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47 Cheaper Versions Of Expensive Products That Deserve Your Undivided Attention
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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. Stop what you’re doing and feast your eyes on these affordable finds — you can thank me later. I've spent the last three years as a Shopping Writer at BuzzFeed covering a wide range of topics, including but not limited to must-have Amazon products, personal care, home and organization, and more. 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! 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 reviews: "I can't say enough great things about these leggings! They don't roll down, and they feel amazing on. I have all kinds of brands Lululemon, Vuori, Athleta, etc. and these are my favorites and the ones I feel the best and most confident in!! And you can't beat the price — it's a win-win. I will be back to purchase even more colors!" —Lauren "The stitching and logo placement is similar to Lulu; however, these feel more compressive and thicker than Aligns, which I prefer. Lulu stretches over time and for a fraction of the price, this entire line feels way better." —Rina Get them from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in women's sizes XXS–XXL, two inseams, and 22 colors). Promising reviews: "I have several pairs of Rothy’s in a very similar style to these, and they are actually just as comfortable right out of the box as Rothy’s…maybe more so. I also purchased in black. LOVE THEM!!" —Amazon Customer "I couldn’t be happier with these flats! As a result of them dropping in price, I purchased four pairs in varying colors to wear with jeans and sweaters. Not only do they look cute, but they are also decently padded and comfortable. I have been buying Vivaia flats for over $100 and these look just as good and are more comfortable to wear." —PSK Get it from Amazon for $32.99 (available in women's sizes 6–10 and 14 colors and patterns). Promising review: "Wow wow wow!!! 🤩 This blanket is so soft and the colors and image is so vibrant! The material is great. Lightweight but also snuggly weighted, I don’t know how to describe it. I almost bought the one from Anthropologie, but this is exactly like it way less price! I think I’ll be gifting a few of these because they are so nice!" —Amy Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in 43 styles and six sizes). BuzzFeeder Emma Lord says: "I personally will live, breathe, and die by the magic of "universal" Black Honey version — it lasts FOREVER and also functions as the perfect blush — but it sells out so often that I am also deeply relieved to know it has a cheap alternative in case of lip emergency!" Promising reviews: "I absolutely love this product. The dark color is perfectly sheer. It also adds the most beautiful color to your lips. I am a Clinique Black Honey lip fan, and this gives me the same look for a fraction of the cost. I love it and have several that I keep in various spots. Not sticky either, which is my biggest gripe about lip glosses. My hair doesn’t get stuck in this like some glosses, but I get the shine." —Hamps5 "I searched high and low for this color after I saw it on, guess what ... TikTok! And the creator was right, it’s great for everyone. It’s not too dark or too light. Keeps my lips hydrated with a bit of color and shine. Love it." —Erin C. Get it from Amazon for $8 (available in five shades). Check out a TikTok of Gold Bond in action. Promising review: "This cream has tightened the skin around my neck beyond my expectations. I’ve been using it daily (morning and evening) for over two months and still have product left. I’ve even tried it on my face and it gives me a bit of a 'facelift.' I’m officially a Bond girl. A bit sticky to the touch after a few hours of wear, but that doesn’t bother me. Will order again." —AP Wang Get it from Amazon for $11.97 (also available as a three-pack). 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 too much with my kids and being on the go!" —Jessica M Get a pack of three from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in seven sets, as well as packs of two and individual pairs). Promising review: "I was going to buy the $80 one from UO, and decided to look for cheaper alternatives. I'm really happy with this lamp! The little remote with light settings and timer features is a nice addition. If you're thinking about buying this, I'd recommend you do!" —Jules F 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 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 in so many colors because I love them so much. HIGHLY recommend!" —Cheyenne Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–3XL and 47 colors). Aesthetica Cosmetics is a small biz based in Miami that makes vegan, cruelty-free makeup products and tools. Promising review: "I was super skeptical because I love the OG beauty sponge. I had tried other alternatives before and hated them. *This* one has that same soft, squishy texture as the OG. When you wet it, it expands and stays soft and bouncy like the OG. I’ll say that one difference I note that this one is sliiiightly softer when wet, but that does not bother me. I wash mine after each use and do find I need to squeeze it/wring it out a bit more. Really glad I tried this because at this price, it’s easy to justify buying more frequently and not risk germs/bacteria." —PC Get a pack of five from Amazon for $6.97 (also available as a set of two or individually). Promising reviews: "Like a cloud ☁️ These are the most comfortable shoes I have worn; it feels like a pillow hugging your foot. The same day they were delivered, I ordered another pair in a different color. I’m a healthcare worker, and these are perfect for standing and being on your feet a lot. Walking feels very smooth and low-impact. I never leave reviews on anything, but these are amazing." —Ian Durham "As someone who owns a pair of Hokas, in my opinion, these are better. I have plantar fasciitis and work in a hospital. Believe me when I say this, I HAVE ZERO FOOT PAIN when I'm wearing these! For half the price and comfort, I will 100% recommend these to anyone." —Jennifer Emilien Get them from Amazon for $69.99 (available in women's sizes 5.5–11 and eight colors). Lulu Candles is a US-based small business that specializes in scented candles and perfumes. Promising review: "I enjoy having a scented candle burning in my house. But I don’t like heavy, floral scents, so finding the perfect scent is difficult. This scent is perfect. It doesn’t slap you in the face, it doesn’t cling to your clothes and hair hours after leaving the house. This candle is warm, inviting, and elegant." —Micknan 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). Promising review: "At first, I was a little skeptical — I have been wanting to find a Skims-like material shirt for a while but didn't want to pay the price of one lol, and this shirt feels amazing. I will be getting one in every color now." —Julianne Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in women's sizes 3XS–4XL and 48 colors). Promising reviews: "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, pencil case, two books, makeup bag, water bottle, wallet, lotion, 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 "Purchased for my daughter, who is an attorney. She said she really likes it and has gotten many compliments on it from her peers." —J Cliett Get it from Amazon for $29.89+ (available in 10 styles). Promising review: "Took years off my eyes! This product is so reasonably priced. I came across a TikTok promoting this and decided to take a chance since the price was super reasonable. My eyes looked brighter in a good way, and the concealer worked so well that I felt I looked younger. I got compliments from friends asking what I did differently with my makeup. I recommend it." —Placeholder Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in four shades). 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: "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 the 2.0 model from Amazon for $46.92 (available in various styles, including an older model). 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 $37.49. Reviewers of this brush also say it's the best thing they've bought for their hair! 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. Promising reviews: "This product is magic in a bottle!!! I have been struggling to find a good skincare routine that will remove my acne scars and remove dark spots on my face. I will forever buy this product! I’ve only been using this for two weeks and noticed a huge difference right away! I am so excited to clean my face in the morning and night now! I also bought the Cerave hydrating cleanser, moisturizer, and eye cream and they have been amazing as well! CeraVe is the best! Don’t think twice about this product just buy it!!!" —mallory brook bravo "I've been using this for a month or two! I definitely notice smoother skin and less breakouts. Wish I’d tried this sooner. Currently only using 2–3 times/week!" —Rachy 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 versus 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. 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 "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 $36.97+ (available in sizes twin–California king, plus sheet sets with deep pockets for taller mattresses and 45 colors and patterns). BuzzFeed Shopping editor Maitland Quitmeyer says: "This is my go-to satin pillowcase. I have two Slip pillowcases, and several of these, and actually the Bedsure ones wash up much nicer and retain an incredibly silky smooth feel after dozens of trips through the laundry. They're the only ones I'll buy going forward, and I recommended them to my mom and now she's in love with them too!" Promising review: "My hair has never been better! I got this because of TikTok and it has done wonders for my hair. My hair isn’t frizzy or dull looking when I get up in the morning." —Aaron Key Get a set of two from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in four sizes, 29 colors, and in packs of four or individually). Promising review: "I have the kind of eyebrows that look very full with brushing, but can quickly look like one has 'collapsed' once my hair or something else touches it. I’ve used nearly every product from Anastasia Beverly Hills, but never had luck keeping my brows in place. Well, let me tell you, this stuff is no joke. I had to scrub my eyebrows clean tonight to get them to move. If you need some help holding your fluff, this will be your new favorite product. Also, I was able to ditch the eyebrow pencil since this stuff holds every hair in the place you brush it." —Bailey M, Deacon Get it from Amazon for $4.99+ (also available as a two-piece set). Read more about how biotin shampoo could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic. Check out a TikTok of the biotin shampoo in action. Maple Holistics is a small business that specializes in beauty products with all-natural ingredients. Promising review: "My hair was starting to thin rapidly in my mid-20s. Thankfully, I caught it early. I started using this shampoo regularly, and haven’t done any other treatments. The thinning immediately slowed and eventually stopped. It’s six years later, and I still have a great, full head of hair. Judging by my family history, I should be totally bald by now, and this product is the only thing I've used. I credit this stuff with saving my hair! What a miracle!" —Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in four sizes and seven scents). Psst — reviewers mention this is most effective when paired with a scalp massager to work it into their roots! Promising review: "This is my favorite belt! It's perfect with jeans, and I get so many compliments on it. I love that the double-ring is sort of designer-inspired, but not a complete knockoff of the Gucci belt. I highly recommend! I am typically a medium and the medium was perfect." —Everyday Teacher Style Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in sizes XS–XL and in four colors). Some reviewers use these for cleaning vases too! Note: One of our editors has used similar tablets for cleaning coffee mug stains before and says they work best when you use them with boiling water. Promising reviews: "These tablets work great. I usually use them for aligners daily and even to clean metal water bottles! They’re effective, and I’d repurchase." —Ange P. "I was very pleasantly surprised at how well these work! This stuff brightens [my retainer/night guard] in one use and I feel like they are clean. You can also use it for other things like your sports shaker bottles too." —Amaris Mathews Get a pack of 120 from Amazon for $22.81 (also available in packs of 60 or 240 and in other formulas). 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: "These face clothes are on repeat order for me! The size is perfect – larger than other brands, no smell at all, and I love how environmentally friendly they are! Since I switched over to disposable cloths instead of a rag, my skincare routine has been upgraded to a whole new level, and the effectiveness of them has decreased my breakouts! The quality and quantity for price are on point." —Daniel Get a pack of 60 from Amazon for $9.95. Promising reviews: "Bought this dress because I always wanted to get the House of CB dress but didn’t want to pay over $250 for it. It’s honestly so good! I got the size large in this since they didn’t have my normal sizes, which are small to medium (I have a bigger chest so I tend to size up). But since this has a corset back, I was able to cinch it up really tight and it fit perfectly!" —Chris Herfurth Kennedy "Beautiful stunning perfection. This may be the best thing I've ever bought on Amazon. The corset in the back makes it fit like it was made for me. It's double-lined and not see-through at all even though it's white. The straps are adjustable, the slit is a good height, and the fabric is slightly stretchy. I cannot say enough good things about it. It did come slightly wrinkly in the skirt, but nothing that a good steam won't fix." —Shoshanna Get it from Amazon for $63.99 (available in women's sizes 0–16 and in 23 colors/styles). It comes with seven nature-inspired wakeup sounds, plus an FM/AM radio. And there are eight colorful nightlight options as well! Promising review: "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 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 $15.99+ (available in three sizes and in packs of two). 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 a 4-ounce bottle from Amazon for $13.99. 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! 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 Promising review: "Really well constructed. Comfortable fabric. I don't wear shorts, so these will be great for summer. The fit is great. I ordered these pants in three more colors the day after the first pair arrived. Excellent value!" —Montana Fam Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and 20 colors). Check 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). It's great for many skin types, including sensitive, oily, dry, and combination! It's recommended that you do a patch test 24–48 hours before applying this all over your face, as it's a strong, concentrated formula. After that, apply three to five drops once daily and follow with a moisturizer (ideally one with SPF if you apply in the morning!). Though the bottle looks small, reviewers say it'll last you several months with daily use. Promising review: "Best $20 ever spent!!! The results are unbelievable. I was a bit skeptical because all the reviews were from Caucasian [people], and I was slightly worried that my skin would not respond as well, but I was quite mistaken. With or without makeup, my skin is bright and smooth, and my spots are disappearing. One other result I am sure a number of people have not noticed is that your palms get softer too; I guess the residue on the palms makes it soft and supple." —Mayowa O. Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two sizes). It's suitable for all hair types! Reviewers with everything from straight, fine hair to thick, curly hair said it worked for them. 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 an $80 Gisou hair oil, and I can gladly say that this product does work waaaaaay better than those expensive oils. I trust Korean skincare and I know the quality is better, so obviously hair care has to be better too right? This makes my hair soooo soft and it takes away all of the frizz from my hair. It smells really good and it smells 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 it from Amazon for $17.09+ (available in two sizes and five other styles). My colleague Maitland Quitmeyer can vouch for these: "I bought a pack of these recently, and so far love dusting with them! All the dust sticks right on, so you don't end up breathing in all the dust you just tried removing. It's great for baseboards, too!" Promising review: "I rarely review products, but this little sponge literally changed my life! It picks up EVERYthing in one swipe! Hard water marks on your bathroom mirror, no problem! Hair clippings on your sink and counter, one swipe and they are gone! Dusty blinds? Swoosh, swoosh, swipe! And ala-presto ka-bam, like magic, they are perfect and dust-free! I just need one of these for my floors! I love, love, love how the sponge picks up everything, and with a little running water, all the dust, hair, muck, and guck just rinsed away! This will not disappoint! Thank you!" —DayDreamer Get a four-pack from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in six color combos and in packs of two or eight). 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 $9.97+ (available in five styles, two sizes, and in packs of two). Promising review: "I have Fenty Cherry Treat, a lip oil from Dior, and several other brands that were $20 or more…and the Nyx Fat Oil is better! Same consistency as the others, but a little more color, which is a good thing. About as long lasting as any other thick lip gloss. It’s always awesome to find a less expensive [option] for the high-end products I like." —Jennifer Get it from Amazon for $6.70+ (available in 18 shades). 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 them from Amazon for $44.99 (available in women's sizes 5–12, including wide sizes, and in 18 colors). Promising review: "These are my new favorite. 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 $12.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and in several sets). These require three AAA batteries per candle that will last you about 150 hours. Promising review: "I like that you can control the brightness with the remote and timer selection is just not one selection, that is the first time I have seen a remote for candles with lots of options. These candles are better than my expensive flameless Luminara candles and look just like a real candle. This is my second set and I just purchased a third set. You won't regret this purchase." —Experiencedandiknowit Get the set of three from Amazon for $22.99 (available in five colors/styles). BuzzFeeder 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. Promising review: "I love this crossbody belt bag. I have it in pink and black. Holds my phone, wallet, keys, ChapStick, and any acorns my toddler hands me. Release clip makes it easy to take off. Feels like such sturdy material, too. I don’t use a traditional purse, so this is my favorite bag." —Jana Sutton Get it from Amazon for $11.68+ (available in 31 colors). Promising review: "I bought this before I was gifted the Dorsey necklace and they are almost identical. If you don’t want to spend $$$ on the Dorsey necklace, this is a great option." —Bianca Get it from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in yellow gold, rose gold, white gold, and three other styles). Elizabeth Mott is a Korean American woman-owned biz! 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 (also available in three other styles). 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 $12.95 (available in three styles). BuzzFeeder Jenae Sitzes had this to say: "This stuff is gold. I'm relatively new to the Poreless Putty Primer fandom but now that I'm here, I'm not leaving anytime soon. This makes SUCH a difference in how my foundation goes on, and it makes it look as close to poreless as I think is humanly possible — and maintains the smooth look for many hours! Just be sure to let it sit for a little bit before applying your foundation." Promising review: "Okay so first nothing will make you 'poreless' but this stuff is amazing. Will even out fine lines and help with super porous areas; my T-zone [has really visible] pores and this definitely gave me a boost in confidence. I would highly recommend. Especially to those not too familiar with makeup, this is a game changer. Honestly it works better than my $30 primer from Urban Decay and lasts all day. I am oily so I usually blot some powder on later in the day but if you have dry skin this could be the ultimate game changer!" —Olivia Get it from Amazon for $11 (also available in three other styles and in multipacks). The "Original" formula has top notes of Australian mango and mandarin, heart notes of honey and cinnamon, and the base note is a well-rounded white musk. 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 in two other styles). The reviewer on the left above is showing an improvement in melasma on their forehead after using this scrub (before applying a serum). My colleague Jenae Sitzes says: "Psst — this is one of my go-to exfoliators! I have super sensitive skin and this doesn't irritate it at all, but it DOES leave my face silky smooth and soft." Promising reviews: "You need this face scrub. Got rid of my obvious blackheads after two to three uses. Just make sure you tone or moisturize after each use. This is much, much better than the $60 scrub I purchased last year at an expensive chain makeup store. Do it!" —WhatTheFrenchRoast "I have no clue how this stuff works as amazing as it does, but it's AWESOME! After getting this and using for over a week I officially switched from the Rodan + Fields reversal line to the Acure brightening scrub. It works even better than products that were costing almost 15x the amount. I've even gotten two of my friends to order it and they love it as well. You can't go wrong." —Michelle A Malaska Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (also available as a two-pack). BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way. Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.