39 Cheap But Luxe Products To Scratch Your Spendy Itch

Buzz Feed

15-07-2025

A tinted lip balm so close to the same magic as "Black Honey," TikTok's beloved $25 ~universal shade~ from Clinique, that it will genuinely startle you — especially when you see the price. This is a perfect, non-sticky "go-to" lippie that's just a step above the "no makeup makeup" look, giving the perfect subtly polished effect.
The Ordinary's Multi-Depth Hydration Serum to achieve that "glassy," plumped effect *without* breaking the whole bank. This delightfully affordable, super effective serum helps hydrate and protect your skin barrier so you wake up with firm, refreshed skin.
A TikTok-beloved "Soft" perfume rollerball that honestly has no right smelling so delectable and layering so well considering it's only five cash dollars. Reviewers are obsessed with the scent's warm sweetness with a hint of citrusy zest, comparing it to waffle cones, lemon pound cake, and warm vanilla scones ... and this $65 bottle of Pink Sugar 👀.
E.l.f's Lash XTNDR Tubing Mascara, a GODSEND for anyone with thin or fragile lashes. This uses lightweight ~tubing~ technology to wrap around lashes and give them a natural-looking, smudge-proof extension so good it almost looks fake. The real boon, though, is how easily the "tubes" slide off in clean, easy swipes at the end of the day when you're washing your face — absolutely no smudging, over-scrubbing, or special eye makeup removal products required.
Plus Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel that earned its "holy grail" status — this will quickly help minimize eye puffiness and swelling thanks to its winning combo of caffeine and hyaluronic acid. It's basically an alarm clock for your eyeballs, because boy howdy are they awake now!!
Eos' Cashmere Skin Collection Shave Oil — yes, that's right, the astronomically TikTok-famous Eos "cashmere" body lotion now comes in shave oil form, so you can lock in that ridiculously compelling whipped vanilla, musk, and soft caramel scent *and* protect your skin from razor burn. Reviewers are notably impressed by how close of a shave they can get with this, particularly in sensitive areas!
E.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil for anyone who is ready for a glittery twist on the wildly popular OG version — this comes with a subtle, delightful ✨sparkle✨ so your smile can quite literally light up a room. This sheer, non-sticky, slightly tinted blend also features a refreshing minty scent!
A copy of Burn After Writing, a guided journal that tens of thousands of reviewers swear by — through a series of questions and thought experiments, it encourages people to take time away from their screens to explore their feelings, both new and old, so they can embrace meaningful ones and try to let others go.
E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops, another home run from the brand's moisturizing "Holy Hydration" line that reviewers are comparing to the $35 Watermelon Dew Drops from Glow Recipe. This lightweight formula is designed to brighten and plump skin for a dewy effect, whether you're wearing it alone, applying it under your makeup, or mixing it with your foundation.
A pair of lightweight, entirely waterproof cloud pillow slippers for anyone whose feet are pretty little princesses who need to be pampered at all times. These are near weightless, but have a cushioned, thick sole that absorbs impact on hard floors and surfaces. Reviewers with arthritis and plantar fasciitis also swear by these for alleviating foot pain!
Wild Iris Musk Body Wash, the summer-friendly sister of the TikTok-famous "old money" Baccarat Rouge 540-inspired body wash. I am a massive fan of both — the moisturizing clean is so fresh, and the scents are so DELIGHTFULLY luscious without overpowering — but trust me when I say that Wild Iris Musk is *the* scent of summer. It's floral, soft, playful, and grounded all at once. (And yes, just like the original version, it smells ... expensive 👀.)
The TikTok-viral Nooni appleberry lip oil that more than earned its spot on the MVP List — this K-beauty staple not only tints your lips for all-day wear, but helps moisturize and plump lips, so it's your one-stop shop for lip color *and* care.
A three-pack of vintage-inspired polarized sunglasses for anyone who needs to stock up on a few "these look like Ray-Bans, but I won't cry into my Baja Blast if I accidentally leave them in the Taco Bell parking lot" pairs this year. These are especially handy because you can match the subtle prints to whatever 'fit you're wearing!
A set of espresso martini instant cocktail tea bags — all the sophistication of tea, the zing! of coffee, and the 😜 of a cheeky cocktail, without the exorbitant bar price tags. All you have to do is add three ounces of cold water, 1.5 ounces of hard liquor, and the tea sachet into a glass, and you'll have a delicious cocktail in one minute.
A set of hypoallergenic gold-plated earrings you can mix and match to your aesthetic's content. Reviewers love how well these hold up over time, especially given the price!
A multipurpose blush stick reviewers compare to the $18 Pixi Beauty version — this version may be cheaper, but it's also easily buildable, blendable, and perfect for that light, dewy, "kissed by a happy pink cloud" look.
Jergens Natural Glow Firming Self Tanner Body Lotion to give you a gradually-building, vacation-worthy ~sunkissed glow~ over the course of just a few days. Not only is this easy peasy to apply compared to other finickier, streaking lotions, but it's formulated with collagen and elastin to help your skin appear firmer *and* glowier.
Tree Hut Desert Haze Shea Sugar Scrub — yes, the chronically sold out, cult-fave scent is in stock on Amazon...for NOW. If you're looking for a gentle, satisfying option for exfoliation, this one is a winner. Reviewers are obsessed with this smoky, floral "loud" scent that blends jasmine, raspberry, and musk.
A bottle of Elizavecca hair treatment, an Olaplex-like repairing mask infused with collagen ingredients and protein extracts that will help restore hair health and reduce shedding. All you gotta do is apply it on wet hair after a shampoo, wait five minutes, and rinse it out.
E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter that looked at the iconic (and expensive) Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter and said, "Game on, pal." Not only does this give that dewy, soft, "barely there" finish, but it's designed to hydrate your skin with hyaluronic acid, helping improve your moisture barrier for longterm glowiness, too.
An affordable, Lululemon-esque longline sports bra so comfy, supportive, and versatile that reviewers love it both for outdoor workouts, gym use, *and* errand running. This is designed be supportive without being too compressive, with lightweight fabric that keeps you breezy in the heat.
And another Lulu alternative, this charming and oh-so-comfortable tennis skirt with built-in shorts — reviewers also compare the buttery soft quality to the Align Skirt, and love the secret inner pocket on the shorts for stashing keys and tennis balls.
A plated, jewel-embedded ring you can buy yourself as a little treat if the $1,250 Cartier Love Ring is decidedly out of your budget. Dare I say this version is ... prettier than the designer one?
An affordable cult-favorite luxury-scented candle with a scent reminiscent of Le Labo's Santal 33, and a throw so satisfying that reviewers can't stop gushing about it. If you're in the market for a signature scent for your space this fall, look no further than this jasmine, oud, and sandalwood blend.
A pair of pretty pastel wireless over-the-ear headphones crafted to look like AirPods Max, so you can still enjoy the comfort and chic style of their iconic headphones without shelling out hundreds of dollars. These feature premium cushion padding, a built-in mic with the ability to take calls, 10 hours of playtime per charge, and surprisingly decent noise blocking for the price.
An Anthropologie-inspired reversible quilted throw blanket you can get in all kinds of fun, lively sprints that will startle your boring couch into having a personality, or give your bed a *much* needed reset after a rainy, dreary spring.
A set of satin pillowcases that not only have a cooling effect, but are soft on your skin and create less friction for your hair so it won't get as tangled while you sleep. Reviewers especially love these because they're an affordable alternative to ones that typically run $18 per case!
A bodycon lounge dress perfect for fans of Skims looking to spare themselves a few bucks — this versatile, figure-hugging dress has just the right amount of compression to mimic the iconic style and stay oh-so-comfortable for long periods of wear.
A set of golden bracelets with so much variety that you'll be set for all moods and occasions, whether it's a low key weekday that calls for one dainty bracelet or a sparkly Friday night that calls for the whole bracelet brigade.
Tree Hut's iconic Moroccan Rose Whipped Shea Body Butter, aka *the* way to keep your skin hydrated, glowy, and nourished while also smelling like you stepped out of a garden in an early era Taylor Swift music video.
A set of durable glass nail files so luxe that they'll look like little props on your vanity until they blow your mind with their super effective filing. I do not understand the science of how something so smooth and aesthetically pleasing can file down a nail, but I'm glad it exists.
An absolutely darling satin ribbon bow bookmark with such irresistible Belle vibes that it'll be a miracle if all your local pots and pans don't start singing to you as you pass.
An oh-so-classic pair of slip-on pointed toe ballet flats reviewers *love* as a cheaper alternative to the beloved Vivaia and Rothy's version, especially since these are also designed for all-day wear without any painful break-in periods.
A deliciously versatile weekender bag you'll reach for any time you need a bag for the gym, a carry-on bag for traveling, or a good old-fashioned "I must pack a zillion things for this child I created" bag for a day out. This is not only designed with a comfort-padded handles and an adjustable long strap for extra ease, but it is made with a water-resistant nylon, and has all *kinds* of super convenient pockets and compartments.
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 set of dainty but surprisingly strong bow-shaped hair clips to pair with all your frilliest summer dresses or to add a soft touch your more structured work outfits.
A charming set of ceramic egg trays so versatile you'll always be glad to have them on hand — these are great for fresh and hardboiled egg storage, egg decorating, *and* for a lil' twist on an solo charcuterie journey if you want to put some snacks in each little slot.
A set of "Golden Glow" under-eye gels made with 24-karat gold collagen formulated to brighten, nourish, and soothe your under-eyes so you can get that sweet, sweet de-puffing relief (and look ~expensive~ while you're doing it).
And a Lululemon-esque adjustable mini belted pack (aka ~fanny pack~) you can wear around your waist or shoulder for a lightweight bag alternative that you won't lose, since it is literally attached to you. A lot of reviewers mention how genuinely *stunned* they are by how much this little bag can secretly carry.