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41 Budget-Friendly Versions Of Pricier Items That You'll Definitely Want To Know About
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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. If you're committed to spending less in 2026, these Olaplex, Apple, and (*gasp*) Bottega Veneta alternatives can help. 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 $11.99 (available with or without a bear keychain, in three formulas, and in a variety three-pack). In total, the case holds about 80 hours of charge (or 63 with noise cancelling on). Promising review: "I've owned my share of both cheap and expensive headphones over the years, mainly for running, cycling, and the gym. No-nonsense, these headphones sound just as good as my older Bose, with equal or even better noise cancellation. I’ve used earbuds ranging from $200–$300, and in terms of sound quality, these hold their own if not surpass them. The fit is fantastic, they’ve never fallen out during workouts, runs, or cycling sessions. If you’re looking for solid, reliable headphones at a low cost, this is it. As an audio snob, I still enjoy these on the go; I leave my $600+ ones at home, and if I lose these, I’m only out $40 instead of hundreds. The app is excellent as well, I can control all features easily, and it works flawlessly. In short, for the price, these headphones are way above their league. Buy them you won’t regret it." —David S Velez Get it from Amazon for $49.99+ (available in five colors and with either a power display or smart screen with controls). Lulu Candles is a US-based small business that specializes in scented candles and perfumes. Promising reviews: "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 "These candles are small but powerful! I bought two of these single-wick candles and two Bath and Body Works three-wick candles for my large living room. These two small Lulu candles are by far more superior to the Bath and Body Works candles. The scent and throw are great. They burn slowly and long. They are definitely worth the cost if you want a candle that works." —Starlyte Get it from Amazon for $18+ (available in six sizes, in gift box options, in packs of two, and in 38 scents). Reviewers have compared this to Too Faced's "Better Than Sex" and Benefit's "They're Real!" See what BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord says: "Hello, that is my face above, because I bought into the hype of all the 5-star reviews and now I will never look back!! Putting it on is like giving my eyelashes butterfly wings. It doesn't get clumpy, it stays put ALL the livelong day no matter how much you sweat, and you can apply it on very lightly if you don't want it to look so dramatic, or continue applying for longer lashes each time." Promising review: "AWESOME. I’ve always bought overpriced mascara. I’m very picky and was extremely hesitant, but I saw some reviews saying how awesome this was. I’ll never go back to 'Better Than Sex' mascara because that’s what I always use, and I compare it to that. This is the best mascara!! I’ll never go back." —patrick hauk Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in black and brown and in a three-pack). Promising review: "These are amazing quality!! I do love my pair of Lululemon leggings, but I notice that they stretch out and slide down throughout the day. These do not! They are so soft I almost feel like I am wearing nothing, but still feel very ‘athletic’ like they’re holding everything in. When I opened the package, they looked like they were going to be too short at first, but they were not. They are quite stretchy and comfortable. Highly recommend!!" —Kate Get it from Amazon for $29+ (available in women's sizes XXS–XXL, two inseams, and 22 colors). Promising review: "These are the most comfortable leggings I’ve ever worn, I like them better than Aerie and Lululemon. They fit so well and look so good. They're not sheer at all and not so compressive that you feel like you’re being squished, but still smooth you out. They feel like you’re not even wearing pants! I want them in every color." —Julie Get it from Amazon for $23.98 (available in women's sizes XS–XXL, three inseams, and 34 colors). Promising review: "I have to say, I was skeptical about this product from all the TikTok hype about it, but after trying it out, it really does work. I’ve used whitening strips before, but those usually hurt my sensitive teeth, and I hate the taste of some of the other gels on the market, but this one was super easy and didn’t hurt my teeth at all and didn’t taste much different than my regular toothpaste, since I got the mint-flavored one. I used it for a few weeks before my brother’s wedding, and it worked like a charm. I noticed visible results in only a couple of days and was able to keep using it until I reached my desired shade of white. 10/10 would recommend for anyone with sensitive teeth and tastes!" —Victoria Bravo And if you've been interested in the newer shades Clinique dropped, you can try out these alternatives before committing to the real deal! BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord uses this: "I bought this because I crave that Black Honey and will buy it until the day I die, but I am always paranoid of losing it, so I almost never let it leave my bag. I have tried probably five or six "almost" versions of Black Honey that came close, but this one genuinely spooked me. It has the same easy glide, same buildability, and the same refreshingly hydrating effect. It was a two-pack so I gave one to my BFF, another Black Honey fan, who also could not detect the difference!" Promising review: "Better than Clinique! I bought this one on a whim but never liked the real Black Honey Almost Lipstick by Clinique, since it tends to run red on me. This shade, in my opinion, is exactly what Black Honey SHOULD be, as it looks more like Black Honey in pictures. For the price, it can’t be beat, so I’m buying more." —HAC Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (also available in two other shades and in multi-packs of two and three). 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 reviews: "I've had fine, thin hair my whole life, but I used to have a lot more of it. My hair has been thinning and falling out a lot. There is a prescription shampoo that is over $100, and it used to be the only thing that worked. I thought I'd give this a shot before placing another order with the pharmacy, and so far, it seems to have a similar effect, plumping and strengthening the existing strands while addressing the problems with new growth. The new fuzzies are visible again at the hairline, always a good sign." —Susan "This is a great quality shampoo for a low price -- it reminds me of some higher-end sulfate-free shampoos like Pureology but so much more affordable. I've been using it for a few months now and notice less hair shedding. It also keeps my hair shiny and soft and doesn't dry it out." —Angela Get it from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in five scents, four sizes, and as a two-pack). Promising review: "Rare Beauty, who? These cream blushes are soooo pretty! They’re super pigmented, so one dot on each cheek goes a long way. Can’t beat the price either." —Courtney Ann Get it from Amazon for $6.79 (available in nude mauve or cool pink, and in variety three-packs). These also launder super well and maintain their quality over time! Promising review: "Feel like expensive high-end hotel sheets. I normally use flannel sheets year-round because it’s the only material I like, but these are my new favorite. Very soft and cooling. Fit our bed perfectly. I purchased both for our bed and our spare room and have only gotten compliments from guests. Great sheets without the huge sticker price." —Anna Greenlun Get it from Amazon for $36.97+ (available in 17 sizes and 50 colors). Promising review: "I have a waffle blanket from Garnet Hill on my own bed and was looking to purchase another for my guest room, but couldn't stomach the price tag for something I wasn't going to use personally. This Bedsure blanket is a great alternative — soft, comfortable, and launders well. I layer it with a quilt in the colder months and fold it up as a throw blanket in warmer months." —Vee Ess Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in 22 colors and six sizes). Promising review: "I love this shirt because it is very versatile. It fits great and true to size. It has built-in padding, which is great. I can wear this to work out, or I can wear it under my flannels or even as a sports bra if I want to. It is very comfortable and of good quality. I have bought many colors and am very satisfied with all of them! All of the colors I have received are true to the color shown in the pictures on Amazon. I will probably be buying even more in the future!" —Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $22.99+(available in women's sizes XS–3XL and 42 colors). 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 $11.97 (available in three sizes). This is designed to work on all hair types, with reviewers with 2a–4c hair mentioning it worked for them! This formula is also especially helpful for anyone with damaged locks from hot tools and bleach. 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 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 a bottle from Amazon for $7.41+ (available in two styles). Reviewers with everything from thin and short to wavy and fine to thick and curly hair mention this has worked for them! Promising review: "I've had my eye on a Dyson Airwrap, but given the cost, I figured I'd try this while I save up. This thing is fantastic. I have waist-length hair that's naturally straight, but gets frizzy when damp. I've had salon blowouts that have left my hair looking great, but I simply can't manage a round brush without it getting tangled in my hair. This device has been a game changer. It works best if you air dry for a while before you use it, then use it to finish your style. My hair miraculously doesn't get snarled in it, and it leaves my hair looking like I've had it professionally styled. I love it, and I'm no longer interested in blowing $500 on a Dyson. Highly recommend!" —Ilsa Get it from Amazon for $49.97+ (available in two versions and in three colors). Psst — Revlon also has a One-Step styler specifically for curly hair that reviewers love for only $26.81! Promising review: "Just as good as the expensive brands! Save your money and try this! Love this stuff. I usually use Estee Lauder, and this does the job just as good for less than half the price of the big brands." —Brittney Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in three sizes, a two-pack, a version infused with caffeine, and as a facial scrub). Promising review: "Expensive isn't always better. I tried this spray before spending the day outdoors in 90-degree heat at Disneyland, and the only place my makeup moved was on the tip of my nose because I have allergies and use a lot of Kleenex. But otherwise, it looked as fresh as it did when I put it on. I’ve used Mac and Urban Decay setting spray, and they never worked as well as this stuff. I am completely amazed. Definitely give it a try." —DH Get it from Amazon for $9.97 (available in two sizes, a marshmallow scent, a dewy, radiant, and plump finish, as two-packs, and as a gift set). No, your eyes don't deceive you — it also has a removable, adjustable shoulder strap *and* a sleeve to attach to your rolling luggage! Promising review: "This bag is amazing!! It’s the perfect size for all my gym stuff. Clothes, shoes, water bottle, pre-workout, headphones, toiletries, etc., and it can be made smaller or bigger height-wise with these little buttons they have on the side that you can snap down. Very cute. It also has some inside mesh pockets to help separate things better. If you thinking about it, just buy it! You won’t regret it." —Sarah Brackenrich Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in 44 colors and in an extra large size). Promising reviews: "Perfect closet staple! Looks great buttoned or unbuttoned and layered. Comfortable and cute! Long enough for leggings! Oversized fit." —stephanie canter "Love this! Exactly like the American eagle one." —Anuhea Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in women's sizes S–XXL and 12 colors). Promising review: "This is the most moisturizing lip treatment in 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 combos). Peach & Lily is a skincare brand founded by celebrity esthetician Alicia Yoon that specializes in toxin-free, vegan beauty products made with recyclable packaging. The company plants a tree with each order, and a portion of its proceeds have gone to to Restore NYC since 2016. Check out a TikTok of the acne spot dots in action. Promising review: "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. I wear them at night and sometimes during the day, only takes about two to get rid of those pesky whiteheads, sometimes more for a big zit. They really suck everything out." —Savannah Wilson Get a pack of 30 from Amazon for $4.88 (also available in a pack of 60). Promising review: "I'm so glad I tried this primer on a whim. I typically use either Urban Decay or Too Faced eyeshadow primers. This product works just as well as Urban Decay or Too Faced; in fact, I might even like it better. This goes on smoothly, there's no cake-iness, and my eyeshadow still looks perfect at the end of a long day. Highly recommend this product. On top of the wonderful performance, it's significantly cheaper than the name brands that I've been using." —Suzanne Gribble Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (also available as under-eye brightener and primer in three shades). Promising reviews: "I finally tried satin pillowcases after hearing about them for years, and I’m honestly shocked at how quickly I noticed a difference. I live in Colorado, so winter static and dryness are a constant battle for my hair. Within the first week of using these, the static was noticeably reduced and my hair wasn’t nearly as tangled in the morning. The fabric is smooth, breathable, and comfortable to sleep on. It stays cool through the night, and it doesn’t feel overly slippery like some satin options can. The hidden zipper keeps the pillow inside securely, and after repeated washes, the seams and fabric have held up beautifully with no snagging. If you're looking for an affordable way to reduce frizz, dryness, and morning tangles — especially in a dry climate — these satin pillowcases absolutely deliver. I wish I had switched sooner." —Real Rockies Reviewer "These are really nice — perfect price point too. There's no difference between these and the same pillowcases from Kitsch at three times the price." —Keri Get a set of two from Amazon for $7.59+ (available in 31 colors and four sizes; also available as a four-pack). Promising review: "TikTok told me this compared to Lululemon, and it’s true, it is. Love this little bag! And the price — you can’t beat it." —Jolie BuzzFeeder Shopping director Elizabeth Lilly also owns this — she packed it as her only bag for a trip to busy trip to Iceland, and not only did it hold a ton and keep her hands free, it easily fit around her waist over her outerwear. Check out her review of the bag here! Get it from Amazon for $12.98 (available in 33 colors). The perfume itself has notes of mango, bergamot, honey, cinnamon, and vanilla. 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 awhile 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 $14.90 (also available in two other scents). 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 $7.95+ (available in three styles). Promising review: "I have a Zara bodysuit that I live in and was looking for another alternative. I had my doubts that the fabric would be similar and it would be just as good, but honestly it is great. The fabric is stretchy and not see through at all, and I bought it in a number of colors. Will likely buy a few more to have as wardrobe staples as they are great for work since they are higher necked." —I'mRightOnTopOfThatRose Get it from Amazon for $19.97+ (available in women's sizes XS–3XL and 18 colors). The tool comes with two ends, one a small eyebrow brush and the other a specially edged-eyebrow pencil. Promising review: "I bought this because it looked like the Goof Proof brow pencil, and I was tired of spending ridiculous amounts on that! I actually like it better than Goof Proof (and for a quarter of the price)! I find it even creamier and easier to use. The tip is perfect if you have a good amount of brow to fill in." —Liza T. Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in four shades and in packs of two). Promising review: "Don't hesitate, just buy these. I was using the Real Technique sponges for years and I bought these on a whim after seeing several TikToks praising these. 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 $7.99 (available in five color combos). Promising review: "I really like these leggings. I bought different pairs in the past that were much more expensive, and I wasn’t nearly as happy as I am with these leggings. Very stretchy and fits true to size. Great value for the price." —Kelly Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–4XL and three colors). Check out a TikTok of the Petcube in action. Petcube is a California-based small business established in 2012 that specializes in interactive HD pet camera products. It's also app-enabled and can send you instant notifications, sync with Amazon Alexa, and even access a vet on demand if you notice any weird behaviors. Promising review: "Unbeatable for the money. I needed a way to keep an eye on a new 4-month-old puppy who kept digging holes in my yard. I didn't expect a lot for $39, but I was pleasantly surprised. The video is quick to get started and very clear, zoom is quick, and the night vision actually works. I haven't used any of the other features yet, but these alone make this a great value! Far exceeding what I expected." —Rick Grisham Get it from Amazon for $31.99+ (also available in a 360-degree design and in packs of two and three). Promising review: "Finally able to get my hands on this and it absolutely lives up to the hype! This is an amazing primer and really visibly smoothens and blurs pores. I use my Beautyblender to apply it and a little goes a long way. It’s a perfect [alternative] for the Tatcha Silk Canvas Primer at a fraction of the cost." —Rebecca Get it from Amazon for $10 (available in three other formulas and in a variety three-pack). Promising review: "I wanted to try this for the longest time and I finally got it and I was not disappointed. I highly recommend this product, especially if you have dry skin. This is my favorite primer to use now. Works so well and helps with making your makeup look almost flawless. Highly recommend it." —Megan Lindstrom "I tried the Milk primer and it worked magic for my super oily skin. I came across this for a fraction of the cost. The milk primer was $34 this does the same job for way less. I am happy with my purchase." —Shenelle Get it from Amazon for $11+ (available in three sizes). Promising review: "What can I say, I saw a TikTok about this lipstick, and for $10 had to try it! The reviews are right, for some reason, this lipstick is better than even $20 name-brand ones bought from Ulta. Not only does it smell great, but dries in under a minute and survived eating a cupcake, a Starbucks drink, and an entire evening out, no smudging, and had to be removed with a makeup wipe. Fantastic product!!" —Claire Get a six-piece set from Amazon for $8.99 (available in six color combos and in a three-pack). Promising reviews: "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. "These earrings are amazing, totally give high-end designer look for less. Great quality, perfect for gifting as well." —Mansi Bansal Get a silver pair from Amazon for $8.95 (also available as a two-pack with silver pairs or one silver and one gold). The set includes a cropped tank, high-waisted, wide leg pants, and a long, open-front cardigan. 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 $49.99+ (available in women's sizes S–XL and in 29 colors). Here's what BuzzFeed Shopping editor Chelsea Stuart has to say about it: "I wear very little makeup — especially on vacation — but there's something about doing my brows that makes me feel more put together. I recently went on a 12-day trip to the UK, Croatia, Montenegro, and Spain, and traveled carry-on only so I really had to pare down my toiletries — especially as the airports I traveled through made us condense all of our liquids into a single quart-size bag. This stuff is TINY but does the absolute most! I wouldn't say I have particularly thin or thick brows, but this really zhuzhed them up with next to no effort." Promising review: "The Boy Brow from Glossier was my ride-or-die eyebrow product for years, but the tubes are so small, and they raised the price, so I could no longer justify it. This brow glue is the closest thing I’ve found to it, and it’s half the price! Will definitely repurchase." —Alex Get it from Amazon for $9.97 (available in four shades, including clear, and in a pack of two). Promising reviews: "If you're someone who has sensitive skin like me, this product is for you! I highly recommend it. I learned about this product on TikTok and decided to try it out. It's worth the money. The smell is not overbearing, and it reminds you of a refreshing citrusy fruit. I'm very particular about trying skincare products, but this is your go-to. It will have your face feeling refreshed and clean, and there's no white cast." —Elisabeth L. "Really good product considering the price. I have tried expensive creams to diminish a dark spot in my face, and I haven't gotten the quick results I am getting with this soap. I highly recommend this product." —Amazon Customer Get a set of two from Amazon for $14.99 (also available with a soap holder and in packs of three, four, and five, also with optional holders or bags). As an added bonus, there are no visible labels from the company on the shoe. Promising review: "I had these on my wishlist for a while but was skeptical. I’m glad I finally ordered them! They fit perfectly and SO much easier to put on than my real Ugg minis which I love. They’re very comfy and warm. Highly recommend! Glad I bought them to wear while I wait for Ugg to restock their tan ultra minis." —Kamryn Get it from Amazon for $59.99+ (available in women's sizes 6–12, including Wide sizes, and in 17 colors). This is comparable to versions from Glossier or Drunk Elephant. Promising review: "I can’t believe how long this has been around! I tried Glossier’s Futuredew and realized it felt sort of too oily (and too expensive) for me. This product is SUCH an amazing duplicate that is slightly better! It’s not oily but provides a lightweight shimmer that I mix with my sunscreen for extra sun protection with some highlight effects. I love this! Does not make my super sensitive skin break out or feel oily like the Futuredew did." —e_whospends_money Get it from Amazon for $14.97 (available in five shades and two-packs). Reviews have been edited for length and/or 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. Divinia Tarin is a resident writer on the BuzzFeed Shopping team who covers a variety of topics, including travel, home, beauty, gift guides, and anything that’ll add just a bit of whimsy into people’s lives.