40 Affordable Alternatives So Good, Only Your Wallet Will Know
A Renpho percussion massager to help you release knots, muscle tension, and other body aches you might not even have noticed were making you a grump on the daily! Sometimes foam rolling just isn't working out your knots enough, and this massager is cheaper than both the triple dollar sign TheraGun *and* paying for a professional.
E.l.f. Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen, which boasts a lightweight, non-greasy finish with SPF 35, so you don't feel sticky and weighted down before even stepping outside. You can even use it as a priming base for your makeup, so if it's time to reup but the price of Supergoop is making you (and your budget) cringe... this is a darn good alternative!
Some slip-on pointed-toe flats to make you feel like you're walking on cloud nine with a comfy memory foam insole. Because they're a much more affordable option to the popular Rothy's and Vivaia styles, yes, these are also machine washable, so you never have to worry about wearing sweaty, smelly flats to work!
A 20-pack of extra-thick melamine cleaning pads, which are a great alternative to your favorite name-brand Magic Eraser, but offering a great deal at under 75 cents per sponge. Even better: Because they're twice as thick as that brand, these sponges are even more durable and can tackle all the food drippings in the bottom of your oven that have been burning up for weeks, maybe months...possibly years!
Rael Beauty's Miracle Patches that are slightly more affordable than the popular Mighty Patch ones with the same hydrocolloid to absorb sebum, pus, and other fluids while preventing you from picking at your zits. Each one boasts a transparent, ultra-thin matte design that's super discreet during wear, so you don't have to worry about anyone staring at the pimple that seemingly popped up overnight while you're making small talk! 😅
A ribbed workout jumpsuit, which has many reviewers sporting it year-round as a go-to layering piece because of its comfy stretch material. It boasts a similar seamless and compressive design as Skims, but without the price tag — and honestly, who would be able to tell the difference if you don't tell them?!
Plus, a budget-friendly Skims-like sweetheart neckline bodysuit that you definitely will want to buy more than one of after seeing how seamlessly it pairs with your favorite pair of jeans and mini skirts. It's designed with a comfy double-layered fabric that offers shapewear-level support without feeling too restrictive!
An adorable pair of wrist and ankle weights, so you can get your sweat on while walking the dog without needing to run or spend a bunch on a barely-used gym membership. And yes, these cuties are verrrrrry similar to the popular Bala Bangles, but literally less than half the price!
A bottle of the top-rated Elizavecca hair treatment, which helps restore and repair damaged hair that's been through... a lot (aka dye jobs, heat damage, and even sun damage). Packed with collagen and ceramide 3, this protein treatment brings your hair back to life and has some reviewers even saying it's better than the much more expensive Olaplex treatment!
A professional-quality black makeup sponge that one MUA says is "Hands-down, superior" in texture and blending your favorite liquid, cream, or powder beauty products! If you're like me and always *wince* whenever adding a Beauty Blender or Real Techniques sponge to your cart...this one will make it so you can stop clutching your pearls every time it's time to replace one.
And a bottle of makeup brush–cleaning shampoo because your brushes are soiled with layers and layers of remnants from your past six months of makeup looks, so it's way past time to clean them. BTW — a lot of reviewers compare it to Beauty Blender's own $15 liquid cleanser, which is more than double the price.
An Overmont cast-iron Dutch oven for a dependable and versatile pot you can use to boil potatoes, roast a chicken, bake bread, or even fry fish when you feel like throwing down in the kitchen. Seriously, if you've been obsessively trying to recreate the taste of NOLA red beans and rice at home, this might just be the slow cooker you need to get the job done. Did I mention it's significantly cheaper than the aesthetically-pleasing, but budget-busting Le Creuset Dutch ovens?
E.l.f's Camo Liquid Blush with highly-pigmented hues just perfect for building and blending onto your cheeks for a soft, dewy finish. Reviewers are obsessed with how it lasts all day long without fading and even compare its quality to a similar blush by Rare Beauty, except it's a fraction of the price!
A bottle of Nyx setting spray because you want to be confident that your makeup actually makes it to *and* through the day without worrying about sweating, crying, or wiping it off. Reviewers even say this spray is comparable to the more expensive setting sprays by MAC and Urban Decay!
And a 12-pack of soft microfiber makeup-removing towels that only require water to remove your makeup! Stop wasting money on disposable wipes and cotton pads. Each cloth is around $1, aka definitely worth it since the popular Makeup Eraser towels are $19+ each. 😳
An ultra-hydrating TruSkin vitamin C serum featuring a blend of vitamins C and E, plus hyaluronic acid, which together help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots with regular use. Reviewers report noticing brighter and firmer skin within weeks, and with over 93,000 5-star ratings... this $20 serum is practically a steal compared to SkinCeuticals' $140 version!
A Briotech topical skin spray featuring an alcohol-free, dermatologist-approved formula that contains hypochlorous acid — the main ingredient in the more expensive Tower 28 SOS Spray, BTW — for targeting the kinds of bacteria that lead to skin irritation, acne, and other blemishes.
A pack of reusable duster sponges — a great alternative to the always selling out Scrub Daddy Damp Duster — that allows you to clean your surfaces effectively to remove all that lingering pet hair and dust. Simply dampen it, wipe any surface, and then rinse when you're done!
Essence's Lash Princess Mascara — an under-$5 reviewer fave that delivers a voluminous, bold finish with its long-lasting, sweat-resistant, flake- and clump-free formula. Lots of reviewers even swear it's a great alternative to more expensive name-brand mascaras like Too Faced Better Than Sex and L'Oreal Telescopic Lift!
*Or* E.l.f's Lash XTNDR Tubing Mascara that uses innovative "tubing" technology to wrap around your eyelashes and deliver natural-looking length and volume with a smudge-proof finish. Plus, the "tubing" makes it SO much easier to remove your makeup without any specialized cleaners or abrasive scrubbing! Not-so-falsies for less than $10? NEED.
A set of satin pillowcases, which are great for your skin *and* hair because the silky material helps lessen friction. This means reduced damage to your tresses and salon looks that'll actually last! Who wants to spend money on more expensive brands like Slip and Blissy, when you could save money without sacrificing comfort with these?!
A cruelty-free brightening facial scrub featuring a blend of French green clay, Madonna lily, and sea kelp to help exfoliate and remove dead skin, so you can step into tomorrow and the next day with a glowing complexion. The best part? It's designed for ALL skin types, and reviewers swear this little bottle lasts a long, long time and even better than luxury microdermabrasion scrubs from brands like Kate Somerville and Rodan + Fields!
An app-controlled Govee neon rope light for adding customized lighting to your space thanks to a flexible design that morphs into different shapes for unique backlighting *or* colorful decor. And compared to the pricey Phillips Hue rope lights, these won't cause you too much emotional pain when you click *add to cart*. So if you want to elevate the vibes of your Sims 4 gameplay, this an affordable option to add even more drama in your meticulously crafted PC soap opera!
E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer with a hydrating formula featuring squalene to keep your skin hydrated underneath a blurred, photo-filter matte finish. If you've been spending $$$ on velvety primers like Tatcha's Silk Canvas primer, this affordable option is going to blow your mind!
A trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks that make a worthy affordable alternative to the popular Laneige lip masks with the same moisturizing overnight transformation of chapped lips. Plus, this set offers three different flavors, making the math come out to around $3.30 per mask! Hoard them all in your makeup collection or dole them out to your besties as teeny just because gifts!
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer that'll deliver 12 hours of buildable medium coverage, in case you need a quick fix for under-eye circles (or on-the-go touch-ups)! Plus, it's less than $10, making it a great alternative to more expensive concealers from luxury brands like Bobbi Brown or Mac.
Skin1004's skin-lifting and pore-tightening face masks with over 8,000 5-⭐️ ratings from reviewers because it's that good at reducing the appearance of wrinkles, calming skin, and delivering a smoother, brighter-looking complexion! Similar to the much more expensive Hanacure masks, as it dries, it delivers a "zombie" look because of ingredients like aloe vera extract and albumin (egg whites), which aim to intensely hydrate and lift skin.
A Coty setting powder, which makes an excellent alternative to the one by Laura Mercier (retailing at $43, btw) by offering the same blemish-minimizing mattified finish throughout the day. Now, you won't have to be stingy with your product when trying to touch up your makeup on the humid subway the next time you're rushing to your evening plans!
A Lululemon-esque mini belt bag so you can keep all your daily must-haves on hand while remaining hands-free as you explore cities and navigate street fairs or concerts. The adjustable strap means you can wear it as a crossbody or in the classic fanny pack around-the-waist style. And according to reviewers, this little bag holds A LOT.
Nyx Fat Oil Lip Drip — instead of splurging on the pricier Dior version, enjoy the same juicy finish and hydration benefits with this one, thanks to a blend of vegan squalane, raspberry, and cloudberry oils. Time to pucker up and receive compliments from everyone you cross paths with!
A pair of lightweight legging-style joggers that lots of reviewers rave about being an affordable alternative to a certain Lululemon cult-fave. If you've been looking for a pant that does it all, these are the perfect addition to your closet, keeping you comfortable no matter the weather or occasion.
Plus, this longline sports bra, which boasts a lightweight, compressive, and supportive design that can take you from an a.m. hot yoga class to brunch with the besties without a second thought about changing! This Lulu lookalike is a perfect base for the jacket above and several other everyday outfits when the weather starts warming up!
CeraVe's Retinol Serum because retinoid products can run pearl-clutching levels of expensive (hello, Murad we're looking at you), but you should be allowed to upgrade your skincare routine even on a budget. This version boasts the same retinol effectiveness, along with niacinamide and licorice root which work together to help reduce the appearance of acne scars and blemishes for a brighter, smoother complexion!
L'Oreal's illuminating Lumi Glotion, which is similar to Glossier Futuredew for delivering a shimmering, dewy glow to your complexion, but at a fraction of the price. This lightweight tinted moisturizer goes on effortlessly and is even formulated with a blend of glycerin and shea butter to keep your skin hydrated underneath!
A six-piece (!!) set of BestLand's high-performance matte lipsticks that deliver an expensive-looking, velvety bold finish thanks to a quick-drying, waterproof formula. And yes, the price is right because in this set of six, each lipstick comes out to $1.49! Reviewers say they compare to the matte lippies by Kylie Cosmetics, which cost $23 a pop!
Or the long-lasting Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint, which is celebrated for its ultra-pigmented formula that delivers a matte finish without being too heavy, dry, or sticky on your lips. This under-$10 lip tint is similar to more expensive matte lipsticks like YSL Velvet Cream and Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution, according to reviewers!
Some extra-strength cleaning tablets that immediately get to work during each 15-minute soak removing food particles, plaque build-up, and other grossness trapped in your mouthguard, Invisalign trays, or other dental accessories. Psst — you could even use these to thoroughly clean your favorite stainless steel and ceramic tumblers and water bottles, instead of the more expensive Bottle Bright tablets! 👀
An ultra-light milky toning lotion, an award-winning K-beauty staple designed to gently exfoliate your skin and help combat dryness and irritation. With daily use, you'll begin to notice a more hydrated, glowing complexion and reviewers say it's a slightly cheaper swap for the Cream Skin Toner by Laneige!
A top-rated pair of hoop earrings that'll add some subtle glam to your everyday outfits, while looking strikingly similar to the $325 Jennifer Fisher hoops. 👀 Fortunately, these under-$20 beauties are from the TikTok-famous jewelry brand Pavoi, known for their high-quality accessories that boast designer-looking styles at budget-friendly prices!
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Newsweek
12 hours ago
- Newsweek
'Beware' Mousse-Based Sunscreen, FDA Warns
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. While some sunscreens may look more appealing than others, the jury is now out on whether certain types do what they say on the bottle. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning to "beware" sunscreen products that come in mousse form because they might not be effective. The federal agency has sent warning letters to five companies marketing sunscreen products in mousse-style—including brands Supergoop!, Vacation Inc., Kalani Sunwear, Botao Baby and Tizo Skin—and citing efficacy concerns, regulatory violations and packaging risks. Some companies are already pulling products from their U.S. sites, such as Kalani Sunwear. Woman applying sunscreen on man's face outdoors. Woman applying sunscreen on man's face outdoors. JordiThe FDA's letter to Supergoop!, for example, reads in part: "This letter is to advise you that on May 2nd, 2025 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviewed your product labeling, including your website, where your 'Supergoop! PLAY SPF 50 BODY MOUSSE' drug product is available for purchase in the United States without a prescription." It said that based on their labeling—e.g. "Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50" and "Helps prevent sunburn..."—it is intended for use as an over-the-counter (OTC) sunscreen drug product, but no FDA-approved relevant application is in effect for this. On X, the FDA also warned: "Some mousse sunscreen products resemble whipped cream containers and may put consumers at risk if ingested." Beware of sunscreen products in mousse form because they might not be effective. The FDA issued five warning letters to companies marketing sunscreen products in mousse form: — FDA Drug Information (@FDA_Drug_Info) August 12, 2025 In light of this, Newsweek spoke to dermatologist professor Adam Friedman of the George Washington University about what the FDA warning means for Americans' sunscreen routines and how to choose safe and effective protection. "Sunscreens are OTC drugs, which distinguishes them from a moisturizer or a cosmeceutical. It means the regulation, the expectation in terms of efficacy, how well it works and safety is going to be different," Friedman explained. "But also what it relates to is not just the active ingredient, but the formulation—and that's where the whole mess comes in. "As of right now, under the 'monograph'—the umbrella of what is considered a sunscreen—oils, creams, lotions, gels, butters, pastes, ointments, powders, sprays and sticks fall under the category. Mousses and foams do not." Efficacy and safety are then a separate issue. "A mousse or a foam are aerated, and therefore how they interface with the skin when you rub them on may be very different from a cream or a spray or a stick," said Friedman. "We don't know if, based on that formulation, your UV filters—whether mineral or chemical—are going to behave the same way in the approved formulations. We can't guarantee that these mousse formulation sunscreens will actually work, let alone guarantee their safety." While Friedman said it is "concerning" some brands have not followed the correct process he hopes they were "trying to provide more options to hopefully ensure everyone is using a sun protection product". Smiling woman applying sunscreen on her face while looking in mirror in her bathroom. Smiling woman applying sunscreen on her face while looking in mirror in her bathroom. Ridofranz/Getty Images When deciding how to pick out the best sunscreen, Friedman advises going with the path of least risk. "That's going to be the sunscreens that do follow the monograph," he urged. "I tend to also say, go with the larger brand companies, because they have the size, wherewithal and resources to actually study their products. Not just ensure they meet FDA guidelines, but they'll do clinical studies to look at tolerability, cosmesis [preservation of appearance] and even the effect of these sunscreens on other things. "We use sunscreen not just to protect against skin cancer, but also accelerated skin aging and skin discoloration." Friedman said finding one that's right for you is still important. "Take these tried and true brands and do patch testing to see A) does your skin tolerate it and B) does it rub in well so you're not walking around with a white or purple cast. Samples from the dermatology office are so helpful." He recommends wearing at least an SPF 30 or higher each day. "I tend to say 50, not because there's such a huge delta between 30 and 50—and you will never 100 percent block UV radiation—but because these numbers are based on the FDA approach to measuring efficacy," Friedman said. While it's based on a set concentration of two milligrams of sunscreen per centimeter square of skin, most people don't put that much on. "The higher SPFs are good because it takes into account human error," he added. "With how much people are actually applying, a 70 ends up being a 40 and a 50 ends up being 30. "So in an ideal world: SPF, 30, maybe 50, broad spectrum, water resistant to 80 minutes. Then it's about what plays nice on your skin." Friedman himself wears sunscreen all year round, even in winter. "Every day to exposed areas. Do you brush your teeth every day? Sunscreen is the brushing the teeth of the skin. We brush our teeth to protect the integrity and health of our teeth. Applying sunscreen is the exact same thing." He also emphasized sunscreen is just one protection factor that should be used alongside wearing hats, sunglasses, the right clothing, seeking shade during peak hours and being fully aware. This includes knowing that windows won't block out UVA (while this will less likely cause burning, it can increase the risk of accelerated skin aging because it penetrates deeper). Supergoop! told Newsweek: "At Supergoop! we remain committed to innovation in sun care and the highest standards of product efficacy and safety. The recent communication from the FDA regarding our PLAY SPF 50 Body Mousse is focused on product labeling and has nothing to do with its safety, effectiveness, or formula. We are working closely with the FDA to resolve this matter as we continue to uphold the high standards our consumers expect from us." Vacation Inc told Newsweek: "At Vacation Sunscreen, we take regulatory compliance seriously and appreciate the opportunity to address the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's recent Warning Letter. We have full confidence in the safety, efficacy, and integrity of our product. We are committed to working collaboratively with the FDA to satisfactorily resolve this matter." Kalani Sunwear told Newsweek:"Kalani Sunwear acknowledges receipt of the FDA letter and has voluntarily paused sales in the U.S. while we review the administrative requirements. Importantly, the letter relates to regulatory classification only—not to the safety or efficacy of our SPF 50 mousse. Our formula is manufactured in Sweden, independently tested to EU standards, and uses advanced UV filters that are not yet approved in the U.S. (the FDA has not approved a new UV filter since 1999). We remain fully compliant with European regulations and stand by the quality and effectiveness of our product." Newsweek has also reached out to Botao Baby, Tizo Skin and the FDA for comment. Do you have a tip on a health story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about sunscreen? Let us know via health@
Medscape
19 hours ago
- Medscape
FDA Warns About ‘Mousse' Sunscreens
The FDA has issued warnings to several manufacturers of 'mousse' or 'whipped cream' sunscreen products, according to the agency's website. Over-the-counter sunscreen products are regulated as drugs under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act because they are intended to prevent sunburn and reduce the risk for skin cancer and premature skin aging. However, the currently approved formulations include oils, creams, lotions, sticks, gels, powders, ointments, pastes, and sprays but not foam, mousse, or whipped formulas. Therefore, these formulations need to go through the new drug application process to earn FDA approval. As of August 18, warnings have been sent to five companies: Supergoop!, Vacation Inc., Kalani Sunwear, K & Care Organics, and Fallien Cosmeceuticals (manufacturer of TiZo sunscreen), according to the FDA. For example, the warning letter to Vacation Inc. states that the company's product is misbranded and therefore misleading to consumers. 'To date, no final order has been issued by the Secretary under 505G(b) or 505G(c) that would authorize marketing of a sunscreen in foam (aka, mousse or whip) dosage form,' the letter states. In addition, Vacation, in particular, markets sunscreen products similar in appearance to whipped cream products, both in the packaging and dispenser style. The website's description of the bottle's actuator producing 'perfect, star-shaped mountains of foam, inspired by everyone's favorite after dinner indulgence' has prompted concerns about ingestion by children who mistake it for actual whipped cream. Efficacy Unconfirmed Sunscreens are considered over-the-counter drugs, so they are held to a different standard compared with other skincare products, Adam Friedman, MD, professor and chair of dermatology at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, said in an interview. The companies selling mousse sunscreen products have not gone through the proper testing, 'so we don't know whether the SPF [sun protection factor] advertised is actually true,' Friedman said. Even if the companies had tested the products, mousses are not currently within the FDA's sunscreen monograph and would have to be added, although that may happen in the future if companies research the effectiveness of the products correctly, he noted. Part of the testing process is to determine how the vehicle interfaces with the skin and affects the product's ability to protect skin from sun damage, Friedman explained. Ultimately, the best sunscreen is the one someone will use consistently, he pointed out. But there is no quality assurance with any of the mousse sunscreens and the companies' responses to the FDA warnings remain to be seen. The popularity of the mousse and whipped sunscreen products may promote appropriate testing, and arguably, using a mousse sunscreen could be an improvement over using no sunscreen at all, Friedman told Medscape Medical News . However, he advises clinicians to stop short of actively endorsing these products if patients ask about them. 'Be honest with patients,' he said. 'We don't know whether these products are safe and effective because the manufacturers didn't follow the rules before marketing them.'
Epoch Times
4 days ago
- Epoch Times
FDA Advises Americans Against ‘Mousse' Sunscreens, Warns 5 Manufacturers
Americans should 'beware' of sunscreen products in mousse form as they may not be effective, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said in an Aug. 12 X post, with the agency sending warning letters to five companies marketing sunscreen products. The letters were sent on Aug. 6 to Texas-based Supergoop, Pennsylvania-based Fallien Cosmeceuticals Ltd., Israel-based K & Care Organics, Sweden-based Kalani AB, and Florida-based Vacation Inc.
