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Buzz Feed
3 days ago
- Health
- Buzz Feed
If Pricey Beauty Products Are Putting A Dent In Your Budget, Try These 33 Affordable Alternatives
A Briotech spray for soothing rashes, sunburns, rosacea, eczema, and other skin irritations, *extremely* similar to the beloved (but pricey) Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray. Its secret is hypochlorous acid, an ingredient found naturally in our white blood cells that helps soothe inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier. This stuff = magic in a bottle. Cosrx Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence, a holy grail serum for many people with dry, sensitive skin and a gentler, cheaper alternative to many name-brand products. It's effective on all skin types, and reviewers report seeing improvement after just a few uses! Acne scars, dark spots, and fine lines are about to meet their match. And SeoulCeuticals Snail Repair Cream for applying after any serums — this non-comedogenic moisturizer contains 97.5% snail mucin filtrate as well as vitamin E, organic aloe, and shea butter. Softer, smoother, brighter skin is in your you didn't even have to splurge on Sunday Riley or Drunk Elephant. A bottle of Elizavecca Hair Treatment formulated to deeply repair and hydrate your hair thanks to restorative ingredients like collagen and ceramide 3. You just apply it after shampooing, wait as little as five minutes, then rinse it out for hair that looks *and* feels silky soft. Some reviewers say it's even BETTER than Olaplex, which is over three times the price! Long-lasting Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint, worth the try if you like a little color on your lips but can't be bothered with lipsticks that constantly need touch-ups. This'll give your pout a smooth, ultra-pigmented stain with a silky finish, *and* it also has a lightweight feel that's not sticky or clumpy! E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer, which blurs your pores and creates a smooth, velvety texture for makeup to glide over and also grip onto. Infused with squalane for hydration, Poreless Putty Primer has a mattifying effect that doesn't look dry — plus, it's small enough to take on the go in case you need touch-ups. Blink, and you might mistake it for Tatcha's Silk Canvas primer and other pricier options. A pack of two Venus Visage teeth whitening pens, minty fresh without the weird aftertaste and completely painless — no discomfort for sensitive teeth and gums! But most importantly, it leaves your teeth noticeably whiter, and at a fraction of the cost of the dentist (and Crest Whitestrips). A bottle of Fanola "No Yellow" purple shampoo to help your blonde or gray hair continue looking its best in between salon appointments, since this'll neutralize yellow, brassy tones that start to peek through over time. Reviewers say they see a big difference in their hair after each use! Peach Slices acne spot dots for a *super* budget-friendly hydrocolloid acne patch option compared to other brands like Mighty Patch. Keep them around if you're prone to sudden breakouts, and they'll come in clutch: Just apply one to a zit, and it'll literally suck out all that nasty gunk, leaving the area noticeably flatter with less redness overnight. Or LivaClean Superstar pimple patches if you love the look of those cute but pricey Starface patches — reviewers swear up and down that these work waaay better, *and* you're literally paying 3 cents per patch. A L'Oreal Paris rinse-out lamellar water treatment that'll transform your hair in just eight seconds (!) to leave your hair shiny, silky, and ultra-hydrated, no matter your hair type! Psst — they might reach for Redken at your local salon, but this has the same ingredients as that brand's lamellar treatment for way less. LilyAna Naturals eye cream to brighten and firm undereye skin to reduce puffiness, fine lines, and bags, but it doesn't stop there — this potent cream also nourishes the delicate area with restorative ingredients like rosehip seed oil, organic hibiscus flower extracts, and vitamin E. And unlike some eye creams, it also won't break the bank — a win-win. Essence's Lash Princess mascara beloved for its ability to give you bold, dramatic lashes while also separating them to prevent clumping — and for its $5 price tag. People *rave* about this bestselling tube as a swap for more expensive mascaras like Too Faced Better Than Sex, L'Oreal Telescopic Lift, and many, many more. A Revlon one-step hair dryer and volumizer so you can give yourself a gorgeous blowout without visiting the salon — it knocks out drying *and* styling your hair in one step to save time in the mornings too! Dropping $500+ on a Dyson Airwrap suddenly less appealing. An internet-beloved set of makeup sponges — reviewers sing their praises as a budget-friendly swap for Beauty Blender and Real Techniques, since you get five of these for less than $10! Plus, when it comes to blending foundation, concealer, powder, and BB creams, there's no better tool for a ~flawless~ finish. And a bottle of makeup brush-cleaning shampoo because chances are, your sponges and brushes are overdue for a good cleaning. Made with gentle, plant-based ingredients, this cleanser will remove all the built-up makeup, oil, and impurities from your tools — and watching all the gunk be washed down the sink is *so* satisfying. Nyx Fat Oil Lip Drip in case that $40 Dior lip oil has been in your cart forever, but you just can't bring yourself to pull the trigger. At $9, this version's a much lighter hit to your wallet, with the same burst of hydration (made with vegan squalane!) sheer color, and non-sticky finish reviewers can't get enough of. A pack of bamboo oil-blotting sheets to keep yourself from looking greasy by 10 a.m. — you can keep these in your bag for quick touch-ups throughout the day as needed! (Don't worry, your makeup will remain unscathed.) This 100-count pack will cost you less than 10 bucks, a fraction of what premium brands like Tatcha charge. A trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks if you've been hesitant to pull the trigger on that $24 Laneige lip mask that's *everywhere* these days — getting three flavors for under $10 feels like a great alternative if you ask me. Just smear some on your dry, cracked lips before bed and dream of the smooth, soft lips you'll have come morning. A rainbow-inspired eyeshadow palette with 40 matte, shimmer, and metallic shades so you can play with pretty much any color to paint the ~canvas~ that is your lovely face. Loved by amateurs and professional makeup artists alike, this is a great all-in-one palette for anyone who's not afraid to dabble with bright colors. And a tube of Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eyeshadow Base because if you're applying eyeshadow without primer, you're not getting its full effect. Not only will it make your eyeshadow look bolder and extra pigmented, but it'll also combat oil and creasing so your smoky eye looks flawless all night long. Mac Paint Pot, it was nice knowin' ya. Physicians Formula Diamond Dust translucent powder for brushing some shimmer onto your cheeks, eyes, lips, and elsewhere for a glassy skin effect. Reviewers compare this to Fenty Beauty's Diamond Bomb highlighter (which retails for over $40), though this is *slightly* less pigmented, which some said they actually prefer. Maybelline's Cheek Heat gel-cream blush because, don't get me wrong, we love Glossier Cloud Paint around stocking up on your favorite shades is admittedly painful at $20 per tube. This water-based formula will give you that gorgeous natural flush, applied easily using just your fingers, for a fraction of the cost. An eyebrow soap kit reviewers love as an alternative to name brands to help you sculpt your brows so they have the exact shape, volume, and texture you're going for — and keep them looking defined and fluffy throughout the day. When it comes to precision and hold, this stuff is *chef's kiss*. CeraVe's Retinol Serum in case you've been wanting to add a retinoid to your routine but have been scared off by potential flaking and redness — or the price tag of other brands, like Murad's $92 retinol serum. This uses encapsulated retinol designed to help prevent irritation while still resurfacing the skin to help reduce the appearance of acne scars, pores, and more. A bottle of Nyx matte setting spray so your carefully crafted makeup look can survive up to 16 hours of wear, through humidity, sweat, rain, and snow, without any smudging or melting. Reviewers have put it to the test and say it's a cheaper swap for Mac and Urban Decay's setting sprays. A 12-pack of soft microfiber makeup removing towels, a true hack for budget-savvy makeup wearers, since they can gently remove makeup using only water and be reused over and over! Perfect for travel and everyday use, they'll cost you just over $1 per cloth, which amounts to nearly 20 times cheaper than the infamous Makeup Eraser. Or Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water in case it's time for you to replace your beloved bottle of Bioderma. This has the same gentle but powerful makeup-removing abilities, lifting away even waterproof makeup along with dirt and excess oil (without totally stripping your skin of moisture). BestLand's high-performance matte lipsticks, which might be cheap (less than $2 each!) but bear results that feel ~expensive~ — especially since so many reviewers swear they're even *better* than those pricey name brand liquid lipsticks! This set is honestly a must-have if you love red and pink lip shades, since it contains six long-lasting staples that'll have you look fierce all day long. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer, a cult-favorite you can wield as part of your multistep daily routine *or* for quick touch-ups (without cakiness!) on days when you're not feeling a full face of makeup. Dark, puffy under-eye circles and redness are no match for it — and neither are the name-brand concealers, at this price. L'Oreal's illuminating Lumi Glotion if you're going for a dewy, no-makeup makeup look — this works beautifully as a lightweight foundation alternative or for adding a little glow on top of your makeup! And at under $15, it's a reviewer-fave swap for pricier options like Glossier Futuredew and Drunk Elephant's D-Bronzi Drops. Eve Hansen Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum reviewers compare to the coveted TNS Recovery Complex serum that's — prepare yourself — over $200 for a 1-ounce bottle. This budget-friendly alternative offers similar benefits: It deeply hydrates, reduces under-eye puffiness and dark circles, smooths fine lines, boosts overall hydration, and creates a radiant glow that's giving, "I just got a facial." Eva Naturals' vitamin C serum, which deserves a spot in your bag because it's basically a skincare superhero with powerful ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, niacinimide, and salicylic acid all rolled into one. This stuff might just spell the end for any acne, rough skin, fine lines, clogged pores, and dark spots you have.
Buzz Feed
18-02-2025
- Lifestyle
- Buzz Feed
Just 32 Cheaper Options For Anyone Who Refuses To Buy Trendy Name-Brand Products This Winter
1. A pair of ridiculously comfy pull-on cushioned boots in case dropping over $150 on a pair of those platform Uggs isn't in the cards rn. Lined with soft faux fur and memory foam insoles, these cushy mini boots feel like a warm hug on your feet. If you have wider feet or plan on wearing with thick socks, some reviewers suggest sizing up. Promising review: "I've only had one pair of real Uggs in my life, but they got ruined in New England weather, and I decided to get [cheaper alternatives] from now on because of their price. I really love that there's no label on the back of these. They have the same comfort, quality, and cute look, though. The platform adds height, and I know it will keep them cleaner. Before I got them I saw reviews saying to size up. I've always ordered my size, but this time I chose a half size up because I want the option to wear thick socks too. I was worried that they might be too big, but when I got them I realized I made the right decision. The fur lining is super thick (not complaining at all) and my foot wouldn't have been comfortable without more room. 10/10 🥰" — dawn frost Get them from Amazon for $69.99 (available in women's sizes 5.5–11 and seven colors). 2. A pack of five colorful wool-blend socks if your feet always feel like icicles this time of year, and that's not even an exaggeration. These thick socks will warm your toes right up since they are made with a bit of wool, but without any of that annoying itchy feeling. These cost so much at certain stores, so getting five for under $20 is a nice deal! BuzzFeed Shopping editor Natalie Brown says, "I have this set and love them when it's cold out. I've had them for five or so years now and all the ones I still have (I lost two different single socks) have held up extremely well despite being washed and worn every couple of weeks or so. No holes in sight!" Get them from Amazon for $14.99 (they fit women's sizes 5–9; available in 24 colored sets). 3. Cosrx Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence, a holy grail serum for many people with dry, sensitive skin — which only gets drier in the winter — and a gentler, cheaper alternative to many name-brand products. It's effective on all skin types, and reviewers report seeing improvement after just a few uses! Acne scars, dark spots, and fine lines are about to meet their match. The reviewer on the left above is showing the difference in their skin after just one day! Promising review: "My skin dries out severely during the winter all the time, and I have to constantly use Vaseline to keep it moisturized (normal cream doesn't work on me). Imagine my surprise when my SO tried to put snail goo on me, eww!! I resisted for weeks refusing to use this product as she constantly vouched for its abilities. After a month I finally gave in, and boy it is amazing! My hands feel more moisturized than ever for longer and it doesn't leave a disgusting greasy feel as Vaseline. Take it from a once non-believer, you have to try this. Even if it doesn't work for you, you paid a fraction of what you would've paid for any other name-brand moisturizers." — Kyoko Ozaki Get it from Amazon for $18.95. 4. And SeoulCeuticals Snail Repair Cream for applying after any serums to lock in that much-needed moisture. This noncomedogenic moisturizer contains 97.5% snail mucin filtrate as well as vitamin E, organic aloe, and shea butter. Softer, smoother, brighter skin is possible, even this time of you didn't even have to splurge on Sunday Riley or Drunk Elephant. SeoulCeuticals is a small business! Promising reviews: "Perfect gel texture moisturizer for my combination skin. It absorbs quickly and leaves skin with a nice finish (not sticky or greasy). It layers really well under sunscreen and makeup too! It really reminds me of the Drunk Elephant Protini moisturizer but one-fourth the price! Will buy again!!" — AG " Smells just like the Sunday Riley moisturizer! Super moisturizing and smells amazing!" — Emma Nava Get it from Amazon for $20. 5. A long wool-blend peacoat in case you've been looking for a long coat in this classic style that won't cost an arm and a leg. Perfect for layering over turtlenecks and jeans, it'll *instantly* elevate an outfit even on casual days, but it's also dressy enough for weddings and other events. Promising reviews: "I was not expecting much but this coat has very nice smooth texture. The shape is firm and even, and some wrinkles and fold lines were pretty much gone after a gentle steam iron. It is much better quality than some other similar coat that cost ~$200 I've looked at some stores." — M "LOVE this coat. It's perfectly versatile for my needs. I was nervous because it was inexpensive, but it looked great, and I got many compliments — someone even thought it was vintage. It is so comfortable and durable. It's surprisingly warm and is perfect for traveling as it can look great with casual or business clothes. It comes with an extra button, but the coat actually feels quality enough to last a long time. I wore it a lot when I traveled, so it got a bit dirty. The tag says it can't be dry-cleaned, but the cleaners I go to washed and dried it, and it looks like new." — Rachel Get it from Amazon for $47.99 (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and 11 colors). 6. Fur-lined waterproof snow boots that serve as a budget-friendly alternative to the iconic, '80s-inspired Moon Boot. These mid-calf waterproof boots make a statement, but they're more than just Instagrammable — their waterproof design and faux fur interior ensure cold and moisture have no chance of reaching your feet. Reviewers say these run small and recommend going up a half size or full size, especially if you plan to wear thick socks. Promising reviews:"When I was a kid, I had a pair of lavender Moon Boots that were so warm and comfy and kept my feet so dry that I wore them for 20 years until they disintegrated. These are the next best thing. I wore them out in the snow and my feet stayed warm and dry, and they are so bright and cheerful. I love them." — Mysticclam "If you're a child of the '80s, these are going to be right up your alley! I got the hot pink and I love them! Always get compliments and fun stories." — E. Lay Get them from Amazon for $44.99+ (available in women's sizes 4.5–10 and eight colors). 7. Eve Hansen Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum reviewers compare to the coveted TNS Recovery Complex serum that's — prepare yourself — over $200 for a 1-ounce bottle. This budget-friendly alternative offers similar benefits: It deeply hydrates, reduces under-eye puffiness and dark circles, smooths fine lines, boosts overall hydration, and creates a radiant glow that's giving, "I just got a facial" (even though we're all way too broke for that after the holidays). Promising review:"So far I have used about four bottles of this product. I use it like a serum and put a few drops on my face and décolleté before I apply moisturizer in the morning or night cream. I see the same outstanding results I did see with the TNS Serum — just for a fraction of the price!!!" — nana bendick Get it from Amazon for $17.98+ (available in two sizes). 8. An Overmont cast-iron Dutch oven that'll save you hundreds of dollars if you're not loyal to Le Creuset and just want a durable pot for all your stewing, boiling, roasting, and frying needs. It's oven safe up to 500 degrees F, and the lid is designed for water vapor to condense and drip back onto your food evenly, which ensures your pot roast will come out juicy and delicious instead of dry. You can get the shallow braising pan (as pictured alongside the Dutch oven above) for $69.99. Promising reviews: "I researched a lot before choosing this Dutch oven. I wasn't sure that this brand would be of high quality because the price is so much lower than the famous Le Creuset and others. This Overmont product is stylish and big enough to hold a whole chicken or probably roast. On first cooking, we did jerk beef ribs and were pleased with the result. Heat distribution is excellent, and it's easy to clean with hot, soapy water." — NJM "I bought this specifically for baking bread. Everyone was suggesting I buy the Le Creuset brand, but I'm new to the task, so I didn't want to spend an exorbitant amount. I could not be happier with my purchase. I've preheated both the pot and lid for an hour, as the recipes have said, and it works beautifully. It bakes fresh sourdough and yeast bread, yielding really beautiful brown crusts and even cooking throughout. I use parchment to line the pot for cooking, so clean-up is a breeze. 5 stars!" — Iris C. Wilson Get a 5.5-quart pot from Amazon for $59.99+ (available in eight colors and three sizes). 9. A loungewear set I wouldn't blame you for eventually just living in (many reviewers already are) for how luxuriously soft it feels *and* looks. Watch out, Kim K — Skims has a seriously tempting competitor. Promising review:"No joke, these are pretty much exactly the same as my Skims lounge set for half the price. The pants graze the tops of my feet even when I wear them high-waisted at my belly button, so I think they're plenty long. The robe is like wearing a blanket, but still looks put together. Anyway, I'm back here to buy a second color because I loved them so much!" — Jenna Get the three-piece set from Amazon for $54.99 (available in women's sizes S–XL and in 24 colors). 10. L'Oreal's illuminating Lumi Glotion if you'd love to have a bit of that summer glow even in mid-February! This works beautifully as a lightweight foundation alternative or for adding a subtle glow to your makeup. And at under $15, it's a reviewer-fave swap for pricier options like Glossier Futuredew and Drunk Elephant's D-Bronzi Drops. Promising reviews:"Similar to the Drunk Elephant bronzing drops but half the cost!!! Definitely has more shimmer/glow to it." — Taylor Luckhardt "This is EXACTLY what I was looking for. I apply after moisturizer and makeup, highlighting under my eyes and brow bones. Not too sparkly, just makes me look like I've had enough coffee. Seems to last through hot and sweaty Florida days, so that's a plus. I've tried other luminizers, and for me they are usually too sparkly or weirdly colored. I tried an $$ Glossier one that remained strangely sticky the whole time it was on my skin." — DLW Get it from Amazon for $13.84 (available in five shades). 11. A popular checkerboard throw blanket you can curl up under when the weather outside is *truly* frightful. I looove the sage green shade (let's just channel those spring vibes while we wait), but it comes in other beautiful colors as well! Reviewers consider it a great alternative to the popular Barefoot Dreams throw and say it's extremely soft. 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). 12. A trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks if you've been hesitant to pull the trigger on that $24 Laneige lip mask that's *everywhere* these days — getting three flavors for under $10 feels like a great alternative if you ask me. Just smear some on your dry, cracked lips before bed, and even the blasting heat from your apartment's radiator won't be able to prevent you from having soft, smooth lips by morning. 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: "[Alternative] for the Laneige lip mask. This is the most moisturizing lip treatment in 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 it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in six combos). 13. Some chunky combat boots because those trusty old black boots you've been wearing year after year are falling apart, but you still can't bring yourself to splurge on some Docs. Aside from the fact that they're faux leather, they look *super* similar, and reviewers swear by their comfort! And huge bonus: The side zipper makes them easy to slip on and off (so you can take them through airport security without sweating). Promising review:"I absolutely loved these shoes. They were perfect for the festival I went to. I wanted shoes I didn't care that would get dirt and I didn't want to wear my Docs for that reason. Honestly I like these better than my Dr. Martens. I walked in these for three days straight, eight hours a day and they honestly didn't feel like normal boots; they were pretty comfortable. They also did well when it rained or walking into puddles. And when people stepped on my feet they held up very well lol. 10/10 recommend." — CathyKindle Customer Get it from Amazon for $35.09 (available in women's sizes 5.5–10 and four colors). 14. A vegan leather shoulder bag for when your all-black winter ensemble needs a pop of color. Because we *adore* JW Pei, but as much as we'd love to own their cute Joy shoulder bag in every color, it's not in the budget rn. Promising review: "I'm amazed at the quality of this bag!! Like helloooo, don't think, just buy. To think I almost bought the JW Pei original. This will do just GREAT." — Olive Get it from Amazon for $22.49 (available in nine styles). 15. Or a quilted leather crossbody purse that'll help make up for the fact that you didn't get that Chanel bag on your holiday wish list this year. And even if you do own the designer version, you wouldn't wanna take it out in the rain and snow — so let this budget-friendly option brave the elements with you. 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 $20.99 (available in 10 styles). 16. A pair of high-waisted crossover bootleg yoga pants because the viral Aerie version is *impossible* to avoid if you follow any fashion influencers, but don't feel peer-pressured into that pair if you're on the fence. These are buttery soft, stretchy, and super lightweight — the ultimate WFH pants or loungewear when it's a little too chilly for shorts. Promising reviews: "These are VERY comfortable and fit my body quite well (I'm curvier than the model so that was really nice). A lot of yoga pants tend to be too long or too short, but these are the perfect length for me (I'm 5'6). Lastly, they're warm enough to wear in the winter, but somehow not too hot in the summer. Weird. I'd buy again." — Beach Chicken "I saw these reviewed on TikTok. I love them; they are similar to the Aerie leggings. Will, for sure, buy more." — Amazon Customer Get them from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in women's sizes XXS–XXL and 11 colors) 17. LilyAna Naturals eye cream to brighten and firm undereye skin to reduce puffiness, fine lines, and bags, but it doesn't stop there — this potent cream also nourishes the delicate area with restorative ingredients like rosehip seed oil, organic hibiscus flower extracts, and vitamin E. And unlike some eye creams, it also won't break the bank — a win-win. Promising reviews:"Best eye cream I have ever used!!! Better than Benefiance by Shiseido and Clinique or Lancôme, for less than a third of the price with the amount you get. It is rich enough to do the job but not greasy. It doesn't interfere with concealer, yet softens lines. Love it so much!!!!" — Lory Lacy "I really like the ingredients and that it's not tested on animals. There's no overpowering smell and even though it's an eye cream, I used on my entire face and neck. It's winter and the heat's on all the time, which really dried out my skin, especially my face. This helped in a matter of days and is very comforting; my face looks so much better." — dogs R4ME Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in three sizes). 18. A soothing sunrise alarm clock because these short winter days have your internal clock all out of whack, and getting up when it's dark out is a struggle. This wakes you up gently and gradually by simulating the sunrise — no more blaring alarms that make you want to slam the "snooze" button and avoid all of your responsibilities that day. If you're not ready to splurge on a Hatch, don't fret — this'll cost you less than 50 bucks (which is well worth it considering how much it'll improve your daily routine). The light comes on gradually, starting at 10% brightness and working its way up to 100% by 30 minutes before your wake-up time (though you can adjust this down to 20 or 10 minutes before), and you can have it play sounds of nature like songbirds, ocean waves, or a splashing creek. There's a similar process for falling asleep as well, with gradual light fading and sounds like pouring rain and crickets + campfire available to lull you asleep. Promising review:"The simulation of the sun rising has saved my mornings. I wake up with the sun, and with the shorter days in the winter, I'm struggling every morning to wake up — even with five or six alarms on my phone. This has added a whole new element to my wake-up routine and it is priceless. I originally was going to purchase the Hatch, but took a risk on this product (cheaper) and it was 110% worth it." — Hailey Lawson Get it from Amazon for $35.08+ (available in three styles). 19. A pair of lightweight legging-style joggers remarkably similar to Lulu's Align joggers, reviewers have noticed. With four-way stretch and a stretchy elastic waistband, these will keep you in peak comfort while lounging, running errands, or exercising. They also provide a little extra warmth on slightly chilly days when you need a full layer covering your legs. 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 23 colors). 20. A full-zip track jacket if you're craving that fitted athleisure look that'll make you feel totally *snatched*. It has convenient thumb holes to keep the sleeves in place — and, yes, this is another Lulu lookalike (we love you, Define jacket, but our bank account does not). Some versions of the jacket have pockets, too! Promising review: "TikTok brought me here! I saw many reviews for the Lululemon BBL jacket; however, I was not ready to spend over $100 on a jacket. I'm a frugal gal. I absolutely love this jacket; my boyfriend told me it looked great, and I got many compliments. Truly the perfect alternative for the BBL jacket!" — Bri Campos Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in women's sizes XS–XL and in 15 colors). 21. The Ordinary's AHA 30% Peeling Solution, an at-home peel designed to ~resurface~ skin, exfoliate dead cells, unclog pores, and boost surface turnover so you're left with noticeably smoother, more ✨ radiant ✨ skin (goodbye, winter dullness!). Some reviewers say it's hard to justify the cost of Drunk Elephant's T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial when the ingredients here are so similar and, in many people's experiences, provide the same effects. This solution uses a mixture of glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid. The first two are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that exfoliate the skin's outer layer while the last one, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), reduces pore congestion. Promising reviews:"I woke up to smoother, brighter skin after the first use! I was skeptical because of all the Instagram hype of the 'blood' face peel, but I figured, why not. I am 37 years young and I have hormonal acne around my jawline, which leaves hyperpigmentation marks. I struggle with the marks and uneven texture. One use last night, and this morning a major difference. This is not a magic eraser or a magic wand... I know I'll have to use this once a week along with my normal rigorous routine to combat my hormones. Try it. You don't be disappointed!" — EML2282 "This is my new favorite peel product! In 10 minutes, my skin looked glowy and smooth, and felt soft and even. There was zero irritation, just healthy, happy skin. Babyfacial works, but always left my skin red, extra oily, and hot to the touch. Not this product though! Not to mention it literally costs less than 10% of what Babyfacial costs." — ClaireEB Get it from Sephora for $9.50. 22. A faux sheepskin rug you can lay across an accent chair or ottoman, on the floor beside your bed, in front of the fireplace — anywhere you want to inject with some serious "hygge" (a Danish word referring to a mood of coziness and contentment). Heads up that if you have any pets, wherever you place this will *probably* become their new favorite nap spot. Promising review:"I painstakingly searched for hours for a 6x9 faux fur white rug that had solid reviews and didn't cost an arm and a leg. I'm so glad I did my research because I didn't find this one until right at the end! If feels so soft and luxurious and totally pulls my room together!! Most of the similar rugs I looked at were at least $250 if not a lot more, so when I found this for $140 I just couldn't beat it! My living room is very large, and somewhat narrow and it filled the space perfectly! I also bought the 2x3 throw, which is just as soft and awesome as the larger rug!! Highly recommend!!!" — Isiah Abraham Get a 2x3 rug from Amazon for $16.99 (available in many sizes and colors). 23. A quarter-zip oversize pullover sweatshirt that'll have you strolling down the street with a Mona Lisa smile like, I know something you don't know. The secret? You *didn't* drop $80 on this at Aritzia. This cotton-poly-blend sweatshirt is thick enough for warmth — perfect for running errands or throwing on before that early-morning class when it's chilly out. 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 $34.99 (available in women's sizes S–XXL and in 27 styles). 24. A lil' milk frother to add a professional touch to your morning cup of joe or evening hot chocolate (because 'tis the season for cozying up with your warm bevvy of choice). It couldn't be easier to use — just press the button to start the frothing magic — and despite being a *fraction* of the price of the Nespresso Aeroccino, some reviewers prefer this gadget more. Note that this doesn't heat the milk up, though, the way the Nespresso frother does. My colleague Heather Braga loves her milk frother: "I invested in one of these and I'm so glad I did — I use it to make lattes at home and have saved a lot of dollars without having to run out to Starbucks every morning ( a week or so instead hehe)." Promising review:"I have tried the Illy machine with steam frother, the Nespresso Aeroccino and this one. This is by far the one with the best results, the cheapest, smallest, easiest to clean and... well, I ran out of superlatives! The best caffè macchiato, macchiatone, cappuccino etc." — andrea c Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in 40 styles). 25. A lingerie bodysuit you can snag without stepping foot in Victoria's Secret or looking at a price tag so high, you end up talking yourself out of it. You deserve a piece that'll make you feel beautiful (whether it's just for yourself or a surprise for your S.O.), and with its elegant lace and plunging neckline, this teddy is totally it. Promising reviews: " OK wow! This is a Victoria's Secret or sexier style of for a great price! My husband is going to love it!!! It also has clips on the bottom to just open haha and the lace is so beautiful you would never believe it's from Amazon; it really looks like it is from an expensive lingerie store. WOW!" — Cielo "From material to size to price, all are TOP TIER!!!! Unbeatable price for such amazing quality material; super soft and comfortable fit! Ordered white for my bridal boudoir shoot and will ABSOLUTELY be ordering every other color!! If you're debating whether or not to order…ORDER IT!!! By far my favorite lingerie I've EVER owned!!" — Destiny Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in women's sizes S–XXL and six colors). 26. A must-have basic oversize hoodie in case you're looking for (as the kids put it) a "hoodie that hoodies" — aka it has that perfectly shaped slouchy fit. Plus, it's similar to that Abercrombie Essential Popover hoodie that goes for a cool $70, so you can basically grab this in different colors for the same price. Life just got a *lot* cozier with this bb. Promising reviews: "This hoodie is so comfortable and quality. This is the most comfortable piece of clothing I have ever put on my body. This hoodie is like a warm hug on a cold, rainy day. I bought the light gray hoodie four days ago, and I have ordered two more since. If you feel you are missing something in life, I can tell you with 100% certainty that it is this hoodie. The fabric, the price, the fit can only be described as perfection." — Devin "This hoodie is so cute, definitely oversized! It's veryyy soft inside and doesn't have the cheap polyester texture that most Amazon sweatshirts have. It feels similar to an Abercrombie hoodie I have!" — bree Get it from Amazon for $38.99+ (available in women's sizes XXS–4XL and 41 colors). 27. A pair of fleece-lined faux-leather leggings that manage to look sexy and stylish while also keeping your legs warm in the chilliest of weather. Need a swap for those $100 Spanx leather leggings? Give these a go. Promising reviews:"Must-have! Even the Spanx leather leggings look blah compared to these! These feel and look like leather! Exactly the look I was going for! I could've sized up, but these stretch a good amount for us big-thighed girls. Also it's perfect for fall/winter cause it feels very warm material inside!" — Janet Luna "You guys... these are seriously the most amazing leggings ever. They looked so small coming out of the package, but the stretch is [awesome]. They fit like a glove! I know people say that, but I mean seriously, like a glove. No wrinkling around the knees, no camel toe, and they stay up around the waist when moving around and bending (Which is my biggest issue with other leather-look leggings). They look so smooth and shiny on. And they're SO SOFT. They feel like when you put soft pajama pants on right after shaving and exfoliating. They're like butter. My mind honestly is having trouble processing how amazing and structured they look with how amazing they minute I put them on I ordered a second pair." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in women's sizes XS–4X and in four colors). 28. A new-and-improved Govee neon rope light if your goal is to make your home a cozy cave for your own winter hibernation. Its bendable design lets you twist it into all sorts of neat shapes (though the squiggle is classic), and by using an app, you can program it to all sorts of color combos and lighting effects! The cozy glow this gives at night is unmatched. Hue, who? Several reviewers compare these to Hue LightStrips and say these are even better, especially for a fraction of the price! I own the old version of this light (before this newer model released) and still absolutely love it. First of all, it's SOOO easy to put on the wall — it comes with these little adhesive plastic brackets that you just slide onto the rope and then press against the wall, and continue adding them as needed to support the shape you're making. The Govee app makes it so easy to program the lighting however I like, and it's upgraded my nighttime cozy vibes in a MAJOR way. Also, I recently moved apartments and re-mounted my Govee rope light in a different shape on my new wall, and it was just as easy as the first time (just be careful removing the adhesive brackets as it can rip paint off — this happened to me with one of them, but we patched it easily). I'll probably come back for this improved model eventually, which is made of even more flexible, softer materials and has improved lighting effects and upgraded bend clips. Plus, they now only offer this light in 9- and 16-foot lengths, which totally makes sense — mine is the old 6-foot version that they don't even sell anymore, probably because it's not quite long enough to make elaborate shapes with. You might not think you need that much length, but once you start creating waves and shapes on your wall, you'll realize it's very much needed to get the full effect! Get it from Amazon for $69.99+ (available in two lengths and two colors). 29. A ribbed workout jumpsuit that's considered a great Skims alternative, with reviewers claiming it looks and feels just as high quality. It's compressive but breathable, with four-way stretch so you can pull off all your squats with ease (plus it's thick enough that it won't show your undies). Throw a cropped jacket, vest, or long cardigan over the top for a cute cold-weather 'fit! Promising review: "I absolutely love this bodysuit! I discovered this brand from my coworker who was wearing this bodysuit in a different color and it looked so good on her I knew I had to give them a try. Finding items that fit my body nicely is next to impossible; but THIS?! It was literally perfect and full coverage + support and not sheer at all! I'm buying this in so many colors and the quality is SO good. I love this more than my Skims!" — Zoe T Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in women's sizes S–XXL and 16 colors). 30. Budget-friendly high-top sneakers for anyone who's not ready to shell out for another pair of Chucks just for the waterproof factor, but adores the look. These come in gorgeous vibrant colors (perfect for brightening up a gloomy day) and classic neutral shades! Amazon Promising review:"I need waterproof boots in the winter. Chicago area. I have other rain boots that were much more expensive than these. I donated all of those after these showed up. These look thick and expensive. They're super shiny. The pattern is bright without being cheap-looking. I live in an artsy neighborhood and love that these look more like hiking or combat boots than my regular rain boots." — Lisa "These shoes are great for walking around in the gross slush that are the epitome of Michigan winters. Wear tall socks or it'll rub your ankles a bit. Also, for being a rubber shoe work tall thick socks under, my feet didn't sweat very much at all." — matt Get them from Amazon for $33.99 (available in sizes 5.5–11 and 10 styles, including high-tops and low-tops). 31. An ultra-light milky toning lotion to balance your skin's pH level, exfoliate, fight inflammation, and moisturize, leaving your face balanced and radiant. It actually strengthens and restores lipids in your skin for softness that lasts. It's similar to Laneige's Cream Skin Toner, but cheaper — and from a small biz! Good Light Because of the super-hydrating ingredients in this, you might feel like you don't even need a moisturizer after — but if you have super-dry skin, particularly during the winter months, you can follow with a gentle moisturizer. Good Light is a Brooklyn, New York-based small biz that creates vegan, cruelty-free beauty products designed for people of any gender. Promising review: 'This toner is EVERYTHING! If you've ever tried Laneige Cream Skin Toner, this is similar, but way better. Laneige's toner leaves a film while Good Light's Moon Glow does not. It does exactly what it's supposed to do: it dampens the skin and prepares it for moisture. Just like all of Good Light's products, a little goes a long way, and it absorbs nicely. 100% great toner!' — Jane P Get it from Good Light for $28. 32. An oversize, lightweight knit button-up cardigan you can snuggle up with blissfully — not only because it's so comfy and cozy, but because you'll be thinking about the literal *hundreds* of dollars you saved buying this over the Jenni Kayne "Cocoon" cardigan. Amazon Promising review: "I have (and cherish) a Jenni Kayne 'Cocoon' cardigan. It's in basic beige and while I've dreamed of adding more colors to my wardrobe, these sweaters are like $500. That's kind of an undertaking. I took a chance on these and I'm so glad I did. I ordered this sweater in both gray and navy and I was blown away by the quality. The cashmere cardigan from JK is softer and cozier, but these have an amazing comfy weight to them and a very smooth weave that washes well. It's the same look for much less money, and I can wear them with comparatively little worry. These don't snag easily. Super impressed!" — Alexis Dawdy Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in women's sizes XS–XL and 28 styles). The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.
