31 Cheap Alternatives To Expensive Products You’ll Feel Like A Genius For Buying Before Prime Day Ends
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With savings *on top* of savings, you get an A+ for buying these products at these prices.
Posted 22 hours ago
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by Amber Usher
BuzzFeed BuzzFeed Staff
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by Karly Jacklin
BuzzFeed BuzzFeed Staff
Prime Day can be *confusing* — we’re using our extensive shopping knowledge and tracking price history to give you the most accurate pricing information and vetted discounts/original prices. FYI, some of the “regular” prices listed on the sides of some listings are true original prices, some (when the best deals are Prime-exclusive) are lesser discounts that non-Prime members can take advantage of. We’ll let you know everything you need to know!
FYI — deals move *fast*. We’ll do our best to keep this post and imagery as up-to-date as possible, but we can’t catch everything immediately. Check back throughout the week to see our latest updates as the deals change!
Note: To get the best prices on some of these deals you have to be a Prime member, so if you aren’t already, sign up for a free 30 day trial here.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Note that the AAD recommends using at least SPF 30 and reapplying as needed for skin protection. You can read about sunscreen myths and facts from dermatologists for more information!
Check out a TikTok of the collagen sunscreen in action.
Promising review: "I am a skincare snob. I spend way too much money on products. But over the last couple of years, I’ve been trying to find a new moisturizer with SPF that doesn’t bankrupt me. I need something that can help my dry skin, protect from the sun, and not irritate my sensitive skin. I was skeptical about this product, never having heard of the brand, but I gave it a try. I am SO thrilled with the results. This moisturizer is BETTER than the $55 alternative I have been using. It moisturizes like a dream. It doesn’t pill. And my sensitive skin loves it. I am THRILLED with my purchase and will definitely be back for more!" —R. Berry
Price: $13 (typically $18.90) — and shop all Medicube deals here
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
It’s compatible with all clumping litters and comes with a lifetime warranty!
Promising review: "I’m absolutely loving this litter box. I’ve had THE Litter Robot for 4 years, and I purchased this item a month ago. This one is so quiet, and it takes up about half the space. My cats love it. I love that it’s so much easier to remove the bag. Since the entry is so much lower to the ground, the cats don’t 'grab' when they jump out like with the other box, so there’s less mess around the opening of the box. Also, this has a lifetime warranty, and my other box only had a year. I’ve purchased a new globe for the old box, which was almost the cost of the new box. Oh yeah, and the cost is a lot less than the Litter Robot! I’ve already recommended this item to my other cat parent friends." —Christine S.
Price: $180 (originally $359.99; non-prime members can get it for $233.99) — andshop all Petcove deals here
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "TikTok told me this compared to Lululemon, and it’s true, it is. Love this little bag! And the price — you can’t beat it." —Jolie
BuzzFeeder Elizabeth Lilly also owns this — she packed it as her only bag for a trip to busy trip to Iceland in 2023, and not only did it hold a ton and keep her hands free, it easily fit around her waist over her outerwear. It's still holding up two years later — she also used it for a Panama trip, where it fared well from airports to hanging bridges to a sunrise hiking trip to the top of Panama's only volcano!
Price: $11.18 (typically $13.98; Prime-exclusive deal, non-members can get it for 13.98; available in 39 styles)
Btw, the word on the street is that Rhode's Pocket Blush is actually manufactured in South Korea (so do what you want with that info). I got my eyes on Banila Co.'s shade Chill Teddy; it's giving Toasted Teddy. 👀
Promising review: "LOOKS like Rhode on the outside BUT the formula is all K-beauty. Gorgeous. Feels lighter and more powdery. Looks amazing! Lasts well. (Brutally honest confession: My teen and I will try any brand that Seventeen Jeonghan and BabyMonster use. Any. Full stop. We adore THEM and want to support them. BUT shockingly, everything we've tried by Banila Co. has been a delight.) This blush/lippie is such a must-have that we went from 'let's try and share' to each needing our own and in several colors." —Quaketoys
Price: $11.69 (orginally $17.99; available in 10 shades).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "So comfy and they look just like the photo! The quality is great, they aren't see-through, and I love the bright color! They fit true to size. They are definitely a great value for the money." —Hope
Price: $8.99+ (typically $16.99, non-Prime members can get it for $9.99; available in sizes XS–XXL and 20 styles) — and shop all Anrabess deals here
Amazon
Check out aTikTok of the PDRN cream in action.
Promising review: "Absolutely in love with this jelly cream. My skin looks amazing — no more chafing and peeling, and it feels and looks 'bouncy' and glowing, it’s hard to explain. As for people saying it’s sticky — they must be using way too much!! It dries beautifully, not sticky. A little goes A LONG way. This little tub should last a year or more easily. I use it under my Tret at night too. Love it!" —Beachy1
Price:$14 (typically $20) — and shop all Mario Badescu deals here
Amazon, Amazon
Glamnetic is a small business that specializes in uniquely designed, reusable press-on nails.
Promising review: "I saw these all over my TikTok FYP and was so curious to try them. They are absolutely beautiful, and just after two days, I have gotten so many compliments. The glue holds super well, and the application process was super simple. I don't think that I will ever get acrylic nails again, as a set like this would likely be three times the price." —Leslie and Paige
Price: $10.79+ (orginally $15.99+; available in 32 styles, but not all are on sale — pictured above are the Goal Digger and Wild Card styles)
And shop all Glamnetic deals here
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
You can check outVaseline's radiant body oils and lotions for more options!
Promising review: "Omg! It’s better than I thought. I am a Black woman who suffers from dry skin in the winter season, but this oil is amazing, smooth, light, and smells good. This oil is great for helping skin glow with a light glimmer of glitter. I would say this is a must-buy for women of color. Yeah, thank me later, sis." —Amazon Customer
Price: $6.97 (typically $8.99; non-Prime members can get it for $8.49) — and shop all Vaseline deals here
Promising reviews: "I can't say enough good things about these sheets. I was waking up at night HOT all the time, and thinking it was a physical thing for me personally. I was reading online and stumbled on these and thought, 'Hmmm...wonder if my uber-expensive sheets are actually making me hot at night??' I ordered these, and I'm sleeping like a baby now. No more night sweats. Ordering some for my son as well. Game changer! High quality and exceptional price." —J. Marshall
"I read from other reviews these sheets were soft, so I wasn't too surprised when I received them, and man, are they soft and so comfortable. 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
Price: $28.97 (for the queen size; typically $36.97; available in sizes twin–California king, plus sheet sets with deep pockets for taller mattresses and 40 colors and patterns) — and shop all the Mellanni deals here
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
It's suitable for all hair types! Reviewers with everything from straight, fine hair to thick, curly hair said it worked for them.
According to the brand, this was the top-selling hair serum in Korea from Nielsen sales data collection from 2012–2022.
Promising review: "I love how my hair feels when I apply this serum. It feels soft and manageable and the best thing is, no matter how many times I reapply, it never feels heavy or greasy. Not sure how it achieves this magic, but it is great for when you want shine and softness on an easy hair day or protection on a heat day too." —Lorraine Shin Yoo
Price: $16.09 (originally $22.99) — and shop all Mise En Scene deals here
Promising review: "So comfortable and so, so cute! From a pajama lover — I think these might just be my new favorites. I’ve tried all brands (designer and otherwise) and these top my list without a doubt. The ruffles are such a cute touch! Highly recommend!" —Melissa
Price: $18.99 (typically $25.99; available in women's sizes S–XXL, discounted in 12 colors) — and shop all KFUBUO deals here
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Great quality camera, takes beautiful pictures, has the best quality, super happy with the quality of these pictures and how easy it is to use it, The flash is great, super easy to install the batteries and memory card, also comes with a strap to make it easier to take places!" —Domenica Cambala
Price: $99+ (orginally $129.99; available in four colors)
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I get so many compliments! It's so comfy! Perfect for walking and hiking or even running errands! I want to buy it in every color!!!" —Addison Dalton
Price: $24.99 (typically $34.89; available in sizes S–XL and ten colors) — and shop all Beaully deals here
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review: "I love this so I ordered a second for backup! Depending on my day I will add no more than one or two drops to my moisturizer or my primer. Takes away the winter pallor of my face which definitely has not had enough sun lately. The bottle is small, but you don’t need to use much. Reasonably priced for the amount. I would say buy it." —Incognito
Price: $4.79 (typically $5.99) — and shop all Essence deals here
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
For what it's worth, Pavoi — the company behind this piece — has gone TikTok viral time and time again for its classic, modern, and expensive-looking pieces. I personally own almost all my "daily wear" jewelry from Pavoi and swear by it (particularly thisgold-plated ring and these chunky gold-plated earrings!). Everything is so easy to accessorize and makes my outfits look and feel so much more put together, and the pieces are so durable that they're easily worth twice what I paid. Check out the rest of Pavoi's line of jewelryfor more options, including earrings, bracelets, and anklets!
Promising review: "These earrings are the perfect size and look for everyday and also dressing up. I packed these for a recent resort trip with my husband’s company, and they were perfect for plane travel, wearing with swimsuits, and dressing up for fancy restaurants. The price is really great for such high quality. The earrings didn’t tarnish from pool, shower, or ocean water. The clasp has never come undone." —Reilly S. Leonard
Price: $11.16 (typically $13.95; available in two finishes) — and shop all the Pavoi deals here
Promising review: "Magic potion. Where has this been all my life? This stuff is amazing! At 31, I am trying to take care of my skin more as I noticed my face looks "tired." I started to use this and saw immediate results. I apply it after washing/using a derma roller and follow up with applying moisturizer afterward. My husband has even noticed a difference after using a week and has said things like, "Your face is glowing," "Your face looks radiant," "You look different, younger," and "Whatever you are doing is working." Bottom line, if you're in search of an anti-aging serum, stop looking and buy this." —J.D.M.
Promising review: "I should have started using this years ago! I’m in my mid-30s, and I’ve tried everything, including much more expensive brands, Korean skincare, Japanese skincare, etc., but I’ve always had breakouts and problems with texture. This is by far the best vitamin C product I’ve tried. I’ve tried multiple vitamin C serums in the past, but they always broke me out or had a slimy or gritty texture. This serum has a smooth texture, soaks in quickly, does not pill with other products, and has noticeably cleared up my skin." —Amazon Customer
Price: $19.99 (originally $38.99; this is a Prime-exclusive deal, non-Prime members can get it for $34.99. Also available in a smaller size) — and shop all the TruSkin deals here
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "I saw on TikTok and ordered immediately. I am really picky with leggings as I refuse to buy them unless the back seam is in a V shape, which makes the glutes look better. These are amazing, true to size, I get tons of compliments, buttery soft material, perfect for the gym or just day to day wear." —K. Mcintyre
"These are the comfiest pants. I usually buy big, baggy sweatpants because I hate the tight cinching around my stomach from leggings or other tight pants. But the sweats are not as cute and don’t give you the nice booty visual. I hesitantly bought these pants because the reviews raved about how comfy they were, and the reviews were absolutely right! These are tight around my waist, but not in a way that’s uncomfortable at all. They sit nicely. They also give you a bangin' booty, whether you have one or not! Highly recommend this product. Good price for the quality." —Sarah
Price: $14.24 (typically $29.99+; available in women's sizes XS–XXL, three inseam lengths, and 23 colors) — and shop all the Sunzel deals here
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
It's color-adapting, so one of four shades will work well for any skin tone! To use, apply this in thin layers to avoid creasing, then follow with your favorite concealer and setting powder if you like. If you don't like applying products with your fingers, they also make a triangle-shaped puff that's perfect for using with this.
Promising review: "Took years off my eyes! I came across a TikTok promoting this and decided to take a chance since the price was super reasonable. My eyes looked brighter in a good way, and the concealer worked so well that I felt I looked younger. I got compliments from friends asking what I did differently with my makeup." —Monica T.
Price: $4.80 (originally $6; available in four shades) — check out more Catrice deals here
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
For reference, the reviewer on the right is holding the Large size. See it in action on TikTok.
Promising review: "The best sports mom bag I’ve found! Not only is it cute, but it’s also completely functional. I love that it holds so much (the large is perfect for lots of stuff, but not overly huge. I can pack water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, books/Kindle, umbrella, and everything in between! I also love that I can personalize it with charms and stuff — the Bogg bag charms fit. Also, the fold-down straps are great. They don’t get in the way at all. I’ll also note that it’s super easy to clean. Just empty it and spray it out with a hose. Even the white has stayed clean. Love love love! Get this bag! You won’t regret it!" —Amoora
Price: $41.98 (originally $69.99; available in 22 colors/prints and in Medium and Extra Large) — andshop all the Simple Modern deals here
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
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
Price: $11.61 for an 8.5-ounce bottle (originally $17.99; available in five sizes and in multipacks)
Dossier is a small business that specializes in alternative, affordable perfumes — check out the rest of their options on their Amazon storefront!
Promising review: "Gorgeous scent! I love perfumes, and I’m super picky. I either love or return. This scent is gorgeous. Smells a bit sweet but not overly sweet, not super vanilla, just a hint of it with sophistication. Very soft and sultry. I applied moisturizer (thin, thin layer of Vaseline) and then sprayed perfume. It stayed on my skin for probably over eight hours. I checked my sweater the next day you could easily smell it on my sweater. Definitely worth the money." —Amazon Customer
Price: $22.57 for a 50ml bottle (originally $29) — and shop all Dossier deals here
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This oversized sweater is everything I’ve been looking for! It’s so soft and breathable, yet warm enough for cooler days. The material is lightweight and not at all itchy, making it super comfortable to wear for long periods. The fit is loose and relaxed, with the perfect length to pair with leggings or jeans. It’s versatile enough to dress up with a skirt or keep it casual with denim, and the quality of the material is top-notch — this sweater feels like it will last. I love that it’s machine washable too, which makes it super easy to care for. With so many cute options and colors, it’s become a staple in my wardrobe. Highly recommend this sweater for anyone looking for comfort and style!" —Jennifer Sauer
Price: $26.59 (originally $44.99; available in women's sizes XS–XL and various colors) — and shop all Anrabess deals here
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Check out a TikTok of the plated ring in action.
Promising review: "The perfect non-name-brand ring you can find honestly. I wasn't looking for a Cartier knock-off when I found this ring, but I have had people ask me if it's the real deal. I honestly love this ring though, the sizing was accurate, it is weighted well, none of the 'diamonds' have fallen off, and it hasn't tarnished! I've worn it daily for almost a year now and it has held up well. It has some very small scratches on it, but that's typical of most rings. For the price, I am super happy with this ring and I honestly can't believe how well it has handled everything I've put it through." —Eva Richterkessing
Price: $6.99 (typically $9.99; available in sizes 5–12) — and shop all PDWZNBA deals here
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "These beauty sponges are heavenly sent! No more spending 20$ on Beautyblenders when you can LITERALLY use these instead! They are just as soft and they blended out my foundation smoothly! It doesn’t suck up all your foundation, unlike some beauty sponges. If you’re thinking of buying these, please do! You will not be disappointed :)" —Llanely PerezPrice: $7.95 (typically $9.95) — andshop all AOA Studio deals here
Promising reviews: "Dfyne is always sold out, so I decided to try these. I put them side by side with my Dfyne shorts, and they’re the exact same quality, just no brand names." —Anon
"My 🍑 never looked so good🔥! These are my GO-TO gym shorts now and I'm going to buy them in every color! When I tell you they hug and lift your booty!!! I wasn’t willing to pay the high ticket price for some of the name brands fitness influencers wear, and I’m so glad I didn’t! If you’re hesitant, just do it!" —Ariana
Price: $18.89 (originally $24.99; available in various colors, three lengths, and women's sizes XS–3XL) — and shop all Voyjoy deals here
Promising review: "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
Price: $5.69+ for the Queen size (originally $9.99; also available in standard, king, and body pillow sizes and various colors) — and shop all Bedsure deals here
Amazon
Promising review: "They are beautiful and sophisticated! They are my new favorite earrings!" —jennifer Brockman
Price: $68 (originally $85) — andshop all Ana Luisa deals here
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "I've been using this for a couple of months now and I really like it! Previously I've used Clinique or Origins... this works just as well or better. I wish I had found this sooner as it is a lot less expensive than other alternatives." —Cat SV
"This is the second review I’ve done on Amazon. I rarely go out of my way to write a review unless I’m truly amazed by the product. I have terrible sunken-in eyes (due to genetics) that can’t really be fixed without fillers (which I’d never do). No matter how much sleep I get, I have bad dark circles, so I decided that I had to invest in an eye cream. I’m so glad I did! I used a cheap drugstore eye cream that really only made it look like I had water under my eyes, and it did nothing else. This eye cream is so hydrating and smooth! It really evens out my skin tone and wakes up my face in the morning! I feel so refreshed and dare I say...prettier. It’s boosted my confidence a ton. I’m so happy with this product!" —casie ackerman
Price: $17.07 (originally $29.99; this is a Prime-exclusive deal; non-Prime members can get it for $22.49; available in two other sizes and a pack of two)
The color adaptive formula is designed so one of two shades will work on any skin tone. Check out a TikTok of the brightener in action.
Promising review: "Took years off my eyes! This product is so reasonably priced. I came across a TikTok promoting this and decided to take a chance since the price was super reasonable. My eyes looked brighter in a good way, and the concealer worked so well that I felt I looked younger. I got compliments from friends asking what I did differently with my makeup. I recommend it." —Monica T.
Price: $4.80 (originally $6; available in four shades)
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This blanket beats others because it is softer (a buttery and fluffy feeling), it is long enough for a 5'10" tall person, it is not too light and not too heavy (works year-round in Virginia), and it has a stretch to the material that I haven’t experienced with other soft blankets. The design is just so-so, but the colors are nice, and the price is right. If they updated the designs with more colors, patterns, then these would be absolutely perfect. I like this as much as my much more expensive Barefoot Dreams blanket and Williams Sonoma faux-fur blanket." —JH
Price: $28.79+ for the throw blanket (originally $39.99; available in seven colors and two other sizes)
Promising review: "I found a new favorite brand of affordable polarized sunglasses. The lenses are amazing. Great at the beach. Total clear, beautiful color. These dark lenses offer intense protection, but the lighter color SOJOS lens offers great protection too. They fit, feel, and look great for very cheap." —Rionach
Price: $7.59 (typically $15.99)
—Quirky Things On Sale For Prime Day You Won’t Be Able To Resist
—What Parents Should Actually Buy During Prime Day
—Things You’ll Want To Splurge On During Prime Day
—Things At Their Lowest-Ever Prices This Prime Day
And check out our roundups of the best deals across a variety of categories, including home, beauty, food & kitchen, practical, under-$25, TikTok finds, and more.
BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.
Reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.
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