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3 days ago
- Health
- Buzz Feed
42 Swaps For More Expensive Products That Are So Good, You'll Want To Cry Happy Tears
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! 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. 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. 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. A 20-pack (!) of extra thick magic cleaning pads most reviewers agree is a great swap for the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. They're extra durable, so you can put them to work on your toughest cleaning jobs and watch the mess just ✨ disappear ✨. Rael Beauty's Miracle Patch, a budget-friendly hydrocolloid acne patch option with ultra-thin edges that make it way less detectable on your face. Keep a pack around if you're prone to sudden breakouts, and they'll come in clutch: Just apply one to a zit, and it'll literally suck out all that gunk, leaving the area noticeably flatter with less redness overnight. 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. 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). 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. A set of aesthetic wrist and ankle weights, because *yes* you can achieve your fitness goals and have cute gear without shelling out $50+ on a set of trendy Bala Bangles. Happy tears commence — but not for too long, because it's time to go for a power walk. A bottle of Elizavecca Hair Treatment formulated to deeply repair and hydrate your hair thanks to restorative ingredients like collagen and ceramide 3. You just apply it after shampooing, wait as little as five minutes, then rinse it out for hair that looks *and* feels silky soft. Some reviewers say it's even BETTER than Olaplex, which is over three times the price! A professional MUA–approved black makeup sponge — reviewers sing its praises as a budget-friendly swap for Beautyblender 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 the product on your sponge for applying it — and it won't be all stained after cleaning! 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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! 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. *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! 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. 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. 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? 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. 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*. A trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks if you've been hesitant to pull the trigger on that $24 Laneige lip mask that's *everywhere* these days — getting three flavors for under $10 feels like a great alternative if you ask me. Just smear some on your dry, cracked lips before bed and dream of the smooth, soft lips you'll have come morning. A 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. 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. 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. 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! Nyx Fat Oil Lip Drip in case that $40 Dior lip oil has been in your cart forever, but you just can't bring yourself to pull the trigger. At $9, this version's a much lighter hit to your wallet, with the same burst of hydration (made with vegan squalane!) sheer color, and non-sticky finish reviewers can't get enough of. A 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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! 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! 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! 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!
Buzz Feed
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Don't Splurge Just Yet — Here Are 50 Products That Are Super Close To The More Expensive Name Brand Versions
Buttery soft high-waisted leggings, which are deceivingly identical to Lululemon's Align leggings — and reviewers are calling it out! The only difference? These give you all the buttery soft material and comfiness for a mere fraction of the name brand price. 👀 A set of sophisticated cylindrical wineglasses that this reviewer says are just as nice (if not, nicer 👀) than the ones they saw from Crate and Barrel *and* West Elm. These'll elevate your Friday night gossip sessions instantaneously and have you feeling like you should be walking around in a designer pashmina like you're filming a "73 Questions" video with Vogue. A Renpho percussion massager if that $300 TheraGun is just not doable rn. It has five different head attachments for targeting different areas and reviewers love it for soothing sore muscles, easing neck and shoulder pain, and working through tough knots. And who doesn't love a massage?! E.l.f. Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen that'll finally break your commitment issues with sunscreen. This clear gel formula delivers SPF 35 and goes on so smooth and lightweight, you'll forget you're even wearing it. It gives no white cast *and* it doubles as a blurring primer, so it's great for wearing under makeup too. If you love Supergoop! quality (but don't love the price), give this one a go. Slingback heels because they blend comfort and elegance in the most gorgeous way. Their timeless style might just make these one of your most-used pairs — they'll take you from your daily office routine to casual lunch dates to evening drinks. Many reviewers agree that these also give *major* Chanel vibes. Or some breathable pointed-toe flats ready to keep your feet cushioned and decked out in style. They look and feel as high-quality as Rothy's or Vivaia, without having to spend the extra $70–$100. The stretchy knit upper is comfy and trendy-looking (office days just got a whole lot better!) and you can toss 'em in the wash before they even have the *chance* to get stinky. A 20-pack (!) of extra-thick magic cleaning pads with a cleaning power that has earned it its magical title. Got mold in your shower? Grease on your stovetop? A stain on your floor? Dirt on your baseboard? Just wet the sponge slightly, give it a squeeze, and watch it effortlessly clean as you glide it across the surface. Most reviewers agree is a great swap for the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser! Rael Beauty's Miracle Patch that really holds its own against the pricier Mighty Patch. This budget-friendly hydrocolloid acne patch is made specifically to draw out the pus from your pimples. What makes *this* one so unique is that its edges are so thin that they blend in with your skin seamlessly. This makes them perfect for having some acne-fighting magic on your face while still being able to go about your day without anyone noticing. A set of internet-famous Mellanni sheets reviewers are favoring over their Cozy Earth and Egyptian cotton sheets that cost $$$. They've earned over 237,000 5-star ratings thanks to its super-soft and moisture-wicking microfiber fabric — at an unbeatable price! Get ready to be cozy and sleep surprisingly cool all summer long. You just might ditch your expensive sheets for these babies after the first night. A flirty corset lace-up sundress with a cute slit and a bustier design that's sure to fit you like a glove. It gives major Bridgerton vibes, but the price tag makes it easier than ever to show up looking like the diamond of the season. And it looks extremely similar to the House of CB version (which costs over $200 👀). A ribbed workout jumpsuit that reviewers claim looks and feels like Skims-level quality, but asks for way less money out of your wallet than Ms. Kim K. 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). And a long-sleeve bodysuit because it's basically saying "Look at me! Look at me!" before you pull the trigger on that Skims bodysuit. The "Smoke Cloud" fabric is buttery smooth and *not* sheer, and the sweetheart neckline will add a little extra charm to your ensemble even if it's being paired with your fave faded jeans. A set of aesthetic wrist and ankle weights that'll add a little extra weight to your everyday workouts (and keep a little extra weight in your wallet because you're not shelling out $50+ on a set of trendy Bala Bangles). These are just as cute and effective, and will add an extra challenge to those hot girl walks. A bottle of Elizavecca Hair Treatment, some reviewers say, is even BETTER than Olaplex, which is over three times the price! It's infused with collagen, ceramides, and protein extracts to help repair your hair if it is damaged, over-processed, or has just spent too much time with that flat iron. Simply apply it on wet hair after shampooing, wait five minutes, and rinse it out. A professional MUA-approved black makeup sponge — Beautyblender and Real Techniques sponge might have just met their match. 👀 It gives you pro-level blending and works for foundation, BB cream, powder, *and* concealer. (Wet or dry!) *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! An elevated laptop tote bag so clean-cut and beautiful it might just empower you to strut through that office like the baddie you are (even though you're dreading sorting through those Monday morning emails). This stylish piece offers spacious compartments for all your essentials (laptop, makeup bag, books, and more) and keeps them organized and within reach. Reviewers even compare this to (and favor it over) the Béis Work Tote that sells for $148! And some makeup brush-cleaning shampoo that's telling your Sephora and Beautyblender shampoos to step aside. Besides, 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 will be oh-so-satisfying. An Overmont cast-iron Dutch oven because, *yes,* you can achieve your culinary ventures without splurging $300 on Le Creuset. This durable pot will meet 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. E.l.f's Camo Liquid Blush, which is apparently going head-to-head with Rare Beauty. 👀 This long-lasting, buildable, easy-to-blend potion will kiss your cheeks with a lovely flush of color and a soft, dewy finish that'll have you coming back for more. And let's be honest, we can't ignore that nice price point. A bottle of Nyx setting spray reviewers have put it to the test and say it's a cheaper swap for MAC and Urban Decay's setting sprays. This'll make your glam last for up to 16 hours, which *really* comes in handy when it comes to humidity, sweat, rain, and snow. But don't take our word for it. One reviewer describes getting broken up with by their S.O. right before a party (what a jerk, right?) and looking in the mirror to find their makeup "perfectly flawless," without a single tear track in sight. And a 12-pack of soft microfiber makeup removing towels that are perfect for travel and everyday use, and about 20 times cheaper than the Makeup Eraser — they may, quite frankly, work... better *gasp*. Just add water, and the results might have you relating to this reviewer, who declares this is their favorite makeup remover by far after trying *several* others. An ultra-hydrating, plant-based TruSkin vitamin C serum, which uses vitamins C and E and botanical hyaluronic acid to help rejuvenate dull skin by brightening and evening its tone. Use it daily to achieve the radiance that gorgeous face of yours deserves. Many reviewers say it's a worthy swap for SkinCeuticals' pricey CE Ferulic serum. A Briotech spray with magical powers that rival the pricier Tower 28 spray (*gasp*). Packed with the same key ingredient, hypochlorous acid, this skincare gem will quickly become one of your staples as it effectively works to soothe inflammation, calm angry red patches, and fortify your skin's barrier. A pair of oversize square sunnies to throw on for an instant style boost, no matter what you're wearing. The polarized lenses offer UV 400 protection, so not only will you look amazing, but your eyes will also be shielded from those harsh rays. Plus, reviewers say they look just like the ones from Bottega Veneta! A pack of duster sponges that can get you Scrub Daddy Damp Duster-level results, and at a fourth of the cost per sponge! Just dampen, wipe whatever surface needs dusting, and all the dust (and even pet hair!) will attract to the ridged surface like a magnet. Then, just rinse it clean, and you're done! Essence's Lash Princess Mascara — one of the few beauty products that has *stayed* viral for a reason. People rave about this bestselling tube as a swap for pricier mascaras like Too Faced Better Than Sex, L'Oreal Telescopic Lift, and many, many more. It gives you all the length and volume WITHOUT the clumps and globs and has shocked reviewers with how full it leaves their lashes looking compared to other, more expensive brands. *Or* the lash-extending E.l.f. Cosmetics tubing mascara that reviewers are saying is a great alternative to the pricier one from Thrive Causemetics. This quite literally wraps your lashes with lengthening tubes for a fuller appearance. A unique benefit of this? It makes it SO easy to remove at the end of the day — no mindless scrubbing needed! It's even enriched with a dash of jojoba seed oil to condition your lashes while providing that striking length. A set of satin pillowcases because it'll give your bed a hint of ~luxury~ for a fraction of the price that you'd spend on brands like Slip and Blissy. Not only does it look pretty, but reviewers say its soft fabric helps with acne-prone skin and creates less friction on their hair to avoid breakage. We love a multi-functional product. A cruelty-free Acure brightening facial scrub — reviewers sing its praises about this as a budget-friendly swap for brands like Clinique, The Body Shop, and Rodan + Fields. It leaves your skin positively glowy, thanks to the 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. A new-and-improved Govee neon rope light that is *very* similar to the Hue LightStrip, though its more affordable price tips many reviewers' preference in its favor! This customizable lighting doubles as unique wall decor with a bendable design that lets you twist it into all sorts of neat shapes (even your stairs can become an eye-catching part of the room!). Plus, by using the app, you can program it to all sorts of color combos and lighting effects. E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer because it'll have you doing a double-take when you realize it's not Tatcha's Silk Canvas primer (but it sure does act like it). It's infused with squalane for hydration and has a velvety texture that glides easily over the skin for a poreless effect while providing the ultimate grip on your makeup. An eyebrow soap kit that's dying to make your acquaintance if you want Anastasia-level results at a drugstore price. This helps you sculpt your brows so they have the exact shape, volume, and texture you want for those trendy, fluffy brows in just minutes. Reviewers rave about how well they stay in place, even after hours! A beautiful tennis bracelet, because a small, twinkly accessory can add an upscale factor to any outfit. And just look at that Swarovski-like sparkle it gives off (no one would ever know that it's actually cubic zirconia). A trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks that will help soothe, heal, and hydrate dry and cracked lips overnight! Just smear some on your lips before bed and dream of the smooth, soft lips you'll have come morning. Plus, these three lip masks are about $14 cheaper than one Laneige lip sayin'. A Revlon one-step hair dryer and volumizer because dropping $500+ on a Dyson Airwrap — in this economy?! — doesn't sound very appealing. This reviewer-beloved hot air brush will save you more than double the time it takes you to style your hair with a traditional blow-dryer and round brush. You'll have soft, smooth waves with just a few passes! Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer that has worked wonders for reviewers who've decided to ditch brands like Tarte, Nars, and Bobbi Brown in search of a more affordable option that works just as well. It comes with a cushion applicator that makes it easy for you to conceal any blemishes or dark circles before you head out for another day of making the world believe you totally did not stay up marathoning your latest Netflix obsession. Skin1004's Zombie Pack, which gives eerily similar results to the viral Hanacure mask. Seriously — these should basically be considered skin sorcery with the way it's surprised reviewers with its immediate results. These fast-acting masks are made with albumin, aloe vera, and centella asiatica extract to hydrate and lift your skin, tighten enlarged pores, clear small breakouts, and give you that "just came fresh from the spa" glow. A pair of absolutely *stunning* sparkly stilettos because it'll make you the belle of the ball. They'll easily become the centerpiece of your outfit, and reviewers rave about how surprisingly comfy they are! This reviewer even compares them to the Christian Louboutin So Kate heels. 👀 A fanny pack people say is veryyy similar to Lululemon's belt bag, which is over double the price! Use it to keep your phone, wallet, headphones, (and maybe even a protein bar to snack on) close to you and easily accessible. Perfect for travel or everyday use! The strap is long enough to wear crossbody or around your waist, which keeps your arms and hands completely free. Plus, it'll surprise you with just how roomy it is. A plush shag duvet cover that this reviewer chose over the pricier bedding sets from Pottery Barn. It seriously looks like an impossibly soft cloud sitting in the corner of your room. I mean, who wouldn't want to come home after a long day to this glorious beauty? Your lazy Sundays just got a whole new meaning. Nyx Fat Oil Lip Drip, which might just kick that $40 Dior lip oil out of your cart for good. It's enriched with vegan squalane, raspberry, and cloudberry oils to deliver a surge of deep moisture for the soft, supple lips of your dreams — and all while delivering some serious shimmer! And? IT'S UNDER $10. Sold. A pair of lightweight legging-style joggers because they have a tapered design and a stretchy waistband that'll probably make them one of the most reached-for pieces in your closet. And let's not forget the side pockets! Plus, reviewers have not failed to notice how remarkably similar to Lulu's Align joggers. 👀 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 whole lot less. It's designed with a classic V-neckline, sweat-wicking fabric, and goes with, well, anything! You can also pair it with your fave biker shorts or leggings so you can go straight from your errand-packed morning to your afternoon yoga class. CeraVe's Retinol Serum with an affordable price and expectation-exceeding results that give Murad's $92 serum the heavy side eye. 👀 If you're just starting to explore the world of retinoids, this is a great option to start with! This gentle yet effective serum uses *encapsulated* retinol to help reduce scars and pores without flaking or redness. Plus, many reviewers rave about how they like it better than more expensive alternatives! An under-$15 L'Oreal illuminating Lumi Glotion — a reviewer-fave swap for pricier options like Glossier Futuredew and Drunk Elephant's D-Bronzi Drops. It'll have you looking glowy, sun-kissed, and ready for that lunchtime walk you planned your whole day around. The glycerin and shea butter in it also give it a mega hydrating factor. It's a lotion, glowy foundation base, and highlighter all in one bottle. BestLand's high-performance matte lipsticks that reviewers are comparing to sooo many pricier brands like Tarte, Stila, and Kylie. One slight difference though: These deliver luxurious ~expensive~ at less than $2 each! They stay on all day and actually moisturize your lips instead of drying or cracking. Talk about getting more bang for your buck! Or the long-lasting Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint — reviewers love this for the softness of the matte color, how buildable and long-lasting it is, and how it doesn't crack or leave skin feeling dry. It's just what you need if you like a little color on your lips but can't be bothered with lipsticks that constantly need touch-ups. It's also been deemed a great alternative for Nars, Charlotte Tilbury, and YSL! Some cleaning tablets that help dissipate your night guard' smell/taste. Just pop one of these in a glass of water to give your retainers, Invisalign, etc., a refreshing soak (your mouth will thank you!). 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! An ultra-light milky toning lotion if you've been resisting the allure of Laneige's Cream Skin Toner. This is designed to balance your skin's pH level, exfoliate, fight inflammation, and moisturize, leaving your face balanced and radiant. It actually helps strengthen and restore lipids in your skin for softness that *lasts*. Plus, this one's from a small biz! A highly rated pair of hoop earrings reviewers compare to Jennifer Fisher hoops that go for up to hundreds of dollars and say they don't hurt your ears! Whether you're going to lunch with jeans and a plain tee or to an upscale dinner with a dress, these will be the *perfect* touch to tie your whole fit together.
Buzz Feed
26-06-2025
- Health
- Buzz Feed
37 Affordable Swaps That Live Up To The Hype
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?! 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! 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 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) 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 — you never have to worry about wearing sweaty, smelly flats to work! 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 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 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! 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! 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 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! 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! 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 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! 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. 😳 Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer because it delivers 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. 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 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. 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 a pricey customized neon sign (which can only display one thing, btw), 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! 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 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. 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! 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! A pair of lightweight legging-style joggers — lots of reviewers rave about how they're 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! 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. 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! 👀 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 because they 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! 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! 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!
Buzz Feed
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Hidden Gem Movies To Stream On Hulu
Stress Positions (2024) You might never look at a TheraGun the same way after watching writer-director Theda Hammel's riotous debut feature — one of the very best things to hit theaters during the spring of 2024 and, without a doubt, the very best COVID comedy we've gotten to date. (I'll confess, it's not a crowded category.) John Early (Search Party) is the insufferable Terry Goon (talk about a name that tells you everything you need to know), an unemployed, recent divorcee, stumbling his way through a pandemic while living in his ex-husband's Brooklyn brownstone. A cast of eccentric characters — including his teen-model nephew and COVID-denying upstairs neighbor — pack every minute with spectacular chaos. Watch it on Hulu. Thelma (2024) June Squibb just narrowly missed out on an Oscar nomination for Thelma this year — and that's a shame, not only because we could have gotten more cutie-patootie red carpet moments from Squibb and Fred Hechinger, but because this modestly sized indie from Magnolia actually could have used a boost from the telecast. With all the ingredients of a crowdpleaser, this big-hearted comedy about a grandmother (Squibb) getting her revenge on a scammer, simply lacked word of mouth. Notably, the 95-year-old actor performed many of the impressive on-screen stunts herself, which begs the question: Could Thelma have secured a Stunt Design Award if the Academy introduced the new category for this last year? I guess we'll always have to wonder. Watch it on Hulu. La Chimera (2023) The forthcoming Mastermind isn't the first film to place Josh O'Connor at the center of an arthouse art heist. In one of his very best roles to date, the perpetually unshowered Challengers star plays Arthur, a grief-stricken Italian tomb raider searching for his missing girlfriend. This Cannes contender, released stateside in 2024, comes from the mind of Alice Rohrwacher (Happy as Lazzaro), which means you can expect plenty of magical realism and intricately designed set pieces to move the plot forward. It is a hallucinogenic, awe-inspiring experience that takes you through Italy's past and present while reminding you that there's pretty much nothing the Internet's husband can't do — like speak near-fluent Italian and get a big fit off in a soot-covered linen suit. Watch it on Hulu. Ghostlight (2024) It's a mystery to me why some Sundance darlings, like CODA, go on to win Best Picture at the Oscars and become household names, while others like Ghostlight (touted one of the best movies of [2024] by New York Magazine's Bilge Ebiri) fade into obscurity. This family-drama tearjerker opens by introducing us to Daisy (Katherine Mallen Kupferer), a troubled thespian teen prone to outbursts, who has been suspended from school for pushing a teacher. Her aggression, we learn, has been brought about by an unspeakable family tragedy. Enter: Rita (the always excellent Dolly De Leon), who might just be the key to getting the family back on track. In a chance encounter with closed-off patriarch Dan (Keith Kupferer) — yes, that's Daisy's real-life father — Rita introduces him to a community theater, specifically a production of Romeo and Juliet, which unexpectedly allows the family to process their grief and communicate more openly with one another. Watch it on Hulu. Strange Days (1995) Sure, you know The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty, but what about this deep cut from Kathryn Bigelow? A box-office flop, sure, but Strange Days is ripe for a re-appreciation on streaming thanks to its deeply '90s, cyberpunk aesthetic (complimentary) and prescient themes of fascism and police brutality. At least one critic has even touted the film as "better than Blade Runner," which is not nothing. Rounding out the intrigue of this sci-fi action gem is a cast that includes a near-unrecognizable Ralph Fiennes, Angela Bassett (she certainly did the thing here), and Juliette Lewis — plus, a writing credit from James Cameron, who divorced Bigelow four years prior. Watch it on Hulu. How to Blow Up a Pipeline (2023) There's never been a better time to press play on How to Blow Up a Pipeline, an urgent eco-thriller based on Andreas Malm's book of the same name, which asks us to consider when acts of terrorism might be justified for a greater good. Daniel Goldhaber's gripping film follows a group of twenty-something climate activists who band together to take down a West Texas pipeline that is wreaking havoc on its community. Each of the eight members have a different motivation for getting involved in the heist; Theo has contracted terminal leukemia from the town's toxic atmosphere, while the group's resident bomb expert, Michael, is an Indigenous person who has a personal connection to the land that has been occupied by oil workers. Contrary to what the title suggests, the film never feels didactic, and Goldhaber skillfully manages to never talk down to his audience, trusting that they are smart enough to draw their own conclusions from this evocative and quick-moving story. Watch it on Hulu. Minding the Gap (2018) The best kind of documentary, IMO? The kind that takes a seemingly narrow focus like, say, skateboarding, and finds a way to turn it into something universal. That's the gist of Bing Liu's masterwork from 2018 which starts off simple enough — a document of three boys and their love of skateboarding — and then plunges into heavier topics of masculinity, class, and race before you know it. This is all to say: Mid90s wants what Minding the Gap it on Hulu. The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed (2023) And the winner of the Hardest Movie Title to Remember When Trying to Recommend It to a Friend Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed. Congrats! Yes, this indie stars Scott Cohen (the one and only Max Medina) alongside the multi-hyphenate talent Joanna Arnow, who wrote and directed the film. Arnow's comedy is about millennial malaise, BDSM, and dead-end jobs, and its uncomfortable truths will ring true to anyone who is willing to sit with it for long enough. The New Yorker's critic Richard Brody said it best when he said of Arnow's writing and direction, that she "recognizes that much of life's pain is built around sharp yet minor intimacies, impressions, and humiliations, and she brilliantly captures the sense of disproportion that arises when slight or banal exchanges have mighty emotional effects."Watch it on Hulu. National Anthem (2024) You might know him as that hot cowboy photographer from Instagram. Allow Luke Gilford to reintroduce himself as the talented filmmaker behind National Anthem. Told through his signature lush images, the photographer's debut feature film situates us in New Mexico as a 21-year-old construction worker (Charlie Plummer, who you may have also seen riding horses in Lean on Pete) finds himself immersed in the queer rodeo community. If Brokeback Mountain is the entirety of your queer-cowboy media diet, do yourself a favor during Pride Month and press play on this hidden gem. Watch it on Hulu. Presence (2024) Leave it to Steven Soderbergh to give us not one, but two, bangers within a year. The less buzzed-about, but equally deserving of your streaming time, film was Presence — a chilling ghost story unlike anything I've seen before. (Though, if you forced me to compare it to existing films, I'd say it brings to mind elements of Olivier Assayas's Personal Shopper and David Lowery's A Ghost Story.) Shot from the perspective of the ghost, this never-dull atmospheric thriller filled with spooky, tracking shots, slowly builds to a satisfying twist. Just don't go into this one expecting jump scares (or, much screen time from Julia Fox, for that matter, who was used in the marketing of the film) because you will be utterly disappointed. Watch it on Hulu. Perfect Days (2023) What the world needs now? A gentle, life-affirming film. Specifically, one that reminds us to take stock of the little moments that pass us by each day. I hear how cliche these words sound as I type them, and that only solidifies my belief that Wim Wenders, who directed this Oscar-nominated film, is one of the absolute greats — somehow able to pull at our heartstrings without saccharine storytelling or lousy contrivances. Even more impressive is the fact that Wenders was commissioned to make this film by Japan's Tokyo Toilet project, helping to promote the image of public hygiene. What he is able to pull off is something much more nuanced than an advertisement. It follows a highly routined toilet cleaner as he commutes to the city each day to scrub public toilets and visit the same bar, bath, and spot in the park. But don't be fooled by its deceptively simple, linear structure. Perfect Days is also a brutal takedown of our soul-sucking digital world (...I write, hunched over my MacBook.)Watch it on Hulu. The Seed of the Sacred Fig (2024) Here's a hidden gem that Iran's authoritarian government would prefer to keep hidden. Mohammad Rasoulof's powerful, fourth wall-breaking family drama that exposes much of Tehran's political turmoil was able to get made in secret and find global distribution — but not without consequence. Rasoulof was sentenced to eight years in prison and subsequently fled to Germany, along with the film's two stars Setareh Maleki and Mahsa Rostami. Rasoulof is not German, and there is no German language spoken at any point in the film; however, Germany opted to submit the film for Best International Film at the Oscars in lieu of Iran. That certainly gave the film some much-needed visibility but not nearly the amount it deserves. Thankfully, this important piece of filmmaking is now widely accessible stateside on streaming. Watch it on Hulu. Decision to Leave (2022) Park Chan-wook doesn't miss. The king of labyrinthian storytelling (Old Boy, The Handmaiden) delivered another instant classic in 2022 with Decision to Leave. Part love story, part murder mystery, the Korean auteur's Cannes hit surprised critics and fans alike by deviating from his usual (spectacularly graphic) mode of filmmaking. The story about a romance between a Busan detective and his prime suspect might feel more restrained, but there's no shortage of Chan-Wook's signature dark humor it on Hulu. Good Luck To You, Leo Grande (2022) One of the great, overlooked performances by multi-Oscar winner Emma Thompson is featured in this small Searchlight two-hander. Thompson plays an uptight middle-aged widow who hires a sex worker (Daryl McCormack) to achieve an orgasm for the first time and, of course, what ensues is something much more profound. Its witty and unflinching exploration of sex positivity, female pleasure, and human connection make it something of a spiritual predecessor to FX's current awards juggernaut series Dying For Sex. Free double-feature idea!Watch it on Hulu. Stream all these hidden gems on Hulu.
Buzz Feed
15-06-2025
- Health
- Buzz Feed
41 Swaps For More Expensive Products That Are So Good, You'll Want To Cry Happy Tears
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! 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. 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. A 20-pack (!) of extra thick magic cleaning pads most reviewers agree is a great swap for the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. They're extra durable, so you can put them to work on your toughest cleaning jobs and watch the mess just ✨ disappear ✨. Rael Beauty's Miracle Patch, a budget-friendly hydrocolloid acne patch option with ultra-thin edges that make it way less detectable on your face. Keep a pack around if you're prone to sudden breakouts, and they'll come in clutch: Just apply one to a zit, and it'll literally suck out all that gunk, leaving the area noticeably flatter with less redness overnight. 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. 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). 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. A set of aesthetic wrist and ankle weights because *yes* you can achieve your fitness goals and have cute gear without shelling out $50+ on a set of trendy Bala Bangles. Happy tears, commence — but not for too long, because it's time to go for a power walk. A bottle of Elizavecca Hair Treatment formulated to deeply repair and hydrate your hair thanks to restorative ingredients like collagen and ceramide 3. You just apply it after shampooing, wait as little as five minutes, then rinse it out for hair that looks *and* feels silky soft. Some reviewers say it's even BETTER than Olaplex, which is over three times the price! A 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! 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. 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. 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. A bottle of Nyx setting spray so your carefully crafted makeup look can survive up to 16 hours of wear, through humidity, sweat, and rain, without any smudging or melting. Reviewers have put it to the test and say it's a cheaper swap for MAC and Urban Decay's setting sprays. A 12-pack of soft microfiber makeup removing towels, a true hack for budget-savvy makeup wearers, since they can gently remove makeup using only water and be reused over and over! Perfect for travel and everyday use, they'll cost you just over $1 per cloth, which amounts to nearly 20 times cheaper than the infamous Makeup Eraser. 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. 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. 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! 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. *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! 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. 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. 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? 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. 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*. A trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks if you've been hesitant to pull the trigger on that $24 Laneige lip mask that's *everywhere* these days — getting three flavors for under $10 feels like a great alternative if you ask me. Just smear some on your dry, cracked lips before bed and dream of the smooth, soft lips you'll have come morning. A 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. 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. 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. 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! Nyx Fat Oil Lip Drip in case that $40 Dior lip oil has been in your cart forever, but you just can't bring yourself to pull the trigger. At $9, this version's a much lighter hit to your wallet, with the same burst of hydration (made with vegan squalane!) sheer color, and non-sticky finish reviewers can't get enough of. A 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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! 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! 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! 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!
