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Alternatives to brand names that are just as good (if not better) and extra money for treating yourself is the ultimate win-win.

Promising review: "Best decision! These are the greatest headphones ever! I saw them on TikTok months ago and added them to my wishlist. I got a new phone that doesn't have a headphone port, so I decided it was finally time to buy them. They are amazing, and I probably won't ever take them out of my ears! 😂" —Kate Arnold

Get it from Amazon for $18.96+ (available in five colors).

For reference, the Laneige lip mask contains 20 grams of product, while each of these measures 5 grams, for a total of 15 grams in the entire set. So, even with product sizes taken into account, these are a much better deal! 

Promising review: "An alternative to 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 a set of three from Amazon for $9.90 (available in five scent combinations).

Promising review: "I am not responsible enough to own an expensive scarf, but I LOVE, love, love colorful things, so I had to own this. It is delightfully soft on the skin and just as vibrant in person as it is online! I've really enjoyed wearing it on blustery days when I want to be bundled up, but don't want to be in my usual boring black-on-black New York winter gear." —Emma Lord, BuzzFeed writer

Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in 10 styles). 

Promising review: "Tired of traditional 'cool' pillows that feel like a brick? Tired of soft pillows that wake you up in sweat? Look no more! I am a very hot-natured, hot-sleeping person. I can not sleep without a fan on high blowing on me. This pillow is legitimately cool and comfortable. Somehow soft, but still supportive. Very, very happy with my purchase and the price!" —Robert

Get a set of two queen-size pillows from Amazon for $39.99+ (also available in various pack/set options and sizes, and two styles). 

Lulu Candles is a US-based small business that specializes in scented candles and perfumes. 

Promising review: "I have been searching high and low for a good candle that’s reminiscent of Le Labo’s Santal 33, and this is it! And for a fraction of the cost. This will definitely be a repeat purchase, please don’t ever discontinue this scent!" —Lindsay Fordham

Get it from Amazon for $19.95+ (available in four sizes, gift box options, packs of two, and a variety of scents).  

And remember, like with any retinol (that actually works) *just do not use it every day.* Start slow and work yourself up if needed, paying attention to your skin. It's recommended to use this at night and follow up with sunscreen in the morning!

Promising reviews: "I absolutely love this stuff! I saw a dermatologist on TikTok who raved about this product and tried it out, and it's been the most amazing stuff! It's helped clear my face, removing all blemishes and dark spots very quickly. It's been one of the best products I've added to my face routine. This would be great for all ages/stages and for any weather types." —Successful Solo

"I bought this for my teenager to use for his acne scars, but he ended up not using it. I ran out of my Murad retinol serum, so I gave this a try. I actually like it better than the Murad! It absorbs quickly, with zero smell or irritation. As with any retinol product, be sure to wear sunscreen when you're going to be outside." —C. Munsterman

Promising review: "This is a quality product in my opinion. Equal to Moleskine sketchbooks at half the price. I don't often write reviews, but I have purchased and used a few of these, filled them up, carried them about, and found them quite durable." —E. D. Scoville

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 160 and 252 page options, and 20 colors with blank, lined, dotted, or grid pages).

Promising review: "It’s much more spacious than it looks. It’s very sleek and stylish. I use it as my work bag and find that it looks professional and has enough space for all of my stuff. I carry a laptop, a pencil case, two books, a makeup bag, a water bottle, a wallet, lotion, a phone, and laptop charger, and other small miscellaneous objects. Still plenty of space. And when you carry it, it doesn’t feel bulky or cumbersome." —Su

Get it from Amazon for $35.86+ (available in nine styles). 

Promising review: "I’ve been buying these for years. They replaced my Ray-Bans that look identical! Fit great and with the price point, I don’t have to worry about too much with my kids and being on the go!" —Jessica M

Get a pack of three from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in 11 sets, as well as two-packs and individual pairs). 

Promising reviews: "Wow! I have waist-length, 3c, curly, color-treated hair that’s usually a nightmare to deal with in the summer, and this stuff is a game-changer. My hair is silky, my curls are defined, it dried in like half the usual time… Seriously impressed!" —Stavana Jubinsky

"I'm a professional hairstylist, and Matrix, Redken, and L’Oreal are all owned by L’Oreal, and each line has a lamellar water in it at different prices. I am here to tell you that they are all the exact same ingredients in different bottles. So buy the cheapest and save yourself some cash. Your hair will love you for it. I love this stuff." —anonymous87

Joy Jolt is a small business that specializes in modern and pop culture-themed drinkware and kitchen accessories. 

Promising review: "The Crate & Barrel look for less. These look and feel very high-end — almost like a thin crystal." —Lauren

Get a set of two white wineglasses from Amazon for $19.95+ (also available in red and champagne styles). 

Dossier is a small business that specializes in alternative, affordable perfumes and original creations — check out the rest of their options on their Amazon storefront! 

Promising review: "I love this! I was very hesitant on buying this for the longest time because I have been wearing YSL Black Opium for years and I was sure I’d be able to smell a difference.🙃 Honestly, I’ve smelt them side-by-side, and they smell pretty spot on! 😍 I will say I don’t notice the scent lasts as long as this version versus YSL, but if you are looking for something that smells very close and just for a quick evening, this is it. Otherwise, if you’re on a tight budget and you need your usual scent, definitely purchase! 💕 Just know you may need to apply it more often than the very concentrated YSL Black Opium.🫶" —Alexis Tranby

Get it from Amazon for $25.97+ (available in two sizes and in three other scents). 

Promising review: "This product actually works! Very affordable, too. There are plenty of expensive teeth-whitening products out there, but why spend extra money when you don't have to? Definitely worth trying!" —Mona L Cureton

Get a two-pack from Amazon for $15.25 (also available in a pack of four).

Promising review: "I am already obsessed with this blanket. It's large and feels exactly like Barefoot Dreams. The only major difference between them is that my Barefoot Dreams one is a bit thicker, but honestly, that's not a bad thing. It's double-sided and large, so it makes up for it. I got the blue color, and I'm so happy. I need to get all the colors. JUST BUY IT." —Teresa Staker

Get it from Amazon for $22.49+ (available in three sizes and 16 colors/prints).

Promising review: "These are literally the best leggings/joggers I have ever owned, and I plan to eventually buy every single color. I originally saw these on TikTok and heard they were like the Lululemon ones, but cheaper. I've never owned Lululemon leggings, but if they feel anything like these, then I have clearly been missing out. These are soft and absolutely perfect. I love the pockets and jogger style, and that they fit like leggings and can be worn to the gym or dressed up with a cute outfit. I need to buy every color of these before they're gone!" —Courtney

Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–3XL and a variety of colors). 

Promising reviews: "Clearly time I got a new eyeshadow palette. Sargent Freddie Mercury (my not-even-4-pound bunny) made it his mission to destroy my overpriced James Charles palette. This palette is the same quality, maybe even nicer. This eyeshadow was put on at around 3 p.m., and it's almost 1 a.m. The 'highlight' stayed on my nose, even with my mask on through a whole day of work. That blew my mind." —Daniel T Adams

"Best palette I've owned, and you can't beat this price! The colors are beautiful and vibrant. They are also extremely pigmented, especially the shimmery colors, and they all seem to blend well. I'm happy to have every color I could ever want in an eyeshadow in the palm of my hands, and I've been experimenting with colors I've never worn before!!" —Mary Diamond

Get it from Amazon for $9.69+ (available in two palette ranges). 

Promising review: "One of my favorite bags bought on Amazon. Holds everything, but it’s not bulky or anything. Great quality, and it looks basically like the Coach bag. AMAZING. Definitely worth the money." —Jocelyn Dianne

Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in 21 colors). 

Promising review: "These are my new favorites. They are comfortable and do not show under all my clothes. They are super soft, too, and hold up all day without gapping. I have been buying Victoria’s Secret underwear for many years, spending unnecessary money. I’ll repurchase these over and over again." —Joshua

Psst — if you're looking for a thong option, reviewers are obsessed with these Skims-inspired thongs that are also on Amazon! 

Get a set of six from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and 17 sets). 

Promising reviews: "Similar to the Drunk Elephant bronzing drops, but half the cost!!! Definitely has more shimmer/glow to it." —Taylor Luckhardt

"This is EXACTLY what I was looking for. I apply after moisturizer and makeup, highlighting under my eyes and brow bones. It's not too sparkly; it just makes me look like I’ve had enough coffee. Seems to last through hot and sweaty Florida days, so that’s a plus. I’ve tried other luminizers, and for me, they are usually too sparkly or weirdly colored. I tried a $$ Glossier one that remained strangely sticky the whole time it was on my skin." —DLW

Get it from Amazon for $14.97 (available in five shades and two-packs).

Promising review: "I absolutely love this ring! I know it’s not a real Cartier, but it definitely looks like one. The gold metallic tone has held up beautifully; it hasn’t faded or tarnished. The quality feels great, and it looks so elegant and dainty on my hand.

It is true to size and pairs perfectly with any jewelry, giving a high-end look no matter what you wear it with. Everyone keeps asking me if it’s a real Cartier ring! I couldn’t be happier with this purchase. Definitely a 5-star product!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $8.95+ (available in sizes 5–12, three finishes, and two styles).

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 several 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 $13.98+ (available in 13 color combos and in packs of 24 or 30). 

Promising review: "LOVE. It is super comfortable to wear and is great for supporting my chest when I go on a run. Doesn't collect sweat, very nice and cool material for hotter environments. I have it is so many colors because I love them so much. HIGHLY recommend!" —Cheyenne

Get it from Amazon for $19.98+ (available in women's sizes XS–3XL and 38 colors). 

Promising review: "I love, love, love my Physicians Formula Diamond Dust mineral powder! I wish I’d known about this before I spent $42 on a Fenty compact that does MORE than I want with the sparkle; this product gives just the right amount of coverage without ending up all over my face and my clothes. It’s also pretty if you want to bring attention to your collarbones or shoulders. A perfect amount of shimmer with little effort! Try it!! You can thank me later!!" —camielle parent

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two shades). 

Reviewers with everything from thin, fine hair to 4c curls have reported positive results from this moisturizing formula. It's particularly recommended for folks whose hair is damaged from using hot tools, bleach, and the like. Read our Elizavecca CER-100 collagen coating treatment review for more deets!

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 (I tried a little bit first because I was petrified it would burn off my hair and leave me bald!), but lo and behold, it was magic! My hair is so strong, silky, and nourished-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

I bought this necklace on a whim a few months ago, and it's quickly become one of my favorites. I got the white pendant, and it pairs so nicely with all my outfits. A few weeks ago, I went to a friend's birthday party, and another friend told me they thought my necklace was actually Van Cleef!!! I highly recommend this piece if you're looking for a designer alternative for wayyyy cheaper that is still pretty and high-quality! 

Get it from Amazon for $12.77 (available in 10 colors/styles).

Promising review: "I’ve used this setting spray a few times now and I absolutely love it. It really helps my makeup stay in place all day without needing touch-ups, even in heat or humidity. The mist is super fine and dries quickly without feeling sticky or heavy on the skin. It sets everything beautifully without ruining your makeup or leaving any residue. I also love that it doesn’t have a strong scent. If you want your makeup to last and still feel comfortable, this is a great choice. Definitely a new favorite in my routine!" —YSantiago

Get it from Amazon for $10.98+ (available in two sizes).

Promising review: "Like so many, I found this scent on TikTok. I was a bit skeptical at first, but finally got around to trying it. First off, this scent smells amazing! Almost every time I've worn it, I receive compliments. It has a sweet smell, almost like warm cake or sugar cookies with a hint of lemon. With such an affordable price, I would definitely recommend this to anyone curious about trying it." —Chrissy

Get it from Amazon for $4.50 (also available in a six-pack).

Promising review: "Adorable makeup bag! Great quality, and I love that you can customize the color and letter. It fits a ton of makeup, and I’ve been using it for a year with no complaints. Makes a great gift as well." —Maddie

Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in 26 letters and nine color combinations). 

Reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.

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.

Samantha Wieder is a freelancer and former editor who has been writing for BuzzFeed Shopping since 2017, with a focus on beauty, travel, and practical products, and in addition to writing, she’s in the process of getting her master’s in speech-language pathology.