36 Cheap Products That Have No Right To Look As Upscale As They Do

36 Cheap Products That Have No Right To Look As Upscale As They Do

BuzzFeed-Shopping·2024-02-20 15:08

1. Amarble board wire cheese cutter to serve as half decor, half kitchen tool, and 100% the biggest hit at any wine and cheese night when you let guests slice their own cheese with it. 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Check out a TikTok of the cheese slicer in action. 

Promising review: "My mother-in-law had purchased one last year and I tried hers at Christmas and fell in love with how easy it was to use. We have a lot of get togethers with friends and cheese is a staple appetizer in our house. So I purchased my own and have been using it weekly since. It cuts easily and it's mostly easy to clean. Sometimes cheese gets stuck in the crack but some scrubbing with a small brush usually does the trick." —Jessica

Get it from Amazon for $17.87

2. A cult-favorite luxury-scented candle with a throw so satisfying and scent profile so ~mesmerizing~ that reviewers can't stop gushing about it. If you're in the market for a signature scent for your space, look no further than this jasmine, oud, and sandalwood blend. 

www.amazon.com

Lulu Candles is a US-based small business that specializes in scented candles and perfumes. 

Promising review: "I was staying over at a friend's house and sitting next to her coffee table. She had this candle on the table and even though it wasn't lit I could smell it, and it was so delicious that I instantly went online to find it and bought it for myself! If this came in a perfume I would buy enough to last the rest of my life. I don't know how to even explain the scent but if you are an amber/patchouli/vanilla fan, this is absolutely for you. The jasmine adds an unbelievable freshness without a flowery scent. I even bought the shampoo and conditioner which I will probably use as more of a body wash and shaving cream but that is how desperate I am to get this scent on me!" —Melissa I. 

Get it from Amazon for$19.95+ (available in two sizes, in gift box options, in packs of two, and in a variety of scents).  

3. A timelessly chic, conveniently lightweight canvas laptop bagthat will become your commuting BFF. This features eight interior pockets to organize your chaotic existence, plus magnetic snap front pocket for easy access to things like keys and work IDs. It also has different carrying options between the sturdy handles and detachable carrying strap. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Okay when I say that this is a sign for you to get this bag, you should TOTALLY GET IT. I stumbled across this girl’s TikTok while searching for an affordable tote while being durable, spacious, and stylish! I am glad I came across this tote. It is perfect for school, and switching it up for work or travel! As an art major with a bunch of sketchbooks and a 16” laptop, I approve!" —Zonna Vu

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in seven styles). 

4. MVP-worthystretchy faux leather leggings so beloved that they've racked up over 9,400 5-star reviews on Amazon. Reviewers love how thin, stretchy, and soft they are on the inside while still looking like the ~real deal~ on the out. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I was a bit skeptical about these but I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THEM!!! They are so comfortable!! I wore them to a concert and they were perfect. Mine had no smell as was mentioned in other reviews. Do yourself a favor and buy these!" —Bree

Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in women's sizes XS–4X and three colors). 

5. A sleek time-marked water bottle that says "hydration, but make it chic." Reviewers love this bottle not just for the chic frosted, minimalist look, but because it's super lightweight, leakproof, and motivational re: keeping yourself fully watered. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Saw it on TikTok and thought it would be a great bottle for work. It is very sleek and lightweight enough to carry when you have other items in your hand. I love the modern look and cleans very easily! The time increments really do motivate, definitely ordering again for myself and gifts. Fast delivery and very nice packaging." —Rosa

Get it from Amazon for $18.99(available in two colors). 

6. A set of luxe extra soft cooling bed sheets so many reviewers with insomnia, night sweats, and overheating issues swear by that you might never consider buying another set of sheets again. Reviewers also are obsessed with how well these sheets wash and maintain quality over time. Bonus? These come in so many colors it's basically *impossible* not to find one to match your room's aesthetic. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Feel like expensive high end hotel sheets. I normally use flannel sheets year-round because it’s the only material I like but these are my new favorite. Very soft and cooling. Fit our bed perfectly. I purchased both for our bed and our spare room and have only gotten compliments from guests. Great sheets without the huge sticker price." —Anna Greenlun

Get it from Amazon for $34.97+ (available in seven sizes and 18 colors).

7. A showstoppingcocktail ring set with the kind of timeless beauty that will make everyone think it's a family heirloom. (Heck, with so reviewers talking about how durable it is, it well could be one day!) 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "First let me say I LOVE THIS RING!!!! I wear it all the time. I've been wearing it for over a month now and in the beginning I tried to take it off when doing dishes, showering, and washing my hands. After about two weeks I just decided to leave it on and it has been fine. I never take it off, the ring is true to size. It's not too thin or thick, feels great on, and it is durable. The only con is that the stones can sometimes look cloudy. Other than that I love it couldn't be happier, it's great for the price and I am very pleased." —tracy k revels

Get it from Amazon for $18.03+ (available in four colors and sizes 5-10). 

8. And a stackable oval gem ring so gorgeous and well-made that reviewers use it as a temporary wedding ring when they're traveling. Psst — people love stacking it with other high quality Pavoi rings

Emma Lord/BuzzFeed

TBH, I bought this ring after seeing it blow up on TikTok, and I love it. I wear it every single day, and I've gotten SO many compliments on it — friends are always stunned when I tell them how cheap it is! I've been wearing it for months now without any wear and tear that a quick cleaning won't fix. Pictures don't do it justice; it really does ✨gleam✨ like real jewels. (Bonus: I use this as a fake wedding ring when I travel to encourage humans to leave me alone, lolololol.) 

Get it from Amazon for $14.95 (available in three plates and sizes 5–10). 

9. A set of lovely pastel wireless Bluetooth earbuds that reviewers compare to AirPods, except arguably better — these are completely waterproof (like, you can fully take them in the pouring down rain on runs *and* in the shower) and come with several silicone earbuds to get the best fit possible.

www.amazon.com

These come with a wireless charging case that provides up to 14 hours of charge (with the earbuds able to play for four-plus hours with each full charge). 

Promising review: "Best decision! These are the greatest headphones ever! I saw them on TikTok months ago and added them to my wishlist. I got a new phone that doesn't have the headphone port so I decided it was time to finally buy them. They are amazing and I probably won't ever take them out of my ears! 😂" —Katlyn D Arnold

Get it from Amazon $24.99+ (clip the $5 off coupon on the product page; available in five colors).

10. Essence's Lash Princess mascara, because TBH, we've all wasted too many years and too much money looking for the ~holy grail~ mascara. This one is less than $5, gives you the instant length and volume of far more expensive brands, and is DELIGHTFULLY sweatproof.

Emma Lord/BuzzFeed

Hello, that is my face above, because I bought into the hype of all the 5-star reviews and now I will never look back!! Putting it on is like giving my eyelashes butterfly wings. It doesn't get clumpy, it stays put no matter how much you sweat, and you can apply it on very lightly if you don't want it to look so dramatic, or continue applying for longer lashes each time.

Promising review: "Saw this product on TikTok and thought it would be expensive looking at the results they got. I am beyond amazed with how my lashes look after about two coats. For around $5 you couldn’t ask for a better mascara! I will be buying this same one when I run out. I was not expecting to like it as much as I do! No complaints." —Kd

Get it from Amazon for $4.99.

11. Kitsch's iconic claw clip, well-known for its delicate style and strong, sturdy clamp suitable for all hair types. Yes, it's more expensive than the cheaper sets you can get out there, but this is actually built to last and has specially rounded teeth to prevent hair damage. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Kitsch is an LA-based, self-financed, woman-owned small business established in 2010 that specializes in hair accessories. 

Promising review: "Love that you can dress this up or down! It is my go-to accessory for working in preschool to put my hair up quickly. It is elegant and classic. It is amazingly durable even in getting thrown in the bottom of my heavy work bag! I am amazed by this clip. I have coarse medium thick hair and it is the perfect size." —Niki

Get it from Amazon for $7.99

12. A plush velvet vintage-inspired ottoman that'll serve not just as a sweet accent to any room, but also give you some ~sneaky storage~ to help declutter and calm your space. 

Amazon, Emma Lord/BuzzFeed

Another bonus? If you flip the lid over, it has a wooden base, so you can *also* use this as a teensy snack table. I recently got one of these for my new apartment to stash my candles and ~candle accessories~ in and it's pretty much become my favorite piece of furniture?? I use it to prop up my feet during work hours and sometimes if I want to eat on my couch I'll use it as a tray. It's also sturdy enough to sit on, if I ever wanted to have guests over and needed an extra chair. It was RIDICULOUSLY easy to set up — I had it done in less than 10 minutes, and probably didn't even need the directions. It also just looks so darn cute (and comes in so many colors that I'm tempted to buy another!).

Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in six colors and two sizes).

13. A six-piece (!!) set of high-performance matte lipsticksat a *fraction* of the price of its competitors that stays the heck put without drying or cracking your lips by the end of the day. (Seriously, reviewers are DRAGGING major brands in their comments, these are so cheap and effective.) 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "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

Get a six-piece set from Amazon for $9.99 (available in three sets). 

14. A set of sophisticated cylindrical wineglasses to elevate your Friday wine-cheese-and-Netflix nights so instantaneously that you'll feel like an extra in one of those Shows About Rich Families Who Fight All The Time. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Joy Jolt is a small business that specializes in modern and pop culture-themed drinkware and kitchen accessories. 

Promising review: "I saw these wine glasses on TikTok and had to order them. They are perfect! Will be purchasing again as gifts for my friends!" —diana

"Beautiful wineglasses. I am obsessed. They are so modern and elegant. The quality is really nice. They arrived very well packaged. Definitely worth the money." —Maybeline

Get a set of two from Amazon for$16.95 (available in three styles). 

15. A rose-shaped ice mold reviewers love to use for everything from ~aesthetic~ cocktails to iced coffee. They're also a Big Mood to use in a cooler for events like weddings and showers!  

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Psst — you can use these to freeze iced coffee or juice to add to your morning iced coffee or cocktails to cool them without watering them down! 

Promising review: "I was at a restaurant and they put one of these roses in my cocktail. I knew right then I had to make these at home and ordered these while at the restaurant. These are easy to fill and have rubber snaps that lock them tight. They come right out and you can even take just one out and leave the others for the next time. These are a hit at all of my dinner parties too! I have already ordered more as my friends all want these in their drinks!" —Siri US

Get it from Amazon for $7.99

16. A satin cowl-neck midi dress for a perfect party staple, especially because reviewers can't say enough about how easy it is to move and groove in. Your dance floor priorities are well protected here. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Beautiful emerald green satin dress. It was a gorgeous and sophisticated choice for my friend’s wedding. Received many compliments." —Bee Browder

Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in sizes XS–XL and in 41 colors and patterns).

17. A minimalist watch so chic you'll find yourself admiring it enough times that you'll give the Mad Hatter a run for his time-checking money. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I ordered this watch not expecting to be blown away because of the price. Boy, was I wrong! I immediately put on the watch as soon as I opened it up; It fits comfortably and the band wasn’t too small, which I was a little concerned about. I’ll definitely be looking to purchase other styles of this watch. Great buy, especially for the price!" —Jessica Kurry

Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

18. A blank acrylic dry erase board you can install by the side of your bed as an easy, aesthetically-pleasing way to keep track of your schedule for the week (or write motivational messages to yourself like "Please make sure all the Goldfish crackers end up in your mouth and not all over your bed").

1801 & Co/Etsy

1801 & Co. is a Minnesota-based Etsy shop established in 2016 that specializes in family wall calendars, chore charts, wedding signs, and more.

Promising review: "I love it! I got it so fast after ordering and it’s perfect. I love the sleek design for my small home office space. I can’t function at work without a dry erase board but couldn’t find any that would look nice in my office space which is in the corner of my master bedroom! Having functional office space but not LOOK like office in the bedroom is challenging but this acrylic board is PERFECT. The black pen that comes with it is very nice fine tip and erases without a trace." —Dawn Powell

Get it from 1801 & Co. on Etsy for $13.46+ (originally $22.95+; available in multiple thicknesses and sizes as well as four hardware colors).

19. A pair of upscale palazzo pants to add some *PIZZAZZ* to your boring work outfits (no offense to tweed, houndstooth, and the rest of the neutral pattern workwear gang). 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These are my favorite pants! They are comfy, cute, professional, fun, and they pair well with SO many things! I can basically wear them for any occasion! I've bought them in three colors, and I easily wear them all once (if not twice) a week!" —Liz

Get them from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–2X, short and long sizes, and 30 colors and patterns).

20. An understated but sleek retro-style baguette purse perfect for anyone weaning themselves out of their tote bag era, one chic purchase at a time. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Gorgeous bag. The material is so easy to clean, it's beyond sturdy and looks very classy. The zipper pocket inside is great for storing things discreetly. The length is great, it sits perfectly under my arm with a little bit of room still. Overall great purchase." —Mary

Get it from Amazon for$24.99+ (available in 11 colors and one other style). 

21. An oh-so-dainty initial necklace for a sweet, subtle pop to any outfit that says, "Yes, I'm in sweatpants, but it's still fashion." 

Amazon

Promising review: "The best necklace I’ve ever had!!! It’s the perfect size and length, so dainty! I was worried about the gold fading (because it’s so wonderfully affordable) but it hasn’t — not even a little bit!!! I’ve worn it every single day for about a month now, even accidentally wore it in a pool for a little bit but nothing happened and it’s never been damaged! Has become such a staple for me and my everyday outfit, don’t feel complete without it anymore." —Brittany Burrahm

Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in 26 letters and 2 styles)

22. A sleeveless halter bodysuitmade with such soft, stretchy, durable material that reviewers say it's an *excellent* comparison to Zara and Skims, perfect for pairing with high-waisted jeans, skirts, and blazers. It's compressive enough that a lot of reviewers were also impressed that they didn't need a bra with it! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I absolutely love this top! Saw it in a few TikTok videos and decided to try. I have it in white, nude, coffee, and black. I love wearing it under blazers for interviews." —Abryana Marks

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+(available in women's sizes XS–XXL and 24 colors). 

23. A pair of round circle sunglasses reviewers are *obsessed* with — the quality is so good that people swear by them as alternatives for versions that cost hundreds of dollars. (Eep!) 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "For the money you can’t beat em! These look amazing on my face, like a $300 pair of sunglasses. I have tried multiple pairs and this brand looks and feels comparable to a pair of Ray-Bans and Pradas. I have a smaller face and to me this pair fits the best, perfect for my nose and brow line. I couldn’t be happier, just wish there were six stars so everyone would know how amazing they are. If you are questioning whether or not they will look as good on you as they do in the photos, yes...yes they do." —Christina

Get them from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in seven colors).

24. A record/magazine/Cool Stuff holder that'll not only help you organize your your books and records, but will give you the opportunity to make your favorite things part of the decor.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I didn’t want anything too bulky on my nightstand but I like to have several books I like to read in bed. I previously had them stacked on top of each other and found this and was afraid it might be cheaply made but it is sturdy and beautiful! I’m such a bookworm and I am in love with this added piece to my room." —SP

Get it from Amazon for $16.39 (available in three colors).

25. A ~weightless~ liquid cream blush with some real Rare Beauty blush energy that's having a whole moment and a half on Amazon right now. Reviewers adore how high-pigmented and blend-able the colors are, and how soft and dewy the effect is on their skin. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Creamy and blendable. These are great blushes and have lots of pigmentation. Very creamy and a smooth application on the skin! It is a great [alternative] for the Rare Beauty blush. It lasted me the whole day and did not melt off. It has a lot of coverage and does not need too much when applying." —Harsh Argawal

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 12 shades and in sets). 

26. A geometric wire basketso subtly glam that you can incorporate it preeeetty much anywhere, whether it's holding fruit in the kitchen or little decorative baubles in the entry way or accessories in your room. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Very modern and stylish. This is perfect as a fruit bowl or a centerpiece to put decorative balls inside. It is quite large but it still looks nice with just a few pieces of fruit inside. I love how the design makes the color of the fruit pop. I've had nectarines, mandarins, and apples in there at various times and they all looked so much more appetizing compared to when they were in their original plastic bags. I'm surprised that this is one of the cheaper bowls on Amazon. Definitely bang for your buck." —Skytheas

Get it from Amazon for $13.99

27. A pair of breathable satin pajamas that will make you feel like you're staying in a hotel suite instead of the same bed you frequently find stray Goldfish crumbs in between laundry days. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These are the best pajamas I've ever purchased. I'm completely hooked. The quality is amazing and they're super comfortable. I will be ordering all the other colors." —Mandie

Get them from Amazon for $27.89+ (available in women's sizes S–XL and ten colors).

28. A simple tennis bracelet to add a touch of sophistication to any outfit without the "!!!!!" of the price of name-brand versions like Swarovski. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Soooo pretty. It’s 100% [similar to] Swarovski for so cheap. Looks exactly like the photo and I wear it every day." —Trysten Walters

Get it from Amazon for $17.95 (available in three sizes). 

29. A gold decorative mirror so beautiful it'll make the rest of your room's decor feel a lil' self-conscious. This vintage-style piece is perfect as a catch-all for jewelry and make up, a gallery wall, or just a standalone mirror on the wall for checking out your cute self on your way out the door. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Check out a TikTok of the mirror in action. 

Promising review: "The mirror looks exactly like the pictures and was an absolute STEAL. So glad I found this. It's the perfect size for me to easily see my shoulders from just holding it an arms length away! It's super lightweight, so don't worry about it being too heavy for the nail. It came completely undamaged! Looks super vintage and great for doing hairstyles and makeup in! It can also be a jewelry dish if you're into that kind of thing." —Rhonda Farias

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in gold, white or silver, and in two-packs).

30. A set of vintage-inspired glass mugs reviewers love to use for everything from coffee to yogurt parfaits to oatmeal to add a subtle little Great Gatsby-esque touch to their morning routines. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Came straight to Amazon when I saw these beautiful mugs on TikTok. I just had to have them! I’m very picky with mugs, these are perfect for me. Stunning to look at and a pleasure to drink out of. Highly recommend!" —Margarita Harutoonian

Get a set of two from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in five colors). 

31. A sophisticated marble-patterned dish drying mat designed to actually fit into the aesthetic of your kitchen, so you're not always tempted to hide it away (and procrastinate on dish washing as a result). 

Amazon

Promising review: "Matched our counters and almost blends in completely. We roll it up in the morning after all the dishes are dry. Great for smaller spaces with less counter space and protects the counter from water damage over time. Washed it in normal laundry cycle multiple times and it comes out clean as if new each time with no pilling. Spilled coffee on it on accident, sprayed flex, tossed it in the wash and it cleaned completely." —Shopmindfully

Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in 12 styles). 

32. An elegant geode paper towel holder so at least when you're cleaning up a big ole mess, one part of the process will be happening in ~style~. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Truly unique and beautiful paper towel holder. The color and wire bottom are a statement piece for your kitchen!! It matches my drying rack and garbage can perfectly! You can’t beat the price and quality!" —Shauna Kiersten

Get it from Amazon for $10.48+ (available in three colors). 

33. A tres chic K-Cup storage drawer that even comes with three dividers for your three different genres of coffee pods — caffeinated, decaffeinated, and "I need a silly lil' seasonal flavor to get through the grind of capitalism today, so help me god." 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Each of these holds up to 36 standard-sized K-Cups.

Promising review: "I am so glad I got this. It makes for such great streamlined storage. Keeps things tidy and neat, and also helps me keep track of how many cups I have left to determine whether or not I need to add to my grocery list. It is very sturdy and I fit my machine on top. The top is very durable, hard plastic and does not buckle with the weight of the machine filled with water on top." —tunisianswife

Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in three sizes and six colors).

34. A hollowed outbubble vase perfect for a sophisticated-yet-whimsical vibe to a bookshelf or a desk. 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "I really like this unique glass vase. it looks fresh on my working desk, as well the side table. The geometric cute calabash shapes can reflect the high level sense of your home decor. Recommended!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in three styles and four colors). 

35. An oh-so-sweet reusable bowl cover to inspire you to make all your coziest meals so you can stash the leftovers as aesthetically as possible. These environmentally-friendly covers are machine washable and also super handy for bread proofing! 

Stacy Kitchen Decor/Etsy

Stacy Kitchen Decor is a California-based, woman-owned Etsy shop established in 2020 that specializes in handmade reusable kitchen towels, aprons and bags.

Promising review: "Love this bowl cover! It fits perfectly and looks so beautiful. It’s also sturdy, as I’ve washed it by hand and all the daisies are intact. I also appreciate the seller's prompt communication." —Nicoco

Get it from Stacy Kitchen Decoron Etsy for $11.98+(originally $17.12+; available in seven sizes and custom sizes, plus five patterns). 

36. A TikTok-beloved bedside carafe setcomplete with a tumbler, because snuggling in bed all day is no easy feat and requires consistent hydration!! Now you can have it at the tips of your fingers. 

www.amazon.com

Check out a TikTok of the carafe setin action. 

Promising review: "I saw this carafe in a BuzzFeed article. This is definitely something I needed that I didn’t know that I needed. I live in a two story house with the kitchen on the opposite end which makes me groggily navigate the stairs at night. I usually have a water bottle on my nightstand but decided I could upgrade. This carafe is a little smaller than I’d like but for the price, it’s really perfect and no-frills. It’s simple but functional. I guess you could use this for mouthwash too but it’s perfect for bedside water. I love that the cup covers the top when not in use so that the water stays clean. I would not hesitate to purchase this item again." —TheJadeMermaid

Get it from Amazon for $12.89

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity. 

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