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Shhhh, These 36 Beauty Products Are Actually Cheap Versions Of More Expensive Ones

Not this $12 neck cream and $5 burgundy mascara absolutely clocking the versions that cost four times more.

Posted on Oct 17, 2026 UTC

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by Emma Lord BuzzFeed BuzzFeed Staff

As a Senior Shopping Writer at BuzzFeed, I specialize in a broad range of topics, including beauty, cleaning, fashion, personal care, home, fitness, and my beloved “TikTok made me buy it.” My work has been featured across lifestyle and writing publications during my ten years in the digital media space, including Bustle, HuffPost, HelloGiggles, and The Washington Post.

1. A bottle of Elizavecca hair treatment, an Olaplex-like repairing mask infused with collagen ingredients and protein extracts that help restore hair health and reduce shedding (*without* the $32 Olaplex price tag). All you gotta do is apply it on wet hair after a shampoo, wait five minutes, and rinse it out.

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 that 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 it from Amazon for $6.99. 

2. Gold Bond's firming neck and chest cream your skin YEARNS to soak up — this is formulated with aloe, salicylic acid, and jojoba oil to help hydrate, tighten, and gently exfoliate your skin so effectively that you should be able to see early results in two weeks. Reviewers especially love how affordable this is compared to creams that often cost three times this $12 price tag (or more)! 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This stuff is where it's at for dry, wrinkled neck skin. I'm noticing a real difference after using it faithfully for two weeks. My skin on my neck is smoother and tighter. Please try it out." —Treva Burke

Get it from Amazon for $11.97.  

3. E.l.f. Glow Reviver Slipstick, a newer tinted lip oil stick giving a looooot of Clinique's Black Honeyenergy without the $25 price tag — particularly the Mauve Mentality, which to me looks like the closest approximation of the $25 Nude Honey I've seen so far! Just like their competitors, these are designed to be buildable and ultra-hydrating, with a smooth, subtly glossy finish for everyday looks — but unlike them, these come in a TON of shade variations to get your perfect match. 

Amazon, Emma Lord/BuzzFeed

Check out a TikTok of the Slipsticks in action. 

I *jumped* on this because I'm a huge fan ofClinique's Black Honey line — I'm wearing theMauve Mentality shadethat's meant to be an alternative to the $25 Nude Honey above! I love the consistency of this and the lightweight, buildable color. It's the perfect "keep this by the door/in a purse" lip tint that goes well with pretty much any outfit, since it's in that genre of "no makeup makeup." My only complaint is that you have to be careful not to twist it too high up, since the formula is kind of melty and makes it hard to twist back down. But otherwise this is an EXCELLENT everyday lippie to have in your arsenal!! 

Promising review: "Love these. Sheer, pigmented, but buildable, and don't feel heavy or thick or sticky like Wet 'N Wild lip oils do. I love that it's available in a stick option." —catina m. claytor

Get it from Amazon for $10 (available in 11 shades). 

4. Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener, which is a holy grail for concealing and brightening dark circles under your eyes when your schedule is throwing you for a loop. This lightweight, color-adapting formula is designed for truly ~invisible~ coverage that makes a drastic difference — one that a lot of reviewers compare to the $33 Becca version. 

www.amazon.com, Jenae Sitzes/BuzzFeed

The color-adaptive formula is designed so that one of five 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 five shades). 

5. Jergens Shea Fusion Confetti Cake Body Lotion, a limited edition (!!) launch that basically said, "Hey, what if we made a mega-hydrating blend of shea butter and vitamin E and then TURNED IT INTO A BIRTHDAY PARTY??" This scent combo of buttery cake, vanilla buttercream, and sprinkles is so delectable that one reviewer compared the scent to the $105 Yum Boujee Marshmallow perfume by Kayali. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This lotion smells so good! It truly gives me confetti cake vibes with vanilla icing on top. I was hesitant to buy this lotion because I am usually an EOS girl, but I couldn't resist trying this confetti cake scent. I am very impressed with this lotion. It is moisturizing without feeling heavy or greasy. The formula is thick and creamy, which makes application a breeze. Jergens needs to reconsider making this a permanent scent! It has made me want to try the other Jergens scents." —amber

Get it from Amazon for $7.49. 

6. Grace & Stella Disposable Face Towels, aka the more cost-effective, dare I say, cuter version of the $17.95 Clean Skin Club version?? These face towels have taken the beauty world by storm for makeup removal, since they are ultra soft and can help prevent flare-ups and skin irritation — a lot of people with sensitive skin are big fans of this method! 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

If the name rings a bell, it's likely because you've used or heard of this brand's beloved under-eye masks!! You can check out Grace & Stella's Amazon page to find those and more high-quality, affordable versions of beauty products.

Promising review: "This is a must! Feels like a cloud and way better than a hand towel to dry your face, the perfect self-care product." —Jennifer

Get a pack of 60 from Amazon for $9.95. 

7. E.l.f's Lash XTNDR Tubing Mascara, a GODSEND for anyone with thin or fragile lashes. This uses lightweight ~tubing~ technology to wrap around lashes and give them a natural-looking, smudge-proof extension so good it almost looks fake. The real boon, though, is how easily the "tubes" slide off in clean, easy swipes at the end of the day when you're washing your face — absolutely no smudging, over-scrubbing, or special eye makeup removal products required. 

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 $8 (available in three shades). 

8. Essence False Lash Effect Burgundy Mascara gives you a softer, less harsh alternative to black mascaras — and a cheaper alternative to the $28 Clinique "Black Honey" mascara in a similar shade! This will help your eye color pop a bit more, so they can be the real stars of the show. If you need a step above "no makeup makeup" for your eye look, this is a great balance between natural and glam. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This mascara is amazing. I just repurchased it because I love it so dang much. It is lightweight and applies very easily. The burgundy is an absolutely stunning color and looks very natural. It doesn't clump up my lashes or make them fall like most mascaras I've tried, and my lashes look amazing. I wear it to work every day, and it still lasts me three months. I will never use another mascara." —Kindle Customer

Get it from Amazon for$4.99 (available in five colors). 

9. The Ordinary's Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner that reviewers compare to the $29 Pixi Glow Tonic, making it a ridiculously affordable skincare MVP for brightening and smoothing your skin (something The Ordinary's skincare products are well known for, bless their thrifty hearts). Reviewers are especially in love with how this helps with clogged pores, redness, keratosis pilaris, and acne to help even their complexion, especially after long-term use. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "My sisters were constantly raving about this toner, so I decided to try it. Since using it, I’ve realized why they love it so much! My skin went from bumpy and textured to smooth and glowy. My clogged pores have completely disappeared. I’ve already recommended this product to a bunch of my friends, and they love it too! I’ve been using this product for about two months, and it’s still doing wonders. Definitely worth buying!" —Noa May

Get it from Amazon for $8.70. 

10. A limited edition (!!) Eos Marshmallow "Super Balm" lip treatment from the brand's "secret menu" so good that reviewers say it's better than Carmex for healing and better than Summer Fridays for quality. Lip care that also tastes like you're perpetually eating a s'more for less than $5?? My friends, life is good. 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Check out a TikTok of the marshmallow lip treatmentin action. 

Promising review: "My new must-have! My number one go-to for healing lips was Carmex. This beat it. I love the consistency (very creamy/smooth), it’s not heavily flavored or goopy, and it obviously smells amazing. It isn’t overbearing and also doesn’t keep coating your mouth like the Eos stick balms (still great, but more wax)." —Breanah Shirazi

Psst — if you're into this, you should check outSummer Fridays' new Toasted Marshmallow lip butter balmfor some more yummy hydrating lippie goodness! 

Get ti from Amazon for $5.99 (also available in Strawberry Acai). 

11. L'Oreal Paris Clarify Sulfate Free Shampoo perfect for anyone who wants that *clean* clean feeling after washing their hair, and tends to get oily build-up the day after they wash it. This cost-effective alternative to pricier clarifying shampoos (think: the $34 Ouai version) is designed to lock in hydration and remove buildup without stripping your hair, so you can go longer between washes and enjoy that fresh hair feeling. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I really like this shampoo. It’s not overly scented like some clarifying shampoos can be, and it makes my scalp feel so clean without drying my (already dry) hair out. Def recommend this. This is a good brand of shampoo all around. I tried the one for dry hair, and it smells so good and makes my hair really soft." —Abigail

Get it from Amazon for $9.97.

12. An internet-beloved set of makeup sponges for expert-level blending and coverage that reviewers say work just as well as (if not better than!) a BeautyBlender or Real Technique sponges. They work for foundation, BB cream, powder, *and* concealer, plus wet or dry, so basically it's working harder than I have for *checks watch* my whole life.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Don't hesitate, just buy these. I was using the Real Techniques sponges for years, and I bought these on a whim after seeing several TikToks praising them. I love these sponges and the price. I apply liquid foundation with a damp sponge, and these work better than Real Techniques. They are dense but soft and 'bouncy.' I wash mine between each use, and these hold up very well and much better than the RT. Very happy with my purchase and the price. Will definitely continue to buy." —chris

Get a set of five from Amazon for $5.99+ (available in five colors).

13. Byoma Hydrating Milky Toner so good that reviewers compare it to the $32 Rhode Glazing Milk —  this gives you that hydrated, oh-so-dewy effect while *also* soothing your skin, reducing redness, and locking in moisture, thanks to its winning combo of polyglutamic acid and cica. Now you can prime your skin to perfection and give it a little extra love at the same time (plus save a few bucks!).  

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Welp, this stuff is amazing. I tend to avoid anything trendy or anything that 'goes viral' due to my stubborn nature, but when searching Amazon for a red-reducing toner, this one just kept showing up, so I swallowed my pride. Social media did not betray us on this one, friends. I saw immediate results. My skin looked much calmer right after the first use, and it feels so smooth. The price is amazing, the bottle is fun, it has no scent (not necessarily a positive for me, but I know it's important to others), it feels good to put on, and looks good on the skin. I have a feeling that I will be repurchasing this toner, highly recommend." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $11.99. 

14. Kitsch's Fly Away Stick — aka, the brand's cheaper answer to the $18 Dae Taming Wand that recently took TikTok by storm. This versatile "mascara for hair" will help you carefully target flyaways, style edges, and smooth frizz without having to deal with the whole shebang of styling cream. 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

(It goes without saying that you don't need to lay your edges if you don't want to, but this is a handy option if you do.) 

Promising review: "Love this. It doesn’t leave a white cast after it dries and keeps my flyaways tamed. I like the longer wand. No clumps when you take it out of the tube. Easy to apply to your hair. Good value, especially for the brand. I like the rounded slim tube instead of the hard plastic that I’ve gotten before. Functions as it should without the mess." —Myan Espino

Get it from Amazon for $11.99. 

15. E.l.f. Skin Glass Slick Serum Stick similar to the $29 Milk Makeup Watermelon Jelly Brightening Stick — this blend of peptides is formulated to help plump skin over time, smooth skin texture, and soften the appearance of fine lines. Plus, this lil' stick is perfect for sliding into your bag so you'll have it on hand if there's a hydration crisis. (WINTER IS COMING!!) 

Amazon

Promising review: "I have sensitive skin, so I am always nervous awaiting the reaction I’ll experience from a new product. I have been SO happy with this!! It glides on like butter. It doesn’t take much at all to hydrate your skin. I love to use it in the mornings when I don’t feel like doing my whole skincare routine. I’ll just slap this on my face, and I’m good to go for the day, haha. My skin feels moisturized for like 8+ hours when I use it. I don’t notice a scent, or I’ve just never sniffed for one lol. I have bought one that stays at work as well because the work air just makes my skin feel dry. And this serum stick makes my skin instantly feel sooo much better and revived. Overall, 10 out of freaking 10." —Mackenzie 

Get it from Amazon for $11.97. 

16. A Dazzle Dry mini kit for nails that not only dries HARD in five minutes like an expensive gel manicure, but lasts as long as one. If you are a busy or impatient human, or just plain sick of siphoning money into gel manicures, I BEG YOU to switch over to this. It is by far the best thing I have ever done for the health of my nails and to save myself nail-related stress and time. 

www.amazon.com, Emma Lord/BuzzFeed

Dazzle Dry is a small business that specializes in nail care products.

Check out a TikTok of the Dazzle Dry polishin action.  

See that pic of the pink-nailed hand up there?? Those are my DAY SEVEN DAZZLE DRY NAILS (after just getting back from a wildly busy trip across the country, which I did a TON of apartment cleaning to prep for!). 

I have been using the Dazzle Dry system in salons for years now because it is the only way to get your money's worth, even if with the salon's upcharge. My nails are SO much healthier and longer now that I've quit gels completely, and this polish is so good that it often doesn't chip for 10–14 days (and even then it's just the smallest chips). Plus, I cannot shout enough about how much I love just bouncing from the salon or my couch with my nails so dry that I never have to think about them after I get them done. 

Promising review: "I purchased this mini kit to try the Dazzle Dry system. I am so pleased with the results! I did my manicure 10 days ago, and it is still holding up. The Prima Ballerina color is very soft and neutral, and exactly what I was looking for. I followed all the simple instructions, and it truly was dry in five minutes (although I was a little hesitant to test it, it really was dry). I will definitely be purchasing additional colors. Highly recommend!" —Jodi S

Get it from Amazon for $39 (available as a kit in dozens of colors; you can shop for colors individually at the Dazzle Dry storefront). 

17. Choco Musk Marshmallow Perfume, a riff on the popular original Choco Musk Perfume — this gourmand scent mingles strawberry, vanilla, cocoa, and marshmallow for a fluffy, sweet scent that is soft on the senses and never too cloying. (Psst — reviewers compare it to the $138 Yum Boujee Marshmallow!) 

Amazon

Promising review: "I saw someone advertising this on TikTok, so this perfume oil was an impulsive buy, but I’m actually so obsessed with it! It smells amazing, and it’s still on my skin even after I showered. It reminds me of Yum Boujee Marshmallow by Kayali." —j miller

"This has you smelling like a strawberry and cream dessert topped with marshmallows. The scent lasts for hours and I’ve gotten so many comments on how good I smell! Will be buying a backup for my car and office!" —Jasmine Petry 

Get it from Amazon for $5.79 (available in multiple sets, including a combo 3-pack of Choco Musk, Choco Musk Marshmallow, and Choco Musk Pistachio!). 

18. Plus Dossier's "Ambery Vanilla" perfume any fans of YSL's $95 bottle of Black Opium will want to snap up, FAST. This compelling, subtly layered blend of mandarin, vanilla, pink pepper, jasmine, and cedarwood is a beautiful all-seasons signature scent that reviewers can't stop raving about — especially because it has such great staying power throughout the day. 

www.amazon.com

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 $25.74+ (available in two sizes). 

19. A keratin- and argan oil–infused ceramic flat iron designed to work on all hair types to maximize shine and reduce frizz and breakage. Reviewers are so impressed with this affordable option that they say it's better than the expensive versions they've tried in the past, including the Chi, HSI, and BaBylissPro models. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "By far the BEST hair straightener I’ve bought in the 25+ years I have been straightening my hair. It leaves my hair so shiny and soft. I’ve bought the Chi and other expensive ones, and they don't even compare!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $28.89.  

20. MagicMinerals AirBrush Foundation, your new favorite alternative to Dior's (discontinued!!) Airflash that lives up to the hype — one quick spray of the foundation on the included brush, and it glides so smoothly and subtly over your skin texture that you'll feel like a makeup artist did it for you. Reviewers in their thirties, forties, and up especially swear by this lightweight but effective formula, and love that it's ridiculously easy to use. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Jerome Alexander is a small business that specializes in airbrush cosmetic products. 

HELLO — I found this through a recommendation on a Reddit beauty forum for people in their thirties, which mentioned that it performed like Dior's Airflash, and I am OBSESSED. I am not very skilled with makeup and was intimidated by the brush factor, but it's nearly foolproof. This foundation straight-up glosses over my pores and redness and makes my skin look so even-toned and natural that it doesn't look like I used much foundation at all. It's a bit price-y compared to brands I used in the past, but I'm still on my first bottle of it, and it's been three full months. I hope this never stops getting made. It is so lightweight and lovely and has made my makeup routine feel like a TREAT. 

Promising review: "Bought this because I saw it on TikTok, and it did not disappoint. I love the lightweight feel of it and how easy it is to build." —Smickens

Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in 12 shades). 

21. L’Oréal Paris Makeup True Match Lumi Glotion enhances your skin's natural ✨ glow✨ just like the pricy Drunk Elephant drops — perfect for anyone who wants a lightweight alternative to foundation or just a lil' extra low-effort, ethereal shimmer in their lives. 

www.amazon.com, 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 $14.97 (available in four shades and in multipacks).

22. A Baccarat Rouge 540-inspired moisturizing body wash infused with white jasmine, red currant, and sweet amber that reviewers swear by for a cheap alternative to keep that delectably luxe scent on them all day long. Nothing wrong with smelling a lil' ~~expensive~~! 

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 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 other scents). 

23. CoverGirl's TruBlend Skin Enhancer Baked Luminous Blush is already being heralded as a swap for the$48 Hourglass Blush, and reviewers are in love with the seamless, buildable, natural look of it. This is perfect for everyday looks when you want a pop of color without it stealing the whole show! 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Check out aTikTok of the Baked Luminous Blush in action! 

Promising review: "Baked formulas are my absolute favorites when it comes to blushes and bronzers. These CoverGirl ones are magnificent. I knew I would like these just by looking at them, but they are even better than expected. I have seen many videos online comparing this formula to Hourglass. These CoverGirl ones have great quality, and they are worth every penny. The blushes are very pigmented but at the same time easy to build and blend. They are luminous but not shimmery or sparkly, and they don't enhance texture or pores. I got them in the shades Rose Latte and Strawberry Drizzle, and I will probably get the other two as well. The bronzer is also great. The shade I bought, Honey Bun, has a rosy undertone that goes very well with my skin tone. Like the blushes, it is very easy to blend and build." —Yise

Get it from Amazon for $9.97 (available in eight blush and bronzer shades). 

24. A nourishing lip berry mask that isn't just similar to the $25 Laneige lip sleeping mask, but arguably better — one reviewer says it "moisturizes better than Laneige," and another says that compared to this, Laneige "wasn't up to par." Chef's (hydrated!!) kiss to this winning combo of jojoba oil and shea butter!! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

This brand, Grace & Stella, is also behind theviral, beloved under-eye masks that blow up on TikTok all the time! 

Promising review: "This is the best lip balm I've ever tried. It is intensely moisturizing and feels pleasant. When my lips get super dry in winter, this lip balm turns things around IMMEDIATELY. It's the only lip balm I ever plan to repurchase, honestly." —!!!

Get it from Amazon for $9.95. 

25. Gold Bond Age Renew Body & Face Lotion for all the WOWZA effects of the $84 Crepe Erase Lotion and other expensive competing creams at a delightfully affordable price. Reviewers swear by this for gently rejuvenating and smoothing skin all over their body, noting that the results get better with consistent use and time. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "If you are looking for a truly budget-friendly and exceptionally versatile line of facial and body care, this is it. I have used this on my arms and legs for two weeks, and I see a real game changer. Are my arms and legs devoid of all crepe-iness? NO! Don't let any brand tell you that they can make any natural aging bodily changes disappear. However, this cream, when used consistently, will provide a temporary plumpness to those crinkled areas. I am 65, I am happy and grateful to have reached my mature age; nevertheless, I want and will give my skin all the effective products to keep it as supple as possible." —marihad t arrus

Get it from Amazon for $16.97. 

Psst — if you're looking for one designed for neck tightening, Gold Bond's Age Renew Neck & Chest Firming Cream is another fan favorite! 

26. EOS' Crème de Pistachio Shea Better Body Lotion, which reviewers compare to the iconic TikTok-famous Vanilla Cashmere scent, but with nuttier, cozier, richer notes. If you're looking for a fall glow-up to your skincare routine, this absolutely decadent scent will be just the ticket — reviewers love how well it layers, and compare it to the cult-fave pistachio Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 62 body mist! 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This smells heavenly!! I wore it today with theCheirosa 62, and it smells delicious! I already purchased a second bottle for me and one for my daughter because I know it's going viral, and I don't want to run out! It's already hard to find where I am. To me, this is even better than the Vanilla Cashmere, and that's been my absolute favorite so far." —Heather Mg 

Get it from Amazon for$9.98. 

27. CoverGirl's Jelly Water Tintfor a fresh, "watery" pop of color on your lips and cheeks that looks raindrop-level of dewy, but *won't* transfer like your usual makeup. Reviewers are already in love with how lightweight they feel, how long they last, and how many gorgeous colors you can choose from. It's giving Benetint, without the $25 price tag. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Great lip tint that's buildable. It dries soft to the touch with no transfer. Lasts hours! Can be drying on the lips, so I put a lip oil on top of this lip tint — the tint doesn't budge or smear away. I'm buying more of these!" —Abelle

Get it from Amazon for $8.97 (available in six shades). 

28. A bottle of sulfate-free biotin shampoo that thousands of reviewers swear by for helping restore their hair and promote healthy hair growth over time, with many claiming it's just as good or "much better than some of the more expensive shampoos" with similar effects. It also includes nourishing ingredients like rosemary oil, zinc, and coconut oil to help moisturize locks and give them a fuller, more volumized look. 

www.amazon.com

Read more about how biotin shampoo could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic.

Maple Holisticsis a small business that specializes in beauty products with all-natural ingredients. Check out a TikTok of the biotin shampoo in action. 

Promising review: "My hair was starting to thin rapidly in my mid-20s. Thankfully, I caught it early. I started using this shampoo regularly, and haven’t done any other treatments. The thinning immediately slowed and eventually stopped. It’s six years later, and I still have a great, full head of hair. Judging by my family history, I should be totally bald by now, and this product is the only thing I've used. I credit this stuff with saving my hair! What a miracle!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $14.95.

Psst — reviewers mention this is most effective when paired with a scalp massager to work it into their roots! 

29. A suuuper affordable ginormous multipack of large hydrocolloid acne patches reviewers swear by for saving the big bucks when it comes to skincare, comparing it to expensive brand-name versions for a fraction of the price. Take THAT, sebum!! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Great alternative to the expensive patches. Effectively pulls fluid from acne. There is a lot of variety in sizes and shapes. Will buy again, though this pack looks like it will last a while!" —Peyton 

Get a pack of 142 from Amazon for$6.98. 

30. Catrice's Magic Shaper Face Cream Paletteas an $8 alternative to the $88 (!!) Makeup Forever Palette. This includes a range of highly-pigmented, super blendable shades to help you contour, highlight, and bronze on days when your Gcal just says "GO GO GO" all the way down. (Psst — this is the same brand behind the TikTok-famous $6 Under Eye Brightener, so you know they mean business!) 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Check out a TikTok of the Magic Shaper Face Cream Palette in action. 

Promising review: "So impressed with the Catrice palette. This palette has everything you need to sculpt bronze and blush. The price is cheap and the product lasts forever. Very blendable and pigmented." —Amazonreview

Get it from Amazon for$8. 

31. E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter that looked at the iconic (and expensive) Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter and said, "Game on, pal." Not only does this give that dewy, soft, "barely there" finish, but it's designed to hydrate your skin with hyaluronic acid, helping improve your moisture barrier for longterm glowiness, too. 

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 $15+ (available in 15 shades).

32. Vaseline Sunlit Glow Body Gelgives your skin a deep, subtle shimmer, ultra-hydrating softness, and a deeeelectable cocoa vanilla scent that will make you forget all about its expensive predecessor, the $36 Sol de Janeiro Glowmotions Oil. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

You can check outVaseline's radiant body oils and lotions for more options! 

Promising review: "I am shocked by how pretty it is and how good it smells. Also, great price and great quality. It’s not too greasy, just really nicely moisturizing :)." —Faith Bremmer 

Get it from Amazon for $8.19. 

33. A curl-defining brushhelps evenly divide hair with ridges on the side and gentle, strategically-placed bristles for more defined, frizz-free curls. Reviewers compare this to the $30 EdgeLift version! 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "I have not tried the name-brand brush, but grabbed this one to see if the design worked for my hair. Holy defined curls, Batman! I styled pretty much as usual, but used the brush to distribute the product (I useInnersense gel), lifting at the roots and letting the curls bounce after I released. This photo is after breaking the cast with some hair oil. My curls are never this defined and healthy-looking. Don’t think twice about it: your curls need this brush." —Natalie Gonzalez

Get it from Amazon for $8.49 (available in four colors). 

34. Juno & Co.'s Clean 10 Cleansing Balm, a game-changing makeup remover made with a blend of pearl barley and vitamin E that reviewers adore for getting that ✨ CLEAN clean✨  feeling — it's designed to leave zero residue or oiliness, *plus* brighten skin and reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots. People compare it to pricey versions like the $36 Farmacy Green Clean, Dermalogica, and Elemis! 

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. 

35. An easy-to-apply one-hour (!!) self-tanner so much cheaper and more effective than its competitors (like the $46 St. Tropez) that your medicine cabinet will laugh at the old versions you used. This vegan blend is easy for beginners to use without streaking or uneven patches, and although the tan is instant, the fade is nice and gradual. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: “If you use St. Tropez tan products or any fake tanner, do yourself a favor and try this. This stuff is AWESOME. Dries quickly, lasts longer, does NOT make your skin stinky, applies evenly, and you get a fair amount of product!! Other tanners I’ve used become VERY noticeable when they start fading. Gross hand lines, patchy white spots, etc., but not this stuff. The best one-hour tan I have ever used!” —Amazon Customer 

Get it from Amazon for $12.97 (available in 16 styles).

36. A Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint reviewers compare to Charlotte Tilbury’s $35 Pillow Talk and Nars' $22 Velvet Lip Glide. This one gets bonus points for the softness of the matte color, how buildable and long-lasting it is, and how it doesn't crack or leave skin feeling dry.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I know you have seen this on TikTok and wondering if they are worth the hype. They are so just order them. I have so many colors from this brand, they are so easy to apply. Get them." —Milly

Get it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in a variety of shades). 

Still searching for the perfect addition to your beauty routine? Try these:

* Beauty Products Reviewers Say They’ve Been Using For Years

* New Beauty Products To Try This Fall

* Beauty Products Reviewers Say They’re On Their Second Container Of

* Beauty Products That Smell Great And Work Even Better

* If You’re Stuck In A Makeup Rut, These 30 Products Will Get You Out Of It

Plus, the beauty products we gave 2026 Buzzy Awards to and finds from Amazon, Dermstore, Sephora, Tarte, Ulta, and Walmart.

Why Trust BuzzFeed Shopping?

BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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