43 Budget-Friendly Alternatives To Pricier Summer Items
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.
Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener, which will be your holy grail for concealing and brightening dark circles under your eyes when your summer 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.
Jergens Natural Glow Firming Self Tanner Body Lotion to give you a gradual-building, vacation-worthy ~sunkissed glow~ over the course of just a few days. Not only is this easy peasy to apply compared to other finickier, streaking lotions, but it's formulated with collagen and elastin to help your skin appear firmer *and* glowier, and a HECK of a lot cheaper than its competitors.
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.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Moisturizing Face SPF 60 Serum, which finally answers the question of, "What if a high-quality priming moisturizer could also punch the UV right out of the sun??" This lightweight, nongreasy, no-white-cast formula is here to solve all your warm weather beauty woes once and for all by playing nice under your makeup *and* protecting you from the sun's rays.
A delightfully affordable instant foot peeling spray for anyone ready to go full YEEHAW!! on a pedicure, without the big salon price tag. This not only helps gently remove dead skin, but moisturizes dry and cracked heels, so you'll really get some refreshing bang for your buck.
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!
Wild Iris Musk Body Wash, the summer-friendly sister of the TikTok-famous "old money" Baccarat Rouge 540-inspired body wash. I am a massive fan of both — the moisturizing clean is so fresh, and the scents are so DELIGHTFULLY luscious without overpowering — but trust me when I say that Wild Iris Musk is *the* warm weather scent. It's floral, soft, playful, and grounded all at once. (And yes, just like the original version, it smells ... expensive 👀.)
Physicians Formula Butter Glow & Go Stick with similar energy as the $46 Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick for a smooth, rich, and ridiculously easy-to-apply contour to give your skin that ~sunkissed~ glow with as little effort as possible. This dual-ended stick is the definition of no muss, no fuss, and so versatile that when you're not using them on the go, you'll love experimenting with all the different ways you can make a subtle colorful *pop*.
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 pair of Bottega Veneta–inspired pilot shield sunglasses so close to the $699 version that reviewers are *spooked* by the attention to detail, down to the weight of them. These are already blowing up on TikTok so I'd personally grab them NOW before everyone descends on them.
A pair of cheerful, super lightweight boxer-style shorts so comfy and adorable that you are about to put your denim shorts on notice for the rest of the year — especially since these are a MUCH cheaper alternative to the $98 Reformation version.
A roll-up wide brim UPF 50 sun hat to protect your cheeks from the sun's rays *and* keep you looking effortlessly chic no matter how many days it's been since your last hair wash. This one is a real winner because of how absurdly packable it is, making it perfect for shoving into a tote bag on long days and a suitcase on vacation — and how affordable it is compared to $87+ versions from brands like Bloomingdale's, Wallaroo, and Cuyana.
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 set of espresso martini instant cocktail tea bags — all the sophistication of tea, the zing! of coffee, and the 😜 of a cheeky cocktail, without the exorbitant bar price tags. All you have to do is add three ounces of cold water, 1.5 ounces of hard liquor, and the tea sachet into a glass, and you'll have a delicious cocktail in one minute.
Lottabody's Coconut Oil Foaming Curl Mousse designed for all hair types to give you satisfyingly hydrated, volumized, frizz-free curls at a FRACTION of the price of its competitors.
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 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.
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 shockingly affordable "Glow Up!" Vitamin C Face Serum that packs a punch as powerful as the $30+ versions — reviewers swear by this for reducing dark spots, brightening skin, restoring tone, and giving skin a more radiant, firm look. This particular serum's secret is the 3-O Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, which helps boost ~radiance~, in addition to the hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and vitamin E to help with hydration.
A cute lil' insect catcher you can set in a plant or near your fruit bowl or compost to deal with any unwanted fluttering guests. These odorless sticky traps are designed to work indoors and outdoors and will stop fruit flies, gnats, mosquitoes, and more — without the high price tag of the electronic or liquid versions.
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.
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 set of satin pillowcases that not only have a cooling effect, but are soft on your skin and create less friction for your hair so it won't get as tangled while you sleep. Reviewers especially love these because they're an affordable alternative to ones that typically run $18 per case!
A bottle of Nyx matte setting spray for anyone who wants the all-day protection of MAC and Urban Decay's setting sprays without the price tag — this matte finish will lock your look in place in just a few seconds, even on days when the sun is trying to melt you like an ice pop.
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 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 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.
Oxo's compact Cold Brew Rapid Brewer to make cold brew in FIVE MINUTES (!!) with results so quick and delicious that reviewers love it more than their beloved Aeropresses (and even call it "Aeropress 2.0"). Not only is it faster than comparable models, but it's cheaper, entirely portable, and doesn't need to be charged or plugged in. 🤯 You're going to be swimming in a RIVER of delicious, affordable cold brew with this gizmo.
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.
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 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!"
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 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!
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!)
A bodycon lounge dress perfect for fans of Skims looking to spare themselves a few bucks — this versatile, figure-hugging dress has just the right amount of compression to mimic the iconic style and stay oh-so-comfortable for long periods of wear.
A bottle of truffle seasoning for an instant upgrade on homemade meals that honestly has become one of my only personality traits, to the point where I'm just like, begging you to try it. I should gatekeep this stuff so I can have it all to myself but it is such a delicious and satisfying and ridiculously affordable alternative to real truffles that I'm throwing the gates WIDE OPEN.
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Family lives on cruise with free laundry and childcare — it's a splashy life with one major downside
Staying afloat while raising a toddler is hard enough on dry land — this mama's doing it on the high seas. 'We basically live on a on board ships while my fiancé is at work,' said Chelsea, a Scottish mom of a nearly two-year-old tot named Mattia, in a trending tell-all about her atypical life on the waves. She's in the ever-expanding number of folks who've forgone the grass and ground for the motion of the ocean. 4 Chelsea, a Scottish bride-to-be and mom of one, detailed living life aboard a cruise while raising a toddler. TikTok/ It's a lifestyle that's picked up steam over the past few years. Nonconformists of all ages are jumping ship from tradition — quitting their jobs and selling their homes — and becoming perpetual boat passengers. But Chelsea, a bride-to-be engaged to Domenico, a professional seaman, explained that her little family only participates in the alternative lifestyle part-time. They actually own a home in Italy. However, when Domenico is on duty, she and Mattia join him aboard, spending eight-week stretches on luxury liners, sailing around the world from shore to shore. 4 Cruise ship living has become increasingly popular in the recent past. Getty Images And sure, globetrotting via glammed-out tubs might sound like a dream — owing to the all-inclusive grub, splashy amenities —like free laundry — and childcare centers. But Chelsea says rearing a little one in a cramped cabin can often be a nightmare. 'I was asked what it's like managing space in a crew ship cabin with a toddler,' she ranted in a separate vid before giving over 129,000 TikTok viewers the grand tour of her tight accommodations. She detailed her unending struggle to keep their close quarters clean while making sure Mattia has enough room to play, sleep and explore. 'The first giant burden is this travel cot,' she said of her kiddo's portable crib. 'Even though Mattia sometimes comes in our bed, some nights…the reason we have this [travel cot] is because at least we can have some part of the night where we're not all crammed in the bed.' 4 Chelsea explained that life on the go can be fun, but keeping her family's cabin clean can be a hassle. TikTok/ Chelsea then gave online audiences a glimpse at their itty-bitty bathroom — outfitted with a small shower, sink, toilet and wall cabinet — where she's barely able to store her son's inflatable tub and the family's toiletries. A resourceful mother, Chelsea tried designating a corner for Mattia's books and toys (rather than stuffing them under the bed to free up some extra space). But the baby rarely limits his play to the tiny nook. The insufficient elbow room notwithstanding, Chelsea revealed that her trio enjoys complimentary laundering services while on the water. However, closet and storage space is sparse and difficult to keep organized. She houses her and Domenico's bikinis and swim trunks, undies and socks in small drawers. 4 The resourceful mama manages to keep her child's toys, diapers and must-haves organized in their tiny room. TikTok/ Mattia's clothes, diapers and wipes have a special place in a cabinet-turned-wardrobe. The seafaring fam also has a shelf dedicated to snacks and miscellaneous goodies, as well as a bite-sized refrigerator for cold drinks and bites. 'So, that's how we manage our space as small as it is,' Chelsea said in conclusion, admitting that they're 'barely' in the room outside of bedtime — otherwise they're hitting the pools, kiddie playgrounds, restaurants or sunning decks. 'I feel like a pro now. I feel like I know what I'm doing,' she bragged. 'And that is La Cabina.' 'Stunning.'
Yahoo
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A toddler crawled into her baby sister's crib—and showed us what love looks like before language
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Salad Trivia Quiz — BuzzFeed Quizzes
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