Latest news with #BlackHoneyAlmostLipstick
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
More than 2,000 Amazon shoppers just bought this 'universally flattering' lipstick — and it's on sale
If you're into beauty, chances are you've heard of Clinique's Almost Lipstick in the shade Black Honey. It's one of those cult classics that everyone seems to love — and for good reason. Haven't heard of it? Allow us to introduce you while it's 25 per cent off. More than 2,000 Amazon shoppers have purchased it in the past month, and they swear by its "universally flattering" effect. They claim it looks "awesome" on just about every skin tone and undertone. But if you're skeptical about its "one-size-fits-all" claim, keep scrolling to see what reviewers have to say about this shopper-favourite beauty essential. This "universally flattering" shade rarely goes on sale, but you can snag it for 25 per cent off right now. Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Black Honey is the brand's bestselling lip product — a cult classic, if you will. It's a must-have if you're looking for a natural, flattering pop of colour. Don't be intimidated by its dark appearance in the tube — it boasts a sheer, glossy, and lightweight finish, making it perfect for everyday. It has an emollient-rich formula that's made to melt into your lips for gentle nourishment. It's also free of phthalates and parabens. Beauty products are very subjective, depending on someone's features, skin type and undertones. However, Clinique's Black Honey shade is often praised for looking great on just about everyone. But let's see what shoppers have to say. ⭐️ 4.5/5 stars 💬 9,000+ ratings 🏆 "This shade is so universally flattering." One five-star reviewer said, "Such a lovely and moisturizing sheer swipe of colour." They praised the "slim tube" design and called the product "buttery" and "moisturizing." Another person described the shade as "deep but sheer," adding that "you can apply multiple, buildable coats if you want more intensity." $25 $33 at Amazon A third claimed it's an "awesome colour for anyone." "It is the one shade of lipstick that looked good on all my girlfriends when we were in high school and college," wrote another person who has been using this shade since the '90s. They also said, "It wears pretty much like a balm," but it "doesn't last long." I am not the first person to tout the beauty of Clinique's Black Honey Almost Lipstick, and I won't be the last. If you want a lip product that's universally flattering and moisturizing with a fool-proof application, this is it. The lipstick-adjacent formula looks amazing (and different) on everyone, and among the myriad of lip products I own, it's by far the one I reach for the most. — Kayla Kuefler, Senior Shopping Editor If scent is a game-changer for you, one person warned, "It smells like cheap lipsticks." Many other reviewers echoed that it has a "plastic scent." If you've been curious about this lipstick, now's your chance to put it to the test while it's on sale for just $25. If you're worried about how it might look on you, you can rest assured knowing the consensus is that it generally looks "awesome" on everyone. However, keep in mind that it's sheer (yet buildable), and shoppers have reported it to have a "cheap" scent.
Buzz Feed
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
38 Budget-Friendly Alternatives To Skims, The Row, RH, And Other Top Brands
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. Shopping · Save yourself $3,000+ and grab yourself a Cartier lookalike ring from Amazon for $10, mmkay? 1. A baroque-inspired mirror — with a gorg gilded frame — if you've long dreamt of owning ***that*** Anthropologie mirror but don't want to take out a second mortgage on your home in order to do so. Promising review: "I hopped on the gold ornate mirror trend and spent a long time trying to find one within my budget. I was worried at first because there weren't any reviews when I first bought this. It looked amazing online and was the perfect size so I went ahead and got it. I am THRILLED with this purchase!!! One of the best things I've gotten from Amazon. It's beautiful and exactly how it looks in the pics. It came four-ish days faster than estimated. It's perfect for my makeup desk. If there were different sizes of the same mirror I would buy all of them." — McKinlee Mayer Get it from Amazon for $91.99+ (available in six sizes and five finishes) 2. A tinted lip balm reviewers confirm is just as good as Clinique's $25 " Black Honey" — but you get two for just $10! You can stow one away for later use or even bless a friend with your bounty. Here's what BuzzFeeder Emma Lord has to say: "I bought this because I crave that Black Honey and will buy it until the day I die, but I am always paranoid of losing it, so I almost never let it leave my bag. I have tried probably five or six "almost" versions of Black Honey that came close, but this one genuinely spooked me. It has the same easy glide, same buildability, and the same refreshingly hydrating effect. It was a two-pack so I gave one to my BFF, another Black Honey fan, who also could not detect the difference!" Promising review: "Better than Clinique! I bought this one on a whim but never liked the real Black Honey Almost Lipstick by Clinique, since it tends to run red on me. This shade, in my opinion, is exactly what Black Honey SHOULD be, as it looks more like Black Honey in pictures. For the price, it can't be beat, so I'm buying more." — HAC Get a two-pack from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in the pink honey version, and in a two-pack that mixes both!). 3. A floral cottagecore mat that — for the first week, at least — will have you staring down at the floor in awe. Reviews compare it to Rifle Paper Co. options, but note that the price is way more palatable! Amazon Promising review: "I love Rifle Paper Co. rugs, but they're really expensive and not super thick or anything. I mostly love their designs. I saw this rug, and it didn't have a lot of reviews, but I took a chance and am so glad I did! I bought the runner and then the door size, both for my kitchen. I love the design of this rug and the colors! I personally would prefer a straight edge but it's fine. I washed the runner in the laundry with no issues. It's easy to vacuum and doesn't get sucked up constantly. It's soft and thin, but that's fine for the price. I love them, and I hope they make more designs!" — Sydney Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in 12 sizes and three colors). 4. A luxe, monkey print two-piece pajama set reviewers compare to the $128 Roller Rabbit version! 👀 That means you can comfortably afford to get it in several colors! Promising review: " So cute and comfy. I was surprised at the excellent quality. The weight is just perfect from spring until fall. I'm naturally normally cold all of the time and it's been chilly in Texas the last couple of weeks and these are fine. So comfortable, I feel like I sleep better." — H Mclemurry Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in women's sizes XXS–XXL and 34 patterns). 5. Elizavecca's Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment — it works just like a hair mask to repair your locks in five minutes flat. The ceramide 3- and collagen-packed formula repairs all types of hair, whether you've got over-processed tresses or 4c hair that's susceptible to dryness. Reviewers even say the $8 product is comparable to Olaplex No. 3! Promising reviews:"I bought this based on a review in a BuzzFeed article. I have long, thick, curly hair and use this maybe once a week. I get a ton of compliments every time, and I absolutely love the way my hair feels afterward. So amazingly soft. I use it in the shower, and usually wash my hair and then towel dry it. I put a small amount in my hair, mostly on the roots. Let it sit while I shave my legs, and then rinse it out and comb through with a wide-tooth comb. I allow my hair to air dry, and bam, amazing hair. This will forever be part of my hair routine now." — m. damocles " THIS STUFF IS AMAZING. Super easy to apply. I have fine, curly hair, and it leaves my hair glossy and soft without weighing it down. Works better than any Moroccan Oil, L'Oréal, or Briogeo product I've used and is wayyyyy cheaper. Gifted a bottle to a friend with very thick, curly hair, and they said it works amazing on them, too. Just do it once a week and you're set!" — Mid-west Get it from Amazon for $7.90. 6. Some Old Navy jelly ballet flats that'll run you just $20 a pop, but passersby may just mistake them for The Row's $1,500 pair. Promising review: "Okay, these flats are honestly so comfortable and feel super high-quality!!! I was looking for an alternative to The Row and these totally exceeded my expectations!!!!! Definitely recommend. I am a size 9, and ordered a 9. They do seem to run about a half size large, but I think because the jelly material will not stretch, it is better to have them be too loose than too tight! I would say if you are between sizes, order two pairs and keep the size that you feel is more comfortable." — anonymous Get them from Old Navy for $19.99 (available in women's sizes 6–11 and in four colors). 7. MagicMinerals AirBrush Foundation — a worthy alternative to Dior's (discontinued 🪦) Airflash. This two-piece airbrush foundation and kabuki brush delivers a lightweight, buildable, flawless finish. Reviewers say a little goes a long way, too, so you don't have to worry about the spray-on formula going too fast. Jerome Alexander is a small business that specializes in airbrush cosmetic products. And here's what BuzzFeeder Emma Lord has to say: "HELLO — I found this through a recommendation on a Reddit beauty forum for people in their 30s, and I am OBSESSED. I am not very skilled with makeup and was intimidated by the brush factor, but it's nearly foolproof. This foundation straight-up glosses over my pores and redness and makes my skin look so even-toned and natural that it doesn't look like I used much foundation at all. It's a bit price-y compared to brands I used in the past, but I'm still on my first bottle of it, and it's been three full months. I hope this never stops getting made. It is so lightweight and lovely and has made my makeup routine feel like a TREAT." Promising review: "Bought this because I saw it on TikTok, and it did not disappoint. I love the lightweight feel of it and how easy it is to build." — Smickens Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in 12 shades). 8. A stretchy bodycon pencil dress that'll basically feel like a second skin. Some reviewers say they were considering splurging on the Skims version until they tried this and loved it just as much! Reviewers agree that if you want it fitted, size down. Promising reviews: "I saw this girl wearing this exact style of dress with a Skims tag on the back, and honestly, it made me so grateful that I purchased this dress instead. It looks exactly like the Skims version, and I could be biased, but the material of this dress looked better than the Skims one. If you want it to be a little snug, I would definitely recommend sizing down one size from your normal size. So freaking comfortable and made out of thick material." — Kaitlyn " I have the Skims dress in black and wanted to look for a cheaper version, but read reviews and some said that it is a bit looser than expected. I would agree that the small is a bit loose. If you want a snatched look definitely get a size smaller as it is very stretchy. I'm 5' tall so this is a bit long on me, even when I wear heels. In comparison to the Skims, the material is smoother while Skims has a ribbed texture. You honestly can't tell the difference. Good bang for your buck if you ask me!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in women's sizes XXS–XL and seven colors). 9. A pair of stylish teardrop earrings if you want the luxe look of Bottega Veneta but don't want to drop the equivalent of a month's rent on them — especially with how often you misplace things. Promising review:"These are AMAZING! I highly recommend them. They look so luxurious and expensive. I've gotten a lot of compliments on them already. 10/10!" — Hayley Ghormley Get them from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 11 finishes, two-packs, and an XL size). 10. L'Oreal True Match Lumi Glotion — it delivers a sun-kissed, natural glow comparable to Drunk Elephant's bronzing drops *and* you don't even have to spend any time in the sun to achieve it. Promising reviews: "I used this with my Olay Regenerist Cream (it helps with my wrinkles). I mixed it, and it does a great deal of shine! You should buy it if you're looking for a Drunk Elephant Bronzing Drops substitute! Way better than Drunk Elephant." — raegan kuball "I actually like this glowy lotion better than the drunk Elephant one, and I have both. This goes on smoothly and is not greasy. It leaves you very glowy with a beautiful tan and works well with makeup on top if you so wish. Lasting power, too. Recommend." — ggvega Get it from Amazon for $13.98+ (available in five shades and as a two-pack). 11. A three-seat sofa that not only looks like a million bucks (and maybe a bit like RH's Cloud Couch 👀 ) but scores high on the practicality scale, too, with removable cushion covers you can toss in the wash. Oh, and I did I mention it comes in well under $2,000?? Linsy Home I've had this couch for about six months now, and I love it! In fact, I'm sitting on it as I type this rn. 😊 I don't have kids, but I do have two cats who love to shed and make a mess, so I was worried about the white color. Alas, it's been smooth sailing with the aid of a ChomChom roller andddd the cushion covers are removable and machine washable if anything super messy happens. 🙏 As I live in a walk-up apartment, I appreciate that it shipped in a handful of boxes rather than as one piece, so it was easy to get in and assemble. Most importantly, perhaps, it's also super comfy!! For the price, it's definitely a win. Get it from Linsey Home for $1,549.99+ (originally $2,179.99+; available with or without storage and in two colors). 12. Or if you already have a perfectly good sofa, a linen cover if your heart aches for the Cloud Couch but your bank account says it's not worth the overdraft fee. This ~$100 godsend will give you the Coastal Grandmother look you so desire. The Linen Valley is a small, family-run, Lithuania–based biz from Raimonda Mor. They source sustainable linen from local manufacturers and create beautiful collections for your bedroom, bathroom, and dining room! Promising review: "Absolutely gorgeous!!!!! Exactly what I was looking for! The quality is amazing. I will absolutely be buying more!!!" — Jennifer Get it from The Linen Valley on Etsy for $133.04+ (originally $140.95+; available in 5 sizes and 12 colors). 13. A trendy tote bag that looks quite a bit like Longchamp's much, much more expensive Le Pliage. For the price of one of those suckers, you could buy six of these! Promising review: "I absolutely love this bag!! I needed something to use when I'm traveling, especially for when I go to trade shows and meetings. I've always lugged my backpack everywhere and finally got fed up with it on a trip this past week. I also wanted something that was classy looking and had a full zipper. I love the material because it's easy to clean. It looks almost exactly like the Longchamp bag, too, which is the main reason why I got it. I've actually been using it daily by putting my small purse in it and am able to put other things in it as well (small jacket, water bottle, small reusable bag, etc.) It has two inner pockets near the top of the bag. One is zipped, and one isn't. It stays on my shoulder and doesn't slip off, unlike other bags I've had. I'm curious to see how well it holds and for how long, but so far, I'm very impressed and very happy with the quality!" — Kelsey Get it from Amazon for $26.99 (available in four colors). 14. A pair of lightweight legging-style joggers reviewers say are comparable to Lululemon Align Joggers — but for less than 30 bucks, so you can girl math two more Pilates classes into your weekly budget! Promising review: "These are literally the best leggings/joggers I have ever owned, and I plan to eventually buy every single color. I originally saw these on TikTok and heard they were like the Lululemon ones but cheaper. I've never owned Lululemon leggings, but if they feel anything like these, then I have clearly been missing out. These are soft and absolutely perfect. I love the pockets and jogger style and that they fit like leggings and can be worn to the gym or dressed up with a cute outfit. I need to buy every color of these before they're gone!" — Courtney Get it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–3XL and 22 colors). 15. A Baccarat Rouge 540-inspired moisturizing body wash so you can still take a moment to treat yourself even if you don't have time for an everything shower. Reviewers say the white jasmine, red currant, and sweet amber scent lasts on their skin all day and even delightfully lingers in their bathroom. BuzzFeeder Emma Lord is a fan! Here's what she has to say: "I bought this after being peer-pressured by all the lovely reviews and I'm happy to report it lives up to the hype. The scent is lovely — it has depth with a hint of floral, but it's light and not at all overpowering. My favorite thing about it is how easily it pairs other scents, because I am a body mist gremlin who swaps out her scents every day. The lather is also deeply satisfying and I feel quite refreshed and squeaky clean without ever feeling dry." 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. 16. Some E.l.f. Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray that gets the job done just as well as Milk Makeup's $38 Hydro Grip. With your $28 savings, you can even pick up a new skin tint, blush, or eyebrow pencil to keep it company in your makeup bag. Promising review: "I use this not just to set my makeup but also to dampen my makeup sponge. I think it has made a huge difference in how my makeup looks and how much smoother it applies. It is just as good, if not better (feels less sticky), than the similar more expensive Milk Makeup one." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $10. 17. A Simple Modern tumbler if you're looking for an option that will keep your drink cold for more than 10 hours straight and, tbh, you don't really care about the name brand. 🤷♀️ It also comes in a bunch of pretty pastels and checkerboard prints, sooo it's really a no-brainer. Many reviewers said they find themselves drinking more water when they have a straw, and the fact that it's so dang cute doesn't hurt either! BuzzFeed Shopping editor Jenae Sitzes says, "I finally decided to hop on board the hype train for these big tumblers and am already obsessed with my Simple Modern one! I opted for the mint green color and it's as pretty as I'd hoped in person. The fact that this has both a straw and a handle means I end up carrying it around with me and drinking WAY more water than I did before. BTW! I highly recommend getting straw covers to protect against dust and germs — as pictured above, I got cute cloud ones (like these), and they work perfectly!" Promising review: "If you have been wanting a Stanley cup, believe me, save yourself some money and get this cup! You will end up with a better cup than the Stanley! I have dropped/tipped over this cup a couple of times and only a couple of drops of water come out. If I did that to my Stanley, water got everywhere! And this cup keeps the water so cold. And if you purchase silicone straw toppers, it keeps the water even colder! Also, it fits in my car cup holder, and my Stanley really didn't. Love this cup!" — Amazon Customer 18. Nyx Fat Oil Lip Drip — a TikTok-approved Dior alternative that delivers the perfect pout for under 10 bucks! It can be worn alone for a subtle look or layered over other lip products for a full glam moment. Promising review: "I have Fenty Cherry Treat, a lip oil from Dior, and several other brands that were $20 or more…and the Nyx Fat Oil is better! Same consistency as the others, but a little more color, which is a good thing. About as long-lasting as any other thick lipgloss. It's always awesome to find a less expensive [option] for the high-end products I like." — Jennifer Get it from Amazon for $8.97+ (available in 14 shades). 19. LivaClean Superstar pimple patches if you love the look of Starface patches, but can't stomach throwing even more money at your acne. Paying for clear skin is just the worst, isn't it?? LivaClean is a small biz! 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 as well as multipacks). 20. Some afforable Eos Shea Butter Vanilla Cashmere body lotion that TikTokers are tripping over themselves to get as they swear it moisturizes and smells as good as much more expensive options from brands like Philosophy and Bath & Body Works. Promising reviews: "I first saw this lotion on TikTok; an influencer was bragging about it! Let me tell you, she did not lie. This lotion is the BEST. It smells fantastic. A cross between cotton candy and vanilla, it's just so fresh. It makes my skin smooth all day. This large bottle will last me a couple of months. Thank you, Eos, for such a fantastic lotion. 💙" — Erin " Very similar to my Burberry fragrance, and they layer beautifully. I always get tons of compliments on the scent. I also purchase the jasmine and berry for a more fruity option but to me it just smells like regular lotion. Cost per use is well worth it considering how thick the lotion is. It also actually moisturizes while leaving a fragrance behind instead of drying my skin out due to the perfume. I have sensitive skin and have had no adverse reactions." — Violet Frahm Get it from Amazon for $8.98 (available in various scents and two-packs). 21. A tube of E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter — a $14 alternative to Charlotte Tilbury's Hollywood Flawless Filter — with a hyaluronic acid- and squalane-infused formula that beautifully blurs pores and leaves you dewy and radiant. It's formulated with hyaluronic acid and squalene for a boost of hydration! Promising reviews: "This stuff is so legit I've gone through three bottles. Adds the perfect glow to your skin! Sometimes I use it under foundation and sometimes I use it solo with a bit of concealer. I will never not repurchase it for the price and how beautifully it sits on the skin. This stuff is viral for a reason!!" — mapagill "If you like Charlotte Tilbury's Flawless Filter, this is leaps and bounds better! Just buy it. The coverage is better, [it] makes my skin have the most amazing natural glow! The colors run with a more warm/yellow undertone which worked great for me! Spend a fraction of the price and just get it, you will be happy you did!" — Amazonreview Get it from Amazon for $14 (available in 12 shades). 22. A faux-leather bag that can straight up pass for Polène's Cyme. Despite its low price point, reviewers say the quality and detail — from the stitching to the hardware — is there. 👏 Promising review: "I bought this bag looking for something similar to 'that one brand' that was affordable. This bag is absolutely gorgeous and looks identical. When I opened the box, it smelt a bit weird, but I took a leather cleaner/conditioner to the bag with a microfiber cloth, and it no longer smelt, and she looked nice and shiny. It took me a while to figure out how to organize my things as it is a unique shape, but once it was organized, I loved it." — lisa keegan Get it from Amazon for $48.99+ (available in nine colors and two sizes). 23. A trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks for just $10 (!!) if you've been hesitant to drop $$$ on a singular Laneige lip mask. For reference, the Laneige lip mask contains 20 grams of product, while each of these measures 5 grams, or 15 grams for the entire set. So even with product sizes taken into account, these are a much better deal! Promising review: "It's been four months since ordering this, and it's now part of my nightly routine. I can't go to bed before putting this on. I highly recommend this! And it's worth it to get the three-pack. The flavors are not overly sweet, and I think my favorite is the berry. I like it more than the Laneige night lip mask. For me, Laneige absorbs pretty quickly, and in the morning, I feel like my lips are dry again. With these, my still lips feel moisturized in the morning. It has a thicker consistency. I used to get dry/peeling lips pretty often as I'm outdoors/in the ocean a lot. However, since incorporating this into my routine, I haven't had peeling lips in a long time. Loooove these!" — Angela Get it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in four combos). 24. A popular checkerboard throw blanket that's garnered comparisons to Barefoot Dreams' much more expensive option. Since you're saving so much, you might as well buy one for your couch, one for your bed, one for your guest bed... Promising review: "This blanket beats others because it is softer (a buttery and fluffy feeling), it is long enough for a 5'10" tall person, it is not too light and not too heavy (works year-round in Virginia), and it has a stretch to the material that I haven't experienced with other soft blankets. The design is just so-so, but the colors are nice, and the price is right. If they updated the designs with more colors, patterns, then these would be absolutely perfect. I like this as much as my much more expensive Barefoot Dreams blanket and Williams Sonoma faux-fur blanket." — JH Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in six colors and three sizes). 25. A sunrise alarm clock reviewers say is super comparable to Hatch's as it offers seven nature sounds and slowly wakes you up over the course of 30 minutes by mimicking a sunrise. It comes with seven nature-inspired wakeup sounds, plus an FM/AM radio. And there are eight colorful nightlight options as well! Promising review: "I really needed another reliable alarm in the morning besides my cell phone (because I'm notorious for hitting snooze), and this clock is exactly what I was looking for! I love that it slowly brightens as it gets closer to your alarm time because I feel less startled when my alarm goes off. This is super similar to the famous Hatch alarm clock and at a much cheaper price. Would definitely purchase again and again! Saves my morning" — Skylar Faul Get it from Amazon for $29.99. 26. A CZ tennis bracelet that — according to reviewers — can pass for real-deal diamonds, especially when incorporated in a sparkly stack. BuzzFeed writer Emma Lord is a big fan of this brand! Here is what she has to say about their pieces: " For what it's worth, Pavoi — the company behind this piece — has gone TikTok viral time and time again for its classic, modern, and expensive-looking pieces. I personally own almost all my 'daily wear' jewelry from Pavoi and swear by it. Everything is so easy to accessorize and makes my outfits look and feel so much more put together, and the pieces are so durable that they're easily worth twice what I paid. Check out the rest of Pavoi's lin e of jewelry for more options, including earrings, bracelets, and anklets!" Promising reviews: "Soooo pretty. It's 100% a Swarovski [alternative] for so cheap. Looks exactly like the photo, and I wear it every day." — Trysten Walters "I just lost my very real gold tennis bracelet. I've heard good things about this company and decided to order one that looked like the one I lost. It just came in, and it looks as nice as my real one. I don't know how it will do as time goes, but for $19, it's a great buy." — Alina Get it from Amazon for $17.95+ (available in three lengths, 14-karat gold-plated or 18-karat gold vermeil, in yellow, rose, or white gold, and in packs of two). 27. A cherry bag charm if you're currently 'Jane Birkinifying' all of your bags — aka accessorizing your accessories — and fell in love with a particular $95 charm that's taken TikTok by storm. You can see a similar one on TikTok! Promising review: "I was really debating buying the $95 one but figured I spent enough on the bag, so I decided to just get a replica for the cherry. I'm so glad I did! It looks almost exactly like it except for the slight change in hardware color. The quality seems great, and it looks sturdy. I love it! It really gives the bag an extra nice touch." — Oriana Pineda Get it from Amazon for $12.98. 28. A beaded shoulder bag you'll immediately treat as well as your firstborn child so it stays in the best condition imaginable. It's v similar to options from Staud if you love the look but simply can't afford the brand! Promising review: "Obsessed with this purse! And a reasonably priced option for such a popular bag trend right now. Good size to fit essentials like phone/wallet." — Jacscott15 Get it from Anthropologie for $98 (available in nine styles). 29. And a sophisticated laptop tote bag that looks a whole lot like one from Beis but for a fraction of the price. 👀 It'll fit your laptop, your wallet, your snackies, and more, so you don't have to schlep several bags to the office. Promising review: " This bag looks just like the Beis one — definitely a great alternative! It fits my 16-inch laptop perfectly and has plenty of room for all my other essentials. The size is ideal, and it has a sleek, elegant, and professional look. I love how functional and stylish it is. It's also waterproof, which is a huge plus. Overall, it's a great value for the price!" — berenice urena Get it from Amazon for $32.89 (available in 10 styles). 30. An Amazon Basics 6-quart Dutch oven people compare to budget-busting versions from Le Creuset, Staub, and Lodge. Cutting costs here means you can invest more in ingredients! Promising review:" Le Creuset? Don't know her. I have always wanted one of these enamel-covered cast iron beauties, but even from the outlet stores, they were expensive. I saw this guy after finding a stew recipe that went from stove to oven, and I got it. I am DELIGHTED with this purchase! I've cooked in it several times, including a chili recipe tonight that had to reduce by half. It left a ridiculous ring on the inside, and that sucker wiped right out. I haven't burned or scorched any of my foods and it's pretty, too!" — HerRoyalHighness Get it from Amazon for $43.84+ (available in three sizes and 10 colors). 31. Suede clogs 👀 that'll only run you $40 if budget is a concern but you wanna be on-trend. Reviewers say that just like more expensive Birkenstock options, they even mold to your feet the more you wear them. Promising review:"I love these! I was hoping they could compare for the Birkenstock brand, and I'm so glad they can! I debated whether to purchase these, but when they arrived, I was pleasantly surprised. They look and feel just like my Birkenstocks for a fraction of the price. I will definitely be buying them in the other colors. Their fit is accurate as well. I wear a size 10, and ordered a size 10. I have about 1/2 inch of the shoe behind my heel. I would say they are a perfect fit!" — Alicia Lewis Get them from Amazon for $39.98+ (available in women's sizes 5.5–14 and in eight colors). 32. The Gym People's pullover fleece sweatshirt if you like the look of Lululemon's oversized scuba hoodies but can't bear to throw down $118 on an item you'll likely stain on your second wear. Promising review: " This sweatshirt looks just like Lululemon. I love the oversized look. The quality of material is amazing. It is thick and soft and very comfortable. I also really like the gold zipper, it helps give it a higher-quality look. Will definitely be buying more in other colors." — K. Becker Get it from Amazon $38.99 (available in women's sizes XS—XL and in 13 colors). 33. A dazzling cubic zirconia ring that looks *just* like the one you've seen on the hand of many a celeb and influencer — but for $10. Just keep it away from water (and maybe don't wear it to Solidcore classes if you sweat a lot), and you'll get your money's worth. Promising review: "The perfect non-name-brand ring you can find honestly. I wasn't looking for a Cartier knock-off when I found this ring, but I have had people ask me if it's the real deal. I honestly love this ring though, the sizing was accurate, it is weighted well, none of the 'diamonds' have fallen off, and it hasn't tarnished! I've worn it daily for almost a year now and it has held up well. It has some very small scratches on it, but that's typical of most rings. For the price, I am super happy with this ring and I honestly can't believe how well it has handled everything I've put it through." — Eva Richterkessing Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in sizes 5–12, three finishes, and two styles). 34. A Briotech spray reviewers compare to Tower 28's SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray. Similar to its pricier counterpart, the mist employs hypochlorous acid to fight off irritants and target all sorts of skin woes from acne and rosacea to eczema and dermatitis. BTW, people also love this for helping heal piercings. (Note: This product has newer packaging that you might receive instead of the older bottle shown above!) Promising review: "This spray is amazing. I had a rash on my face, and it disappeared after one use of this spray. I had a stye in my eye, and the skin around the eye was irritated. This spray fixed not only the irritation but the stye went away as well. Any sort of blemish or acne is taken care of with this simple, inexpensive spray. Great for after-sun care or workout redness. Everyone loves Tower 28's expensive SOS spray. The SOS spray contains hypochlorous acid, which is the exact same ingredient in the Briotech spray for much less money. It's a miracle worker." — Squid466 Get it from Amazon for $9.99. 35. A high-neck cropped tank that reviewers swear by as it offers loads of support (seriously... one reviewer with G cups says they don't even have to wear a bra!), isn't see-through, and its quality is on par with much more expensive options from Athleta and Lululemon. Promising review: "Exact alternative to Lululemon, Athleta, and Alo. The quality, price, and material are exceptional. If you're debating this purchase, just buy it — you won't regret it." — Brittani Get it from Amazon for $17.07+ (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and in 29 colors). 36. Slingback heels for anyone leaning into their timeless French fashion era. What can I say? The French know what they're doing and these Chanel-inspired heels are a no-brainer. Promising review:"Love these sandals. I bought them for a black and beige dress, thinking I'd be limited to only those matching colors. After receiving and trying them on — they looked perfect with jeans, too! My feet are not narrow but not wide either. The fit is perfect on my size 8 feet, which are usually in sneakers. Dressing up in these sandals will present a [high-end] vibe and be comfortable, too!! I love the look it gives my feet! Dress it up, dress it down, and easy wearing — my go-to sandals now!!" — shinyliberty Get it from Amazon for $49.99 (available in women's sizes 5–12 and in six colors). 37. A colorful pan from BuzzFeed's Goodful line — it's not just cute, but has the ability to kick all of your other dented and scratched pots to the curb as it can pan fry, sauté, sear, boil, simmer, blanche, braise, poach, deep fry, stew... and more but I'll stop myself there. Promising review: "I'm obsessed with this pan. I previously owned an Always Pan which retails for $150 and this pan is way better! The Always Pan didn't last at all and I've been using this one daily and it's still just as nonstick as when I bought it. I also love that it's lightweight compared to other pans I've used. The colors are so pretty, too! I'm buying a second one for my RV :)" — Donna Irene Get it from Amazon for $49.99 (available in eight colors). 38. And a set of amber glass soap dispensers that look a whole lot like the ones from Aesop, but won't run you over $40 a pop. Fill 'em with your products of choice and get ready for loads of compliments for guests! Promising review: "Exactly what I was looking for! Love this amber glass soap dispenser! It adds a classy touch to my bathroom and works like a charm. Smooth pump action, easy to refill, and eco-friendly. Highly recommend!" — Emily Get a 2-pack from Amazon for $14.99 (available in nine colors). Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Buzz Feed
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
57 Budget-Friendly Versions Of The Things You've Been Eyeing But Your Wallet Has Said 'No'
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. Shopping · Now you won't need a line item in your monthly budget for the Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick vibe. 1. $20 Old Navy jellies that'll look a whole lot like the $800+ The Row's Mara netted flats to help your old dogs breathe a bit while you work toward being able to actually afford the Olsen Twins' stylish creations. (I just ordered these for myself and they're comfy and they look $$$$ in person!) Get them from Old Navy for $19.99 (available in sizes 6–11 and five colors). 2. Or some Nortiv 8 walking shoes with the pillowy comfort and bold color combos of Hokas on the cheap, so you can splurge a little bit on that boutique boxing class this week instead of shelling out more for the name-brand shoes. Promising reviews: " Like a cloud ☁️ These are the most comfortable shoes I have worn; it feels like a pillow hugging your foot. The same day they were delivered, I ordered another pair in a different color. I'm a healthcare worker and these are perfect for standing and being on your feet a lot. Walking feels very smooth and low impact. I never leave reviews on anything, but these are amazing." — Ian Durham "As someone who owns a pair of Hokas, I think these are better. I have plantar fasciitis and work in a hospital. Believe me when I say this I HAVE ZERO FOOT PAIN when I'm wearing these! For half the price and comfort I will 100% recommend these to anyone." — Jennifer Emilien Get it from Amazon for $69.99 (available in sizes 6–11 and seven colors). 3. A tinted lip balm you'd SWEAR is Clinique's $25 "Almost Lipstick" Black Honey for the lovely, sophisticated hue it'll turn your lips. This is great for people who 1) always want a little lip color, 2) hate a sticky feel, and 3) love a bargain. My colleague Emma Lord (who's a fan of the original) has and loves this: "I bought this because I crave that Black Honey and will buy it until the day I die, but I am always paranoid of losing it, so I almost never let it leave my bag. I have tried probably five or six "almost" versions of Black Honey that came close, but this one genuinely spooked me. It has the same easy glide, same buildability, and the same refreshingly hydrating effect. It was a two-pack so I gave one to my BFF, another Black Honey fan, who also could not detect the difference!" Promising review: "Better than Clinique! I bought this one on a whim but never liked the real Black Honey Almost Lipstick by Clinique, since it tends to run red on me. This shade, in my opinion, is exactly what Black Honey SHOULD be, as it looks more like Black Honey in pictures. For the price, it can't be beat, so I'm buying more." — HAC Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (also available in the pink honey version, and in a two-pack that mixes both!). 4. Gold Bond's firming neck and chest cream to *gently* hydrate, exfoliate, and tighten the skin that's more sensitive than the rest of your body but less sensitive than the skin on your face. This makes for a lovely, quite effective in-between formula packed with aloe, salicylic acid, and jojoba oil in a formula that reviewers say works just as well as much pricier creams. Promising review: "I am a lotion user every single day. I use face moisturizers that I love. I am over the moon by how good this is. I mainly use it on my neck, hands and forearms. The difference is amazing. My skin actually feels so good. I wish I could but larger containers of it." — Kimberly P. "No need to spend $$ on those expensive products that take months to see results. This works in two weeks, and you will definitely see results! Use twice a day and watch it work!" — Dawn Ely Get it from Amazon for $11.97. 5. A ribbed button-up tank that'll give you the same vibes as an Abercrombie & Fitch one for half the price. So you could double ya' want. Maybe this is what they always meant when they said transitioning your look from office to happy hour? Amazon Promising review:"So cute, love it! Functional buttons all the way down. Light ribbed fabric and the style is darling!" — Megan Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in women's sizes S–XL and nine colors). 6. A cutesy juice glass that'll run you $6 less a pop than the iconic Anthro icon juice glasses. Once you start collecting 'em, you may not want to stop! Get it from World Market for $9.99 each (available in six styles). And if you like the style, it's also available in a wineglass, stemless wineglass, bowl, pitcher, tealight candle holder, and olive-specific martini glass. 7. A Lululemon-inspired tennis skirt with built-in shorts and a secret inner pocket because are you even living your best summer life if you're not claw-handing your iced coffee and phone in one hand while you wildly gesticulate as you tell your friend a story on a neighborhood walk? No need to worry about a strong breeze. BTW, the shorts have four-way stretch so they won't ride up on you. Promising review: "I wear this going on walks or elevating an outfit to run errands. The side pocket is perfect to fit my phone or wallet. Very comfortable, especially in the spring/summer! Packs well for trips. It's a staple in my closet. Great quality for the price." — Jamie Get it from Amazon for $29 (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and 20 colors). 8. A "Soft" perfume rollerball that's definitely made an appearance or five in your FYP scroll. It's only $5 and smells totally delightful (it gets compared to sweet treats like waffle cones). BUT! That's not the only reason to love it. It reminds reviewers of the $65 bottle of Pink Sugar 👀 and layers like a dream. Promising review: "If you love vanilla scents with a splash of sweet chocolate and marshmallow, this is it! First time trying, and I'm in love. Long-lasting. Might last longer than the spray. Definitely WILL buy again and again and again." — H.G. Get it from Amazon for $4.50 (available in two styles). 9. Or a Creamy Coconut fragrance rollerball to have everyone assuming you paid full price for the $25 Sol de Janeiro fragrance. Even if your immediate plans don't entail sitting on a beach and drinking out of an actual coconut, you can still catch a whiff of the island vibe with this sweet scent. Kuumba Made is a small business that's TikTok–famous and specializes in luxury scents at affordable price points. Promising review: "AYOOOO this is perfect, literally smells exactly like that Sol de Janeiro spray #71 — the perfect beachy, vanilla, and coconut mix, I'm obsessedddd!! I put it on to test on my skin and hours later, it smells like I JUST applied it!" — Isabella Jimenez Get it from Amazon for $9.94 (available in six scents and three sizes). 10. An Anthro-leaning reversible quilted throw blanket in a ton of charming prints for a bedroom refresh that'll brighten things up and leave a little more room in your budget for, perhaps, a fun throw pillow?! Amazon, Promising review: "Wow wow wow!!! 🤩 This blanket is so soft and the colors and image is so vibrant! The material is great. Lightweight but also snuggly weighted, I don't know how to describe it. I almost bought the one from Anthropologie, but this is exactly like it way less price! I think I'll be gifting a few of these because they are so nice!" — Amy Get it from Amazon for $42.99 (available in 14 styles). 11. Essence's Drop of Sunshine Bronzing Drops will help you fake that you spent the weekend taking in the sunshine instead of sick and holed up on your couch catching up on all the horror movies you've been meaning to watch. And at $33 cheaper than the Drunk Elephant version, you might just go ahead and invest in a second or third bottle now. Reviewers say it's super hydrating and buildable! Amazon Promising review:"I love this so I ordered a second for backup! Depending on my day I will add no more than one or two drops to my moisturizer or my primer. Takes away the winter pallor of my face which definitely has not had enough sun lately. The bottle is small, but you don't need to use much. Reasonably priced for the amount. I would say buy it." — Incognito Get it from Amazon for $5.99. 12. An spaghetti strap sundress with built-in shorts (maybe "built-in shorts" is the 2025 summer mantra?) so you can reap all the benefits of a cooling sundress in the heat without having a Marilyn Monroe moment. (Reviewers say it's waaaay cheaper than one you can find at the mall.) Promising review:"Love this piece! Super comfortable and soft! Color was spot on! Love the fit and it has pockets. 🙌 Not too thin or thick! Material is just right. Washed and dried and it didn't shrink!" — Jocelyn Lamley Get it from Amazon for $26.98+ (available in women's sizes XS–XL and 20 colors). 13. A pair of pilot shield sunglasses for a very close look to the $699 Bottega Veneta pair. If you're on TikTok you've probably already seen these bad boys and thought about taking the plunge. It's a mere $14.99 plunge so, eh, might as well. Amazon Promising review:"TikTok made me buy these!! One video did it for me and I RAN to Amazon. And yes, I bought ALLL the colors. They fit like a dream and are good quality. People that know their sunglasses thought these were the REAL THING! For the price, these are made EXTREMELY well and look hecka expensive. Get all the colors so you can wear them for every season." — Santana Davis Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in 10 tints). 14. Or some oversize square sunnies if you've been admiring the Bottega Veneta version but have such a horrible track record with keeping sunglasses in fighting shape that you can't in good conscience spend hundreds on a pair. Promising review:"Love these so so much. I wanted the chic Bottega Veneta designer pair, but these look exactly like those for less than $20. Deal of the century. They are comfortable and extremely well made and I seriously can't get over the price. I'm thinking about buying another color because I love them so much." — Kam Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in 14 lens colors). 15. A CZ tennis bracelet with tons of reviewers who say it can pass as actual diamonds. Listen, you want a glamorous stack but you don't have to choose between that and a long weekend at a beach resort. BuzzFeed writer Emma Lord is a big fan of this brand! Here is what she has to say about their pieces: " For what it's worth, Pavoi — the company behind this piece — has gone TikTok viral time and time again for its classic, modern, and expensive-looking pieces. I personally own almost all my 'daily wear' jewelry from Pavoi and swear by it. Everything is so easy to accessorize and makes my outfits look and feel so much more put together, and the pieces are so durable that they're easily worth twice what I paid. Check out the rest of Pavoi's lin e of jewelry for more options, including earrings, bracelets, and anklets!" Promising reviews: "Soooo pretty. It's 100% a Swarovski [alternative] for so cheap. Looks exactly like the photo, and I wear it every day." — Trysten Walters "I just lost my very real gold tennis bracelet. I've heard good things about this company and decided to order one that looked like the one I lost. It just came in, and it looks as nice as my real one. I don't know how it will do as time goes, but for $19, it's a great buy." — Alina Get it from Amazon for $17.95+ (available in three lengths, 14-karat gold-plated or 18-karat gold vermeil, in yellow, rose, or white gold, and in packs of two). 16. Or, go all out with a set of golden bracelets to help build up your wrist stack 'til you can throw your money at some real-deal Cartier ones with price tags that'll make you gasp. If you're wondering *how* these compare, the one on the left is similar to a diamond tennis bracelet (which you can nab from TONS of places), and the middle and right-hand ones bear a striking resemeblance to Cartier's $8,000 "Juste Un Clou" and the $6,000 "Love Bracelet." Promising review: "I absolutely love this bracelet set! The pieces are delicate yet sturdy, and they can be worn together or separately for different looks. The design is simple but elegant, making it perfect for both casual and formal occasions. They're also really comfortable to wear all day. Definitely worth the price!" — Brandy Gay Get a set of three from Amazon for $18.99 (also available in sets of two). 17. An intoxicating Baccarat Rouge 540–inspired Cremo Body Wash will help you smell luxe without blowing your whole beauty budget for the month. It has a blend of white jasmine, red currant, and sweet amber that reviewers say stacks up to the real deal and sticks with them throughout the day. 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 "I love how this body wash smells and how soft it left my skin! I will be buying again :)." — vivian Get it from Amazon for $9.99. 18. E.l.f. Lash Xtndr Tubing Mascara if you've tried pricier versions but have shied away from rebuying because of $$$. Seriously, just try this! It's so good that I'm currently on my THIRD tube. Check out a TikTok of the E.l.f. tubing mascara in action. I can confirm that it STAYS put on my lashes until I want it gone. (Even the best of waterproof mascaras make me look like a raccoon after a few hours.) Then, it's super easy to remove the "tubes" with a few gentle swipes. I'll be buying this stuff again and as long as they make it. Here's Emma Lord 's review that convinced me: "I am not a new human to the tubing mascara game, and in fact 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). 19. Good Molecules Pineapple Exfoliating Powder made with natural rice starches and pineapple, kiwi, and papaya extracts that'll foam up and *gently* polish skin, giving you similar results to the $68 Dermalogica version. You can use it up to four times a week to see (and feel) the benefits without harsh scrubs or panicking a little bit at your Ulta total. Amazon Good Molecules is a small business that specializes in affordable skincare products. To use the powder, mix a teaspoon with a few drops of water until it foams, then massage in gentle circles on your face before rinsing. Promising review: "This is the best thing since sliced bread. I am on bottle number three. My face routine is forever changed. I pray they never raise their prices. This is akin to Dermoligica, but like half the price. Get it, don't hesitate." — Chris Get it from Amazon for $16. 20. Plus, Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel. Reviewers swear that this works just as well as $$$ eye creams at minimizing puffiness and swelling thanks to a powerhouse duo of caffeine and hyaluronic acid. Promising review:"I never write reviews, but this eye cream has made a difference on my under eyes! I've only been using it for a week and I would definitely recommend it. I've bought several eye creams (expensive brands) and never noticed a difference as fast as I've seen using this product." — Natalie Get it from Amazon for $5.99. 21. Some sharp- looking pointed-toe flats with similar comfy, machine-washable features to pricier Rothy's or Vivaia flats. You'll be glad you packed these to get you from Notre-Dame to the Eiffel Towel on a long but gorgeous scenic view! And when you get home, you can toss 'em in the wash to look like new for your next adventure! Promising reviews: "I have several pairs of Rothy's in a very similar style to these, and they are actually just as comfortable right out of the box as Rothy's…maybe more so. I also purchased in black. LOVE THEM!!" — Amazon Customer "I couldn't be happier with these flats! As a result of them dropping in price, I purchased four pairs in varying colors to wear with jeans and sweaters. Not only do they look cute, but they are also decently padded and comfortable. I have been buying Vivaia flats for over $100 and these look just as good and are more comfortable to wear." — PSK Get it from Amazon for $32.99 (available in women's sizes 6–10 and 14 colors and patterns). 22. A beaded shoulder bag in case you've added a similar Staud one to cart about a million times but haven't been able to checkout just yet. The brand's beaded bags became instant classics but you can get a little splurgey at Anthro without having to completely upend your monthly budget on a (gorgeous) $295 bag. You could get three of these at that price (if you wanted). Anthropologie Promising review: "Obsessed with this purse! And a reasonably priced option for such a popular bag trend right now. Good size to fit essentials like phone/wallet." — Jacscott15 Get it from Anthropologie for $98 (available in 10 styles). 23. A set of wrist and ankle weights will feel like an extra fun accessory after you look up how the pricing ($22-ish) compares to similar Bala Bangles ($50-ish). Slip on these before you take a stroll with a pal to get in your steps. Just be prepared for the onslaught of compliments by passersby. The weights are covered with a sweatproof, skin-friendly silicone layer that's comfortable, and the adjustable elastic band helps you get the right fit. You can even remove weights as well if needed! Promising review: "I love these! So great for yoga or mat Pilates. I like that they are 2 pounds each, which is the perfect weight, and you can even take off weight as well. I use them every week for my workouts. Very durable band as well!" — Robyn Get a pair from Amazon for $22.79+ (available in two sizes and 14 colors). 24. Mise En Scene Perfect Serum, a K-beauty product that's probably come across your radar for its stunning before-and-after results *and* lower price tag than a comparable $46 Gisou hair oil. Locking down a cheap but transformative hair oil will soften the blow of putting off having your split ends snipped off for a few more months. Its seven-oil blend (Moroccan argan, olive, coconut, apricot, Marula, jojoba, and camellia oil) promises to reduce your hair-drying time and provide heat protection up to 450 degrees. Promising review: " Literally, the best hair product you can possibly get that is affordable and doesn't leave your hair greasy — it makes it shiny and super soft. After I get out of the shower when my hair is still damp I put some on my ends and work the rest up into the top of my head. Sometimes I blow my hair dry after I get out of the shower and put it on and then after I blow dry I put it on some more, and it looks absolutely beautiful — no greasy hair here. My hair type is fine and gets oily really fast and yet somehow this product tames it a bit and keeps it looking healthy for days! Will purchase again and again!!!" — Tara Klein Get it from Amazon for $13+ (available in two sizes, a mist style, and four other formulas). 25. Sliick Ingrown Rescue Solution to halt painful (and unsightly) ingrown hairs before you realize they've rudely shown up on your first beach day of the year, no matter how you're DIY-ing hair removal. AND it's half the price of holy grail Tend Skin! Amazon Promising review: " I have terrible ingrown hairs. This product changes the game! I use it every time I get out of the shower, put a little on a cotton pad, and wipe in the waxed area. It brings any ingrown hairs to the surface. Consistency is a key to using this product." — Amanda Hudson "Much cheaper than TendSkin but works exactly the same! Great stuff!" — Dee V Get it from Amazon for $9.66. 26. Oxo's portable Cold Brew Rapid Brewer if you guzzle coffee like it's your main salaried job where you have a corner office in the C-suite. It whips up cold brew in a mere five minutes, which is even better news if you've gotten sticker shock from Aeropress but need something that'll work both at home and on the go. (For the record, some reviewers call it " Aeropress 2.0" because they prefer the Oxo version.) Amazon You can use this to brew hot coffee *and* cold brew by adding coffee grounds to the top portion, tamping it down, letting it steep, and pumping into a carafe full of hot or cold water. Check out a TikTok of the Oxo Rapid Brewer in action. Promising review: "I'm in love with various forms of coffee preparation and I've tried all forms of equipment to make them at home. If asked what I prefer for a quick cappuccino, that's easy. This Oxo Rapid Brewer. I've played with my Aeropress for over two decades, including all the necessary add-ons and doo-dads to get close to what this machine does on the first attempt. Get comfortable with a bag of fresh beans, a quality burr grinder, and friends. Do rounds of blind taste tests. I think you'll agree." — Cynthia Get it from Amazon for $33.93. 27. Self-Tanner for some super-easy-to-apply color that'll develop in an hour. No need to book a (costly) spray tan appointment. (Psst, reviewers who've previously sworn by St. Tropez products have made the switch!) 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!' — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $7.48+ (available in 11 styles). 28. A trendy tote bag that'll give Longchamp Le Pliage vibes for about a sixth of the price. This bag silhouette is SO handy and practical but looks sophisticated, even if you've got some Flamin' Hot Cheetos in there that's your only potluck contribution to your pal's bday picnic. Promising review: "I absolutely love this bag!! I needed something to use when I'm traveling, especially for when I go to trade shows and meetings. I've always lugged my backpack everywhere and finally got fed up with it on a trip this past week. I also wanted something that was classy looking and had a full zipper. I love the material because it's easy to clean. It looks almost exactly like the Longchamp bag, too, which is the main reason why I got it. I've actually been using it daily by putting my small purse in it and am able to put other things in it as well (small jacket, water bottle, small reusable bag, etc.) It has two inner pockets near the top of the bag. One is zipped, and one isn't. It stays on my shoulder and doesn't slip off, unlike other bags I've had. I'm curious to see how well it holds and for how long, but so far, I'm very impressed and very happy with the quality!" — Kelsey Get it from Amazon for $26.99 (available in four colors). 29. A cherry bag charm can add a lil' razzle-dazzle to your plain bag that's just not doing it for you anymore. Just let your work nemesis assume that it's the $95 Coach charm. You can see a similar one on TikTok! Promising review: "I was really debating buying the $95 one but figured I spent enough on the bag, so I decided to just get a replica for the cherry. I'm so glad I did! It looks almost exactly like it except for the slight change in hardware color. The quality seems great, and it looks sturdy. I love it! It really gives the bag an extra nice touch." — Oriana Pineda Get it from Amazon for $12.98. 30. A cute two-piece pajama set in super soft fabric if you LOVE the look of $128 Roller Rabbit PJs but just can't personally justify spending that much money on something you wear to bed, no matter how comfy and cute it might be! Promising review: " So cute and comfy. I was surprised at the excellent quality. The weight is just perfect from spring until fall. I'm naturally normally cold all of the time and it's been chilly in Texas the last couple of weeks and these are fine. So comfortable, I feel like I sleep better." — H Mclemurry Get them from Amazon for $17.69+ (available in women's sizes XXS–XXL and 34 patterns). 31. An Elizavecca hair treatment to give you "rich girl hair" thanks to its collagen and ceramide 3 formula. And it'll take just a few minutes of your time, like as little as five minutes post-shampoo. Because time is money, money is power, and power is pizza. (In case you were curious, lots of reviewers say they prefer it over $$$ Olaplex.) Reviewers with everything from thin, fine hair to 4c curls have reported positive results from this moisturizing formula, which is particularly recommended for folks whose hair is damaged from using hot tools, bleach, and the like. Promising review:"Like many others, I tried this as a replacement for Olaplex. Honestly, Olaplex never had a great effect on my hair and certainly wasn't worth the price. This did an unreal job on my hair!! I was skeptical (tried a little bit first because I was petrified it would burn off my hair and I would end up bald!) but, lo and behold, it was magic! My hair is so strong, silky, and healthy looking after just one use. Plus you can't beat the price! Have already ordered another box. I should also add I have curly/wavy hair that's been colored to a light brown. Buy it!!" — BB Get it from Amazon for $7.60. 33. Plus, a stretchy bodycon pencil dress with heaps of Skims comparisons for the shape and stretch. I'm guessing this is what Morticia Addams would wear to an all-inclusive beach resort. Reviewers agree that if you want it fitted, size down. Promising reviews: "I saw this girl wearing this exact style of dress with a Skims tag on the back, and honestly, it made me so grateful that I purchased this dress instead. It looks exactly like the Skims version, and I could be biased, but the material of this dress looked better than the Skims one. If you want it to be a little snug, I would definitely recommend sizing down one size from your normal size. So freaking comfortable and made out of thick material." — Kaitlyn " I have the Skims dress in black and wanted to look for a cheaper version, but read reviews and some said that it is a bit looser than expected. I would agree that the small is a bit loose. If you want a snatched look definitely get a size smaller as it is very stretchy. I'm 5' tall so this is a bit long on me, even when I wear heels. In comparison to the Skims, the material is smoother while Skims has a ribbed texture. You honestly can't tell the difference. Good bang for your buck if you ask me!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in women's sizes XXS–XL and seven colors). 34. A pair of wireless over-the-ear headphones you'd mistake for AirPods Max if you weren't paying close attention thanks to the similar shape and shade options. These beauts are at a small fraction of the price (I swear, that math is easy) with good noise-blocking, 10 hours of play per charge, a built-in mic for calls, and cushy padding so you can put those extra HUNDREDS you're not spending on AirPods Max for a flight to your college roommate's wedding. Emma Lord/BuzzFeed, iJoy is a small business that specializes in headphones and tech accessories. I own a pair of these, and because I'm vain as heck and need to own all things pink, but I was decently surprised by how well they muffle noise! I feel like these are ideal for people who still want to hear some of the world around them (read: parents, people working in open offices), but still want to listen to their tunes comfortably. The charge on these goes for at least four hours (I haven't tried it beyond that yet), and the Bluetooth connects to my devices super easily. Excellent pair of headphones for the price point. Promising review: "These headphones surprised me. I thought they were not going to be as great because of how cheap they are, but the bass is amazing! The noise cancellation is so good that I can't hear anything. The volume is loud and sound quality is a win, and just how I like it. Very snug and comfy, recommend! Thanks TikTok, lol :)." — Chevelle Revero Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in five colors). 35. Catrice's Magic Shaper Face Cream Palette to help you build out and highlight your face's gorgeous assets for a mere $8 instead of $88 with a similar Makeup Forever palette. Listen, you don't have to spend a bunch of money to LOOK it. And a palette like this is gonna last you a while. Amazon Check out a TikTok of the Magic Shaper Face Cream Palette in action. Promising review:"I love this palette. The blush is so pigmented and so are the bronzers. Good travel size. I am a professional makeup artist who travels weekly and it's easy to throw into my touch up kit for backstage too, as it doesn't take up much room and is very light." — Deja Victoria Seif Get it from Amazon for $8. 36. A baroque-inspired mirror to instantly dress up an entry or hallway. The gilded frame looks equally great hung on a wall or atop a console. And every time you gaze upon your reflection in it, you can think about the dough you saved by opting for this one over the more expensive Anthro version. Promising review: "This mirror is gorgeous and very well-made. It feels heavier than I expected, so I used a 3M Claw to hang it and it's definitely secure. Looks exactly like the picture. I wanted the Anthropologie Primrose mirror but couldn't stomach the price tag, even with deep discounts from their home outlet pop up. This is an excellent alternative, so definitely worth it." — Jillian Coneys Get it from Amazon for $85.89+ (available in 10 sizes and five finishes). 37. An elegant set of square wineglasses that reviewers point out are VERY similar to the pricier ones sold at Crate & Barrel. Whether you're just drinking some water out of them or some actual Prosecco, they'll certainly elevate the moment. Promising review: "We've had four of these glasses for over six months now and finally just added four more to our collection. These glasses are SO CHIC and are very similar to ones sold at Crate & Barrel but are MUCH more durable. Unlike the C&B glasses, you can cheers without feeling like the glasses will break. In fact, they've tipped over in the sink a few times and are still intact. They dry beautifully, sparkle after the dishwasher and we get so many compliments on them. I love them!" — Katie B Get them from Amazon for $28.98 (also available in a set of two). 38. E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter that'll free up a bit of coin if you've been eyeing Charlotte Tilbury's Hollywood Flawless Filter as a glow-getter on a budget. This stuff has hyaluronic acid and squalane to give you that lit-from-within for less than the cost of a pricey chopped salad from that place beside your office. It's formulated with hyaluronic acid and squalene for a boost of hydration! Promising reviews: "This stuff is so legit I've gone through three bottles. Adds the perfect glow to your skin! Sometimes I use it under foundation and sometimes I use it solo with a bit of concealer. I will never not repurchase it for the price and how beautifully it sits on the skin. This stuff is viral for a reason!!" — mapagill "If you like Charlotte Tilbury's Flawless Filter, this is leaps and bounds better! Just buy it. The coverage is better, [it] makes my skin have the most amazing natural glow! The colors run with a more warm/yellow undertone which worked great for me! Spend a fraction of the price and just get it, you will be happy you did!" — Amazonreview Get it from Amazon for $7.84+ (available in 12 shades). 39. A faux-leather bag you'll do a double-take on because it's verrrry similar to Polène's Cyme you've been stalking online and thought, "Welp, I could buy this instead of flying to my college roommate's wedding" before buying that flight. Promising review: "I bought this bag looking for something similar to 'that one brand' that was affordable. This bag is absolutely gorgeous and looks identical. When I opened the box, it smelt a bit weird, but I took a leather cleaner/conditioner to the bag with a microfiber cloth, and it no longer smelt, and she looked nice and shiny. It took me a while to figure out how to organize my things as it is a unique shape, but once it was organized, I loved it." — lisa keegan Get it from Amazon for $48.99+ (available in nine colors and two sizes). 40. Hanes Ultimate ankle socks can pass the comfort test for fans of Aritzia's TNA line. Yes, we're at that age where socks can be luxurious. Promising reviews: "BESTIES, if you don't own these socks yet, buy them NOW! I purchased these over and over again after finding them. They beat every other ankle sock I've tried in comfort, durability, and price! They are the perfect height on my ankles and look great with every shoe or slipper. A NEED!" — Carly Mabli "These are an alternative to the TNA Aritzia socks. They look identical and are very comfy and stylish. I love to pair these with sneakers and Birkenstock Boston clogs. Will order again." — Sabrina Marie Good Get a six-pack from Amazon for $11.99 (available in women's sizes 5–9 or 8–12 and in two colors). 41. A faux-pearl choker that's a dead-ringer for a Vivienne Westwood piece you can easily add to all kinds of outfits that are missing something. Mystery solved. Promising review: "Run Forrest run!! Don't walk!! This is a perfect Vivienne Westwood [alternative]. I bought this when I didn't have enough money for the real one but unless if you do a microscopic closeup of the two, this necklace is the literal perfect [copy] of the original. It feels pretty weighty and doesn't tarnish easily. The size is also perfect and the color matches the real one better than the other ones in the market. The packaging was also super cute and protective." — Ziaaaa Get a two-pack (gold and silver) from Amazon for $13.99 (available in two other styles). 42. Slingback heels to add an air of sophistication to a simple outfit. We're not on a Chanel budget, but that's perfectly fine and normal! These beauts will help you chase that feeling AND turn out to be super versatile so you'll have a pretty low cost per wear. Promising review:"Love these sandals. I bought them for a black and beige dress, thinking I'd be limited to only those matching colors. After receiving and trying them on — they looked perfect with jeans, too! My feet are not narrow but not wide either. The fit is perfect on my size 8 feet, which are usually in sneakers. Dressing up in these sandals will present a [high-end] vibe and be comfortable, too!! I love the look it gives my feet! Dress it up, dress it down, and easy wearing — my go-to sandals now!!" — shinyliberty Get it from Amazon for $49.99 (available in women's sizes 5–12 and in six colors). 43. And while we're chasing that feeling, a quilted leather crossbody purse can scratch a Chanel-ish itch while adding an affordable purse into your wardrobe rotation. Promising review: "I purchased this bag because of the Chanel look, and I've gotten lots of compliments on it. I'm glad I purchased." — Carollpickard Get it from Amazon for $18.99 (available in 17 colors). 44. A glitzy long-sleeve sequin dress in case you marveled at the $765 16Arlington dress Hailey Bieber wore but gasped out loud when you looked at the price. This under-$100 version is just begging to make an appearance in a loud, dark club somewhere in Europe. A few reviewers say the dress fits a bit roomy and that they were able to size down from what they normally wear. Promising reviews: "Hailey Bieber dress [alternative]. I loved the dress; it was perfect and I could adjust it to fit me in the back with the black drawstrings, which are on the front of the dress as well! My hair got stuck to some of the sequins of the dress, though. But overall, love the dress!" — Willy "This dress was surprisingly lovely! Great fit, so comfortable, looked amazing, and the sleeves are so cute. Got tons of compliments. Would recommend!" — Katrina R. Get it from Amazon for $89.99 (available in women's sizes XS–L and in seven colors). 45. A pair of retro-style oval sunglasses your nemesis will mistake for the $400+ Miu Miu ones, which is fine. Let 'em think that and put that extra cash toward whatever else you want. Promising review: "I absolutely love these sunglasses! They suit my face beautifully and elevate any look with their stylish design. The gold details on the sides are such a stunning touch — reminiscent of high-end Miu Miu sunglasses but at a fraction of the cost. They're lightweight, comfortable, and feel durable. I've received so many compliments already. Highly recommend these for anyone looking to add a chic accessory to their collection!" — Arsalan sheikh Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (available in five styles and two packs). 46. A multipurpose blush stick you can try out to create the lovely watercolor blush trend. Y'know what's even lovelier? Paying $7 for this instead of the $18 Pixi Beauty version so you can build and blend color to your heart's content. Promising review: "I bought this and my daughter immediately tried to steal it because she thought it was the real thing. Ha! This is so easy to use and a little goes a long way. This will last for a while. And was a fraction of the price of the brand name." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (available in three shades). 47. A pair of satin block-heeled dress shoes you'd mistake for some Loeffler Randall heels if you didn't buy them yourself! Reviewers also say that the supportive straps mean you can still make all kinds of moves. A wedding dance floor hates to see you coming. Promising review:"I bought these beautiful shoes to wear to my 50th wedding anniversary brunch. They looked really beautiful and elegant. They are really comfortable; I wore them for at least 5–6 hours, and I had no achy feet or tired legs. I'm over 70-years-old, and I'm not in 3-inch heels too often. Also, I saw a designer version of this shoe in a department store, and they were over $250." — Beverly Triplett Get them from Amazon for $35.99 (available in women's sizes 6–11 and in seven colors). 48. A velvet V-neck maxi dress that'd make a perfect bridesmaid dress. Or just a wedding guest dress! You're already paying [redacted] to attend the Nashville bachelorette. We don't need to spend $400 on a dress too. Promising review: "This is [very similar to a] Jenny Yoo dress and it's absolutely perfect. Quality is on par with more expensive brands. Not cheap like I expected. I wore it for family pictures and am keeping it to hopefully wear again because I love it so much!!! Don't spend a couple of hundred dollars on this same style, buy this one!" — KymberlyJanelle Get it from Amazon for $86.98 (available in women's sizes 0–30 and in eight colors). 49. Slip-on mules because you're not allowed to wear sneakers to the office (I'm emailing HR on your behalf) but don't do heels. You'll get all kinds of use out of these comfy alts to the pricier Madewell Gemma mules without having to MAKE yourself wear them enough times just to make yourself feel better about dropping serious dough on them. Promising reviews:" Purchased to test as a [swap] for the Madewell Gemma mule. I absolutely love the shoes! I feel like they will stretch when I wear them a few more times, which my narrow feet can't really afford, but for the price of these compared to Madewell, I'll live with." — Briana Favors "I really love these shoes. I've been eyeing the Madewell Gemma mules for months, but stumbled upon these and decided to take a chance. These are super comfortable and easy to walk in." — Hannah Newsome Get them from Amazon for $36.97 (available in women's sizes 5–12 and five colors). 50. Platform slippers you've eyed on so many other people in public (or, well, the similar but more expensive Ugg Tazz) and want in on the cozy style. Once you slip your feet into the faux-fur shoes, you'll find every which way to wear — even in the sweaty pits of summer. Reviewers recommend going up a half size if you want to wear socks with your shoes. Promising reviews:"The fur-fleece lining is a game changer. It provides a level of coziness that turns these mini boots into a warm hug for your feet. The plush lining extends to the entire interior, ensuring that every step feels like walking on clouds. It's the perfect remedy for chilly days and cold floors." — Amanda Root "These are so cute and perfect! They are comfortable and true to size! I have been sharing the link to these to so many people already!!!! I have returned my Tazz Uggs (not true to size and expensive) and will buy more of these instead!" — Lineth L. Get it from Amazon for $41.98 (available in women's sizes 5–10 and in five colors). 51. Cushionaire slides that'll help satisfy your old dogs' yearning for comfy Birks (there are 1,000+ reviews comparing them) for significantly less. Promising reviews: " Like walking on a cloud. These are the most comfortable sandals I have ever owned. I have plantar fibroma, which makes wearing shoes extremely uncomfortable. These are great, providing arch support and a comfortable walk. My feet stay in place without sliding side to side. The soles don't squeak when walking on polished floors. I bought two colors and, for the price, may add a few more." — S. R. F. "I have six pairs of Birkenstocks and just didn't want to spend that kind of money this time. These sandals are actually more comfortable than my Birkenstocks. They have added padding on the insole. I think they were almost 1/3 of the price. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality." — Amazon Customer Get them from Amazon for $35.99 (available in sizes 5–12, including wide sizes, and 20 styles). 52. E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops made to help plump up (hydrating hibiscus complex and hyaluronic acid) and brighten (niacinamide) your complexion for similar results to the $35 Glow Recipe Watermelon Dew Drops. Reviewers say it works great alone *or* mixed in with foundation. Amazon Promising review: "I've used Glow Recipe's Watermelon Dew Drops, and while I liked the product, I wasn't too fond of the strong scent or the price point. The texture, finish, and feel of this product is pretty much identical, but without the fragrance and at a better value. Smooth, absorbs quickly, works well as a lightweight primer that doesn't pill with makeup, and subtly evens skin tone over time." — K.C. Get it from Amazon for $11.97. 53. A plated ring with just a bit of glitz that'll help you channel the Cartier look without affecting your financial planning goals like the real-deal would. Promising review: "The perfect non-name-brand ring you can find, honestly. I wasn't looking for a Cartier knock-off when I found this ring, but I have had people ask me if it's the real deal. I honestly love this ring though, the sizing was accurate, it is weighted well, none of the 'diamonds' have fallen off, and it hasn't tarnished! I've worn it daily for almost a year now and it has held up well. It has some very small scratches on it, but that's typical of most rings. For the price, I am super happy with this ring and I honestly can't believe how well it has handled everything I've put it through." — Eva Richterkessing Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in sizes 5–12, three finishes, and two styles). 54. Dossier's "Ambery Vanilla" perfume because you thought about shelling out for YSL's Black Opium but your budget said no despite all your other perfume bottles being on empty. Dossier is a small business that specializes in alternative, affordable perfumes — check out the rest of their options on their Amazon storefront! Promising review: "Gorgeous scent! I love perfumes, and I'm super picky. I either love or return. This scent is gorgeous. Smells a bit sweet but not overly sweet, not super vanilla, just a hint of it with sophistication. Very soft and sultry. I applied moisturizer (thin, thin layer of Vaseline) and then sprayed perfume. It stayed on my skin for probably over eight hours. I checked my sweater the next day you could easily smell it on my sweater. Definitely worth the money." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $29+ (available in two sizes). 55. A Briotech spray can help soothe rosacea, eczema, rashes, sunburns, and other skin irritations for when your skin is just not cooperating thanks to hypochlorous acid (it's in your white blood cells and helps soothe inflammation). Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray is also what some call a miracle in a bottle. But Briotech is in a cheaper bottle. Check out a TikTok of the Briotech spray in action. Promising review: "This spray is amazing. I had a rash on my face and it disappeared after one use of this spray. I had a stye in my eye and the skin around the eye was irritated. This spray fixed not only the irritation but the stye went away as well. Any sort of blemish or acne is taken care of with this simple inexpensive spray. Great for after-sun care or workout redness. Everyone loves Tower 28's expensive SOS spray. The SOS spray contains hypochlorous acid, which is the exact same ingredient in the Briotech spray for much less money. It's a miracle worker." — Squid466 Get it from Amazon for $16.49+ (available in four sizes and in multipacks). 56. Some mid-weight sweatpants in case you wanna bring some luxe feel to your couch-rotting. Folks on TikTok compare these to Aritzia's for a fraction of the price. Everyone wear sweats but they don't have to be expensive sweats. Check them out on TikTok here. Promising reviews: "I literally love these. I've had them for six months and wear them almost every day. Still very soft, no pilling or shrinking. Love these." — Peyton "They are really thick and warm. Very, very good quality. The colors are pretty and they are so cozy. Perfect for my chilly house and the pockets are awesome. I love these sweat pants! Order them!!" — T. Jo Get them from Amazon for $33.95 (available in sizes XS–XXL and in six colors; check out the matching zip hoodie here). 57. A half-zip pullover sweatshirt that'll run you far less than Lulu's $118 scuba hoodies. Promising review: "So TikTok made me buy this + seeing it over and over again on the Amazon Best Sellers tab. I finally took the plunge to buy it. I love this jacket so much. It literally is comparable to my $80 Aritzia jacket for so much cheaper! I love how soft it is on the inside! Super fuzzy and warm. I love the collar, it's stylish, and I love to give it a little flip over. The zipper is quality, too! I love the contrast of the black and white. I loved this jacket so much that I came back and bought it in white after buying the apricot color. I would highly recommend it to literally everyone. I bought the same size as my Aritzia jacket, which was a size medium. It fits me perfectly with an oversized look!" — Kate Dumas Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in women's sizes S–XXL and in 24 styles). Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Buzz Feed
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
The Only Thing More Shocking Than How Well These 35 Beauty Products Work Is How Damn Cheap They Are
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. This $10 foolproof gradual self-tanning lotion is maybe the cheapest, easiest beauty hack you'll ever buy on this here internet. 1. A tinted lip balm so close to the same magic as " Black Honey," TikTok's beloved $25 ~universal shade~ from Clinique, that it will genuinely startle you — especially when you see the price. This is a perfect, non-sticky "go-to" lippie that's just a step above the "no makeup makeup" look, giving the perfect subtly polished effect. I bought this because I crave that Black Honey and will buy it until the day I die, but I am always paranoid of losing it, so I almost never let it leave my bag. I have tried probably five or six "almost" versions of Black Honey that came close, but this one genuinely spooked me. It has the same easy glide, same buildability, and the same refreshingly hydrating effect. It was a two-pack so I gave one to my BFF, another Black Honey fan, who also could not detect the difference! Promising review: "Better than Clinique! I bought this one on a whim but never liked the real Black Honey Almost Lipstick by Clinique, since it tends to run red on me. This shade, in my opinion, is exactly what Black Honey SHOULD be, as it looks more like Black Honey in pictures. For the price, it can't be beat, so I'm buying more." — HAC Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (also available in the pink honey version, and in a two-pack that mixes both!). 2. Gold Bond's firming neck and chest cream your skin will be SO happy to soak up — this is formulated with aloe, salicylic acid, and jojoba oil to help hydrate, tighten, and gently exfoliate your skin so effectively that you should be able to see early results in two weeks. Reviewers especially love how affordable this is compared to creams that often cost three times this $12 price tag (or more)! Promising review: "I am a lotion user every single day. I use face moisturizers that I love. I am over the moon by how good this is. I mainly use it on my neck, hands and forearms. The difference is amazing. My skin actually feels so good. I wish I could but larger containers of it." — Kimberly P. Get it from Amazon for $11.97. 3. A delightfully affordable instant foot peeling spray for anyone ready to go full YEEHAW!! on that at-home pedicure. This not only helps gently remove dead skin, but moisturizes dry and cracked heels, so you'll really get some refreshing bang for your buck. Promising review: "This product delivers exactly as promised and is incredibly easy to use. I suffer from dry skin and often apply various products to soften my feet. With this, I simply spray it on and immediately massage it in with my hands. The dead skin comes off effortlessly. There's no waiting time, and it's gentle on the skin. It leaves my feet feeling exceptionally soft. This has quickly become my new favorite thing." — KimT Get it from Amazon for $5.48. 4. A set of limited edition wildflower Band-Aids so the next time you get a little ouch, you can be like, "wound care, but make it fashion." Promising review: "If you're looking for a cute Band-Aid that has flexible fabric, these are it! I only use flexible fabric Band-Aids because they're way more comfortable and stay on better. Bonus that these are a cute design!" — Jessica Get a pack of 30 from Amazon for $3.77. 5. A bottle of Elizavecca hair treatment, an Olaplex-like repairing mask infused with collagen ingredients and protein extracts that will help restore hair health and reduce shedding when that winter dryness is coming for your 'do. All you gotta do is apply it on wet hair after a shampoo, wait five minutes, and rinse it out. This is designed to work on all hair types, with reviewers with 2b–4c curls mentioning it worked for them! Promising review: This stuff is AMAZING. I have been bleaching my hair for 12 years. My hair has never looked or felt better before using this. It is so soft, shiny and healthy only using this once a week. It has worked better on my hair than Olaplex or other expensive treatments. I'll never use anything else!" — Craig Check out BuzzFeed's full review of the Elizavecca hair treatment for more deets! Get a bottle from Amazon for $7.60. 6. A set of super affordable hydrocolloid nose pore patches (compare to the $16 Mighty Patch equivalent) that will make you go "boy HOWDY" when you see how much gunk collects on them overnight. Reviewers swear by these for gently lifting out sebum from pores and pimples and minimizing their appearance! Amazon Peach Slices is a small business that specializes in affordable skincare products. Promising review:"I use these once a week and they really help my huge nose pores look way smaller and cleaner. The first time I still had some oil and gunk in my pores but the second time I had even less. By the third time I used them, the only oil was on the patch, and my nose has never looked better. My pores appear smaller and my nose is smoother." — Sarah Cavasos Get a pack of seven from Amazon for $9.98. 7. Jergens Natural Glow Firming Self Tanner Body Lotion gives you a gradually-building, vacation-worthy ~sunkissed glow~ over the course of just a few days. Not only is this easy peasy to apply compared to other finickier, streaking lotions, but it's formulated with collagen and elastin to help your skin appear firmer *and* glowier. Promising review:"I'm really impressed with this product. It's very easy to apply, the same way you would any lotion. It absorbs quickly into the skin. There is a very light, pleasant, fragrance. I had no issues with application or streaks. The tanning lotion gives a nice bronze appearance to the skin which is what I was looking for. The sunless tanner allows you to continue to build the color until you reach your desired look." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $10.47 (available in Fair to Medium, Medium to Deep, and several sizes). 8. A TikTok-beloved "Soft" perfume rollerball that honestly has no right smelling so delectable and layering so well considering it's only five cash dollars. Reviewers are obsessed with the scent's warm sweetness with a hint of citrusy zest, comparing it to waffle cones, lemon pound cake, and warm vanilla scones ... and this $65 bottle of Pink Sugar 👀. Promising review: "Like so many, I found this scent on TikTok. I was a bit skeptical at first but finally got around to trying it. First off, this scent smells amazing! Almost every time I've worn it, I receive compliments. It has a sweet smell, almost like warm cake or sugar cookies with a hint of lemon. With such an affordable price, I would definitely recommend this to anyone curious about trying it." — Chrissy Get it from Amazon for $5.75 (available in two styles). 9. A Baccarat Rouge 540-inspired moisturizing body wash infused with white jasmine, red currant, and sweet amber that reviewers swear by for a cheap alternative to keep that delectably luxe scent on them all day long. Nothing wrong with smelling a lil' ~~expensive~~! Amazon, Emma Lord/BuzzFeed I bought this after being peer-pressured by all the lovely reviews and I'm happy to report it lives up to the hype. The scent is lovely — it has depth with a hint of floral, but it's light and not at all overpowering. My favorite thing about it is how easily it pairs with other scents, because I am a body mist gremlin who swaps out her scents every day. The lather is also deeply satisfying and I feel quite refreshed and squeaky clean without ever feeling dry. 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. 10. E.l.f's Lash XTNDR Tubing Mascara, a GODSEND for anyone with thin or fragile lashes. This uses lightweight ~tubing~ technology to wrap around lashes and give them a natural-looking, smudge-proof extension so good it almost looks fake. The real boon, though, is how easily the "tubes" slide off in clean, easy swipes at the end of the day when you're washing your face — absolutely no smudging, over-scrubbing, or special eye makeup removal products required. Check out a TikTok of the E.l.f. tubing mascara in action. I am not a new human to the tubing mascara game, and in fact 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). 11. A shockingly affordable "Glow Up!" Vitamin C Face Serum that packs a powerful punch — reviewers swear by this for reducing dark spots, brightening skin, restoring tone, and giving skin a more radiant, firm look. This particular serum's secret is the 3-O Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, which helps boost ~radiance~, in addition to the hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and vitamin E to help with hydration. Promising review:"I've been using the Vitamin C Face Serum for a few weeks now, and I'm absolutely in love with it! My skin feels so much smoother and brighter, and I've noticed a significant reduction in the dark spots I've been struggling with. The serum absorbs quickly, leaving no greasy residue, and it has a lovely, light scent. My complexion is looking more even, and I can see a visible improvement in my skin tone. I also appreciate how gentle it is on my skin, with no irritation at all. This serum has quickly become a must-have in my skincare routine! Highly recommend for anyone looking to tackle dark spots and brighten their skin." — Patricia D. Get it from Amazon for $11.98. 12. Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener, which will be your holy grail for concealing and brightening dark circles under your eyes when schedule is throwing you for a loop. This lightweight, color-adapting formula is designed for truly ~invisible~ coverage that makes a drastic difference — one that a lot of reviewers compare to the $33 Becca version. The color-adaptive formula is designed so one of four shades will work on any skin tone. Promising review: "Took years off my eyes! This product is so reasonably priced. I came across a TikTok promoting this and decided to take a chance since the price was super reasonable. My eyes looked brighter in a good way, and the concealer worked so well that I felt I looked younger. I got compliments from friends asking what I did differently with my makeup. I recommend it." — Monica T. Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in four shades). 13. Plus Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel, a cult-fave product for your beauty arsenal that will quickly help minimize eye puffiness and swelling thanks to its winning combo of caffeine and hyaluronic acid. It's basically an alarm clock for your eyeballs, because boy howdy are they awake now!! Good Molecules is a small business that specializes in affordable skincare products. Promising review:"This stuff is amazing!! I put it on every night and morning. I've been using a little over a month and you can already tell a difference. My dark circles are hereditary, so I truly thought nothing would work. However this stuff IS GREAT!" — Shay M. Get it from Amazon for $5.98. 14. Monday Haircare Dry Shampoo with all the oil-absorbing, refreshing power of its competitors, *plus* added keratin for protection against frizz and breakage. The subtle gardenia scent is just extra extra credit after all that. Check out a TikTok of the Monday Dry Shampoo in action. Promising review: "I was thoroughly impressed with this dry shampoo. It's affordable, effective, and everyone compliments how great I smell when I use it. Two bottles lasted me a few months. It does have a white cast, but that can easily be worked into the hair to become undetectable." — Meg B. Get it from Amazon for $6.97. 15. A painless, mint-flavored teeth-whitening pen reviewers swear by as an alternative to pricey professional treatments and strips. This gets results from the very first use, lightening up years' worth of stains from coffee, tea, wine, or just, you know, existing as a human with teeth. Promising review:"This product actually works! Very affordable, too. There are a lot of expensive teeth whitening products out there, but why spend extra money when you don't have to? Definitely worth trying!" — Mona L Cureton Get a two-pack from Amazon for $13.26 (clip the 30% off coupon on the product page for this price). 16. E.l.f. Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm for all the ultra fans of Summer Fridays, Rhode, and Laneige whose bank accounts are begging them to put a stop to the lippie madness. These new deliciously tinted, moisturizing, buildable glosses are just as buttery and decadent as the balms that inspired them, for a fraction of the price. (Brb, drowning myself in the "Strawberry Shortcake" and "Vanilla Toffee" flavors.) Promising review: "Diva, stop letting these influencers sway you into spending your hard-earned (and scarce) beans on $20–$30 subpar lip balms — you're paying for the brand, and the quality is questionable. E.l.f. KNOCKED THEM BOTH OUTTA THE PARK WITH THIS! SO BUTTERY, SO YUMMY, SOOOOOOO MUCH PRODUCT!!!!! I wasn't expecting the tube to be so generous in size, by far the biggest amount I've seen from the market. The flavors are divine, the color payoff is even better than Summer Fridays … and it's only $9, you cannot go wrong. I just can't fathom any balm being priced above $12, E.l.f. always hits and barely misses. 🩷💋" — SONIA Get it from Amazon for $9 (available in Strawberry Shortcake, Blackberry Sorbet, Java Chip, Vanilla Toffee, Wild Cherry, and Yummy Gummy). 17. Eos' Shea Butter Vanilla Cashmere body lotion, which TikTok has spent years going *feral* over both because of the lightweight, long-lasting moisture, and the soothing, delicious smell that reviewers compare to more expensive brands like Philosophy and Bath & Body Works. It's so beloved that Eos recently released a matching Vanilla Cashmere Shave Oil! Promising review: "Heaven sent for your skin; heavenly scent to enjoy. This feels absolutely amazing going on. Gets absorbed quickly, for a lotion rich with oil. Doesn't leave a greasy feeling, as long as you give it a minute or two to fully absorb. The scent is, for me anyway, like aromatherapy. It smells like an iced sugar cookie, and is a great base layer for fragrance. Very relaxing." — Dragonheart Jo "I love everything about this lotion! I had been using a body butter that was ten times as expensive, but I was looking for a cheaper alternative and I am SO glad I found this! I immediately ordered three more bottles." — Samantha Get it from Amazon for $8.98. 18. Lottabody's Coconut Oil Foaming Curl Mousse designed for all hair types to give you satisfyingly hydrated, volumized, frizz-free curls at a FRACTION of the price of its competitors. Promising review:"I have super frizzy, curly hair and live in New England where we have super humid summers. I have been struggling to find a product that de-frizzes my hair without making it look oiled down, and this is it. I put it in my wet hair after washing, towel dried, and put my hair in a pony tail to go to work. My hair was frizz-free all night — even working outside in high humidity. People even asked if I did something to my hair! This is an amazing product for the price. Absolutely buying again and would recommend to anyone with a frizz issue." — Marissa Get it from Amazon for $3.98. 19. E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter that looked at the iconic (and expensive) Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter and said, "Game on, pal." Not only does this give that dewy, soft, "barely there" finish, but it's designed to hydrate your skin with hyaluronic acid, helping improve your moisture barrier for longterm glowiness, too. Promising reviews: "This stuff is so legit I've gone through three bottles. Adds the perfect glow to your skin! Sometimes I use it under foundation and sometimes I use it solo with a bit of concealer. I will never not repurchase it for the price and how beautifully it sits on the skin. This stuff is viral for a reason!!" — mapagill "If you like Charlotte Tilbury, flawless filter this is leaps and bounds better! Just buy it. The coverage is better, [it] makes my skin have the most amazing natural glow! The colors run with a more warm/yellow undertone which worked great for me! Spend a fraction of the price and just get it, you will be happy you did!" — Amazonreview Get it from Amazon for $14 (available in 12 shades). 20. A hydrating, plumping lip glow oil reviewers compare to the cult-fave Dior Lip Oil ... that is, if it were a FRACTION of the price 👀. Promising review: "I will no longer pay $40 for the Dior lip oil. It smells the same. It's not sticky, but stays on. This is a great glossy look that feels comfortable." — Brianna Clark Get it from Amazon for $3.99+ (available in six shades and in two-packs). 21. Essence's Drop of Sunshine Bronzing Drops, aka the more affordable version of the beloved $39 Drunk Elephant version. This buildable, hydrating formula is an easy way to add a ~sunkissed touch~ to your beauty routine without breaking the bank (or compromising your skin!). Promising review:"I love this so I ordered a second for backup! Depending on my day I will add no more than one or two drops to my moisturizer or my primer. Takes away the winter pallor of my face which definitely has not had enough sun lately. The bottle is small, but you don't need to use much. Reasonably priced for the amount. I would say buy it." — Incognito Get it from Amazon for $5.99. 22. Maybelline Superfluff Volumizing Brow Mousse so your brows can get all the ~~vavoom~~ they deserve. This easy-to-use, buildable brow applicator lightly fluffs and tames brows to give them a fuller, softer appearance, giving them that laminated look without the expensive treatment. Amazon Promising review:"So quick and easy to get full fluffy brows! It does it all in one. Gives them volume, holds them nice without being over-tacky and stiff, and darkens them. So easy in the morning before work. Takes a couple of swipes, and I am ready to go." — jessica alexandra Get it from Amazon for $10.97 (available in six shades) 23. A reviewer-beloved (and makeup artist–beloved!) beauty sponge blender that rolled up and ate up all the expensive name-brand versions for breakfast. This is firm and smooth when you use it dry for powder applications, and soft and flexible when you wet it for creams and liquids, making it the ultimate versatile sponge in your beauty trove ... for a mere $4 (!!) compared to the $20 BeautyBlender version. Promising review:"This sponge works just as well as the $20 BeautyBlender for a fraction of the price. It does not soak up your foundation, rather it allows you to apply with ease. It feels a bit off if you're used to a regular BeautyBlender, but you get used to the feeling. Like the first time and soaked it and squeezed I thought for sure this will not work, but I was pleasantly surprised 😲. Nothing to dislike here, for the price it's worth it." — Tara D. Get two from Amazon for $5.58. 24. Juno & Co.'s Clean 10 Cleansing Balm made with a blend of pearl barley and vitamin E that reviewers adore for getting that ✨ CLEAN clean✨ feeling — it's designed to leave zero residue or oiliness, *plus* brighten skin and reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots. People compare it to pricey versions like Farmacy Green Clean, Dermalogica, and Elemis! Amazon, Juno & Co. is a small business specializing in personal care and skincare products. Promising review:"I've loved the Farmacy Green Clean for many years, but at $30+ for a jar that lasts 1-2 months max, it was a pricey product to buy on a regular basis. I wanted something just as good at a lower price and I FOUND IT! This cleanser absolutely melts away makeup and deep cleans the skin without any drying or eye irritation! It smells great and a little goes a loooonng way — I'm in love!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $14.99. 25. And The Face Shop's Rice Water Bright Foaming Facial Cleanser, a gentle, cult-fave Korean beauty product reviewers swear by as an alternative to the pricey Tatcha Rice Wash. This hydrating cleanser removes waterproof makeup and sunscreen with ease, has an ohhhh-so-satisfying lather, and leaves skin moisturized after use. Promising review: "I have combination skin and the Tatcha Rice Wash is the only thing I can use. I was gonna spend my last few dollars on the Tatcha but then I saw this. With the price I thought if it doesn't work, it isn't a huge deal. I'm never going back, this is like the exact same thing and you barely need any, the scent is the only difference besides it being a bit thicker BUT THAT'S GOOD because it's BARELY thicker AND that means even less goes a much longer way. This is a holy grail item. If you haven't tried it, I soooo highly recommend." — Lingaling Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in two sizes). 26. Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum, aka humidity's WORST ENEMY. 😈 This super lightweight argan oil solution is designed for all hair types to help manage frizz and define waves and curls without weighing them down, and will be the MVP in your hair arsenal in the warmer temps — especially considering how costly competitive serums are! Promising review: "I've struggled with frizzy hair for years, but this has been a game-changer for me. A few drops of this lightweight serum applied to damp hair before styling tames frizz instantly, leaving my hair smooth, shiny, and incredibly manageable. The argan oil infusion adds a touch of nourishment and helps to prevent future frizz. I'm so happy I finally found a product that actually works to control my unruly hair!" — Kleo Get it from Amazon for $6.97 (also available in larger sizes and multipacks). 27. A bottle of Nyx matte setting spray for anyone who wants the all-day protection of MAC and Urban Decay's setting sprays without the price tag — this matte finish will lock your look in place in just a few seconds, even on days when the sun is trying to melt you like an ice pop. Promising review:"Expensive isn't always better. I tried this spray before spending the day outdoors in 90-degree heat at Disneyland, and the only place my makeup moved was on the tip of my nose because I have allergies and use a lot of Kleenex. But otherwise it looked as fresh as it did when I put it on. I've used Mac and Urban Decay setting spray and they never worked as well as this stuff. I am completely amazed. Definitely give it a try." — Stephanie Get it from Amazon for $8.50 (also available in dewy and radiant finishes, and a jumbo size). 28. A set of satin pillowcases that not only have a cooling effect, but are soft on your skin and create less friction for your hair so it won't get as tangled while you sleep. Reviewers especially love these because they're an affordable alternative to ones that typically run $18 per case! Amazon Here's what BuzzFeeder Elizabeth Lilly has to say about them: ""I own multiple sets of these and even pack them when I travel because I never want to sleep on a cotton pillowcase again after getting used to these beauts." Promising review:"My hair has never been better! I got this because of TikTok and it has done wonders for my hair. My hair isn't frizzy or dull-looking when I get up in the morning." — Aaron Key "These are really nice — perfect price point too. There's no difference between these and the same pillowcases from Kitsch at three times the price." — Keri Get a set of two from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 22 colors and four sizes). 29. Etude's delightfully multipurpose Dear Darling Water Tint, which a lot of reviewers compare to Benefit's Lip Tint. This smudgeproof formula is designed primarily to be a natural-looking, weightless lip stain, but reviewers use it as a blush as well! Promising review: "I bought the Benefit version a couple of months ago and was very underwhelmed by it, but this product is sooo soo much better than Benetint. The pigment is so good and natural at the same time. A 10/10 for sure. And at this price point what's there not to like?" — Rachael Get it from Amazon for $7.40+ (available in five shades and combo packs). 30. L'Oréal Paris BB Cream, a FAST-acting, anti-redness moisturizer with results that feel like legitimate magic — especially considering its competitor, the Dr Jart+ Cicapair Color Correcting Cream, is over twice as expensive. Reviewers especially love this as a base for their makeup, because it leaves skin super soft and primed. Promising review: "I'd yet to find anything (even foundation) that could cover up my red areas. Cheeks, chin, nose, and forehead. It comes out green, but has a gorgeous lightweight finish of a tint that indeed covers my redness beautifully. There's no greasiness to it at all. It dries down to a beautiful matte finish. It's super easy to use. I use my fingers. The texture is like silk. It leaves my face baby-soft, not sticky at all. It doesn't settle into my fine lines or wrinkles, and I don't need powder to 'bake' it under my eyes. It also covers the black circles under my eyes." — Julie F. "I will not use anything else. I was hesitant to try this as I have sensitive skin and have always stuck to basic products. It's light and refreshing — coverage is incredible! Definitely magic." — Sarah G. Get it from Amazon for $9.98 (available in six styles). 31. E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops, another home run from the brand's moisturizing "Holy Hydration" line that reviewers are comparing to the $35 Watermelon Dew Drops from Glow Recipe. This lightweight formula is designed to brighten and plump skin for a dewy effect, whether you're wearing it alone, applying it under your makeup, or mixing it with your foundation. Amazon Promising review: "Love these drops. So effective, a little goes a long way. Great for a boost of hydration, especially in the colder and/or drier months. Great as a primer before makeup to smooth the skin. Such a value for a product that packs a punch. My skin hasn't looked better!" — Ken Get it from Amazon for $11.97. 32. A multipurpose blush stick reviewers compare to the $18 Pixi Beauty version — this version may be cheaper, but it's also easily buildable, blendable, and perfect for that light, dewy, "kissed by a happy pink cloud" look. Promising review: "I bought this and my daughter immediately tried to steal it because she thought it was the real thing. Ha! This is so easy to use and a little goes a long way. This will last for a while. And was a fraction of the price of the brand name." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (available in three shades). 33. Catrice's Magic Shaper Face Cream Palette as an $8 alternative to the $88 (!!) Makeup Forever Palette. This includes a range of highly-pigmented, super blendable shades to help you contour, highlight, and bronze on days when your Gcal just say "GO GO GO" all the way down. (Psst — this is the same brand behind the TikTok-famous $6 Under Eye Brightener, so you know they mean business!) Amazon Check out a TikTok of the Magic Shaper Face Cream Palette in action. Promising review:"I love this palette. The blush is so pigmented and so are the bronzers. Good travel size. I am a professional makeup artist who travels weekly and it's easy to throw into my touch up kit for backstage too, as it doesn't take up much room and is very light." — Deja Victoria Seif Get it from Amazon for $8. 34. First Aid Beauty's KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub Exfoliant helps exfoliate and smooth skin by dealing with rough patches or dry bumps at a price point a *lot* cheaper than expensive prescription creams and washes. A lot of reviewers with keratosis pilaris and similar skin textures swear by this for relief, with many noticing a difference after the very first use. First Aid Beauty is a US-based small business that specializes in clean, fragrance-free, cruelty-free personal care products. Promising review: "I saw a dermatologist recommend this on TikTok, and I figured I'd give it a try. I have had red bumps on the back of my arms for as long as I can remember and have tried multiple things, so I didn't have very high expectations. After one use, I could already see a difference! It says to use it 1–2 times a week, but I use it usually every other day, and I use Cerave rough and bumpy lotion after, and now my red bumps are almost nonexistent. This product has truly been life-changing, and I would recommend it to anyone struggling with red bumps! 10/10!" — Sydney Get it from Amazon for $10+ (available in two sizes and three scents). 35. Moodmatcher color-changing lipstick, an affordable WinkyLux alternative that not only adapts to the pH of your skin to create a personalized, perfect shade for your skin tone, but lasts for HOURS. Reviewers marvel at its all-day staying power even after meals and breaking a sweat. Look at that lil' green lipstick go!! Amazon Moodmatcher is a small business that specializes in color-changing lipstick. Promising review:"This color is beautiful, and shows up differently on everyone. This thing that I like most about this product, is that it stays on all day even through eating several meals. I have to use a microfiber cloth to remove it at night!" — Rasheda Get it from Amazon for $6.59 (available in eight shades). Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Buzz Feed
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
35 Beauty Products Reviewers Say Work Even Better Than Their Pricier Alternatives
1. A hair-repairing serum made with argan oil and aloe leaf extract to add softness and shine without making your hair greasier than a Wendy's triple cheeseburger — although it's basically the same price as one! Smooth it through damp hair for easy styling, or apply a few drops to dry hair to smooth flyaways and frizz. Promising reviews: "I have used Moroccanoil for years and decided to give this a shot. This is better than Moroccanoil and I will be buying again. It keeps my hair soft and smooth even in summer humidity. Great product." — Caitlin K. "This product is a legit alternative to the Ouai hair oil. They smell identical, they feel exactly the same, and they left my hair shiny and soft. And most importantly it saved me some money for the future." — Brianna Reed Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in packs of two and four). 2. A tinted lip balm for anyone intrigued by Clinique's " Black Honey" lipstick that went wildly viral on TikTok for its sheer shade that's meant to blend seamlessly with your natural lip color. It's impressed several reviewers, including loyal fans of Clinque's pricier shade. Promising review: "Better than Clinique! I bought this one on a whim but never liked the real Black Honey Almost Lipstick by Clinique, since it tends to run red on me. This shade, in my opinion, is exactly what Black Honey SHOULD be, as it looks more like Black Honey in pictures. For the price, it can't be beat, so I'm buying more." — HAC Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (also available in the pink honey version, and in a two-pack that mixes both)! 3. SeoulCeuticals' Day Glow Serum that brings vitamin C, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid, vitamin e, citrus stem cells, and organic centella together to form the most powerful sextet since Friends. The result? It can help fade discoloration, brighten your complexion, and add a serious dose of moisture. Promising review: "This stuff is absolutely fantastic! Don't let the low price throw you off because this can do better, in my opinion, than 'the elephant stuff'! I had those itty bitty bumps right under my bottom lip on my chin and four days after using this stuff with micro-needling, they were gone! I have always taken good care of my skin and now that I am 43, I am just now realizing that I did a better job than I thought I had. I want to KEEP doing doing good stuff for my skin but not pay a fortune. This formula has a fresh orange-like smell to it and goes on very easily with a dropper. It dries within a minute and soaks in completely. I haven't had any irritation from the product but I had been using 'the elephant stuff' with similar ingredients prior to this, so it could be my skin was used to it. Overall, I am EXTREMELY pleased with this purchase." — AudibleAddicted And SeoulCeuticals is a small biz! Get it from Amazon for $15.98+ (available in two sizes). 4. An adorable polar bear hydrating eye stick — it's basically a venti iced coffee for your under-eye area. It features Iceland glacier water to help relieve the appearance of puffiness, and the niacinamide in the formula can provide a brightening effect to lessen the severity of dark circles. Also, reviewers love putting this lil' cutie in the fridge for an extra cooling sensation! I mean, it is a polar bear, after all — it only makes sense to keep it cold. Promising review: "This is just like the Milk Makeup Cooling Water Stick — but I like it better. It's less than half the price, the packaging is cuter, the smaller applicator makes it easy to get under my eyes — and it smells like clean water and rose petals. It's hydrating, cooling, and non-greasy. It makes you instantly look and feel more awake. Love it." — Janelle Patricia Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in a collagen formula). 5. A nail concealer that's a multitasking marvel, and it gives Dior a run for its money. It helps strengthen nails thanks to its blend of biotin and keratin, and it also provides a sheer hint of pink color that works great on its own or as a fast-dry top coat. It's basically a manicure in a bottle — which is an absolute STEAL at under $5. Just be sure to tip yourself when you're done. Read more about nail care, including how nail strengtheners may help nails, at Mayo Clinic. 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. 6. A cruelty-free lengthening Essence mascara with a whopping 193,000 5-star ratings and some seriously impressive before and after photos. Oh, did I mention it's UNDER $5 and comparable to Tarte?! Unlike other mascaras at previous price points, reviewers say this one doesn't easily clump or smudge throughout the day and is suitable for sensitive eyes. Promising review:"Since trying this product, I will never go back to anything else. For years, I've been using Better Than Sex by Too Faced, and I absolutely loved it. But as you know, it's at a higher price point. I was looking for a cheaper option that worked the same, if not better. I was pleasantly surprised when I came across this. For me... THIS WORKS BETTER! I've tried both the black and brown options as well as the waterproof options and [I'm] blown away by every one of them!! This is my new favorite mascara! Makes my lashes look like I had them professionally done." — chela1389 Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in black or brown and as a three-pack). 7. And a cruelty-free E.l.f tubing mascara that's basically lash extensions in a tube. The formula wraps your lashes with lengthening tubes for a fuller appearance, which also makes it SO easy to remove at the end of the day. If peeling off your mascara isn't witchcraft, I don't know what is. 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). 8. Byoma's Hydrating Milky Toner, which many reviewers say can stand toe-to-toe with Rhode's Glazing Milk. It's designed to soothe and calm sensitive skin while adding a light touch of moisture that's perfect for prepping your skin for the rest of your routine. Some people on TikTok are even mixing this in with their foundation to get a glowy look even Hailey Bieber herself would be impressed with. Amazon Promising review: "Ok, so I absolutely LOVE this stuff! I tried it on a whim after hearing a few different people rave about it. I had tried a similar product from Rhode and was not really 'wowed' by it, but thought it was still a nice product. This milky toner, however, blew me away. I apply it after washing my face with my hands and gently pat it in, and it just leaves a moisturized, dewy finish. I also have recently started mixing it in with my foundation when I apply it to my makeup and it's been a game changer. Since it's winter and I live in the northeast, I have had issues with my foundation being really dry lately — this has solved it. It leaves a beautiful satin finish. For the price point, amount of product, and versatility, you just can't beat it. Will be repurchasing!" — talon12 Get it from Amazon for $14.99. 9. The Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener — it'll have you singing 🎵 "where have you been all my li-i-i-i-i-ife?" 🎵 when you realize it might just replace your beloved Smashbox x Becca Under Eye Brightening Cream. Reviewers say it blends seamlessly into the skin and adds light coverage to dark circles — and now it comes in four shades! The color-adaptive formula is designed so one of four shades will work on any skin tone. Promising review: "I used to use the Becca under-eye product and this one is way better. You can sheer it out and warm it up on your hand. Don't need to use a lot and it adds a lot of brightness under concealer." — Ariel O "Took years off my eyes! This product is so reasonably priced. I came across a TikTok promoting this and decided to take a chance since the price was super reasonable. My eyes looked brighter in a good way, and the concealer worked so well that I felt I looked younger. I got compliments from friends asking what I did differently with my makeup. I recommend it." — Monica T. Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in four shades). 10. And Maybelline's Dark Circles Treatment Concealer for even more coverage. The lightweight formula is infused with Haloxyl, a peptide complex that's meant to reduce dark circles and tighten skin. Many reviewers say it's easy to blend with just your fingers, so you can ditch the brush if you want to! Promising reviews:"This is the first concealer I have ever used that actually WORKS! It's much better than the pricier Tarte concealer that has such a loyal following. This is much more cost-friendly and the poof brush makes it easy to apply lightly." — bethSLC "I am a 30-year-old female. I have extremely dark under-eye circles. Honestly, that is the only reason I wear makeup — to cover them. I've used numerous kinds of concealers. Tarte Shape Tape, Mary Kay, Estee Lauder (assorted kinds), IT Cosmetics Bye Bye under-eye, Clinique, Laura Mercier, Mac, and Bobbi Brown. I usually spend anywhere from $25–$30 on one tube of concealer and still feel unsatisfied with the coverage. Or it looks too heavy and thick by the time I sit with a damp makeup sponge and powder (accentuating my under-eye fine lines). This little gem is great. I use this concealer every day instead of all my high-end brand concealers. It's full coverage, buildable, lasts all day, is not drying, and is not too liquidy. I'm so happy I gave this a try, will definitely be keeping this baby in my everyday makeup bag." — Brittney Get it from Amazon for $8.80+ (available in 21 shades and various pack sizes). 11. Or! A $7 E.l.f. Camo concealer that's perfect for all-over coverage — reviewers call a perfect alternative to Tarte's Shape Tape. It's high-coverage (hence the "Camo" in its name) but blends easily, so it's perfect for concealing any dark circles or acne scarring. Promising review:"Shhhhh… I like it better than Shape Tape! 😳 Well, shoot. All these years, I've been spending so much money on Tarte's Shape Tape... And I never tried this?! Thank goodness for TikTok because I hear about everything on there! I wasn't willing to spend $30+ on makeup recently, so I decided to try this stuff. I'm SHOCKED at how much coverage I get without it looking cakey. It never oxidizes and lasts the entire day in most areas. I might have to touch up my under eyes or acne spots, but most of the time, there's no need to reapply. It's also super hydrating but doesn't leave my skin looking oily. There's been a few times I've applied this instead of foundation and it looked so good and natural. The finish is flawless and dewy, and looks amazing in pics. Ended up ordering a lighter shade for my under eyes and a color that's closer to my skin tone for everywhere else. I highly recommend it if you like the coverage and longevity of Shape Tape but hate the price … 👍🏼" — Sarah Get it from Amazon for $7 (available in 25 shades). 12. A Nyx Fat Oil lip gloss to douse your lips in hydrating raspberry seed oil while adding a super glowy shine that'll have you forgetting all about Dior. You'll get the lightweight feel of a luxurious lip oil with the moisture of a heavier lip balm, all for under $10. Promising reviews: "I have the Dior lip oil, and I actually like this one better! It leaves my lips softer and leaves the perfect tint on my lips. Sometimes I combine with a lipstick for extra color." — Emily R. "I really like this and the applicator! It's so fun and cute. I like the texture and the feel of it on my lips. It feels thicker, and it doesn't come off too quickly. I got the color supermodel. It's not too pink like it looks and I wanted it to be natural, so it's perfect. Will be repurchasing." — Martha R. Get it from Amazon for $7.45+ (available in 14 shades). 13. A Wet n Wild lightweight tinted hydrator that gives you a perfect hint of coverage while also improving your skin over time — your current foundation can't do that! It goes on just like a normal moisturizer, but has just enough pigment to reduce redness and blur pores. Oh, and the hyaluronic acid and squalane will help make your skin feel soft and moisturized. Promising review:"This stuff is amazing. It has light to medium coverage. It lasts all day. The oils in my skin usually breakdown foundation but this one stays in place and after a little blotting looks good as new... I just recently purchased the Fenty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint in 6 and like it, but I actually prefer the Wet N Wild Tinted Hydrator better. You can buy six of these for the same price as the Fenty. I'm so happy I tried this." — Nancy Get it from Amazon for $5.47+ (available in eight shades and also in packs of two). 14. E.l.f.'s Halo Glow Liquid Filter — this can be used in so many ways. You can apply it to your high points like a highlighter, mix with your foundation or moisturizer for an all-over glow, or get wild and slather it all over for the ultimate lit-from-within shine. Charlotte, dahling, this is giving your Flawless Filter a run for its money. 👀 It's formulated with hyaluronic acid and squalene for a boost of hydration! Promising reviews: "This stuff is so legit I've gone through three bottles. Adds the perfect glow to your skin! Sometimes, I use it under foundation, and sometimes, I use it solo with a bit of concealer. I will never not repurchase it for the price and how beautifully it sits on the skin. This stuff is viral for a reason!!" — mapagill "If you like Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter, this is leaps and bounds better! Just buy it. The coverage is better, [it] makes my skin have the most amazing natural glow! The colors run with a more warm/yellow undertone, which worked great for me! Spend a fraction of the price and just get it; you will be happy you did!" — Amazonreview Get it from Amazon for $8.96+ (available in 12 shades). 15. Or L'Oreal's Lumi Glotion you can use under your foundation to add some radiance or use by itself on the days when you just want a natural glow. It's infused with glycerin and shea butter for extra moisture, and you can even use it on your body because the glass skin look isn't only for your face! Reviewers are even saying the deeper shades can act as a replacement for Drunk Elephant's D-Bronzi drops. Promising review:"OK, so last summer, I took the plunge and bought the Drunk Elephant glowy tan drop stuff. I used it a fair amount, it was okay but IMO not anywhere near worth the price I paid. It had to be mixed into my foundation to look remotely normal, which defeats the whole point of the product, which was supposed to be for an 'effortless no-makeup glow.' I bought this stuff instead in the Deep shade this summer after a beach trip. This is not only [an alternative for] Drunk Elephant, it's a better product. It doesn't make you look like a glowing orange Oompa Loompa. It's a very natural ACTUAL skin shade and blends in with your natural shade as you blend it in. As my tan fades, I will combine it with moisturizer, but that's all that's necessary. If you were between this and just finally spending the money on the Drunk Elephant, get this. I wish I found it a summer sooner and saved myself the moolah." — Emily W. Get it from Amazon for $12.42+ (available in five shades and two-packs). 16. An Ogx air-dry leave-in cream, which will give you Sephora-level results at a drugstore-level price. Now you can stop dreaming of buying one of those $400+ blow-dryers — this lets you air-dry your way to bouncy waves! The coconut oil and shea butter add extra moisture, while the citrus oils help add shine to your curls. According to reviewers, this cream will add a slight bit of volume to thin, fine hair or enhance the waves in those with thick, curly hair. Promising reviews:"I've tried so many curl products and this is my favorite even over high-end curl creams. I have really long wavy hair. This controls the frizz and leaves my hair soft and brushable. This isn't texturizing and it doesn't leave a sticky or tacky residue. Love this so much." — Amazon Customer "I'm so grateful that I found this product. My hair is wavy and frizzy. Every once in a great while, my waves resemble curls, but the frizz is always there. I've only used this product one time so far and I never want to be without it. I put some on after towel drying (no brushing) my hair, and my waves actually resembled curls! It wasn't instant, so I was skeptical, but after about 15 minutes, I caught a glimpse of my hair in the mirror, and I was amazed. It looked styled rather than a ratty mess. I slept on it, and it still looked great in the morning!!!" — mich0610 Get it from Amazon for $8.96 (also available in a pack of two). 17. An E.l.f. camo liquid blush — its results will turn you into a rare beauty, if you catch my drift. 😉 Reviewers say the pigment is super strong with a glossy finish but is still easily blendable and buildable. Promising review: "This stuff is no joke. I like to use one product for my full face for a quick makeup routine, as eyeshadow, blush, and highlight all at once. When I tell you I need exactly two dots for my whole face, I couldn't be more serious! It has a different, more glossy texture than a Rare Beauty blush, but the pigment is much stronger. Comes off very dewy and kind of glossy but can be made matte with powder. The only thing I will say is that if you overwork it, there can be small lifted spots, which happened to me when I first tried it because I used too much and then had to try to blend so much. Already purchased another color. Love E.l.f. makeup!" — oscar Julian zapotitla Get it from Amazon for $6.65+ (available in 12 shades). 18. And a convenient Catrice blush compact with matching cream and powder formulas so you can achieve Patrick Ta's signature cream-over-powder technique without paying Patrick Ta prices. You can totally use them separately if you want (or go with the traditional powder-over-cream method), but layering the cream on top of the powder will give you a dewy finish and a slightly more vibrant color. It sounds weird — but just trust the process! Promising review: "These are fantastic. I bought all four, and I hope they add more colors. They are giving Patrick Ta, but better, at a fraction of the cost. They really last all day individually, but if you want you can layer them for even more color saturation. The textures are great, easy application. The two pinks are very pigmented and vibrant, so go easy at first. Highly recommend." — Joan A. Get it from Amazon for $7 (available in four shades). 19. A nonaerosol, benzene-free I Dew Care "Tap Secret" mattifying powder shampoo you can pat directly onto your roots to mop up any excess oil right from the source. Just tap and massage it in — it'll even provide a little extra volume! Promising review:"I have tried IGK, Living Proof, Not Your Mother's, Amika, and so many others but THIS LASTS THE LONGEST! I am impressed by this product. Don't listen to the haters because I have severely fine and oily hair and this product allows me to last for one week without washing and it gives me volume..." — 473X Get it from Amazon for $12.59+ (available in the original six shades and various pack sizes). 20. BestLand's high-performance matte lipsticks — they're less than $2 each but the results will make you feel like you spent closer to $20. No seriously, reviewers have compared these to brands like Tarte and Stila! The colors are gorgeous "everyday wear" shades everyone needs in their collection, and the matte formula won't leave your lips feeling dry. Promising reviews: "What can I say, I saw a TikTok about this lipstick and for $10 had to try it! The reviews are right, for some reason this lipstick is better than even $20 name-brand ones bought from Ulta. Not only does it smell great, but dries in under a minute and survived eating a cupcake, a Starbucks drink, and an entire evening out, no smudging and had to be removed with a makeup wipe. Fantastic product!!" — Claire "Beautiful and soooo worth the money! Usually I always purchase either Stila Cosmetics or Kylie Jenner but both of those are very pricey and expensive, so I looked up matte lip glosses on Amazon and saw this and thought I would give it a try. I absolutely love it. Very easy to put on does not smudge, beautiful colors, very very happy about the size of it! I went and purchased set B now because I love this product!" — Vickyy Get a six-piece set from Amazon for $8.99 (available in six sets). 21. A pack of star-shaped pimple patches so cute you won't mind wearing them out and about. They're made of a wound-healing gel called hydrocolloid that can help drain fluids from any open pimples and cover any that are already on the surface, and they also contain salicylic acid to help dissolve excess sebum. Promising reviews: "Better than Starface!!! These stick extremely well and actually pull out and absorb the gunk. Plus, they come with soooooo many." — chey "I love these and wish they had them around when I was a teenager! I literally use them as facial decorations in addition to hiding blemishes and, my teenage son has no problem wearing them because they effectively minimize zits!!" — Monica LivaClean is a small business specializing in acne solutions and skincare. Get a pack of 240 from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in four shapes/colors and in multipacks). 22. A root touchup powder you can pat on like magic dust so you can stretch the time between salon appointments when you're much too busy trying to overthrow an evil wizard. Just use the attached sponge to pick up some powder and rub it directly on any grays, or use it on your hairline to create a fuller appearance. It'll become one of your new beauty lifesavers. Although, gray hair is honestly pretty fierce, so feel free to let those silvery strands shine! Check it out in action on TikTok here! Promising reviews: "This product is awesome. Covers the grays/roots. Stays on all day. Also, if you have thin hair, it will fill in the spots nicely. Comes with a sponge that you unscrew off the bottom. This will last a very long time. This is much easier to use than the spray that doesn't always get the right spots and tends to get on your clothes. A good selection of colors. Great price. Will re-order when the time comes." — Amazon Customer "LOVE! so easy to use and perfect for helping my thinned hairline from postpartum hair loss. I tried a more expensive brand and liked this one more. Definitely recommend it for helping the hairline look fuller. I toss it in my makeup bag and apply quickly ." — Catie B. Get it from Amazon for $17.95 (available in two sizes and 14 colors). 23. E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer, which has gone mega-viral several times for providing a perfect base for makeup by blurring pores and smoothing the appearance of fine lines, and it might just remind you of Tatcha's The Silk Canvas Primer. It's formulated with squalene for an extra dose of hydration, and it's designed to grip onto your makeup to help it last all day long. Promising review:"Okay so first nothing will make you 'poreless,' but this stuff is amazing. Will even out fine lines and help with super porous areas; my T-zone [has really visible] pores and this definitely gave me a boost in confidence. I would highly recommend. Especially to those not to familiar with makeup, this is a game changer. Honestly it works better than my $30 primer from Urban Decay and lasts all day. I am oily so I usually blot some powder on later in the day but if you have dry skin this could be the ultimate game changer!" — Olivia Get it from Amazon for $10. 24. A L'Oreal Infallible setting spray that takes just three seconds to apply to your whole face (thanks to wide-spraying microfine mist) and claims to help your makeup last for up to a whopping 36 hours. If you don't feel like parting with $32 dollars for the super viral One Size On 'Til Dawn setting spray, reviewers say this might just work even better. Amazon Promising reviews:"Love this product. I always use it, and I am a sweaty person 😅 I sweat easily.. not even kidding. I compare it to the One Size and I have to say that I do like this one much better. It really doesn't budge." — Zully B "This works just as well as the One Size. I have very oily skin and need a high-quality setting spray, and this one works amazing! Skip the expensive one and try this!!" — Shopgirl Get it from Amazon for $10.98 (also available in a pack of two). 25. A No Poreblem primer from Korean beauty brand Touch in Sol because the key to effortless makeup application is a strong base! This will provide a velvety smooth surface for your foundation to glide on top of like an Olympic figure skater — and it'll add some extra moisture thanks to the green tea extract. You'll also be protected from excess oil production so you'll be glowy, not greasy! Promising reviews:"I am rather picky on my primers. I have used a bunch of different ones including Too Faced, Urban Decay, Elf, Nyx, Smashbox, etc. This is by far my favorite. It has a nice light scent (I have sensitive skin), dries quickly, and does not leave my face sticky. It really sinks into the skin too. A little goes a long way with this stuff. After applying foundation, it really minimizes my pores and gives my skin a nice healthy glow." — Stephanie "I never leave reviews but I had to praise this product. This is seriously a holy grail staple to your makeup. I've tried dozens of primers, and none have even come close to this. It doesn't matter if you're using oil-based or silicone-based makeup. It will all blend and sit seamlessly. I have dry skin and oily skin, so finding something that suits both needs is hard. It doesn't get patchy either, which is something I struggle with. But THIS primer is absolutely perfect. 10/10. Would give 100 stars if I could!!" — Placeholder Get it from Amazon for $11.75 (also available in a green tint and in packs of two). 26. A set of makeup sponges that'll make you question how you ever spent top dollar for a Beauty Blender. You can get five of these for less than $10, and reviewers say they blend everything from foundation to concealer like a dream. Promising review: "Don't hesitate, just buy these. I was using the Real Technique sponges for years and bought these on a whim after seeing several TikToks praising these. I love these sponges and the price. I apply liquid foundation with a damp sponge and these work better than Real Techniques. They are dense but soft and 'bouncy.' I wash mine between each use and these hold up very well and much better than the RT. Very happy with my purchase and the price. Will definitely continue to buy." — chris Get a set of five from Amazon for $5.99+ (available in five sets). 27. A bottle of Elizavecca Hair Treatment with an impressive ingredients list for such a low price. Its blend of ceramides and collagen can help add smoothness and shine to your hair in just five minutes, making it perfect for those of us who care about our hair but not enough to devote extra time to it. Many reviewers say it's replaced Olaplex in their routines! This is designed to work on all hair types, with reviewers with 2b–4c curls mentioning it worked for them! Promising review: "This stuff is AMAZING. I have been bleaching my hair for 12 years. My hair has never looked or felt better before using this. It is so soft and shiny... only using this once a week. It has worked better on my hair than Olaplex or other expensive treatments. I'll never use anything else!" — Craig Check out BuzzFeed's full review of the Elizavecca hair treatment for more deets! Get a bottle from Amazon for $7.60. 28. SkinSmart Facial Cleanser Spray — it can help reduce the bacteria that causes acne and breakouts in just a few spritzes. It features hypochlorous acid, which is meant to fight infection and promote healing. It's perfect for refreshing your skin after a sweaty workout, and you can even use it for body acne as well. If you've had you're eye on the Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray but the price is putting you off, give this a try instead. Amazon, Promising reviews:"This stuff literally saved my skin! I started using it daily. Especially after gym sessions. My skin started clearing up and I have used it every day and I have never looked back. This has become a staple in my skincare routine. I use it after toner and before serum in the morning and then I spray it after the gym. It's better than the Tower 28 one." — Shay G. " Does the EXACT same as Tower28 for a fraction of the price! I love it, my face feels refreshed. Highly recommend, no shade to Tower28, they are great, but this is cheaper and if you're on a budget, use this alternative! Great for after work, the gym, or existing in these hot summer months. If you have sensitive skin, it's gentle." — Paul R. Get it from Amazon for $17.46. 29. A compact and super affordable ionic hair dryer that has reviewers questioning why they ever shelled out the cash for a $400+ Dyson. 😩 It has three heat levels and a temperature-regulating function to prevent overheating, and the powerful motor is designed to dry hair in less than 10 minutes. It comes with a smoothing nozzle, styling nozzle, and diffuser nozzle. Promising reviews:"Great powerful hair dryer. Great price too. Have had Dysons in the past and nothing but trouble with them. This is far better and very affordable, and no problems with it. (Retired hairdresser)." — bamzee "Purchased this dryer to help dry my granddaughter's type 4C hair. Drys quickly and cuts down on her squirming. She hates having her hair done. Shortened the drying time significantly. Would recommend." — Jiggilypuff Get it from Amazon for $28.49+ (available in eight colors). 30. A $4 E.l.f. lip balm reviewers have compared to both Laneige and Summer Fridays. It contains a blend of hyaluronic acid and shea butter to soften and moisturize, and some of the formulas contain a sheer hint of color. Promising reviews: "This lip balm is as smooth as butta, and not to mention smells great. I apply it at night and wake up with soft, hydrated, plump lips. Bonus: if you apply hyaluronic acid on your lips beforehand — chef's kiss. As for the price, I wish it had way more product, but it is cheaper than the Laneige lip mask and way better, in my humble opinion." — María "This lip balm is a great alternative if you do not want to pay a ton of money for the Laneige and Summer Fridays lip balms. It is super moisturizing and left my lips super smooth and soft. One of the best e.l.f. products I have tried and it is a wonderful price. Even though it is pretty small, it lasts a good amount of time. I would definitely recommend." — Lance Z. Get it from Amazon for $4 (available in five styles). 31. And! A trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks that's less than half the price of a single jar of Laneige's popular version. They contain vitamin C for a brightening effect and come in fun flavors (lime, pomegranate, and berry) so you can switch up your routine every night. Promising reviews: "Love this! In my opinion, better than Laneige at a fraction of the price. A bit thicker, which I like. Even though it's a sleeping mask, I use it throughout the day to keep my lips moist and soft. Will keep ordering again and again." — Michaela " 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 set of three from Amazon for $9.90 (available in five scent combos). 32. E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops, which might just convince you to save some cash and hold off on trying those Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Dew Drops you've been eyeing. This super lightweight serum is meant to provide an instant ✨glow✨ to the skin, whether you wear it on its own, under foundation, or mixed into your foundation for a radiant finish. Prepare for the onslaught of compliments coming your way. Amazon Promising reviews: "Love these better than my glow recipe! Better because it doesn't have the smell... Makes my skin feel amazing and so juicy! Great value for the money." — Tiffany T. "I've used Glow Recipe's Watermelon Dew Drops, and while I liked the product I wasn't too fond of the strong scent or the price point. The texture, finish, and feel of this product is pretty much identical, but without the fragrance and at a better value. Smooth, absorbs quickly, works well as a lightweight primer that doesnt pill with makeup, and subtly evens skin tone over time." — K.C. Get it from Amazon for $11.97. 33. A creamy, oil-based Juno & Co cleansing balm reviewers swear by for removing every trace of makeup, even stubborn waterproof formulas. (Seriously, take those makeup wipes out of your cart right now!!!) It's made with only 10 ingredients, including Japanese pearl barley to hydrate and brighten. If you've tried and loved Farmacy's Green Clean, keep this cheaper alternative on your radar. Amazon, New to cleansing balms? Start by warming the product up with your dry fingertips, massage in circular motions on dry skin, then rinse with lukewarm water. If using as part of a double cleansing routine, follow this up with a water-based facial cleanser. Promising review:"I've loved the Farmacy Green Clean for many years, but at $30+ for a jar that lasts 1–2 months max, it was a pricey product to buy on a regular basis. I wanted something just as good at a lower price, and I FOUND IT! This cleanser absolutely melts away makeup and deep cleans the skin without any drying or eye irritation! It smells great, and a little goes a loooonng way — I'm in love!" — Amazon Customer Juno & Co. is a small business specializing in personal care and skincare products. Get it from Amazon for $14.99. 34. Nyx's extreme hold eyebrow gel to keep your brows in place for a whopping 16 hours — I think even Anastasia Beverly Hills herself would be impressed! Unlike the other countless brow gels collecting dust in your makeup drawer, this one is designed to dry down without a sticky finish — and it won't flake throughout the day. Promising reviews: "I've tried just about every eyebrow gel on the market, from high-end to drugstore. This is not only [an alternative] for Benefit's brow gel and Glossier Boy Brow, it's better! So much better and way cheaper." — Amazon Customer "OK, I was skeptical as I love my ABH Brow Freeze. But a friend did my makeup and used it and I was really impressed. So, I got some and played with it on my own. It is so much smoother to glide through my brows. I work it through back and front, then again with a clean spoolie. I LOVE the results. It also washes out really well (even if I don't use a makeup wipe)." — Miss Jordan Get it from Amazon for $9.90+ (available in five shades). 35. A box of skin-lifting Skin 1004 face masks — it'll make you look like a terrifying zombie until you rinse it off, but it's worth it for the pore tightening and complexion brightening benefits! It contains albumin, an ingredient derived from egg whites that's known to tighten and lift the skin, even if reviewers say it's a bit smelly at first (but most say they get used to it quickly)! Reviewers say it's similar to the popular Hanacure mask, but way cheaper since you get eight of these in a box! Promising reviews:"I was gifted the Hanacure masks and loved them, but they're just way too pricey. I heard SO many wonderful things about the Skin 1004 Zombie Mask... Let me tell you, this mask is just straight up magic. I didn't notice any changes to my skin immediately, but a few hours later when I looked in the mirror, I was shocked at how wonderful my skin looked. I've never noticed a difference like this. Hanacure who?!??... This Zombie mask is every bit as magical, with better results in my opinion... Bottom line, this is better than Hanacure, both price and results-wise." — Dana D. Get a box of eight masks from Amazon for $19.70. Reviews here have been edited for length and/or clarity.
