If You Love Living In The Lap Of Luxury But Your Bank Account Isn't There Yet, Check Out These 40 Worthy Swaps
A CZ tennis bracelet with tons of reviewers who say it can pass as actual diamonds. Listen, you want a glamorous stack but you don't have to choose between that and a long weekend at a beach resort.
E.l.f. Lash XTNDR Tubing Mascara if you've tried pricier versions but have shied away from rebuying because of $$$. Seriously, just try this! It's so good that I'm currently on my THIRD tube.
Good Molecules Pineapple Exfoliating Powder made with natural rice starches and pineapple, kiwi, and papaya extracts that'll foam up and *gently* polish skin, giving you similar results to the $68 Dermalogica version. You can use it up to four times a week to see (and feel) the benefits without harsh scrubs or panicking a little bit at your Ulta total.
A beaded shoulder bag in case you've added a similar Staud one to cart about a million times but haven't been able to checkout just yet. The brand's beaded bags became instant classics but you can get a little splurgey at Anthro without having to completely upend your monthly budget on a (gorgeous) $295 bag. You could get three of these at that price (if you wanted).
A set of wrist and ankle weights will feel like an extra fun accessory after you look up how the pricing ($22-ish) compares to similar Bala Bangles ($50-ish). Slip on these before you take a stroll with a pal to get in your steps. Just be prepared for the onslaught of compliments by passersby.
Nortiv 8 walking shoes with the pillowy comfort and bold color combos of Hokas on the cheap, so you can splurge a little bit on that boutique boxing class this week instead of shelling out more for the name-brand shoes.
Sliick Ingrown Rescue Solution to halt painful (and unsightly) ingrown hairs before you realize they've rudely shown up on your first beach day of the year, no matter how you're DIY-ing hair removal. AND it's half the price of holy grail Tend Skin!
Oxo's portable Cold Brew Rapid Brewer if you guzzle coffee like it's your main salaried job where you have a corner office in the C-suite. It whips up cold brew in a mere five minutes, which is even better news if you've gotten sticker shock from Aeropress but need something that'll work both at home and on the go. (For the record, some reviewers call it "Aeropress 2.0" because they prefer the Oxo version.)
B.tan Self-Tanner for some super-easy-to-apply color that'll develop in an hour. No need to book a (costly) spray tan appointment. (Psst, reviewers who've previously sworn by St. Tropez products have made the switch!)
A cherry bag charm can add a lil' razzle-dazzle to your plain bag that's just not doing it for you anymore. Just let your work nemesis assume that it's the $95 Coach charm.
A cute two-piece pajama set in super soft fabric if you LOVE the look of $128 Roller Rabbit PJs but just can't personally justify spending that much money on something you wear to bed, no matter how comfy and cute it might be!
An Elizavecca hair treatment to give you "rich girl hair" thanks to its collagen and ceramide 3 formula. And it'll take just a few minutes of your time, like as little as five minutes post-shampoo. Because time is money, money is power, and power is pizza. (In case you were curious, lots of reviewers say they prefer it over $$$ Olaplex.)
A long-sleeve bodysuit will wrap you up in an incredibly soft fabric that reviews oft compare to Skims. AND it's supportive enough so you can wear it without a bra, which is always a great thing!
Plus, a stretchy bodycon pencil dress with heaps of Skims comparisons for the shape and stretch. I'm guessing this is what Morticia Addams would wear to an all-inclusive beach resort.
L'Oreal True Match Lumi Glotion for a super glowy, sunkissed look EVEN if work and maintaining a social life has you feeling like a vampire. No need to keep swinging by Sephora for a free sample of Drunk Elephant's bronzing drops because reviewers say this is a great cheaper alt. (We've all pulled that sample trick!)
A baroque-inspired mirror to instantly dress up an entry or hallway. The gilded frame looks equally great hung on a wall or atop a console. And every time you gaze upon your reflection in it, you can think about the dough you saved by opting for this one over the more expensive Anthro version.
An elegant set of square wineglasses that reviewers point out are VERY similar to the pricier ones sold at Crate & Barrel. Whether you're just drinking some water out of them or some actual Prosecco, they'll certainly elevate the moment.
E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter that'll free up a bit of coin if you've been eyeing Charlotte Tilbury's Hollywood Flawless Filter as a glow-getter on a budget. This stuff has hyaluronic acid and squalane to give you that lit-from-within for less than the cost of a pricey chopped salad from that place beside your office.
A faux-leather bag you'll do a double-take on because it's verrrry similar to Polène's Cyme you've been stalking online and thought, "Welp, I could buy this instead of flying to my college roommate's wedding" before buying that flight.
Hanes Ultimate ankle socks that'll pass the comfort test for fans of Aritzia's TNA line. Yes, we're at that age where socks can be luxurious.
Slingback heels to add an air of sophistication to a simple outfit. We're not on a Chanel budget, but that's perfectly fine and normal! These beauts will help you chase that feeling AND turn out to be super versatile so you'll have a pretty low cost per wear.
And while we're chasing that feeling, a quilted leather crossbody purse can scratch a Chanel-ish itch while adding an affordable purse into your wardrobe rotation.
A glitzy long-sleeve sequin dress in case you marveled at the $765 16Arlington dress Hailey Bieber wore but gasped out loud when you looked at the price. This under-$100 version is just begging to make an appearance in a loud, dark club somewhere in Europe.
A faux-pearl choker that's a dead-ringer for a Vivienne Westwood piece you can easily add to all kinds of outfits that are missing something. Mystery solved.
Some sharp-looking pointed-toe flats with similar comfy, machine-washable features to pricier Rothy's or Vivaia flats. You'll be glad you packed these to get you from Notre-Dame to the Eiffel Towel on a long but gorgeous scenic view! And when you get home, you can toss 'em in the wash to look like new for your next adventure!
A pair of retro-style oval sunglasses your nemesis will mistake for the $400+ Miu Miu ones, which is fine. Let 'em think that and put that extra cash toward whatever else you want.
Or some oversized square sunnies if you've been admiring the Bottega Veneta version but have such a horrible track record with keeping sunglasses in fighting shape that you can't in good conscience spend hundreds on a pair.
A pair of satin block-heeled dress shoes you'd mistake for some Loeffler Randall heels if you didn't buy them yourself! Reviewers also say that the supportive straps mean you can still make all kinds of moves. A wedding dance floor hates to see you coming.
A velvet V-neck maxi dress that'd make a perfect bridesmaid dress. Or just a wedding guest dress! You're already paying [redacted] to attend the Nashville bachelorette. We don't need to spend $400 on a dress too.
Slip-on mules because you're not allowed to wear sneakers to the office (I'm emailing HR on your behalf) but don't do heels. You'll get all kinds of use out of these comfy alts to the pricier Madewell Gemma mules without having to MAKE yourself wear them enough times just to make yourself feel better about dropping serious dough on them.
Platform slippers you've eyed on so many other people in public (or, well, the similar but more expensive Ugg Tazz) and want in on the cozy style. Once you slip your feet into the faux-fur shoes, you'll find every which way to wear — even in the sweaty pits of summer.
A multipurpose blush stick you can try out to create the lovely watercolor blush trend. Y'know what's even lovelier? Paying $7 for this instead of the $18 Pixi Beauty version so you can build and blend color to your heart's content.
Cushionaire slides to help satisfy your old dogs' yearning for comfy Birks (there are 1k+ reviews comparing them) for significantly less.
A "Soft" perfume rollerball that's definitely made an appearance or five in your FYP scroll. It's only $5 and smells totally delightful (it gets compared to sweet treats like waffle cones). BUT! That's not the only reason to love it. It reminds reviewers of the $65 bottle of Pink Sugar 👀 and layers like a dream.
E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops made to help plump up (hydrating hibiscus complex and hyaluronic acid) and brighten (niacinamide) your complexion for similar results to the $35 Glow Recipe Watermelon Dew Drops. Reviewers say it works great alone *or* mixed in with foundation.
A plated ring with just a bit of glitz that'll help you channel the Cartier look without affecting your financial planning goals like the real-deal would.
Dossier's "Ambery Vanilla" perfume because you thought about shelling out for YSL's Black Opium but your budget said no despite all your other perfume bottles being on empty.
A Briotech spray can help soothe rosacea, eczema, rashes, sunburns, and other skin irritations for when your skin is just not cooperating thanks to hypochlorous acid (it's in your white blood cells and helps soothe inflammation). Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray is also what some call a miracle in a bottle. But Briotech is in a cheaper bottle.
Some mid-weight sweatpants in case you wanna bring some luxe feel to your couch-rotting. Folks on TikTok compare these to Aritzia's for a fraction of the price. Everyone wear sweats but they don't have to be expensive sweats.
A half-zip pullover sweatshirt that'll run you far less than Lulu's $118 scuba hoodies.
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Washington Post
43 minutes ago
- Washington Post
What's the best way to store strawberries? We tested popular methods.
Crimson, plump, juicy and sweet-tart, fresh strawberries are a treasure to behold. When we catch them on sale at the grocery store, spot a table full of them at the farmers market, or spend the afternoon picking our own at a farm, it's easy to get carried away and find ourselves with an abundance of berries. Once we take our haul home, a sense of dread slips in: What do we do with all of these strawberries? There are lots of options to cook with or save them for later — such as baking into desserts, freezing or making jam — but with the best berries, nothing beats eating them in their natural state. Unfortunately, a strawberry's peak is short-lived. 'Thanks to their thin skin and fragile structure, they only last a few days, even in cold storage,' Harold McGee wrote in 'On Food and Cooking.' Once picked, strawberries are best consumed as soon as possible. But you can't always eat an entire berry bounty in one sitting. People tout a number of methods for storing strawberries to make them last as long as possible, so I decided to put them to the test. The methods I tried included: the original plastic clamshell the berries arrived in; an Oxo produce-keeper; a sealed glass jar; a vinegar and cold tap-water wash before drying and storing in a glass container lined with a towel with the lid ajar; and a hot tap-water wash before drying and storing in a glass container lined with a towel with the lid ajar. For each test, I started by sorting through the berries, picking out any that looked like they were on their last legs so they wouldn't drag the rest of the fruit down with them. Here's how the strawberries fared after I left them in the refrigerator for one week. The idea behind this method is to use a mixture of vinegar and water to kill off any mold spores and bacteria on the surface of the berries, usually at a ratio of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water. Then, the berries get a quick rinse in the sink to get rid of the vinegar flavor and are dried before being placed in another container lined with towels with the lid left ajar. I believe the towels are there simply to add some cushion, and keeping the lid partially open avoids trapping too much moisture. 'By washing your berries in a solution of vinegar and water, you can extend their shelf-life by days (sometimes even weeks!),' food writer Sarah Jampel wrote in Food52. Alas, I did not find this to be the case. There was visible mold on at least a few of the berries I treated this way. Perhaps it was user error? I put the strawberries in a salad spinner to dry them, as Food52 recommends, but maybe they weren't as dry as they should have been. Or perhaps the towel absorbed too much of the moisture exuded by the fruit, or the fridge was particularly humid, which in turn sped up their deterioration and negated the whole point of treating them in the first place. Similar to the vinegar solution, hot water can also kill mold and bacteria. While some people recommend using water around 125 degrees, Serious Eats editor Genevieve Yam found that there was 'barely a discernible difference' compared to berries simply rinsed in hot tap water, which comes in around 109 degrees. After rinsing, I followed the same steps as above, drying the berries in a salad spinner and placing them in a container lined with towels the lid ajar. Unfortunately, I experienced nearly the same results as the vinegar wash — although there was perhaps slightly more mold in this batch. And as with the previous method, user error could be a factor if the berries were not dried as thoroughly as they could have been. This is a method that I've seen on my social media feeds. And I will admit, they were perhaps the best-looking berries of the bunch after their stay in the fridge. However, there was a loud 'pop' when I opened the jar, making me fear it could explode if the strawberries continued to stay in there. And the longer they stay in a sealed environment, the higher the chance of the flavor becoming unpleasant and the berries falling apart. After one week, there was the slightest acidic aftertaste, as if the strawberries had begun to ferment, but overall they tasted fine. However, given the potential for exploding jars, this is not a method that I would recommend anyone try at home. There are a number of berry-storage containers available to help keep fruit from spoiling, many featuring a basket inside of another container with a lid that you can vent. The benefit is that the basket lifts the fruit from any water that collects in the bottom of the container and the vented lid allows air flow. (A colleague also loves her ceramic berry bowl, which could work similarly if loosely covered.) These strawberries fared extremely well, with no signs of spoilage and no faint aftertaste. The only real downside is that it's another item you would have to purchase and store. The one I purchased from Oxo cost about $20, but I hate the idea of having to find space in my small kitchen for a specialty item. My preferred method, it turns out, is to simply store the strawberries in the container I purchased them in. The berries weren't as plump and vibrant as those stored in the specialty container, but there was no mold, and this route required the least amount of work. (I'm lazy — sue me. But maybe you are too?) Regardless of which storage method you use, remember that strawberries are best eaten within a few days, so it's best to only buy as many as you think you can consume, cook and preserve within that time. If you accidentally forget about them in the back of the fridge and happen to come across a moldy berry or two, simply toss them. Taste one of the others, and if all is well, the rest are safe to consume — but do it soon.
Buzz Feed
4 days ago
- Buzz Feed
36 Pairs Of Shoes That Are A Dream To Walk In
Brooks Ghost Max 2 sneakers *so* lightweight, you'll basically feel like you're floating above the pavement on your daily walks. Like, what is gravity? Am I an actual ghost?? Seriously though, it doesn't get much better than these cushiony, supportive shoes, which have a "GlideRoll Rocker" design to assist your heel-to-toe transitions so your strides feel effortless. Sorel Kinetic sandals that channel fun, sporty sneaker vibes while giving you all the breathability and style of a good sandal. Their cushioned bouncy footbed is designed to keep you comfortable all day, even when the day's schedule doesn't allow much time for sitting breaks. Hoka Bondi 9, the newest iteration of their widely beloved everyday shoe, which is honestly a workhorse when it comes to putting in miles. Thanks to the plush footbed, 3D molded collar, and a rearfoot-focused frame designed to cushion your landings — just to name a few of their comfort-focused features — Hoka Bondis have been responsible for hip and knee pain virtually *disappearing* for many reviewers. But if you're not looking to splurge right now: Nortiv 8 walking shoes that are like gifting your feet little pillows to walk around on 24/7 — except throw in arch and heel support too. At a glance, people would easily mistake these for Hokas, but you'll have an extra 100 bucks still in your bank account. Cushionaire slides made to fit your feet like a glove thanks to the flexible cork footbed and supportive, padded suede insole. They have over 59,000 5-star ratings, and over 1,200 reviews (!) draw comparisons between these and Birkenstocks, with many claiming they're just as comfortable for a fraction of the price. Blundstone Chelsea boots known for their rugged durability and timeless style — you can trek all over the world in these. They're designed to absorb impact so your feet stay pain- and blister-free all day long, making these a reliable companion for long days of walking for years to come. Asics Gel Nimbus running shoes ~engineered~ for long-distance walking and running, complete with lightweight cushioning to soften the landing for your feet with every step. And they come in all sorts of cute colorways! Braided Plaka sandals for a cool boho look you can easily dress up or down, taking them from the beach to a nice dinner (aka perfect for travel). The braided straps might look a tad scary, like they'd rub uncomfortably after a few hours, but they're soft, adjustable, and hold your feet securely without friction. And they come in the most gorgeous colors! Water-resistant Dr. Scholl's slip-on sneakers that'll let you stroll right through airport security with *slightly* less of a headache considering how easy they are to kick on and off, with a cushioned insole that can withstand those many hours of walking without leaving your feet a painful, throbbing mess. Or (also from Dr. Scholl's) some fashionable sneakers made from recycled materials, with ~anatomical cushioning~ (that just means the break-in period and stretch laces allowing you to move freely. Pack these babies for that upcoming trip to Europe, and your feet *won't* be crying after walking 20,000 steps in a day — plus, you'll look good. Bestselling Adidas Cloudfoam sneakers that, true to their name, feel like walking on a cloud, with a sock-like construction that hugs your foot. And the stretchy mesh upper means these'll keep you nice and cool even when the walking tour involves hours of walking in the blazing sun. Dr. Martens fisherman sandals to take the place of your clunky boots in the summer, giving you a bit of stylish lift and ~punk vibes~ while still keeping your feet breezy when it's hot out. This leather pair is one you can break out year after year. Stylish ankle boots available in sand-colored suede, rich brown nubuck leather, and more classic styles that'll *literally* go with your entire wardrobe. Reviewers say they're puddle-proof! Allbirds Tree Runners, a breezy warm-weather sneaker made with a lightweight eucalyptus fiber material that promotes excellent ventilation. The castor bean oil-based insole foam regulates heat, wicks away moisture, and reduces odor to maintain your comfort, even after *years* of long, sweaty walks. Columbia hiking shoes so you can hit the trails with confidence and style. They're designed with a high-traction rubber sole and waterproof leather-and-suede upper that can withstand numerous intense hiking sessions (and other outdoor activities). And who said hiking boots can't be cute — these are available with striking red laces and other color combos as well! Lululemon's Chargefeel 3 workout shoes that have reviewers raving about their extreme comfort right out of the box. They have all the padding and springiness you need in a fitness-oriented shoe, but that'll come in handy when you're running to catch the bus or chasing your toddler at the park too. They have a roomy toe box, and the soft Nulu fabric in the heel lining is even the same as their popular Align leggings. Crocs platform wedges proving how cute *and* comfortable a platform heel can be. Reviewers swear by them for travel and any occasion where lots of walking is on the agenda, and the rubber makes them a breeze to clean. Get ready for everyone who sees them to be shocked when you tell them the brand. Vibrant non-slip tennies that come in striking color schemes if you like your shoes to have some personality, but the design is as practical as it is stylish: The entire upper is made of knitted mesh to keep air flowing and your feet dry and cool, while the bouncy soles offer shock absorption and stability. Soda flatform espadrilles to ~elevate~ your wardrobe without unraveling and falling apart on you. Not only are they a super cute option for denim, dresses, and everything in between; they're also ultra comfy according to reviewers. Beautiful Cole Haan oxford-style sneakers designed with temperature regulation and ventilation in mind, with a Stitchlite upper that promotes cooling airflow. They get major bonus points for being super pretty — the leather detailing and the oxford-inspired design make these sneaks nice enough for work but comfortable enough for everyday walking. Basic white sneakers without the high price tag of a name-brand shoe, but all the comfort you'd expect out of a sneaker. Not only can these go the distance without your feet screaming in pain, but they'll also go with literally *any* outfit. And when the day inevitably comes that you have to replace them, at least you won't shed actual tears — because they cost less than the price of an Uber Eats order. Cushy, walking-friendly Skechers boat shoes to put the finishing touch on your nautical aesthetic if you're trying to look like you spend every summer on Cape Cod. The cutest Skechers cork wedges you'd probably never guess are as comfortable as they are stylish! They're lightweight with a supportive cushioned footbed, and multiple reviewers say they're like wearing sneakers (I mean, leave it to Skechers to create the best of both worlds). They'll look fab with everything from jeans to sundresses! And! Some Skechers sport sandals for hikes and other outdoor activities, with lightweight responsive cushioning, adjustable straps, and a high-rebound insole that makes these feel like a *dream* when you're on your feet all day. I mean, reviewers absolutely rave about how good these feel, even after you've logged many hours and miles in them. Chelsea boots with a fully waterproof design and matte finish, plus a thin faux-fur lining that's comfy and doesn't rub at the ankle. Available in several neutral shades (and a bold leopard print), they're perfect for pulling on for quick errands and outdoor jaunts when mud or slush is on the ground. Iconic, versatile Chaco sandals that need no introduction — they're well-known for being one of the most long-lasting and comfortable sandals out there. They provide great arch support and clean off easily from mud and water, making them perfect for warm-weather travels and outdoor adventures. Stretchy knit Rothy's flats to put an end to your search for the *perfect* pair of flats, because once you switch to Rothy's, it's hard to go back to that cheap pair that digs into your feet and falls apart in a matter of months. Just toss these in the wash every couple of weeks (or whenever they start to get stinky), and they'll be good as new. Or pointed-toe ballet flats from Vivaia — also machine-washable — that'll bring a heavy dose of charm to your look. Its sock-like knit material is both breathable and antimicrobial, and the toe box is five degrees wider than standard pointed flats to help prevent painful cramping. Also, the herbal insole offers some arch support, and the heel has padding to protect against rubbing! I mean!! Timeless Franco Sarto loafers that mean business when it comes to durability — one look at their thick lug soles makes that obvious — but they also make yet another versatile addition to your closet, perfect for pairing with work slacks, dresses, and skirts or dressing down with jeans. Sporty hiking sandals with cool braided straps and a design centered around support. High arch support, adjustable straps (!) cushioned midsoles, and high-traction rubber outsoles keep you comfortable and upright even when you're dealing with wet or rocky terrain. Or a pair with soft fabric straps if you don't love the braided look/feel — these are water-resistant, feature adjustable straps, and are designed to stabilize and support your arches and relieve pressure on your joints. Dansko clogs managing to be both cute and functional at the same time, earning their cult-favorite status with their *superior* arch support and stability. They're versatile clogs and look great with everything from dresses and jeans to work slacks; plus, you can count on wearing these for the next decade or so. Seriously. Reef flip-flops that put the rubbery kind to shame, cushioning your feet so you don't end up with aches and blisters after a day of strolling down the boardwalk. With padded straps, a cushioned EVA footbed, and rubber sponge outsole, Reefs are made to last year after year, and they do. Or Sanuk Yoga Mat flip-flops covered in a base that's similar to the material on your trusty yoga mat, so you already *know* they can handle those humid, sweaty days — no slipping around, no blisters, just long-lasting comfort. Reviewers swear by these for travel, from beach days and Disneyland trips to treks all over Europe and Asia. Comfortable (and waterproof!) Kodiak leather boots designed to be worn on both city streets and trails, making them a versatile, everyday pick people probably won't guess is a hiking shoe. They have sealed seams and "Thinsulate" insulation to help your toes and socks stay toasty warm and dry. Chic Margaux City Sandals that come in the dreamiest shades and keep you supported with a thick block 2.5-inch heel and plush foam padding. These shoes were *made* for walking — a phrase not often said of heels, but with the City Sandals, it couldn't be more true.
Buzz Feed
5 days ago
- Buzz Feed
47 Cheap Product Swaps You'll Wish You'd Made Earlier
Nortiv 8 walking shoes with the pillowy comfort and bold color combos of Hokas on the cheap, so you can splurge a little bit on that boutique boxing class this week instead of shelling out more to replace the name-brand shoes. Gold Bond's firming neck and chest cream to *gently* hydrate, exfoliate, and tighten the skin that's more sensitive than the rest of your body but less sensitive than the skin on your face. This makes for a lovely, quite effective in-between formula packed with aloe, salicylic acid, and jojoba oil in a formula that reviewers say works just as well as much pricier creams. Good Molecules Pineapple Exfoliating Powder made with natural rice starches and pineapple, kiwi, and papaya extracts that'll foam up and *gently* polish skin, giving you similar results to the $68 Dermalogica version. You can use it up to four times a week to see (and feel) the benefits without harsh scrubs or panicking a little bit at your Ulta total. Plus, Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel. Reviewers swear that this works just as well as $$$ eye creams at minimizing puffiness and swelling thanks to a powerhouse duo of caffeine and hyaluronic acid. A set of seamless "invisible" underwear that are an awful lot like pricier versions from Victoria's Secret you always wait 'til a sale to stock up on. Now you won't have to do math to figure out how much longer you can put off laundry based on what undies are clean. Hanes Ultimate ankle socks that'll pass the comfort test for fans of Aritzia's TNA line. Yes, we're at that age where socks can be luxurious. An Elizavecca hair treatment to give you "rich girl hair" thanks to its collagen and ceramide 3 formula. And it'll take just a few minutes of your time, like as little as five minutes post-shampoo. Because time is money, money is power, and power is pizza. (In case you were curious, lots of reviewers say they prefer it over $$$ Olaplex.) E.l.f. Lash Xtndr Tubing Mascara if you've tried pricier versions but have shied away from rebuying because of $$$. Seriously, just try this! It's so good that I'm currently on my THIRD tube. A Lululemon-inspired tennis skirt with built-in shorts and a secret inner pocket because are you even living your best summer life if you're not claw-handing your iced coffee and phone in one hand while you wildly gesticulate as you tell your friend a story on a neighborhood walk? No need to worry about a strong breeze. A tinted lip balm you'd SWEAR is Clinique's $25 "Almost Lipstick" Black Honey for the lovely, sophisticated hue it'll turn your lips. This is great for people who 1) always want a little lip color, 2) hate a sticky feel, and 3) love a bargain. A pair of wireless over-the-ear headphones you might mistake for AirPods Max if you weren't paying close attention thanks to the similar shape and shade options. These beauts are at a small fraction of the price (I swear, that math is easy) with good noise-blocking, 10 hours of play per charge, a built-in mic for calls, and cushy padding so you can put those extra HUNDREDS you're not spending on AirPods Max for a flight to your college roommate's wedding. Essence's Drop of Sunshine Bronzing Drops will help you fake that you spent the weekend taking in the sunshine instead of sick and holed up on your couch catching up on all the horror movies you've been meaning to watch. And at $33 cheaper than the Drunk Elephant version, you might just go ahead and invest in a second or third bottle now. Reviewers say it's super hydrating and buildable! A CZ tennis bracelet with tons of reviewers who say it can pass as actual diamonds. Listen, you want a glamorous stack but you don't have to choose between that and a long weekend at a beach resort. A set of wrist and ankle weights will feel like an extra fun accessory after you look up how the pricing ($22-ish) compares to similar Bala Bangles ($50-ish). Slip on these before you take a stroll with a pal to get in your steps. Just be prepared for the onslaught of compliments by passersby. A pair booty-highlighting biker shorts people say are dead ringers for $48 Buffy Bunny ones in case warmer weather has you looking for workout shorts that'll stay put through runs, squats, and more. An elegant set of square wineglasses that reviewers point out are VERY similar to the pricier ones sold at Crate & Barrel. Whether you're just drinking some water out of them or some actual Prosecco, they'll certainly elevate the moment. (Now you won't have to be SO precious about your wineglasses!) Sliick Ingrown Rescue Solution to halt painful (and unsightly) ingrown hairs before you realize they've rudely shown up on your first beach day of the year, no matter how you're DIY-ing hair removal. AND it's half the price of holy grail Tend Skin! Self-Tanner for some super-easy-to-apply color that'll develop in an hour. No need to book a (costly) spray tan appointment. (Psst, reviewers who've previously sworn by St. Tropez products have made the switch!) A trendy tote bag that'll give Longchamp Le Pliage vibes for about a sixth of the price. This bag silhouette is SO handy and practical but looks sophisticated, even if you've got some Flamin' Hot Cheetos in there that's your only potluck contribution to your pal's bday picnic. A long-sleeve bodysuit will wrap you up in an incredibly soft fabric that reviews oft compare to Skims. AND it's supportive enough so you can wear it without a bra, which is always a great thing! Plus, a stretchy bodycon pencil dress with heaps of Skims comparisons for the shape and stretch. I'm guessing this is what Morticia Addams would wear to an all-inclusive beach resort. Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener can be a quick, easy fix for concealing and brightening your under-eye dark circles because you don't wanna have to do a full face every single day. This "invisible" coverage oft gets compared to the $33 Becca version. A cutesy juice glass that'll run you $6 less a pop than the iconic Anthro icon juice glasses. Once you start collecting 'em, you may not want to stop! E.l.f. Soft Glam Foundation has buildable full coverage without *looking* like you put on a layer or two (I should know, it's become my go-to!). Its satiny finish leaves you looking all dewy and has garnered some compliments from friends who see me often enough to tell the difference! After all, finding your holy-grail foundation is a JOURNEY. Might as well try the affordable, effective ones first! E.l.f. Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm in case your lip balm habit (and losing-your-lip-balm habit) is start to eat into your fun money. Fans of Laneige, Rhode, *and* Summer Fridays are in the reviews singing this stuff's praises. A baroque-inspired mirror to instantly dress up an entry or hallway. The gilded frame looks equally great hung on a wall or atop a console. And every time you gaze upon your reflection in it, you can think about the dough you saved by opting for this one over the more expensive Anthro version. Now you can FINALLY replace that mirror from your college dorm. E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter that'll free up a bit of coin if you've been eyeing Charlotte Tilbury's Hollywood Flawless Filter as a glow-getter on a budget. This stuff has hyaluronic acid and squalane to give you that lit-from-within for less than the cost of a pricey chopped salad from that place beside your office. Some sharp-looking pointed-toe flats with similar comfy, machine-washable features to pricier Rothy's or Vivaia flats. You'll be glad you packed these to get you from Notre-Dame to the Eiffel Towel on a long but gorgeous scenic view! And when you get home, you can toss 'em in the wash to look like new for your next adventure! A pair of retro-style oval sunglasses your nemesis will mistake for the $400+ Miu Miu ones, which is fine. Let 'em think that and put that extra cash toward whatever else you want. Or some oversize square sunnies if you've been admiring the Bottega Veneta version but have such a horrible track record with keeping sunglasses in fighting shape that you can't in good conscience spend hundreds on a pair. Slip-on mules because you're not allowed to wear sneakers to the office (I'm emailing HR on your behalf) but don't do heels. You'll get all kinds of use out of these comfy alts to the pricier Madewell Gemma mules without having to MAKE yourself wear them enough times just to make yourself feel better about dropping serious dough on them. Platform slippers you've eyed on so many other people in public (or, well, the similar but more expensive Ugg Tazz) and want in on the cozy style. Once you slip your feet into the faux-fur shoes, you'll find every which way to wear — even in the sweaty pits of summer. A multipurpose blush stick you can try out to create the lovely watercolor blush trend. Y'know what's even lovelier? Paying $7 for this instead of the $18 Pixi Beauty version so you can build and blend color to your heart's content. Cushionaire slides to help satisfy your old dogs' yearning for comfy Birks (there are 1k+ reviews comparing them) for significantly less. A "Soft" perfume rollerball that's definitely made an appearance or five in your FYP scroll. It's only $5 and smells totally delightful (it gets compared to sweet treats like waffle cones). BUT! That's not the only reason to love it. It reminds reviewers of the $65 bottle of Pink Sugar 👀 and layers like a dream. Or a Creamy Coconut fragrance rollerball to have everyone assuming you paid full price for the $25 Sol de Janeiro fragrance. Even if your immediate plans don't entail sitting on a beach and drinking out of an actual coconut, you can still catch a whiff of the island vibe with this sweet scent. A longline sports bra you can (and tbh, SHOULD) just wear as a crop top. It's too hot out for shirts that cover your belly button and regular bras. E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops made to help plump up (hydrating hibiscus complex and hyaluronic acid) and brighten (niacinamide) your complexion for similar results to the $35 Glow Recipe Watermelon Dew Drops. Reviewers say it works great alone *or* mixed in with foundation. Dossier's "Ambery Vanilla" perfume because you thought about shelling out for YSL's Black Opium but your budget said no despite all your other perfume bottles being on empty. Etude's delightfully multipurpose Dear Darling Water Tint, which a lot of reviewers compare to Benefit's Lip Tint. This smudgeproof formula is designed primarily to be a natural-looking, weightless lip stain, but reviewers use it as a blush as well! A Briotech spray can help soothe rosacea, eczema, rashes, sunburns, and other skin irritations for when your skin is just not cooperating thanks to hypochlorous acid (it's in your white blood cells and helps soothe inflammation). Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray is also what some call a miracle in a bottle. But Briotech is in a cheaper bottle. Some mid-weight sweatpants in case you wanna bring some luxe feel to your couch-rotting. Folks on TikTok compare these to Aritzia's for a fraction of the price. Everyone wear sweats but they don't have to be expensive sweats. A half-zip pullover sweatshirt that'll run you far less than Lulu's $118 scuba hoodies. Mise En Scene Perfect Serum, a K-beauty product that's probably come across your radar for its stunning before-and-after results *and* lower price tag than a comparable $46 Gisou hair oil. Locking down a cheap but transformative hair oil will soften the blow of putting off having your split ends snipped off for a few more months. Catrice's Magic Shaper Face Cream Palette to help you build out and highlight your face's gorgeous assets for a mere $8 instead of $88 with a similar Makeup Forever palette. Listen, you don't have to spend a bunch of money to LOOK it. And a palette like this is gonna last you a while. A set of satin pillowcases that are MUCH cheaper than other brands' but they're so legit that I own five pairs of them. I even pack them for travel! Once you start sleeping on one of these (they're cooling and keep your hair and skin more moisturized), you won't want to go back to a cotton pillowcase. A slightly compressive layering T-shirt that comes in different colors and at a very budget-friendly price, so you can stock up on them to help fill wardrobe gaps. Oh, and the kicker? Reviewers say it feels like Skims shirts but, obviously, for cheaper.
