
34 Things Reviewers Say Are Just As Good As The More Expensive Version
A tube of Essence Lash Princess Mascara so good, people will ask you "are those your lashes?" This mascara def brings as much drama as Cathy did on Dance Moms.
A Cosrx snail mucin serum to help get rid of dark spots, improve skin vitality, and soothe damaged skin. Yep, snail mucin is a Korean skincare product made from snail slime. Sounds ick but your skin will totally fall in love the second you use it. Hmm, wonder if this is why SpongeBob had Gary the pet snail — skincare benefits.
An Elizavecca hair treatment which contains ceramides and collagen that can help give your hair shine and make it smooth in just five minutes! Keeping you flawless even if you don't have much time or don't feel like doing your hair.
A simple long-sleeve bodysuit because you *need* your basics to build 'fits. IDK about you, but ~I~ need one in every color. Spectacular, give me 14 of 'em right now.
A 40-ounce Simple Modern tumbler with a handle that'll have you all like ~Stanley, who?~. This little insulated baby has your name written all over it. Plus, it comes with two straws! Say hello to your new emotional support water bottle.
A set of three — yes, three — lip sleeping masks that'll help heal and treat dry, cracked lips by delivering much-needed moisture overnight. Three of these are still $14 cheaper than just one of the beloved Laneige sleeping masks. Now let's jump around in circles saying *yay* in celebration.
A full-zip track jacket reviewers are comparing to the viral Lululemon one. It's got thumb holes, is lightweight and stretchy, and it's just plain cute. Wear it to yoga, the gym, hiking, while running errands, whatever! You'll look like an icon wherever you go in it.
A L'Oreal repairing hair treatment that'll give you shiny, silky, healthier-looking hair in just eight seconds. Eight seconds...EIGHT SECONDS?! What kinda witchcraft... Apply it after shampoo but before conditioner and let the amino acids target the parts of your hair that are damaged without weighing it down.
A mini belt bag or a fanny pack, if you will, with an adjustable strap that's super stylish and will hold your things while you go hiking, to concerts, travel, ya know, everywhere. Also, a reviewer-beloved Lululemon belt bag swap!
A painless, mint-flavored teeth-whitening pen that could give you results after the first use since this is obvi sorcery. You'll be able to wow people with your smile with the help of this little magic pen that can remove years worth of stains on your teeth. Someone cue Chip Skylark, cuz after seeing your smile, you'll be singing 🎶 my shiny teeth and meeee 🎶.
A "flossing toothbrush" so you can impress your dentist. It's got two layers of bristles — regular firm bristles and longer ones that are 10 times thinner to reach those places your normal toothbrush doesn't.
A popular pair of wireless Bluetooth earbuds reviewers are saying are affordable AirPod alternatives, *aaaand* they have over 245,000 5-star ratings. Cord-free, waterproof, and top-notch quality for a suuuuper reasonable price.
Maybelline's Cheek Heat gel-cream blush for a stunning, natural flush that rivals Glossier's Cloud Paint at a fraction of the cost. A 👏 FRACTION 👏 OF 👏 THE 👏 COST 👏 . *Sigh* one of the best phrases to hear. I wanna add all six shades to my cart, how about you?
A cult-fave supportive seamless compressive bodysuit because the Skims one seems great and all, but that price does not. If you want the vibe but don't wanna drop the $70, grab this and just say, "Yeah, it's the name-brand one." Cue the *how would they know?* TikTok sound.
Maybelline's Total Temptation Eyebrow Definer Pencil which has Benefit's Goof Proof trembling with fear cuz this is just as good for less. The devil on your shoulder is def chanting *add to cart* right now and for once, you might just listen cuz your expensive brow pencil is eating up your pockets.
Peach Slices Acne Spot Dots because a pimple is NOT ruining our day babe! These patches absorb all the gunk and speed up the pimple-healing process without picking or popping. Plus! They're less expensive than other popular brands like Mighty Patch and still get the job done. Psh, what pimple?
An illuminating moisturizer to help enhance your skin's natural ✨glow✨. A perfect, lightweight alternative to heavy foundations — this is definitely calling your name.
A plush blanket reviewers are comparing to the super popular (and super expensive) Barefoot Dreams one. If your vibe is new year, new you and the new you has vowed to budget, this'll fit the vibes. Yay to saving money!
A simple tennis bracelet, which will have everyone thinking you spent some serious coin on a Swarovski one. It's jaw-droppingly gorgeous and the price?! Wooo! Luxury for the low is always a win.
A loungewear set with a cardigan, cropped tank, and wide-leg pants. Wine night in? Throw this on. Is it just me, or is this definitely giving Skims?
A jar of E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer so you can kiss your pores buh-bye! This primer will help you get a super smooth canvas to put your foundation on and will have you looking like your makeup was professionally airbrushed while helping to keep it in place. Say sayonara to your oily makeup looks and say heyyyy to a matte one.
A reviewer-beloved veggie chopper for my friends who can't dice a vegetable without a potential trip to the hospital (🙋🏽♀️). If chopping those veggies seems too time-consuming, this will save you sooo much time. Spiral, slice, and dice with this super convenient, dishwasher-safe kitchen gadget.
A slightly cropped half-zip pullover you'll wanna wear, like, every single day. It looks suuuuper similar to the Lululemon one but at a way lower price, and reviewers are totally LOVIN' it.
A firming eye cream with vitamin C, vitamin E, rose hip seed oil, and hibiscus flower extract to help firm and brighten the *sensitive* skin around your eyes and neck for a day-to-day ANNNNND long-term effect. Botox? Filler? No babe, just a fiiiire eye cream that'll snatch you up.
A jewelry-cleaning pen so you can dazzle people with your jewelry, real or fake. Thanos probably used this stick to keep the infinity stones shiny.
A yoga set reviewers are praising for being an affordable swap for the Skims version, ~and~ (*whispering 🤫*) they're saying they like this set better. Grab it in a few colors so that you can justify wearing it just about every day.
Promising review: "If you're on the hunt for a Skims alternative that won't break the bank, look no further! This loungewear set is a gem. The fabric feels buttery-soft against the skin, resembling the luxurious touch of higher-end brands. The fit is incredible, akin to the Skims collections, with a high-waisted bottom that smoothes and contours, while the crop top adds a chic, modern edge. The loungewear's versatility is a standout; it transitions seamlessly from a relaxing day at home to a quick errand run with no compromise on style or comfort. Durability is another plus—it has withstood several washes with no pilling or loss of elasticity. For those seeking the Skims experience without the hefty price tag, this set is a must-have!" —Alaina YvonneGet it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in women's sizes XS–L and seven colors).
A foundation brush with some seriously firm, but still seriously soft bristles that'll help you achieve a beat so flawless, people may ask if it was professionally done. It's perfect for both powder and liquid concealers, blushes, and foundations, and if you're a blending newbie this'll make it easy peasy.
A pair of round sunglasses reviewers are actually comparing to Prada and Ray-Ban. Be prepared to obsess over these cute little sunnies — you'll never wanna take 'em off.
A bottle of Fanola purple shampoo to save you from constantly throwing $$$ to hairdressers just to keep the brass out your mane. Say goodbye to yellow brassy tones and helloooo to cool, neutral, gorg blonde hair. This is what dreams are made of, Lizzie McGuire.
A pair of drawstring lounge pants you'll find yourself throwing on, like, ALL the time. Whether you're heading to the airport, running errands, or just chillin' and vibin', you'll wanna have these on your booty.
A Renpho percussion massager because your back has been killing you, but a weekly professional massage is outta the question at the moment. I don't blame you, and this bb is here to help release knots, aches, and muscle tension just as good as the pros do it.
A pair of lightweight legging-style joggers reviewers are love love LOVING because, hellooooo! Lululemon Align jogger look but for a waaay cheaper price. If you haven't been able to bring yourself to spend the whopping $80 on the Lulu ones, snag these, and we'll keep it our little secret that they *aren't* name-brand.
First Aid Beauty's KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub Exfoliant that'll ever so gently help to eliminate rough or bumpy skin. People with keratosis pilaris are raving about this product and its smoothing powers.
A pair of high-waisted quick-dry running shorts with an underwear liner and a side pocket that are bound to become your new fave shorts to wear on your afternoon jog. They're so lightweight you'll forget you even have pants on.
You, throwing out your expensive mascara and grabbing the $5 one:
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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Los Angeles Times
an hour ago
- Los Angeles Times
MOCA gala honors Frank Gehry, others, raises $3.1 million: L.A. arts and culture this weekend
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles threw a glitzy bash at the institution's Geffen Contemporary in Little Tokyo Saturday, raising $3.1 million and honoring architect Frank Gehry, artist Theaster Gates and philanthropist Wendy Schmidt. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi — a surprise guest — showed up to pay tribute to Gehry, while Ava DuVernay celebrated Gates and Jane Fonda honored Schmidt. The special program honoring 'visionaries' who helped shaped the museum's trajectory is part of a new gala tradition called MOCA Legends, which will continue with new honorees next year. The night began with cocktails in the plaza and private access to the Olafur Eliasson exhibition, 'OPEN.' The Japanese American drumming group TAIKOPROJECT played while guests found their seats for dinner. MOCA director Johanna Burton welcomed attendees with a speech about the power of art and its ability to bring communities together. 'As we celebrate our annual gala, we are not just honoring individual achievements, but reaffirming our collective belief in the power of art to connect and challenge; uplift and endure,' Burton said, according to a news release about the event. After Pelosi's introduction of Gehry, which included mention of his 1983 renovation of the Geffen Contemporary, the 96-year-old legend noted how much the museum has meant to him over the years. 'Artists brought me into their club — it's where I wanted to be, and they opened my eyes to another world,' Gehry said. I'm arts and culture writer Jessica Gelt, and I'm here for all the celebrations of art and artists — the more the better. Here's your weekend rundown of arts news. Noah DavisA collection of more than 50 figurative paintings made by the late Los Angeles artist, who died at 32 in 2015, just as Davis' career was beginning to attract wide attention, arrives after stops in Potsdam, Germany, and London. Davis' paintings, often built around found photographs, regularly balance on a knife-edge between daily life and dream. The exhibition represents the first institutional survey of Davis' 31. UCLA Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood. Seoul FestivalThe L.A. Phil turns to the South Korean capital this week for a follow-up to its revelatory Reykjavik and Mexico City festivals. Unsuk Chin, today's best-known Korean composer, is the curator. Despite a seeming wealth of renowned performers, Korea remains a musically mysterious land. The mostly youngish composers and performers in the first festival event, an exceptional concert of new music on Tuesday night, were all discoveries. The festival continues with weekend orchestra concerts featuring different mixes of four more new Korean scores commissioned by the L.A. Phil, Chin's 2014 Clarinet Concerto and a pair of Brahms concertos. A chamber music concert with works by Schumann and Brahms played by Korean musicians is the closing event Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 'Lear Redux'While Center Theatre Group reworks Shakepeare's 'Hamlet' at the Mark Taper Forum (see item below), across town, Odyssey Theatre renews its collaboration with theater artist John Farmanesh-Bocca for a madcap adaptation of the Bard's 'King Lear,' another entry in the director-playwright's Redux series. Veteran stage actor Jack Stehlin stars as the titular monarch in the production, which Stage Raw's Deborah Klugman described as 'wildly idiosyncratic.' In 2016, Times' contributor Philip Brandes made Farmanesh-Bocca's 'Tempest Redux' at the Odyssey (also starring Stehlin) a Critic's Choice, writing that the work 'boldly transposes Shakespeare's play to a darker, more unsettling key, but the inventive staging and solid command of source text make for a memorable re-imagining.'Wednesday-Sunday, through July 13. Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd. When CNN broadcasts a live performance of 'Good Night, and Good Luck' from the Winter Garden in New York City on Saturday (4 p.m. PDT), it's apparently the first time a Broadway play will be shown live on television, and the timing could not be better. An adaptation of George Clooney and Grant Heslov's 2005 film, which chronicled CBS newsman Edward R. Murrow's heroic crusade against Sen. Joseph McCarthy's communist witch hunts, the broodingly elegant production, sharply directed by David Cromer and starring a quietly committed Clooney in the role of Murrow (played in the film by David Strathairn), was not only one of the most stirring offerings of the Broadway season but also one of the most necessary. As media companies face a campaign of intimidation from the Trump administration, the figure of Murrow, standing tall in the face of demagogic adversity, is the courageous example we need right now. I don't know how different the experience will be watching at home, but 'Good Night, and Good Luck' made me reflect on what theatergoing might have been like in ancient Greece. Athenian citizens would gather at an open-air theater as a democratic privilege and responsibility. Playwrights addressed the polis not by dramatizing current events but by recasting tales from the mythological and historic past to sharpen critical thinking on contemporary concerns. Clooney and Heslov aren't writing dramatic poetry. Their more straightforward approach is closer to documentary drama, but the effect is not so disparate. We are affirmed in the knowledge that we are the body politic. — Charles McNulty Director and playwright Robert O'Hara's world premiere adaptation of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' opened Wednesday at the Mark Taper Forum starring Patrick Ball from 'The Pitt' and Gina Torres from 'Suits.' The Times sat down with the trio of creatives for an interview about how the show came together — as well as the many novel ways it diverges from the traditional script. O'Hara presents a modern-day vision that questions whether Hamlet is a tragic hero or a murderous psychopath. The mystery is solved 'CSI'-style and the tone is very L.A. noir. For his part, Ball can't believe any of this is really happening, having been a relative unknown before 'The Pitt' premiered in January. L.A. Opera announced Domingo Hindoyan as its new music director. Hindoyan — chief conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic — will replace outgoing music director James Conlon when he steps down at the end of the 2026 season. When Hindoyan, a native of Venezuela, made his L.A. Opera debut last November with 'Roméo et Juliette,' Times classical music critic Mark Swed speculated he might be in the running for the coveted position. Turns out he was right. Times contributor Nick Owchar talks with architectural historian Nathan Marsak about the Angel City Press reissue of photographer Arnold Hylen's book of mid-20th century photos, 'Los Angeles Before the Freeways: Images of an Era 1850-1950.' Marsak curated and expanded the new edition, which details a fascinating world of lost streets, civic buildings, shops and restaurants. Orange County Museum of Art executive director Heidi Zuckerman — who announced she will step down in December — has launched a new online platform called 'About Art.' It's home to her 'Why Art Matters' newsletter and 'About Art' podcast, as well as a number of lifestyle offerings including an entry on Zuckerman's love of matcha and how to prepare the perfect cup. In a news release about the venture, Zuckerman notes that her work has gathered a community of 40,000 art enthusiasts. The summer Hollywood Bowl season is upon us, and with it comes the complimentary Market Tasting Series with wine picks by chef Caroline Styne. The fun begins with the Roots Picnic this Sunday in the Plaza Marketplace near the box office. Tastings start an hour before doors open, and you can meet with vintners and reps from Habit Wines, Skurnik Wines, Grapevine Wine Company, Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Elevage Wines and more. The final tasting will take place before the John Legend concert on Sunday, Sept. 28. Speaking of wine, Barnsdall Art Park Foundation is back — beginning tonight at 5:30 p.m. — with its 16th annual Barnsdall Fridays wine tasting fundraiser (the first two Fridays are already sold out). Proceeds from the events, scheduled to run through Sept. 26, support cultural programming at the park. The popular summer series comes as proposed city budget cuts imperil the park's finances. Guests are invited to relax on Olive Hill, as well as the west lawn of Frank Lloyd Wright's Hollyhock House — the only existing UNESCO World Heritage site in the city of Los Angeles. Wines come courtesy of Silverlake Wine, and there are always a variety of local food trucks onsite, as well as a DJ. While there, visitors can check out exhibitions and artist-led presentations at the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery and Barnsdall Junior Arts Center Gallery. — Jessica Gelt I'm happy to report that I've been to 14 of the 17 eateries on The Times Food section's list of L.A.'s oldest restaurants. Some, like Musso & Frank Grill, I've ambled into many times (that martini!), and others, like Mijares Mexican Restaurant, I've stumbled upon while walking around town. I'll spend this weekend visiting the remaining three.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Lululemon's We Made Too Much section includes a ton of belt bags and summer layers right now — best finds starting under $25
Lululemon's We Made Too Much page is a dangerous place to be if you want to save money. Let me be clear: you'll save money through the retailer's secret WMTM section, but if you're anything like me, you'll also end up adding a few more items to your cart than initially anticipated. Take, for example, these belt bags. You may have had your eye on this cute butter yellow belt bag, but hey, this chic Team Canada Future Legacy Mini Belt Bag is under $15, and this versatile bucket bag is $34 off. All of a sudden, I have three bags in my cart (and heck, what's a fourth?). You see what I mean? Shop women's Lululemon We Made Too Much Shop men's Lululemon We Made Too Much If you keep scrolling, you'll find 11 Lululemon WMTM scores that I think are worth adding to your cart this week. You'll find some of the aforementioned belt bags, cozy layers for summer, running shoes and more. How cute (and practical) is this water-repellent bag? It has a 4.6-star average rating from more than 1,000 reviews, with fans saying it's the "perfect size for running errands." $59 $84 at Lululemon Butter yellow is this season's trendiest colour and Lululemon's Everywhere Belt Bag is a forever favourite. When you combine the two, well, it's a win-win. $34 $44 at Lululemon Summer rain showers are no match against Lululemon's hot pink Scuba Cropped Anorak. The feather-light and water-repellent anorak feels roomy and can be worn over larger layers. $124 $148 at Lululemon This crossbody bucket bag features grab handles and an adjustable shoulder strap, so you can create a custom, comfortable fit. $64 $98 at Lululemon These Blissfeel 2 running shoes are a fan-favourite among reviewers, no matter if you're reaching a PR at a marathon or walking around the block. They're "all you could ever want in a running shoe," according to one shopper. $129 $168 at Lululemon We know the weather is warming up, but it's never a bad idea to have a cardigan on hand, especially one as cute as this. This cable knit cardigan is made from soft, cotton-blend yarn and is still available in sizes XS-XL. $119 $168 at Lululemon Lululemon's lightweight Define jacket is sweat-wicking, breathable and designed using four-way stretch fabric, so it's great for sports, running errands, and even long travel days. $124 $168 at Lululemon This 2-in-1 wristlet features two zippered pouches, so it can keep your cash, keys, phone, lip balm and cards close by. We love it as a gift, and reviewers do, too. $54 $78 at Lululemon This flattering V-neck bra offers light support for A/B cup sizes. Because it's from the brand's Align line, you can expect it to be buttery soft and incredibly comfortable. $39 $64 at Lululemon This "perfect" card pouch has hundreds of 5-star reviews singing its praises. It's the "perfect size" and "so convenient," writes one happy shopper. "I definitely recommend it to everyone!" Shop it in four colourways. $24 $34 at Lululemon This thick sweatshirt is a popular choice for chilly summer nights. It comes in two colourways and sizes XS to XL. $129 $168 at Lululemon


Forbes
4 hours ago
- Forbes
Father's Day Tech-Tastic Wish List
The Buff LED Face Mask Buff I'm going to be honest… none of what I write about below is anywhere close to what I'll actually get on Father's Day. My kids' school put on a Father's Day 'store' and my wife sends them in with $10 each, which usually (always) results in me getting socks and a coffee mug to unwrap on the big day. But this isn't a reality list. It's a wish list. The clue is in the name. However, even with that disclaimer thrown in, I still have to set a few boundaries. I couldn't just include a super yacht, a sports car or (the ultimate dream) Oasis reunion tickets. So this is a 'realistic' wish list. Sort of. Good luck to all the Dads out there. SHARP OSAKA DR-P520(GY) Portable Digital Radi Sharp Okay, this is a proper 'Dad' inclusion. Following the big power cut in Spain earlier this year, that wiped out not only electricity but the mobile networks too, one of the most common things that people said they found useful during the chaos was a battery-powered FM radio. Not only is this Sharp radio that, but it also has DAB+ smarts too, along with Bluetooth streaming and 10 hours of battery life; which you can charge with the same sort of power pack you'd use to charge your phone in such an emergency. It's available direct from Sharp, costing $60 Stateside, £60 in the UK. The Bodum Bistro smart coffee maker Bodum With its 24-hour programmable timer, this Bodum clever coffee machine will get your morning brew set to go exactly when you need it… and will keep your coffee warm for 25 minutes after brewing while you inevitably have to sort out some sort of breakfast emergency with the kids. It's also top-end filter coffee on offer, as it features a unique shower head design that evenly saturates your coffee grounds, meaning a more balanced extraction. The good news is you can also ditch those wasteful paper filters; this eco-conscious design features a fine-mesh, stainless steel filter. You can buy one now, direct from Bodum, for $110 / £139. Beats Powerbeats 2 Pro Apple Given that the latest Powerbeats are positioned as the ultimate workout partner, with real-time insights into your exercise performance and built-in heart rate monitoring, I should say I want them to help me get fitter. But they also feature Active Noise Cancelling, Adaptive EQ and Personalised Spatial Audio… so they'll be ideal for drowning out whatever (terrible) music the kids insist on playing on my home speakers. With a whopping 45 hours of battery life thanks to their smaller, wireless charging case, re-engineered earhooks, and powered by the Apple H2 chip, the Powerbeats Pro 2 build on the original's success and still look super cool; so I can keep up the pretence that I'm still young and trendy. The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are $250 / £250. AirFly Pro 2 Twelve South And I want those Powerbeats to team up with this nifty gadget, which bridges the gap between your Bluetooth headphones and those pesky wired-only systems on planes or gym equipment. You simply have to plug the AirFly Pro 2 into any 3.5mm headphone jack, pair your wireless buds, and boom – instant audio freedom. The AirFly Pro 2 lets two sets of headphones connect at once, have over 25 hours of battery life, and have support for high-quality audio codecs. They cost $60 in the US, £61 in Blighty. Buff LED Face Mask Buff A bit of a left-field one this, but I've been secretly jealous of my wife's SharkNinja CryoGlow mask for a while now (and she doesn't share)… but now we have an LED mask that's targeted at men specifically, and promises to help smooth fine lines, soften wrinkles, and slow visible signs of ageing. Buff's LED Face Mask harnesses different light wavelengths to address a variety of skincare concerns. Blue light works to combat breakouts, red light encourages collagen production to improve skin texture, near-infrared light helps soothe inflammation, and yellow light supports a brighter, more even complexion. Given that I look like an extra from The Last of Us most mornings, I think I'll need the full spectrum. It's £180 direct from Buff.