
35 Affordable Product That Look Expensive
A pair of retro-style oval sunglasses that'll have you looking and feeling oh-so-chic because they're so similar to the $500+ Miu Miu shades that have been going viral on TikTok. Protect your eyes and protect your wallet from any unnecessary damage.
A vintage-inspired watch if your Apple Watch just isn't doing it for you anymore. This easily adds an extra ~oomph~ and sophistication to any outfit. And if you still rely on a digital clock to know what time it is, this can just be an elegant accessory.
A carafe with a matching glass meant to replace all those wasteful plastic water bottles and give a more stylish look to your hydration station (aka your bedside table). For less than $30, this investment is definitely worth it.
A pair of "Dreamlux" leggings that are basically #twinning with the Lululemon Aligns, but for a fraction of the price *phew.* Thankfully, these still have a similar buttery soft, squat-proof material, so you'll be looking AND feeling your best in and out of the gym.
A spacious bathroom organizer so all your favorite skincare and makeup necessities can have a beautiful place to live without taking up the entire bathroom countertop. Even if your fancy lotions and potions aren't affordable, at least what holds them is!
An understated but sleek retro-style baguette purse, because your canvas tote can only do so much for an outfit. The gold detailing and vintage-y snap closure make this shoulder bag look super chic and prove that a great accessory can make any outfit look more lavish.
An electric gooseneck kettle that will make you sing 🎶 here is my handle, here is my spout 🎶 with pride because of how neat this is. It has a sleek design and can hold the exact temperature you want for up to two hours, so you can enjoy a hot cup o' tea with every pour.
Or, a Smeg-like, but not Smeg-priced, electric kettle featuring a thermometer to get the water to the exact temperature for your extra hot pour-over coffee or your soothing cup of tea. And, it also has an automatic shut-off.
A beautiful tennis bracelet that adds just the right amount of "oomph" to your look. This 14-karat gold-plated bracelet looks way more expensive than what you paid and has a durable clasp so you can wear it all day, every day.
A pair of pretty pastel wireless over-the-ear headphones designed to look a lot like the AirPods Max, minus the triple-digit price tag. These noise-blocking headphones have cushiony ear pads, a built-in mic, and boast 10 hours of playtime on a single charge.
A distinctively shaped flatware set with that sleek, high-end look you'd expect at a $$$-rated restaurant on Yelp. Who knew swapping out your old silverware could instantly elevate your takeout game? And the best part? They're dishwasher-safe!
A super soft two-piece pajama set because in order to feel like a sleeping beauty, you gotta look the part, and this swap for the $128 Roller Rabbit PJs will get the job done. Take my advice and don't ~sleep~ on this set.
A pair of stunning "convertible" earrings so you can elevate your look in not one way, but in two ways — wear them with the sparkly, bedazzled hoop for extra glam, or remove it for a sleek, classic gold hoop.
Or, a pair of statement teardrop earrings, a fashion-forward twist on the classic hoop. Contrary to how chunky they look, reviewers say they are lightweight and a comfortable staple to their earring collection. Bottega Veneta, who??
An Anthro-inspired reversible quilted throw blanket to instantly add a pop of color to your plain bedroom without having to shell out hundreds to achieve that boho vibe. It comes in a ton of prints, and reviewers say it's not too heavy and not too light, making it juusstt right for your bedroom decor.
Or a popular checkerboard throw blanket that gives the Barefoot Dreams version a run for its money since it basically matches the quality, softness, and durability without making you roll over when you see the price.
A set of Glamnetic press-on nails, which have convinced some reviewers to never go back to the salon again! The full set lasts for two weeks, is super durable, and looks like your real nails! They come in so many different designs and are a fraction of the price of real acrylics.
An oh-so-classic pair of slip-on pointed toe ballet flats if you're wanting a shoe that looks like the Rothy's version, but can't justify the $160 price tag. These give you that same breathable fabric and are designed for all-day wear, so you can be struttin' your stuff with no blisters in sight!
A plated clover bracelet so you can trick people into thinking you spent a whole $4,600 on a Van Cleef bracelet. It'll be a perfect addition to any stack or look just as great on its own.
A pair of gorgeous kitchen shears that you'll want to whip out for everything from cutting meats and herbs to opening packages. Reviewers love how sharp the blades are and how they are dishwasher safe.
Tie-front satin PJs so beautiful and luxurious-looking that you'll start to question if these even count as pajamas. They look *and* feel way more expensive than they are and come in so many colors!
An elegant set of square wineglasses great if you want something just a little fancier than the traditional wineglass. These look way more expensive than they are and can turn any boring drink into a ~luxurious experience.~
A bodycon lounge dress for those who want to look a little casual, classic, and sassy all in one. Reviewers say this super soft, Skims-like fabric will give you a chic silhouette, and they say it's super breathable, making it perfect for the warm weather days ahead.
A dimmable candle warmer, which adds an antique yet modern look to your desk or nightstand. It comes with not one but two halogen light bulbs, so you don't have to go out and find the right light bulb for this cozy decorative piece. As Kacey Musgraves once said, I'm alright with a slow burrrrnnnnn.
A cross-hatch tissue holder so when someone does an "achooo," they can also do an "oooh" and an "ahhh" because your Kleenex box will look like a designer item with this little cover over it.
A pair of palazzo pants if you love the flowy feel of your wide-leg pajama pants and sweats, but want to feel a little more polished for your in-office work days. They're also a great alternative to jeans if the dress code is more "smart casual" than just casual.
An elegant pleated clutch to elevate your look and beautifully hold all your must-have items. You can hold it as a traditional clutch or use the long strap to make it a stylish crossbody bag.
A safety razor that will convince you to ~cut~ out all those plastic disposable razors and invest in something that will give you a nice clean shave and look great on your bathroom countertop.
A metallic ponytail cover so your signature high pony can have an elegant upgrade. This attaches onto your regular elastic and makes such a difference in creating a cute and sophisticated look.
A rhinestone bag perfect for when you're going for a night out on the town with your besties. It'll drape beautifully over your shoulder, and pro tip: make sure you use the flash when you get pics with this so it can really ✨shine.✨
A cherry bag charm that could easily be mistaken for the $95 Coach version. Reviewers love how they can swap it between bags because of the handy clip and that it's durable to boot! It'll definitely be the cherry on top for crafting your stylish look.
A cute set of glass coffee syrup dispensers to make it really feel like you got the whole barista setup at home. So when you need an extra pump of vanilla to get you through your first 30 minutes of WFH, you'll be so glad you have these. Plus, they even come with labels to make it look even more luxurious.
A marble board wire cheese cutter, a goud-addition to your kitchen tools. Now you don't have to spend time cutting slices of cheese for your guests because they can just do it themselves and be awed by the stylish tool.
A sleek time-marked water bottle meant to give you some hydration motivation. Not only is it lightweight and leakproof, but it looks way chicer than a clunky Stanley cup. It might just be me, but if something is this cute, it makes me want to use it as much as possible.
A satin midi skirt to add a sophisticated touch to your casual outfit, or be the base piece to build off of for your date night out. Reviewers love the elastic waistband and how it looks super expensive despite the reasonable price.
When you realize that the leggings that feel like Lululemon are actually affordable as heck:
Reviews for this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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Business of Fashion
10 minutes ago
- Business of Fashion
How Niche Perfumers Pay to Win
While the greater beauty slowdown may be bringing about the end of the Lipstick Index, perhaps it's led to the emergence of a different product as an economic indicator: Fragrance. Sales in the category rose 4 percent in the prestige channel and 8 percent in the mass market in the first quarter of 2025, according to intelligence firm Circana. And while body mists and designer scents are driving the mass category, it's niche fragrances that are keeping prestige sales afloat. A recent NielsenIQ report saw indie brands claim 23 percent of overall fragrance sales, with its 34 percent year-over-year growth outpacing the overall category, driven by demand for esoteric and expensive new perfumes popularized on social media, especially TikTok. Its perception as an affordable luxury buy, and one that helps buyers express their individuality, has contributed to their rise. The indies have been growing 'exponentially,' said Linda Levy, president of the Fragrance Foundation. 'They're often on a level playing field with big brands in direct-to-consumer storytelling and engagement.' That success has brought more competition from perfumery's traditional players — and their deeper pockets. Indies have to walk a tightrope to survive: they must follow Big Perfumery's business blueprint, but are also expected to provide elevated quality with surprising compositions and precious ingredients. Benoît Verdier, co-founder of perfume house Ex Nihilo, previously told The Business of Beauty that their competition was 'the big guys', referring to conglomerates like Estée Lauder, LVMH and Puig. 'If we want to compete against them, we need power.' ADVERTISEMENT To stay ahead, and to ensure their offerings remain singular, they're investing heavily in various corners of their businesses — in their perfumers, in their retail spaces and in their juices themselves. Omani fragrance house Amouage, recently backed by L'Oréal, lavishes both time and money on its perfumes, with long maturation times and potent ingredient concentrations. (Amouage) For perfume houses like Marc-Antoine Barrois, Kriger and Amouage, these investments are crucial to justifying their lofty prices, starting at around $160 per ounce. And their pay-to-win strategies are working. In 2024, the Oman-based Amouage recorded 30 percent growth, and annual retail sales now exceed $260 million, a figure that's more than doubled in the last three years. Marc-Antoine Barrois, headquartered in France, did nearly $70 million in retail sales in 2024, and is projected to grow to $100 million in 2025, its eponymous founder and artistic director told The Business of Beauty. Many indies have been scooped up by private equity firms: In 2024, D.S. & Durga was acquired by private equity firm Manzanita Capital, and L'Oréal purchased a stake in Amouage the same year. But even after a cash infusion, niche perfumers have to work to maintain their credibility. D.S. & Durga Co-founder Kavi Moltz told BoF that, post-acquisition, 'we're now spending more time on the creations and our community.' A Fine Balance It can be challenging to decide to divert precious resources to a superior — and eye-poppingly expensive — quality of jasmine, when more pressing areas like escalating supply chain costs, inflated MOQs and viable distribution channels need cash infusions. But for many niche perfumers, passion supersedes profit. One universal touchpoint is destination retail spaces that manifest slower, immersive and meaningful storytelling experiences. Chief executive Marco Parsiegla said that Amouage's boutiques are 'both commercially impactful and creatively essential' and have turned a profit more quickly than anticipated. Standalone retail spaces can be costly, but they have more profit potential than wholesale, allowing for greater consumer engagement, explains Paul Austin, founder of fragrance and branding agency Austin Advisory Group, and co-creator of LilaNur Parfums. Many niche perfumers have a mix of both: Amouage is stocked at over 1,000 department stores and fragrance boutiques worldwide, in addition to its 12 standalone boutiques. Same for Barrois, whose relatively modest offering of seven perfume SKUs sustains three standalone boutiques. 'I wanted my stores to be a place where people can escape their reality,' Marc-Antoine Barrois said. Krigler keeps supply rarified, setting up jewel-box-like spaces in the most exclusive hotels and never exceeding one door per city. Its Parisian outpost opened in December last year at The Peninsula Paris, at a cost of $2 million, counting the value of archival trunks and Baccarat crystal decanters on display. The rent for the 320 square foot space is almost in the six figures in euros, said a source with knowledge of the brand's business. ADVERTISEMENT That level of spend is worth it to fifth-generation owner Ben Krigler because it allows them to connect with high-spending clients. On opening day, a Qatari royal cleaned out their inventory, buying limited edition flaçons and every bottle of an exclusive collection including the testers, each worth $1,700. Her shopping spree brought in €100,000 ($114,000). 'A big portion of the store was empty,' said Krigler, who had to fly in employees from other stores with suitcases full of perfume the next day. Then it comes down to the juice itself. Fragrance houses spend lavishly on marquee name perfumers, who then go on to spend lavishly on ingredients. Barrois uses Quentin Bisch, a Givaudan perfumer known for Good Girl by Carolina Herrera and Parfums de Marly's Delina series. 'We have no limits on Quentin's time or on the ingredients we put in,' Barrois said. 'I don't know what it costs exactly and don't want to.' Bisch's scents, Ganymede and Tilia, are hits for the brand, together accounting for over 60 percent of sales. Perfumer and couturier Marc-Antoine Barrois, foreground, with his perfumer of choice, Quentin Bisch. 'We have no limits on Quentin's time or on the ingredients we put in,' Barrois said. 'I don't know what it costs exactly and don't want to.' (Jérôme Emeriau) Cash is not the only currency spent on niche fragrances, which often need time to mature. Amouage's approach to the aging process makes liberal use of both, which chief creative officer Renaud Salmon said is a non-negotiable part of their process: 'It unlocks the full potential of the perfume… bringing out complexity that would be impossible otherwise.' Each formula is evaluated to define the right maturation time. Since this step ties up working capital by requiring storage space, and results in inventory remaining unsold for months, it pushes up the cost of the perfume, as does Amouage's propensity to offer higher concentrations of fragrance concentrate than most houses, with some going up to 30 percent or more. 'From my experience creating for other luxury brands, this number is at least ten times higher than what is typically allowed,' Salmon said. Krigler's fragrances, too, start at 25 percent concentration, and can go up to 45 percent. Maturation time is a minimum of 18 months. Back to Basics These might seem like insurmountable costs to bootstrapped brands, which niche perfumeries often are. While Amouage is backed by L'Oréal, both Krigler and Marc Antoine Barrois remain family-owned. ADVERTISEMENT Barrois started in 2016 with a few thousand euros and invested everything he earned into the business. Early on, he rented out his apartment on Airbnb and funneled that into the company, too. But his first scent, B683, was so well-received that inventory he thought would last ten years sold in less than two months. That hustle and high comes with indie territory. And like Barrois, if nothing else, brands can leverage niche perfumery's founding principle: focus on product above all else. Veronique Gabai, founder and CEO of her eponymous brand, and former global president of the fragrance division of the Estée Lauder Companies, explains that indie perfumery's very origin was in disruption. 'Niche perfumes were born out of a reaction to the overtly marketed product that the fragrance industry was 20 or 25 years ago,' she said, citing the example of Frederic Malle. 'The purpose… was to go back to the quality of the juice, time spent on craftsmanship, and collaboration with perfumers.' Gabai welcomes brands renewed focus on what's always been at the heart of the niche perfumery ethos: The juice itself. Investment in the fragrance product is not just investment, but 'the very core of the strategy,' Gabai said. 'Niche isn't about marketing, imagery, or a big name and face. It's about creating a product that enchants, surprises and evokes important emotional reactions from people.' Sign up toThe Business of Beauty newsletter, your complimentary, must-read source for the day's most important beauty and wellness news and analysis.


Newsweek
19 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Family Get 'Dangerous' Dog—Then See What He Does Alone With Little Girl
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. A mom has challenged common misconceptions about so-called "dangerous" dog breeds—by showing her 2-year-old daughter dressing up their Doberman pinscher as a princess. Haley Odle (@haleyann0710), 36, posted the TikTok clip featuring her daughter Ellie, 2, playing dress-up with their 8-year-old Doberman, Diesel. The video, which has garnered more than 417,500 likes and over 2.4 million views, shows the toddler tenderly wrapping Diesel in blankets before placing a crown on his head. "Oooo so pretty," Ellie says, admiring her royal creation. "They have been best friends ever since we brought her home. I have other videos of when she was younger, and he's always been so gentle with her," Odle told Newsweek. "We have three dogs in total, and he was the one I was most nervous about in the beginning, just because he's not trusting with others outside of our family. But he has been the absolute best with her. They'll chase each other around the house and, like you see in the video, he'll go in her room to check on her and he'll let her do whatever," Odle added. A split image showing Ellie dressing up Diesel the Doberman as a princess. A split image showing Ellie dressing up Diesel the Doberman as a princess. @haleyann0710/@haleyann0710 "Dangerous breed," the mom wrote as the text overlay of the video. Odle used the TikTok sound This-is-me-yes-it-is, often used to poke fun at pets that don't exactly live up to their supposedly tough exteriors. "The bottom line is we need to get a dog for protection. Like, if someone tried to break into our house, I'd wanna make sure that they were immediately terrified," the audio says. Doberman pinschers are medium-large dogs, standing between 24 and 28 inches at the shoulder, with a muscular build and a short, smooth coat. Despite their reputation as formidable guard dogs, Dobermans are also affectionate and obedient companions. The American Kennel Club (AKC) says they are energetic, watchful, determined, alert, fearless, loyal, and obedient. Their intelligence and trainability make them suitable for various roles, including police and military work, as well as family pets. Ellie, dressed in a purple princess gown, confidently takes on the role of stylist for Diesel, who sits patiently as she completes his regal transformation. Odle noted that the majority of reactions to the video have been overwhelmingly positive. Still, a few commenters expressed concern, writing things like "please watch that dog, he looks stressed." "But, to me, the look on his face is saying 'look how good I'm being'," Odle replied. TikTok users flooded the comments with admiration and laughter: "That dog still gonna protect that little girl with its life, just gonna do it while looking Bonita [pretty]," posted Lisa. "Imagine someone breaking in and being chased by a dog wearing a dress and tiara," commented another user. "Yeah … Dobermans are … ferocious," added Melissa. "No one said he cant be dangerous AND well dressed," someone else wrote. One commenter shared a similar experience: "Our massive German shepherd was a toy to our second daughter, too. She looks like a giant beast and Bella would bring kittens for them to play." Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.


Newsweek
24 minutes ago
- Newsweek
What Hungry Cat Does in the Kitchen Shocks Internet: 'They're Evolving'
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. A rescue cat named Klaus has gone viral after pulling off an unexpected kitchen trick that has left internet users both amused and slightly concerned. The viral TikTok video shared on Friday by his owner, under the username @caits182, shows the black and white cat perched on the kitchen counter, energetically pawing at the microwave door, until he finally manages to open it. "Ever seen a cat open a microwave?" the caption says, as the poster rushes to remove the cat from the appliance. In a post shared later in the week, the poster explains that Klaus, who has a history of documented shenanigans on social media with his lookalike sibling, Wesley, is a 1.5-year-old who was rescued at 5 months and is a "a softie who loves cuddles." Cats are indeed smart creatures, but unlike humans their intelligence isn't measured by an IQ but rather by their cognitive abilities and the way they interact. Studies have found that cats have a sense of object permanence, and are able to recognize when an object is hidden from their sight. They have working memory and a well-developed long-term memory, which helps them achieve their goals. They can also distinguish between different time intervals and can recognize different quantities. They also look for human cues and gestures, to respond to human moods, and are able to recognize specific human voices and become attached to people in their lives. Compared to dogs, a cat's intelligence manifests differently. Dogs often seek human guidance while cats prioritize independence. Signs of a smart cat can vary, but they usually include problem-solving, demonstrating persistence, or immediately sensing when you're having a bad day and cheering you up. The smartest cat breeds include Abyssinian, Siamese, Scottish Fold, Persians, Cornish Rex, and Turkish Angora. A stock image shows a tuxedo cat hanging out on his owner's kitchen counter. A stock image shows a tuxedo cat hanging out on his owner's kitchen counter. getty images The video quickly went viral on TikTok and it has so far received over 3.8 million views and 737,600 likes on the platform. One user, LoveSyrinaIRL, commented: "As a cat expert, this can be very dangerous for him, as he might start cooking his own food and become a chef and open his own 5-star restaurant." Ednc said: "God forbid a cat shows he's capable of reheating his own food." Laura added: "They're evolving. The end is in sight for us." Newsweek reached out to @caits182 for comment via TikTok comments. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.