If You Identify As A Bargain Hunter, You'll Want To Check Out These 28 Cheap Versions Of Trendy, Expensive Products

Buzz Feed

27-04-2025

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
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When your $35 dress looks just like the $100 one you saw online: 🤩 🤩 🤩
1. A Briotech spray reviewers have used to soothe inflammation of all kinds, from angry piercings and acne to stubborn rashes and rosacea. It uses hypochlorous acid, an ingredient found naturally in our white blood cells, similar to the much pricier Tower 28 spray.
Note: This product has newer packaging that you might receive instead of the older bottle shown above!
Promising review: "I've been using this hypochlorous acid spray morning, night, and after the gym, and I'm honestly amazed by the results! Since I started using it, I haven't had any breakouts, and my skin feels so much clearer and calmer. It's gentle but effective, and I love how refreshing it feels. It's also great for post-workout, keeping my skin clean and refreshed after sweating. This has definitely become a staple in my skincare routine, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to improve their skin's clarity and health!" — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in four sizes).
2. A padded cropped workout tank with a built-in bra so you can ditch painful underwires and hot layers in favor of something lighter, cooler, and oh so stylish. Reviewers compare it to a similar Lulu Align top but for a less painful price.
Promising review:"I ordered this bra/tank top to compare to the Lululemon Align tank. It is amazing! For reference, I wear a size 8/10 in the Align tank, and I ordered a size medium in this one. The similarities are endless, with the only difference being the material. The material of this tank seems to be more sturdy than the Align tank, so I definitely love that the material will hold up better and likely longer than my Align tanks! If you're looking for a cheaper option, this one is it! I cannot wait to purchase it in more colors :)" — Z
Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in women's sizes XS–3XL and 29 colors).
3. A cruelty-free Essence Lash Princess mascara if you're tired of getting excited about mascaras that never live up to their promises. This one is different — or at least according to the 265,000+ 5-star ratings — and can easily give the Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara a run for its money.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
See it in action on TikTok.
Promising review: "I tried this mascara for the first time in 2020 after seeing it go viral on TikTok. It was too inexpensive not to try, right?!?! Well, let me just say how upset I was to find out this little inexpensive bottle outperformed EVERY expensive mascara I had ever bought. This is now the only stuff I use!" — Amanda Sims
For more info and review pics, check out BuzzFeed Editor Kayla Boyd's full Essence Lash Princess Mascara review!
Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in black and brown).
4. Or this cruelty-free E.l.f tubing mascara for wrapping each lash in a hug-like layer of elongating goodness, so you can enjoy next-level va-va-voom you thought only falsies — or Tarte — could deliver.
Watch on TikTok as one user goes from skeptic to believer!
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord considers herself a fan:
"I am not a new human to the tubing mascara game, and in fact, I readily spent $26 on the famous OG blend from Blinc every time it needed replacing. I didn't even love it for the length half as much as the fact that tubing mascara like this genuinely never smudges, but can I just say — regardless of price, the E.l.f. tubing mascara formula blows all the others I've tried out of the water. It gives me way more length and volume than other brands, slides on so much more easily, stays put ALL day, and never, ever smudges. My favorite part, though, is how gently and easily it comes off with soap and water. In the past, other mascara removals have felt rough on my lashes, but this comes off so fast that I'm like ??? was I even wearing mascara a minute ago?? Anyway, I hesitate even writing this review because I want to gatekeep the hell out of this before it sells out, but the world needed to know. I'm a big fan of the brown shade (which is what I'm wearing above!), but it also comes in black and soft black."
Get it from Amazon for $7 (available in three shades).
5. A moisturizing Cremo body wash because the delicious blend of white jasmine, red currant, and sweet amber has reviewers comparing this to the smell of Baccarat Rouge 540, even hours after using it in the shower.
Amazon
Promising review:"Cremo's body wash is nothing short of exceptional. If you're a fan of luxurious fragrances, this product will quickly become your new favorite. It boasts an incredible scent that perfectly mimics Baccarat Rouge 540 — a fragrance renowned for its sophisticated and captivating aroma. What sets this body wash apart is not just its stunning scent but also its longevity. The fragrance lingers beautifully throughout the day, ensuring you stay enveloped in that luxurious aroma long after your shower." — Ralph D. Thompson II
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in two other scents).
6. A pair of oversized square sunglasses so you can spend less time squinting and more time looking certifiably fabulous with big Bottega lookalike energy.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"These are my staple sunglasses right now! I love the cool shape that makes them slightly different from aviators. They are very good quality and have some weight to them, making them feel very high quality. They're also polarized, which I was shocked about for the price. Get them!" — Jessie Lee
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in 11 colors).
7. Or a three-pack of polarized sunglasses to ensure you're fully stocked with a hearty supply of sunnies that look expensive (lookin' at you, Ray-Ban) but won't break your heart when you inevitably crush a pair in the bottom of your purse.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review:"I've been buying these for years. They replaced my Ray-Bans, which look identical! Fit great, and with the price point, I don't have to worry too much with my kids and being on the go!" — Jessica M
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $19.99 (available in 15 sets, as well as two-packs and individual pairs).
8. A Shea Butter Vanilla Cashmere body lotion if you're still on the hunt for a moisturizer that's hydrating, lightweight, and soothing. Allow me to introduce you to this delicious-smelling formula at a price that's just *chef's kiss.* Bath and Body Works, who?????
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "The Eos lotions are the best smelling lotions with the best moisturizing effect. They smell as good as Bath & Body Works and moisturize twice as well. And they are better value. It is really hard to pick my favorite from these lotions. Personally, I do not like the peach jasmine or the fresh scent because it smells like baby powder. But you can't go wrong with any of the other smells. I love you, guys." — Jennifer Shelton
Get it from Amazon for $8.98 (available in other scents).
9. A pair of Bedsure satin pillowcases for a luxurious swap that can work wonders for your skin and hair by helping to fight frizz, reduce breakage, and maintain hydration, all while you sleep! And Blissy wants you to pay how much?!
Get a closer look on TikTok.
Promising review:"Wow! This really does work! My hair would massively shed every day to the point of thinning. First night of use, I had very little shedding! My face felt softer as well. Try them now! Such a buy compared to $89 Blissy brand, plus you get two! Highly recommended! No, my head doesn't slip as some said, and the case stays put! Do it!" — Sherry
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in three sizes and 39 colors).
10. A set of magnetic building tiles, because have you seen the price of Magna-Tiles?!?! Kids of all ages (and a lot of adults, too) love this budget-friendly option just as much, and will have a blast becoming the architect of their own colorful creations.
PicassoTiles is a small business developing creative toys that encourage open-ended play.
Promising review:" Our child got Magna-Tiles for their birthday; we all love them. I went to get some more, but the price is wild. I got some knock-offs that weren't great, then found these. They're a wonderful and, more importantly, affordable alternative! The colors are great, you get more or less the same quality as the more expensive ones. They fit almost perfectly with Magnatiles, but you really need to be on the lookout to notice! Super happy with this purchase." — B4510
Get a 60-piece set from Amazon for $25.99.
11. Some budget-friendly period underwear that'll make handling Aunt Flo as easy as...well...putting on your underwear. This affordable pair is oodles less than popular brands like Thinx with the same powerhouse absorbency (the equivalent of two tampons!), so you can go about your day (or night) without fretting about unexpected leakages. Then just toss them in the wash between cycles!
Emma Lord / BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com
Some reviewers recommend sizing up! For more info, check out BuzzFeed writer Emma Lord's full Bambody period underwear review.
Promising review:"I was waiting for my period to review this, and I am glad I did! I have a fairly heavy flow. I can't use tampons, and I have to change super pads every couple of hours. I chose to rely only on these underwear for the entire week of my period, and I am so happy. They're so soft and fit me well. They're also more lightweight than the Thinx ones. But the most important thing: NO LEAKS! I changed them out every 8-10 hours to be safe, but I slept through the night and didn't wake up to ruined sheets, which is a huge win in my book." — Emily
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in women's sizes XXS–XXL, sold individually or as multipacks in various colors).
12. An E.l.f. Cosmetics melting lip balm in the shade "Ecstatic" to rival Clinique's viral " Black Honey" as a go-to lippie. It's one of those signature products that'll instantly make you feel a bit more put-together with a gorgeous wash of color and a soft, hydrating feel.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I absolutely love this product. The dark color is perfectly sheer. It also adds the most beautiful color to your lips. I am a Clinique Black Honey lip fan, and this gives me the same look for a fraction of the cost. I love it and have multiple that I keep in various spots. Not sticky either, which is my biggest gripe about lip glosses. My hair doesn't get stuck in this like some glosses, but I get the shine." — Hamps5
Get it from Amazon for $7+ (also available in four other shades).
13. An easy-to-use collagen-coating hair mask you can apply at home so it looks like your hair hasn't undergone years of abuse at the hands of bleach and blow-dryers. Reviewers compare it to Olaplex but for, literally, 1/3 the price.
See it in action on TikTok.
Promising review:"I recently discovered this protein treatment and I'm blown away. I spend hundreds on hair products, and this protein treatment blows everything away, even Olaplex. Yes, I said it. After using it, I don't even need conditioner. I'm definitely buying more. The only complaint, and it really isn't even a complaint, is if you have a lot of hair like I do, it takes a lot, but at that price, I can stock up." — Theresa Harper
Read our Elizavecca CER-100 Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment review to learn more about why my colleague calls it "the miracle product I've been searching for."
Get it from Amazon for $7.60.
14. A sleeveless bodycon maxi dress if the Kim K version is out of budget, but you still want all that comfy softness wrapped up in a snatched silhouette that's incredibly versatile.
Promising review:"I have the Skims bodycon as well, and this is a great alternative! The Skims dress is ribbed, and the fabric is thinner and softer, but I don't think that the Skims dress quality increases proportionally with the higher price point. If I were to purchase another bodycon dress, it would hands down be this one. It hugs my figure beautifully and can be layered and styled for all seasons. It's one of the most versatile pieces in my wardrobe!" — Makayla Curtis
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in sizes XXS–XL and eight colors).
15. A cruelty-free under-eye brightener for effortlessly concealing dark circles since you haven't gotten enough sleep in *checks watch* about a decade. The color-adapting formula is creamy and lightweight, just like the pricy Becca brightener, so you don't have to worry about unwanted creasing and cakiness, either.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: " I have used the Becca brightener for years and years. Decided to give this a try, and it is an excellent [alternative.] It is a softer product than the Becca, but still has the same brightening power. You won't be sorry if you try this, and the price point is perfect!" — Kelly
Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in four shades).
16. A pack of duster sponges because it's just like the forever sold-out Scrub Daddy Damp Duster with curved ridges that actually pick up dirt, dust, and hair on the first swipe instead of just moving it around. When you're done, give it a rinse, let it dry, and it'll be ready for another round.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of this item. It is an alternative to the Scrub Daddy dusters, but at a lower price point. It works great to pick up any dust on every surface I've tried, and it rinses off under water. I highly recommend!" — Vivian
Get a four-pack from Amazon for $9.99 (available in six color combinations and packs of two and eight).
17. A moisture-wicking sleeveless workout dress that's equipped with a built-in bra, adjustable straps, and pocketed shorts for a versatile style that's as fashionable and functional as similar styles from $$$ brands like Outdoor Voices and Abercrombie & Fitch.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This dress is AMAZING. I love the removable bra pads. This is a dress you could work out in. The material is very breathable, and I LOVE how deep the pockets are. They easily fit my iPhone 11. I hardly ever order clothes online because I'm so picky with how clothes fit. This is a winner. I'm going to buy more colors!! Just buy it!" — Manda
Get it from Amazon for $33.99 (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and 11 colors/patterns).
18. A multitasking nail concealer to buff up your nails with a sheer pink tint that reviewers compare to the look of Dior Nail Glow — with a few upgrades. This low-maintenance, low-cost mani also protects nails against chipping, splitting, and peeling thanks to its blend of biotin and keratin. Sing it with me now! 🎵 This is what dreeaamms are made of. 🎵
www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: " My Dior Nail Glow ran out, and I saw this brand had a [lookalike] for that. I liked this color even more... Excellent everyday, clean-looking polish. Seems stronger than Essie." — reviewer22
"Growing out my nails has always been a challenge for me; I'm guilty of biting and peeling/picking at my nails when I'm nervous. This product has completely changed my nail game. It gives my nails a hard protective coating, and the tint of pink makes even my stubby nails look professional and pretty." — Andi
Get it from Amazon for $5.51.
19. A trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks so you can wake up every morning to a luscious pout, something you'll extra appreciate when chapped lips come for us all. If Laneige has infiltrated your feed, know these cuties are a budget-friendly swap.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: " This is the most moisturizing lip treatment on the market. When my lips started getting dry due to the cold season, I was thinking of buying the Laneige lip mask, but it's soooo expensive. This is a fraction of the cost and feels just the same. Very good product." — Riya
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $9.90 (available in six combos).
20. A simple tennis bracelet if the tennis-core TikTok trend has you coveting this timeless style, but splurging for a Swarovski is not in the cards. Your day will come. Until then, snag this under-$20 lookalike.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: " Soooo pretty. It's 100% a Swarovski lookalike for so cheap. Looks exactly like the photo and I wear it every day." — Trysten Walters
Get it from Amazon for $17.95+ (available in three sizes, two material types, and three finishes).
21. Slip-on pointed-toe knit flats for a style you can wear with jeans, dresses, and everything in between. The minimalist silhouette is shockingly supportive, travel-friendly, and can be tossed in the wash (no drying!) Just like Rothy's, but at a literal fraction of the price.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:" They look and feel exactly like my authentic Rothys. They're true to size. Lightweight and so comfortable. Must buy if you are on your feet all day running around. You won't be disappointed." — Viankab
Get them from Amazon for $32.99 (available in women's sizes 6–10 and in 14 styles).
22. A "Soft" perfume rollerball because it's tiny enough to keep stashed in your purse in case you're anything like me and forget that perfume exists until you're out the door. It also smells downright divine — reviewers compare it to the far pricier Pink Sugar — and lasts allll day.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I saw this product being talked about a lot on TikTok, so I decided to buy it. It was described as a very sweet, sugary scent which is exactly my type of fragrance. This oil smells EXACTLY like Pink Sugar. If you already own Pink Sugar, don't waste your money, but for perfume collectors, I definitely would recommend it." — Lenwood Williams
23. A jumbo pack of magic cleaning pads that reviewers have likened to Magic Erasers with an extra thick design that's even more durable. Time to make all those wall scruffs and grimy door stains ~disappear~.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I was a skeptic…I clean houses for a living. I use Magic Erasers on a daily and I have to say that by far these are the best bang for your buck. The thickness is great; it allows you to cut in half and get two for the price of one. Very durable. I love them! The only problem I have is that I waited so long to give them a try." — Trudylusk83
Psst — check out BuzzFeed's STK cleaning pads review for more deets (and incredible before and after photos).
Get a pack of 20 from Amazon for $14.95.
24. An adjustable mini belted pack to wear around your waist or shoulder for unobtrusive yet convenient access to all your essentials. The jig is up! Fanny packs are cool again (not to mention so functional), and reviewers love this one as a cheaper alternative to the Lululemon bag you've probably seen everywhere.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "TikTok told me this was an alternative for Lululemon, and it's true, it is. Love this little bag! And the price — you can't beat it." — Jolie
Get it from Amazon for $12.98 (available in 43 colors).
25. A universal L'Oréal Paris BB Cream so you can banish unwanted redness no matter your skin tone with results that rival products charging double...* cough * Dr Jart+ * cough, cough *. Plus, it leaves skin feeling super soft and smooth, so whether you wear it alone or plan to layer it up, your skin is prepped to look its best.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Amazing!!! Bought this after being so disappointed with the Dr Jart+ Cicapair Color Correcting cream. I should have just bought this in the first place. It's incredible. A small amount provides smooth, natural, even coverage. Blends to match your skintone and makes any redness instantly disappear. Lightweight and inexpensive. I use this after my moisturizer with sunscreen and finish with a touch of powder. Note — this is not a moisturizer or a sunscreen. Apply those first, and it will be flawless." — mmgmom
Get it from Amazon for $9.77 (available in five other styles).
26. A paraben-free self-tanner if you still want that on-demand, sun-kissed glow even when the sun is nowhere to be found. You can expect results in just one hour! Just like the pricier St. Tropez Self Tan Express mouse, this formula doesn't have that *distinct* smell you've likely experienced with other sunless tanners.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:" If you use St. Tropez tan products or any fake tanner, do yourself a favor and try this. This stuff is AWESOME. Dries quickly, lasts longer, does NOT make your skin stinky, applies evenly, and you get a fair amount of product!! Other tanners I've used become VERY noticeable when they start fading. Gross hand lines, patchy white spots, etc., but not this stuff. The best one-hour tan I have ever used!" — Review Writer
Get it from Amazon for $9.97+ (available in nine shades).
27. A pack of LivaClean Superstar pimple patches for the same great aesthetic as the pricy Starface ones at a price that won't make you wince every time pimples make an appearance.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
LivaClean pimple patch ingredients include hydrocolloid, salicylic acid, and tea tree oil. Read more about tea tree oil and acne at Mayo Clinic.
Promising review: "I LOVE the look of pimple patches on myself (as weird as that sounds) and absolutely hate the semi-clear ones since they just draw my eyes to something that's SUPPOSED to be invisible. So I easily fell in love with the Starface pimple patches — but the issue with those is they're SO expensive and don't work at all. THESE, however, have immediately sucked everything out of my face. I love them and literally wear them all the time. So many people have complimented me, saying, 'Oh my gosh, I love how you just wear stickers on your face; it's adorable.' These also work as [an alternative to] the TikTok Shop ones that are really popular right now and are cheaper! 10/10 from me :)" — evalyn evoke
Get a pack of 240 patches from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in seven designs/shapes).
28. A set of chic cylindrical wineglasses that'll save the day when you and your Cupcake wine want to feel bougie without bankrupting yourself at the nearest Crate & Barrel.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Joy Jolt is a small business that specializes in modern and pop culture-themed drinkware and kitchen accessories.
Get a set of two from Amazon for $18.40+ (available in three styles).