37 Cheaper Versions Of Expensive Products So Spot-On That You'll Gaslight Yourself Into Thinking You Bought The Real Thing

Buzz Feed

2 days ago

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.
An affordable, Lululemon-esque longline sports bra just as comfy, supportive, and versatile as the real thing 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.
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~~!
A set of Victoria's Secret–inspired seamless "invisible" underwear so soft and stretchy your butt will want to *sing* when you slide them on. This is a true holy grail underwear that doesn't show, doesn't ride up, and somehow manages to look cute all at the same time.
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.
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!
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 👀.
And a cult-favorite Creamy Coconut fragrance rollerball reviewers compare to the $25 Sol de Janeiro version 👀☀️ . This is from TikTok-famous small business brand Kuumba Made, known for its luxury scents at ridiculously affordable prices, so you know they're on their game — reviewers especially love how ~beachy~ and long-lasting this sweet but elevated fragrance feels and how nicely it plays with other scents!
Mise En Scene Perfect Serum, a beloved K-beauty staple reviewers compare to the $46 Gisou version for MEGA hair hydration and heat protection up to 450 degrees, so you can style your hair without sacrificing on ✨shine✨. This unique blend of seven-oil blend Moroccan argan, olive, coconut, apricot, Marula, jojoba, and camellia oil not only protects hair, but helps correct damage from dryness, *and* reduces drying time.
E.l.f. Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm for all the ultra fans of Summer Fridays, Rhode, and Laneige whose bank accounts are begging them to put a stop to the lippie madness. These new deliciously tinted, moisturizing, buildable glosses are just as buttery and decadent as the balms that inspired them, for a fraction of the price. (Brb, drowning myself in the "Strawberry Shortcake" and "Vanilla Toffee" flavors.)
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.
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~ to your beauty routine without breaking the bank (or compromising your skin!).
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.
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.
E.l.f.'s iconic eyelash curler that'll blow all the expensive versions out of the water — this gives your lashes such an instant, gentle lift that you'll be like, "Oh, cool, there's dark magic in here somewhere." If you want to take your bare lashes or mascara to the next level, this little gizmo will do it in a few seconds flat, without the $22 price tag of the Shu Uemura version that reviewers compare it with.
A ribbed button up tank top with some real Abercrombie & Fitch energy to perfectly straddle that line of "professional" and "I am 100000% going out after work today, and a martini glass will be involved."
A set of golden bracelets giving ~quiet luxury~ vibes at "I want to pay rent this month" prices. Reviewers especially love these mix-and-match sets because they look like expensive versions from Cartier — the middle one is giving the $8,000 "Juste Un Clou" and the studded one is giving the $6,000 "Love Bracelet!"
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.
A Skims-inspired square-neck compressive body suit that's basically 10 outfits in one — you can rock it solo, wear it as a bodysuit tucked into jeans, or pair it with a hoodie or a jacket. Go, little base layer, gooooo!
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.
A set of Bala Bangle-inspired wrist and ankle weights to get your ~fitness~ on this summer — 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.
A hydrating, plumping lip glow oil reviewers compare to the cult-fave Dior Lip Oil ... that is, if it were a FRACTION of the price 👀.
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!
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 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.
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.
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.
A square-neck lettuce trim "going out" top that a lot of reviewers compare to an expensive mall brand, but muuuuch more affordable. And thank goodness, because once you fall for its comfy stretch and effortless cool, you're going to want it in WAY more colors.
Moodmatcher color-changing lipstick, an affordable WinkyLux alternative that not only adapts to the pH of your skin to create a personalized, perfect shade for your skin tone, but lasts for HOURS. Reviewers marvel at its all-day staying power even after meals and breaking a sweat. Look at that lil' green lipstick go!!
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?
A luxe, super soft two-piece pajama set with some real "vacation mode" energy, so even if your 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! 👀
A high-quality, *just* compressive enough layering T-shirt reviewers love so much that a ton of them tried it and immediately ordered more colors to stock up. This shirt is double-lined but still feels lightweight on the skin, giving a sophisticated, expensive look with a casual feel. Reviewers compare it to Skims at a fraction of the price!
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.
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 pair of elevated, effortlessly chic wide leg petal sweatpants that look like they fell out of an Anthropologie ad. Reviewers love how cozy and breathable these are, and that the style is perfect for indoor lounging *and* outdoor errands.
A ridiculously versatile minimalist nylon tote bag for fans of Longchamp's Le Pliage bag who perhaps do not feel responsible enough to own the real deal, knowing how messy and chaotic everyday life and travel plans can get. This version is a dead ringer for the name brand, and reviewers adore that it's nearly waterproof and super comfortable to sling over your shoulder.
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 long dreary winter.