38 Cheap Alternatives To Expensive Products You’ll Feel Like A Genius For Buying
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
I personally will live, breathe, and die by the magic of$25 "universal" Black Honey version — it lasts FOREVER and also functions as the perfect blush — but it sells out so often that I am also deeply relieved to know it has a cheap alternative in case of lip emergency!
Promising review: "I absolutely love this product. The dark color is perfectly sheer. It also adds the most beautiful color to your lips. I am a Clinique Black Honey lip fan, and this gives me the same look for a fraction of the cost. I love it and have multiple that I keep in various spots. Not sticky either, which is my biggest gripe about lip glosses. My hair doesn’t get stuck in this like some glosses, but I get the shine." —Hamps5
Get it from Amazon for $7+(also available in five other shades).
Promising review: "We've had four of these glasses for over six months now and finally just added four more to our collection. These glasses are SO CHIC and are very similar to ones sold at Crate & Barrel but are MUCH more durable. Unlike the C&B glasses, you can cheers without feeling like the glasses will break. In fact, they've tipped over in the sink a few times and are still intact. They dry beautifully, sparkle after the dishwasher and we get so many compliments on them. I love them!" —Katie B
Get a set of two from Amazon for $26.99.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Love love love this stuff. This is such a stellar product that is so versatile. Can be worn alone to put some glowy life to skin. Add to foundation or layer it. Beautiful. Use it as a base where you put highlighter on top. Mix some with moisturizer. This, in my opinion, is better than so many high-luxury brands that make similar products. And I am pretty sure it can be used by all skin types. It’s not an oily feeling at all, and it doesn’t dry out the skin either. Just a total package. Can’t beat the price either." —Figgy08
Get it from Amazon for $13.40+ (available in four shades).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I’m obsessed with lip products. I have tried everything you can imagine, inexpensive and expensive. This is my favorite lip product I’ve purchased. This gloss is incredible, perfectly moisturizing, and the color is so perfect, a very light natural glowy pink. I just came on Amazon to order a couple more to have one in the car, my purse, nightstand." —Tara Bills
Get it from Amazon for$10 (available in three flavors).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
The color-adaptive formula is designed so one of two shades will work on any skin tone.
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.
Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in four shades).
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Juno & Co. is a small business specializing in personal care and skincare products.
Promising review: "I’ve loved the Farmacy Green Clean for many years, but at $30+ for a jar that lasts 1-2 months max, it was a pricey product to buy on a regular basis. I wanted something just as good at a lower price and I FOUND IT! This cleanser absolutely melts away makeup and deep cleans the skin without any drying or eye irritation! It smells great and a little goes a loooonng way — I’m in love!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I have received many compliments on this two-piece set. They wash up nicely and I air dry them as most of my clothes. My younger daughter loved it so much that she often steals it to wear. I can dress it up or dress it down Looks great with my Adidas Sambas or the Dolce Vita slides. Great functionality as you can wear it to relax and watch Netflix all day long or go shopping or travel. Great value for the money the material is an appropriate thickness where it is not too heavy, but yet gives you some warmth." —rupert
Get it from Amazon for $54.99 (available in women's sizes S–XL and 12 colors).
Amazon, Emma Lord/BuzzFeed
I bought this after being peer-pressured by all the lovely reviews, and I'm happy to report it lives up to the hype. The scent is lovely — it has depth with a hint of floral, but it's light and not at all overpowering. My favorite thing about it is how easily it pairs other scents, because I am a body mist gremlin who swaps out her scents every day. The lather is also deeply satisfying and I feel quite refreshed and squeaky clean without ever feeling dry.
Promising review: "Cremo's body wash is nothing short of exceptional. If you’re a fan of luxurious fragrances, this product will quickly become your new favorite. It boasts an incredible scent that perfectly mimics Baccarat Rouge 540 — a fragrance renowned for its sophisticated and captivating aroma. What sets this body wash apart is not just its stunning scent but also its longevity. The fragrance lingers beautifully throughout the day, ensuring you stay enveloped in that luxurious aroma long after your shower." —Ralph D. Thompson II
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
This is designed to work on all hair types, with reviewers with 2b to 4c curls mentioning it worked for them!
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
Check out BuzzFeed's full review of the Elizavecca hair treatment for more deets!
Get a bottle from Amazon for $7.60.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
I bought these on Prime Day, which is the only day I will buy leggings because I hate wearing leggings with a burning passion. My "I'm not like other girls" bit is that for some reason I am always comfier in jeans than leggings. BUT NOT THESE!!! They slide on. The fabric is so lightweight and breathable that it feels like a whisper. The band is so deceptively comfortable that sometimes I'm like, "Am I still wearing them??" I use them to run outdoors because that is the only circumstance I'll wear leggings, and I'm happy to report after several washes, they are durable and compressive enough to withstand workouts. They would be excellent for lounging if I weren't wired in this odd anti-legging way. I have already bought two more pairs and made my friends buy them, too.
Promising review: "Super comfy. I usually don’t write reviews, I tried this first before buying Lulu, and these are the most comfortable leggings for every day and even for workouts. Highly recommended!" —Criselle Johnson
Get them from Amazon for $29 (available in women's sizes XXS–XXL, two inseams, and 22 styles).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I’d yet to find anything (even foundation) that could cover up my red areas. Checks, chin, nose, and forehead. It comes out green, but has a gorgeous lightweight finish of a tint that indeed covers my redness beautifully. There’s no greasiness to it at all. It dries down to a beautiful matte finish. It’s super easy to use. I use my fingers. The texture is like silk. It leaves my face baby-soft, not sticky at all. It doesn’t settle into my fine lines or wrinkles, and I don’t need powder to 'bake' it under my eyes. It also covers the black circles under my eyes." —Julie F.
Get it from Amazon for $9.98 (available in six styles).
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 $6.30 (available in two styles).
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
Get it from Amazon for $29+ (available in two sizes).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
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. TheSOS 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 it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in four sizes and in multipacks).
Emma Lord/BuzzFeed
Check out a TikTok of the E.l.f. tubing mascara in action.
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).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Heaven sent for your skin; heavenly scent to enjoy. This feels absolutely amazing going on. Gets absorbed quickly, for a lotion rich with oil. Doesn't leave a greasy feeling, as long as you give it a minute or two to fully absorb. The scent is, for me anyway, like aromatherapy. It smells like an iced sugar cookie, and is a great base layer for fragrance. Very relaxing." —Dragonheart Jo
"I love everything about this lotion! I had been using a body butter that was ten times as expensive, but I was looking for a cheaper alternative and I am SO glad I found this! I immediately ordered three more bottles." —Samantha
Get it from Amazon for $9.97.
Promising review: "Perfect tracker with a stylish touch! They function perfectly with the Apple Find My app, and I use them for my backpack, keys, and luggage. No more worrying about lost things thanks to the extremely accurate tracking and easy setup! I adore that I can rely on it to protect my AirTag in any conditions. This is the perfect tracker if you're an iOS user searching for something dependable, useful, and stylish! Five stars! Highly recommended!" —JoyfulGenius
Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in six styles and in a four-pack).
Promising review: "I use these every day at work! Love these — easy to learn and to use. Best thing about them? Well, everything, lol. Good sound, they hold a charge for long periods, and I don’t have to worry about them losing power. I can answer my phone easily and then go back to music without a problem. Definitely a great buy and worth the money! Love this color, too!" —Erin
Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in eight colors).
Emma Lord/BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com
iJoy is a small business that specializes in headphones and tech accessories.
I own a pair of these, and because I'm vain as heck and need to own all things pink, but I was decently surprised by how well they muffle noise! I feel like these are ideal for people who still want to hear some of the world around them (read: parents, people working in open offices), but still want to listen to their tunes comfortably. The charge on these goes for at least four hours (I haven't tried it beyond that yet), and the Bluetooth connects to my devices super easily. Excellent pair of headphones for the price point.
Promising review: "These headphones surprised me. I thought they were not going to be as great because of how cheap they are, but the bass is amazing! The noise cancellation is so good that I can’t hear anything. The volume is loud and sound quality is a win, and just how I like it. Very snug and comfy, recommend! Thanks TikTok, lol :)." —Chevelle Revero
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in five colors).
Amazon
Promising review: "My hair has never been better! I got this because of TikTok and it has done wonders for my hair. My hair isn’t frizzy or dull-looking when I get up in the morning." —Aaron Key
"These are really nice — perfect price point too. There's no difference between these and the same pillowcases from Kitsch at three times the price." —Keri
Get a set of two from Amazon for $7.99 (available in 22 colors and four sizes).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "This stuff is so legit I’ve gone through three bottles. Adds the perfect glow to your skin! Sometimes I use it under foundation and sometimes I use it solo with a bit of concealer. I will never not repurchase it for the price and how beautifully it sits on the skin. This stuff is viral for a reason!!" —mapagill
"If you like Charlotte Tilbury, flawless filter this is leaps and bounds better! Just buy it. The coverage is better, [it] makes my skin have the most amazing natural glow! The colors run with a more warm/yellow undertone which worked great for me! Spend a fraction of the price and just get it, you will be happy you did!" —Amazonreview
Get it from Amazon for $14 (available in 12 shades).
Amazon
Shaperx is a small business that specializes in supportive, compressive bodysuits in a variety of styles.
Promising review: "I am OBSESSED with these body suits. I ordered my first ones in black and brown and I will SO be getting more. They fit perfectly (true to size) and are so comfortable. I love the material of the top, it looks like it could be Skims. These are everything I wanted and more. I wish they had this in white!!!" —Lindsey
Get it from Amazon for$26.99 (available in sizes XS–2X and seven styles, including high and scoop necks).
Amazon
Promising review: "I'm picky when it comes to jewelry and love these. They haven't tarnished on me at all or hurt my ears, and the gold isn't tacky looking. Love the variety and you can't beat the pricing. Also, a great gift!" —Marisa
Get a set of nine from Amazon for $13.99 (also available in silver and rose gold).
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review: "Love these drops. So effective, a little goes a long way. Great for a boost of hydration, especially in the colder and/or drier months. Great as a primer before makeup to smooth the skin. Such a value for a product that packs a punch. My skin hasn't looked better!" —Ken
Get it from Amazon for $11.97.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I have the Skims bodycon as well, and this is a great alternative! The Skims dress is ribbed, and the fabric is thinner and softer, but I don’t think that the Skims dress quality increases proportionally with the higher price point. If I were to purchase another bodycon dress, it would hands down be this one. It hugs my figure beautifully and can be layered and styled for all seasons. It’s one of the most versatile pieces in my wardrobe!" —Makayla Curtis
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in women's sizes XXS–XL and in 10 colors).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "If I could give this lip mask 100 stars, I would. What is there not to love about this product? It's beyond moisturizing and quite soft as you put it on, like butter. The scent has me perplexed. Not sure that's the correct word to use. I know that scent. It reminds me of something from the '70s or '80s. The scent takes me back, but to where I do not know. AAAA++++, it's a must-buy!" —Stina
Get it from Amazon for $7.
Amazon
Promising review: "I’ve been thinking about purchasing the Tiffany version of this necklace, but when I saw this one, I decided to purchase it. So glad I did. It is beautiful and very substantial. When I first put it on, couldn’t believe the weight, in a good way. Feels and looks expensive, and the color of the gold is perfect, in my opinion; not too yellow or orangey. Love, love, love this necklace!!!" —FAXA10
Get it from Amazon for $15.99(available in five styles).
Lulu Candles is a US-based small business that specializes in scented candles and perfumes.
Promising review: "This is such a great candle that fills the room quickly with a really nice strong smell that is soothing and relaxing. I was looking for a less expensive Le Labo Santal 33 scent candle, and this one is very, very close! It's a bit stronger, but I love it! The shipment arrived fast, and I just love how fast it fills up the room without being lit for so long!" —Cristina Bertolotto
Get it from Amazon for$19.95+ (available in three sizes, in gift box options, in packs of two, and in a variety of scents).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I found these because a girl on TikTok was wearing them. The quality is amazing. Not cheap material. Good shape. I love them. Totally worth the price. I’ll probably end up getting another pair to keep in my car." —Alisa
"The best sunglasses ever. I own so many colors. Quality is a 10/10, they are stunning and look so expensive!!" —Mikayla Vallati
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in 14 lens colors).
Promising review: "I bought theBenefit version a couple of months ago and was very underwhelmed by it, but this product is sooo soo much better than Benetint. The pigment is so good and natural at the same time. A 10/10 for sure. And at this price point what’s there not to like?" —Rachael
Get it from Amazon for $7.40 (available in three shades and combo packs).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "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
Get it from Amazon for $34.86 (available in nine styles).
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 tissues. 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 $9.97 (also available in dewy and radiant finishes, and a jumbo size).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Lululemon WHOOOO? Great quality, washed well with my regular laundry. Retained it color and shape. I wore it for a back day at the gym and it was extremely comfortable/durable, no issues! I will keep buying these crop jackets. Also if you have a bigger chest I suggest you size up!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $29.99(available in women's sizes XS–XL and 14 styles).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "LOVE. It is super comfortable to wear and is great for supporting my chest when I go on a run. Doesn't collect sweat. Very nice and cool material for hotter environments. I have it in so many colors because I love them so much. HIGHLY recommend!" —Cheyenne
Get it from Amazon for $22.99+(available in women's sizes XS–XXL and 29 colors).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Peach & Lilyis a skincare brand founded by celebrity esthetician Alicia Yoon that specializes in toxin-free, vegan beauty products made with recyclable packaging. The company plants a tree with each order, and a portion of its proceeds have gone to to Restore NYC since 2016.
Check out a TikTok of the acne spot dots in action.
Promising review: "This brand is so affordable and works just the same as the more expensive brands. I go through them so quickly so this is a plus! I’m generally a picker at my zits, but if I can get to one of these dots in time I save my face a lot of irritation and pain. I wear them at night and sometimes during the day, only takes about two to get rid of those pesky whiteheads, sometimes more for a big zit. They really suck everything out." —Savannah Wilson
Get a pack of 30 from Amazon for $4.88.
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, and not only did it hold a ton and keep her hands free, it easily fit around her waist over her outerwear.
Get it from Amazon for $12.98 (available in 31 colors).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Reviewers also use this for "emergency kits" for their car!
Promising review: "Best Amazon purchase in awhile. The bag is TSA-compliant which was the most important thing for me, but it is also well made, very sturdy, and the shape of it makes it easy to organize my liquids by laying them down rather than forcing them all to stand up. Even the packaging was beautiful. 10/10 would recommend." —RZ
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in five sizes and four colors).
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 $8.99 (available in five sets).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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