57 Cheaper Swaps For Trendy Name-Brand Products

Buzz Feed

4 days ago

Catrice "Instant Awake" under-eye brightener for when you don't want to look like a walking zombie at your friend's cookout — *or* wear a full face of makeup when it's 90 degrees out. This magical, lightweight formula blends seamlessly and instantly brightens your under-eye area, so it might be all you need to feel like a presentable human on casual days. And at six bucks, it sure beats splurging on the $33 Becca version.
A tennis skirt with built-in shorts because skorts are all the rage right now, and you can stock up on 'em in a few colors without going broke at Lululemon (Align High-Rise Skirt, we love you, but we're in different tax brackets). The secret inner pockets are perfect for stashing your keys, phone, and even tennis balls if you're hitting the court.
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.
Monday Haircare dry shampoo if your mane seems to get greasy within 24–48 hours of washing your hair (especially this time of year), but you *don't* want to wash it constantly...ugh, such a hellish cycle. On top of that, stocking up on Batiste or even pricier brands like Living Proof or Philosophy puts a dent in the budget fast. This oil-absorbing, keratin-infused formula costs less than 8 bucks — 'nuff said.
A glazed lip mask that would send the Laneige overnight mask running for the hills. This *intensive* Korean lip mask drenches your lips with moisture and creates a protective barrier that actually lasts, making your lips shine like a glazed donut while eliminating any cracks and lines. It's less than half the price of the Laneige mask for the same amount of product, and (*whispers*) I like this one *way* more.
A Simple Modern tumbler as a swap for the popular (and more expensive) Stanley Quencher. This minimalist travel cup comes in some seriously ~aesthetic~ shades, but more importantly, it'll keep your iced drinks cold for *hours* thanks to its double-wall insulation, and the leak-resistant straw lid might just save you from an accident or two.
A sophisticated laptop tote bag that'll have you looking and feeling so put together, especially if you're trying to embrace that whole "dress for the job you want" mantra (but can't afford the $128 Béis tote yet). It's stylish and well-designed, with ample depth and pockets for holding all your on-the-go essentials.
A smocked midi dress because Hill House's Nap Dress is truly ~dreamy~ but your bank account is like, "Um, we still need to buy groceries." This cutie's a fraction of the cost and just as gorgeous, not to mention breathable as heck thanks to its 100% organic cotton poplin fabric. Prepare to fall head over heels for this dress — I definitely did.
E.l.f. Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen if you're still trying to find a daily sunscreen you don't despise. This clear gel sunscreen offers SPF 35 and goes on so smooth and lightweight, you'll immediately forget you're wearing it — no white cast here, folks. It doubles as a blurring primer, so it's great for wearing under makeup too! If you love Supergoop but the price is becoming hard to swallow...may I suggest trying this, because it's *very* similar.
Or Neutrogena's Ultra-Sheer Face Serum for a higher SPF option that won't make you feel like you're wearing a thick, greasy mask on your face. It's got broad-spectrum SPF 60, it's fragrance-free (sensitive skin folks, rejoice), and it comes in a travel-size bottle — which would cost you $43 for the *same amount* from EltaMD, BTW. Honestly, if you're still a face sunscreen hater in the year 2025, you have no excuse at this point.
Cushionaire sandals 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 1,000 reviews (!) draw comparisons between these and Birkenstocks, with many claiming they're just as comfortable for a fraction of the price.
A wildly popular set of wireless Bluetooth earbuds that are super reliable and won't break the bank. These bbs have — no joke — over 169,000 (!!) 5-star ratings on Amazon from reviewers who consider them a fantastic AirPods alternative for their low price, great sound, waterproof + sweatproof design, and solid battery life (over 10 hours on a single charge).
Some buttery soft high-waisted leggings giving Lululemon a run for their money, according to (*checks notes*) over 600 reviewers drawing comparisons between the two. They're squat-proof, stretchy, and so soft that many pregnant people say they basically live in these!
Or (because it's hot out there rn) some cute running shorts drawing comparisons to pricier brands like Lulu, Nike, and Under Armour in terms of quality. They're designed with a stretchy elastic waistband, soft and breathable fabric, and even deep zipper pockets for holding your phone and other small items. Workouts aside, these would be great for everyday summer wear!
And a soft, stretchy longline sports bra remarkably similar to a tank from the Lulu Align collection, so you can stock up and upgrade your gym/athleisure wardrobe for a lot, lot less (you're welcome!!). The breathable, sweat-wicking fabric makes it perfect for all sorts of summer outdoor activities, from hiking and camping to sporting events and festivals.
L'Oreal's illuminating Lumi Glotion as a cheat code for dewy, shimmery skin, and for less than half the cost of alternatives like Glossier's Futuredew and Drunk Elephant's D-Bronzi Drops. This works beautifully as a lightweight foundation alternative or for adding a little glow on top of your makeup.
A "flossing toothbrush" expertly designed with two layers of bristles, including the regular firm kind for brushing and ultra-thin ones designed to clean deeeep within the grooves of your teeth — almost like you were actually flossing. As one reviewer puts it, this leaves you feeling "just home from the hygienist"–level clean; others say it even feels comparable to their fancy electric toothbrush (sorry, Oral-B)!
A bottle of Elizavecca Hair Treatment formulated to deeply repair and hydrate your hair thanks to restorative ingredients like collagen and ceramide 3. You just apply it after shampooing, wait as little as five minutes, then rinse it out for hair that looks *and* feels silky soft. Some reviewers say it's even BETTER than Olaplex, which is over three times the price!
A sleeveless bodycon maxi dress if you can't justify the cost of Skims but *would* like to look snatched for nights out. This versatile piece stretches beautifully to hug your curves, with adjustable spaghetti straps and a fishtail hem adding to its flawless fit. You can accessorize this endlessly and get sooo much wear out of it.
Cosrx Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence, a hydrating holy grail for many people with dry, sensitive skin and a gentler, cheaper alternative to many name-brand moisturizers and serums. It's effective on all skin types, and reviewers report seeing improvement after just a few uses! Acne scars, dark spots, and fine lines are about to meet their match.
A popular checkerboard throw blanket — I'm absolutely *living* for the sage green shade, but it comes in other beautiful colors as well. Reviewers consider it a great alternative to the popular Barefoot Dreams throw (which is p-r-i-c-e-y) and say it's extremely soft.
A tube of Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later eyeshadow primer because if you're applying eyeshadow without a base, you're not getting its full effect. Not only will it make your eyeshadow look bolder and extra pigmented, but it'll also combat oil and creasing so your smoky eye looks flawless all night long. Mac Paint Pot, it was nice knowin' ya.
And E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer, which blurs your pores and creates a smooth, velvety texture for makeup to glide over and also grip onto. Infused with squalane for hydration, Poreless Putty Primer has a mattifying effect that doesn't look dry — plus, it's small enough to take on the go in case you need touch-ups. Blink, and you might mistake it for Tatcha's Silk Canvas primer and other pricier options.
A Wise Owl camping hammock that'll leave more money for s'mores, hot dogs, and other camping ~essentials~ because you didn't drop $50+ on an Eno hammock. It would also be great for lounging in your backyard or the local park with a good book!
A Briotech spray for soothing rashes, sunburns, rosacea, eczema, and other skin irritations, *extremely* similar to the beloved (but pricey) Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray. Its secret is hypochlorous acid, an ingredient found naturally in our white blood cells that helps soothe inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier. This stuff = magic in a bottle.
Some breathable, machine-washable pointed-toe flats ready to cushion and support your feet while looking impeccably stylish...and asking for way less money out of your wallet than Rothy's or Vivaia would. The stretchy knit upper is so comfy and trendy-looking (meet your new office staple!), and you can toss 'em in the wash before they even have the *chance* to get stinky.
LilyAna Naturals Eye Cream to brighten and firm undereye skin to reduce puffiness, fine lines, and bags, but it doesn't stop there — this potent cream also nourishes the delicate area with restorative ingredients like rosehip seed oil, organic hibiscus flower extracts, and vitamin E. And unlike some eye creams, it also won't break the bank — a win-win.
A set of aesthetic wrist and ankle weights because *yes* you can achieve your fitness goals and have cute gear without shelling out $50+ on a set of trendy Bala Bangles. Happy tears, commence — but not for too long, because it's time to go for a power walk.
A pair of breathable, wide-leg petal sweatpants giving such intense cozy-chic vibes, you'll feel like an Anthropologie model while brewing your morning coffee and lounging around catching up on Love Island (you've gotta be comfy when there are *that* many episodes).
Skin1004's Zombie Pack, which works in just 15 minutes to noticeably reduce the appearance of fine lines, tighten pores, improve texture, and brighten your complexion. The mask itself tightens and cracks as it works on your skin — hence the name! — but when you rinse it off, your skin is left soooo soft and smooth.
Essence's Lash Princess Mascara beloved for its ability to give you bold, dramatic lashes while also separating them to prevent clumping — and for its $5 price tag. People *rave* about this bestselling tube as a swap for more expensive mascaras like Too Faced Better Than Sex, L'Oreal Telescopic Lift, and many, many more.
A 20-pack (!) of extra thick magic cleaning pads most reviewers agree is a great swap for the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. They're extra durable, so you can put them to work on your toughest cleaning jobs and watch the mess just ✨ disappear ✨.
Rael Beauty's Miracle Patch, a budget-friendly hydrocolloid acne patch option with ultra-thin edges that make it way less detectable on your face. Keep a pack around if you're prone to sudden breakouts, and they'll come in clutch: Just apply one to a zit, and it'll literally suck out all that gunk, leaving the area noticeably flatter with less redness overnight.
An internet-beloved set of makeup sponges — reviewers sing their praises as a budget-friendly swap for Beauty Blender and Real Techniques, since you get five of these for less than $10! Plus, when it comes to blending foundation, concealer, powder, and BB creams, there's no better tool for a ~flawless~ finish.
Liquid matte lipstick from The Lip Bar for bold color that lasts all day without drying out your lips — or costing as much as designer brands like Pat McGrath. The gorgeous red shade "Bawse Lady" has some reviewers retiring their trusty Mac "Ruby Woo" for good!
Oversized square sunnies exuding high-end vibes at a far more appealing price, plus polarized lenses with UV 400 protection. When someone asks, "Are those Bottega?" you can just smile mysteriously behind your chic new shades.
Or an oval style with retro flair proving you don't *have* to drop over $400 at Miu Miu to look like you did. The gold detailing on the sides of the frame and vintage-y lens shape elevate these over that cheap pair from the drugstore, without costing much more — so you don't have to panic if you lose them at the beach.
A glass mushroom lamp because the price of one of these at Urban Outfitters and West Elm? Painful. This one? Very reasonable! This'll cozy up your space at night without breaking the bank and makes a lovely, unique addition to your ambient lighting.
And a new-and-improved Govee neon rope light to incorporate super customizable lighting that doubles as unique wall decor. Its bendable design lets you twist it into all sorts of neat shapes (though the squiggle is classic), and by using an app, you can program it to all sorts of color combos and lighting effects! The cozy glow this gives at night is unmatched. Hue, who?
An eyebrow soap kit reviewers love as an alternative to name brands to help you sculpt your brows so they have the exact shape, volume, and texture you're going for — and keep them looking defined and fluffy throughout the day. When it comes to precision and hold, this stuff is *chef's kiss*.
Slip-on mules stylish enough for work and so comfy, you'll probably end up wearing them even on casual days — reviewers say they hold up well to light walking. They're a budget-friendly alternative to Madewell's Gemma mules, well worth it for half the price and how much use you'll get out of them!
A LuckyZ lightweight canvas backpack in case you need a cute daypack for that upcoming trip and *don't* need to go broke when you've already spent hundreds on tickets and lodgings. As many reviewers attest, there's really no sense in dropping $60+ on a Fjallraven Kanken backpack — that's souvenir money, folks!!
Eva Naturals' vitamin C serum, which deserves a spot in your bag because it's basically a skincare superhero with powerful ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, niacinimide, and salicylic acid all rolled into one. This stuff might just spell the end for any acne, rough skin, fine lines, clogged pores, and dark spots you have.
A pair of satin block-heeled dress shoes with supportive straps holding them securely to your feet and a darling bow detail that'll have everyone gushing over your shoes at that upcoming formal event. Despite the 3-inch heel, these pleated beauties are comfortable enough for the dance floor — not to mention their uncanny resemblance to a designer option from Loeffler Randall.
Nyx Fat Oil Lip Drip in case that $40 Dior lip oil has been in your cart forever, but you just can't bring yourself to pull the trigger. At $9, this version's a much lighter hit to your wallet, with the same burst of hydration (made with vegan squalane!) sheer color, and non-sticky finish reviewers can't get enough of.
A sleeveless halter bodysuit that looks like something from Zara or Skims — the fact that it's under $30 at Amazon will be our little secret. And just *think* how much use you'll get out of this single article of clothing — it'll pair beautifully with high-waisted jeans, skirts, shorts, and blazers. It's also slightly compressive similar to shapewear, but not in a restrictive way.
A Revlon one-step hair dryer and volumizer so you can give yourself a gorgeous blowout without visiting the salon — it knocks out drying *and* styling your hair in one step to save time in the mornings too! With this under-$50 option, dropping $500+ on a Dyson Airwrap (or even $100 on the Drybar version) suddenly seems...even less appealing.
Faux leather slip-ons that might make your friends stop, rub their eyes, and go, "Are those Hermès?" They're definitely not, but if you wanna save $800 and buy these instead, I certainly wouldn't blame you. These affordable but dressy slides will (*in the voice of Chappell Roan*) get the job done!
A faux pearl choker so you can live out your dreams of owning a gorgeous Vivienne Westwood piece — well, at least rocking a similar look. Throw this on with that casual outfit that needs a little *something* to instantly elevate the whole aesthetic.
A set of satin pillowcases to make your bed feel more ~luxurious~ for a fraction of the price that you'd spend on brands like Slip and Blissy. Plus, satin pillowcases stay refreshingly cool and are good for both your hair and skin: They help prevent breakage, frizz, and tangles in your hair and absorb less moisture from your skin overnight, keeping it more hydrated.
Long-lasting Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint, worth the try if you like a little color on your lips but can't be bothered with lipsticks that constantly need touch-ups. This'll give your pout a smooth, ultra-pigmented stain with a silky finish, *and* it also has a lightweight feel that's not sticky or clumpy!
A pack of bamboo oil-blotting sheets to keep yourself from looking greasy by 10 a.m. — you can keep these in your bag for quick touch-ups throughout the day as needed! (Don't worry, your makeup will remain unscathed.) This 100-count pack will cost you less than 10 bucks, a fraction of what premium brands like Tatcha charge.
A beaded shoulder bag here to be your statement accessory, because 'tis the season for bright colors, fruity patterns, and tropical motifs. The Staud version costs a whopping $295, but this beauty is a much lighter splurge at just under $100 — so you could literally snag a few of the gorgeous designs for around the same price (or, you know, just save the money).
A simple tennis bracelet that'll have you like, "Swarovski who?" People's minds will be blown when they hear this gorgeous bracelet is from good ol' Amazon dot com, not a high-end boutique. Not sure how to accessorize for that upcoming wedding or formal event? Here ya go.
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water in case it's time for you to replace your beloved bottle of Bioderma. This has the same gentle but powerful makeup-removing abilities, lifting away even waterproof makeup along with dirt and excess oil (without totally stripping your skin of moisture).
Eve Hansen Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum reviewers compare to the coveted TNS Recovery Complex serum that's — prepare yourself — over $200 for a 1-ounce bottle. This budget-friendly alternative offers similar benefits: It deeply hydrates, reduces under-eye puffiness and dark circles, smooths fine lines, boosts overall hydration, and creates a radiant glow that's giving, "I just got a facial."
A beautifully crafted Baroque mirror that would fetch a far higher price elsewhere (*cough, Anthro*). Its ornate detailing brings a touch of traditional glam without feeling old-fashioned — and you didn't even have to step foot in an estate sale!
You every time some product goes viral on TikTok and you *know* it's overpriced:
The reviews used in this post have been edited for length and clarity.