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4 days ago
- Business
- Buzz Feed
40 Cheaper Versions Of Pricey Products To Buy Instead
An exquisite tinted lip balm shockingly similar to Clinique's "Black Honey" but it doesn't cost nearly as much. This weightless, non-sticky formula glides onto your pout to give 'em a subtle polished tint of your choosing. Soon you'll be smackin' your lips all over the place, and no one can blame you when they look this good. 🤷♀️ A set of golden bracelets if you wanna indulge in some dainty wrist candy that doesn't cost more than your rent. These mix-and-match sets give ~luxe~ vibes without the ridiculous price tag — in fact, they're a LOT like Cartier versions but with far fewer zeros on the end. That's a win in my book! E.l.f. Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen because when did sunscreen become one of the most expensive items in your skincare routine? Enter this affordable find, which offers SPF 35 *and* goes on smooth and clear without any white cast. It works well as a blurring primer to create the perf setup before applying makeup too! TLDR; it's the more affordable version of Supergoop. A moisturizing Mise En Scene hair serum — this K-beauty product is just like the $46 Gisou version and will work just as hard to repair brittle locks. It's made with nourishing oils, including argan, coconut, olive, and, jojoba. Reviewers praise this serum for its ability to combat dryness! Plus, it smells downright divine. I think it's more than worthy of a spot in your cart! A three-pack of retro-inspired polarized sunglasses to diversify your accessory portfolio with some vintage flair without overspending a single pair of Ray-Bans. It never hurts to have ✨options✨ and you won't find a better bang for your buck. A TikTok-famous Creamy Coconut fragrance rollerball that rivals the $25 Sol de Janeiro version, which is no small feat. It smells like a beachy dream, it rolls on super smooth, *and* it's subtle enough to combine with other scents if you keep a few in rotation. Oh, and reviewers say it lasts a long time, too! An Anthropologie-inspired reversible quilted throw blanket made of 100% cotton so you can add some character to any bland bedroom or living room in a flash! It's machine washable and comes in larger sizes in case you wanna use it as your main bed blanket — it's just that beautiful and cozy, so no one would blame you. Buttery soft high-waisted leggings if you've had your eye on the Lululemon Align version but can't bear to shell out an entire Benjamin for one piece of activewear. These are made of a heavenly soft material *and* they're squat-proof. They're called ~Dreamlux~ leggings for a reason, people. Physicians Formula Butter Glow & Go Stick you'll keep on you at all times after seeing just how similar it is to the $46 Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick. This version delivers a radiant glow in the form of a buttery-smooth, dual-sided contour stick that's easy to use in many different ways — this baby can replace your contour, bronzer, blush, eyeshadow, AND lip color! It's compact enough to fit in your makeup bag when you're on the go. A cult-fave luxury-scented candle — it'll upgrade your space with an upscale feel at a reasonable price. The intriguing scent is reminiscent of Le Labo's Santal 33, which features a blend of jasmine, oud, and sandalwood that'll carry you away to a paradise where everything is this amazing *and* affordable. Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener to help liven up your tired eyes with a lightweight formula that delivers superb coverage in just a few swipes. This tinted concealer contains hyaluronic acid and shea butter that may also help reduce dark circles over time. Bonus: It's just like the $33 Becca version but for MUCH less! A Skims-esque square-neck compressive body suit made of a seamless, stretchy fabric that may seem too good to be true because it's stylish and it won't bleed you dry financially. Not to mention that you can create sooo many looks with this piece, so it's more than worth the money you'll spend. And this scoop neck top so you can enjoy that deliciously smooth fabric similar to the one in the cult-fave Skims top *with* the same fitted look to boot. The best part? This one is significantly cheaper and comes in a variety of colors so don't be surprised if you fill your cart with several of them. A lash-extending E.l.f. Cosmetics tubing mascara because your lashes deserve the best and you don't wanna waste your time with dry, clumpy (expensive) formulas that leave you full of regret. This one is perfect for thin, delicate lashes. The lightweight tubing technology wraps around your eyelashes for a smudge-proof lift that looks natural. Plus, it's very easy to take off at the end of the day without tons of harsh scrubbing. A stylish pair of machine-washable pointed-toe flats, which probably look eerily familiar because they're just as cute as the ones from Rothy's and Vivaia — but these will be much kinder to your wallet. The breathable material helps prevent sweating and the stretchy knit upper keeps you comfy all day long! You'll never run out of 'fits to pair these with. A MUA–approved black makeup sponge so good at its job, you may forget about the Beauty Blender and Real Techniques versions, which aren't exactly cheap. If you want a flawless finish when blending concealer, foundation, BB cream, and even powders, this makeup sponge has you ~covered~ alright. It's also easier to see your product on the black surface of the sponge *and* it won't leave ugly stains behind. And a bottle of makeup brush-cleaning shampoo when you need to wash away the impurities residing in your brush bristles immediately!!! This stuff is formulated with gentle, plant-based ingredients and will give you the same results as the Beautyblender soap — but for half the price. A gorgeous laptop tote bag with high-end vibes you'll probably want to carry everywhere, even when you don't need your computer. It can fit laptops up to 15.6 inches and other essentials, like your phone, makeup bag, iPad, and more! You'll also breathe a sigh of relief knowing you didn't splurge over $100 on the pricey Béis Work Tote. A set of aesthetic wrist and ankle weights, which will make you forget all about the spendy Bala Bangles. These work the same — they easily attach with Velcro straps and have a waterproof design so bring on the sweat! Plus, the skin-friendly silicone material won't cause irritation while you work out. CeraVe Retinol Serum that'll help refine your skin's texture and tone over time. This lightweight serum uses encapsulated retinol to gently reduce the appearance of pores and acne-related marks. If you've been too scared to try retinoids until now, this is a great place to start. Reviewers say it's better than the pricey options out there, like the $92 Murad Retinol Serum! A Revlon one-step hair dryer and volumizer if you'd love to style and dry your hair at the same time but not go broke on the expensive hair tools. Mission accomplished! You'll speed up your routine while giving your hair an unbelievable amount of shine and volume. Empty your cart of that $600 Dyson Airwrap, stat. An adorable LED tomato light because it's got BIG Urban Outfitters energy but LITTLE price tag vibes. We love to see it! Plus, the UO version is pretty much always sold out. This one is powered via USB and comes with a remote that allows you to dim the light and set a timer. Some cleaning tablets that work just like the popular Bottle Bright tablets but for way less $$$ (15 cents per tablet, to be exact). When it's time for a major refresh, simply drop a tablet in a glass of warm water, then add your mouthguard, retainer, or Invisalign to help demolish odor-causing bacteria, discoloration, and plaque! Bonus: You can even use 'em, to clean grimy water bottles and coffee tumblers. A surprisingly affordable *and* chic wide leg petal pant, which checks so many boxes (pockets, elasticized waist, breathable, versatile), you might think you're hallucinating at first. These are more reasonably priced than the high-end versions, and you can wear 'em to lounge, run errands, or for an impromptu coffee date! LilyAna Naturals eye cream so you can brighten your under-eye area and reduce dark circles with nourishing ingredients, like provitamin A, vitamins C and E, and rosehip seed oil. We all know about the name-brand versions that can set you back a few bands, but you're too smart to fall for that. A Renpho percussion massager that'll make it seem like the $300 TheraGun never existed. This one is just as good for relieving sore muscles and it comes with five massage heads to help target different muscle groups. There are also five speeds to choose from to really personalize your massage experience! A soothing Briotech spray to help calm angry, irritated skin with the same holy-grail ingredient used in Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray: hypochlorous acid. Give yourself a spritz to help treat inflammation, reduce redness, *and* strengthen the skin barrier. A pack of duster sponges if filthy baseboards are the bane of your existence and it's time for a better solution. Simply dampen the sponge and swipe it across dirty surfaces. When you're done, rinse it clean and go about your day. *Immediately deletes Scrub Daddy from cart.* A bottle of Elizavecca hair treatment with collagen ingredients and protein extracts when your goal is to restore over-processed hair. Dull, dry strands are about to go POOF — and you won't even have to spend quadruple the cost on Olaplex. A set of internet-famous Mellanni sheets that'll make it hard for you to get out of bed in the best way. It'll also be hard to believe they don't cost hundreds of dollars, which is what you would spend on Cozy Earth or Egyptian cotton sheets These are made with wonderfully soft moisture-wicking microfiber fabric that actually lasts. And these silky satin pillowcases so your bedroom will look and feel more luxurious for a fraction of the price of high-end brands like Blissy. These have a cooling effect that's sooo soft on the skin. It also creates less friction for your hair. E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops with hyaluronic acid to give your parched skin a giant gulp of moisture. Reviewers swear it's an affordable alternative to the $35 Watermelon Dew Drops from Glow Recipe (they cost 3x as much, just sayin'.) This stuff will help hydrate, plump, and brighten your skin with each use. Wear it solo, apply it before makeup, OR add a few drops to your foundation. Nyx Fat Oil Lip Drip because even though it may not seem possible, you can indeed upgrade your pout game without hurting your wallet! It uses vegan squalane and raspberry and cloudberry oils to hydrate your lips. You won't even remember Dior's $40 famous lip oil after this. A set of remote-operated flameless candles that have the same enchanting effect of a real flickering flame but a much lower price tag, which will surely captivate you. Ditch the fire hazard and the expensive name-brand alternatives *cough* Luminara *cough* you've spent far too much on. A reviewer-beloved TruSkin vitamin C serum with vitamins C, E, and hyaluronic acid so you can hydrate and brighten your skin with *one* product It can also help smooth and fade blemishes and dark spots like an absolute charm! Reviewers say it works like the all-too-expensive SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic serum. An Ugg-inspired suede mule slipper, which will have you doing a double-take when you see the price because they're wayyy cheaper than the name-brand version without compromising on the cozy factor. These have a memory foam insole that molds to your feet for maximum comfort. They even come in half sizes, folks!! Yep, it's time to swap out the pricey Uggs in your cart for these. An adjustable mini belted pack — yes, there is such a thing as a fashionable fanny pack that doesn't break the bank. If you've been longing for the Lululemon one, this is a much cheaper (and dare I say, cuter) alternative. A set of chic cylindrical wineglasses so you can feel like absolute royalty without overspending. These are just as glamorous as the Crate & Barrel version but each sip won't be a reminder of how much money you wasted. An elegant pearl choker if your fashion game could use an upgrade that only looks expensive. This necklace will have Vivienne Westwood clutching her pearls because it's basically identical to the expensive version with a budget-friendly price tag — add to cart ASAP! A magical eye primer when you want your eye makeup to remain intact ALL day without any smudging or creasing. It'll seem too good to be true but believe the hype — reviewers swear this stuff works just as well as (if not better) the more expensive Urban Decay and Too Faced versions.
Buzz Feed
21-05-2025
- Health
- Buzz Feed
40 Affordable Alternatives So Good, Only Your Wallet Will Know
A pair of high-waisted ~DreamLux~ leggings that reviewers compare to the more expensive Lululemon Align ones. Everyone is obsessed with their ultra-comfy stretch and ridiculously soft, moisture-wicking material that makes it feel like you're wearing next-to-nothing — did I mention they're squat-proof and won't randomly roll down?! A Renpho percussion massager to help you release knots, muscle tension, and other body aches you might not even have noticed were making you a grump on the daily! Sometimes foam rolling just isn't working out your knots enough, and this massager is cheaper than both the triple dollar sign TheraGun *and* paying for a professional. E.l.f. Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen, which boasts a lightweight, non-greasy finish with SPF 35, so you don't feel sticky and weighted down before even stepping outside. You can even use it as a priming base for your makeup, so if it's time to reup but the price of Supergoop is making you (and your budget) cringe... this is a darn good alternative! Some slip-on pointed-toe flats to make you feel like you're walking on cloud nine with a comfy memory foam insole. Because they're a much more affordable option to the popular Rothy's and Vivaia styles, yes, these are also machine washable, so you never have to worry about wearing sweaty, smelly flats to work! A 20-pack of extra-thick melamine cleaning pads, which are a great alternative to your favorite name-brand Magic Eraser, but offering a great deal at under 75 cents per sponge. Even better: Because they're twice as thick as that brand, these sponges are even more durable and can tackle all the food drippings in the bottom of your oven that have been burning up for weeks, maybe years! Rael Beauty's Miracle Patches that are slightly more affordable than the popular Mighty Patch ones with the same hydrocolloid to absorb sebum, pus, and other fluids while preventing you from picking at your zits. Each one boasts a transparent, ultra-thin matte design that's super discreet during wear, so you don't have to worry about anyone staring at the pimple that seemingly popped up overnight while you're making small talk! 😅 A ribbed workout jumpsuit, which has many reviewers sporting it year-round as a go-to layering piece because of its comfy stretch material. It boasts a similar seamless and compressive design as Skims, but without the price tag — and honestly, who would be able to tell the difference if you don't tell them?! Plus, a budget-friendly Skims-like sweetheart neckline bodysuit that you definitely will want to buy more than one of after seeing how seamlessly it pairs with your favorite pair of jeans and mini skirts. It's designed with a comfy double-layered fabric that offers shapewear-level support without feeling too restrictive! An adorable pair of wrist and ankle weights, so you can get your sweat on while walking the dog without needing to run or spend a bunch on a barely-used gym membership. And yes, these cuties are verrrrrry similar to the popular Bala Bangles, but literally less than half the price! A bottle of the top-rated Elizavecca hair treatment, which helps restore and repair damaged hair that's been through... a lot (aka dye jobs, heat damage, and even sun damage). Packed with collagen and ceramide 3, this protein treatment brings your hair back to life and has some reviewers even saying it's better than the much more expensive Olaplex treatment! A professional-quality black makeup sponge that one MUA says is "Hands-down, superior" in texture and blending your favorite liquid, cream, or powder beauty products! If you're like me and always *wince* whenever adding a Beauty Blender or Real Techniques sponge to your one will make it so you can stop clutching your pearls every time it's time to replace one. And a bottle of makeup brush–cleaning shampoo because your brushes are soiled with layers and layers of remnants from your past six months of makeup looks, so it's way past time to clean them. BTW — a lot of reviewers compare it to Beauty Blender's own $15 liquid cleanser, which is more than double the price. An Overmont cast-iron Dutch oven for a dependable and versatile pot you can use to boil potatoes, roast a chicken, bake bread, or even fry fish when you feel like throwing down in the kitchen. Seriously, if you've been obsessively trying to recreate the taste of NOLA red beans and rice at home, this might just be the slow cooker you need to get the job done. Did I mention it's significantly cheaper than the aesthetically-pleasing, but budget-busting Le Creuset Dutch ovens? E.l.f's Camo Liquid Blush with highly-pigmented hues just perfect for building and blending onto your cheeks for a soft, dewy finish. Reviewers are obsessed with how it lasts all day long without fading and even compare its quality to a similar blush by Rare Beauty, except it's a fraction of the price! A bottle of Nyx setting spray because you want to be confident that your makeup actually makes it to *and* through the day without worrying about sweating, crying, or wiping it off. Reviewers even say this spray is comparable to the more expensive setting sprays by MAC and Urban Decay! And a 12-pack of soft microfiber makeup-removing towels that only require water to remove your makeup! Stop wasting money on disposable wipes and cotton pads. Each cloth is around $1, aka definitely worth it since the popular Makeup Eraser towels are $19+ each. 😳 An ultra-hydrating TruSkin vitamin C serum featuring a blend of vitamins C and E, plus hyaluronic acid, which together help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots with regular use. Reviewers report noticing brighter and firmer skin within weeks, and with over 93,000 5-star ratings... this $20 serum is practically a steal compared to SkinCeuticals' $140 version! A Briotech topical skin spray featuring an alcohol-free, dermatologist-approved formula that contains hypochlorous acid — the main ingredient in the more expensive Tower 28 SOS Spray, BTW — for targeting the kinds of bacteria that lead to skin irritation, acne, and other blemishes. A pack of reusable duster sponges — a great alternative to the always selling out Scrub Daddy Damp Duster — that allows you to clean your surfaces effectively to remove all that lingering pet hair and dust. Simply dampen it, wipe any surface, and then rinse when you're done! Essence's Lash Princess Mascara — an under-$5 reviewer fave that delivers a voluminous, bold finish with its long-lasting, sweat-resistant, flake- and clump-free formula. Lots of reviewers even swear it's a great alternative to more expensive name-brand mascaras like Too Faced Better Than Sex and L'Oreal Telescopic Lift! *Or* E.l.f's Lash XTNDR Tubing Mascara that uses innovative "tubing" technology to wrap around your eyelashes and deliver natural-looking length and volume with a smudge-proof finish. Plus, the "tubing" makes it SO much easier to remove your makeup without any specialized cleaners or abrasive scrubbing! Not-so-falsies for less than $10? NEED. A set of satin pillowcases, which are great for your skin *and* hair because the silky material helps lessen friction. This means reduced damage to your tresses and salon looks that'll actually last! Who wants to spend money on more expensive brands like Slip and Blissy, when you could save money without sacrificing comfort with these?! A cruelty-free brightening facial scrub featuring a blend of French green clay, Madonna lily, and sea kelp to help exfoliate and remove dead skin, so you can step into tomorrow and the next day with a glowing complexion. The best part? It's designed for ALL skin types, and reviewers swear this little bottle lasts a long, long time and even better than luxury microdermabrasion scrubs from brands like Kate Somerville and Rodan + Fields! An app-controlled Govee neon rope light for adding customized lighting to your space thanks to a flexible design that morphs into different shapes for unique backlighting *or* colorful decor. And compared to the pricey Phillips Hue rope lights, these won't cause you too much emotional pain when you click *add to cart*. So if you want to elevate the vibes of your Sims 4 gameplay, this an affordable option to add even more drama in your meticulously crafted PC soap opera! E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer with a hydrating formula featuring squalene to keep your skin hydrated underneath a blurred, photo-filter matte finish. If you've been spending $$$ on velvety primers like Tatcha's Silk Canvas primer, this affordable option is going to blow your mind! A trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks that make a worthy affordable alternative to the popular Laneige lip masks with the same moisturizing overnight transformation of chapped lips. Plus, this set offers three different flavors, making the math come out to around $3.30 per mask! Hoard them all in your makeup collection or dole them out to your besties as teeny just because gifts! Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer that'll deliver 12 hours of buildable medium coverage, in case you need a quick fix for under-eye circles (or on-the-go touch-ups)! Plus, it's less than $10, making it a great alternative to more expensive concealers from luxury brands like Bobbi Brown or Mac. Skin1004's skin-lifting and pore-tightening face masks with over 8,000 5-⭐️ ratings from reviewers because it's that good at reducing the appearance of wrinkles, calming skin, and delivering a smoother, brighter-looking complexion! Similar to the much more expensive Hanacure masks, as it dries, it delivers a "zombie" look because of ingredients like aloe vera extract and albumin (egg whites), which aim to intensely hydrate and lift skin. A Coty setting powder, which makes an excellent alternative to the one by Laura Mercier (retailing at $43, btw) by offering the same blemish-minimizing mattified finish throughout the day. Now, you won't have to be stingy with your product when trying to touch up your makeup on the humid subway the next time you're rushing to your evening plans! A Lululemon-esque mini belt bag so you can keep all your daily must-haves on hand while remaining hands-free as you explore cities and navigate street fairs or concerts. The adjustable strap means you can wear it as a crossbody or in the classic fanny pack around-the-waist style. And according to reviewers, this little bag holds A LOT. Nyx Fat Oil Lip Drip — instead of splurging on the pricier Dior version, enjoy the same juicy finish and hydration benefits with this one, thanks to a blend of vegan squalane, raspberry, and cloudberry oils. Time to pucker up and receive compliments from everyone you cross paths with! A pair of lightweight legging-style joggers that lots of reviewers rave about being an affordable alternative to a certain Lululemon cult-fave. If you've been looking for a pant that does it all, these are the perfect addition to your closet, keeping you comfortable no matter the weather or occasion. Plus, this longline sports bra, which boasts a lightweight, compressive, and supportive design that can take you from an a.m. hot yoga class to brunch with the besties without a second thought about changing! This Lulu lookalike is a perfect base for the jacket above and several other everyday outfits when the weather starts warming up! CeraVe's Retinol Serum because retinoid products can run pearl-clutching levels of expensive (hello, Murad we're looking at you), but you should be allowed to upgrade your skincare routine even on a budget. This version boasts the same retinol effectiveness, along with niacinamide and licorice root which work together to help reduce the appearance of acne scars and blemishes for a brighter, smoother complexion! L'Oreal's illuminating Lumi Glotion, which is similar to Glossier Futuredew for delivering a shimmering, dewy glow to your complexion, but at a fraction of the price. This lightweight tinted moisturizer goes on effortlessly and is even formulated with a blend of glycerin and shea butter to keep your skin hydrated underneath! A six-piece (!!) set of BestLand's high-performance matte lipsticks that deliver an expensive-looking, velvety bold finish thanks to a quick-drying, waterproof formula. And yes, the price is right because in this set of six, each lipstick comes out to $1.49! Reviewers say they compare to the matte lippies by Kylie Cosmetics, which cost $23 a pop! Or the long-lasting Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint, which is celebrated for its ultra-pigmented formula that delivers a matte finish without being too heavy, dry, or sticky on your lips. This under-$10 lip tint is similar to more expensive matte lipsticks like YSL Velvet Cream and Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution, according to reviewers! Some extra-strength cleaning tablets that immediately get to work during each 15-minute soak removing food particles, plaque build-up, and other grossness trapped in your mouthguard, Invisalign trays, or other dental accessories. Psst — you could even use these to thoroughly clean your favorite stainless steel and ceramic tumblers and water bottles, instead of the more expensive Bottle Bright tablets! 👀 An ultra-light milky toning lotion, an award-winning K-beauty staple designed to gently exfoliate your skin and help combat dryness and irritation. With daily use, you'll begin to notice a more hydrated, glowing complexion and reviewers say it's a slightly cheaper swap for the Cream Skin Toner by Laneige! A top-rated pair of hoop earrings that'll add some subtle glam to your everyday outfits, while looking strikingly similar to the $325 Jennifer Fisher hoops. 👀 Fortunately, these under-$20 beauties are from the TikTok-famous jewelry brand Pavoi, known for their high-quality accessories that boast designer-looking styles at budget-friendly prices!
Buzz Feed
17-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Buzz Feed
43 Budget-Friendly Products So Good, You'll Probably Forget About The More Expensive Versions
1. A stylish pair of machine-washable pointed-toe flats, which probably look eerily familiar because they're just as cute as the ones from Rothy's and Vivaia — but these will be much kinder to your wallet. The breathable material helps prevent sweating and the stretchy knit upper keeps you comfy all day long! You'll never run out of 'fits to pair these with. 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). 2. E.l.f. Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen because when did sunscreen become one of the most expensive items in your skincare routine? Enter this affordable find, which offers SPF 45 *and* goes on smooth and clear without any white cast. It works well as a blurring primer to create the perf setup before applying makeup too! TLDR; it's the more affordable version of Supergoop. My colleague Jenae Sitzes uses it: "The packaging similarities are impossible to ignore, but that's not where the comparisons between this E.l.f. sunscreen and Supergoop's cult-fave product end. I've tried both, and I honestly prefer this E.l.f. version. Supergoop's had a slight graininess to it that I didn't love, while this E.l.f. sunscreen is exactly what I'd hoped Supergoop's would feel like: totally smooth and velvety. Like Supergoop's, it goes on totally clear and doesn't feel like you're wearing a mask; it sinks in immediately. And of course, a major selling point: A 1.7-ounce bottle of E.l.f. Suntouchable will cost you $14, while Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen in the same size will put you back $38. " Now, it's worth noting that Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen has SPF 50, while E.l.f.'s product offers SPF 35. Both of these meet the American Academy of Dermatology's recommendation of using a sunscreen with SPF 30 or more, which blocks 97% of the sun's UVB rays. Anything over SPF 30 offers only slightly more protection (and nothing can block 100% of the sun's rays), yet the higher number, the more brands tend to charge. So do with that info what you will! This isn't the only SPF I use, but I love having it in my arsenal, especially when I do want to layer makeup on top! Promising review: "This sunscreen is a gem. I was not expecting to love it as much as I do. I absolutely love E.l.f. products, but I rarely try their skincare. Something told me to try this. When I put it on, it gave a smooth silicone finish and feel. I was faithful to Supergoop but didn't want to spend as much as the product is listed for. I will continue to use this sunscreen; it has been one of the best I've ever tried. I've been into skincare since I was 15; I am 37, and for me to say that this product is a gold mine is rare." — Angelina S. Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in two sizes). 3. Buttery soft high-waisted leggings if you've had your eye on the Lululemon Align version but can't bear to shell out an entire Benjamin for one piece of activewear. These are made of a heavenly soft material *and* they're squat-proof. They're called ~Dreamlux~ leggings for a reason, people. Promising reviews: "I can't say enough great things about these leggings! They don't roll down, and they feel amazing on. I have all kinds of brands Lululemon, Vuori, Athleta, etc. and these are my favorites and the ones I feel the best and most confident in!! And you can't beat the price — it's a win-win. I will be back to purchase even more colors!" — Lauren "The stitching and logo placement is similar to Lulu; however, these feel more compressive and thicker than Aligns, which I prefer. Lulu stretches over time and for a fraction of the price, this entire line feels way better." — Fiona Get them from Amazon for $29 (available in women's sizes XXS–XXL, two inseams, and 22 colors). 4. A trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks that'll have you questioning why on earth you ever spent $24 on a single Laneige jar when you get THREE of 'em for a fraction of the price? They're infused withberry extract and vitamin C to help heal dry, cracked skin. You'll sleep soundly knowing your lips are hydrated and your wallet is full. 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 in my routine, I haven't had peeling lips in a long time. Loooove these!" — Angela Get it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in six sets). 5. Rael Beauty's Miracle Patch — you get 96 in a pack, which is about a third of what you get when you splurge on Mighty Patches. These K-beauty hydrocolloid patches have super thin edges so they're nearly invisible. Wear 'em when you're out and about and no one will have any idea you're healing a zit while running errands. Promising review:"I RARELY write product reviews, and if I do it's because something is either so terrible or so incredible that I can't keep it to myself, and these are the latter!! For some reason, I have a hard time getting pimple patches to really stick to my face, and I have very dry skin. I'm also not willing to regularly spend $15 on nine patches — so when I saw these 96, I repeat, 96 patches for this price along with a good star rating, I just had to try them. And let me tell you, THEY ARE AMAZING!! "I can put them on and then do all my skincare over top, including wetting my face for snail mucin, and they do not budge. They don't come off on my pillow or slide around, and I think they minimize and reduce redness WAY better than Cosrx, Mighty Patch, or Peach Slices. They pull out everything and don't leave you with a little whitehead to deal with in the AM. If you're not sure, just trust me babe, I'm sure for you!" — Sydney Get a 96-count pack from Amazon for $16.99. 6. A Skims-esque sweetheart neckline bodysuit, which will seem too good to be true because it's super stylish and won't bleed you dry financially. It'll go wonderfully with skirts, shorts, and jeans that require a seamless tucked look. The ultra-smooth ~~smoke cloud~~ fabric is also double-layered for extra support. Promising review: "This bodysuit is amazing! The material is not sheer. The thong portion is surprisingly comfortable, which is a big plus. I'm pretty sure I need it in every color now! The price is reasonable, and the fabric is warm and comfortable. Highly recommend!" — Emily Kahle Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–3X and 10 colors). 7. And this scoop neck top so you can enjoy that deliciously smooth fabric similar to the one in the cult-fave Skims top *with* the same fitted look to boot. The best part? This one is significantly cheaper and comes in a variety of colors. Promising review: "At first, I was a little skeptical — I have been wanting to find a Skims-like material shirt for a while but didn't want to pay the price of one lol, and this shirt feels amazing. I will be getting one in every color now." — Julianne Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in women's sizes XXS–3XL and 34 colors). 8. A TikTok-beloved "Soft" perfume rollerball for a sweet, warm scent that rolls on easily and isn't too overpowering. There's a reason reviewers can't stop raving about the captivating scent, with some comparing it to lemon pound cake. YUM! It's basically the affordable version of Pink Sugar, which goes for $65. 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 $5.39 (available in two sizes). 9. A MUA–approved black makeup sponge that does its job so well, you may forget about the Beauty Blender and Real Techniques versions, which aren't exactly cheap. If you want a flawless finish when blending concealer, foundation, BB cream, and even powders, this makeup sponge has you ~covered~ alright. It's also easier to see your product on the black surface of the sponge *and* it won't leave ugly stains behind. Aesthetica Cosmetics is a small biz based in Miami that makes vegan, cruelty-free makeup products and tools. Promising review: "I was super skeptical because I love the OG beauty sponge. I had tried other alternatives before and hated them. *This* one has that same soft, squishy texture as the OG. When you wet it, it expands and stays soft and bouncy like the OG. I'll say that one difference I note that this one is sliiiightly softer when wet, but that does not bother me. I wash mine after each use and do find I need to squeeze it/wring it out a bit more. Really glad I tried this because at this price, it's easy to justify buying more frequently and not risk germs/bacteria." — PC Get a pack of five from Amazon for $7.95. 10. And a bottle of makeup brush-cleaning shampoo because you need to wash away the impurities residing in your brush bristles immediately!!! This stuff is formulated with gentle, plant-based ingredients and will give you the same results as the Beautyblender soap — but for half the price. A ton of people compare it to Beauty Blender's own $15 liquid cleanser (over double the price of this). BuzzFeed Shopping editor Jenae Sitzes says: "I've used Ecotools brush cleaning shampoo for years, and it makes cleaning my brushes so much easier. I just add a bit of the shampoo to my brush and gently rub it against a silicone mat under running water, and it makes quick work of removing all the makeup that's built up on my brush for, frankly, way too long. You'll see the water start running brown immediately, which is always super gross but also really satisfying, and once you see your brush return to its original color, you know you're done. And the bristles are always left as soft as before too!" Promising review:"The best, most affordable brush and sponge shampoo on the market! No joke, I have tried everything; even homemade hacks like dish detergent mixed with olive oil. Nothing works like this brush shampoo. Don't waste your money on the Beautyblender soap and other big-name brands." — Lily Get it from Amazon for $6+ (available in two sizes). 11. A gorgeous laptop tote bag with high-end vibes you'll probably want to carry everywhere, even when you don't need your computer. It can fit laptops up to 15.6 inches and other essentials, like your phone, makeup bag, iPad, and more! You'll also breathe a sigh of relief knowing you didn't splurge over $100 on the pricey Béis Work Tote. Promising reviews: "It's much more spacious than it looks. It's very sleek and stylish. I use it as my work bag and find that it looks professional and has enough space for all of my stuff. I carry a laptop, pencil case, two books, makeup bag, water bottle, wallet, lotion, phone and laptop charger, and other small miscellaneous objects. Still plenty of space. And when you carry it, it doesn't feel bulky or cumbersome." — Su " Purchased for my daughter, who is an attorney. She said she really likes it and has gotten many compliments on it from her peers." — J Cliett Get it from Amazon for $28.79+ (available in 10 styles). 12. Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener to help liven up your tired eyes with a lightweight formula that delivers superb coverage in just a few swipes. This tinted concealer contains hyaluronic acid and shea butter that may also help reduce dark circles over time. Bonus: It's just like the $33 Becca version but for MUCH less! The color-adaptive formula is designed so one of two 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." — Placeholder Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in four shades). 13. A Revlon one-step hair dryer and volumizer if you'd love to style and dry your hair at the same time but not go broke on the expensive hair tools. Mission accomplished! You'll speed up your routine while giving your hair an unbelievable amount of shine and volume. Dyson Airwrap who? Unlike other hair dryers, this one can be held closer to the roots and scalp for a higher volume and lift and helps you curl hair at the end while it dries. It comes with three heat settings and is designed to work on all hair textures — reviewers with 2a – 4c hair mentioned it working for them, and especially noted that it helps cut down on drying time! Promising reviews:"I've had my eye on a Dyson Airwrap, but given the cost, I figured I'd try this while I save up. This thing is fantastic. I have waist-length hair that's naturally straight, but gets frizzy when damp. I've had salon blowouts that have left my hair looking great, but I simply can't manage a round brush without it getting tangled in my hair. This device has been a game changer. It works best if you air dry for a while before you use it, then use it to finish your style. My hair miraculously doesn't get snarled in it, and it leaves my hair looking like I've had it professionally styled. I love it, and I'm no longer interested in blowing $500 on a Dyson. Highly recommend!" — Ilsa Get the 2.0 model from Amazon for $34.99 (available in eight styles, including an older model). Many reviewers with curl types 4a-c prefer the oval brush, but if you're looking to blow out tighter curls or coils, try the Revlon One-Step paddle brush instead. This model is made for users with curlier hair. You can get it for $27.85. Reviewers of this brush also say it's the best thing they've bought for their hair! 14. A set of aesthetic wrist and ankle weights, which will make the spendy Bala Bangles seem like a distant memory. These work the same — they easily attach with Velcro straps and have a waterproof design so bring on the sweat! Plus, the skin-friendly silicone material won't cause irritation while you work out. 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 $21.68+ (available in two sizes and 14 colors). 15. CeraVe Retinol Serum that'll help refine your skin's texture and tone over time. This lightweight serum uses encapsulated retinol to gently reduce the appearance of pores and acne-related marks. If you've been too scared to try retinoids until now, this is a great place to start. Reviewers say it's better than the pricey options out there, like the $92 Murad Retinol Serum! And remember, like with any retinol (that actually works) *just do not use it every day.* Start slow and work yourself up if needed, paying attention to your skin. Promising reviews: "This product is magic in a bottle!!! I have been struggling to find a good skincare routine that will remove my acne scars and remove dark spots on my face. I will forever buy this product! I've only been using this for two weeks and noticed a huge difference right away! I am so excited to clean my face in the morning and night now! I also bought the Cerave hydrating cleanser, moisturizer, and eye cream and they have been amazing as well! CeraVe is the best! Don't think twice about this product just buy it!!!" — mallory brook bravo "I've been using this for a month or two! I definitely notice smoother skin and less breakouts. Wish I'd tried this sooner. Currently only using 2–3 times/week!" — Rachy Get it from Amazon for $18.68. 16. An eyebrow soap kit so you can style your brows however you please. It'll make your brows look thicker using your existing hairs. Reviewers say it works just like the pricey name-brand versions and will help you get the precise texture, shape, and volume you want for your brows! Promising review:"I have the kind of eyebrows that look very full with brushing, but can quickly look like one has 'collapsed' once my hair or something else touches it. I've used nearly every product from Anastasia Beverly Hills, but never had luck keeping my brows in place. Well, let me tell you, this stuff is no joke. I had to scrub my eyebrows clean tonight to get them to move. If you need some help holding your fluff, this will be your new favorite product. Also, I was able to ditch the eyebrow pencil since this stuff holds every hair in the place you brush it." — Bailey M, Deacon Get it from Amazon for $4.99+ (also available as a two-piece set). 17. Some soft microfiber makeup removing towels reminiscent of the popular Makeup Eraser you're about to completely forget about. Hello, you literally get 12 of 'em! Add a bit of water and they'll wipe away the day's makeup with ease. These are *the* definition of legit, so don't sleep on 'em. HuffPost Shopping writer Haley Zovickian owns and loves these: "I only use these now to remove my makeup, including heavy mascara, and they are great for my sensitive skin. I do follow up with a gentle cleanser to cleanse my skin once all my makeup is off. They're big and dry quickly so you can use the same towel a number of times before having to wash it or switch to another one." Promising review: "These things are so soft! Great for taking off makeup. I was using the Makeup Eraser before, but these are 100 times better. You just wet them, wipe off your makeup, rinse, and hang out. I guess you could use a new one each day, but they are very big so you can get a few days out of one. Great value for the money!" — Shopforbargains Get a 12-pack from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 13 color combos and in packs of 30). 18. And!!! Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water when you're ready to get un -ready but don't want to irritate your face with endless scrubbing and wiping. This gentle formula contains rose water and glycerin to remove makeup, cleanse, *and* hydrate your skin. Just think of it as the more sensible version of Bioderma! Promising reviews:"I was skeptical about this product at first, but I am so glad I decided to buy it. It really removes my makeup, even waterproof mascara, with ease. It has no smell and doesn't leave my face oily. It reminds me of my Bioderma, which I got in the UK. And for this price, amazing!" — Kat "I've been using makeup wipes my whole life because I didn't even know this existed. I saw it in stores, but nobody ever told me what it was. This is literally amazing, buy reusable pads and this and you're set for life. I'm really upset nobody ever told me what this stuff was. I don't understand why makeup wipes even cleanses your face and takes off your makeup. Nobody should not know what this stuff is." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for 3.99+ (available in four sizes and as a four-pack). BTW, this is our budget pick for the best makeup remover! 19. Some cleaning tablets that work just like the popular Bottle Bright tablets but for way less $$$ (15 cents per tablet, to be exact). When it's time for a major refresh, simply drop a tablet in a glass of warm water, then add your mouthguard, retainer, or Invisalign to help demolish odor-causing bacteria, discoloration, and plaque! Bonus: You can even use 'em, to clean grimy water bottles and coffee tumblers. Some reviewers use these for cleaning vases too! Note: One of our editors has used similar tablets for cleaning coffee mug stains before and says they work best when you use them with boiling water. Promising reviews: "These tablets work great. I usually use them for aligners daily and even to clean metal water bottles! They're effective, and I'd repurchase." — Ange P. "I was very pleasantly surprised at how well these work! This stuff brightens [my retainer/night guard] in one use and I feel like they are clean. You can also use it for other things like your sports shaker bottles too." — Amaris Mathews Get a pack of 120 from Amazon for $18.81 (also available in packs of 60 or 240). 20. E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops, which uses hyaluronic acid to give your parched skin a giant gulp of moisture. Reviewers swear it's an affordable alternative to the $35 Watermelon Dew Drops from Glow Recipe (they cost 3x as much, just sayin'.) This stuff will help hydrate, plump, and brighten your skin with each use. Wear it solo, apply it before makeup, OR add a few drops to 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. 21. LilyAna Naturals eye cream so you can brighten your under-eye area and reduce dark circles with nourishing ingredients, like provitamin A, vitamins C and E, and rosehip seed oil. We all know about the name-brand versions that can set you back a few bands, but you're too smart for that. LilyAna Naturals is a family-owned small business using natural ingredients to craft high-quality skincare products. Promising review:"I've been using this for a couple of months now and I really like it! Previously I've used Clinique or works just as well or better. I wish I had found this sooner as it is a lot less expensive than other alternatives. I've seen other reviewers say they keep it in the fridge and while I don't find that necessary I may have to try because it sounds very refreshing!" — Cat SV Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in three sizes and in packs of two). 22. A Renpho percussion massager that'll make it seem like the $300 TheraGun never existed. This one is just as good for relieving sore muscles and it comes with five massage heads to help target different muscle groups. There are also five speeds to choose from to really personalize your massage experience! Promising reviews:"Helps with pain relief and massage in pressure spots I wasn't able to get before. I had access to use a TheraGun before and haven't noticed any difference between items, and it's at a much lower price point. Whatever extra TheraGun features there might be, I haven't needed and the heads are interchangeable between TheraGun and this. Very happy with my purchase." — tauntaun "I used a TheraGun for about a month and although it was great, this unit is better suited for my needs. I found the TheraGun to be too powerful on the lowest setting and bulky to handle. Some people prefer a lower setting than the 'professional' brand offers. This unit is also easier to handle when massaging my partner than the TheraGun. This gun goes from a comfortable low setting to very powerful on the highest setting. Much better fit for me and my partner, plus it's got a solid battery life." — Pierremoe Get it from Amazon for $69.99+ (available in seven colors/styles). 23. A soothing Briotech spray to help calm angry, irritated skin with the same holy-grail ingredient used in Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray: hypochlorous acid. Give yourself a spritz to help treat inflammation, reduce redness, *and* strengthen the skin barrier. BTW, people also love this for helping heal piercings. Promising reviews: " It works just like my Tower 28 spray. Smells the same and feels the same. It's more product and saves you money. It also comes with two lids which is perfect for traveling!" — Andrea Benton "Just an FYI, this product has the exact same ingredients as the Tower 28 spray! It's been absolutely amazing at reducing acne and texture! It's also so refreshing and gives a lil' glow. So in love!" — BK Get an 8-ounce bottle from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in five sizes and in multipacks). 24. A bottle of Elizavecca hair treatment with collagen ingredients and protein extracts when your goal is to restore over-processed hair. Dull, dry strands are about to go POOF — and you won't even have to spend quadruple the cost on Olaplex. Simply apply it on wet hair after a shampoo, wait five minutes, and rinse it out. It's designed to work on all hair types, with reviewers with 2b to 4c curls mentioning it worked for them! 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. 25. A pair of lightweight legging-style joggers reviewers say are just as good as Lululemon's Align joggers. Whether you're rotting on the couch or hitting the gym, you'll be comfy as heck in these thanks to the elastic waistband and four-way stretch material! Promising review: "I wear athletic attire for work 90% of the time. I am also particular about how joggers look. These rival my Under Armour or Lulus. I get a ton of compliments on them and couldn't be happier with the price and quality. These are also great for when I'm feeling a little bloated." — Mike Hooke Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–3XL and 23 colors). 26. A lash-extending E.l.f. Cosmetics tubing mascara because your lashes deserve the best and you don't wanna waste your time with dry, clumpy (expensive) formulas that leave you full of regret. This one is perfect for thin, delicate lashes. The lightweight tubing technology wraps around your eyelashes for a smudge-proof lift that looks natural. Plus, it's super easy to take off at the end of the day without tons of harsh scrubbing. Check out a TikTok of the E.l.f. mascara in action. BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord swears by this: "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). 27. OR! Essence's Lash Princess Mascara adored by literally thousands of reviewers because it actually delivers length and volume to your sad lashes without any messy clumping. Once it graces your lashes, you'll wonder how you ever considered overspending on the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara. Like many of us on the BuzzFeed Shopping team, my colleague Mal Mower is a huge fan of this mascara: "It was one of my first BuzzFeed Shopping list impulse purchases! I was sold by all the wild customer images (it feels like this stuff makes lashes illegally long!) and positive reviews. I was *so* excited to get my hands on their brown version! I have naturally light lashes and red hair, so black lashes look really unnatural on me. I've loved using the brown and having a color that better complements my skin/hair. You can see my before and after photos above. This stuff is magic." Promising reviews: " The best I've tried so far and I used Dior, Tarte, Two Faced, you name it. I always have a problem with brand-new mascara because they have too much product on the brush, especially first few uses, and my lashes stick together. I didn't have this problem with this one. I could layer it without any product starting to fall off or my lashes sticking together. And I love that they don't test on animals." — Detti Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in black or brown and in packs of three). 28. A set of internet-famous Mellanni sheets that'll make it hard for you to get out of bed in the best way. It'll also be hard to believe they don't cost hundreds of dollars, which is what you would spend on Cozy Earth or Egyptian cotton sheets These are made with wonderfully soft moisture-wicking microfiber fabric that actually lasts. Promising reviews: "My favorite sheets have to be Cozy Earth. But they are way too pricey for a guest bed. These sheets are just as good without the huge price tag. Side by side comparison to these versus expensive brands like Cozy Earth or Peacock Alley — these sheets are thinner and deeper, which actually fit better on our deep mattress with a 3-inch topper. These sheets are just as cool feeling as the higher-end ones when you get in bed. They wash well. They hardly wrinkle. And even after months of use, they are still in great shape. They haven't started to peel yet or fray. No loose threads or tears. Great sheets!" — Susan " We have Egyptian cotton sheets that were expensive and I promise we have changed them back out for the comfort of these sheets. The cotton sheets were cold and these were just right. The other thing is my husband has thin skin that any nick he will bleed. Well he has bled on these white sheets and when we washed them (in cold water as instructed) the blood always comes out and never stains. I can't say enough great things about them except to say all three of my adult kids are receiving a set as part of their Christmas!" — Sheree Chrestman Get a set of queen sheets from Amazon for $34.97 (available in sizes twin–California king, plus sheet sets with deep pockets for taller mattresses and 45 colors and patterns). 29. And these silky satin pillowcases so your bedroom will look and feel more luxurious for a fraction of the price of high-end brands like Blissy. These have a cooling effect that's sooo soft on the skin. It also creates less friction for your hair. Amazon BuzzFeed Shopping editor Maitland Quitmeyer says: "This is my go-to satin pillowcase. I have two Slip pillowcases, and several of these, and actually the Bedsure ones wash up much nicer and retain an incredibly silky smooth feel after dozens of trips through the laundry. They're the only ones I'll buy going forward, and I recommended them to my mom and now she's in love with them too!" 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 Get a set of two from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in five sizes, 39 colors, and in packs of four or individually). 30. NYX setting spray to complete your fierce makeup look with a much-needed BANG! A spritz or two of this stuff will help lock in your product with a matte finish so it lasts for hours without constant reapplying *and* without splurging on Urban Decay's version. Promising review:"I had seen this on TikTok and thought it was a waste of money, until I tried it, and it works. It locks in your makeup. You just have to make sure your makeup is perfect and then spray your face." — Mary Get it from Amazon for $9.97+ (available in four styles, in jumbo sizes, and in packs of two). 31. A cult-fave luxury-scented candle — it'll upgrade your space with an upscale feel at a reasonable price. The divine scent features a blend of jasmine, oud, and sandalwood that'll carry you away to a paradise where everything is this amazing *and* affordable. Lulu Candles is a US-based small business that specializes in scented candles and perfumes. Promising review: "I enjoy having a scented candle burning in my house. But I don't like heavy, floral scents, so finding the perfect scent is difficult. This scent is perfect. It doesn't slap you in the face, it doesn't cling to your clothes and hair hours after leaving the house. This candle is warm, inviting, and elegant." — Micknan Get it from Amazon for $16.95+ (available in six sizes, in gift box options, in packs of two, and in a variety of scents). 32. A reviewer-beloved TruSkin vitamin C serum with vitamins C, E, and hyaluronic acid so you can hydrate and brighten your skin with *one* product It can also help smooth and fade blemishes and dark spots like an absolute charm! Reviewers say it works like the all-too-expensive SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic serum. It's great for many skin types, including sensitive, oily, dry, and combination! It's recommended that you do a patch test 24–48 hours before applying this all over your face, as it's a strong, concentrated formula. After that, apply three to five drops once daily and follow with a moisturizer (ideally one with SPF if you apply in the morning!). Though the bottle looks small, reviewers say it'll last you several months with daily use. Promising reviews: "Best $20 ever spent!!! The results are unbelievable. I was a bit skeptical because all the reviews were from Caucasian women, and I was slightly worried that my skin would not respond as well, but I was quite mistaken. With or without makeup, my skin is bright and smooth, and my spots are disappearing. One other result I am sure a number of people have not noticed is that your palms get softer too; I guess the residue on the palms makes it soft and supple." — Mayowa O. Get it from Amazon for $21.97+ (available in two sizes). 33. A pack of duster sponges if filthy baseboards are the bane of your existence and it's time for a better solution. Simply dampen the sponge and swipe it across dirty surfaces. When you're finished, just rinse it clean and go about your day completely oblivious to the Scrub Daddy's existence. My colleague Maitland Quitmeyer can vouch for these: " I bought a pack of these recently, and so far love dusting with them! All the dust sticks right on, so you don't end up breathing in all the dust you just tried removing. It's great for baseboards, too!" Promising review: "I rarely review products, but this little sponge literally changed my life! It picks up EVERYthing in one swipe! Hard water marks on your bathroom mirror, no problem! Hair clippings on your sink and counter, one swipe and they are gone! Dusty blinds? Swoosh, swoosh, swipe! And ala-presto ka-bam, like magic, they are perfect and dust-free! I just need one of these for my floors! I love, love, love how the sponge picks up everything, and with a little running water, all the dust, hair, muck, and guck just rinsed away! This will not disappoint! Thank you!" — DayDreamer Get a four-pack from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in six color combos and in packs of two or eight). 34. Nyx Fat Oil Lip Drip because even though it may not seem possible, you can indeed upgrade your pout game without hurting your wallet! It uses vegan squalane and raspberry and cloudberry oils to hydrate your lips. You won't even remember Dior's $40 famous lip oil after this. 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). 35. An Ugg-inspired suede mule slipper that'll have you doing a double-take when you see the price because they're wayyy more affordable than the name-brand version without compromising on the cozy factor. These have a memory foam insole that molds to your feet for maximum comfort. They even come in half sizes, folks!! Promising review: "Great slipper. Easily compares to my Uggs for so much less. Run long and narrow. I can comfortably wear them with socks or without." — Laurie Get them from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in women's sizes 6–11, including wide sizes, and in six colors). 36. BestLand's high-performance matte lipsticks with literally every color you need for feeling *and* looking absolutely fabulous. It goes on smooth and stays put all day long. Some reviewers even prefer it over more expensive brands that do the same thing, like Tarte, Stila, and Kylie — just to name a few! 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 10 sets). 37. An adjustable mini belted pack — yes, there is such a thing as a fashionable fanny pack that doesn't break the bank. If you've been longing for the Lululemon one, this is a much cheaper (and dare I say, cuter) alternative. BuzzFeeder Elizabeth Lilly also owns this — she packed it as her only bag for a trip to busy trip to Iceland, and not only did it hold a ton and keep her hands free, it easily fit around her waist over her outerwear. Promising review: "TikTok told me this compared to Lululemon, and it's true, it is. Love this little bag! And the price — you can't beat it." — Jolie Get it from Amazon for $12.98 (available in 43 colors). 38. An elegant pearl choker if your fashion game could use an upgrade that only looks expensive. This necklace will have Vivienne Westwood clutching her pearls because it's basically identical to the expensive version with a budget-friendly price tag. 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 (also available in two other styles). 39. A magical eye primer when you want your eye makeup to remain intact ALL day without any smudging or creasing. It'll seem too good to be true but believe the hype — reviewers swear this stuff works just as well as (if not better) the more expensive Urban Decay and Too Faced versions. Elizabeth Mott is a Korean American woman-owned biz! Promising review:"I am very happy with this purchase! The primer lasted on my client for 14 hours, including 10 hours of on-camera work and running around doing interviews. Pleased as punch! This is what I needed to hear! Finding a good shadow primer is like the holy grail in the life of a makeup artist. I have used many products and wasted a lot of money and I believe I found a winner with Elizabeth Mott's product! I am thankful and impressed!" — Miss Lilly Get it from Amazon for $13.60. 40. A set of chic cylindrical wineglasses so you can feel like absolute royalty without overspending. These are just as glamorous as the Crate & Barrel version but each sip won't be a reminder of how much money you wasted. Joy Jolt is a small business that specializes in modern and pop culture-themed drinkware and kitchen accessories. Promising review:"Crate & Barrel look for less. These look and feel very high end — almost like a thin crystal." — Lauren Get a set of two from Amazon for $16.45 (available in three styles). 41. E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer, which helps blur your pores to give you a buttery-smooth, matte complexion that's ~primed~ and ready to receive any makeup you may apply next. It contains collagen, squalene, and hyaluronic acid so you know it's the good stuff — in fact, it's eerily similar to Tatcha's Silk Canvas primer and other expensive options. BuzzFeeder Jenae Sitzes had this to say: "This stuff is gold. I'm relatively new to the Poreless Putty Primer fandom but now that I'm here, I'm not leaving anytime soon. This makes SUCH a difference in how my foundation goes on, and it makes it look as close to poreless as I think is humanly possible — and maintains the smooth look for many hours! Just be sure to let it sit for a little bit before applying your foundation." 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 too 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. 42. Pure Instinct Roll-On, a "pheromone-infused" scent that went viral on TikTok and rightfully so. It's cheaper than the Basic Instinct option, so you're already ahead of the game. It's made to blend with your skin's PH to create a unique scent that'll make you smell utterly irresistible. The "Original" formula has top notes of Australian mango and mandarin, heart notes of honey and cinnamon, and the base note is a well-rounded white musk. Pure Instinct is a small business established in 1985 that specializes in personal fragrances and essential oils. Promising review:"If you love Basic Instinct by Pure Romance, you will LOVE this affordable alternative! To me it smells almost exactly the same; there is an extremely slight difference in smell that I'm sure others around me wouldn't even pick up on, and I still LOVE the smell! I love Basic Instinct, but ran out a while ago and just couldn't justify spending that much money on more. I'm so glad I found this alternative!" — MN Tigerlily Get it from Amazon for $14.90. 43. A cruelty-free brightening facial scrub that'll quickly become a series regular in your skincare rotation thanks to its magical powers. Reviewers love how well the sea kelp and French green clay work together to detoxify, soften, and get rid of dead skin cells. Plus, it's more affordable than the pricey versions, like Clinique and The Body Shop, for example. The reviewer on the left above is showing an improvement in melasma on their forehead after using this scrub (before applying a serum). My coworker Jenae Sitzes says: "Psst — this is one of my go-to exfoliators! I have super sensitive skin and this doesn't irritate it at all, but it DOES leave my face silky smooth and soft." Promising reviews:"You need this face scrub. Got rid of my obvious blackheads after two to three uses. Just make sure you tone or moisturize after each use. This is much, much better than the $60 scrub I purchased last year at an expensive chain makeup store. Do it!" — WhatTheFrenchRoast "I have no clue how this stuff works as amazing as it does, but it's AWESOME! After getting this and using for over a week I officially switched from the Rodan + Fields reversal line to the Acure brightening scrub. It works even better than products that were costing almost 15x the amount. I've even gotten two of my friends to order it and they love it as well. You can't go wrong." — Michelle A Malaska Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (also available as a two-pack). Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Buzz Feed
03-04-2025
- Health
- Buzz Feed
40 Swaps For More Expensive Products That Are So Good, You'll Want To Cry Happy Tears
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 · Instead of the usual tears you shed when stocking up on Supergoop sunscreen, Too Faced mascara, and Lululemon workout gear. 1. Buttery soft high-waisted leggings giving Lululemon and other pricey brands a run for their money, according to some reviewers. They're squat-proof, stretchy, and actually stay up without rolling down! Promising reviews: "I can't say enough great things about these leggings! They don't roll down, and they feel amazing on. I have all kinds of brands Lululemon, Vuori, Athleta, etc. and these are my favorites and the ones I feel the best and most confident in!! And you can't beat the price — it's a win-win. I will be back to purchase even more colors!" — Lauren "The stitching and logo placement is similar to Lulu; however, these feel more compressive and thicker than Aligns, which I prefer. Lulu stretches over time and for a fraction of the price, this entire line feels way better." — Fiona Get them from Amazon for $29+ (available in women's sizes XXS–XXL, two inseams, and 22 colors). 2. A Renpho percussion massager here to save the day because that $300 TheraGun just isn't in the budget rn. It has five different head attachments for targeting different muscle groups, plus five speeds to customize the intensity. Your sore muscles, tense neck, and deep knots are ready for some much-needed relief. Promising reviews:"Helps with pain relief and massage in pressure spots I wasn't able to get before. I had access to use a TheraGun before and haven't noticed any difference between items, and it's at a much lower price point. Whatever extra TheraGun features there might be, I haven't needed and the heads are interchangeable between TheraGun and this. Very happy with my purchase." — tauntaun "I used a TheraGun for about a month and although it was great, this unit is better suited for my needs. I found the TheraGun to be too powerful on the lowest setting and bulky to handle. Some people prefer a lower setting than the 'professional' brand offers. This unit is also easier to handle when massaging my partner than the TheraGun. This gun goes from comfortable low setting to very powerful on the highest setting. Much better fit for me and my partner, plus it's got a solid battery life." — Pierremoe Get it from Amazon for $89.99+ (available in seven colors). 3. E.l.f. Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen if you're still trying to find a daily sunscreen you don't hate. This clear gel sunscreen offers SPF 35 and goes on so smooth and lightweight, you'll immediately forget you're wearing it — no white cast here, folks. It doubles as a blurring primer, so it's great for wearing under makeup too! If you love Supergoop but the price is becoming hard to I suggest trying this, because it's *very* similar. The packaging similarities are impossible to ignore, but that's not where the comparisons between this E.l.f. sunscreen and Supergoop's cult-fave product end. I've tried both, and I honestly prefer this E.l.f. version. Supergoop's had a slight graininess to it that I didn't love, while this E.l.f. sunscreen is exactly what I'd hoped Supergoop's would feel like: totally smooth and velvety. Like Supergoop's, it goes on totally clear and doesn't feel like you're wearing a mask; it sinks in immediately. And of course, a major selling point: A 1.7-ounce bottle of E.l.f. Suntouchable will cost you $14, while Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen in the same size will put you back $38. Now, it's worth noting that Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen has SPF 50, while E.l.f.'s product offers SPF 35. Both of these meet the American Academy of Dermatology's recommendation of using a sunscreen with SPF 30 or more, which blocks 97% of the sun's UVB rays. Anything over SPF 30 offers only slightly more protection (and nothing can block 100% of the sun's rays), yet the higher number, the more brands tend to charge. So do with that info what you will! This isn't the only SPF I use, but I love having it in my arsenal, especially when I do want to layer makeup on top! Promising review: "This sunscreen is a gem. I was not expecting to love it as much as I do. I absolutely love E.l.f. products, but I rarely try their skincare. Something told me to try this. When I put it on, it gave a smooth silicone finish and feel. I was faithful to Supergoop but didn't want to spend as much as the product is listed for. I will continue to use this sunscreen; it has been one of the best I've ever tried. I've been into skincare since I was 15; I am 37, and for me to say that this product is a gold mine is rare." — Angelina S Get it from Amazon for $11.20. 4. Some breathable, machine-washable pointed-toe flats ready to cushion and support your feet while looking impeccably asking for way less money out of your wallet than Rothy's or Vivaia would. The stretchy knit upper is so comfy and trendy-looking (meet your new office staple!), and you can toss 'em in the wash before they even have the *chance* to get stinky. Promising reviews: "I have several pair 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). 5. A 20-pack (!) of extra thick magic cleaning pads most reviewers agree is a great swap for the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. They're extra durable, so you can put them to work on your toughest cleaning jobs and watch the mess just ✨ disappear ✨. Promising reviews:"These are the best. Sooo much better than Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Won't buy those anymore and these will last me a very long time. I scrubbed and they got everything clean and didn't break apart!!! Can even reuse if I wanted." — miguel mendez "I own a cleaning business and have spent a small fortune on the name brand. I clean everything from condo rentals to long-term lease/residential rentals and I have had to clean unimaginable NASTY, I mean 'pics or it didn't happen' kind of nasty, and these cut right through it. These work just as well as the name brand, if not better, and they seem to last a little longer!" — Keisha Marie Get a pack of 20 from Amazon for $14.95. 6. Rael Beauty's Miracle Patch, a budget-friendly hydrocolloid acne patch option with ultra-thin edges that make it way less detectable on your face. Keep a pack around if you're prone to sudden breakouts, and they'll come in clutch: Just apply one to a zit, and it'll literally suck out all that gunk, leaving the area noticeably flatter with less redness overnight. Promising review:"I RARELY write product reviews, and if I do it's because something is either so terrible or so incredible that I can't keep it to myself, and these are the latter!! For some reason I have a hard time getting pimple patches to really stick to my face, and I have very dry skin. I'm also not willing to regularly spend $15 on nine patches — so when I saw these 96, I repeat, 96 patches for this price along with a good star rating, I just had to try them. And let me tell you, THEY ARE AMAZING!! "I can put them on and then do all my skincare over top, including wetting my face for snail mucin, and they do not budge. They don't come off on my pillow or slide around, and I think they minimize and reduce redness WAY better than Cosrx, Mighty Patch or Peach Slices. They pull out everything and don't leave you with a little whitehead to deal with in the AM. If you're not sure, just trust me babe, I'm sure for you!" — Sydney Get a 96-count pack from Amazon for $16.99. 7. A set of internet-famous Mellanni sheets reviewers said they're reaching for over their Cozy Earth and Egyptian cotton sheets that cost $$$. They're made of silky soft, moisture-wicking microfiber that doesn't fade, pill, or stain, and feel like pure luxury — you may just shed a tear of happiness the first night you snuggle up in them. Promising reviews: "My favorite sheets have to be Cozy Earth. But they are way too pricey for a guest bed. These sheets are just as good without the huge price tag. Side by side comparison to these versus expensive brands like Cozy Earth or Peacock Alley — these sheets are thinner and deeper, which actually fit better on our deep mattress with a 3-inch topper. These sheets are just as cool feeling as the higher-end ones when you get in bed. They wash well. They hardly wrinkle. And even after months of use, they are still in great shape. They haven't started to peel yet or fray. No loose threads or tears. Great sheets!" — Susan " We have Egyptian cotton sheets that were expensive and I promise we have changed them back out for the comfort of these sheets. The cotton sheets were cold and these were just right. The other thing is my husband has thin skin that any nick he will bleed. Well he has bled on these white sheets and when we washed them (in cold water as instructed) the blood always comes out and never stains. I can't say enough great things about them except to say all three of my adult kids are receiving a set as part of their Christmas!" — Sheree Chrestman Get a set of queen sheets from Amazon for $34.97+ (available in sizes twin–California king, plus sheet sets with deep pockets for taller mattresses and 45 colors and patterns). 8. A ribbed workout jumpsuit 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 14 colors). 9. And a long-sleeve bodysuit that's also *dying* to make your acquaintance if you find yourself on the Skims website frequently, scrolling wistfully before remembering your credit card has LIMITS. The "Smoke Cloud" fabric is buttery smooth and *not* sheer, and the sweetheart neckline will add a little extra ~elegance~ to your 'fit even if you're just slipping on your faded Levi's. Promising reviews: "My fave Skims [alternative]. I love this brand; their bodysuits are so soft and buttery, and they wash well. You can pair easily with jeans, sweatpants, or joggers — super cute!" — RK "Love this bodysuit; it's so soft and fits great. It's very similar to the Lululemon bodysuit that sells for $90. What a steal!" — Katy B Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–3XL and 10 colors). 10. A set of aesthetic wrist and ankle weights because *yes* you can achieve your fitness goals and have cute gear without shelling out $50+ on a set of trendy Bala Bangles. Happy tears, commence — but not for too long, because it's time to go for a power walk. 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 $20.74+ (available in two sizes and 14 colors). 11. 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! 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. 12. A professional MUA–approved black makeup sponge — reviewers sing its praises as a budget-friendly swap for Beauty Blender and Real Techniques. When it comes to blending foundation, concealer, powder, and BB creams, there's no better tool for a ~flawless~ finish. *Plus* the black color of this one makes it easier to see product on your sponge for applying it — and it won't be all stained after cleaning! Aesthetica Cosmetics is a small biz based in Miami that makes vegan, cruelty-free makeup products and tools. Promising review: "I was super skeptical because I love the OG beauty sponge. I had tried other alternatives before and hated them. *This* one has that same soft, squishy texture as the OG. When you wet it, it expands and stays soft and bouncy like the OG. I'll say that one difference I note that this one is sliiiightly softer when wet, but that does not bother me. I wash mine after each use and do find I need to squeeze it/wring it out a bit more. Really glad I tried this because at this price, it's easy to justify buying more frequently and not risk germs/bacteria." — PC Get a pack of five from Amazon for $7.95. 13. And some 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. A ton of people compare it to Beauty Blender's own $15 liquid cleanser (over double the price of this, for the same amount). I've used Ecotools brush cleaning shampoo for years, and it makes cleaning my brushes so much easier. I just add a bit of the shampoo to my brush and gently rub it against a silicone mat under running water, and it makes quick work of removing all the makeup that's built up on my brush for, frankly, way too long. You'll see the water start running brown immediately, which is always super gross but also really satisfying, and once you see your brush return to its original color, you know you're done. And the bristles are always left as soft as before too! Promising review:"Despite the great reviews for this product and the hyping on social media, I wasn't expecting much. But my mind is blown at how well this soap works. I have tried all kinds of soap (Beauty Blender soap, Ivory bar soap, MAC brush cleaner, Dawn dish soap, etc). I am very thorough but could never get my sponges or brushes completely clean. But a little soak in a small bowl with this Eco soap, and the makeup comes right out. A little rubbing and squeezing is all it takes. I'm a convert. Will be repurchasing!" — ss3745 Get a 3-ounce bottle from Amazon for $6.73 (also available in a larger size). 14. An Overmont cast-iron Dutch oven that'll save you nearly $300 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. 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 $49.99+ (available in eight colors and three sizes). 15. E.l.f's Camo Liquid Blush, which is extremelyyy similar to Rare Beauty's wonderful Soft Pinch if you're on a tighter budget. Reviewers love its *gorgeous* pigmentation that lasts all day. 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 some highlight all at once. When I tell you I need exactly two dots for my whole face, I couldn't be more serious! Has a different, more glossy texture than a Rare Beauty blush, but the pigment is much stronger. Comes off very dew-y 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 then had to try to blend so much. Already purchased another color." — Oscar Julian Zapotitla Get it from Amazon for $6.65+ (available in 12 shades). 16. A bottle of Nyx 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. 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+ (available in four finishes and a jumbo size). 17. And 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. HuffPost Shopping writer Haley Zovickian swears by these: "I only use these now to remove my makeup, including heavy mascara, and they are great for my sensitive skin. I do follow up with a gentle cleanser to cleanse my skin once all my makeup is off. They're big and dry quickly so you can use the same towel a number of times before having to wash it or switch to another one." Promising review: "These things are so soft! Great for taking off makeup. I was using the Makeup Eraser before, but these are 100 times better. You just wet them, wipe off your makeup, rinse, and hang out. I guess you could use a new one each day, but I they are very big so you can get a few days out of one. Great value for the money!" — Shopforbargains Get a pack of 12 from Amazon for $13.95 (available in 13 color combos and in packs of 30). 18. An ultra-hydrating TruSkin vitamin C serum concocted with hyaluronic acid (which locks in moisture), organic aloe vera, and vitamin E. It not only brightens and smoothens the skin; it also fades blemishes. Many reviewers say it's a worthy swap for SkinCeuticals' pricey CE Ferulic serum. It's recommended that you do a patch test 24–48 hours before applying this all over your face, as it's a strong, concentrated formula. After that, apply three to five drops once daily and follow with a moisturizer (ideally one with SPF if you apply in the morning!). Though the bottle looks small, reviewers say it'll last you several months with daily use. Promising reviews: "Best $20 ever spent!!! The results are unbelievable. I was a bit skeptical because all the reviews were from Caucasian women, and I was slightly worried that my skin would not respond as well, but I was quite mistaken. With or without makeup, my skin is bright and smooth, and my spots are disappearing. One other result I am sure a number of people have not noticed is that your palms get softer too; I guess the residue on the palms makes it soft and supple." — Mayowa O Get it from Amazon for $21.97+ (available in two sizes). 19. 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. 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 an 8-ounce bottle from Amazon for $16.49 (available in four sizes). 20. A pack of duster sponges to help you stay on top of all the dust that seems to magically reappear in your home every few days. Their curved ridges are designed to trap dust and pet hair (and actually pick it up, not just move it around). These are reusable and just need to be soaked and softened before use to unlock their full cleaning power! These are super similar to the Scrub Daddy Damp Duster that's often sold out (and cheaper, too). BuzzFeed Shopping editor Maitland Quitmeyer says, "I bought a pack of these recently, and so far love dusting with them! All the dust sticks right on, so you don't end up breathing in all the dust you just tried removing. It's great for baseboards, too!" Promising review: "I rarely review products, but this little sponge literally changed my life! It picks up EVERYthing in one swipe! Hard water marks on your bathroom mirror, no problem! Hair clippings on your sink and counter, one swipe and they are gone! Dusty blinds? Swoosh, swoosh, swipe! And ala-presto ka-bam, like magic they are perfect and dust free! I just need one of these for my floors! I love, love, love how the sponge picks up everything and with a little running water, all the dust, hair, muck, and guck just rinsed away!!" — DayDreamer Get a pack of four from Amazon for $9.99 (available in six color packs). 21. 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. Like many of us on the BuzzFeed Shopping team, my colleague Mal Mower is a huge fan of this mascara: "It was one of my first BuzzFeed Shopping list impulse purchases! I was sold by all the wild customer images (it feels like this stuff makes lashes illegally long!) and positive reviews. I was *so* excited to get my hands on their brown version! I have naturally light lashes and red hair, so black lashes look really unnatural on me. I've loved using the brown and having a color that better complements my skin/hair. You can see my before and after photos above. This stuff is magic." Promising reviews: " The best I've tried so far and I used Dior, Tarte, Two Faced, you name it. I always have a problem with brand-new mascara because they have too much product on the brush, especially first few uses, and my lashes stick together. I didn't have this problem with this one. I could layer it without any product starting to fall off or my lashes sticking together. And I love that they don't test on animals." — Detti Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in black or brown). 22. *Or* the lash-extending E.l.f. Cosmetics tubing mascara that uses ~tubing technology~ to wrap around your lashes and visibly extend them well beyond their natural length, with a tapered brush that helps separate each one. And thanks to jojoba seed oil in the formula, your lashes are also getting a lovely conditioning treatment at the same time! Check it out a TikTok of the E.l.f. mascara in action. BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord swears by this: " 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). 23. A set of satin pillowcases to make your bed feel more ~luxurious~ for a fraction of the price that you'd spend on brands like Slip and Blissy. Plus, satin pillowcases stay refreshingly cool and are good for both your hair and skin: They help prevent breakage, frizz, and tangles in your hair and absorb less moisture from your skin overnight, keeping it more hydrated. Amazon Maitland says this is her go-to satin pillowcase: "I have two Slip pillowcases, and several of these, and actually the Bedsure ones wash up much nicer and retain an incredibly silky smooth feel after dozens of trips through the laundry. They're the only ones I'll buy going forward, and I recommended them to my mom and now she's in love with them too!" Promising reviews: "I ordered these pillowcases just to see if they could compete with Blissy. Well, they can. I have washed them three times and they came out great. They seem to protect your hair and skin. So, I'm very happy with them." — EMc " Arguably, they're softer than my more expensive ones! They did arrive very wrinkled but a quick wash and dry and they're shiny and wrinkle free. I like the envelope closure a lot more than competing brands zip closure." — Hannah Watkins Get a set of two from Amazon for $6.65+ (available in standard, queen, king, and body pillow sizes and 35 colors). 24. A new-and-improved Govee neon rope light to incorporate super customizable lighting that doubles as unique wall decor. Its bendable design lets you twist it into all sorts of neat shapes (though the squiggle is classic), and by using an app, you can program it to all sorts of color combos and lighting effects! The cozy glow this gives at night is unmatched. Hue, who? Some reviewers compare this to the Hue LightStrip and prefer this option, considering it's 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 $49.99+ (available in two lengths and two colors). 25. 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. This stuff is gold. I'm relatively new to the Poreless Putty Primer fandom but now that I'm here, I'm not leaving anytime soon. This makes SUCH a difference in how my foundation goes on, and it makes it look as close to poreless as I think is humanly possible — and maintains the smooth look for many hours! Just be sure to let it sit for a little bit before applying your foundation. 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. 27. 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. 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 in my routine, I haven't had peeling lips in a long time. Loooove these!" — Angela Get it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in five sets). 28. 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. Promising reviews:"I have extremely dark under eye circles. Honestly that is the only reason I wear makeup, is to cover them. I've used numerous kinds of concealers. Tarte Shape Tape, Mary Kay, Estée Lauder (assorted kinds), IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye, Clinique, Laura Mercier, Mac, and Bobby Brown. I usually spend anywhere from $25–$30 on one tube of concealer and still feel unsatisfied with the coverage. 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, not drying and not too liquidy. I'm so happy I gave this a try, will definitely be keeping this baby in my everyday makeup bag." — Brittney "Oh my gosh. I have spent so much money on expensive concealers and this is my all-time favorite. I'm 61 and starting to get crepey skin under my eyes. Other concealers make it worse, but I also have dark circles so I feel like I need something. And this is it! Moisturizing, silky and covers the circles. I love it!" — Lynnette Smith Get it from Amazon for $6+ (available in 25 shades, plus two color-correcting shades). And check out our Maybelline Instant Age Rewind concealer review for more deets! 29. Skin1004's Zombie Pack, which works in just 15 minutes to noticeably reduce the appearance of fine lines, tighten pores, improve texture, and brighten your complexion. The mask itself tightens and cracks as it works on your skin — hence the name! — but when you rinse it off, your skin is left soooo soft and smooth. Reviewers compare it to Hanacure, which anyone in the beauty community has probably heard of, only this is wayyy cheaper, especially considering you get eight packs and a brush with the set! Promising review:"As good as Hanacure, much better price! The Zombie pack face mask is the best! It works just as well as other tightening masks but it's a fraction of the cost. I use these once a week and am extremely satisfied. My skin feels so good after, and my wrinkles are getting less noticeable." — meredith shaputis Get a box of eight masks from Amazon for $17.90. 30. A fanny pack perfect for keeping your essentials *literally* close to your chest during travel or everyday life. The strap is long enough to wear crossbody or around your waist, which keeps your arms and hands completely free. Psst — people say it's very similar to Lululemon's belt bag, which is over double the price! Promising review: "I'm SOO impressed with the quality of this bag! I've worn the Lululemon belt bag and I gotta say, this is pretty similar. Almost identical, except the Lululemon is a tiny bit smaller size. The Lululemon one also has a plastic zipper but this Amazon one is metal. I prefer the plastic but this one is OK. It might be better than Lululemon JUST for the fact that they have so many color options!" — Em Get it from Amazon for $12.98 (available in 43 styles). 31. 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. 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 $7.66+ (available in 14 shades). 32. 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: "I wear athletic attire for work 90% of the time. I am also particular about how joggers look. These rival my Under Armour or Lulus. I get a ton of complements on them and couldn't be happier with the price and quality. These are also great for when I'm feeling a little bloated." — Mike Hooke Get it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–3XL and 23 colors). 33. And a soft, stretchy longline sports bra drawing comparisons to a tank from the same collection, so you could achieve the whole Lulu Align ~look~ for a lot, lot less. I own *several* of these workout tops from The Gym People now and absolutely love them; I have no doubt I'll be back for more. They're soft, comfortable to work out in, and look great on; plus, they come in the CUTEST shades and have built-in padding — what more could you want? Promising review:"Comparable to Lululemon. I love my Lulus but wanted something more affordable and this hit the mark! I'm typically a size medium, and the medium fits great! I bought two, the fuchsia and white — I love both colors and the material is very soft." — Alyssa Lynch Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in women's sizes XS–3XL and 29 colors). 34. 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. And remember, like with any retinol, don't start off applying this every day. Start slow and work yourself up if needed, paying attention to your skin. You'll also definitely want to use a sunscreen (with at least SPF 30) while using this product. Promising reviews: "I absolutely love this stuff! I saw a dermatologist on TikTok who raved about this product and tried it out, and it's been the most amazing stuff! It's helped my face to clear up very quickly removing all of the blemish spots and dark spots around my face. It's been one of the best products I've added to my face routine. This would be great for all ages/stages and for any weather types." — Successful Solo "I bought this for my teenager to use for his acne scars, but he ended up not using it. I ran out of my Murad retinol serum, so I gave this a try. I actually like it better than the Murad! It absorbs quickly, with zero smell or irritation. As with any retinol product, be sure to wear sunscreen when you're going to be outside." — C. Munsterman Get it from Amazon for $18.68. 35. 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. 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 $13.04+ (available in five shades). 36. BestLand's high-performance matte lipsticks, which might be cheap (less than $2 each!) but bear results that feel ~expensive~ — reviewers are comparing to sooo many pricier brands like Tarte, Stila, and Kylie! 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. 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 10 sets). 37. Or the 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! This is another one of those cheap holy grail products I'll keep buying for as long as they make it. It goes on so velvety soft and genuinely lasts all day — though I do like to reapply as needed for maximum intensity, the color holds up well against eating and drinking. BTW, reviewers compare this to products like Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution, YSL Velvet Cream, and Tartist Creamy Matte Lip Paint! Promising reviews:"This is velvet, full coverage without feeling like glue on your lips. It does transfer. The color is very pigmented so what you see is what you get. Honestly one of the best lip color products I've ever used, I put this above Charlotte Tilbury." — Lexi Lee Get it from Amazon for $9.90+ (available in dozens of shades). 38. Some cleaning tablets that'll rid your retainers and night guards of the gunk that builds up on them over time, but lean in close and I'll tell you a secret: You can also use them to deep clean your water bottles and coffee tumblers instead of the popular, pricey Bottle Bright tablets. These'll run you just 15 cents a tablet! Some reviewers use these for cleaning vases too! Note: One of our editors has used similar tablets for cleaning coffee mug stains before and says they work best when you use them with boiling water. Promising reviews: "These tablets work great. I usually use them for aligners daily and even to clean metal water bottles! They're effective, and I'd repurchase." — Ange P "I was very pleasantly surprised at how well these work! This stuff brightens [my retainer/night guard] in one use and I feel like they are clean. You can also use it for other things like your sports shaker bottles too." — Amaris Mathews Get a pack of 120 from Amazon for $21.81 (also available in other packs). 39. 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, 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. 40. A highly rated pair of hoop earrings if you have designer jewelry taste but not a designer jewelry budget. Reviewers compare these to Jennifer Fisher hoops that go for up to hundreds of dollars and say they don't hurt your ears! Jewelry is not one of those things I like to splurge on, so when I found this budget-friendly pair, I decided to ~treat myself~. And wow, they look amazing in person! I'm sort of obsessed with this brand in general now (I wore one of their tennis bracelets to a wedding recently and got so many compliments!) and may finally be able to build up a collection of jewelry staples without going broke. Promising reviews: "This product is AMAZING! If you are looking for a good [swap] for the Jennifer Fisher earrings, these are it! They are super lightweight, effortless, and so cute!" — Anna Weir "I've been wearing these earrings nonstop since receiving them. They're incredibly lightweight and I always forget I'm wearing them. I prefer these over my nicer Madewell hoops." — KFam Get it from Amazon for $13.95+ (available in two sizes, four colors, and two metal types). The reviews used in this post have been edited for length and clarity.
Buzz Feed
05-03-2025
- Health
- Buzz Feed
43 Swaps For More Expensive Products That Are So Good, You'll Want To Cry Happy Tears
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 · Instead of the usual tears you shed when stocking up on Supergoop sunscreen, Too Faced mascara, and Lululemon workout gear. 1. Buttery soft high-waisted leggings giving Lululemon and other pricey brands a run for their money, according to some reviewers. They're squat-proof, stretchy, and actually stay up without rolling down! Promising reviews: "I can't say enough great things about these leggings! They don't roll down, and they feel amazing on. I have all kinds of brands Lululemon, Vuori, Athleta, etc. and these are my favorites and the ones I feel the best and most confident in!! And you can't beat the price — it's a win-win. I will be back to purchase even more colors!" — Lauren "The stitching and logo placement is similar to Lulu; however, these feel more compressive and thicker than Aligns, which I prefer. Lulu stretches over time and for a fraction of the price, this entire line feels way better." — Fiona Get them from Amazon for $29+ (available in women's sizes XXS–XXL, two inseams, and 22 colors). 2. A Renpho percussion massager here to save the day because that $300 TheraGun just isn't in the budget rn. It has five different head attachments for targeting different muscle groups, plus five speeds to customize the intensity. Your sore muscles, tense neck, and deep knots are ready for some much-needed relief. Promising reviews:"Helps with pain relief and massage in pressure spots I wasn't able to get before. I had access to use a TheraGun before and haven't noticed any difference between items, and it's at a much lower price point. Whatever extra TheraGun features there might be, I haven't needed and the heads are interchangeable between TheraGun and this. Very happy with my purchase." — tauntaun "I used a TheraGun for about a month and although it was great, this unit is better suited for my needs. I found the TheraGun to be too powerful on the lowest setting and bulky to handle. Some people prefer a lower setting than the 'professional' brand offers. This unit is also easier to handle when massaging my partner than the TheraGun. This gun goes from comfortable low setting to very powerful on the highest setting. Much better fit for me and my partner, plus it's got a solid battery life." — Pierremoe Get it from Amazon for $89.99 (available in seven colors). 3. E.l.f. Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen if you're still trying to find a daily sunscreen you don't hate. This clear gel sunscreen offers SPF 35 and goes on so smooth and lightweight, you'll immediately forget you're wearing it — no white cast here, folks. It doubles as a blurring primer, so it's great for wearing under makeup too! If you love Supergoop but the price is becoming hard to I suggest trying this, because it's *very* similar. The packaging similarities are impossible to ignore, but that's not where the comparisons between this E.l.f. sunscreen and Supergoop's cult-fave product end. I've tried both, and I honestly prefer this E.l.f. version. Supergoop's had a slight graininess to it that I didn't love, while this E.l.f. sunscreen is exactly what I'd hoped Supergoop's would feel like: totally smooth and velvety. Like Supergoop's, it goes on totally clear and doesn't feel like you're wearing a mask; it sinks in immediately. And of course, a major selling point: A 1.7-ounce bottle of E.l.f. Suntouchable will cost you $14, while Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen in the same size will put you back $38. Now, it's worth noting that Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen has SPF 50, while E.l.f.'s product offers SPF 35. Both of these meet the American Academy of Dermatology's recommendation of using a sunscreen with SPF 30 or more, which blocks 97% of the sun's UVB rays. Anything over SPF 30 offers only slightly more protection (and nothing can block 100% of the sun's rays), yet the higher number, the more brands tend to charge. So do with that info what you will! This isn't the only SPF I use, but I love having it in my arsenal, especially when I do want to layer makeup on top! Promising review: "This sunscreen is a gem. I was not expecting to love it as much as I do. I absolutely love E.l.f. products, but I rarely try their skincare. Something told me to try this. When I put it on, it gave a smooth silicone finish and feel. I was faithful to Supergoop but didn't want to spend as much as the product is listed for. I will continue to use this sunscreen; it has been one of the best I've ever tried. I've been into skincare since I was 15; I am 37, and for me to say that this product is a gold mine is rare." — Angelina S Get it from Amazon for $14. 4. Some breathable, machine-washable pointed-toe flats ready to cushion and support your feet while looking impeccably asking for way less money out of your wallet than Rothy's or Vivaia would. The stretchy knit upper is so comfy and trendy-looking (meet your new office staple!), and you can toss 'em in the wash before they even have the *chance* to get stinky. Promising reviews: "I have several pair 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 $28.04 (available in women's sizes 6–10 and 14 colors and patterns). 5. A 20-pack (!) of extra thick magic cleaning pads most reviewers agree is a great swap for the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. They're extra durable, so you can put them to work on your toughest cleaning jobs and watch the mess just ✨ disappear ✨. Promising reviews:"These are the best. Sooo much better than Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Won't buy those anymore and these will last me a very long time. I scrubbed and they got everything clean and didn't break apart!!! Can even reuse if I wanted." — miguel mendez "I own a cleaning business and have spent a small fortune on the name brand. I clean everything from condo rentals to long-term lease/residential rentals and I have had to clean unimaginable NASTY, I mean 'pics or it didn't happen' kind of nasty, and these cut right through it. These work just as well as the name brand, if not better, and they seem to last a little longer!" — Keisha Marie Get a pack of 20 from Amazon for $14.95. 6. Rael Beauty's Miracle Patch, a budget-friendly hydrocolloid acne patch option with ultra-thin edges that make it way less detectable on your face. Keep a pack around if you're prone to sudden breakouts, and they'll come in clutch: Just apply one to a zit, and it'll literally suck out all that gunk, leaving the area noticeably flatter with less redness overnight. Promising review:"I RARELY write product reviews, and if I do it's because something is either so terrible or so incredible that I can't keep it to myself, and these are the latter!! For some reason I have a hard time getting pimple patches to really stick to my face, and I have very dry skin. I'm also not willing to regularly spend $15 on nine patches — so when I saw these 96, I repeat, 96 patches for this price along with a good star rating, I just had to try them. And let me tell you, THEY ARE AMAZING!! "I can put them on and then do all my skincare over top, including wetting my face for snail mucin, and they do not budge. They don't come off on my pillow or slide around, and I think they minimize and reduce redness WAY better than Cosrx, Mighty Patch or Peach Slices. They pull out everything and don't leave you with a little whitehead to deal with in the AM. If you're not sure, just trust me babe, I'm sure for you!" — Sydney Get a 96-count pack from Amazon for $15.29. 7. A set of internet-famous Mellanni sheets reviewers said they're reaching for over their Cozy Earth and Egyptian cotton sheets that cost $$$. They're made of silky soft, moisture-wicking microfiber that doesn't fade, pill, or stain, and feel like pure luxury — you may just shed a tear of happiness the first night you snuggle up in them. Promising reviews: "My favorite sheets have to be Cozy Earth. But they are way too pricey for a guest bed. These sheets are just as good without the huge price tag. Side by side comparison to these versus expensive brands like Cozy Earth or Peacock Alley — these sheets are thinner and deeper, which actually fit better on our deep mattress with a 3-inch topper. These sheets are just as cool feeling as the higher-end ones when you get in bed. They wash well. They hardly wrinkle. And even after months of use, they are still in great shape. They haven't started to peel yet or fray. No loose threads or tears. Great sheets!" — Susan " We have Egyptian cotton sheets that were expensive and I promise we have changed them back out for the comfort of these sheets. The cotton sheets were cold and these were just right. The other thing is my husband has thin skin that any nick he will bleed. Well he has bled on these white sheets and when we washed them (in cold water as instructed) the blood always comes out and never stains. I can't say enough great things about them except to say all three of my adult kids are receiving a set as part of their Christmas!" — Sheree Chrestman Get a set of queen sheets from Amazon for $34.97 (available in sizes twin–California king, plus sheet sets with deep pockets for taller mattresses and 45 colors and patterns). 8. A ribbed workout jumpsuit 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 13 colors). 9. And a long-sleeve bodysuit that's also *dying* to make your acquaintance if you find yourself on the Skims website frequently, scrolling wistfully before remembering your credit card has LIMITS. The "Smoke Cloud" fabric is buttery smooth and *not* sheer, and the sweetheart neckline will add a little extra ~elegance~ to your 'fit even if you're just slipping on your faded Levi's. Promising reviews: "My fave Skims [alternative]. I love this brand; their bodysuits are so soft and buttery, and they wash well. You can pair easily with jeans, sweatpants, or joggers — super cute!" — RK "Love this bodysuit; it's so soft and fits great. It's very similar to the Lululemon bodysuit that sells for $90. What a steal!" — Katy B Get it from Amazon for $17.99 (available in women's sizes XS–3XL and 10 colors). 10. A set of aesthetic wrist and ankle weights because *yes* you can achieve your fitness goals and have cute gear without shelling out $50+ on a set of trendy Bala Bangles. Happy tears, commence — but not for too long, because it's time to go for a power walk. 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 $24.09+ (available in two sizes and 14 colors). 11. 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! 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 $7.69. 12. A professional MUA–approved black makeup sponge — reviewers sing its praises as a budget-friendly swap for Beauty Blender and Real Techniques. When it comes to blending foundation, concealer, powder, and BB creams, there's no better tool for a ~flawless~ finish. *Plus* the black color of this one makes it easier to see product on your sponge for applying it — and it won't be all stained after cleaning! Aesthetica Cosmetics is a small biz based in Miami that makes vegan, cruelty-free makeup products and tools. Promising review: "I was super skeptical because I love the OG beauty sponge. I had tried other alternatives before and hated them. *This* one has that same soft, squishy texture as the OG. When you wet it, it expands and stays soft and bouncy like the OG. I'll say that one difference I note that this one is sliiiightly softer when wet, but that does not bother me. I wash mine after each use and do find I need to squeeze it/wring it out a bit more. Really glad I tried this because at this price, it's easy to justify buying more frequently and not risk germs/bacteria." — PC Get it from Amazon for $3.97 (also available in a two-pack). 13. And some 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. A ton of people compare it to Beauty Blender's own $15 liquid cleanser (over double the price of this, for the same amount). I've used Ecotools brush cleaning shampoo for years, and it makes cleaning my brushes so much easier. I just add a bit of the shampoo to my brush and gently rub it against a silicone mat under running water, and it makes quick work of removing all the makeup that's built up on my brush for, frankly, way too long. You'll see the water start running brown immediately, which is always super gross but also really satisfying, and once you see your brush return to its original color, you know you're done. And the bristles are always left as soft as before too! Promising review:"Despite the great reviews for this product and the hyping on social media, I wasn't expecting much. But my mind is blown at how well this soap works. I have tried all kinds of soap (Beauty Blender soap, Ivory bar soap, MAC brush cleaner, Dawn dish soap, etc). I am very thorough but could never get my sponges or brushes completely clean. But a little soak in a small bowl with this Eco soap, and the makeup comes right out. A little rubbing and squeezing is all it takes. I'm a convert. Will be repurchasing!" — ss3745 Get a 3-ounce bottle from Amazon for $6.73 (also available in a larger size). 14. An Overmont cast-iron Dutch oven that'll save you nearly $300 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. 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). 15. E.l.f's Camo Liquid Blush, which is extremelyyy similar to Rare Beauty's wonderful Soft Pinch if you're on a tighter budget. Reviewers love its *gorgeous* pigmentation that lasts all day. 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 some highlight all at once. When I tell you I need exactly two dots for my whole face, I couldn't be more serious! Has a different, more glossy texture than a Rare Beauty blush, but the pigment is much stronger. Comes off very dew-y 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 then had to try to blend so much. Already purchased another color." — Oscar Julian Zapotitla Get it from Amazon for $7 (available in 12 shades). 16. A bottle of Nyx 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. 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 $9.97 (available in four finishes and a jumbo size). 17. And 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. HuffPost Shopping writer Haley Zovickian swears by these: "I only use these now to remove my makeup, including heavy mascara, and they are great for my sensitive skin. I do follow up with a gentle cleanser to cleanse my skin once all my makeup is off. They're big and dry quickly so you can use the same towel a number of times before having to wash it or switch to another one." Promising review: "These things are so soft! Great for taking off makeup. I was using the Makeup Eraser before, but these are 100 times better. You just wet them, wipe off your makeup, rinse, and hang out. I guess you could use a new one each day, but I they are very big so you can get a few days out of one. Great value for the money!" — Shopforbargains Get a pack of 12 from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 13 color combos and in packs of 30). 18. An ultra-hydrating TruSkin vitamin C serum concocted with hyaluronic acid (which locks in moisture), organic aloe vera, and vitamin E. It not only brightens and smoothens the skin; it also fades blemishes. Many reviewers say it's a worthy swap for SkinCeuticals' pricey CE Ferulic serum. It's recommended that you do a patch test 24–48 hours before applying this all over your face, as it's a strong, concentrated formula. After that, apply three to five drops once daily and follow with a moisturizer (ideally one with SPF if you apply in the morning!). Though the bottle looks small, reviewers say it'll last you several months with daily use. Promising reviews: "Best $20 ever spent!!! The results are unbelievable. I was a bit skeptical because all the reviews were from Caucasian women, and I was slightly worried that my skin would not respond as well, but I was quite mistaken. With or without makeup, my skin is bright and smooth, and my spots are disappearing. One other result I am sure a number of people have not noticed is that your palms get softer too; I guess the residue on the palms makes it soft and supple." — Mayowa O Get it from Amazon for $21.97+ (available in two sizes). 19. 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. 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 an 8-ounce bottle from Amazon for $16.49 (available in four sizes). 20. A pack of duster sponges to help you stay on top of all the dust that seems to magically reappear in your home every few days. Their curved ridges are designed to trap dust and pet hair (and actually pick it up, not just move it around). These are reusable and just need to be soaked and softened before use to unlock their full cleaning power! These are super similar to the Scrub Daddy Damp Duster that's often sold out (and cheaper, too). BuzzFeed Shopping editor Maitland Quitmeyer says, "I bought a pack of these recently, and so far love dusting with them! All the dust sticks right on, so you don't end up breathing in all the dust you just tried removing. It's great for baseboards, too!" Promising review: "I rarely review products, but this little sponge literally changed my life! It picks up EVERYthing in one swipe! Hard water marks on your bathroom mirror, no problem! Hair clippings on your sink and counter, one swipe and they are gone! Dusty blinds? Swoosh, swoosh, swipe! And ala-presto ka-bam, like magic they are perfect and dust free! I just need one of these for my floors! I love, love, love how the sponge picks up everything and with a little running water, all the dust, hair, muck, and guck just rinsed away!!" — DayDreamer Get a pack of four from Amazon for $9.99 (available in six color packs). 21. 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. Like many of us on the BuzzFeed Shopping team, my colleague Mal Mower is a huge fan of this mascara: "It was one of my first BuzzFeed Shopping list impulse purchases! I was sold by all the wild customer images (it feels like this stuff makes lashes illegally long!) and positive reviews. I was *so* excited to get my hands on their brown version! I have naturally light lashes and red hair, so black lashes look really unnatural on me. I've loved using the brown and having a color that better complements my skin/hair. You can see my before and after photos above. This stuff is magic." Promising reviews: " The best I've tried so far and I used Dior, Tarte, Two Faced, you name it. I always have a problem with brand-new mascara because they have too much product on the brush, especially first few uses, and my lashes stick together. I didn't have this problem with this one. I could layer it without any product starting to fall off or my lashes sticking together. And I love that they don't test on animals." — Detti Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in black or brown). 22. *Or* the lash-extending E.l.f. Cosmetics tubing mascara that uses ~tubing technology~ to wrap around your lashes and visibly extend them well beyond their natural length, with a tapered brush that helps separate each one. And thanks to jojoba seed oil in the formula, your lashes are also getting a lovely conditioning treatment at the same time! Check it out a TikTok of the E.l.f. mascara in action. BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord swears by this: " 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). 23. A set of satin pillowcases to make your bed feel more ~luxurious~ for a fraction of the price that you'd spend on brands like Slip and Blissy. Plus, satin pillowcases stay refreshingly cool and are good for both your hair and skin: They help prevent breakage, frizz, and tangles in your hair and absorb less moisture from your skin overnight, keeping it more hydrated. Amazon Maitland says this is her go-to satin pillowcase: "I have two Slip pillowcases, and several of these, and actually the Bedsure ones wash up much nicer and retain an incredibly silky smooth feel after dozens of trips through the laundry. They're the only ones I'll buy going forward, and I recommended them to my mom and now she's in love with them too!" Promising reviews: "I ordered these pillowcases just to see if they could compete with Blissy. Well, they can. I have washed them three times and they came out great. They seem to protect your hair and skin. So, I'm very happy with them." — EMc " Arguably, they're softer than my more expensive ones! They did arrive very wrinkled but a quick wash and dry and they're shiny and wrinkle free. I like the envelope closure a lot more than competing brands zip closure." — Hannah Watkins Get a set of two from Amazon for $5.99 (available in standard, queen, king, and body pillow sizes and 35 colors). 24. A cruelty-free brightening facial scrub that leaves your skin positively glowy thanks to Madonna lily in the ingredients, but this popular vegan formula also packs in lemon peel, French green clay, and sea kelp to cleanse and de-gunk your pores. It works so well, reviewers ditched pricier options from brands like Clinique, The Body Shop, and Rodan + Fields. The reviewer on the left above is showing an improvement in melasma on their forehead after using this scrub (before applying a serum). Psst — this is one of my go-to exfoliators! I have super sensitive skin and this doesn't irritate it at all, but it DOES leave my face silky smooth and soft. Promising reviews:"You need this face scrub. Got rid of my obvious blackheads after two to three uses. Just make sure you tone or moisturize after each use. This is much, much better than the $60 scrub I purchased last year at an expensive chain makeup store. Do it!" — WhatTheFrenchRoast "I have no clue how this stuff works as amazing as it does, but it's AWESOME! After getting this and using for over a week I officially switched from the Rodan + Fields reversal line to the Acure brightening scrub. It work evens better than products that were costing almost 15x the amount. I've even gotten two of my friends to order it and they love it as well. You can't go wrong." — Michelle A Malaska Get it from Amazon for $10.99. 25. A new-and-improved Govee neon rope light to incorporate super customizable lighting that doubles as unique wall decor. Its bendable design lets you twist it into all sorts of neat shapes (though the squiggle is classic), and by using an app, you can program it to all sorts of color combos and lighting effects! The cozy glow this gives at night is unmatched. Hue, who? Some reviewers compare this to the Hue LightStrip and prefer this option, considering it's 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). 26. 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. This stuff is gold. I'm relatively new to the Poreless Putty Primer fandom but now that I'm here, I'm not leaving anytime soon. This makes SUCH a difference in how my foundation goes on, and it makes it look as close to poreless as I think is humanly possible — and maintains the smooth look for many hours! Just be sure to let it sit for a little bit before applying your foundation. 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 $9.99. 27. 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*. Promising review:"I have the kind of eyebrows that look very full with brushing, but can quickly look like one has 'collapsed' once my hair or something else touches it. I've used nearly every product from Anastasia Beverly Hills, but never had luck keeping my brows in place. Well, let me tell you, this stuff is no joke. I had to scrub my eyebrows clean tonight to get them to move. If you need some help holding your fluff, this will be your new favorite product. Also, I was able to ditch the eyebrow pencil since this this stuff holds every hair in the place you brush it." — Bailey M, Deacon Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in a one- or two-piece set). 28. 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. 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 in my routine, I haven't had peeling lips in a long time. Loooove these!" — Angela Get it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in five sets). 29. 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. The oval brush design smooths the hair and the round edges create volume — leaving you with a salon-worthy blowout at home. It also has two heat and speed settings and a cool option, and it's designed to work on all hair textures — reviewers with 2b–4c hair mentioned it working for them. Promising reviews:"I've had my eye on a Dyson Airwrap, but given the cost, I figured I'd try this while I save up. This thing is fantastic. I have waist length hair that's naturally straight, but gets frizzy when damp. I've had salon blowouts that have left my hair looking great, but I simply can't manage a round brush without it getting tangled in my hair. This device has been a game changer. It works best if you air dry for a while before you use it, then use it to finish your style. My hair miraculously doesn't get snarled in it, and it leaves my hair looking like I've had it professionally styled. I love it, and I'm no longer interested in blowing $500 on a Dyson. Highly recommend!" — Ilsa Get the 2.0 model from Amazon for $36.49 (available in eight styles, including an older model). 30. 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. Promising reviews:"I have extremely dark under eye circles. Honestly that is the only reason I wear makeup, is to cover them. I've used numerous kinds of concealers. Tarte Shape Tape, Mary Kay, Estée Lauder (assorted kinds), IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye, Clinique, Laura Mercier, Mac, and Bobby Brown. I usually spend anywhere from $25–$30 on one tube of concealer and still feel unsatisfied with the coverage. 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, not drying and not too liquidy. I'm so happy I gave this a try, will definitely be keeping this baby in my everyday makeup bag." — Brittney "Oh my gosh. I have spent so much money on expensive concealers and this is my all-time favorite. I'm 61 and starting to get crepey skin under my eyes. Other concealers make it worse, but I also have dark circles so I feel like I need something. And this is it! Moisturizing, silky and covers the circles. I love it!" — Lynnette Smith Get it from Amazon for $8.80 (available in 22 shades, plus two color-correcting shades). And check out our Maybelline Instant Age Rewind concealer review for more deets! 31. Skin1004's Zombie Pack, which works in just 15 minutes to noticeably reduce the appearance of fine lines, tighten pores, improve texture, and brighten your complexion. The mask itself tightens and cracks as it works on your skin — hence the name! — but when you rinse it off, your skin is left soooo soft and smooth. Reviewers compare it to Hanacure, which anyone in the beauty community has probably heard of, only this is wayyy cheaper, especially considering you get eight packs and a brush with the set! Promising review:"As good as Hanacure, much better price! The Zombie pack face mask is the best! It works just as well as other tightening masks but it's a fraction of the cost. I use these once a week and am extremely satisfied. My skin feels so good after, and my wrinkles are getting less noticeable." — meredith shaputis Get a box of eight masks from Amazon for $17.97. 32. A Coty setting powder that's a good swap for Laura Mercier's $43 powder. It regulates your skin's oil product to keep your face from getting too shiny throughout the day; plus, it has a blurring effect that reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and blemishes. Promising review:"I normally use the Laura Mercier setting powder but it was getting a little pricey. I bought the translucent version of this powder, and I am so impressed. Not only is it extremely budget-friendly; you also get A LOT OF POWDER. You get over two times the product of the other more expensive ones. It's blurring and soft, and doesn't cause creasing even on my dry skin! There is a scent, but it smells like a rich old lady, and I'm here for it." — alice silva Get it from Amazon for $13.40+ (available in six shades, including two translucent options). 33. A fanny pack perfect for keeping your essentials *literally* close to your chest during travel or everyday life. The strap is long enough to wear crossbody or around your waist, which keeps your arms and hands completely free. Psst — people say it's very similar to Lululemon's belt bag, which is over double the price! Promising review: "I'm SOO impressed with the quality of this bag! I've worn the Lululemon belt bag and I gotta say, this is pretty similar. Almost identical, except the Lululemon is a tiny bit smaller size. The Lululemon one also has a plastic zipper but this Amazon one is metal. I prefer the plastic but this one is OK. It might be better than Lululemon JUST for the fact that they have so many color options!" — Em Get it from Amazon for $11.68 (available in 45 styles). 34. 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. 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). 35. 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: "I wear athletic attire for work 90% of the time. I am also particular about how joggers look. These rival my Under Armour or Lulus. I get a ton of complements on them and couldn't be happier with the price and quality. These are also great for when I'm feeling a little bloated." — Mike Hooke Get it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–3XL and 22 colors). 36. And a soft, stretchy longline sports bra drawing comparisons to a tank from the same collection, so you could achieve the whole Lulu Align ~look~ for a lot, lot less. I own *several* of these workout tops from The Gym People now and absolutely love them; I have no doubt I'll be back for more. They're soft, comfortable to work out in, and look great on; plus, they come in the CUTEST shades and have built-in padding — what more could you want? Promising review:"Comparable to Lululemon. I love my Lulus but wanted something more affordable and this hit the mark! I'm typically a size medium, and the medium fits great! I bought two, the fuchsia and white — I love both colors and the material is very soft." — Alyssa Lynch Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in women's sizes XS–3XL and 29 colors). 37. 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. And remember, like with any retinol, don't start off applying this every day. Start slow and work yourself up if needed, paying attention to your skin. You'll also definitely want to use a sunscreen (with at least SPF 30) while using this product. Promising reviews: "I absolutely love this stuff! I saw a dermatologist on TikTok who raved about this product and tried it out, and it's been the most amazing stuff! It's helped my face to clear up very quickly removing all of the blemish spots and dark spots around my face. It's been one of the best products I've added to my face routine. This would be great for all ages/stages and for any weather types." — Successful Solo "I bought this for my teenager to use for his acne scars, but he ended up not using it. I ran out of my Murad retinol serum, so I gave this a try. I actually like it better than the Murad! It absorbs quickly, with zero smell or irritation. As with any retinol product, be sure to wear sunscreen when you're going to be outside." — C. Munsterman Get it from Amazon for $18.68. 38. 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. 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 $13.98 (available in five shades). 39. BestLand's high-performance matte lipsticks, which might be cheap (less than $2 each!) but bear results that feel ~expensive~ — reviewers are comparing to sooo many pricier brands like Tarte, Stila, and Kylie! 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. 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 10 sets). 40. Or the 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! This is another one of those cheap holy grail products I'll keep buying for as long as they make it. It goes on so velvety soft and genuinely lasts all day — though I do like to reapply as needed for maximum intensity, the color holds up well against eating and drinking. BTW, reviewers compare this to products like Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution, YSL Velvet Cream, and Tartist Creamy Matte Lip Paint! Promising reviews:"This is velvet, full coverage without feeling like glue on your lips. It does transfer. The color is very pigmented so what you see is what you get. Honestly one of the best lip color products I've ever used, I put this above Charlotte Tilbury." — Lexi Lee Get it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in dozens of shades). 41. Some cleaning tablets that'll rid your retainers and night guards of the gunk that builds up on them over time, but lean in close and I'll tell you a secret: You can also use them to deep clean your water bottles and coffee tumblers instead of the popular, pricey Bottle Bright tablets. These'll run you just 15 cents a tablet! Some reviewers use these for cleaning vases too! Note: One of our editors has used similar tablets for cleaning coffee mug stains before and says they work best when you use them with boiling water. Promising reviews: "These tablets work great. I usually use them for aligners daily and even to clean metal water bottles! They're effective, and I'd repurchase." — Ange P "I was very pleasantly surprised at how well these work! This stuff brightens [my retainer/night guard] in one use and I feel like they are clean. You can also use it for other things like your sports shaker bottles too." — Amaris Mathews Get a pack of 120 from Amazon for $18.32 (also available in other packs). 42. 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. 43. A highly rated pair of hoop earrings if you have designer jewelry taste but not a designer jewelry budget. Reviewers compare these to Jennifer Fisher hoops that go for up to hundreds of dollars and say they don't hurt your ears! Jewelry is not one of those things I like to splurge on, so when I found this budget-friendly pair, I decided to ~treat myself~. And wow, they look amazing in person! I'm sort of obsessed with this brand in general now (I wore one of their tennis bracelets to a wedding recently and got so many compliments!) and may finally be able to build up a collection of jewelry staples without going broke. Promising reviews: "This product is AMAZING! If you are looking for a good [swap] for the Jennifer Fisher earrings, these are it! They are super lightweight, effortless, and so cute!" — Anna Weir "I've been wearing these earrings nonstop since receiving them. They're incredibly lightweight and I always forget I'm wearing them. I prefer these over my nicer Madewell hoops." — KFam Get it from Amazon for $13.95+ (available in two sizes, four colors, and two metal types). The reviews used in this post have been edited for length and clarity.
