From Lululemon To Drunk Elephant: 36 Alternatives To Pricey Brand-Name Items That Are So Good, You May Say "Buh-Bye" To The Originals

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2 days ago

A pair of waterproof wireless earbuds that look just like AirPods Pro — *but* these have an LED display to show you the battery percentage on the case. These don't have noise cancellation like the Pros do, but if that's not something you're looking for, this swap will help you save a LOT of pretty pennies. The earbuds last up to 6 hours on a single charge and are sweatproof, meaning they can transition seamlessly from your phone call to a running session around your neighborhood.
And a pair of wireless over-the-ear headphones with the same sleek, shiny shell design of AirPods Max. These have pretty decent noise cancellation (according to reviewers) and a built-in mic to answer calls, and they feel super comfy on your ears with their extra padding. For only 20 bucks, they're a much safer (and wallet-friendly) purchase if you're unsure about Apple's headphones — they are over $500, after all...
A cubic zirconia ring that looks so much like a Cartier Love Ring, people will think you dropped BANDS for it. People will undoubtedly compliment your bling, so in the words of Mel Robbins — let them. ☺️
The Hanes Ultimate crew socks because who wants to drop bank on good quality socks?! No thanks. These are just like Aritzia's TNA socks — which cost $20 for a three-pack — but these come in a pack of ✨six✨ for half the price. They still have the same ribbed detailing, sit above your ankle, and will feel super cushiony as you walk around in them.
E.l.f.'s Hydrating Core Lip Shine — did you know that their shade "Ecstatic" looks eerily similar to Clinique's "Black Honey?" Well now you do. Elf's version is sheer, buildable, and nourishing (just like Clinique's) but costs almost 20 dollars less!
A set of square stemmed wineglasses so your CRISP white wine can hit just a little harder when you take your first sip. Just imagine swirling your twist-off wine and sipping like you're on a wine tour in Napa. If you feel like these seem straight out of Crate & Barrel (good eye!), reviewers say they look just the same...but they love the price tag of these much more.
An Ugg-inspired suede mule slipper that's still got the comfortable fuzzy interior and stylish exterior like its Aussie counterpart, but for soooo much less. These even have half-sizes — which Ugg doesn't!
L'Oréal Paris Makeup True Match Lumi Glotion for an illuminating glow that easily rivals the infamous Drunk Elephant's bronzing drops. It's designed to be worn alone, under foundation, or use it as a highlighter on your cheekbones! Reviewers like this *more* than Drunk Elephant because it can be worn as a skin tint and it's less glittery.
A pair of leakproof "Cloudfeel" period boyshorts that give the Thinx version a real run for their money — and these are 10 bucks cheaper. They're soft, comfy, and hold up to 12 tampons worth of period blood, so you can sleep without any worries you'll stain your sheets.
Dossier's "Ambery Vanilla" perfume if YSL Black Opium is your holy grail scent, but it's simply breaking the budget. This one is quite literally inspired by YSL, so you get the experience of wearing a luxury scent without dropping $95. It's designed to last for up to eight hours *and* smell like a wonderful blend of mandarin, jasmine, orange blossom, and vanilla.
L'Oréal Paris BB Cream aka a solid alternative to Dr Jart+ Cicapair Color Correcting Cream, because they're both designed to neutralize redness and even out your skin tone — but L'Oréal's is a lot more affordable. Bonus: It can double as a base for makeup, making it very versatile — we love!
A waterproof fitness smartwatch that'll make you question why it's under $40... It has many of the features that make pricey smartwatches so amazing, like Bluetooth, voice-control features, the ability to take phone calls, and an HD display. It also allows you to track numerous things like step count, calories burned, training time, AND distance for a variety of activities. It has a unique, sleek design (just like the Apple Watch) *and* 500+ watch face options to choose from — or just upload your own from your camera roll!
Elizavecca's CER-100 Collagen Coating Hair Protein treatment for damaged hair from hot styling tools or over-processing from harsh treatments like bleach. Reviewers say it helps their hair feel stronger, softer, and less tangled, with an immediate difference. One person even went as far as to say that it's "Better than Olaplex." 😱
Glossmetics' Lychee Overnight Lip Mask designed to deeply hydrate so your lips feel softer by morning. It's formulated with shea butter (just like Laneige's Lip Sleeping Mask), but it's *also* got peptides packed into it — great for hydration and preventing dryness. Reviewers say it's a good alternative because it feels very similar, lasts a long time, and doesn't get goopy in the corners of the mouth.
A pair of ~Dreamlux~ leggings that are the closest thing you'll get to Lululemon Align leggings without dropping major cash on them. They not only look the same, but they're also soft, comfy, *and* not see-through — which means you don't have to worry when you do a deep lunge at the gym. Reviewers also like these more than Lulus because they stay in good condition over time, the color doesn't fade, and they don't fall down when you're wearing them.
A Briotech spray with hypochlorous acid, an antibacterial ingredient that can help reduce inflammation, redness, and irritation. Spritz this on your face as needed (like after a workout!) to help target acne-causing bacteria and soothe skin. Reviewers compare this to the Tower 28 SOS Spray, which is pricier (and has the same key ingredient!).
Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener, a color corrector that neutralizes the bluish eye bags that scream, "I only slept for four hours last night." It'll not only provide impeccable coverage, but it'll also nourish your skin thanks to its hyaluronic acid and shea butter formula. Reviewers say they like this *more* than Smashbox's Becca under eye cream because it's thinner, doesn't settle into fine lines, and is better at brightening.
Juno & Co.'s Clean 10 Cleansing Balm with a blend of vitamin E and pearl barley to remove makeup with EASE. Say goodbye to those wasteful makeup wipes when you can swipe this on — it leaves no residue or oily mess on your skin. So take this as your sign to ditch the pricier versions by Farmacy Green Clean, Dermalogica, or Elemis!
A set of satin pillowcases that have a similar aesthetic and similar benefits to pricey alternatives like Slip and Kitsch — and reviewers agree. They can help create less friction against your hair, reduce breakage, and control frizz, making them great for those of you who take your haircare EXTRA seriously.
A long-lasting E.l.f Lash XTNDR tubing mascara reviewers say OUTPREFORMS pricier versions like Benefit, Thrive, and Blinc because it doesn't clump or flake *and* it stays in place all day without being hard to remove. It's formulated with jojoba seed oil to condition lashes, all while providing *dramatic* length.
A pair of Cushionaire cork-bottom sandals if you love the stylish look of Birkenstocks on summery days. Over 1K reviewers compare these to the name brand, with some noting that these are more comfortable, good quality, and have no break-in period.
An Apple-compatible locator tag with all the functionality of an AirTag but at a price that won't make you say "Really..." 😑. These come in a waterproof case, so no matter what situation your lost thing finds itself in, the tag will stay in perfect condition. They're especially useful for pet owners who can sometimes lose their furry friend!
A moisturizing body wash if you wish Baccarat Rouge 450 came in soap form. Well, do I have the product for you — reviewers say it smells very similar! It has a silky smooth consistency *everyone* loves, and smells like a heavenly blend of white jasmine, red currant, and sweet amber. Your showers are about to hit DIFFERENT.
A multipurpose, minimalist nylon tote bag so you can cosplay as a Longchamp wearer who's on their way to pilates on a Tuesday at 2 p.m., when you're really on your way to work. It can fit your laptop, planner, makeup essentials, and more. You'll probably gasp when you realize this folds up into a triangle *just* like the Longchamp Le Pilage bag.
Or a laptop tote bag with an alligator print to feel luxurious on your way to work, school drop-off, or just your daily errands. The best part? It won't break your bank account! It's very similar to the Béis Work Tote and can fit your laptop, water bottle, iPad, makeup essentials, and more with ease!
E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter that'll make your skin glow, blur the appearance of pores, and add a dash of moisture to your skin — just like Charlotte Tilbury's Flawless Filter — except this has a better price tag. It leaves a soft, dewy finish that you can sport on its own, under makeup, or as a highlighter on top!
A super soft long-sleeved bodysuit if you're looking for a Skims lookalike that's breathable, not see-through, *and* cheap, then this is for you. One reviewer went as far as to say that this alternative looks the *EXACT* same as the OG when side by side. 👀
E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops reviewers say are a great alternative to the pricier Watermelon Dew Drops from Glow Recipe. They're designed to hydrate, make your skin all glowy, and either be used as a step in your skincare routine *or* a primer for your foundation or concealer.
A beloved, slow-burning luxury-scented candle with top notes of jasmine, oud, and sandalwood that reviewers say is similar to Le Labo's Santal 33. One reviewer said it reminds them of a "luxury hotel," so it'll pair perfectly with your room service (McDonald's).
A pair of oversized square sunglasses that'll make you look so stylish and expensive you should be sitting courtside at a Knicks game. They look like Bottega Veneta, but you'll be laughing all the way to the bank because these are a whole lot cheaper. Another bonus is that they come in many colors *and* have polarized lenses with UV protection!
Etude's Dear Darling Water Tint because you can get both a lip stain *and* rosy blush from just one product? Some reviewers say it's similar to Benefit's Lip Tint because the color, pigment, and anti-smudge formula are "very, very close" to the OG — and who doesn't want a cheap two-in-one product?
A bottle of NYX matte setting spray some reviewers prefer to the Urban Decay version, because it has no scent and a better spritzer — and they say it's more effective at keeping makeup in place (like around the mouth). And it's designed to prevent creasing and smearing, and control oil that naturally occurs throughout the day.
A lightweight, cropped zip-up workout jacket to make everyone think you're a gym BADDIE while you're doing 12-3-30 or just running a quick errand. While you could opt for the Lululemon version, do you really wanna spend more than double? Doubtful.
And a Lululemon-inspired longline sports bra you can wear for your next morning workout class, grocery run, or *even* your "let me rot all day in bed" moment. It's supportive, not too compressive, and lightweight, so it'll be delightful in warmer weather.
Peach Slices Acne Spot Dots if you have a zit that sprouted up — just stick on these hydrocolloid patches that'll help suck up all the gunk. They're *just* like Hero's Mighty Patches, but way more affordable — and they come in three sizes so you're zit is covered whether it's a tiny bump or a major breakout.
A set of cozy button-down PJs so when you step into your room after (what felt like) a never-ending day, you can slip on something superrr soft. They're a solid alternative to pricey brands like Eberjay and Skims, so you'll feel like you're relaxing in name-brand heaven. Your "lay for the foreseeable future" sessions are gonna hit different with these — just trust me.