Keep Your Arm And A Leg And Buy These 35 Affordable Alternatives Instead
If you're wondering what oud is, think of the smell of fallen trees in the woods after a hard rain.
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 conditionerwhich 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 seven sizes, in gift box options, in packs of two, and in a variety of scents).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
For reference, the Laneige lip mask contains 20 grams of product, while each of these has 5 grams, or 15 grams, for the entire set. So even with product sizes taken into account, these are a much better deal.
Promising review: "[Alternative] for the Laneige lip mask. This is the most moisturizing lip treatment on the market. When my lips started getting dry due to the cold season, I was thinking of buying the Laneige lip mask, but it’s soooo expensive. This is a fraction of the cost and feels just the same. Very good product." —Riya
Get the set of three from Amazon for $9.90 (available in four scents and variety packs).
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Reviewers recommend a strong glue like this one.
Promising review: "If you’re even considering doing it, JUST DO IT!! I can’t even begin to tell you how easy this was, and the end result is mind-blowing! When people come over (we’re remodeling our newly purchased home built in 1865), their jaws drop. We put this in the sunroom/eat-in kitchen area. We love it so much we’ll be doing it in the bar area of the dining room. When you actually get them on the ceiling and look at your finished product, you’d never guess it’s styrofoam. Caulking between the tiles was crucial to giving its overall look. That was the most difficult part. My advice (from watching hours of YouTube videos and doing research): Find the center of the ceiling and work your way out. It took us two hours to do a fairly large space. We definitely overestimated how many it would take, but I’m glad we had extra on hand in case we messed one up. Also — make sure your blade is SHARP!" —Steven
Get it from Amazon for $31.92+ (available in packs of 8, 48, 96, 144 and eight colors).
Amazon, Emma Lord/BuzzFeed
BuzzFeed Shopping writerEmma Lord loves this body lotion: "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 (also available in two other scents).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
To get the cat eye effect, apply one layer, cure with a UV light for one minute, add a second layer and use the included magnet to move the glitter into the desired formation. Some reviewers say the magnet isn't quite strong enough, so you might want to grab this magnet kit as well.
Promising review: "I've been doing my nails for years, and this was so fast and fun to use. I always wanted cat eye polishes in my collection and this was perfect! Especially for Christmas time! I will say they are thick, and I'm guessing that's because they're pigmented and packed with the little magnetic bits for maximum shine and glimmer. I feel like I have the northern lights on my nails! I would recommend playing on a few test nails beforehand to get a handle on the different patterns you can make with the magnet. Overall, would recommend it for anyone wanting something easy and fun!" —Hailey
Get a pack of six from Amazon for $9.49+ (available in 24 styles).
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 11 colors, two-packs, and an extra large size).
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).
Promising review: "I hopped on the gold ornate mirror trend and spent a long time trying to find one within my budget. I was worried at first because there weren’t any reviews when I first bought this. It looked amazing online and was the perfect size, so I went ahead and got it. I am THRILLED with this purchase!!! One of the best things I’ve gotten from Amazon. It’s beautiful and exactly how it looks in the pics. It came four-ish days faster than estimated. It’s perfect for my makeup desk. If there were different sizes of the same mirror, I would buy all of them." —McKinlee Mayer
Get it from Amazon for $94.99+ (available in seven sizes and five finishes).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I wasn't seeing many pictures of small-chested ladies, so I was a little worried about how this would fit. Purchased X-Small, and it fits perfectly! The straps stay in place, don't look weird with the bra cups, and it is form-fitting in the back. I hate tank tops that have a big gap in the back. This one does not. It goes down to about my belly button. I wanted something similar to the Lululemon Align, but this is well worth it instead! It is not tight at all, does not dig in, and is super breathable. I am thrilled with this purchase!" —olivia schilling
Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in sizes XS–3XL and 24 colors).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "They are the best leggings I've ever owned! I've been weight training for roughly 17 years now, and I've worn a lot of different leggings. I've even spent $180 on a pair of Lululemon leggings, which don't compare to these at all. These leggings are soft, stretchy, form-fitting, and they make you look incredible! This is the fourth pair I've bought, and I probably will buy all colors. Also very important: They don't leave sweat marks. 100% squat-proof and the softest material ever. I can't say it enough!" —Emily Souther
Get them from Amazon for $25 (available in women's sizes XS–XL and 25 colors).
HuffPost Shopping writer Haley Zovickian swears by these: "I only use these now to remove my makeup, including heavy mascara, and they are great for my sensitive skin. I do follow up with a gentle cleanser to cleanse my skin once all my makeup is off. They're big and dry quickly so you can use the same towel a number of times before having to wash it or switch to another one."
Promising review: "These things are so soft! Great for taking off makeup. I was using the Makeup Eraser before, but these are 100 times better. You just wet them, wipe off your makeup, rinse, and hang out. I guess you could use a new one each day, but I they are very big so you can get a few days out of one. Great value for the money!" —Shopforbargains
Get a pack of 12 from Amazon for $13.25 (available in 13 color combos and in packs of 30).
I've had this kettle in my kitchen for years, and it shows no signs of age! It boils water super quickly, has a nice cork handle, and pours like a dream. When it comes to boiling water, I don't need a lot of bells and whistles. Being able to press a button, walk away, and come back to hot water in two minutes is all I need from my kettle. I love the precision spout and sometimes even use the kettle as a watering can to reach my higher-up plants.
Promising review: "I’m a coffee professional too broke for a Fellow to use in my home coffee setup. Been using this baby for a few months, and I’m satisfied! Easy pour control, good size and heft for this purpose, and heats up decently quickly, without annoying sounds. Recommend for someone who wants low fuss performance." —jessica
Get it from Amazon for $39 (available in two colors).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "When I initially bought it, I was nervous that the brass color wasn’t going to match with my coach bag, but once it arrived, it was perfect; it looks almost like the real one and doesn’t feel cheap at all, I’m very happy with my purchase, and I'd 100% recommend this to someone looking for an alternative to the Coach cherry charm!" —Veronica G.
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
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 several 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 four other shades).
Emma Lord/BuzzFeed
Check out a TikTok of the E.l.f. tubing mascara in action.
BuzzFeed writerEmma Lord loves this mascara and says: "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).
Promising review: "I LOVE this product so much! I drink iced coffee on the daily but the system I had just wasn't cutting it for me. I didn't know how to brew cold coffee at home (all we have is a Keurig, and there's no cold brew option) so I would go buy iced coffee from Dunkin' every morning. Now don't get me wrong, I love my Dunkin', but I wanted to find a way to be able to make that same iced coffee at HOME, and I think my wallet and gas tank wanted me to figure that out too. I found out about this product through TikTok and it is a GAME CHANGER. All you have to do is put coffee grounds in the filter, fill up the main compartment 3/4 full with water (I use water from my fridge), screw the filter into the lid and screw the lid shut, shake it a little to put the coffee grounds to work, and let it do its magic for 12–24 hours! This is probably the best investment I've ever made. You need this!!" —Carmen E.
Get it from Amazon for $19.07+ (available in two sizes and three lid colors).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I absolutely love this frame. I had been looking for one like this bamboo style, but most of them were so expensive. This company is affordable, quality, and well packaged. Looks great with my print!" —LoveCuban73
Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in 10 sizes and two colors).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "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 21 styles).
To activate, just soak this in water.
Promising review: "I saw these online while I was looking for my usual Scrub Daddy sponges and thought, 'hmm...not a bad price, and the video looks convincing, so why not try them out?' All I can say is WOW. So glad I did. I used them for so many things, and not once did they fail me. Dishes? Snap, no problem. Counters? I laughed at dirt as it picked up everything in one wipe. Black dirt and grime? Rinsed right out of the sponge like it never touched it and still smelled the same. Then I thought to use it on these fabric barstools that my cat loves to curl up in. His little fine furs are the worst to try to vacuum. I took one of these dry sponges over the barstool and within two or three easy pulls across the fabric, ALL the hair came off, and then I vacuumed it up. Amazing! Bathroom fixtures? No need to get a polish rag after you clean it, this sponge is so aborbant that it cleans and then shines! Lets just say that when I pulled the first sponge out of the container to try it out, I couldn't stop going on a cleaning spree that day. I actually had a grand time cleaning so many things that used to cause me grief." —Doug
Get them from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in four colors and three pack sizes).
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 15 colors/styles).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
The weights are covered with a sweatproof, skin-friendly silicone layer that's comfortable, and the adjustable elastic band helps you get the right fit. You can even remove weights as well if needed!
Promising review: "I love these! So great for yoga or mat Pilates. I like that they are 2 pounds each, which is the perfect weight, and you can even take off weight as well. I use them every week for my workouts. Very durable band as well!" —Robyn
Get a pair from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in two sizes and 14 colors).
Promising reviews: "These had great reviews, but I was still a bit skeptical. I'm a bit of a pillow snob. These pillows — these amazing, heavenly pillows — are now my favorite part of going to bed. Soft but firm. How does that work? It gives support for me to sleep slightly propped up but I sink into this comfortable personal cloud. Soft but firm. My head isn't sinking through the pillow to rest on my mattress, but I feel comfortably enveloped. Heaven. I bought two but think that would be too much fluff, so now my husband and I each have one. Buy them. Add to cart. Buy now with one click. Stop the research. You've found the pillows you were looking for." —Marissa Urey
"God himself must use these pillows. I have (or had, haha) insomnia, not to mention a bad neck/back *and* hot flashes. The comfort and the cooling is AMAZING (even with a silk pillowcase). Thank you, TikTok, for influencing me!!!!" —Rickie White
Get a set of two from Amazon for $59.99 (available in three sizes).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "I never write reviews, but I am the snob of all snobs when it comes to soft sheets, and these make me not want to get out of bed. These sheets make me not want to get out of bed ever. I just can't believe the prize. Seems like good quality. I'm in bed heaven!" —Samantha
"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
Get them from Amazon for $38.97+ (available in 15 sizes and 40 colors)
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
This mask is made with albumin, a component from eggs that helps moisturize skin. It claims to help tighten pores, hydrate, promote elasticity, remove dead skin, and balance pH. To use, mix the included powder and liquid together with a brush. Spread the mixture evenly over your face and leave until it begins to dry. Wash after 10 or 15 minutes, and enjoy your freshly hydrated face!
Promising review: "I was gifted the Hanacure masks and loved them, but they're just way too pricey. I heard SO many wonderful things about the Skin 1004 zombie mask, and at about $2.50 a pop, why not?! Let me tell you, this mask is just straight-up magic. I didn't notice any changes to my skin immediately, but a few hours later, when I looked in the mirror, I was shocked at how wonderful my skin looked. I've never noticed a difference like this. Hanacure who?!?? don't get me wrong, the Hanacure mask is amazing and magical, too, but it's expensive and impossible to maintain the twice-weekly mask schedule recommended. This Zombie mask is every bit as magical with better results in my opinion. And it's super funny. A lot of the reviews mention a bad smell, which I was worried about, but I didn't notice a smell, and I'm so sensitive to smell I can't use scented lotions, lip balms, etc. Bottom line, this is better than Hanacure both price and results wise." —Dana Dane
Get a pack of eight from Amazon for $19.70 (also available in multipacks).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Reviewers agree that if you want it fitted, size down.
Promising reviews: "I saw this girl wearing this exact style of dress with a Skims tag on the back, and honestly, it made me so grateful that I purchased this dress instead. It looks exactly like the Skims version, and I could be biased, but the material of this dress looked better than the Skims one. If you want it to be a little snug, I would definitely recommend sizing down one size from your normal size. So freaking comfortable and made out of thick material." —Kaitlyn
"I have the Skims dress in black and wanted to look for a cheaper version, but I read reviews, and some said that it is a bit looser than expected. I would agree that the small is a bit loose. If you want a snatched look, definitely get a size smaller, as it is very stretchy. I'm 5' tall so this is a bit long on me, even when I wear heels. In comparison to the Skims, the material is smoother, while Skims has a ribbed texture. You honestly can't tell the difference. Good bang for your buck if you ask me!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in women's sizes XXS–XL and 10 colors).
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 29 colors).
Read more about what massage guns can (and can’t) do, plus how to use them, at Cleveland Clinic.
Promising reviews: "Helps with pain relief and massage in pressure spots I wasn't able to get before. I had access to use a TheraGun before and haven't noticed any difference between items, and it's at a much lower price point. Whatever extra TheraGun features there might be, I haven't needed and the heads are interchangeable between TheraGun and this. Very happy with my purchase." —tauntaun
"I used a TheraGun for about a month and although it was great, this unit is better suited for my needs. I found the TheraGun to be too powerful on the lowest setting and bulky to handle. Some people prefer a lower setting than the 'professional' brand offers. This unit is also easier to handle when massaging my partner than the TheraGun. This gun goes from comfortable low setting to very powerful on the highest setting. Much better fit for me and my partner, plus it's got a solid battery life." —Pierremoe
Get it from Amazon for $74.99 (available in seven colors).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "I am a licensed cosmetologist of 30+ years and I couldn’t be more pleased! Salon-perfect, shiny, bouncy blowouts! Dries and styles in one or two easy passes ( on damp hair) and provides maximum lift if I style it that way. Easily dries and styles large sections of hair making this THE BEST hairstyling tool! Highly recommend! I use the low setting and cool blast. Surprised and very happy that I don't need med/high settings. Only caveat I have come across so far: the temp/speed setting is in an awkward place to be able to change it while using. Learning curve, I suppose. Otherwise, another GREAT styling tool from Revlon! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️" —ERJ
"This review is for all the Black women looking for a good blowdryer for their hair. I have 4C (mainly) natural hair and got tired of using the regular dryers because they made my arms tired. I have thick, long hair so blowdrying takes forever for me. This blow-dryer was wonderful. I didn't even have to detangle before using it and it dried my hair very nicely. I love it so much. My only complaint is it is bigger than I expected it to be. A little bulky but I will get used to it. Overall, I am loving this hair dryer so far and am glad I made the investment." —Johniece Elbert
Get it from Amazon for $29.49+ (available in three styles and five colors).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "I researched a lot before choosing this Dutch oven. I wasn't sure that this brand would be of high quality because the price is so much lower than the famous Le Creuset and others. This Overmont product is stylish and big enough to hold a whole chicken or probably roast. On first cooking, we did jerk beef ribs and were pleased with the result. Heat distribution is excellent, and it's easy to clean with hot, soapy water." —NJM
"I bought this specifically for baking bread. Everyone was suggesting I buy the Le Creuset brand, but I'm new to the task, so I didn't want to spend an exorbitant amount. I could not be happier with my purchase. I've preheated both the pot and lid for an hour, as the recipes have said, and it works beautifully. It bakes fresh sourdough and yeast bread, yielding really beautiful brown crusts and even cooking throughout. I use parchment to line the pot for cooking, so clean-up is a breeze. 5 stars!" —Iris C. Wilson
Get a 5.5-quart pot from Amazon for $59.99 (available in three sizes and eight colors).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
The color-adaptive formula is designed so one of the four 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
Promising review: "Feels like good quality and the real thing. I recommend giving it a try if you're a fan of the Tiffany hardware collection." —Christina
Get it from Amazon for $15.99(available in two finishes and also Cuban link styles).
Amazon
BuzzFeed editor Maitland Quitmeyer says this is her 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 reviews: "I ordered these pillowcases just to see if they could compete with Blissy. Well, they can. I have washed them three times and they came out great. They seem to protect your hair and skin. So, I’m very happy with them." —EMc
"Arguably, they’re softer than my more expensive ones! They did arrive very wrinkled but a quick wash and dry and they’re shiny and wrinkle free. I like the envelope closure a lot more than competing brands zip closure." —Hannah Watkins
Get a set of two from Amazon for $6.99 (available in standard, queen, king, and body pillow sizes and 35 colors).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "This style replicates the Gucci Horsebit; it's so comfortable. It is also true to size. Love the black!" —Neri
"I was surprised how cute these are, and they are pretty comfortable too. I wore them with a short dress and I looked like Barbie, lol. But they can be worn with slacks for professional looks as well." —Jen
Get them from Amazon for $42.98 (available in sizes 5–11 and six colors).
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: "I've seen these all over TikTok and had them in my cart for months…ended up buying them and THEY ARE WORTH THE MONEY. Soft, soft, soft and look so real, I’m going to buy more." —Brittney Jackson
Get a set of 20 from Amazon for $19.99(available in 63 color combos).
Reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.
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