a gorgeous Vivienne Westwood piece — well, at least rocking a similar look. Throw this on with that casual outfit that needs a little *something* to instantly elevate the whole aesthetic. A set of satin pillowcases to make your bed feel more ~luxurious~ for a fraction of the price that you'd spend on brands like Slip and Blissy. Plus, satin pillowcases stay refreshingly cool and are good for both your hair and skin: They help prevent breakage, frizz, and tangles in your hair and absorb less moisture from your skin overnight, keeping it more hydrated. Long-lasting Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint, worth the try if you like a little color on your lips but can't be bothered with lipsticks that constantly need touch-ups. This'll give your pout a smooth, ultra-pigmented stain with a silky finish, *and* it also has a lightweight feel that's not sticky or clumpy! A pack of bamboo oil-blotting sheets to keep yourself from looking greasy by 10 a.m. — you can keep these in your bag for quick touch-ups throughout the day as needed! (Don't worry, your makeup will remain unscathed.) This 100-count pack will cost you less than 10 bucks, a fraction of what premium brands like Tatcha charge. A beaded shoulder bag here to be your statement accessory, because 'tis the season for bright colors, fruity patterns, and tropical motifs. The Staud version costs a whopping $295, but this beauty is a much lighter splurge at just under $100 — so you could literally snag a few of the gorgeous designs for around the same price (or, you know, just save the money). A simple tennis bracelet that'll have you like, "Swarovski who?" People's minds will be blown when they hear this gorgeous bracelet is from good ol' Amazon dot com, not a high-end boutique. Not sure how to accessorize for that upcoming wedding or formal event? Here ya go. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water in case it's time for you to replace your beloved bottle of Bioderma. This has the same gentle but powerful makeup-removing abilities, lifting away even waterproof makeup along with dirt and excess oil (without totally stripping your skin of moisture). Eve Hansen Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum reviewers compare to the coveted TNS Recovery Complex serum that's — prepare yourself — over $200 for a 1-ounce bottle. This budget-friendly alternative offers similar benefits: It deeply hydrates, reduces under-eye puffiness and dark circles, smooths fine lines, boosts overall hydration, and creates a radiant glow that's giving, "I just got a facial." A beautifully crafted Baroque mirror that would fetch a far higher price elsewhere (*cough, Anthro*). Its ornate detailing brings a touch of traditional glam without feeling old-fashioned — and you didn't even have to step foot in an estate sale! You every time some product goes viral on TikTok and you *know* it's overpriced: The reviews used in this post have been edited for length and clarity.
