43 Affordable Versions Of Expensive Products If You Refuse To Pay For The Brand Name

Buzz Feed

19-04-2025

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
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You could pay hundreds of dollars on big name clothes and beauty products ... or you could get these $20 Lululemon equivalents and cult-fave $7 dry shampoo instead.
1. 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.
www.amazon.com
I bought this because I crave that Black Honey and will buy it until the day I die, but I am always paranoid of losing it, so I almost never let it leave my bag. I have tried probably five or six "almost" versions of Black Honey that came close, but this one genuinely spooked me. It has the same easy glide, same buildability, and the same refreshingly hydrating effect. It was a two-pack so I gave one to my BFF, another Black Honey fan, who also could not detect the difference!
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 a two-pack from Amazon for $9.99 (also available for $7 as a single lippie, in the pink honey version, and in a two-pack that mixes both!).
2. Essence's Drop of Sunshine Bronzing Drops, aka the more affordable version of the beloved $39 Drunk Elephant version. This buildable, hydrating formula is an easy way to add a ~sunkissed touch~ your beauty routine without breaking the bank (or compromising your skin!).
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review:"I love this so I ordered a second for backup! Depending on my day I will add no more than one or two drops to my moisturizer or my primer. Takes away the winter pallor of my face which definitely has not had enough sun lately. The bottle is small, but you don't need to use much. Reasonably priced for the amount. I would say buy it." — Incognito
Get it from Amazon for $5.99.
3. Monday Haircare Dry Shampoo with all the oil-absorbing, refreshing power of its competitors, *plus* added keratin for protection against frizz and breakage. The subtle gardenia scent is just extra extra credit after all that.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I was thoroughly impressed with this dry shampoo. It's affordable, effective, and everyone compliments how great I smell when I use it. Two bottles lasted me a few months. It does have a white cast, but that can easily be worked into the hair to become undetectable." — Meg B.
Get it from Amazon for $6.97.
4. A pair of luxe retro-style oval sunglasses giving Miu Miu vibes without the $489 price tag. The devil's in the chic details on this one, including the little gold embellishments on the sides and the nostalgic shape of the lenses, which are softer than the typical skinny oval lens.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I absolutely love these sunglasses! They suit my face beautifully and elevate any look with their stylish design. The gold details on the sides are such a stunning touch — reminiscent of high-end Miu Miu sunglasses but at a fraction of the cost. They're lightweight, comfortable, and feel durable. I've received so many compliments already. Highly recommend these for anyone looking to add a chic accessory to their collection!" — Arsalan sheikh
Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in five styles and two packs).
5. And 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!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I've been buying these for years. They replaced my Ray-Bans that look identical! Fit great and with the price point I don't have to worry too much with my kids and being on the go!" — Jessica M
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $15.99+ (clip the 20% off coupon on the product page for this price; available in 16 sets, as well as two-packs and individual pairs).
6. E.l.f.'s Squeeze Me More Lip Balm Duo with some real "Laneige, but make it cheap" energy. This mango and watermelon duo is actually the oh-so-tropical remix of the brand's wildly beloved Squeeze Me More Lip Balm that came out last year, so reviewers are already obsessed with how lightweight, hydrating, and deeelicious these go-to balms are.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review:"My favorite lippie. I am absolutely in LOVE with E.l.f. products. The consistency is rich and stays on your lips for hours. Considering the cost, these have quickly become my go-to lip product." — Paula Johnson
Get it from Amazon for $8 (and check out five other flavors, including Vanilla Frosting, here!).
7. Good Molecules Pineapple Exfoliating Powder so effective that reviewers gleefully compare it to the $68 Dermalogica version. This gentle, foaming powder is formulated with natural rice starches and pineapple, kiwi, and papaya extracts, and should be used three to four times weekly to help gently break down dead skin cells for a brighter, more refreshed flow.
Amazon
Good Molecules is a small business that specializes in affordable skincare products.
To use the powder, mix a teaspoon with a few drops of water until it foams, then massage in gentle circles on your face before rinsing.
Promising review: "This is the best thing since sliced bread. I am on bottle number three. My face routine is forever changed. I pray they never raise their prices. This is akin to Dermoligica, but like half the price. Get it, don't hesitate." — Chris
Get it from Amazon for $16.
8. 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.
Check out a TikTok of the E.l.f. tubing mascara in action.
I am not a new human to the tubing mascara game, and in fact 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).
9. A Baccarat Rouge 540-inspired moisturizing body wash infused with white jasmine, red currant, and sweet amber that reviewers swear by for a cheap alternative to keep that delectably luxe scent on them all day long. Nothing wrong with smelling a lil' ~~expensive~~!
I bought this after being peer-pressured by all the lovely reviews, and I'm happy to report it lives up to the hype. The scent is lovely — it has depth with a hint of floral, but it's light and not at all overpowering. My favorite thing about it is how easily it pairs other scents, because I am a body mist gremlin who swaps out her scents every day. The lather is also deeply satisfying and I feel quite refreshed and squeaky clean without ever feeling dry.
Promising review:"Cremo's body wash is nothing short of exceptional. If you're a fan of luxurious fragrances, this product will quickly become your new favorite. It boasts an incredible scent that perfectly mimics Baccarat Rouge 540 — a fragrance renowned for its sophisticated and captivating aroma. What sets this body wash apart is not just its stunning scent but also its longevity. The fragrance lingers beautifully throughout the day, ensuring you stay enveloped in that luxurious aroma long after your shower." — Ralph D. Thompson II
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
10. 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 to be supportive without being too compressive, with lightweight fabric that keeps you breezy in the heat.
Promising review:"LOVE. It is super comfortable to wear and is great for supporting my chest when I go on a run. Doesn't collect sweat, very nice and cool material for hotter environments. I have it is so many colors because I love them so much. HIGHLY recommend!" — Cheyenne
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in women's sizes XS–3XL and 29 colors).
11. Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener, which will be your holy grail for concealing and brightening dark circles under your eyes when schedule is throwing you for a loop. This lightweight, color-adapting formula is designed for truly ~invisible~ coverage that makes a drastic difference — one that a lot of reviewers compare to the $33 Becca version.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
The color-adaptive formula is designed so one of four shades will work on any skin tone.
Promising review: "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).
12. Plus Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel, a cult-fave product for your beauty arsenal that 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!!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Good Molecules is a small business that specializes in affordable skincare products.
Promising review:"This stuff is amazing!! I put it on every night and morning. I've been using a little over a month and you can already tell a difference. My dark circles are hereditary, so I truly thought nothing would work. However this stuff IS GREAT!" — Shay M.
Get it from Amazon for $5.98.
13. 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 👀.
Promising review: "Like so many, I found this scent on TikTok. I was a bit skeptical at first but finally got around to trying it. First off, this scent smells amazing! Almost every time I've worn it, I receive compliments. It has a sweet smell, almost like warm cake or sugar cookies with a hint of lemon. With such an affordable price, I would definitely recommend this to anyone curious about trying it." — Chrissy
Get it from Amazon for $5.47 (available in two styles).
14. Eos' Shea Butter Vanilla Cashmere body lotion, which TikTok is going *feral* over both because of the lightweight, long-lasting moisture, and the soothing, delicious smell that reviewers compare to more expensive brands like Philosophy and Bath & Body Works.
Promising review: "Heaven sent for your skin; heavenly scent to enjoy. This feels absolutely amazing going on. Gets absorbed quickly, for a lotion rich with oil. Doesn't leave a greasy feeling, as long as you give it a minute or two to fully absorb. The scent is, for me anyway, like aromatherapy. It smells like an iced sugar cookie, and is a great base layer for fragrance. Very relaxing." — Dragonheart Jo
"I love everything about this lotion! I had been using a body butter that was 10 times as expensive, but I was looking for a cheaper alternative and I am SO glad I found this! I immediately ordered three more bottles." — Samantha
Get it from Amazon for $8.98.
15. A pair of high-waisted running shorts with a comfy scrunch-elastic waistband reviewers compare to the Lululemon version. These are lightweight, quick-dry, and come in so many adorable colors that your butt might just want them on rotation until laundry day.
Promising review: "Right after the first pair came I got another. These shorts are so comfy and they fit well on me as a plus size person. I use these for exercising, swimming, lounge wear on a hot day, and as safety shorts underneath skirts and dresses." — Mak
Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in women's sizes XS–3X and 34 colors).
16. And a pair of Buff Bunny-inspired booty-highlighting biker shorts for anyone who wants to add some fun prints and colors to their favorite ~asset~ when they're on the move, for a fraction of the usual $48 price.
Promising review: "I literally just returned the Buff Bunny Legacy Short to buy this instead since it seemed the same from the reviews. I even like it slightly better." — rebecca
"I love Buff Bunny but I don't love the prices. I went on their website and found the exact fabric make up for the legacy shorts and put that into Amazon, and boom these short, popped up. They are one percent off from the ones that Buff Bunny make, but these are BETTER. They are so buttery soft; they have good stretch, but they also have a good amount of compression to make you feel snatched, no t to mentioned they give you the juiciest peach!" — Jenny
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in women's sizes XXS–3X and dozens of styles and prints).
17. 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.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
This is designed to work on all hair types, with reviewers with 2b to 4c curls mentioning it worked for them!
Promising review:"Like many others, I tried this as a replacement for Olaplex. Honestly, Olaplex never had a great effect on my hair and certainly wasn't worth the price. This did an unreal job on my hair!! I was skeptical (tried a little bit first because I was petrified it would burn off my hair and I would end up bald!) but, lo and behold, it was magic! My hair is so strong, silky, and healthy looking after just one use. Plus, you can't beat the price! Have already ordered another box. I should also add I have curly/wavy hair that's been colored to a light brown. Buy it!!" — BB
Check out BuzzFeed's full review of the Elizavecca hair treatment for more deets!
Get a bottle from Amazon for $7.60.
18. MagicMinerals AirBrush Foundation, your new favorite alternative to Dior's (discontinued!!) Airflash that lives up to the hype — one quick spray of the foundation on the included brush, and it glides so smoothly and subtly over your skin texture that you'll feel like a makeup artist did it for you. Reviewers in their thirties, forties, and up especially swear by this lightweight but effective formula, and love that it's ridiculously easy to use.
Jerome Alexander is a small business that specializes in airbrush cosmetic products.
HELLO — I found this through a recommendation on a Reddit beauty forum for people in their thirties, and I am OBSESSED. I am not very skilled with makeup and was intimidated by the brush factor, but it's nearly foolproof. This foundation straight-up glosses over my pores and redness and makes my skin look so even-toned and natural that it doesn't look like I used much foundation at all. It's a bit price-y compared to brands I used in the past, but I'm still on my first bottle of it, and it's been three full months. I hope this never stops getting made. It is so lightweight and lovely and has made my makeup routine feel like a TREAT.
Promising review: "Bought this because I saw it on TikTok, and it did not disappoint. I love the lightweight feel of it and how easy it is to build." — Smickens
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in 12 shades).
19. A super lightweight, loose-fitting high neck muscle tank for fans of the Lululemon version at a *much* lower price point. This is a breezy *dream* thanks to the quick-dry fabric, the cross-over pleat in the back, and the slight petal hem at the bottom.
Promising review: "I love these workout tanks! They are soft and flowy without being oversized. I have bought two colors and will be buying more to replace ones I have that are too long or too clingy. Great bargain too!" — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $17.99 (clip the $2 off coupon for this price; available in women's sizes XS–XXL and 18 colors).
20. And another Lululemon-inspired piece, a charming and oh-so-comfortable tennis skirt with built-in shorts similar to the Align style. The secret inner pocket on these is perfect for stashing keys and tennis balls, and the shorts are designed with a four-way stretch so they won't ride up.
Promising review: "I wear this going on walks or elevating an outfit to run errands. The side pocket is perfect to fit my phone or wallet. Very comfortable, especially in the spring/summer! Packs well for trips. It's a staple in my closet. Great quality for the price." — Jamie
Get it from Amazon for $29 (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and 20 colors).
21. Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum, aka humidity's WORST ENEMY. 😈 This super lightweight argan oil solution is designed for all hair types to help manage frizz and define waves and curls without weighing them down, and will be the MVP in your hair arsenal in the warmer temps — especially considering how costly competitive serums are!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I've struggled with frizzy hair for years, but this has been a game-changer for me. A few drops of this lightweight serum applied to damp hair before styling tames frizz instantly, leaving my hair smooth, shiny, and incredibly manageable. The argan oil infusion adds a touch of nourishment and helps to prevent future frizz. I'm so happy I finally found a product that actually works to control my unruly hair!" — Kleo
Get it from Amazon for $6.97 (also available in larger sizes and multipacks).
22. 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.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review: "Love these drops. So effective, a little goes a long way. Great for a boost of hydration, especially in the colder and/or drier months. Great as a primer before makeup to smooth the skin. Such a value for a product that packs a punch. My skin hasn't looked better!" — Ken
Get it from Amazon for $11.97.
23. A set of super affordable hydrocolloid nose pore patches (compare to the $16 Mighty Patch equivalent) that will make you go "boy HOWDY" when you see how much gunk collects on them overnight. Reviewers swear by these for gently lifting out sebum from pores and pimples and minimizing their appearance!
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Peach Slices is a small business that specializes in affordable skincare products.
Promising review:"I use these once a week and they really help my huge nose pores look way smaller and cleaner. The first time I still had some oil and gunk in my pores but the second time I had even less. By the third time I used them, the only oil was on the patch, and my nose has never looked better. My pores appear smaller and my nose is smoother." — Sarah Cavasos
Get a pack of seven from Amazon for $9.98.
24. A simple faux-diamond tennis bracelet to add a touch of sophistication to any outfit without the price of name-brand versions like Swarovski (even though reviewers agree this looks like the Real Deal 👀).
Promising review: "Soooo pretty. It's 100% [similar to] Swarovski for so cheap. Looks exactly like the photo and I wear it every day." — Trysten Walters
For what it's worth, Pavoi — the company behind this piece — has gone TikTok viral time and time again for its classic, modern, and expensive-looking pieces. I personally own almost all my "daily wear" jewelry from Pavoi and swear by it. Everything is so easy to accessorize and makes my outfits look and feel so much more put together, and the pieces are so durable that they're easily worth twice what I paid. Check out the rest of Pavoi's line of jewelry for more options, including earrings, bracelets, and anklets!
Get it from Amazon for $18.45+ (available in four colors, two styles, and three sizes).
25. And a dainty gold-plated station necklace, another home run from jewelry brand Pavoi so close to the real diamond versions from Quince and Dorsey that run $400+ that it'll turn all your everyday looks into ~quietly expensive~ looks.
Promising review: "I bought this before I was gifted the Dorsey necklace and they are almost identical. If you don't want to spend $$$ on the Dorsey necklace, this is a great option." — Bianca
Get it from Amazon for $16.45 (available in yellow gold, rose gold, white gold, and three other styles).
26. A ridiculously soft oversized hoodie reviewers compare to $$ brands like Skims, Aritzia, and Abercrombie. You know how on TikTok sometimes people say "this hoodie hoodies" like it's a noun and a verb? Enter this cult-favorite, reviewer-beloved hoodie, which does, in fact, hoodie.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I'm obsessed with this hoodie. I've been looking for a warm, soft hoodie with a big hood for a long time. This quality is excellent and feels more expensive. It is an oversized fit. I usually wear an XL top and sometimes L. The large fit perfectly! I want one in every color now." — LindsayW
Get it from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in women's sizes XXS–4X and 42 colors).
27. A pair of ~Dreamlux~ leggings made with an oh-so-buttery soft material reviewers compare to Lululemon's Align ... but WAY cheaper. If you're looking for a reliably squatproof, comfy, compressive legging, look no further than these.
I bought these on Prime Day, which is the only day I will buy leggings because I hate wearing leggings with a burning passion. My "I'm not like other girls" bit is that for some reason I am always comfier in jeans than leggings. BUT NOT THESE!!! They slide on. The fabric is so lightweight and breathable that it feels like a whisper. The band is so deceptively comfortable that sometimes I'm like, "Am I still wearing them??" I use them to run outdoors because that is the only circumstance I'll wear leggings, and I'm happy to report after several washes, they are durable and compressive enough to withstand workouts. They would be excellent for lounging if I weren't wired in this odd anti-legging way. I have already bought two more pairs and made my friends buy them, too.
Promising review:"Super comfy. I usually don't write reviews, I tried this first before buying Lulu, and these are the most comfortable leggings for every day and even for workouts. Highly recommended!" — Criselle Johnson
Get them from Amazon for $24.99 (available in women's sizes XXS–XXL, two inseams, and 22 styles).
28. A deliciously soothing, super gentle Briotech spray reviewers compare to the pricier Tower 28 SOS Spray. It's similarly designed with hypochlorous acid, which targets bacteria that causes acne, skin irritation, and blemishes *without* drying your skin. Reviewers swear by this handy little spray for helping not just with acne, but rosacea, eczema, dryness, dermatitis (scalp included!), and even toenail fungus.
Promising review: "This spray is amazing. I had a rash on my face and it disappeared after one use of this spray. I had a stye in my eye and the skin around the eye was irritated. This spray fixed not only the irritation but the stye went away as well. Any sort of blemish or acne is taken care of with this simple inexpensive spray. Great for after-sun care or workout redness. Everyone loves Tower 28's expensive SOS spray. The SOS spray contains hypochlorous acid, which is the exact same ingredient in the Briotech spray for much less money. It's a miracle worker." — Squid466
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in five sizes and in multipacks).
29. A pair of waterproof wireless earbuds with AirPods Pro energy — except these feature a charging case that, bless its technologically savvy heart, has an LED display letting you know exactly how much charge is left. Reviewers also love how delightfully comfortable and sweatproof these are, making them a solid, affordable option for talking on the phone and exercising.
Promising review: "I use these every day at work! Love these — easy to learn and to use. Best thing about them? Well, everything, lol. Good sound, they hold a charge for long periods, and I don't have to worry about them losing power. I can answer my phone easily and then go back to music without a problem. Definitely a great buy and worth the money! Love this color, too!" — Erin
Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (clip the $10 off coupon on the product page for this price; available in eight colors).
30. And 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.
iJoy is a small business that specializes in headphones and tech accessories.
I own a pair of these, and because I'm vain as heck and need to own all things pink, but I was decently surprised by how well they muffle noise! I feel like these are ideal for people who still want to hear some of the world around them (read: parents, people working in open offices), but still want to listen to their tunes comfortably. The charge on these goes for at least four hours (I haven't tried it beyond that yet), and the Bluetooth connects to my devices super easily. Excellent pair of headphones for the price point.
Promising review: "These headphones surprised me. I thought they were not going to be as great because of how cheap they are, but the bass is amazing! The noise cancellation is so good that I can't hear anything. The volume is loud and sound quality is a win, and just how I like it. Very snug and comfy, recommend! Thanks TikTok, lol :)." — Chevelle Revero
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in five colors).
31. A set of Bala Bangle-inspired wrist and ankle weights to get your ~fitness~ on this spring — these serve all the same cuteness and function without the $55 price tag. Not to mention this has a TON more colors available to match your 'fits.
These are ultra adjustable thanks to a strong velcro and the ability to add and remove some of the weights to tailor it to your workout!
Promising review: "I love these! So great for yoga or mat Pilates. I like that they are 2 pounds each, which is the perfect weight, and you can even take off weight as well. I use them every week for my workouts. Very durable band as well!" — Robyn
Get a pair from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in two sizes and 14 colors).
33. 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.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "TikTok told me this compared to Lululemon, and it's true, it is. Love this little bag! And the price — you can't beat it." — Jolie
BuzzFeeder Elizabeth Lilly also owns this — she packed it as her only bag for a trip to busy trip to Iceland in 2023, and not only did it hold a ton and keep her hands free, it easily fit around her waist over her outerwear. It's still holding up two years later — she also used it for a Panama trip, where it fared well from airports to hanging bridges to a sunrise hiking trip to the top of Panama's only volcano!
Get it from Amazon for $12.98 (available in 45 colors).
34. Catrice's Magic Shaper Face Cream Palette as an $8 alternative to the $88 (!!) Makeup Forever Palette. This includes a range of highly-pigmented, super blendable shades to help you contour, highlight, and bronze on days when your Gcal just say "GO GO GO" all the way down. (Psst — this is the same brand behind the TikTok-famous $6 Under Eye Brightener, so you know they mean business!)
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Check out a TikTok of the Magic Shaper Face Cream Palette in action.
Promising review:"I love this palette. The blush is so pigmented and so are the bronzers. Good travel size. I am a professional makeup artist who travels weekly and it's easy to throw into my touch up kit for backstage too, as it doesn't take up much room and is very light." — Deja Victoria Seif
Get it from Amazon for $8.
35. 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.
www.amazon.com
Lulu Candles is a US-based small business that specializes in scented candles and perfumes.
Promising review: "This is such a great candle that fills the room quickly with a really nice strong smell that is soothing and relaxing. I was looking for a less expensive Le Labo Santal 33 scent candle, and this one is very, very close! It's a bit stronger, but I love it! The shipment arrived fast, and I just love how fast it fills up the room without being lit for so long!" — Cristina Bertolotto
Get it from Amazon for $19.95+ (available in three sizes, in gift box options, in packs of two, and in a variety of scents).
36. 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?
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "The perfect non-name-brand ring you can find honestly. I wasn't looking for a Cartier knock-off when I found this ring, but I have had people ask me if it's the real deal. I honestly love this ring though, the sizing was accurate, it is weighted well, none of the 'diamonds' have fallen off, and it hasn't tarnished! I've worn it daily for almost a year now and it has held up well. It has some very small scratches on it, but that's typical of most rings. For the price, I am super happy with this ring and I honestly can't believe how well it has handled everything I've put it through." — Eva Richterkessing
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in sizes 5–12, three finishes, and two styles).
37. The Face Shop's Rice Water Bright Foaming Facial Cleanser, a gentle, cult-fave Korean beauty product reviewers swear by as an alternative to the pricey Tatcha Rice Wash. This hydrating cleanser removes waterproof makeup and sunscreen with ease, has an ohhhh-so-satisfying lather, and leaves skin moisturized after use.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I have combination skin and the Tatcha Rice Wash is the only thing I can use. I was gonna spend my last few dollars on the Tatcha but then I saw this. With the price I thought if it doesn't work, it isn't a huge deal. I'm never going back, this is like the exact same thing and you barely need any, the scent is the only difference besides it being a bit thicker BUT THAT'S GOOD because it's BARELY thicker AND that means even less goes a much longer way. This is a holy grail item. If you haven't tried it, I soooo highly recommend." — Lingaling
Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in two sizes).
38. 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.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"They are SO comfortable and breathable, and my poor footsies are ruined from wearing heels every day when I was younger. These look fabulous and feel great. What a great find! I'm gonna have to buy them in another color now." — JeGo
Get it from Amazon for $28.04+ (available in women's sizes 6–10 and 14 styles).
39. A suuuuper easy to use Beachwaver B1 Rotating Curling Iron with automatic curling technology similar to the $599 (!!) Dyson Airwrap that not only creates (LITERALLY) effortless curls, but is designed with a ceramic heat barrel that makes them hold up the whole day.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This automatic 1-inch ceramic curling iron has completely transformed my hair routine. The rotating feature makes it incredibly easy to use — no more awkward wrist twists or worrying about uneven curls. It creates beautiful, long-lasting curls with just a press of a button! The ceramic barrel is a game-changer, leaving my hair smooth and shiny without any frizz. The 1-inch size is perfect for creating loose, natural-looking curls that last all day. I also love how quick it heats up and how easy it is to adjust the temperature for different hair types. Overall, this curling iron is a must-have for anyone looking to create effortless, professional-looking curls at home." — Shawn H.
Here's what BuzzFeed's Elizabeth Lilly has to say about it: "I've used about every kind of hair styling tool on the planet and had given up on curling irons with clamps. I was fully a curling wand girlie because I'm adept at heat styling and it gave me covetable mermaid waves I wanted. Then I tried a Beachwaver and haven't looked back since. I have them in two barrel sizes and now can zone out while I do my hair. The directional buttons for the tool are easy to use and if I accidentally press the button for the opposite way of which I'd like the barrel to spin, it's a quick and easy correction. I try all sorts of products for my job but this has quickly become one that I talk about all the time."
Get it from Amazon for $99.
40. A pair of leakproof period "Cloudfeel" boyshorts that compare to the $39 Thinx version, designed to hold up to 12 (!!) tampons worth of period blood and give you tons of protection on heavier flow days or overnight. Reviewers love how ultra soft and comfortable the fabric feels — not to mention the money it saves on disposable period products!
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I am in love with the texture and have been looking for an alternative to wear to bed. These are no show, and very comfortable. T he design is actually very cute and doesn't make you feel like you are wearing something bulky! Very happy!" — Hannah Brantly
Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (available in women's sizes XXS–5XL).
41. A luxe, super soft two-piece pajama set with some real "vacation mode" energy, so even if your future travel plans are "backyard" and "someone else's backyard," you can still feel like you're on a tropical getaway. Psst — reviewers compare these to the $128 Roller Rabbit version! 👀
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: " So cute and comfy. I was surprised at the excellent quality. The weight is just perfect from spring until fall. I'm naturally normally cold all of the time and it's been chilly in Texas the last couple of weeks and these are fine. So comfortable, I feel like I sleep better." — H Mclemurry
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in women's sizes XXS–XXL and 34 patterns).
42. L'Oréal Paris Makeup True Match Lumi Glotion designed to enhance your skin's natural ✨ glow✨ just like the pricy Drunk Elephant drops — perfect for anyone who wants a lightweight alternative to foundation or just a lil' extra low-effort, ethereal shimmer in their lives.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Love love love this stuff. This is such a stellar product that is so versatile. Can be worn alone to put some glowy life to skin. Add to foundation or layer it. Beautiful. Use it as a base where you put highlighter on top. Mix some with moisturizer. This, in my opinion, is better than so many high-luxury brands that make similar products. And I am pretty sure it can be used by all skin types. It's not an oily feeling at all, and it doesn't dry out the skin either. Just a total package. Can't beat the price either." — Figgy08
Get it from Amazon for $13.98+ (available in four shades).
43. An iconic spaghetti strap sundress with built-in shorts perfect for romping around in the warm air *and* for saving a few bucks — this compares very closely to a more expensive mall brand version.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Love this piece! Super comfortable and soft! Color was spot on! Love the fit and it has pockets 🙌. Not too thin or thick! Material is just right. Washed and dried and it didn't shrink!" — Jocelyn Lamley
Get it from Amazon for $26.98+ (available in women's sizes XS–XL and 20 colors).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.