48 Alternatives To Expensive Products If You Have Michelin Star Taste But A McDonald's Budget

Buzz Feed

14 hours ago

A TikTok-famous "Soft" perfume rollerball that'll have you smelling like a walking, talking, sugar-filled bakery — all for only $6. It has a hint of sweet citrus, and plenty of reviewers compare it to the smell of warm sugar cookies. Plus, it even reminds reviewers of the popular (and VERY expensive) "Pink Sugar" perfume. 👀
A pair of "Dreamlux" leggings reviewers can't help but compare to Lululemon thanks to that buttery soft material — but, like, a lotttt cheaper. They're legit perfect for running errands, lounging around, or even hitting that squat goal at the gym — because yeah, they're just that comfy.
A Baccarat Rouge 540-inspired moisturizing body wash with white jasmine, red currant, and sweet amber so you can smell as ✨expensive✨ as you feel.
Or an elevated laptop tote bag because you deserve to strut into work in style. It's roomy, super versatile, and the perfect alternative to the Béis Work Tote, but a lot less $$$. Reviewers even say they like this one a lot better.
A lingerie bodysuit with an elegant lace pattern and plunging neckline to make you feel ~sexy~ without having to drop $$$ on that expensive Victoria's Secret set you've been eyeing. Believe me, that special someone in your life will surely love it. 😉
A pair of waterproof wireless earbuds so you don't have to worry about shelling out the big bucks for a pair you can confidently use at the gym. These come with a carrying case that, get this, displays the charge on the front, so you no longer have that moment where you go out only to realize that your earbuds have run out of juice. 🪫
Or a pair of wireless over-the-ear headphones because you've always wanted a pair with premium cushion padding, a built-in mic for taking calls, 10 hours of playtime per charge, and surprisingly decent noise blocking for only $20. These babies may look like the iconic AirPods Max, but they don't have that $$$$ price tag attached.
Eos' Shea Butter Vanilla Cashmere body lotion reviewers compare to more expensive brands like Philosophy and Bath and Body Works. This lotion is alllll over your socials thanks to the lightweight, long-lasting moisture — and the fact that it smells like paradise in a tube.
A classic herringbone necklace so those strangers you pass by at Starbucks think you ~actually~ spent $13,000+ on a gold necklace. This is so close to the Tiffany HardWear version, literally no one will believe you were able to snag it for only $20.
A ~weightless~ liquid cream blush that'll give you a gorgeous, soft, dewy finish. It's easy to blend on your cheeks, and you'll fall in love with how pigmented, long-lasting, and buildable it is! AND apparently (you didn't hear this from me), it's giving Rare Beauty a run for their money *sips tea*.
A bottle of Elizavecca Hair Treatment for anyone who wants a frizz-free, silky look without paying exorbitant salon prices. Just apply it to wet hair, leave in for five minutes, and say goodbye to the damaged look your hair has been sporting after years of abuse at the hands of bleach and flat irons. Many reviewers even say this is comparable (or even better) than the pricey Olaplex No. 3.
An oversized hoodie because why pay for an Abercrombie Essential Popover hoodie when this is basically the same thing for so much cheaper? You're gonna wanna snag one (or five) of these ASAP.
An interactive Petcube pet camera with a wide angle and night vision, for peace of mind since you'll have the ability to check in on your furry baby 24/7 — for like a fraction of the price of the famous Furbo.
A three-pack of vintage-inspired sunglasses to make you look like you dropped $$ on RayBans, but sans the crippling worry of accidentally dropping 'em. No need to fear losing these bad boys while lounging poolside at that fab resort you booked — these glasses are not only super cute but extremely affordable, so you can keep a backup pair (or two) for the days you misplace these at the tiki bar.
A pair of classic white sneakers so you don't need to drop a whole day's pay on a name brand just so you can have a cute "go-to" shoe you'll find yourself reaching for day in and day out. They're comfy, they're sleek, and most importantly, they won't hurt your wallet.
A chain purse if you've always salivated over the thought of owning Gucci's Dionysus bag, but your bank account says ✨no.✨ This has the same chain style and front clasp, so literally no one will be able to tell the difference — don't worry, I won't spill your lil' secret.
Or a quilted purse that's really giving Chanel vibes. It's luxurious, has quilt stitching (be still, my beating heart), three compartments, and is super sophisticated. You'll literally find yourself reaching for this bag on every occasion. The best part? This bag won't cost you a whole month's rent.
A set of aesthetic wrist and ankle weights because *yes*, you absolutely CAN look cute even with weights literally strapped to your wrist. And all without having to shell out $50+ on a set of trendy Bala Bangles??? You're gonna be the trendiest person at your gym.
A 6-quart Dutch oven that will elevate your kitchen aesthetics, but won't hurt your wallet like the chef-beloved Le Creuset. This baby heats up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and cooks everything evenly, so it can withstand a bunch of different cooking styles — no problem! Use this baby to cook up some rice, soup, stew, or even some sourdough bread.
An adorable, roomy duffel bag incredibly similar to the Herschel's duffel (but, ya know, waterproof and cheaper), that will be the perfect accessory for your weekend trip — with the added bonus of being cute enough to not clash with your perfectly curated 'fit.
A bodycon jumpsuit oh-so-freakin' similar to the Aritzia Butter jumpsuit that has dominated your Insta page lately, but for like a fraction of the price. It's the perfect 'fit for a low-impact workout, a casual outing, or simply modeling for your Insta story. No one has to know that you got it from Amazon.
Essence's Lash Princess Mascara for those of you who would love a way to get the falsies look for $5! This mascara is incredibly affordable, incredibly volumizing, and lasts the entire day — plus, it comes off so easily, no smudging or makeup remover required! Say goodbye to the days of shelling out for more expensive mascaras like Too Faced Better Than Sex, L'Oreal Telescopic Lift, and many, many more — this one is even better.
A Renpho percussion massager with five different heads and speeds so you can use it all over your body. You can give yourself a great deep muscle massage at a much more affordable rate than the TheraGun that's been sitting in your cart for the last few weeks.
A set of satin pillowcases that are gentle on hair, meaning you're less likely to experience tangles or frizz, no matter how much you toss and turn. And no, you don't need to spend as much as you would buying the popular Slip pillowcases.
A pair of stylish teardrop earrings so much cheaper than the (very) expensive Bottega Veneta ones that look exactly like them. These gold-plated earrings may look heavy, but reviewers swear they're lightweight and perfect for those with sensitive ears.
E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer, with tea tree and vitamin E to smooth out the appearance of wrinkles, blur pores, and get that whole IRL filter look. Plus, it hydrates your skin, lasts all day, and is a lot cheaper (yet incredibly similar to) Tatcha's Silk Canvas primer! Time to make this a staple in your makeup routine.
A midi corset dress to make you feel like you're a modern-day princess just taking a walk through the woods. It has a back cinch and a front tie, basically all the same features as the TikTok-famous House of CB Carmen dress (but you know, not $225) — your little heart will be aflutter at the sight of this cutesy dress.
A pair of Cushionaire cork-bottom sandals if you want that Mayari Birks feel but without that higher ticket price. They're incredibly flexible, so they're comfortable to wear for long walks across the beach or through the outlet mall. They have over 75,000 ratings on Amazon, and many reviewers swear by how comfy and supportive they are!
A fanny pack to keep your most valuable items strapped close to your chest — it's necessary while you weave through a busy mall or an overpopulated airport terminal. And it's striking just how closely it resembles the $$$ Lululemon belt bag.
L'Oreal's illuminating Lumi Glotion for those of you who want that perfect "no makeup" look. You can use this in place of foundation or simply add it to your existing makeup look for a bit of a glow. Plus, it's under $15, so it's the perfect substitute for the $$$ options like Glossier Futuredew and Drunk Elephant's D-Bronzi Drops.
Slingback heels so similar to Chanel, you'll find yourself triple-checking the price just in case! You can pair 'em with slacks or a cutesy lil' dress — you'll basically be radiating luxury.
And a pair of slip-on loafer mules with the iconic gold clasp that'll have your friends swearingggg they're Gucci. Sophistication, meet an affordable price tag. Yeah, you def need these ASAP.
A faux pearl choker so dainty and elegant, Vivienne Westwood herself will be impressed by how ridiculously similar it looks to the real one. Snag one of these to add a bit of "ooh la la 🥂" to any 'fit you throw together.
A trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks to give you soft and supple lips for less than half the price of the popular Laneige lip mask. These masks use ingredients like berry extract and vitamin C to target dry and cracked lips while you sleep. There are three different scents, so you can share them with friends — or hoard them all for yourself.
A spandex-blend slip maxi dress sure to be your go-to piece any time of year. It's a gorgeous and simple dress that you'll find yourself slipping on every time you have an event where you wanna feel ✨fancy. ✨ Plus, it's so incredibly similar to the popular Skims one — but affordable enough that you can actually buy one in every color.
Or a ribbed square-neck, long-sleeve maxi dress that's also incredibly similar to the popular Skims one for a fraction of the price. It's soft, it's stretchy, and it's uber comfy, so you'll find yourself reaching for this piece almost every single day.
A cubic zirconia cuff that'll have strangers actually thinking you spent (wait, checks notes) $17,000 😱 on the Cartier Love Bracelet. Not only is it less than $12, but you don't need to screw it on — unlike the way too ridiculously expensive version.
And on that note, a cubic zirconia ring because you've always wanted the Cartier Love Ring to match, but not the price attached to it. It's simple, it's elegant, and it's pretty much guaranteed to never go out of style. Time to get one in every metal.
A sleeveless halter bodysuit so you don't have to overpay for a closet staple ever again. Its buttery soft feel reminds reviewers of the famous Skims one, with some even claiming that they prefer it to the name brand!
Or a cropped padded workout tank if you've always wanted the Lululemon look but you don't feel like dropping 💸💸💸 on the name brand. The look and material is so comparable to Lulu, literally no one will believe you were able to snag this from Amazon. Time to get one in every color.
OR another cropped tank (with thicker straps) so similar to the popular Lululemon Align Tank, your jaw will absolutely drop when you see how inexpensive these are in comparison. This top is super versatile, so feel free to wear it with a cute pair of jeans on your way to brunch, or with leggings as you go for your weekly Pilates class.
A simple, gorgeous tennis bracelet to add some ✨sparkle✨ to your wrist, but ya know, without costing you the down payment of a nice house in the suburbs. This elegant piece looks just like Swarovski, and reviewers say it doesn't tarnish, so it's bound to last you a lifetime. After all, diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but cubic zirconia is her lover.
A loungewear set for those of you who don't want to sacrifice comfort for style. You can lounge around confident in your fashionista status with a set that looks ridiculously similar to the Skims set the Kardashians are known to adore.
A classic pleated tennis skirt to make it look like you belong at a country club tennis court — no one's gotta know you've got a budget. Reviewers have compared these to Nike, Alo, and Aritzia — hello, bougie!
Or a high-waisted mini skirt that looks incredibly familiar (hello, Aritzia? Is that you?) and made with a satiny material that is sure to make you feel ~très chic~. This skirt comes in a bunch of different colors, so you can snag a bunch of 'em for the same price as a single name-brand one, and no one will even be able to tell the difference.
A full-zip track jacket because dropping $100+ on that Lululemon Define jacket honestly does not seem like the best financial decision at this time — but honestly, why would you, when this baby is so similar and literally a fraction of the price?! And don't worry, it even has the thumb holes.
An expensive-looking faux-leather belt sure to become the focal piece of your casual outfits. Is it actually Gucci? Perhaps not. But those buddies you meet weekly for brunch don't gotta know that.
A pair of high-waisted quick-dry running shorts that are super comfortable, lightweight, and affordable — especially when compared to the pricey Lululemon's Hottie Hot shorts.
You, after calculating how much money you just saved:
The reviews used in this post have been edited for length and clarity.