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Between You And Me, These 35 Products Are Excellent Swaps For Way Splurgier Items
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We hope you love our recommendations! While every product is independently chosen by our editors, BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. You can read more about how our affiliate partnerships work in our Editorial Standards & Ethics Guide. This *stunning* CoverGirl baked luminous blush is a ringer for the $48 Hourglass version...but hey, you didn't hear that from me. 🤫 Nowadays, for every expensive, highly sought-after product that hits the market, there seems to be a cheaper, just-as-good alternative that surfaces on the internet soon after. Whether it's a solid pair of over-ear headphones to rival Sony and Bose, a deeply nourishing lip sleeping mask that mimics Laneige, or a pair of buttery soft leggings that could truly pass for Lululemon, these product swaps aren't just good for your wallet — they're genuinely good, period. Check out a TikTok 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 $9.79+ (available in eight blush and bronzer shades). Promising review: "Excellent for sensitive skin. Instantly helped with redness and hydration. Feels light putting it on and absorbs quickly, no feeling of residue. It has a scent, but it is pleasant and light, and it disappears quickly. I got Pyunkang Yul Calming Moisture Barrier Cream first, which is also excellent for sensitive skin, but now I will use it at night as it's not as light in comparison. Reminds me of Clinique's Moisture Surge line, which might feel similar, but theirs is not good for truly sensitive skin. I recommend it for overly sensitive oily skin with redness due to past sun damage and or acne." —Anastasia Grinberg It's recommended to store this in the fridge to slow down oxidation and help the product last longer! If you use this in the morning, be sure to follow with sunscreen. Promising review: "I’m on my fourth bottle. I have tried several other brands, but they oxidize quickly. The pump keeps oxygen from getting in, which slows any oxidation. It works well and fades my brown spots beautifully. It also gives me a wonderful glow even after a freshly cleansed face. It has all the important ingredients without the [high] price. Love it!" —Shawny Get it from Amazon for $22.95+ (available in four sizes and a two-pack). Check out a TikTok of the Slipsticks in action. These even feature magnetic closures to keep them extra secure when you're on the go! 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 $9.71+ (available in 10 shades). And if you (like me) try to avoid scented products because your skin is sensitive, you'll be happy to know this is fragrance-free! Promising review: "This cream is one of the best products on the marketplace! I recently tried two jars of the Beverly Hills MD Crepe Correcting Body Complex, and really liked the cream, but found it expensive. Then I saw the Gold Bond equivalent and decided to try this instead. At this low price, I figured I had nothing to lose — even if it didn't lift, it would still moisturize. After several weeks of using this product, I am truly happy with the results. This cream helps to lift and firm the skin on the neck much more effectively than any product I have ever tried, at a fraction of the cost. Rarely does a product exceed your expectations. Highly recommended. A++++" —Kristine Y. Promising reviews: "I've seen these leggings all over TikTok and finally decided to give them a chance. I do a lot of HIIT workouts and find that these 'buttery soft' leggings never really hold up well. I don't know what they're doing differently here, but I love it. They are so soft and stretchy, but incredibly smoothing. They've done well in HIIT, low-impact, and weight-lifting workouts. I couldn't recommend these enough." —Ashley "These leggings are incredible! The fabric is so soft and feels just like Lululemon. Lightweight, high-quality, and sweat‑wicking. Even during intense workouts or runs, I don’t feel sweaty at all. They move perfectly with my body and stay in place without riding down. Definitely my new favorite pair!" —Kara Get them from Amazon for $19.92+ (available in women's sizes XXS–XL and 22 colors) — and check out matching tops and bras at the Amazon CRZ Yoga page! I own *several* of these workout tops from The Gym People now and absolutely love them; I have no doubt I'll be back for more. They're soft, comfortable to work out in, and look great on; plus, they come in the CUTEST shades and have built-in padding — what more could you want? Note: These have a pretty snug fit, so consider sizing up! I wear a small in most tops, but a medium in these works perfectly. Promising review: "I have always bought the athletic tank tops from Lululemon and Athleta, but I will not anymore after buying this product! I feel like the quality is very similar, but the price is sooo much better. This fits me very similarly to how the tank tops at Lululemon fit, and I would argue they fit me much better than the Athleta tops (which always seem to be baggy on my waist). It is comfortable and durable and so cute!" —Madeline Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–3XL and 38 colors). You can check out Vaseline's radiant body oils and lotions for more options! Promising review: "Luxurious oil to use after the shower. Provides great moisturization. Love the bonus that it gives, just the perfect sexy shimmer. The warm vanilla scent is subtle yet intoxicating. Feels like a high-end cosmetic moisturizer. Very surprising this is Vaseline." —Mogypsymomma Get it from Amazon for $8.97 (also available in a darker shade). 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 Promising review: "Every hat should be lined with SATIN!! Saves your hairstyle. Warm hat, no itchiness. I purchased four of these hats — one for the car, one for my work bag, one for home, and one for my coat pocket. It also makes a great gift." —Tracy Abc Burke Get it from Amazon for $9.95+ (available in 22 colors — just be sure you are clicking into a satin-lined style, because not all of them are). Psst — one dermatologist on TikTok even recommends using it on your armpits to help fight the bacteria that causes body odor! 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 $9+ (available in two sizes and a pack of two). You can see the gold- and silver-plated duo stacked on the reviewer's wrist above (the two on the right). They look great on their own or as part of a stack! Promising review: "Soooo pretty. It’s 100% a Swarovski [alternative] for so cheap. Looks exactly like the photo and I wear it every day." —Trysten Walters Get it from Amazon for $17.95+ (available in three colors, three sizes, and a two-pack). BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord says, "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." Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in 10 styles). Promising review: "Throw your expensive Crest Whitestrips away! Being the son of a dental hygienist, clean, bright white teeth have always been important to me. Though I had my reservations about the whitening pen, it certainly didn't disappoint and works far better than the Whitestrips I've been using for the last several years, not to mention it's a much better deal for your money. I'm a total coffee connoisseur, which has always made having a bright white smile all the more challenging, but the Pen is giving me the upper hand." —Franknsd Get a pack of two pens from Amazon for $15.25. It's color adapting, so one of four shades will work well for any skin tone! To use, apply this in thin layers to avoid creasing, then follow with your favorite concealer and setting powder if you like. If you don't like applying products with your fingers, they also make a triangle-shaped puff that's perfect for using with this. I have this in the Light Rose shade (I'm very pale), and it works *so* well to brighten my under-eyes — I use my fingers to apply it (after moisturizing and applying my primer), and it blends seamlessly. When I want to look more awake and lively, I love reaching for this Catrice brightener — and while I also love my Tarte Shape Tape blurring concealer stick (which retails for $32), I have to admit the results are pretty similar with this $6 product. Promising review: "Took years off my eyes! 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." —Monica T. Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in four shades). Note that the AAD recommends using at least SPF 30 and reapplying as needed for skin protection. You can read about sunscreen myths and facts from dermatologists for more information! Check out a TikTok of the collagen sunscreen in action. Promising review: "I am a skincare snob. I spend way too much money on products. But over the last couple of years, I’ve been trying to find a new moisturizer with SPF that doesn’t bankrupt me. I need something that can help my dry skin, protect from the sun, and not irritate my sensitive skin. I was skeptical about this product, never having heard of the brand, but I gave it a try. I am SO thrilled with the results. This moisturizer is BETTER than the $55 alternative I have been using. It moisturizes like a dream. It doesn’t pill. And my sensitive skin loves it. I am THRILLED with my purchase and will definitely be back for more!" —R. Berry 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 use Innersense 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. Don’t think twice about it: your curls need this brush." —Natalie Gonzalez Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in four colors). BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord vouches for these: "I am a recent convert to these JBL headphones, and as someone with a big chonky head, I CANNOT recommend them enough. I have had to 'stretch out' every pair of over-the-ear headphones I've ever bought, but these were comfy on my noggin and gentle on my ears (even with earrings on!) from the moment I opened them. The sound quality is absolutely gorgeous — I've been bopping around to the Wicked soundtrack like I'm an extra in both of the movies. I also am obsessed with how well these cancel noise, as someone living in very noisy NYC!" Get it from Amazon for $219.95 (available in four colors). Dossier is a small business that specializes in alternative, affordable perfumes — check out the rest of their options on their Amazon storefront! Promising review: "I love this! I was very hesitant about 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 last as long with 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 $28.94 (available in three other scents and a larger size). Check it out a TikTok of the E.l.f. mascara in action. BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord swears by this: "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). My colleague Elizabeth Lilly owns four pairs of these and swears by them! She says she even packs them for trips so she never has to go without while traveling. Promising review: "This pillowcase is a total game changer! Seriously, it's like sleeping on a cloud. The fabric is so silky and soft, and it's perfect for my sensitive skin. I've been having the best, most comfy sleeps since I got it. Treat yourself to some luxury with this pillowcase — totally worth it!" —Christa E. Get a set of two from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in four sizes and a variety of colors). 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 $20.65+ (available in three sizes and 11 colors/sets). Check out a TikTok of the marshmallow lip treatment in 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 Promising review: "I purchased this bag because of the Chanel look, and I’ve gotten lots of compliments on it. I’m glad I purchased." —Carollpickard Get it from Amazon for $23.99 (available in 16 styles). Promising review: "I have really thick, dark, straight-ish hair, and this is the best hair oil I have ever used. I used to use Gisou hair oil, and I can gladly say that this product does work waaaaaay better than those expensive oils. This makes my hair soooo soft, and it takes away all of the frizz from my hair. It smells really good, fresh and clean. This bottle has lasted me soooo much longer than I expected. A little goes a long way. I love using it after the shower on damp hair, but also on dry hair. It is just an amazing hair oil, and I will never use anything else but this." —Brianna Get the Original serum from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in two sizes and four other formulas). Promising review: "I painstakingly searched for hours for a 6x9 faux fur white rug that had solid reviews and didn't cost an arm and a leg. I'm so glad I did my research because I didn't find this one until right at the end! It feels so soft and luxurious and totally pulls my room together!! Most of the similar rugs I looked at were at least $250, if not a lot more, so when I found this for $140, I just couldn't beat it! My living room is very large and somewhat narrow, and it fills the space perfectly! I also bought the 2x3 throw, which is just as soft and awesome as the larger rug!! Highly recommend!!!" —Isiah Abraham Get a 2x3 rug from Amazon for $17.99 (available in a variety of colors and shapes/sizes). Throw a cropped jacket, vest, or long cardigan over the top for a cute cold-weather 'fit! Promising review: "I absolutely love this bodysuit! I discovered this brand from my coworker, who was wearing this bodysuit in a different color, and it looked so good on her that I knew I had to give it a try. Finding items that fit my body nicely is next to impossible, but THIS?! It was literally perfect and full coverage + support and not sheer at all! I’m buying this in so many colors and the quality is SO good. I love this more than my Skims!" —Zoe T Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in women's sizes S–XXL and 12 colors). Promising reviews: "This lamp is flawless in design and reminds me of Italian Murano glass. I promise it will make you smile and you will want to buy more than one...and at this price you can!" —AA "I am obsessed with this adorable, mini lamp. I wanted the Urban Outfitters one, but couldn’t justify the price. This one is even cuter and much more affordable." —Audge Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in five colors). Promising review: "Omg, Laneige could never compare to this mask!!! Packaging is a 10, with a glass container and sturdy lid. The silicone applicator is a 10 and I'm gonna keep that thing forever because it's sooooo nice!!! The amount of product is amazing, and to boot, a little goes a long way, so this will last me a long time. Smell and taste are a 10 (unlike Laneige, which smells and tastes like chemicals). This has a light scent that's barely noticeable. The price is sooooo affordable, especially in today's world, where even Carmex costs over 10 bucks. This mask is sticky, but that's the point of it. Masks are supposed to be sticky, so they stay on and hydrate. If you don't like the sticky feeling, then leave it on for a little while and then blot off any excess before you go to bed. It still will have your lips feeling soft. Love the formula. If you have dry lips...this is your holy grail. Buy it!" —Mandy Muffley Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in five flavors and a three-flavor set). Sunglasses are one of those things that are more of a functional item than a fashion statement for me, so I refuse to pay for high-end brands. That being said, I did like the look of these online, so I stocked up with one of the three-packs and absolutely love them. I had to adjust to the more slender, oval shape (which, of course, doesn't block out *as much* of the sun as large sunglasses do), but it's still more than adequate for everyday wear for me. And I've gotten numerous compliments on these — I had them at a pool party with some friends, and they literally thought they were designer and were *shocked* to hear they're from Amazon. Promising review: "I absolutely love these sunglasses! They suit my face beautifully and elevate any look with their stylish design. The gold details on the sides are such a stunning touch — reminiscent of high-end Miu Miu sunglasses but at a fraction of the cost. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and feel durable. I’ve received so many compliments already." —Arsalan sheikh Get them from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in five styles and also in packs of two or three). Also, she's ~multipurpose~ — reviewers like to use this as a blush too! Promising reviews: "I used to manage a Benefit Cosmetics boutique and I can say this is 100% comparable to BeneTint! 👍🏽 The sheerness is natural-looking but not invisible, and the color lasts a workday. Not heavy like a power blush that sits on top of the skin. No breakouts!" —Katie Stober "I bought this on a whim after seeing a TikTok where it was suggested. I tried it for the first time today, and it definitely lives up to the hype. I take the excess off on the side of the bottle and then put a couple of dots on my cheeks and blend it out with a brush so I don't get it on my hands. It blended easily and surprisingly wasn't too dark. Gives a nice, natural flush." —FinAndMarketing Get it from Amazon for $6.16+ (available in nine shades and in sets of three). Read more about how biotin shampoo could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic. 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 [don't love] the way it smells, but others love it when they smell my hair." —Diane J. Huff Get it from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in four sizes, five scents, and a two-pack). Check out a TikTok of the Mamazing travel stroller in action. Promising review: "We absolutely love this stroller. I bought a different one to compare and settled on this one. Wheels were great in Europe, even on cobblestone. Easy to travel with and carry. There is a small zipper pocket on the back, and the bottom storage is good enough to put a big diaper bag. Had an issue I wasn’t happy with on the latch, and product support quickly sent me a replacement. I would recommend it to everyone and will buy again if this wears out." —Jasmine Get it from Amazon for $189.99+ (available in 10 styles, some of which come with an organizer and cushion). Promising review: "SO happy with the purchase. This bag fits my work laptop (17.3 inches), my personal laptop, my iPad, my portfolio, my Kindle, and chargers for them all, with room to spare. The material is pretty good quality and has stood up well so far to my frequent travel. It looks so high-quality that I had a coworker who owns a Béis bag say that our bags look the same. But, honestly, I think this bag is better than the Béis work tote (a controversial statement, I’m sure). So much so that when I got a Béis bag for Christmas, I ended up returning it so I could keep using this tote! Definitely a must for young professionals who aren’t ready to shell out hundreds of dollars and commit to a designer work tote yet." —Hannah Rodlund Get it from Amazon for $35.86+ (available in nine styles). Promising review: "I RARELY write product reviews, and if I do, it’s because something is either so terrible or so incredible that I can’t keep it to myself, and these are the latter!! For some reason, I have a hard time getting pimple patches to really stick to my face, and I have very dry skin. I’m also not willing to regularly spend $15 on nine patches — so when I saw these 96, I repeat, 96 patches for this price, along with a good star rating, I just had to try them. And let me tell you, THEY ARE AMAZING!! "I can put them on and then do all my skincare over top, including wetting my face for snail mucin, and they do not budge. They don’t come off on my pillow or slide around, and I think they minimize and reduce redness WAY better than Cosrx, Mighty Patch, or Peach Slices. They pull out everything and don’t leave you with a little whitehead to deal with in the a.m. If you’re not sure, just trust me, babe, I’m sure for you!" —Sydney Get a 96-count pack from Amazon for $16.99. 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. Jenae Sitzes is a shopping editor with over a decade of experience working in online media, covering everything from affordable beauty and unique home finds to genius pet products, and she's constantly saving interesting finds on TikTok (in *very* organized folders, mind you) to share with BuzzFeed readers. Note: Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.