35 Inexpensive Alternatives If You’re Frugal And Can’t Bring Yourself To Spend Big Bucks On Name Brand Products
@soldejaneiro / Via www.instagram.com
Promising review: "I opened up my package as soon as I got it, sprayed it, and could not believe how IDENTICAL it smells to the Baccarat Rouge 540 perfume. It’s literally the exact same. It has a very warm smelling undertone of vanilla with top scents of Brazilian jasmine and sun musk, just like the description says on the bottle. I would definitely recommend this as an alternative for the Baccarat Rouge 540 perfume if anyone was looking for one." —Rachel Jackel
Get it from Amazon for $38 (available in seven scents and two sizes).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Reviewers agree that if you want it fitted, size down.
Promising reviews: "I LOVE my Skims, but this is hands-down the best alternative out there. The dress is buttery soft and fits the body so nicely. The color is soooooo beautiful as well. I’m definitely going to be purchasing in every color!!!!" —Stella Coulter
"Buy the dang dress right NOW, y'all. I am so impressed with the quality, and someone came up and asked if it was truly a Skims dress! Little sheer, but with flesh-toned undergarments, couldn’t tell. Fit like a glove. You will NOT be disappointed!!" —shannon hart
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in women's sizes XXS–XXL and 17 colors).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Better than Starface!!! These stick extremely well and actually pull out and absorb the gunk. Plus, they come with soooooo many." —chey
Get a pack of 240 from Amazon for $9.99 (available in seven shapes/colors and in a three-pack).
Promising reviews: "I have had my eye on the Alo Yoga top for $51 and found this one on Amazon for a fraction of that!! Fits me perfectly. There are no pads, but I prefer that. It does come with cup inserts, but the material is thick enough that nothing shows. #founditonamazon." —Jessica
"This top is a swap for the Alo Yoga top. They look exactly alike! The fabric is very soft and stretchy. These padding inserts are seamless and comfortable." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in sizes S–XL and 12 colors).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This lip balm is a great alternative if you do not want to pay a ton of money for the Laneige and Summer Fridays lip balms. It is super moisturizing and left my lips super smooth and soft. One of the best E.l.f. products I have tried, and it is a wonderful price. Even though it is pretty small, it lasts a good amount of time. I would definitely recommend." —Lance Z.
Get it from Amazon for $4 (available in five styles).
@elfcosmetics / Via instagram.com, Amazon
Promising review: "Diva, stop letting these influencers sway you into spending your hard-earned (and scarce) beans on $20–$30 subpar lip balms — you’re paying for the brand, and the quality is questionable. E.l.f. KNOCKED THEM BOTH OUTTA THE PARK WITH THIS! SO BUTTERY, SO YUMMY, SOOOOOOO MUCH PRODUCT!!!!! I wasn’t expecting the tube to be so generous in size, by far the biggest amount I've seen from the market. The flavors are divine, the color payoff is even better than Summer Fridays…and it’s only $9, you cannot go wrong. I just can’t fathom any balm being priced above $12, E.l.f. always hits and barely misses. 🩷💋" —SONIA
Get it from Amazon for $9 (available in six colors).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Be sure to hand wash this bb!
Promising review: "I absolutely LOVE THIS BRAND AND THESE NEON COLORS!!! So much so that I bought all three vibrant colors. The lid stays in place with no leakage (toddler has knocked it over, I’ve kicked it at the gym — no leaks or spills)! Ice placed in it lasts all day, and it stays cold. (And in Texas weather, that says something!!) It says 40oz, and if you fill it with ice like me, it fits just a wee bit less. It fits in standard cup holders, so that’s a huge plus!!! The straw is durable and for me, way better than a Stanley. Sorry, not sorry, lol. 😂" —Jackie
Get it from Amazon for $22.73+ (available in tons of colors/patterns and two sizes).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "I have used this several times now using oven heat at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. No chipping of enamel or any other problems. It works as well as the Staub, maybe better with the enamel interior. Considering the low price, this would be my preferred Dutch oven." —David
"Le Creuset? Don't know her. I have always wanted one of these enamel-covered cast-iron beauties, but even from the outlet stores, they were expensive. I saw this guy after finding a stew recipe that went from stove to oven, and I got it. I am DELIGHTED with this purchase! I've cooked in it several times, including a chili recipe tonight that had to be reduced by half. It left a ridiculous ring on the inside, and that sucker wiped right out. I haven't burned or scorched any of my foods, and it's pretty, too!" —HerRoyalHighness
Get a 6-quart Dutch oven from Amazon for $47.99+ (available in three sizes and 10 colors).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Soooo pretty. It’s 100% a Swarovski alternative for so cheap. Looks exactly like the photo and I wear it every day." —Trysten Walters
Get it from Amazon for $19.95+ (available in two styles, a two-pack, and in three colors and sizes).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Shaperx is a small biz that specializes in supportive, compressive bodysuits in a variety of styles.
Promising review: "SKIMS WHOOOOOO?? LOOOOVVE a good bodysuit and have been considering Skims, but ain't no wayyyyyyy Kim is getting that much money out of me. This SHAPERX bodysuit has become my secret weapon for feeling confident and comfortable all day long without the ridiculous price tag! This bodysuit is like a magic hug. My tummy feels supported, and it even helps lift my chest! This shapewear isn't about feeling restricted. The seamless design is surprisingly comfortable, and the material is soft and breathable. I can wear it all day without feeling like I'm trapped in — the sleek design makes this bodysuit perfect for layering under any outfit. My go-to for any look, and it's a thong, so you don't have to worry about the outline showing, and it doesn't ride up, so it's comfy." —Vianey
Get it from Amazon for $37.99+ (available in women's sizes XXS–4XL and 12 colors/styles, including shorts and thong style).
Jordan Grigsby / BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
I bought this a few months ago! I started working music festivals as a VIP concierge, which is fancy for *I get water for high-status people and dance around enjoying the show while they drink*. I was sent to Dreamville as my first festival, and I knew I'd need this cuz I was in the VIP suites, and I was not about to be in these artists' faces without gum. Lifesaver. I love it so much, an essential for sure. I kept gum, a mini fan, perfume, hand sanitizer, mints, a portable charger, my ID and credit card, and my phone in it. I literally can not survive a festival without my fanny; it's so convenient.
Promising review: "I honestly use this product every day and it's so amazing. A great Lululemon alternative! So many pockets, really great color, easy to throw in the wash, easy to adjust the straps, and I really like how it clips in FRONT of you so you don't have to worry about anyone unclipping it from the back. Really great bag and I love it so much." —laura kulish
Get it from Amazon for $12.98 (available in 37 colors).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "Love these sandals. I bought them for a black and beige dress, thinking I'd be limited to only those matching colors. After receiving and trying them on — they looked perfect with jeans, too! My feet are not narrow but not wide either. The fit is perfect on my size 8 feet, which are usually in sneakers. Dressing up in these sandals will present an elegant vibe and be comfortable, too!! I love the look it gives my feet! Dress it up, dress it down, and easy wearing — my go-to sandals now!!" —Mrs.D
"These shoes fit true to size and are very comfortable. I love the design and color combo. They are identical to the Chanel shoes, but obviously at a fraction of the cost." —Cherice Villasana
Get them from Amazon for $49.99+ (available in women's sizes 5–12 and six colors).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "These are absolutely BEAUTIFUL! If I didn't know any better, I would have said these are the Bottega Drop Earrings. I personally love the smaller ones. I have not ordered the larger ones yet. Smaller ones are truthfully the perfect size. We love a good alternative because who has $800+ to spend on the Bottegas." —Brittany
Get them from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 16 colors, two-packs, and three sizes).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I’ve been looking at these sunglasses at Bottega Veneta for months, but just couldn’t justify spending the hundreds of dollars because I lose sunnies so often! These are EXACTLY THE SAME! The weight of them, the detail on the sides. The only difference is that the brand name is not on the side (obviously LOL). Love these so much!" —Shelley Cooper
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in 14 lens colors).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "Buying every color! These are the most comfortable high-waisted medium compact thongs I’ve ever owned, and I own Skims, Good American, and Spanx. They are super soft. 15/10 would recommend!!" —Samantha Wroe
"Absolutely blown away! I used to be a Victoria's Secret panty shopper, mainly due to their sales. The quality of VS underwear makes it so they never last past six months, if that. Not to mention the crotch section of all their underwear types is unrealistically narrow. I bought these as my everyday underwear and couldn’t be happier. They are so comfortable, I hardly can tell I’m wearing them. The crotch part is a suitable size, and the back doesn’t ride up or suffocate my backside. They sit perfectly on my hip bone and don’t need adjusting throughout the day. The material is soft and the quality is fantastic. Don’t hesitate, buy these!" —Miranda
Get a set of six from Amazon for $24.98 (available in women's sizes XS–4XL and 10 color packs).
Promising review: "I am a macaron baker and have been using Silpat brand for years. I needed to order more Silpats but didn't want to spend the money. I found these Amazon Basic nonstick baking mats and thought I'd give them a try. It has been a month now, and they are still working just as great as my Silpat brand. Even baking, easy to clean, and clear (I bake shapes and use templates underneath). Hopefully they last as long as my Silpats, which I have had for three years now, but if I get at least a couple of years out of them before buying new ones, I won't mind because of the price! The top macaron shell [pictured above] is from the Amazon Basics brand, and bottom is Silpat. They baked up even and with the same feet!" —Mac MKE
Get a set of two from Amazon for $11.99 (available in two colors and in a four-pack).
Dossier is a small biz that specializes in alternative, affordable perfumes — check out the rest of their options on their Amazon storefront!
Promising reviews: "This smells SO good, it’s warm and smells sexy. I can pick up lots of the mentioned scents, and they work so well together. The perfume is noticeable but not overpowering. I put some on before my husband got home, but I didn’t say anything. He came and sat next to me, and immediately noticed and loved it. He asked what perfume it was, and he came up to me several times and gave my neck a smell when he walked by! Definitely a win. I love it, and he does too!!!" —Amazon Customer
"Intoxicating! If you want to smell like a hot girl, this is the perfume for you. Ambery Vanilla is perfect for anyone looking for a grown-up, nuanced vanilla. It’s balanced by notes of coffee and citrus, making it bright yet warm. It’s long-lasting but not overpowering, and it smells identical to YSL’s Black Opium. This is the kind of perfume that you can wear anywhere, anytime — it’s fresh and modern, yet timeless." —Gertie
Get it from Amazon for $29+ (available in two sizes).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
See it in action on TikTok. It's actually shocking how well it works.
Promising reviews: "This is the best setting spray for longevity that you can get! It is completely an alternative to the One/Size one that costs twice as much. I wore this every day in NYC in July, and my makeup at the end of the day looked exactly the same as when I put it on. The only downside is the smell (like putting hairspray on your face), but the power of this is worth it!" —Heidi LaGrone
"Does it smell like hairspray? Yes. Does it make my hair feel like I sprayed it with hairspray? Yes. Will I spray hairspray onto my makeup? No. Will I buy it again? Yes! Yes! And yes! I live in the desert and hate being bare-faced, considering I have a red undertone. I love doing my makeup and feeling clean, and this is amazing! Makeup doesn’t get cakey and doesn’t break/smear. Literally stays intact from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Makeup survived grocery shopping, football practice, and yard cleaning in 100+ weather." —Xiomara
Get it from Amazon for $10.98.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Reviewers do recommend sizing up a half size!
Promising reviews: "I was looking for Steve Madden alternatives and these are way better!!! Omg, I can't believe I got such high-quality sandals with memory foam. They're so comfortable, probably the most comfortable sandals I own. I'm a size 8 but figured I'd play it safe and got an 8.5. Glad I did, they fit me perfectly. If you're stuck between sizes, just get a half size bigger, no less or more!!" —Tee
"Bought these because they kind of reminded me of the Steve Madden slinkys. I wore them through a whole week of walking around on vacation, and man, they were soooo comfortable. I was the only person who came home without blisters. 🤣 I also have wide feet, and these were stretchy and became more comfortable over time. I absolutely love them, way more than I anticipated!" —Tamlyn
Get them from Amazon for $34.19 (available in women's sizes 6–11 and two colors).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "What's Gucci? Such a cute belt! I’ve been looking for a belt like this, but I’m very picky and couldn't find one I loved. This one is perfect. It’s a staple that ties every outfit together so well. A very easy way to step up a simple outfit. It’s great quality for the price, and there’s no need to splurge on a designer belt if you can’t afford it. 10/10 would recommend." —Kelsey Danielle
Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in women's sizes XS–XL and six colors).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "It’s much more spacious than it looks. It’s very sleek and stylish. I use it as my work bag and find that it looks professional and has enough space for all of my stuff. I carry a laptop, pencil case, two books, makeup bag, water bottle, wallet, lotion, phone, and laptop charger, and other small miscellaneous objects. Still plenty of space. And when you carry it, it doesn’t feel bulky or cumbersome." —Su
"I had purchased the Béis bag in the past and have gone through four of them in one year. This bag is the perfect alternative, but 100,000x better quality! The lining hasn't ripped like the past bags I've purchased, and it has great compartments and durability. This bag is a must for the quality, style, and price!! I will never go back to another brand." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $27.88+ (available in 10 colors).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
BTW, people also love this for helping heal piercings.
Promising reviews: "It works just like my Tower 28 spray. Smells the same and feels the same. It's more product and saves you money. It also comes with two lids, which is perfect for traveling!" —Andrea Benton
"Just an FYI, this product has the exact same ingredients as the Tower 28 spray! It's been absolutely amazing at reducing acne and texture! It's also so refreshing and gives a lil' glow. So in love!" —BK
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in five sizes and multipacks).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This is a product where you can’t say 'you get what you paid for' because it really looks sophisticated. It doesn’t look cheap. I bought this because the Cartier Love bracelets are very expensive, and I don’t like doing the screw because I don’t plan to always wear them, since I have a little kid, and sometimes it’s uncomfortable. If you want a Cartier love bracelet alternative, this is it! Easy to open and close. Very flawless. Why did I just think about this!? Lol." —Shiexil
Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in nine finishes/styles and seven sizes).
@nyxcosmetics / Via www.instagram.com, Jordan Grigsby / BuzzFeed
Promising review: "I am absolutely obsessed with this pencil. I’ve been using it for years. I rely on it heavily. Goes on smooth, blends easily, and looks really natural. Stays on all day with setting spray. A must-have in your collection." ¸—Meredith
Get it from Amazon for $8.14+ (available in 11 shades).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Okay, so I saw this on TikTok and had to have it. It's just as cute in person. I literally wanted to go milk a cow, bake bread, and frolic through flowers with woodland creatures. I need it in at least three more colors. Safe to say I'm slightly obsessed.
Promising reviews: "This is GORGEOUS! I bought a large, and I’m 5’7 185 lbs. Wore it for dinner in Italy and received many compliments. Fabric is a little stretchy, good cut, and little to no sewing errors. Will be good for at least four more summers and nice to keep on hand for tea/garden parties." —Sophie
"This is such an amazing House of CB alternative!! Bought it for my engagement photo shoot and am shocked at how great the quality is for the price. 10/10 recommend." —Patricia Raskopf
Get it from Amazon for $59.99 (available in women's sizes 0–16 and 20 colors/patterns).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "These sandals are incredibly comfortable, yet supportive. They are softer than Birkenstocks, which were made of such stiff plastic that they gave me blisters after a single wearing and I gave them away. These also come in a rainbow of fun colors. They do stretch out a bit after time, but you can just adjust the straps a little tighter." —lokipokey
Get them from Amazon for $24.99 (available in women's sizes 6–11 and in various colors).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "I honestly ordered this sandal three times. It's one of the best sandals I've purchased in a while. This shoe is so comfortable, and the arch is perfect for all-day walking. No rub from the straps. I can't say enough what a great sandal. I ordered the stone color and it's perfect to match everything. You will NOT be disappointed in this shoe." —Amazon Customer
"I bought these sandals before a three-week trip in Europe; I didn't want to pay for Birks but did want something in a similar style with good arch support. I was a little skeptical about the low price, but gave them a shot...and they were the MOST comfortable sandals I've ever owned. I walked over 120 miles in them in three weeks on our trip and never once had foot pain. They broke in so quickly and were very supportive from the get-go — and still are! Highly recommend." —Han Lin
Get them from Amazon for $34.99 (available in women's sizes 5–12, including wide sizes, and 22 styles).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I never leave reviews, but this jumpsuit deserves one!! It is an exact alternative to the Aritzia flared jumpsuit. I actually even like this one more than my one from Aritzia!! The length of this is SO much better. I am 5’7 and the Aritzia one just barely goes past my ankles…I am wearing platform sandals with this one, and there’s still extra length! Also, I am 28 weeks pregnant, and a small fits my bump, SO stretchy!! Ordering more colors." —Stuart W.
Get it from Amazon for $32.99 (available in women's sizes S–XL and nine colors).
Promising reviews: "This mirror is gorgeous and very well-made. It feels heavier than I expected, so I used a 3M Claw to hang it, and it’s definitely secure. Looks exactly like the picture. I wanted the Anthropologie Primrose mirror but couldn’t stomach the price tag, even with deep discounts from their home outlet pop-up. This is an excellent alternative, so definitely worth it." —Jillian Coneys
"I was looking for an inexpensive [version] of *the* Anthropologie mirror for my mantle. Did lots of searching and review reading, and this seemed like the best bang for your buck. It’s so nice! It’s heavy and sturdy (not chintzy), and looks great in my living room. The flourish on top is tasteful and the antique gold color really does make it look vintage." —Eliza
Get it from Amazon for $86.99+ (available in 10 sizes and five finishes).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "At first, I was a little skeptical — I have been wanting to find a Skims-like material shirt for a while but didn't want to pay the price of one lol, and this shirt feels amazing. I will be getting one in every color now." —Julianne
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in women's sizes XXS–3XL and 34 colors).
@masonlouismarie / Via Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/maisonlouismarie/p/CJTKegcspZh/?hl=en
Check it out on TikTok!
Promising review: "This scent is beautiful, just what I was wanting. I’ve worn Santal 33 for a long time, and this scent is very similar but sweeter because of the subtle nutmeg and vanilla." —Christy H.
Get it from Amazon for $17 (available in nine scents).
Promising review: "Like so many, I found this scent on TikTok. I was a bit skeptical at first, but finally got around to trying it. First off, this scent smells amazing! Almost every time I've worn it, I receive compliments. It has a sweet smell, almost like warm cake or sugar cookies with a hint of lemon. With such an affordable price, I would definitely recommend this to anyone curious about trying it." —Chrissy
Get it from Amazon for $4.30.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Maitland Quitmeyer has this and says, "I've been using this CeraVe night cream for almost the whole year, and I have loved it the whole time. I have sensitive, combination skin that's also acne-prone (especially when I get stressed or don't get enough sleep.) I loved it right away, noticing the plumping, soft, hydrating effect it gave my skin after the first use — without any greasiness or overpowering fragrances. And after getting an allergic reaction to a different product, this cream got me THROUGH. CeraVe night cream really is fabulous, whether you have dry winter skin, combo skin, or your skin just needs some hardcore TLC after something goes awry. And for around $15 a jar, you're getting quite a lot of skincare bang for your buck."
Promising review: "I have very dry skin and used this at night and loved it! It's a small tub but lasted me about five months because a little goes a long way...I liked this much more than the DE Polypeptide cream, which was too light (I know you can put a thicker moisturizer on top, but at that price?! I needed it to be more). This is also great for sensitive skin because it's fragrance-free. I love CeraVe products, they really helped repair my moisture barrier and bring my skin to a much better place!" —Jacque
Get it from Amazon for $17.44.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
They've got a 3.5-inch chunky heel.
Promising review: "Amazingly comfortable. I was very skeptical when I bought this pair of heels. I thought I had to return them as they might not be comfortable for me. I have wide feet, so I thought they might not work, but I wanna give it a try. Wowww!!! They blew my mind, and they are very comfortable. I ordered size 8.5, and they fit me well, especially my wide feet. They’re very cute and very comfortable. The material might not last me for years, but it gave me a beach-y feeling, which I love. I totally recommend these shoes. They don’t hurt my feet at all." —Amazon Customer
Get them from Amazon for$31.99+ (available in women's sizes 5–11, wide sizes, and 19 styles/colors).
It has seven nature-inspired wakeup sounds, plus an FM/AM radio. And there are eight colorful nightlight options as well!
Promising reviews: "I really needed another reliable alarm in the morning besides my cell phone (because I’m notorious for hitting snooze), and this clock is exactly what I was looking for! I love that it slowly brightens as it gets closer to your alarm time because I feel less startled when my alarm goes off. This is super similar to the famous Hatch alarm clock and at a much cheaper price. Would definitely purchase again and again! Saves my morning." —Skylar Faul
"I had my eye on the Hatch sunrise alarm but didn’t want to spend over $100 on it. I am so glad I found this sunrise alarm clock instead! Has all the features I was looking for for a third of the price! Things I love about this product:
-It’s easy to set up and use-Can have 2 different alarms saved-Dimmable-Different color options-Several sound and brightness options-Snooze option-Looks niceThe only feature I do not utilize is the FM radio" —Olivia Nguyen
Get it from Amazon for $27.19.
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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