Bougie On A Budget: 37 Cheap Versions Of ~Luxe~ Things You Won’t Feel Bad About Buying
My colleague Emma Lord can vouch for this: "I bought this because I crave that Black Honey and will buy it until the day I die, but I am always paranoid of losing it, so I almost never let it leave my bag. I have tried probably five or six "almost" versions of Black Honey that came close, but this one genuinely spooked me. It has the same easy glide, same buildability, and the same refreshingly hydrating effect. It was a two-pack so I gave one to my BFF, another Black Honey fan, who also could not detect the difference!"
Promising review: "Better than Clinique! I bought this one on a whim but never liked the real Black Honey Almost Lipstick by Clinique, since it tends to run red on me. This shade, in my opinion, is exactly what Black Honey SHOULD be, as it looks more like Black Honey in pictures. For the price, it can’t be beat, so I’m buying more." —HAC
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in a pink honey version, individually, and as a two-pack that includes both!).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I’ve been buying these for years. They replaced my Ray-Bans that look identical! Fit great and with the price point I don’t have to worry too much with my kids and being on the go!" —Jessica M
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $15.99+ (clip the 20% off coupon on the product page for this price; available in 13 sets, as well as packs of two and individual pairs).
Jenae Sitzes / BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com
My colleague Jenae Sitzes uses it: "The packaging similarities are impossible to ignore, but that's not where the comparisons between this E.l.f. sunscreen and Supergoop!'s cult-fave product end. I've tried both, and I honestly prefer this E.l.f. version. Supergoop!'s had a slight graininess to it that I didn't love, while this E.l.f. sunscreen is exactly what I'd hoped Supergoop!'s would feel like: totally smooth and velvety. Like Supergoop!'s, it goes on totally clear and doesn't feel like you're wearing a mask; it sinks in immediately. And of course, a major selling point: A 1.7-ounce bottle of E.l.f. Suntouchable will cost you $14, while Supergoop!'s Unseen Sunscreen in the same size will put you back $38.
Now, it's worth noting that Supergoop!'s Unseen Sunscreen has SPF 50, while E.l.f.'s product offers SPF 35. Both of these meet the American Academy of Dermatology's recommendation of using a sunscreen with SPF 30 or more, which blocks 97% of the sun's UVB rays. Anything over SPF 30 offers only slightly more protection (and nothing can block 100% of the sun's rays), yet the higher number, the more brands tend to charge. So do with that info what you will! This isn't the only SPF I use, but I love having it in my arsenal, especially when I do want to layer makeup on top!"
Promising review: "This sunscreen is a gem. I was not expecting to love it as much as I do. I absolutely love E.l.f. products, but I rarely try their skincare. Something told me to try this. When I put it on, it gave a smooth silicone finish and feel. I was faithful to Supergoop but didn't want to spend as much as the product is listed for. I will continue to use this sunscreen; it has been one of the best I’ve ever tried. I’ve been into skincare since I was 15; I am 37, and for me to say that this product is a gold mine is rare." —Angelina S.
Get it from Amazon for $12.91 (available in two sizes).
Amazon
Promising review: "I love the way these layering necklaces look! I haven’t taken them off since I received them; they still look brand new. I’ve worn them in the shower, pools, and at the beach, and they are still perfect." —Allison Kwong
Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available in three finishes and 15 other styles).
Amazon
Promising review: "I bought these gold bracelets because I had plenty of silver. I get lots of compliments on these. The sizes are great as there are plenty of loops to choose from. Love the deep shiny gold color. Very satisfied with this product." —Lou Jarman
Get it from Amazon for $12.78 (available in gold or silver).
Amazon
Promising review: "My parents went to Europe and sat outside on furs like these and now they do the same at home. They live in the mountains in Utah. They put these on their metal patio chairs and then cover themselves with a blanket outside in the winter. The faux furs keep your backside insulated and then topped with the blanket, they are able to have cocktail hour(s) on the deck all year long! It’s honestly pretty sweet and the dog gets her own to lie on when she’s outside too." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $15.98+ (available in four sizes, two shapes, and in 11 colors).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I’ve gotten a ton of compliments on this vest and been asked where I bought it twice. It’s heavyweight so it hangs nicely. The fit is boxy and loose, which is what I wanted. Looks great with high-waisted jeans!" —R. Flip
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in women's sizes S–L and five colors).
Amazon, Emma Lord / BuzzFeed
My coworker Emma Lord had this to say: "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 with 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 (available in two styles).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
New England Stories is a small business that specializes in home and kitchen products.
Promising review: "These are worth the money! There are labels for almost every basic syrup as well as blanks so you can label them yourself. If you get a regular-size Torani syrup bottle, it will hold the whole bottle, so you don't need to worry about storing a quarter of the bottle of syrup. SO AESTHETICALLY PLEASING, TOO." —Naomi
Get a set of four from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in three colors and in sets of two or six).
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 (also available as a spray).
Amazon
This vegan, cruelty-free formula is free from parabens, sulfates, and alcohol.
Promising reviews: "This is our favorite flavor Tree Hut scrub. Always hard to find in stores because it is usually sold out. Thought it was discontinued, but very happy to find it here." —AJ
"This Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub in the scent Desert Haze is like a little piece of paradise!!!!! The smell is wonderful and the way it leaves your skin feeling is so smooth, silky, and clean! I will definitely be purchasing this item again! If you haven’t tried this Tree Hut Scrub in the scent Desert Haze you should!" —Shelly
Get it from Amazon for $7.97 (also available in 31 other scents).
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 $19.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–3XL and in 29 colors).
Promising reviews: "I can't say enough great things about these leggings! They don't roll down, and they feel amazing on. I have all kinds of brands Lululemon, Vuori, Athleta, etc. and these are my favorites and the ones I feel the best and most confident in!! And you can't beat the price — it's a win-win. I will be back to purchase even more colors!" —Lauren
"The stitching and logo placement is similar to Lulu; however, these feel more compressive and thicker than Aligns, which I prefer. Lulu stretches over time and for a fraction of the price, this entire line feels way better." —Fiona
Get them from Amazon for $29 (available in women's sizes XXS–XXL, two inseams, and 22 colors).
Amazon
Promising review: "Love these huggies. So cute and so many people ask where I got them. Love that each one has a different design. The closure on it is fabulous, it clicks in. I have been wearing them for a few months now, even in the shower, and no tarnishing." —Nicole Forbeck
Get a set of three from Amazon for$9.99 (also available in five other sets).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Simply apply it to wet hair after a shampoo, wait five minutes, and rinse it out. It's designed to work on all hair types, with reviewers with 2b–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
Get it from Amazon for $7.60.
Promising reviews: "My favorite sheets have to be Cozy Earth. But they are way too pricey for a guest bed. These sheets are just as good without the huge price tag. Side by side comparison to these versus expensive brands like Cozy Earth or Peacock Alley — these sheets are thinner and deeper, which actually fit better on our deep mattress with a 3-inch topper. These sheets are just as cool feeling as the higher-end ones when you get in bed. They wash well. They hardly wrinkle. And even after months of use, they are still in great shape. They haven’t started to peel yet or fray. No loose threads or tears. Great sheets!" —Susan
"We have Egyptian cotton sheets that were expensive and I promise we have changed them back out for the comfort of these sheets. The cotton sheets were cold and these were just right. The other thing is my husband has thin skin that any nick he will bleed. Well he has bled on these white sheets and when we washed them (in cold water as instructed) the blood always comes out and never stains. I can't say enough great things about them except to say all three of my adult kids are receiving a set as part of their Christmas!" —Sheree Chrestman
Get a set of queen sheets from Amazon for $36.97+ (available in sizes twin–California king, plus sheet sets with deep pockets for taller mattresses and 45 colors/patterns).
Amazon
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Maitland Quitmeyersays: "This is my go-to satin pillowcase. I have two Slip pillowcases, and several of these, and actually the Bedsure ones wash up much nicer and retain an incredibly silky smooth feel after dozens of trips through the laundry. They're the only ones I'll buy going forward, and I recommended them to my mom and now she's in love with them too!"
Promising 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
Get a set of two from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in four sizes, 39 colors, and in sets of four or individually).
Lulu Candles is a US-based small business that specializes in scented candles and perfumes.
Promising review: "I enjoy having a scented candle burning in my house. But I don’t like heavy, floral scents, so finding the perfect scent is difficult. This scent is perfect. It doesn’t slap you in the face, it doesn’t cling to your clothes and hair hours after leaving the house. This candle is warm, inviting, and elegant." —Micknan
Get it from Amazon for$19.95+ (available in six sizes, in gift box options, in packs of two, and in a variety of scents).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
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 four shades and combo packs).
Promising review: "This is the nicest bath pillow I have ever had! Good quality foam, very comfortable, quick drying. This is an actual pillow, not a dinky blow-up toy. It came with a cute free puff and even has a little hook for the puff or to hang the pillow to dry. I’ve had RA for over 20 years and this is my new favorite accessory for my favorite time of day! Transformed my bath into a spa...I’m here for it!" —Sarah Brown
Get it from Amazon for $43.99 (available in gray or white).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "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 a [high-end] 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
Get it from Amazon for $49.99 (available in women's sizes 5–12 and in six colors).
Promising review: "I am so thrilled with this shaker. It's beautiful and can sit out on my bar cart, is super functional, and doesn't leak. It's a conversation starter and everyone who has seen it loves the way it looks and asks where I got it. I will say, the bottom is quite heavy and this makes shaking a bit awkward but once you get used to it, it's no big deal." —Amanda B
Get it from Amazon for $22.95 (available in gold or red).
www.instagram.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "I used this with my Olay Regenerist Cream (it helps with my wrinkles). I mixed it, and it does a great deal of shine! You should buy it if you're looking for a Drunk Elephant Bronzi Drops substitute! Way better than Drunk Elephant." —raegan kuball
"I actually like this glowy lotion better than the Drunk Elephant one, and I have both. This goes on smoothly and is not greasy. It leaves you very glowy with a beautiful tan and works well with makeup on top if you so wish. Lasting power, too. Recommend." —ggvega
Get it from Amazon for $13.98+ (available in five shades and as a two-pack).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This is my favorite belt! It's perfect with jeans, and I get so many compliments on it. I love that the double-ring is sort of designer-inspired, but not a complete knockoff of the Gucci belt. I highly recommend! I am typically a medium and the medium was perfect." —Everyday Teacher Style
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–XL and in nine colors).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
The roll measures 17.7" x 78.7".
Promising review: "I used a little more than one roll for a quick makeover on an ugly fireplace in a rental apartment. It's easy to cover the tiles with the film. It makes a huge difference for minimal effort/price." —Zhen
Get a roll from Amazon for $18.79 (available in different sizes and styles/colors).
Learn more in our full write-up on this DIY-friendly marble contact paper.
Emma Lord / BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com
iJoy is a small business that specializes in headphones and tech accessories.
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord says: "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: "I love LOVE these headphones. They are comfortable to wear for long periods of time, the sound is great, and the noise cancellation is good too. I even wore these on an airplane for three hours and they cancelled out the plane noise and I was able to watch shows on my tablet with really good sound. Battery life is awesome too. Highly recommend!." —Nicole
Get it from Amazon for $21.99 (available in five 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
"Purchased for my daughter, who is an attorney. She said she really likes it and has gotten many compliments on it from her peers." —J Cliett
Get it from Amazon for $35.99+ (available in nine styles).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Reviewers with straight/fine and thick/wavy hair types say it works for them!
Kitsch is a woman-owned accessory brand that was founded in 2010. They also sell cute scrunchies, cloth face masks, satin pillowcases, and more.
Promising review: "Feels expensive. This hair clip works very well and also feels like a very high-end item. It’s very sturdy and is a great, trendy replacement for plastic claw clips." —Mae
Get it from Amazon for $6.39+ (available in silver or gold, and in packs of two or four).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I have tried countless self-tanning creams. This one is my absolute favorite! I’ve tried products much more expensive than this one, and they turned me orange or just didn’t do much at all. Firms and moisturizes my skin as it creates a natural-looking tan. Also, you can use it as a light tanning lotion or you can keep putting it on every day for a deeper-looking tan. I usually build it for three days and then exfoliate it off in the shower. As long as you don’t exfoliate during every shower, each day, the color will build and deepen. Excellent self-tanner! I highly suggest this product." —JC
Get it from Amazon for $10.47+ (available in two shades, and in multipacks and bundles).
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Wow wow wow!!! 🤩 This blanket is so soft and the colors and image is so vibrant! The material is great. Lightweight but also snuggly weighted, I don’t know how to describe it. I almost bought the one from Anthropologie, but this is exactly like it [but] way less price! I think I’ll be gifting a few of these because they are so nice!" —Amy
Get it from Amazon for $43.99 (available in 16 styles).
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 $8.49+ (available in women's sizes XXS–3XL and in 34 colors).
Amazon
it comes with a 3.5-oz amber diffuser, oil, and eight reeds that provide 4+ months of fragrance. You can adjust the intensity of the scent by adding more reeds and you can flip the reeds periodically to refresh the scent!
PS: it comes from a small biz! Sweet Water Decor is a woman-owned, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania–based shop that specializes in home decor + gifts.
Promising review: "I recently tried the Sweet Water Decor Sandalwood and Rose Reed Diffuser Set, and I'm impressed! The scent is a perfect blend of sandalwood and rose amber, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The diffusers effectively distribute the fragrance, and the elegant design adds a touch of style to any space. Highly recommend!" —MJ
Get it from Amazon for $28.49+ (available in 12 scents).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
It comes with a velvet pouch!
Promising review: "Everyone thinks it's expensive, lol. I’ve gotten a lot of compliments on this ring already. I think it’s super cute and the perfect amount of simple and fun. I absolutely love the cut of the ‘gem’. I got this to see if I like this shape on my hand and I really love it." —Toni Pucinischi
Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in sizes 5–10 and in four colors).
Mallory Mower / BuzzFeed
My colleague Mal Mower is a huge fan of this mascara: "It was one of my first BuzzFeed Shopping list impulse purchases! I was sold by all the wild customer images (it feels like this stuff makes lashes illegally long!) and positive reviews. I was *so* excited to get my hands on their brown version! I have naturally light lashes and red hair, so black lashes look really unnatural on me. I've loved using the brown and having a color that better complements my skin/hair. You can see my before and after photos above. This stuff is magic."
Promising reviews: "The best I’ve tried so far and I used Dior, Tarte, Too Faced, you name it. I always have a problem with brand-new mascara because they have too much product on the brush, especially first few uses, and my lashes stick together. I didn’t have this problem with this one. I could layer it without any product starting to fall off or my lashes sticking together. And I love that they don’t test on animals." —Detti
Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in black or brown and in packs of three).
Eucalyptus Blooms / Etsy
It comes with a stainless-steel self-adhesive hook!
Eucalyptus Blooms is a woman-owned small biz based in North Carolina that makes a variety of unique shower bundles and other scented products.
Promising review: "Followed the instructions on the wrapper, the fragrant was very refreshing and calming! The eucalyptus leaves held strong when I squeezed it with none falling off. Very good quality!" —Lydia
Get it from Eucalyptus Blooms on Etsy for $12.79+ (originally $15.99+; available in three sizes and bundles).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Check it out on TikTok.
Promising reviews: "Bought this dress because I always wanted to get the House of CB dress but didn’t want to pay over $250 for it. It’s honestly so good! I got the size large in this since they didn’t have my normal sizes, which are small to medium (I have a bigger chest so I tend to size up). But since this has a corset back, I was able to cinch it up really tight and it fit perfectly!" —Chris Herfurth Kennedy
"Beautiful stunning perfection. This may be the best thing I've ever bought on Amazon. The corset in the back makes it fit like it was made for me. It's double-lined and not see-through at all even though it's white. The straps are adjustable, the slit is a good height, and the fabric is slightly stretchy. I cannot say enough good things about it. It did come slightly wrinkly in the skirt, but nothing that a good steam won't fix." —Shoshanna
Get it from Amazon for $59.99 (available in women's sizes 0–14 and in 20 colors/styles).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
You can adjust the brightness with a simple tap!
Brightech is a California-based small business that specializes in home lighting.
Promising review: "The light is nice! It’s a unique-looking light. I love how it has three different settings so you can adjust the brightness. It fits perfectly with my reading chaise and goes well with the rest of my living room decor. The only con I have is I wish the cord was clear instead of black, it sticks out. Other than that, I love the light. I’d definitely recommend it to others." —Carmelita Joy
Get it from Amazon for $79.99+ (available in four styles).
Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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