35 Cheap Swaps For More Expensive Products

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An exquisite tinted lip balm shockingly similar to Clinique's "Black Honey" but it doesn't cost nearly as much. This weightless, non-sticky formula glides onto your pout to give 'em a subtle polished tint of your choosing. Soon you'll be smackin' your lips all over the place, and no one can blame you when they look this good. 🤷‍♀️
A set of seamless "invisible" underwear you'll never wanna take off, so you'd be wise to buy a few sets *now* — thank me later. These have Victoria's Secret energy without the steeper price tag. They don't pinch, clip, OR ride up, so they're basically an underwear dream come true.
Wild Iris Musk Body Wash, which is essentially the summer-y version of the TikTok-viral Baccarat Rouge 540-esque body wash so it's the perfect addition to your shower routine! This divine formula is moisturizing and has an intriguing floral scent that's a treat for the senses without being TOO strong. If you wanna smell expensive without actually breaking the bank, look no further.
A pair of retro-style oval sunglasses with the cutest gold accents that make them look way more expensive than they are — you'll have another fashion accessory to choose from when getting dressed for the day *without* breaking the bank! Some reviewers even compare them to the very luxurious Miu Miu brand.
Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener to help revive tired eyes with a lightweight formula that delivers superb coverage in just a few swipes. This tinted concealer contains hyaluronic acid and shea butter that may also help reduce dark circles over time. Bonus: It's just like the $33 Becca version but for MUCH less!
A moisturizing Mise En Scene hair serum, a K-beauty product that works just as hard as the $46 Gisou version to repair brittle locks. It's made with nourishing oils, including argan, coconut, olive, and, jojoba. Reviewers praise this serum for its ability to combat dryness! Plus, it smells downright heavenly so prepare to swoon.
A pair of lightweight boxer-style shorts if you're seeking a cute, comfy alternative to the $98 Reformation pair you've been eyeballing. This wallet-friendly version is made of a breathable material *and* it has pockets with an elasticized waist so you can kiss leggings and jeans goodbye for the summer.
A dainty gold-plated station necklace from the popular jewelry brand Pavoi — it'll work with just about any 'fit that requires a hint of ~quiet luxury~ but for cheap! Heart eyes much?? It's super similar to the real diamond versions from high-end brands like Quince and Dorsey, which go for $400+, btw.
Physicians Formula Butter Glow & Go Stick you'll keep on you at all times after seeing just how similar it is to the $46 Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick. This version delivers a radiant glow in the form of a buttery-smooth, dual-sided contour stick that's easy to use in many different ways — this baby can replace your contour, bronzer, blush, eyeshadow, AND lip color! It's compact enough to fit in your makeup bag when you're on the go.
An Anthropologie-inspired reversible quilted throw blanket made of 100% cotton so you can add some character to any bland bedroom or living room in a flash! It's machine washable and comes in larger sizes in case you wanna use it as your main bed blanket — it's just that beautiful and cozy.
A Skims-esque square-neck compressive body suit with a seamless, stretchy fabric that may seem too good to be true because it's stylish and it won't bleed you dry financially. Not to mention that you can create sooo many looks with this piece, so it's more than worth the money you'll spend. Yep, you're in love.
A lash-extending E.l.f. Cosmetics tubing mascara because your lashes deserve the best and you don't wanna waste your time with dry, clumpy (expensive) formulas that leave you full of regret. This one is perfect for thin, delicate lashes. The lightweight tubing technology wraps around your eyelashes for a smudge-proof lift that looks natural. Plus, it's easy to take off at the end of the day without tons of harsh scrubbing.
A TikTok-beloved "Soft" perfume rollerball for a sweet, warm scent that rolls on easily and isn't too overpowering. There's a reason reviewers can't stop raving about the captivating scent, with some comparing it to lemon pound cake. YUM! It's basically the affordable version of Pink Sugar, which goes for $65.
A cult-fave luxury-scented candle — it'll upgrade your space with an upscale feel at an affordable price. The delightful scent features a blend of jasmine, oud, and sandalwood that'll carry you away to a paradise where everything is this amazing *and* affordable.
E.l.f. Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen because when did sunscreen become one of the most expensive items in your daily routine? Enter this affordable find that offers SPF 35, goes on smooth and clear, and doesn't leave any white cast. It works well as a blurring primer to create the perf base for makeup too! TLDR; it's the more version of Supergoop.
A bottle of Elizavecca hair treatment with collagen ingredients and protein extracts when your goal is to restore over-processed hair. Dull, dry strands are about to go POOF — and you won't even have to spend quadruple the cost on Olaplex, which is enough of a reason to swoon but the results will seal the deal.
A dazzling cubic zirconia ring you can pair with just about any 'fit you plan to wear this summer because it's *just* that versatile and elegant. Most importantly, it looks exactly like the Cartier Love Ring that costs more than your rent. 👀
Essence's Drop of Sunshine Bronzing Drops — this sheer, buildable formula is a great $6 alternative to Drunk Elephant's version that goes for a whopping $39! Not only will this stuff leave you with a perfect sun-kissed glow, but it also contains glycerin to hydrate the skin barrier and vitamin E to soften the skin and smooth texture!
High-waisted running shorts that have built-in briefs to keep you comfy all day long, just like the Lululemon version, but for a lot less $$$. Whether you're actually running or just lounging, these are super lightweight and made of a quick-dry material that can do it all. Plus, they come in so many vibrant colors so you might end up snagging a few.
A pair of wireless over-the-ear headphones with the same sleek, shiny shell design of AirPods Max. These have pretty decent noise cancellation, a built-in mic to answer calls, and they feel super comfy on your ears with their extra padding. For only $20, they're a much safer (and cheaper!) purchase if you're hesitant to splurge on the Apple version — they are over $500, after all...👀
A retro-style baguette purse if you've officially sworn off massive, pricey bags and are proudly entering your petite, inexpensive purse era. Now you can channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw (aka *the* model of Fendi's baguette bag) and feel smitten knowing how much you saved.
NYX setting spray to complete your fierce makeup look with a much-needed BANG! A spritz or two of this stuff will help lock in your product with a matte finish so it lasts for hours without constant reapplying *and* without overspending on Urban Decay's version. A long-lasting glow without the shine? Don't mind if I do.
A set of internet-famous Mellanni sheets, which will make it hard for you to get out of bed in the best way. It'll also be hard to believe they don't cost hundreds of dollars, which is what you would spend on Cozy Earth or Egyptian cotton sheets These are made with wonderfully soft moisture-wicking microfiber fabric that actually lasts.
And these silky satin pillowcases so your bedroom will look and feel more luxurious for a fraction of the price of high-end brands like Blissy. These have a cooling effect that's sooo soft on the skin. It also creates less friction for your hair.
Faux leather slip-ons you'll wear all season long because they'll be kind to your feet *and* you'll relish in all the inquiries about whether they're from Hermès — that version runs for a solid $800, btw. You can dress up or down with these and feel assured your feet won't suffer thanks to the cushioned memory foam insole.
L'Oréal Paris BB Cream, an anti-redness and fast-acting moisturizer that can help correct skin color for an even complexion. Reviewers swear by it as a base so their skin is perfectly primed and ready for makeup! It's also a great alternative to the popular (expensive) Dr Jart+ Cicapair Color Correcting Cream.
A ribbed button-up tank top, which might remind you of the Abercrombie & Fitch one, but it won't set you back nearly as much. This versatile top was made for a day at the office but could just as easily carry you through a fancy dinner afterward — we love a piece with tons of range.
E.l.f. Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm because you don't have to spend a fortune on Laneige, Summer Fridays, or other expensive brands to get the lippie look of your dreams. These tinted, moisturizing balms are similar to those buttery, buildable glosses you know and love — but at a much more affordable price that'll still leave your lips lookin' *and* feelin' fab. 💋
A gorgeous laptop tote bag with high-end vibes you'll probably want to carry everywhere, even when you don't need your computer. It can fit laptops up to 15.6 inches and other essentials, like your phone, makeup bag, iPad, etc. You'll also be totally enamored with the fact that you didn't shell out $100+ on the pricey Béis Work Tote.
Juno & Co.'s Clean 10 Cleansing Balm to gently and effectively remove all traces of makeup without aggressive scrubbing that leaves your face red and irritated. Say what?? It contains just 10 simple ingredients to dissolve makeup while moisturizing the skin. Reviewers compare it to the Elemis Cleansing Balm, which is almost $70!!
A ~sweet~ cherry bag charm because a new purse isn't always in the budget, but you can certainly give your existing one a delicious upgrade. Did I mention it looks just like the Coach version that retails for nearly $100?? Attach it to your keys, clutch, or handbag and it'll fill you with joy whenever you see it.
A stylish pair of machine-washable pointed-toe flats — these probably look eerily familiar because they're just as cute as the ones from Rothy's and Vivaia, but these will be much kinder to your wallet. The breathable material helps prevent sweating and the stretchy knit upper keeps you comfy all day long! You'll never run out of reasons to gush about 'em.
A set of chic cylindrical wineglasses so you can feel like absolute royalty without spending an ungodly amount of cash. These are just as glamorous as the Crate & Barrel version but each sip won't be a reminder of how much money you wasted.
A set of aesthetic wrist and ankle weights that will make you forget all about the spendy Bala Bangles. These work the same — they easily attach with Velcro straps and have a waterproof design so bring on the sweat! Plus, the skin-friendly silicone material won't cause irritation while you work out.
A surprisingly affordable *and* chic wide leg petal pant, which checks so many boxes (pockets, elasticized waist, breathable, versatile), you might think you're hallucinating at first. These are more reasonably priced than the high-end versions, and you can wear 'em to lounge, run errands, or for an impromptu coffee date!