Here Are 39 Cheap Versions Of Expensive Products That Legit Seem Too Good To Be True (Spoiler Alert: They’re Not)
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
From fashion to skincare to home products, there’s no limit to how much $$$ you can save if you’re willing to get ~thrifty~ with it.
1. A Simple Modern tumbler ready to put the splurgy Stanley to shame. It’s dishwasher safe, leak resistant, and comes with a built-in straw. It’ll *actually* fit in your car’s cupholder too. And those stunning color options??? I’m sold.
Promising review: “Please do not run out to Targé and waste your money on a Stanley IF you’re only using a cup for ice/cold drinks. This cup is just as good and far more affordable. I put ice in my cup over 24 hours ago during my shift at the hospital, and there is still ice in the cup! This product is BEYOND worth it at this price point. You won’t be disappointed. If the cup isn’t in your cart at this point, I don’t know what’s wrong with you: GET IT! 😂” —Marie
Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in two sizes and 30 colors/patterns). Also available in a style without the handle!
2. A trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks because why on earth would you spend $24 on a single Laneige jar when you get THREE of ’em for a fraction of the price? You’ll sleep soundly knowing your lips are hydrated and your wallet is full.
Promising review: “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 a set of three from Amazon for $9.90 (available in six scent combos).
3. A pair of iconic cross-waist leggings that rival the viral version from Aerie but don’t cost nearly as much. Whether you’re hitting the gym or spending the day bed-rotting, these leggings are IT. Did I mention the hidden waistband pocket?
Promising review: “I bought these leggings because I saw a plus-size woman on TikTok raving about them and thought they were cute! I read reviews, and 90% of them were great, so I ordered them. When I got them the next day I immediately put them on, and I LOVE THEM! They are soooo soft and comfy, and not see-through at all! Definitely recommend these!” —Taylor
Get it from Amazon for $19.90 (available in women’s sizes XS–XL, three inseams, with or without pockets, and dozens of colors).
4. A lil’ polar bear hydrating eye stick when your tired under-eye area needs to be revitalized *without* wasting your hard-earned cash on the Tula version. Plus, this one is arguably much cuter! It’ll help improve your skin’s elasticity and minimize the appearance of dark circles.
Promising review: “I have always had serious dark circles and bags under my eyes, and this has really changed this for me. The results are incredible. The puffiness is gone. The dark circles are hardly noticeable. My sensitive skin has not broken out. I never write reviews, but this was so good that I had to write a review. This actually works.” —Ben
“Better than Tula! I love this cooling stick!! It’s super easy, affordable, and smells lovely.” —Heather
Get it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in two styles and as a two-pack).
5. A bottle of Elizavecca hair treatment with collagen ingredients and protein extracts to help restore over-processed hair. Dull, dry strands are about to go POOF like it’s magic — and you won’t have to spend quadruple the cost on Olaplex.
Simply apply it on 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 to 4c curls mentioning it worked for them!
Check out a TikTok TikTok of the Elizavecca hair treatment in action!
Promising review: “I saw this on TikTok, and in between other comparable products that were four times the price, I decided to bite the bullet and buy this — let me tell you, best decision ever! I shampooed my hair, then heavily massaged this in, from ends to scalp. The carton says 5–20 minutes… But I ended up leaving it in for two days! And after washing it out, my hair was so shiny, bouncy, and CURLY! My curl recovery journey has been long, but this has helped restore so much vibrance and shape to my hair. My mom has been stealing it from my bathroom every couple of days, after having similar results on her hair. Going to need to buy a few more to ward her off.” —Chisso
Check out our full Elizavecca hair treatment review for more deets!
Get a bottle from Amazon for $7.40.
6. Wireless, waterproof Bluetooth earbuds when simply hearing the price of AirPods makes your ears bleed. These come with several silicone tips so you find the best fit. It’s no wonder they have over 230,000 5-star reviews for being comfy *and* affordable. Too good to be true? I think not!
These come with a wireless charging case that provides up to 45 hours of total playtime (with the earbuds able to play for 10+ hours on a single charge!).
I was one of those people still walking around with a cord dangling from my ears because I could never find a wireless pair that worked for me. Enter these life-changing earbuds! I tried all the different silicone ear tips included and got *the* perfect fit. I use them for both listening to music/podcasts and talking on the phone. The sound quality is amazing and I have to charge these MAYBE once a week depending on how much I use them. I’m never going back to AirPods… or dangly wires.
Promising review: “Best decision! These are the greatest headphones ever! I saw them on TikTok months ago and added them to my wish list. I got a new phone that doesn’t have the headphone port, so I decided it was time to finally buy them. They are amazing, and I probably won’t ever take them out of my ears! 😂” —Kate Arnold
Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in five colors).
7. A set of internet-famous Mellanni sheets that’ll make it hard for you to get out of bed in the morning in the best way. It’ll also be hard to believe they don’t cost hundreds of dollars given the luxuriously soft moisture-wicking microfiber fabric!
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 vs 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. Actually better than [the] Peacock Alley brand. 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
“I read from other reviews these sheets were soft so I wasn’t too surprised when I received them and man are they soft and so comfortable. 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 $34.97 (available in sizes twin–California king, plus sets with deep pockets for taller mattresses and 40 colors/patterns).
8. LilyAna Naturals eye cream so you can brighten your under-eye area and reduce dark circles with nourishing ingredients, like provitamin A, vitamins C and E, and rosehip seed oil. We all know about the name-brand versions that can set you back a few bands, but you’re too smart for that.
LilyAna Naturals is a family-owned small business using natural ingredients to craft high-quality skincare products.
Promising review: “I’ve been using this for a couple of months now and I really like it! Previously I’ve used Clinique or Origins…this works just as well or better. I wish I had found this sooner as it is a lot less expensive than other alternatives. I’ve seen other reviewers say they keep it in the fridge and while I don’t find that necessary I may have to try because it sounds very refreshing!” —Cat SV
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in three sizes and in packs of two).
9. A swanky-looking spandex-blend slip maxi dress reviewers are totally obsessed with because it’s comparable to Skims and is an absolute steal for the price!
Reviewers agree that if you want a fitted look, size down.
Promising reviews: “I don’t own any Skims clothing, but 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. I usually wear a medium, but I got this in a small and it was so perfect. So freaking comfortable and made out of thick material. BUY THIS, don’t waste money on Skims.” —Kaitlyn
“I have the Skims dress in black and wanted to look for a cheaper version. But 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 5ft 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! Would recommend this dress.” —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in women’s sizes XXS–XL and 10 colors).
10. Essence Lash Princess Mascara if you’ve been scouring the internet for something that’ll *actually* deliver length and volume to your sad eyelashes. It’s basically the budget-friendly version of Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara. Get ready for your close-up!
Promising review: “After using Lights, Camera, Lashes by Tarte for the past year, I got tired of breaking the bank over mascara. My sister suggested Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect and I IMMEDIATELY fell in love. It provides dramatic length and great volume. I can honestly say I can’t stop looking at my eyelashes in the mirror every single day because of how awesome they look. Also, it is very long-wearing. I go from an eight-hour workday right to the gym and sweat [a lot]..and this stuff doesn’t budge! I love it!!” —Carrie E Weikert
Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (also available as a three-pack).
11. A “why didn’t I try this sooner?” teeth-whitening pen that’ll help get rid of stubborn stains from wine, coffee, and tea. It’s painless, effective, *and* mint-flavored! The best part? It won’t set you back as much Crest 3D Whitestrips.
Promising review: “I really didn’t realize how well it worked until I took the after picture. Then I felt bad that I had not done this before. Let me start by saying, I did not even do this every day. I am bad about starting something and not finishing it, but I did use the two tubes that I purchased. I plan on purchasing two more so I can get my teeth whiter. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to get their teeth whiter.” —Sheri Blanchard
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $18.95.
12. A pair of minimalist teardrop earrings your friends won’t stop asking about until you spill the deets. Whether you choose to tell them you snagged these babies for mere dollars in comparison to the pricey Bottega Veneta version is up to you.
Promising review: “I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly these earrings came and in such cute and safe packaging. They were so shiny and stylish, but I chose the ones that were quite large, but very comfortable and will go with everything!! These are lightweight so they won’t pull on your earlobes, you can actually wear them all day and forget they’re on, they’re so comfy!!! Love them!!” —June D.
Get it from Amazon for $7.40+ (available in two sizes, in colors gold and silver, and in sets of two).
13. Revlon’s One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer brush when your goal is to style and dry your hair at the same time but not go broke on the Dyson Airwrap. Mission accomplished! You’ll speed up your routine while giving your hair an unbelievable amount of shine and volume.
Unlike other hair dryers, this one can be held closer to the roots and scalp for a higher volume and lift and helps you curl hair at the end while it dries. It comes with three heat settings and is designed to work on all hair textures — reviewers with 2a–4c hair mentioned it working for them, and especially noted that it helps cut down on drying time!
Promising review: “Oh. My. Gosh. Let me start off by saying I HATE doing my hair. It’s long, straight, and really fine so I just let it air dry and call it a day but that leaves it flat, frizzy, and a little wavy in the back. Well I got this puppy in the mail today so immediately jumped in the shower so I could use my new drying brush and this thing is literally magic! It dried it so silky smooth and gave me so much volume. I used it on the low setting first then high and was blown away. I will forever be drying my hair this way. I feel like a hair model LOL. So basically … just buy the thing. You won’t regret it!” —Chloe512
Get it from Amazon for $36.95+ (available in three styles).
Many reviewers with curl types 4a-c prefer the oval brush, but if you’re looking to blow out tighter curls or coils, try the Revlon One-Step paddle brush instead. This model is made for users with curlier hair. You can get it for $31.52. Reviewers of this brush also say it’s the best thing they’ve bought for their hair!
14. A magical eye primer to ensure your eye makeup remains intact ALL day long without any smudging or creasing. It’ll seem too good to be true but believe the hype — reviewers swear this stuff is just as good as the more expensive Urban Decay and Too Faced versions.
Promising review: “I am very happy with this purchase! The primer lasted on my client for 14 hours, including 10 hours of on-camera work and running around doing interviews. Pleased as punch! This is what I needed to hear! Finding a good shadow primer is like the holy grail in the life of a makeup artist. I have used many products and wasted a lot of money and I believe I found a winner with Elizabeth Mott’s product! I am thankful and impressed!” —Miss Lilly
Get it from Amazon for $13.99.
15. A cult-fave luxury-scented candle so you can upgrade your space with an upscale feel at a reasonable price. The divine scent features a blend of jasmine, oud, and sandalwood — it’ll carry you away to a paradise where everything is this amazing *and* affordable.
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 six sizes, in gift box options, in packs of two, and in a variety of scents).
16. Some melamine cleaning sponges that’ll help you tackle all the grimy surfaces in your home. Forget Mr. Clean Magic Erasers because these are much cheaper and just as effective. They’re super thick yet gentle enough to handle tough messes.
All you gotta do is wet and swipe!
Promising review: “I’m upset with myself that I did not find this product sooner. I run a professional cleaning business, and have been using the name brand for some time. With the name brand, I had to pick and choose where I used it because they do not last for more than one super dirty bathtub, or one part of a wall, or one part of the fridge. With this product, I was able to clean AN ENTIRE HOUSE WITH ONE SPONGE. And this house was DIRTY. This has seriously saved me so much money, time, and headaches.” —Fifi
Get a 20-pack from Amazon for $14.95 (also available as a 100-pack).
17. NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip because even though it may not seem possible, you can indeed upgrade your pout game without hurting your wallet! It uses vegan squalane and raspberry and cloudberry oils to hydrate your lips. Some reviewers even compare it to Dior’s famous lip oil!
Promising review: “The lip oil trend has fully saturated my TikTok feed. So I was anxious to test and compare. I also own the Dior Lip Oil and tbh NYX is giving them a run for their money. This lip oil does its job for a fraction of the price. The formula isn’t as thick as the Dior product but, the color options and leakproof packing make up for it. I’d definitely recommend picking this up to try!” —Courtney Calestiini
Get it from Amazon for $8.97 (also available in seven shades).
18. A genius milk frother for making your at-home coffee way more appealing, especially if you’re spending a lil’ too much at Starbucks. You’ll be able to add some ~frothy deliciousness~ to any drink (even if you use non-dairy milk)! The $$$ Nespresso Aeroccino has nothin’ on this gadget.
Don’t forget the AA batteries!
Promising review: “OMG, this milk frother makes my homemade latte taste like it was made by a barista. It was perfect. So perfect that I bought a second one for my brother who loves coffee to use. I’ve already recommended it to some coworkers. It has changed my coffee-drinking life. This comes highly recommended.” —Michelle
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 44 styles/colors).
19. Oversize square sunnies if you want to leave everyone guessing about which designer made your stylish shades. Little do they know you’re about to own ’em in every color. 😎 Plus, these have polarized lenses and UV protection!
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
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in 13 lens colors).
20. A baroque mirror everyone will assume you paid a pretty penny for at Anthro but only you know the real truth. If you love vintage-inspired decor pieces at a fair price, you’re about to meet your match.
Promising review: “All I can say is woooow! This mirror is not only affordable, but the quality is amazing. It’s heavy and not cheap-looking. The gold color is not so tacky, and it’s done just right. My main concern was receiving a broken mirror but the packaging was great and arrived in one piece. Don’t hesitate buying this gem, you need it!” —Celeste C
Get it from Amazon for $86.99+ (available in seven sizes and five colors).
21. Peach Slices acne spot dots to suck the gunk out of your zits overnight. They’re quite similar to the famous Mighty Patch version but you get more bang for your buck with these.
Peach Slices is a part of the skincare company Peach & Lily, which was founded by celebrity esthetician Alicia Yoon. It prioritizes vegan beauty products and recyclable packaging. They plant a tree for each order and have sent some proceeds to Restore NYC since 2016.
Check out a TikTok of the acne spot dots in action.
Promising reviews: “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.” —Savannah Wilson
“So I have been using these for about a year now. I have tried Mighty Patch and a few others, [but] none I feel really worked or worked as well. This product is MY GO-TO and I have turned so many others to it.” —Melodie G
Get a pack of 30 from Amazon for $5.24 (also available in a 60-pack).
22. Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream with results you may have to see to believe but that can be arranged 👀! Your hands will feel supple and hydrated without spending 4x the cost on name-brand versions, like Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve.
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Natalie Brown says: “This is my 11th winter in NYC, and every year I MUST have some sort of hand cream in my bag, because the backs of my hands always turn crusty. Some years it’s this, other years it’s the pricier stuff. But it all works the same!! You only need a small dab for your hands, and don’t worry, it’s fragrance-free! TBH a tube of this in my bag usually lasts me through most of the winter, although I also keep other lotions that I use when I’m at home.”
Promising review: “This stuff is incredible. I’ve been using it since I was a kid and it’s just perfect. I get super dry hands, especially because where I live the winters can get down to -40 degrees F. This stuff is magic. I don’t know how else to explain it. This is just the best and most moisturizing hand cream I’ve ever tried — and I’ve tried a lot! A little bit of this goes a LONG way, so don’t worry that it’s only two ounces. One tube of this can last me probably 3–4 weeks, with me applying it every night.” —hatchibomitar
Get it from Amazon for $4.49.
23. Some soft microfiber makeup removing towels reminiscent of the popular Makeup Eraser but for way less. Plus, you literally get 12 of ’em! Add a bit of water and they’ll wipe away the day’s makeup with ease. These are *the* definition of legit, so don’t sleep on ’em.
HuffPost Shopping writer Haley Zovickian owns and loves 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 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 $13.95+ (available in 13 color combos and in packs of 30).
24. Sulfate-free Biotin shampoo because not everyone wants to take a bunch of expensive supplements and hope it’ll fix their thinning hair. This uses botanical extracts to help thicken and hydrate. It also clarifies and removes product buildup!
Talk to your doctor before using this product if you’re experiencing hair loss. Read more about how biotin shampoo could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic.
Maple Holistics is a small business that specializes in beauty products with all-natural ingredients.
Promising review: “I love this shampoo! I had gastric sleeve surgery and my hair was very, very thin. I started taking biotin and switched to biotin shampoo as recommended by my doctor. It doesn’t make your hair grow by washing it but it makes your hair and roots stronger. And it worked. After using the whole bottle, my hair was stronger. I had a lot of new growth that was sticking around (the previous new growth fell out early on) and my hair was getting thicker. Eight months later, my hair is back to normal. It’s longer and thicker than ever. I still use it twice a week and love it! I’m not in love with the way it smells but others love it when they smell my hair.” —Diane J. Huff
Get it from Amazon for $11.95.
25. A pair of comfy clogs that’ll make you say “Birkenstock who??” and it’s easy to see why. They’re similar to the beloved Birkenstock Boston Clog in all the ways that matter. The key difference? You won’t have to walk around feeling ashamed about how much you paid for ’em.
Promising review: “They look just like my real Birkenstock clogs!! The shape, the buckle, the fit: they all make the clog feel legit. They are also super comfy! There is cushioning in the heel that makes them very comfortable to wear. If you are hesitant, just buy them. This is SUCH a bargain considering how expensive real Birks are LOL.” —Quinlan Hanrahan
Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in women’s sizes 6–11, wide sizes, and in 18 colors).
26. A Sol de Janeiro fragrance mist in scent Cheirosa ’68, which may remind you of the glorious Baccarat Rouge 540 but this one won’t leave you with a serious case of buyer’s remorse. This lightweight body spray contains notes of hibiscus, jasmine, and sun musk that’ll make you smell ~fancy~ for less.
Amazon
Promising review: “I finally received my new body spray yesterday and was in complete shock at the resemblance to Baccarat Rouge 540. This body spray is so delicious. It is definitely a Baccarat Rouge 540 [alternative]. There were so many reviews that said how much this body spray resembled the very pricey perfume, and they were all correct. I absolutely love Baccarat Rouge 540, but it’s so expensive compared to other perfumes like Chanel, so I opt not to purchase it regularly. This body spray is a wonderful substitute for overpriced perfume. Today will be my first day wearing the spray, so hopefully, it has great longevity throughout the day as well. 🤞🏼 Regardless, I would still purchase it again moving forward.” —Tina
Get it from Amazon for $36.10 (also available in five other scents).
27. A loungewear set so incredibly soft and fuzzy that it’ll quickly become a permanent staple in your rotation. You won’t be able to resist the urge to strut yourself after realizing how much money you saved by buying this over the Skims version!
Promising review: “No joke, these are pretty much exactly the same as my Skims lounge set for half the price. The pants graze the tops of my feet even when I wear them high-waisted at my belly button, so I think they’re plenty long. The robe is like wearing a blanket but still looks put together. Anyway, I’m back here to buy a second color because I loved them so much!” —Jenna
Get the three-piece set from Amazon for $54.99 (available in women’s sizes S–XL and in 30 colors).
28. A sunrise alarm clock to make the $100+ Hatch option seem like a cruel joke. You’ll get the same perks at a more sensible price. A half hour before your alarm, it gradually brightens from red to orange to bright white for a gentle wake-up call. There’s also an evening routine setting for a soft, subtle glow to get you ready for dreamland. 🌙💤
Amazon
It comes with seven nature-inspired wakeup sounds, plus an FM/AM radio. And there are eight colorful nightlight options as well!
Promising reviews: “I really needed another reliable alarm in the morning besides my cell phone (because I’m notorious for hitting sneeze), and this clock is exactly what I was looking for! I love that it slowly brightens as it gets closer to your alarm time because I feel less startled when my alarm goes off. This is super similar to the famous Hatch alarm clock and at a much cheaper price. Would definitely purchase again and again! Saves my morning” —Skylar Faul
“I had my eye on the Hatch sunrise alarm but didn’t want to spend over $100 on it. I am so glad I found this sunrise alarm clock instead! Has all the features I was looking for for a third of the price! Things I love about this product:
-It’s easy to set up and use
-Can have two different alarms saved
-dimmable
-different color options
-several sound and brightness options
-snooze option
-looks nice
The only feature I do not utilize is the FM radio.” —Olivia Nguyen
Get it from Amazon for $39.98.
29. SKIN1004 face masks you’ll rave about until the end of time after experiencing the very legit benefits for yourself. It helps hydrate, tighten, and reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines — just like Hanacure! Leave it on for 15 minutes and wash it off to reveal your au naturale glow.
Promising review: “Smells great! This face mask does exactly what it says. My skin is nice and lifted, hydrated, noticeable reduction in fine lines, improved texture, reduced pore size, and eliminated some newly developed rough patches forming around the hairline. Couldn’t be more satisfied with this product! I have pretty good skin for 37, but this mask has really helped take my skin to the next level” —Samantha
Get an eight-pack from Amazon for $25.
30. A set of chic cylindrical wineglasses when you want to feel like absolute royalty without overspending. These are just as glamorous as the Crate & Barrel version but each sip won’t be a reminder of how much money you wasted.
Joy Jolt is a small business that specializes in modern and pop culture-themed drinkware and kitchen accessories.
Promising review: “Crate & Barrel look for less. These look and feel very high end — almost like a thin crystal.” —Lauren
Get a set of two from Amazon for $16.95 (available in three styles).
31. E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter for enhancing your natural glow without succumbing to Charlotte Tilbury’s famous Flawless Filter — your bank account will thank you. It can be mixed with your foundation or moisturizer OR you can apply it as a highlighter. Either way, you’ll be shining bright like a diamond. 💎
It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid and squalene for a boost of hydration!
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 $12.31+ (available in 12 shades).
32. NYX setting spray so you can complete your fierce makeup look with a much-needed BANG! A spritz or two of this stuff will help lock in your product with a matte finish so it lasts for hours without constant reapplying *and* without splurging on Urban Decay’s version.
Promising review: “I had seen this on TikTok and thought it was a waste of money, until I tried it, and it works. It locks in your makeup. You just have to make sure your makeup is perfect and then spray your face.” —Mary
Get it from Amazon for $9+ (available in four styles, in jumbo sizes, and in packs of two).
33. A CZ tennis bracelet because the proof is in the jewelry — you don’t have to spend a small fortune to look lavish! Swarovski isn’t exactly an option for those of us on a budget, but this is the next best thing.
Promising reviews: “Soooo pretty. It’s 100% a Swarovski [alternative] for so cheap. Looks exactly like the photo, and I wear it every day.” —Trysten Walters
“I just lost my very real gold tennis bracelet. I’ve heard good things about this company and decided to order one that looked like the one I lost. It just came in, and it looks as nice as my real one. I don’t know how it will do as time goes, but for $19, it’s a great buy” —Alina
Get it from Amazon for $17.95+ (available in three lengths, 14K gold-plated or 18K gold vermeil, in yellow, rose, or white gold, and in packs of two).
34. Pure Instinct Roll-On, a “pheromone-infused” scent that went viral on TikTok and rightfully so. It’s more affordable than the Basic Instinct option, so you’re already ahead of the game. It’s made to blend with your skin’s PH to create a one-of-a-kind scent that’ll make you smell utterly irresistible.
Pure Instinct is a small business established in 1985 that specializes in personal fragrances and essential oils.
Promising review: “If you love Basic Instinct by Pure Romance, you will LOVE this affordable alternative! To me it smells almost exactly the same; there is an extremely slight difference in smell that I’m sure others around me wouldn’t even pick up on, and I still LOVE the smell! I love Basic Instinct, but ran out a while ago and just couldn’t justify spending that much money on more. I’m so glad I found this alternative!” —MN Tigerlily
Get it from Amazon for $16.95 (also available as a three-pack).
35. A weightless liquid cream blush some reviewers compare to Rare Beauty’s liquid blush but at a price they can actually live with. It’s dewy, blendable, and highly pigmented so you can create just the look you’re going for!
36. A set of remote-operated flameless candles with the same enchanting effect of a real flickering flame. Ditch the fire hazard and the expensive name-brand alternatives *cough* Luminara *cough* you’ve spent far too much on.
These require three AAA batteries per candle that will last you about 150 hours.
Promising review: “With the price of batteries, these beautiful candles are a must. I’ve always used Luminara, which, unfortunately, devour batteries and die after several years. These candles also have a more soothing, ambient effect. The colored exteriors are far prettier than Luminara. Great gifts!” —pandorah
Get the set of three from Amazon for $25.99 (available in four colors).
37. E.l.f.’s Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm to literally melt away the makeup you’ve been wearing for who knows how long. It’s great for sensitive types and is jam-packed with hyaluronic acid to quench dry skin while protecting your fragile moisture barrier. It’s got Farmacy vibes at a low, low price.
Promising review: “E.l.f. has really stepped up their game lately! I was using Farmacy Makeup Meltaway, and I loved it, but it was very expensive. I decided to try the E.l.f brand because of the price, and it’s the exact same thing! For $11, you can’t go wrong with this product. I wear waterproof mascara, and this makes removing it super easy! My face feels super clean and hydrated after using this product. The product lasts for a good amount of time, too.” —Haley McCaulley
Get it from Amazon for $11.
38. Lace-up combat boots if you love creating edgy looks that don’t cost a fraction of your rent (sorry, Dr. Martens). Pair ’em with skinny jeans, leggings, dresses, or skirts — the possibilities are truly endless.
Promising review: “These are pretty darn awesome. Love how they have the side zipper to put them on easily in addition to the normal lace-up. The heel is a perfect height and they have a solid feel, but not too heavy. The contrasting stitching gives the boot a great look. They are comfortable and true to size. If you are looking for a pair of combat boots at a great price, these are it. Love ’em!” —Implied Queens
Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in women’s sizes 5.5–10 and four styles).
39. A soothing Briotech spray that’ll calm angry irritated skin with the same holy-grail ingredient used in Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray: hypochlorous acid. Give yourself a spritz to help calm inflammation and reduce redness while simultaneously strengthening your skin barrier.
BTW, people also love this for helping heal piercings.
Promising reviews: “It works just like my Tower 28 spray. Smells the same and feels the same. It’s more product and saves you money. It also comes with two lids which is perfect for traveling!” —Andrea Benton
“Just an FYI, this product has the exact same ingredients as the Tower 28 spray! It’s been absolutely amazing at reducing acne and texture! It’s also so refreshing and gives a lil’ glow. So in love!” —BK
Get an 8-ounce bottle from Amazon for $16.59 (available in five sizes and in multipacks).
Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.
