35 Beauty Products Reviewers Say Work Even Better Than Their Pricier Alternatives

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03-05-2025

1. A hair-repairing serum made with argan oil and aloe leaf extract to add softness and shine without making your hair greasier than a Wendy's triple cheeseburger — although it's basically the same price as one! Smooth it through damp hair for easy styling, or apply a few drops to dry hair to smooth flyaways and frizz.
Promising reviews: "I have used Moroccanoil for years and decided to give this a shot. This is better than Moroccanoil and I will be buying again. It keeps my hair soft and smooth even in summer humidity. Great product." — Caitlin K.
"This product is a legit alternative to the Ouai hair oil. They smell identical, they feel exactly the same, and they left my hair shiny and soft. And most importantly it saved me some money for the future." — Brianna Reed
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in packs of two and four).
2. A tinted lip balm for anyone intrigued by Clinique's " Black Honey" lipstick that went wildly viral on TikTok for its sheer shade that's meant to blend seamlessly with your natural lip color. It's impressed several reviewers, including loyal fans of Clinque's pricier shade.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Better than Clinique! I bought this one on a whim but never liked the real Black Honey Almost Lipstick by Clinique, since it tends to run red on me. This shade, in my opinion, is exactly what Black Honey SHOULD be, as it looks more like Black Honey in pictures. For the price, it can't be beat, so I'm buying more." — HAC
Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (also available in the pink honey version, and in a two-pack that mixes both)!
3. SeoulCeuticals' Day Glow Serum that brings vitamin C, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid, vitamin e, citrus stem cells, and organic centella together to form the most powerful sextet since Friends. The result? It can help fade discoloration, brighten your complexion, and add a serious dose of moisture.
Promising review: "This stuff is absolutely fantastic! Don't let the low price throw you off because this can do better, in my opinion, than 'the elephant stuff'! I had those itty bitty bumps right under my bottom lip on my chin and four days after using this stuff with micro-needling, they were gone! I have always taken good care of my skin and now that I am 43, I am just now realizing that I did a better job than I thought I had. I want to KEEP doing doing good stuff for my skin but not pay a fortune. This formula has a fresh orange-like smell to it and goes on very easily with a dropper. It dries within a minute and soaks in completely. I haven't had any irritation from the product but I had been using 'the elephant stuff' with similar ingredients prior to this, so it could be my skin was used to it. Overall, I am EXTREMELY pleased with this purchase." — AudibleAddicted
And SeoulCeuticals is a small biz!
Get it from Amazon for $15.98+ (available in two sizes).
4. An adorable polar bear hydrating eye stick — it's basically a venti iced coffee for your under-eye area. It features Iceland glacier water to help relieve the appearance of puffiness, and the niacinamide in the formula can provide a brightening effect to lessen the severity of dark circles. Also, reviewers love putting this lil' cutie in the fridge for an extra cooling sensation! I mean, it is a polar bear, after all — it only makes sense to keep it cold.
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Promising review: "This is just like the Milk Makeup Cooling Water Stick — but I like it better. It's less than half the price, the packaging is cuter, the smaller applicator makes it easy to get under my eyes — and it smells like clean water and rose petals. It's hydrating, cooling, and non-greasy. It makes you instantly look and feel more awake. Love it." — Janelle Patricia
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in a collagen formula).
5. A nail concealer that's a multitasking marvel, and it gives Dior a run for its money. It helps strengthen nails thanks to its blend of biotin and keratin, and it also provides a sheer hint of pink color that works great on its own or as a fast-dry top coat. It's basically a manicure in a bottle — which is an absolute STEAL at under $5. Just be sure to tip yourself when you're done.
www.amazon.com
Read more about nail care, including how nail strengtheners may help nails, at Mayo Clinic.
Promising reviews: "My Dior nail glow ran out and I saw this brand had a [lookalike} for that. I liked this color even more... Excellent everyday, clean-looking polish. Seems stronger than Essie." — reviewer22
"Growing out my nails has always been a challenge for me; I'm guilty of biting and peeling/picking at my nails when I'm nervous. This product has completely changed my nail game. It gives my nails a hard protective coating, and the tint of pink makes even my stubby nails look professional and pretty." — Andi
Get it from Amazon for $5.51.
6. A cruelty-free lengthening Essence mascara with a whopping 193,000 5-star ratings and some seriously impressive before and after photos. Oh, did I mention it's UNDER $5 and comparable to Tarte?! Unlike other mascaras at previous price points, reviewers say this one doesn't easily clump or smudge throughout the day and is suitable for sensitive eyes.
Promising review:"Since trying this product, I will never go back to anything else. For years, I've been using Better Than Sex by Too Faced, and I absolutely loved it. But as you know, it's at a higher price point. I was looking for a cheaper option that worked the same, if not better. I was pleasantly surprised when I came across this. For me... THIS WORKS BETTER! I've tried both the black and brown options as well as the waterproof options and [I'm] blown away by every one of them!! This is my new favorite mascara! Makes my lashes look like I had them professionally done." — chela1389
Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in black or brown and as a three-pack).
7. And a cruelty-free E.l.f tubing mascara that's basically lash extensions in a tube. The formula wraps your lashes with lengthening tubes for a fuller appearance, which also makes it SO easy to remove at the end of the day. If peeling off your mascara isn't witchcraft, I don't know what is.
Watch on TikTok as one user goes from skeptic to believer!
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord considers herself a fan:
"I am not a new human to the tubing mascara game, and in fact, I readily spent $26 on the famous OG blend from Blinc every time it needed replacing. I didn't even love it for the length half as much as the fact that tubing mascara like this genuinely never smudges, but can I just say — regardless of price, the E.l.f. tubing mascara formula blows all the others I've tried out of the water. It gives me way more length and volume than other brands, slides on so much more easily, stays put ALL day, and never, ever smudges. My favorite part, though, is how gently and easily it comes off with soap and water. In the past, other mascara removals have felt rough on my lashes, but this comes off so fast that I'm like ??? was I even wearing mascara a minute ago?? Anyway, I hesitate even writing this review because I want to gatekeep the hell out of this before it sells out, but the world needed to know. I'm a big fan of the brown shade (which is what I'm wearing above!), but it also comes in black and soft black."
Get it from Amazon for $7 (available in three shades).
8. Byoma's Hydrating Milky Toner, which many reviewers say can stand toe-to-toe with Rhode's Glazing Milk. It's designed to soothe and calm sensitive skin while adding a light touch of moisture that's perfect for prepping your skin for the rest of your routine. Some people on TikTok are even mixing this in with their foundation to get a glowy look even Hailey Bieber herself would be impressed with.
Amazon
Promising review: "Ok, so I absolutely LOVE this stuff! I tried it on a whim after hearing a few different people rave about it. I had tried a similar product from Rhode and was not really 'wowed' by it, but thought it was still a nice product. This milky toner, however, blew me away. I apply it after washing my face with my hands and gently pat it in, and it just leaves a moisturized, dewy finish. I also have recently started mixing it in with my foundation when I apply it to my makeup and it's been a game changer. Since it's winter and I live in the northeast, I have had issues with my foundation being really dry lately — this has solved it. It leaves a beautiful satin finish. For the price point, amount of product, and versatility, you just can't beat it. Will be repurchasing!" — talon12
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
9. The Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener — it'll have you singing 🎵 "where have you been all my li-i-i-i-i-ife?" 🎵 when you realize it might just replace your beloved Smashbox x Becca Under Eye Brightening Cream. Reviewers say it blends seamlessly into the skin and adds light coverage to dark circles — and now it comes in four shades!
www.amazon.com
The color-adaptive formula is designed so one of four shades will work on any skin tone.
Promising review: "I used to use the Becca under-eye product and this one is way better. You can sheer it out and warm it up on your hand. Don't need to use a lot and it adds a lot of brightness under concealer." — Ariel O
"Took years off my eyes! This product is so reasonably priced. I came across a TikTok promoting this and decided to take a chance since the price was super reasonable. My eyes looked brighter in a good way, and the concealer worked so well that I felt I looked younger. I got compliments from friends asking what I did differently with my makeup. I recommend it." — Monica T.
Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in four shades).
10. And Maybelline's Dark Circles Treatment Concealer for even more coverage. The lightweight formula is infused with Haloxyl, a peptide complex that's meant to reduce dark circles and tighten skin. Many reviewers say it's easy to blend with just your fingers, so you can ditch the brush if you want to!
Promising reviews:"This is the first concealer I have ever used that actually WORKS! It's much better than the pricier Tarte concealer that has such a loyal following. This is much more cost-friendly and the poof brush makes it easy to apply lightly." — bethSLC
"I am a 30-year-old female. I have extremely dark under-eye circles. Honestly, that is the only reason I wear makeup — to cover them. I've used numerous kinds of concealers. Tarte Shape Tape, Mary Kay, Estee Lauder (assorted kinds), IT Cosmetics Bye Bye under-eye, Clinique, Laura Mercier, Mac, and Bobbi Brown. I usually spend anywhere from $25–$30 on one tube of concealer and still feel unsatisfied with the coverage. Or it looks too heavy and thick by the time I sit with a damp makeup sponge and powder (accentuating my under-eye fine lines). This little gem is great. I use this concealer every day instead of all my high-end brand concealers. It's full coverage, buildable, lasts all day, is not drying, and is not too liquidy. I'm so happy I gave this a try, will definitely be keeping this baby in my everyday makeup bag." — Brittney
Get it from Amazon for $8.80+ (available in 21 shades and various pack sizes).
11. Or! A $7 E.l.f. Camo concealer that's perfect for all-over coverage — reviewers call a perfect alternative to Tarte's Shape Tape. It's high-coverage (hence the "Camo" in its name) but blends easily, so it's perfect for concealing any dark circles or acne scarring.
Promising review:"Shhhhh… I like it better than Shape Tape! 😳 Well, shoot. All these years, I've been spending so much money on Tarte's Shape Tape... And I never tried this?! Thank goodness for TikTok because I hear about everything on there! I wasn't willing to spend $30+ on makeup recently, so I decided to try this stuff. I'm SHOCKED at how much coverage I get without it looking cakey. It never oxidizes and lasts the entire day in most areas. I might have to touch up my under eyes or acne spots, but most of the time, there's no need to reapply. It's also super hydrating but doesn't leave my skin looking oily. There's been a few times I've applied this instead of foundation and it looked so good and natural. The finish is flawless and dewy, and looks amazing in pics. Ended up ordering a lighter shade for my under eyes and a color that's closer to my skin tone for everywhere else. I highly recommend it if you like the coverage and longevity of Shape Tape but hate the price … 👍🏼" — Sarah
Get it from Amazon for $7 (available in 25 shades).
12. A Nyx Fat Oil lip gloss to douse your lips in hydrating raspberry seed oil while adding a super glowy shine that'll have you forgetting all about Dior. You'll get the lightweight feel of a luxurious lip oil with the moisture of a heavier lip balm, all for under $10.
Promising reviews: "I have the Dior lip oil, and I actually like this one better! It leaves my lips softer and leaves the perfect tint on my lips. Sometimes I combine with a lipstick for extra color." — Emily R.
"I really like this and the applicator! It's so fun and cute. I like the texture and the feel of it on my lips. It feels thicker, and it doesn't come off too quickly. I got the color supermodel. It's not too pink like it looks and I wanted it to be natural, so it's perfect. Will be repurchasing." — Martha R.
Get it from Amazon for $7.45+ (available in 14 shades).
13. A Wet n Wild lightweight tinted hydrator that gives you a perfect hint of coverage while also improving your skin over time — your current foundation can't do that! It goes on just like a normal moisturizer, but has just enough pigment to reduce redness and blur pores. Oh, and the hyaluronic acid and squalane will help make your skin feel soft and moisturized.
Promising review:"This stuff is amazing. It has light to medium coverage. It lasts all day. The oils in my skin usually breakdown foundation but this one stays in place and after a little blotting looks good as new... I just recently purchased the Fenty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint in 6 and like it, but I actually prefer the Wet N Wild Tinted Hydrator better. You can buy six of these for the same price as the Fenty. I'm so happy I tried this." — Nancy
Get it from Amazon for $5.47+ (available in eight shades and also in packs of two).
14. E.l.f.'s Halo Glow Liquid Filter — this can be used in so many ways. You can apply it to your high points like a highlighter, mix with your foundation or moisturizer for an all-over glow, or get wild and slather it all over for the ultimate lit-from-within shine. Charlotte, dahling, this is giving your Flawless Filter a run for its money. 👀
It's formulated with hyaluronic acid and squalene for a boost of hydration!
Promising reviews: "This stuff is so legit I've gone through three bottles. Adds the perfect glow to your skin! Sometimes, I use it under foundation, and sometimes, I use it solo with a bit of concealer. I will never not repurchase it for the price and how beautifully it sits on the skin. This stuff is viral for a reason!!" — mapagill
"If you like Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter, this is leaps and bounds better! Just buy it. The coverage is better, [it] makes my skin have the most amazing natural glow! The colors run with a more warm/yellow undertone, which worked great for me! Spend a fraction of the price and just get it; you will be happy you did!" — Amazonreview
Get it from Amazon for $8.96+ (available in 12 shades).
15. Or L'Oreal's Lumi Glotion you can use under your foundation to add some radiance or use by itself on the days when you just want a natural glow. It's infused with glycerin and shea butter for extra moisture, and you can even use it on your body because the glass skin look isn't only for your face! Reviewers are even saying the deeper shades can act as a replacement for Drunk Elephant's D-Bronzi drops.
Promising review:"OK, so last summer, I took the plunge and bought the Drunk Elephant glowy tan drop stuff. I used it a fair amount, it was okay but IMO not anywhere near worth the price I paid. It had to be mixed into my foundation to look remotely normal, which defeats the whole point of the product, which was supposed to be for an 'effortless no-makeup glow.' I bought this stuff instead in the Deep shade this summer after a beach trip. This is not only [an alternative for] Drunk Elephant, it's a better product. It doesn't make you look like a glowing orange Oompa Loompa. It's a very natural ACTUAL skin shade and blends in with your natural shade as you blend it in. As my tan fades, I will combine it with moisturizer, but that's all that's necessary. If you were between this and just finally spending the money on the Drunk Elephant, get this. I wish I found it a summer sooner and saved myself the moolah." — Emily W.
Get it from Amazon for $12.42+ (available in five shades and two-packs).
16. An Ogx air-dry leave-in cream, which will give you Sephora-level results at a drugstore-level price. Now you can stop dreaming of buying one of those $400+ blow-dryers — this lets you air-dry your way to bouncy waves! The coconut oil and shea butter add extra moisture, while the citrus oils help add shine to your curls.
According to reviewers, this cream will add a slight bit of volume to thin, fine hair or enhance the waves in those with thick, curly hair.
Promising reviews:"I've tried so many curl products and this is my favorite even over high-end curl creams. I have really long wavy hair. This controls the frizz and leaves my hair soft and brushable. This isn't texturizing and it doesn't leave a sticky or tacky residue. Love this so much." — Amazon Customer
"I'm so grateful that I found this product. My hair is wavy and frizzy. Every once in a great while, my waves resemble curls, but the frizz is always there. I've only used this product one time so far and I never want to be without it. I put some on after towel drying (no brushing) my hair, and my waves actually resembled curls! It wasn't instant, so I was skeptical, but after about 15 minutes, I caught a glimpse of my hair in the mirror, and I was amazed. It looked styled rather than a ratty mess. I slept on it, and it still looked great in the morning!!!" — mich0610
Get it from Amazon for $8.96 (also available in a pack of two).
17. An E.l.f. camo liquid blush — its results will turn you into a rare beauty, if you catch my drift. 😉 Reviewers say the pigment is super strong with a glossy finish but is still easily blendable and buildable.
Promising review: "This stuff is no joke. I like to use one product for my full face for a quick makeup routine, as eyeshadow, blush, and highlight all at once. When I tell you I need exactly two dots for my whole face, I couldn't be more serious! It has a different, more glossy texture than a Rare Beauty blush, but the pigment is much stronger. Comes off very dewy and kind of glossy but can be made matte with powder. The only thing I will say is that if you overwork it, there can be small lifted spots, which happened to me when I first tried it because I used too much and then had to try to blend so much. Already purchased another color. Love E.l.f. makeup!" — oscar Julian zapotitla
Get it from Amazon for $6.65+ (available in 12 shades).
18. And a convenient Catrice blush compact with matching cream and powder formulas so you can achieve Patrick Ta's signature cream-over-powder technique without paying Patrick Ta prices. You can totally use them separately if you want (or go with the traditional powder-over-cream method), but layering the cream on top of the powder will give you a dewy finish and a slightly more vibrant color. It sounds weird — but just trust the process!
Promising review: "These are fantastic. I bought all four, and I hope they add more colors. They are giving Patrick Ta, but better, at a fraction of the cost. They really last all day individually, but if you want you can layer them for even more color saturation. The textures are great, easy application. The two pinks are very pigmented and vibrant, so go easy at first. Highly recommend." — Joan A.
Get it from Amazon for $7 (available in four shades).
19. A nonaerosol, benzene-free I Dew Care "Tap Secret" mattifying powder shampoo you can pat directly onto your roots to mop up any excess oil right from the source. Just tap and massage it in — it'll even provide a little extra volume!
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I have tried IGK, Living Proof, Not Your Mother's, Amika, and so many others but THIS LASTS THE LONGEST! I am impressed by this product. Don't listen to the haters because I have severely fine and oily hair and this product allows me to last for one week without washing and it gives me volume..." — 473X
Get it from Amazon for $12.59+ (available in the original six shades and various pack sizes).
20. BestLand's high-performance matte lipsticks — they're less than $2 each but the results will make you feel like you spent closer to $20. No seriously, reviewers have compared these to brands like Tarte and Stila! The colors are gorgeous "everyday wear" shades everyone needs in their collection, and the matte formula won't leave your lips feeling dry.
Promising reviews: "What can I say, I saw a TikTok about this lipstick and for $10 had to try it! The reviews are right, for some reason this lipstick is better than even $20 name-brand ones bought from Ulta. Not only does it smell great, but dries in under a minute and survived eating a cupcake, a Starbucks drink, and an entire evening out, no smudging and had to be removed with a makeup wipe. Fantastic product!!" — Claire
"Beautiful and soooo worth the money! Usually I always purchase either Stila Cosmetics or Kylie Jenner but both of those are very pricey and expensive, so I looked up matte lip glosses on Amazon and saw this and thought I would give it a try. I absolutely love it. Very easy to put on does not smudge, beautiful colors, very very happy about the size of it! I went and purchased set B now because I love this product!" — Vickyy
Get a six-piece set from Amazon for $8.99 (available in six sets).
21. A pack of star-shaped pimple patches so cute you won't mind wearing them out and about. They're made of a wound-healing gel called hydrocolloid that can help drain fluids from any open pimples and cover any that are already on the surface, and they also contain salicylic acid to help dissolve excess sebum.
Promising reviews: "Better than Starface!!! These stick extremely well and actually pull out and absorb the gunk. Plus, they come with soooooo many." — chey
"I love these and wish they had them around when I was a teenager! I literally use them as facial decorations in addition to hiding blemishes and, my teenage son has no problem wearing them because they effectively minimize zits!!" — Monica
LivaClean is a small business specializing in acne solutions and skincare.
Get a pack of 240 from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in four shapes/colors and in multipacks).
22. A root touchup powder you can pat on like magic dust so you can stretch the time between salon appointments when you're much too busy trying to overthrow an evil wizard. Just use the attached sponge to pick up some powder and rub it directly on any grays, or use it on your hairline to create a fuller appearance. It'll become one of your new beauty lifesavers.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Although, gray hair is honestly pretty fierce, so feel free to let those silvery strands shine!
Check it out in action on TikTok here!
Promising reviews: "This product is awesome. Covers the grays/roots. Stays on all day. Also, if you have thin hair, it will fill in the spots nicely. Comes with a sponge that you unscrew off the bottom. This will last a very long time. This is much easier to use than the spray that doesn't always get the right spots and tends to get on your clothes. A good selection of colors. Great price. Will re-order when the time comes." — Amazon Customer
"LOVE! so easy to use and perfect for helping my thinned hairline from postpartum hair loss. I tried a more expensive brand and liked this one more. Definitely recommend it for helping the hairline look fuller. I toss it in my makeup bag and apply quickly ." — Catie B.
Get it from Amazon for $17.95 (available in two sizes and 14 colors).
23. E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer, which has gone mega-viral several times for providing a perfect base for makeup by blurring pores and smoothing the appearance of fine lines, and it might just remind you of Tatcha's The Silk Canvas Primer. It's formulated with squalene for an extra dose of hydration, and it's designed to grip onto your makeup to help it last all day long.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Okay so first nothing will make you 'poreless,' but this stuff is amazing. Will even out fine lines and help with super porous areas; my T-zone [has really visible] pores and this definitely gave me a boost in confidence. I would highly recommend. Especially to those not to familiar with makeup, this is a game changer. Honestly it works better than my $30 primer from Urban Decay and lasts all day. I am oily so I usually blot some powder on later in the day but if you have dry skin this could be the ultimate game changer!" — Olivia
Get it from Amazon for $10.
24. A L'Oreal Infallible setting spray that takes just three seconds to apply to your whole face (thanks to wide-spraying microfine mist) and claims to help your makeup last for up to a whopping 36 hours. If you don't feel like parting with $32 dollars for the super viral One Size On 'Til Dawn setting spray, reviewers say this might just work even better.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising reviews:"Love this product. I always use it, and I am a sweaty person 😅 I sweat easily.. not even kidding. I compare it to the One Size and I have to say that I do like this one much better. It really doesn't budge." — Zully B
"This works just as well as the One Size. I have very oily skin and need a high-quality setting spray, and this one works amazing! Skip the expensive one and try this!!" — Shopgirl
Get it from Amazon for $10.98 (also available in a pack of two).
25. A No Poreblem primer from Korean beauty brand Touch in Sol because the key to effortless makeup application is a strong base! This will provide a velvety smooth surface for your foundation to glide on top of like an Olympic figure skater — and it'll add some extra moisture thanks to the green tea extract. You'll also be protected from excess oil production so you'll be glowy, not greasy!
www.instagram.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews:"I am rather picky on my primers. I have used a bunch of different ones including Too Faced, Urban Decay, Elf, Nyx, Smashbox, etc. This is by far my favorite. It has a nice light scent (I have sensitive skin), dries quickly, and does not leave my face sticky. It really sinks into the skin too. A little goes a long way with this stuff. After applying foundation, it really minimizes my pores and gives my skin a nice healthy glow." — Stephanie
"I never leave reviews but I had to praise this product. This is seriously a holy grail staple to your makeup. I've tried dozens of primers, and none have even come close to this. It doesn't matter if you're using oil-based or silicone-based makeup. It will all blend and sit seamlessly. I have dry skin and oily skin, so finding something that suits both needs is hard. It doesn't get patchy either, which is something I struggle with. But THIS primer is absolutely perfect. 10/10. Would give 100 stars if I could!!" — Placeholder
Get it from Amazon for $11.75 (also available in a green tint and in packs of two).
26. A set of makeup sponges that'll make you question how you ever spent top dollar for a Beauty Blender. You can get five of these for less than $10, and reviewers say they blend everything from foundation to concealer like a dream.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Don't hesitate, just buy these. I was using the Real Technique sponges for years and bought these on a whim after seeing several TikToks praising these. I love these sponges and the price. I apply liquid foundation with a damp sponge and these work better than Real Techniques. They are dense but soft and 'bouncy.' I wash mine between each use and these hold up very well and much better than the RT. Very happy with my purchase and the price. Will definitely continue to buy." — chris
Get a set of five from Amazon for $5.99+ (available in five sets).
27. A bottle of Elizavecca Hair Treatment with an impressive ingredients list for such a low price. Its blend of ceramides and collagen can help add smoothness and shine to your hair in just five minutes, making it perfect for those of us who care about our hair but not enough to devote extra time to it. Many reviewers say it's replaced Olaplex in their routines!
This is designed to work on all hair types, with reviewers with 2b–4c curls mentioning it worked for them!
Promising review: "This stuff is AMAZING. I have been bleaching my hair for 12 years. My hair has never looked or felt better before using this. It is so soft and shiny... only using this once a week. It has worked better on my hair than Olaplex or other expensive treatments. I'll never use anything else!" — Craig
Check out BuzzFeed's full review of the Elizavecca hair treatment for more deets!
Get a bottle from Amazon for $7.60.
28. SkinSmart Facial Cleanser Spray — it can help reduce the bacteria that causes acne and breakouts in just a few spritzes. It features hypochlorous acid, which is meant to fight infection and promote healing. It's perfect for refreshing your skin after a sweaty workout, and you can even use it for body acne as well. If you've had you're eye on the Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray but the price is putting you off, give this a try instead.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews:"This stuff literally saved my skin! I started using it daily. Especially after gym sessions. My skin started clearing up and I have used it every day and I have never looked back. This has become a staple in my skincare routine. I use it after toner and before serum in the morning and then I spray it after the gym. It's better than the Tower 28 one." — Shay G.
" Does the EXACT same as Tower28 for a fraction of the price! I love it, my face feels refreshed. Highly recommend, no shade to Tower28, they are great, but this is cheaper and if you're on a budget, use this alternative! Great for after work, the gym, or existing in these hot summer months. If you have sensitive skin, it's gentle." — Paul R.
Get it from Amazon for $17.46.
29. A compact and super affordable ionic hair dryer that has reviewers questioning why they ever shelled out the cash for a $400+ Dyson. 😩 It has three heat levels and a temperature-regulating function to prevent overheating, and the powerful motor is designed to dry hair in less than 10 minutes.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
It comes with a smoothing nozzle, styling nozzle, and diffuser nozzle.
Promising reviews:"Great powerful hair dryer. Great price too. Have had Dysons in the past and nothing but trouble with them. This is far better and very affordable, and no problems with it. (Retired hairdresser)." — bamzee
"Purchased this dryer to help dry my granddaughter's type 4C hair. Drys quickly and cuts down on her squirming. She hates having her hair done. Shortened the drying time significantly. Would recommend." — Jiggilypuff
Get it from Amazon for $28.49+ (available in eight colors).
30. A $4 E.l.f. lip balm reviewers have compared to both Laneige and Summer Fridays. It contains a blend of hyaluronic acid and shea butter to soften and moisturize, and some of the formulas contain a sheer hint of color.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "This lip balm is as smooth as butta, and not to mention smells great. I apply it at night and wake up with soft, hydrated, plump lips. Bonus: if you apply hyaluronic acid on your lips beforehand — chef's kiss. As for the price, I wish it had way more product, but it is cheaper than the Laneige lip mask and way better, in my humble opinion." — María
"This lip balm is a great alternative if you do not want to pay a ton of money for the Laneige and Summer Fridays lip balms. It is super moisturizing and left my lips super smooth and soft. One of the best e.l.f. products I have tried and it is a wonderful price. Even though it is pretty small, it lasts a good amount of time. I would definitely recommend." — Lance Z.
Get it from Amazon for $4 (available in five styles).
31. And! A trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks that's less than half the price of a single jar of Laneige's popular version. They contain vitamin C for a brightening effect and come in fun flavors (lime, pomegranate, and berry) so you can switch up your routine every night.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "Love this! In my opinion, better than Laneige at a fraction of the price. A bit thicker, which I like. Even though it's a sleeping mask, I use it throughout the day to keep my lips moist and soft. Will keep ordering again and again." — Michaela
" This is the most moisturizing lip treatment on the market. When my lips started getting dry due to the cold season, I was thinking of buying the Laneige lip mask, but it's soooo expensive. This is a fraction of the cost and feels just the same. Very good product." — Riya
Get a set of three from Amazon for $9.90 (available in five scent combos).
32. E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops, which might just convince you to save some cash and hold off on trying those Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Dew Drops you've been eyeing. This super lightweight serum is meant to provide an instant ✨glow✨ to the skin, whether you wear it on its own, under foundation, or mixed into your foundation for a radiant finish. Prepare for the onslaught of compliments coming your way.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising reviews: "Love these better than my glow recipe! Better because it doesn't have the smell... Makes my skin feel amazing and so juicy! Great value for the money." — Tiffany T.
"I've used Glow Recipe's Watermelon Dew Drops, and while I liked the product I wasn't too fond of the strong scent or the price point. The texture, finish, and feel of this product is pretty much identical, but without the fragrance and at a better value. Smooth, absorbs quickly, works well as a lightweight primer that doesnt pill with makeup, and subtly evens skin tone over time." — K.C.
Get it from Amazon for $11.97.
33. A creamy, oil-based Juno & Co cleansing balm reviewers swear by for removing every trace of makeup, even stubborn waterproof formulas. (Seriously, take those makeup wipes out of your cart right now!!!) It's made with only 10 ingredients, including Japanese pearl barley to hydrate and brighten. If you've tried and loved Farmacy's Green Clean, keep this cheaper alternative on your radar.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
New to cleansing balms? Start by warming the product up with your dry fingertips, massage in circular motions on dry skin, then rinse with lukewarm water. If using as part of a double cleansing routine, follow this up with a water-based facial cleanser.
Promising review:"I've loved the Farmacy Green Clean for many years, but at $30+ for a jar that lasts 1–2 months max, it was a pricey product to buy on a regular basis. I wanted something just as good at a lower price, and I FOUND IT! This cleanser absolutely melts away makeup and deep cleans the skin without any drying or eye irritation! It smells great, and a little goes a loooonng way — I'm in love!" — Amazon Customer
Juno & Co. is a small business specializing in personal care and skincare products.
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
34. Nyx's extreme hold eyebrow gel to keep your brows in place for a whopping 16 hours — I think even Anastasia Beverly Hills herself would be impressed! Unlike the other countless brow gels collecting dust in your makeup drawer, this one is designed to dry down without a sticky finish — and it won't flake throughout the day.
www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "I've tried just about every eyebrow gel on the market, from high-end to drugstore. This is not only [an alternative] for Benefit's brow gel and Glossier Boy Brow, it's better! So much better and way cheaper." — Amazon Customer
"OK, I was skeptical as I love my ABH Brow Freeze. But a friend did my makeup and used it and I was really impressed. So, I got some and played with it on my own. It is so much smoother to glide through my brows. I work it through back and front, then again with a clean spoolie. I LOVE the results. It also washes out really well (even if I don't use a makeup wipe)." — Miss Jordan
Get it from Amazon for $9.90+ (available in five shades).
35. A box of skin-lifting Skin 1004 face masks — it'll make you look like a terrifying zombie until you rinse it off, but it's worth it for the pore tightening and complexion brightening benefits! It contains albumin, an ingredient derived from egg whites that's known to tighten and lift the skin, even if reviewers say it's a bit smelly at first (but most say they get used to it quickly)! Reviewers say it's similar to the popular Hanacure mask, but way cheaper since you get eight of these in a box!
www.amazon.com
Promising reviews:"I was gifted the Hanacure masks and loved them, but they're just way too pricey. I heard SO many wonderful things about the Skin 1004 Zombie Mask... Let me tell you, this mask is just straight up magic. I didn't notice any changes to my skin immediately, but a few hours later when I looked in the mirror, I was shocked at how wonderful my skin looked. I've never noticed a difference like this. Hanacure who?!??... This Zombie mask is every bit as magical, with better results in my opinion... Bottom line, this is better than Hanacure, both price and results-wise." — Dana D.
Get a box of eight masks from Amazon for $19.70.
Reviews here have been edited for length and/or clarity.