Latest news with #TheraGun
Buzz Feed
4 days ago
- Health
- Buzz Feed
43 Swaps For Pricier Items If You Love Saving Money
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 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, 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 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. 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. 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
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
18-05-2025
- General
- Buzz Feed
44 Cheap Alternatives To Expensive Products You'll Love
A pair of high-waisted leggings reviewers can't help but compare to Lululemon's thanks to that buttery soft material — but, like, a lotttt cheaper. They're legit perfect for running errands, lounging around, or even hitting that squat goal at the gym — because yeah, they're just that comfy. A Renpho percussion massager with five different heads and speeds so you can use it all over your body. You can give yourself a great deep muscle massage at a much more affordable rate than the TheraGun that's been sitting in your cart for the last few weeks. E.l.f. Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen that is clear (!!!) so you don't have to deal with the white cast that is sure to appear with other sunscreens, no matter how much you try to blend it into your face. This sunscreen is lightweight, incredibly smooth, offers SPF 35, AND it doubles as a blurring primer so you can use it under your makeup. Supergoop!, stand aside, cause this baby is super duper similar for only, like, a third of the price! Some breathable, machine-washable pointed-toe flats because you've always strived to one day reach that effortless Jess Day aesthetic — without needing to shell out big bucks for brands like Rothy or Vivaia. They have a stretchy knit upper which makes them super comfy to wear, and when they get dirty (because let's be honest, you'll be wearing these everywhere), you can simply toss 'em into the wash. A 20-pack (!) of extra-thick magic cleaning pads that will erase any crayon, pen, or scuff marks from... well... just about anything. Walls, floors, tubs, sinks, cars, and even shoes can be cleaned with a lil' bit of elbow grease, some water, and these magical sponges. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser has got nothing on these. Rael Beauty's Miracle Patch if you basically want Mighty Patches for a less cost per patch. These clean out any pore-clogging gunk that's festering right under the surface of your skin. Just pop one of these over a whitehead and let it sit for 6–8 hours to absorb all the goo stuck in your pores. A set of internet-famous Mellanni sheets so you can feel like you're snuggling up with absolute luxury — but without dropping hella $$$$ on Cozy Earth or Egyptian cotton sheets. They're soft, moisture-wicking, and don't fade, pill, or stain. Best. Sheets. Ever. A ribbed workout jumpsuit oh-so-freakin' similar to the Skims jumpsuit that has dominated your FYP lately, but for like a fraction of the price. It's the perf 'fit for a low-impact workout, a casual outing, or simply modeling for your Insta story. No one has to know that you got it from Amazon. And a long-sleeve bodysuit so you don't have to overpay for a closet staple ever again. Its super soft feel reminds reviewers of the famous Skims one, with some even claiming that they prefer it to the name brand! A set of aesthetic wrist and ankle weights because you absolutely deserve to look cute even with weights literally strapped to your wrist. And all without having to shell out $50+ on a set of trendy Bala Bangles??? You're gonna be the trendiest person at your gym. A bottle of Elizavecca Hair Treatment for anyone who wants a frizz-free, silky look without paying exorbitant salon prices. Just apply it to wet hair, leave it in for five minutes, and say goodbye to the damaged look your hair has been sporting after years of abuse at the hands of bleach and flat irons. Many reviewers even say this is comparable (or even better) than the pricey Olaplex No.3. A professional MUA–approved black makeup sponge perfect for blending in your foundation, BB cream, powder, and even concealer at a fraction of the cost of all other well-known brands. Reviewers even swear these sponges hold up and work just as well (or even better) than Beauty Blender and Real Technique ones. I just added these to my cart. An Overmont cast-iron Dutch oven that will elevate your kitchen aesthetics, but won't hurt your wallet like the chef-beloved Le Creuset. This baby heats up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and cooks everything evenly, so it can withstand a bunch of different cooking styles — no problem! Use this baby to cook up some rice, soup, stew, or even some sourdough bread. E.l.f.'s Camo Liquid Blush, to give you a gorgeous, soft, dewy finish. It's easy to blend on your cheeks, and you'll fall in love with how pigmented, long-lasting, and buildable it is! AND apparently (you didn't hear this from me), it's giving Rare Beauty a run for its money *sips tea*. A bottle of Nyx setting spray that will protect your flawless makeup look with a matte finish. This bad boy is not only travel-size for your convenience, but can keep your makeup in place for over 16 hours — a great alternative to Urban Decay, but for under $10. And a 12-pack of soft microfiber makeup removing towels so you can gently remove your makeup without relying on the increasingly expensive liquid removers. These towels can be used again and again, are perfect for travel, and literally cost just over $1 per cloth. Move over, Makeup Eraser; these are both easier to use AND are about 20 times cheaper. A new-and-improved Govee neon rope light you can bend and customize into weird, unique shapes to work as the Coolest. Lamp. Ever. Place them on your staircase to illuminate a pathway or string them along your wall to make the best piece of wall art your friends have ever seen. You can even control the lighting effects through the app, or connect it via Google Assistant or Alexa! Hue, step aside. An ultra-hydrating TruSkin vitamin C serum capable of helping transform your skin by boosting collagen and reducing the appearance of dark spots, fine lines, acne, and clogged pores. This serum contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, aloe vera, and jojoba oil — all powerful ingredients made to brighten your skin. Say buh-bye to the expensive SkinCeuticals serum! A Briotech spray incredibly similar to the famous (and more pricey) Tower 28 SOS facial spray, to reduce redness. The main ingredient, hypochlorous acid, triggers an immune response that'll signal your body to repair and heal irritated skin (yeah, just like your white blood cells do). A set of satin pillowcases that are gentle on hair, meaning you're less likely to experience tangles or frizz, no matter how much you toss and turn. And no, you don't need to spend as much as you would buying the popular Slip pillowcases. Essence's Lash Princess Mascara for those of you who would love a way to get the falsies look for $5! This mascara is incredibly affordable, incredibly volumizing, and lasts the entire day — plus, it comes off so easily, no smudging or makeup remover required! Say goodbye to the days of shelling out for more expensive mascaras like Too Faced Better Than Sex, L'Oreal Telescopic Lift, and many, many more — this one is better. A simple, gorgeous tennis bracelet to add some ✨sparkle✨ to your wrist, but ya know, without costing you the down payment of a nice house in the suburbs. This elegant piece looks just like Swarovski, and reviewers say it doesn't tarnish, so it's bound to last you a lifetime. After all, diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but cubic zirconia is her lover. A cruelty-free Acure brightening facial scrub that surpasses more expensive brands like Clinique, The Body Shop, and Rodan + Fields. This scrub contains ingredients like Madonna lily, lemon peel, French green clay, and sea kelp — all of which will leave your skin glowing and hydrated all day long. An eyebrow soap kit to sculpt your brows into mini-masterpieces that will stay in place for hours. With just a few swipes of a brush, you can boast perfectly fluffed brows. Reviewers even claim that it's better than any name-brand alternatives! (Anastasia Beverly Hills, I'm looking at you.) E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer, infused with tea tree and vitamin E to help smooth out the appearance of wrinkles, blur pores, and get that whole IRL filter look. Plus, it hydrates your skin, lasts all day, and is a lot cheaper (yet incredibly similar to) Tatcha's Silk Canvas primer! Time to make this a staple in your makeup routine. A fanny pack to keep your most valuable items strapped close to your chest — it's necessary while you weave through a busy mall or an overpopulated airport terminal. And it's striking how closely it resembles the $$$ Lululemon belt bag. A Revlon one-step hair dryer and volumizer that can dry, style, straighten, and add some volume without having to play with about 50 other tools or products. Just step out of the shower, turn this magic wand on, and voila! The perfect look! Spending $500+ on a Dyson Airwrap is not necessary. A trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks to give you soft and supple lips for less than half the price of the popular Laneige lip mask. These masks use ingredients like berry extract and vitamin C to target dry and cracked lips while you sleep. There are three different scents, so you can share them with friends — or hoard them all for yourself. A chain purse if you've always salivated over the thought of owning Gucci's Dionysus bag, but your bank account says ✨no.✨ This has the same chain style and front clasp, so literally no one will be able to tell the difference — don't worry, I won't spill your lil' secret. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer, to mask those dark circles without feeling like you're wearing something heavy across your skin. It color-corrects and conceals, so you can pretend as though you haven't been pulling all-nighters all week. This magic wand has a built-in sponge for application and will give you all-day coverage (all for cheaper than those 💸💸💸 name-brand options). Skin1004's Zombie Pack masks that only take 15 minutes to work! They are made with albumin, an egg white extract that can help keep your face looking hydrated, bright, and lifted! Reviewers even compare it to Hanacure, but way cheaper. A highly rated pair of hoop earrings to match literally every outfit you own. These accessorize absolutely everything and will look cute paired with anything — from your leggings to your little black dress. No one has to know that you got these off Amazon, instead of dropping hundreds of $$$ on Jennifer Fisher. Nyx Fat Oil Lip Drip, because why spend $40+ on that one Dior lip oil, when you can have basically the same thing for $9?! It's hydrating (thank you, vegan squalane), has beautiful sheer colors, and, despite the gloss, is surprisingly not sticky! Gorgeous. A pair of lightweight legging-style joggers, oh-so-similar to Lululemon's Align joggers. The fabric has four-way stretch, plus they have pockets! You'll find yourself reaching for these on every occasion possible — they'll honestly be the comfiest pants you own. And a soft, stretchy longline sports bra if you've always wanted the Lululemon look, but you don't feel like dropping money on the name brand. The look and material are so comparable to Lulu, literally no one will believe you were able to snag this from Amazon. Time to get one in every color. CeraVe's Retinol Serum to prevent irritation, flakiness, and redness, all while helping reduce the appearance of acne scars and pores. Now you can finally add a retinoid to your routine without having to pay $92 for Murad's retinol serum (big yikes). L'Oreal's illuminating Lumi Glotion for those of you who want that perfect "no-makeup" look. You can use this in place of foundation or simply add it to your existing makeup look for a bit of a glow. Plus, it's under $15, so it's the perfect substitute for the expensive options like Glossier Futuredew and Drunk Elephant's D-Bronzi Drops. A pair of sling-back mules so similar to Chanel you'll find yourself triple-checking the price just in case. You can pair 'em with slacks or a cutesy lil' dress, and you'll basically be radiating luxury. Some cleaning tablets you can use to clean out all the gunk and grime from that two-day-old coffee that has stained the bottom of your thermos. Just toss the tab (which can also clean dentures and retainers) into your bottle full of water, wait 15 minutes, and pour it out. It'll be clean with no scrub and no hassle. Plus, they have a lower cost per clean than the popular Bottle Bright tablets. A faux-leather belt that is sure to become the focal piece of your outfit. Is it actually Gucci? Perhaps not. But those buddies you meet weekly for brunch don't gotta know that. BestLand's high-performance matte lipsticks, to bring some color to your lips without the fear of it smearing after every single dab of a napkin. Each lipstick costs less than $2 each, an absolute steallll when compared to the $25+ for other famous name brands 👀. Or the long-lasting Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint, that will give your pout a smooth, ultra-pigmented stain with a silky finish without having to worry about constantly reapplying. Reviewers even swearrrr it's just as good as products like the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution and YSL Velvet Cream. A cubic zirconia cuff — it'll have strangers actually thinking you spent (wait, checks notes) $17,000 😱 on the Cartier Love Bracelet. Not only is it less than $12, but you don't need to screw it on — unlike the way too ridiculously expensive version. And on that note, a cubic zirconia ring because you've always wanted the Cartier Love Ring to match, but not the price attached to it. It's simple, it's elegant, and it's pretty much guaranteed to never go out of style. Time to get one in every metal.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
43 Swaps For More Expensive Products That Are So Good, You'll Want To Cry Happy Tears
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 $29+ at Amazon 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 $89.99 at Amazon Jenae Sitzes / BuzzFeed Jenae Sitzes / BuzzFeed 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 $14 at Amazon 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 $28.04+ at Amazon 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 $14.95 at Amazon 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 $15.29 at Amazon 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 $34.97 at Amazon 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 $29.99 at Amazon 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 $17.99 at Amazon 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 $24.09+ at Amazon 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 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 $7.69 at Amazon 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 $7.95 at Amazon 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 $6.73 at Amazon 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 $59.99 at Amazon 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 $7 at Amazon 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 $9.97 at Amazon 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 $9.99 at Amazon 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 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 $21.97+ at Amazon 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 $16.49 at Amazon 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 $9.99 at Amazon Mallory Mower / BuzzFeed 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 $4.99 at Amazon Emma Lord / BuzzFeed Emma Lord / BuzzFeed Check it out a TikTok of the E.l.f. mascara in 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 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." $7 at Amazon 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 $5.99 at Amazon 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 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 $10.99 at Amazon 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! $69.99+ at Amazon 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 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 $9.99 at Amazon 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 $4.99 at Amazon 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 $9.90 at Amazon 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 $36.49 at Amazon 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 $8.80 at Amazon 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 $17.97 at Amazon 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 $13.40+ at Amazon 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 $11.68 at Amazon 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 $8.97 at Amazon 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 $28.99+ at Amazon 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 $22.99 at Amazon 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 $18.68 at Amazon 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." — DLWGet it from Amazon for $13.98 (available in five shades). $13.98 at Amazon 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 $8.99+ at Amazon 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 $9.90 at Amazon 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 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 $18.32 at Amazon Good Light 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 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 $28 at Good Light 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 $13.95+ at Amazon 26 Products So Effective Amazon Reviewers Have Literally Called Them 'Unbelievable' 6 Wildly Low-Effort Products For People Who Hate Cleaning Just 40 Tried-And-True Amazon Products With Over Ten Thousand Five-Star Ratings
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.
