36 Under-$15 Beauty Products That'll Save You Money On Name Brands Or Salon Services

Buzz Feed

04-04-2025

1. E.l.f.'s Hydrating Core Lip Shine — it takes the hydration of a lip balm and the color payoff of a lipstick, and then *POOF* transforms them into one moisturizing lip tint! The heart-shaped core adds a dose of moisture, while the outer circle adds just a hint of sheer color. Plus, some reviewers say the "Ecstatic" shade is a cheaper alternative to Clinique's " Black Honey" 👀.
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord loves this shade: "I personally will live, breathe, and die by the magic of $25 "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 review: "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 multiple 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
Get it from Amazon for $7+ (also available in seven other shades).
2. A keratin hair mask that's revived the tresses of 11,000+ Amazon reviewers — and it's at least 20x less than a typical pro treatment. The keratin can help reduce frizz and add shine, and there's even some biotin to help add a boost of volume to thinning hair. You're about to get so many compliments, and you'll be so excited to tell them it was only $10.
It's designed for all hair types, though reviewers with thin to wavy hair seem to have the most success.
Read more about how biotin shampoo could help with the fullness of hair at Cleveland Clinic.
Promising review:"If you're anything like me, you have a giant basket under your sink overflowing with hair products you've tried and eventually abandoned as you continue your mission to find the holy grail. Well, folks, you have found it! (one of them, at least) Having naturally curly hair that I bleach on a regular basis, my haircare routine/products must be on point. I have tried dozens upon dozens of conditioners, whether they be deep, leave-in, masks, or your run-of-the-mill standard conditioner. I will say of all of them, this is one of my top favorites that I continue to purchase and keep in rotation; it leaves my hair feeling incredibly healthy and soft with no oily or heavy residue, and best of all, the scent is dreamy." — LKru
Get it from Amazon for $9.98+ (available in three sizes)
3. Byoma's Hydrating Milky Toner — many reviewers say it can stand toe-to-toe with Rhode's Glazing Milk. It's designed to soothe and calm sensitive skin while adding a light touch of moisture that's perfect for prepping your skin for the rest of your routine. Some people on TikTok are even mixing this in with their foundation to get a glowy look even Hailey Bieber herself would be impressed with.
Amazon
Promising review: "Ok, so I absolutely LOVE this stuff! I tried it on a whim after hearing a few different people rave about it. I had tried a similar product from Rhode and was not really 'wowed' by it, but thought it was still a nice product. This milky toner, however, blew me away. I apply it after washing my face with my hands and gently pat it in, and it just leaves a moisturized, dewy finish. I also have recently started mixing it in with my foundation when I apply it to my makeup and it's been a game changer. Since it's winter and I live in the northeast, I have had issues with my foundation being really dry lately - this has solved it. It leaves a beautiful satin finish. For the price point, amount of product, and versatility, you just can't beat it. Will be repurchasing!" — talon12
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
4. A microplane foot file that'll grind away at calluses and give your pedicurist AND wallet a bit of a break. There are many foot files out there, but more than 85,000 Amazon reviewers say this one works like a charm.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This baby is seriously sharp and does serious magic to my horrific callouses! I have had foot files and that ridiculous pedi-egg before, and they don't hold a candle to this. So imagine my surprise when this actually works really well! I used it dry out of curiosity since it says wet or dry, and honestly, I feel like it works even better dry than wet. I can't believe how much better my feet look! Sooooo gross to use (it's basically Mount Everest in foot skin), yet such a satisfying result! My only sad thing is now it hurts to walk on gravel barefoot. Worth it!!" — Eliza
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
5. OGX's Bond Protein Repair so you'll never feel pressured to add on a bond repair treatment at the salon — now you can do it yourself in 60 seconds. It not only helps rebuild bonds that may be damaged due to coloring or other hair treatments but also latches on to damaged sites to help prevent further breakage.
I've recently tried this and LOVE it so far — the fact that it only takes one minute to work its magic makes it a dream if your shower routine is already longer than Oppenheimer. I throw this on after I dye my hair at home just to hopefully reverse any damage, and my hair feels silky smooth afterward. Just apply this after shampooing and conditioning for best results. Speaking of, there's also a matching shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in serum.
Promising review:"Save your money and buy this instead of Olaplex! It has helped my hair so much, leaving it with a beautiful shine. I hardly have breakage anymore, and the smell is wonderful. When you reach your 40's a lot of the natural shine dissipates, so this product is very lovely." — Kathleen
Get it from Amazon for $7.37.
6. NYX's extreme hold eyebrow gel to keep your brows in place for a whopping 16 hours — I think even Anastasia Beverly Hills herself would be impressed! Unlike the other countless brow gels collecting dust in your makeup drawer, this one is designed to dry down without a sticky finish — and it won't flake throughout the day.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "OK, I was skeptical as I love my ABH Brow Freeze. But a friend did my makeup and used it, and I was really impressed. So, I got some and played with it on my own. It is so much smoother to glide through my brows. I work it through back and front, then again with a clean spoolie. I LOVE the results. It also washes out really well (even if I don't use a makeup wipe)." — Miss Jordan
Get it from Amazon for $8.42+ (available in five shades).
7. And a Gillette Venus dermaplaning razor that'll not only clean up your brows, but can also remove peach fuzz, chin hairs, and exfoliate dead skin cells. This one little tool might just help you buy some time between waxing, threading, and facial appointments. Reviewers say this is a worthy upgrade to the disposable dermaplaning razors since this has a weighted handle that makes it easier to control the angle of the blade and the amount of pressure applied.
Amazon
Promising reviews: " This product is great for getting those little hairs in small little nooks and crannies. It's a quick fix if you don't have time to wax your eyebrows or other various areas. Super sharp, so be careful!" — Brittany C.
"This product is easy to hold and did a fantastic job of removing all the baby hairs on my face. Was a bit worried about trying it at first, but I did not slice my face off as I feared. If you aren't sure how to use a dermaplaning tool, just watch instructions on YouTube. But the instructions that are with the product are excellent. Highly recommend this tool for anyone with unwanted facial hair." — Lovetoread
Get the razor handle and two blade refills from Amazon for $14.08 (also available with five refills).
8. A CND Essentials nail and cuticle oil to have your hands looking as shiny and flawless as they do when you leave the salon...and you spend the next two days trying not to touch anything. The blend of jojoba and sweet almond oil provides hydration and softness, while the vitamin E and rice bran oil can add a healthy-looking shine.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I normally do not write reviews, but this product did the job, wow! It literally erased my dry cuticles, instantly leaving me with healthy moist-looking nails! Love it, and it's so easy to apply and doesn't leave any extra oil or residue. Love!" — Diana Apanovich
Get it from Amazon for $9.90+ (available in three sizes).
9. And a nail concealer that's a multitasking marvel, and it gives Dior a run for its money. It strengthens nails thanks to its blend of biotin and keratin, and it also provides a sheer hint of pink color that works great on its own or as a fast-dry top coat. It's basically a manicure in a bottle — which is an absolute STEAL at under $5. Just be sure to tip yourself when you're done.
www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "My Dior nail glow ran out, and I saw this brand had a [lookalike} for that. I liked this color even more... Excellent everyday, clean-looking polish. Seems stronger than Essie." — reviewer22
"Growing out my nails has always been a challenge for me; I'm guilty of biting and peeling/picking at my nails when I'm nervous. This product has completely changed my nail game. It gives my nails a hard protective coating, and the tint of pink makes even my stubby nails look professional and pretty." — Andi
Get it from Amazon for $4.48.
10. And!!! Sally Hansen nail polish with a gel-like finish that requires NO UV LAMP! Sally, girl, you have done it again — constantly raising the bar and doing it flawlessly. When paired with the matching top coat, these shiny formulas should last you up to eight days. Fun fact — doing your own nails will save you approximately 1.2 trillion dollars over the course of your lifetime. Ok, I made that up, but I'm sure the actual figure is not far off.
Promising review: "I don't typically leave reviews so me going out of my way says a lot. Quality is superb. Even though your brush strokes may leave streaks while applying, it settles into the nail with a flawless finish. Drying time is comparable to standard polish. Allow 2-3 minutes between each coat. I did however, use a vegan base coat to protect my nail before applying. I finished off with the same brand's shiny clear top coat. I am not a professional by any means; just trying to get the same look for less. I'm blown away... This is a phenomenal polish, and I'd recommend to all my friends." — Hillana
Get it from Amazon for $8.33+ (available in 30 shades).
11. A Schwarzkopf permanent hair dye that might have your stylist calling in to check on you because you haven't been back to them in MONTHS. They're great, but this cheap hair dye kit is too convenient to resist — you'll get everything you need for a bold color that lasts for up to 28 washes. Plus, the amonia-free formula is infused with argan oil and oat milk, so it's basically a hair dye and conditioning treatment in one.
Promising review: "Covers my stubborn grays and NO allergic reactions. I have been searching for a hair dye that does not cause me major itchiness, feeling like my scalp is on fire, and even scabbing — I've tried too many brands to count. Finally I have found THE ONE! I highly recommend for people like me who have extremely sensitive scalp and psoriasis." — Von
Get it from Amazon for $11.97+ (available in 11 colors).
12. And an extremely easy-to-use and downright magical L'Oreal spray to cover your roots in seconds and extend the time in between salon appointments. It dries in less than one minute and is designed to be water-resistant until you shampoo it off!
www.amazon.com
Although, gray hair is honestly pretty fierce, so feel free to let those silvery strands shine!
Promising review:"This product is terrific for hiding the pesky gray hairs that start to emerge one to two weeks after coloring my hair. I have dark hair, and a lot of gray around my forehead and temple areas, so any gray hairs are beyond obvious. Once they start to peek out, I use this product, and I can last another couple of weeks before coloring." — Carissa K
Get it from Amazon for $7.34+ (available in 11 colors and packs of two and three).
13. A cruelty-free lengthening Essence mascara with a whopping 253,000 5-star ratings and some seriously impressive before and after photos. Oh, did I mention it's UNDER $5?! Some reviewers even compare it to expensive brands like Tarte 👀. Unlike other mascaras at premium price points, reviewers say this one doesn't easily clump or smudge throughout the day and is suitable for sensitive eyes.
Fellow BuzzFeed writer Mallory Mower loves it: " This mascara was one of my first BuzzFeed shopping list impulse purchases! I was sold by all the wild customer images (it feels like this stuff makes lashes illegally long!) and positive reviews. I was *so* excited to get my hands on their brown version! I have naturally light lashes and red hair, so black lashes look really unnatural on me. I've loved using the brown and having a color that better complements my skin/hair. You can see my before and after photos above. This stuff is magic."
Promising review:"After using Lights, Camera, Lashes by Tarte for the past year, I got tired of breaking the bank over mascara. My sister suggested Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect, and I IMMEDIATELY fell in love. It provides dramatic length and great volume. I can honestly say I can't stop looking at my eyelashes in the mirror every single day because of how awesome they look. Also, it is very long-wearing. I go from an eight-hour workday right to the gym and sweat like crazy...and this stuff doesn't budge! I love it!!" — Carrie E Miller
Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in two colors).
14. And a cluster lash extension kit if the price of a professional lash extension is just not in the budget this year (remember those money-saving resolutions!!). Reviewers say these are surprisingly easy to apply with the included tweezers and double-ended bond/sealer tube, and some say they even forget they're even wearing them.
Promising review:"These lasts me 3+ weeks but I prefer to just remove them at 3 weeks and start fresh. I got the '80D fluffier,' and my clients always compliment them, asking if they were extensions. I work per section on both eyes, starting on the inner corners, and always wipe the tweezers so the lashes don't stick to them and give me a hard time. I let the glue dry a lil' before sticking in, and it gives me no issues or fallouts for 3+ weeks, and the quality stays the same throughout!" — Jonathan J
Get it from Amazon for $13.98+ (available in 29 styles).
15. A bottle of Elizavecca hair treatment with an impressive ingredients list for such a low price. Its blend of ceramides and collagen can help add smoothness and shine to your hair in just five minutes, making it perfect for those of us who care about our hair but not enough to devote extra time to it. Many reviewers say it's replaced Olaplex in their routines!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
This is 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 (I 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 $7.60.
16. E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer, which has gone mega-viral several times for providing a perfect base for makeup by blurring pores and smoothing the appearance of fine lines, and it might just remind you of Tatcha's The Silk Canvas Primer. It's formulated with squalene for an extra dose of hydration, and it's designed to grip onto your makeup to help it last all day long.
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 to 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 $10.
17. Veet's sensitive hair removal gel so you can skip that waxing appointment and spare yourself the awkward small talk. It's formulated with aloe, so it's perfect for anyone who typically deals with redness and irritation after hair removal. It's also meant to provide longer-lasting results when compared to traditional shaving and reduce the chance of ingrowns. Be prepared to pat yourself on your smooth, hairless back!
www.amazon.com
It comes with a spatula for removing the cream! Just be sure to test a small area of your skin and make sure there are no adverse reactions for 24 hours.
Promising review:"I have been looking for a good hair removal for my sensitive skin and this one is perfect. It has a great odor and leaves my skin feeling smooth and silky. It does not burn my skin at all, even when I leave it on for 15 minutes or more. This is definitely my new hair removal cream. I will recommend this one to everyone." — Crystal
Get it from Amazon for $9.47 (also available in a two-pack).
18. L'Oreal's illuminating Lumi Glotion you can use under your foundation to add some radiance or use by itself on the days when you just want a natural glow. It's infused with glycerin and shea butter for extra moisture, and you can even use it on your body because the glass skin look isn't only for your face! Reviewers are even saying the deeper shades can act as a replacement for Drunk Elephant's D-Bronzi drops.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
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. Not too sparkly, 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 an $$ Glossier one that remained strangely sticky the whole time it was on my skin." — DLW
Get it from Amazon for $13.98 (available in five shades).
19. L'Oréal Paris Collagen Daily Face Moisturizer that might just give Charlotte Tilbury and her magic cream a run for their money 👀. Its star ingredient is collagen, which is meant to help plump the skin and smooth fine lines with continued use. Your wallet called me and asked me to personally recommend this to you. And ask that you step away from your Sephora cart.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I absolutely LOVE this product. The texture is just like the CT Magic Cream. It is super rich but doesn't make the skin feel greasy. I have extremely sensitive/acne-prone skin, and this doesn't break me out at all. I have been using it for about two years now, and I will never stop using it. Super inexpensive and works wonders!" — Monica S.
Get it from Amazon for $10.49 (available in two sizes, and unscented and fragranced).
20. The Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener, which will have you singing 🎵 "where have you been all my li-i-i-i-i-ife?" 🎵 when you realize it might just replace your beloved Smashbox x Becca Under Eye Brightening Cream. Reviewers say it blends seamlessly into the skin and adds light coverage to dark circles — and now it comes in four shades!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "Anyone with dark under-eye problems like myself needs to have a brightener! I used to spend $40 on Becca, but this one is better in my opinion!! It's very pigmented and covers blue hues in the corners of my eyes. It can be worn alone, but I prefer it under my concealer. It blends incredibly well, it's very creamy, and easy to apply. It will probably last me six months — a little dab goes a long way. It's extremely buildable, too. I am just so in love. I'm a sucker for saving money, and this purchase just saved me over $30. I will recommend it to all my friends and family. Just BUY it!" — Caitlin Newcomb
"Bought this after seeing an influencer use it on TikTok. This works really well. I can instantly see a difference when I use it under my eyes. For the price, this is a win-win. I had never heard of this brand, but I will be using their products more often." — Kerry C
Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in four shades).
21. A $7 E.l.f. Camo concealer — reviewers call a perfect alternative to Tarte's Shape Tape. It's high-coverage (hence the "Camo" in its name) but blends easily, so it's perfect for concealing any dark circles or acne scarring.
Promising review:"Well, shoot. All these years, I've been spending so much money on Tarte's Shape Tape... And I never tried this?! Thank goodness for TikTok because I hear about everything on there! I wasn't willing to spend $30+ on makeup recently, so I decided to try this stuff. I'm SHOCKED at how much coverage I get without it looking cakey. It never oxidizes and lasts the entire day in most areas. I might have to touch up my under eyes or acne spots, but most of the time, there's no need to reapply. It's also super hydrating but doesn't leave my skin looking oily. There's been a few times I've applied this instead of foundation and it looked so good and natural. The finish is flawless and dewy, and looks amazing in pics. Ended up ordering a lighter shade for my under eyes and a color that's closer to my skin tone for everywhere else. I highly recommend it if you like the coverage and longevity of Shape Tape but hate the price … 👍🏼" — Sarah
Get it from Amazon for $6.93+ (available in 25 shades).
22. L'Oréal Paris Anti-Redness BB Cream, which might be the Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment alternative your skin and wallet have been begging for. The green pigment will help counteract redness in your skin for a more even and smooth appearance, so you might just skip the foundation and rock this on its own.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I'd yet to find anything (even foundation) that could cover up my red areas. Checks, chin, nose, and forehead. It comes out green but has a gorgeous lightweight finish of a tint that, indeed, covers my redness beautifully. There's no greasiness to it at all. It dries down to a beautiful matte finish. It's super easy to use. I use my fingers. The texture is like silk. It leaves my face baby-soft, not sticky at all. It doesn't settle into my fine lines or wrinkles, and I don't need powder to 'bake' it under my eyes. It also covers the black circles under my eyes." — Julie F.
Get it from Amazon for $9.98 (also available in five other styles).
23. A L'Oreal Infallible setting spray that takes just three seconds to apply to your whole face (thanks to wide-spraying microfine mist) and claims to help your makeup last for up to a whopping 36 hours. If you don't feel like parting with $32 dollars for the super viral One Size On 'Til Dawn setting spray, reviewers say this might just work even better.
Promising reviews:"Love this product. I always use it, and I am a sweaty person 😅 I sweat easily.. not even kidding. I compare it to the One Size and I have to say that I do like this one much better. It really doesn't budge." — Zully B
"This works just as well as the One Size. I have very oily skin and need a high-quality setting spray, and this one works amazing! Skip the expensive one and try this!!" — Shopgirl
Get it from Amazon for $10.43 (also available in a pack of two).
24. E.l.f.'s Halo Glow Liquid Filter — this can be used in so many ways. You can apply it to your high points like a highlighter, mix with your foundation or moisturizer for an all-over glow, or get wild and slather it all over for the ultimate lit-from-within shine. Charlotte, dahling, this is giving your Flawless Filter a run for its money 👀.
It's formulated with hyaluronic acid and squalene for a boost of hydration!
Promising reviews: "This stuff is so legit I've gone through three bottles. Adds the perfect glow to your skin! Sometimes, I use it under foundation, and sometimes, I use it solo with a bit of concealer. I will never not repurchase it for the price and how beautifully it sits on the skin. This stuff is viral for a reason!!" — mapagill
"If you like Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter, this is leaps and bounds better! Just buy it. The coverage is better, [it] makes my skin have the most amazing natural glow! The colors run with a more warm/yellow undertone, which worked great for me! Spend a fraction of the price and just get it; you will be happy you did!" — Amazonreview
Get it from Amazon for $13.09 (available in 12 shades).
25. A convenient Catrice blush compact with matching cream and powder formulas so you can achieve Patrick Ta's signature cream-over-powder technique without paying Patrick Ta prices. You can totally use them separately if you want (or go with the traditional powder-over-cream method), but layering the cream on top of the powder will give you a dewy finish and a slightly more vibrant color. It sounds weird — but just trust the process!
Promising review: " These are fantastic. I bought all four, and I hope they add more colors. They are giving Patrick Ta, but better, at a fraction of the cost. They really last all day individually, but if you want you can layer them for even more color saturation. The textures are great, easy application. The two pinks are very pigmented and vibrant, so go easy at first. Highly recommend." — Joan A.
Get it from Amazon for $7 (available in four shades).
26. Or Versed's new blush sticks that reviewers are comparing to the popular Haus Labs by Lady Gaga and Merit Beauty formulas that are twice the price. The stick format makes it super easy to swipe directly onto the skin, or you can dab some on with your fingers if you want a sheer look.
Target
Psst!! Both Versed and Merit Beauty were founded by Katherine Power, so I fully trust those Merit Flush Balm comparisons 👀.
Promising reviews:"I was loyal to my Haus Labs Cheek Blush....until I tried this one! It's legit the same, maybe even better, actually, for a fraction of the price. It glides on so perfectly, and the color melts in your skin. It looks SO NATURAL, but the color still pops! This is a MUST try, and the colors are gorgeous! I'm gonna buy multiple!" — Gaba G.
"Impressed by the pigment of this. It is very comparable (in color Deco) to the Merit Beauty blush in Stockholm, but I think this is better pigment-wise." — toshbghosh
Get it from Target for $14 (available in five shades).
27. Or!!! The E.l.f. Camo liquid blush to turn you into a rare beauty, if you catch my drift. 😉 Reviewers say the pigment is super strong with a glossy finish but is still easily blendable and buildable.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: " This blush is absolutely amazing!! Highly pigmented and long-wearing! Love love love!!! I bought two colors and mix them. A little goes a long way. Totally [an alternative] for Rare Beauty liquid blush. Buy it!!" — Customer at heart
"This stuff is no joke. I like to use one product for my full face for a quick makeup routine, as eyeshadow, blush, and highlight all at once. When I tell you I need exactly two dots for my whole face, I couldn't be more serious! It has a different, more glossy texture than a Rare Beauty blush, but the pigment is much stronger. Comes off very dewy and kind of glossy but can be made matte with powder. The only thing I will say is that if you overwork it, there can be small lifted spots, which happened to me when I first tried it because I used too much and then had to try to blend so much. Already purchased another color. Love E.l.f. makeup!" — oscar Julian zapotitla
Get it from Amazon for $7 (available in nine shades).
28. A silky smooth Tree Hut body butter, which is giving ~ Bum Bum Cream, but make it affordable~. It's formulated with guarana to help smooth and firm the skin, and reviewers rave over the pistachio caramel fragrance that gives Sol De Janeiro a run for its money.
Target
Promising review:"I live in Wyoming which is a high desert state despite the mountains. You really need to moisturize here, so I stockpile creams and body butters. I was once gifted a tub of Bum Bum cream, and it was heavenly! The scent, the texture, and the way it melts into your skin. But the price tag was so prohibitive, and after a little research, this product was suggested and honestly I couldn't be happier, I really feel like Tree Hut's Tropic Glow is possibly better if not the same. The scent is identical, and the smooth, nongreasy moisture is amazing." — D Matlack
Get it from Target for $12.19 and Ulta for $11.49.
29. And a line of body sprays that look strikingly similar to Sol de Janeiro — and the reviews say the inside matches the outside. The Sandalwood No. 2 scent has a rich caramel and pistachio fragrance that has a certain ~bum bum~ quality to it, while the Vanilla No. 4 is a nutty macadamia scent that is a gourmand lover's dream.
Dear reader, I have tried the Sandalwood No. 2 scent and can confirm it is super similar. Like, eerily similar. It doesn't last quite as long as the original Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 62 (aka the Bum Bum Cream scent), but for half the price, it's certainly a worthy companion.
Promising review for the Sandalwood No. 2 scent: "This smelled exactly like the Sol De Janeiro 62 and for a fraction of the cost. You won't regret this purchase!" — Sarah
Promising review for the Vanilla No. 4 scent:"This is an amazing scent! If you love Sol De Janeiro's Cheirosa 71, this is identical. Such a warm sweet nutty buttery vanilla scent. Put a huge dent in the bottle because I wear it every day." — Lexie P
Promising review for the Fruity No. 1 scent: "This is the EXACT [alternative] for SDJ Cheirosa 40! Love ittt!!" — Maria B
Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (available in four scents).
31. Or a $4 E.l.f. lip balm reviewers have compared to both Laneige and Summer Fridays. It contains a blend of hyaluronic acid and shea butter to soften and moisturize, and some of the formulas contain a sheer hint of color. Now if only E.l.f. would make a phone case you could carry it in. Mrs. Bieber kind of snapped with that one.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This lip balm is a great alternative if you do not want to pay a ton of money for the Laneige and Summer Fridays lip balms. It is super moisturizing and left my lips super smooth and soft. One of the best e.l.f. products I have tried and it is a wonderful price. Even though it is pretty small, it lasts a good amount of time. I would definitely recommend." — Lance Z.
Get it from Amazon for $4 (available in five styles).
32. And!!! A trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks that's less than half the price of a single jar of Laneige's popular version. They contain vitamin C for a brightening effect and come in fun flavors (lime, pomegranate, and berry) so you can switch up your routine every night.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: " This is the most moisturizing lip treatment on the market. When my lips started getting dry due to the cold season, I was thinking of buying the Laneige lip mask, but it's soooo expensive. This is a fraction of the cost and feels just the same. Very good product." — Riya
Get a set of three from Amazon for $9.90 (available in five scent combos).
33. E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops, which might just convince you to save some cash and hold off on trying those Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Dew Drops you've been eyeing. This super lightweight serum is meant to provide an instant ✨glow✨ to the skin, whether you wear it on its own, under foundation, or mixed into your foundation for a radiant finish. Prepare for the onslaught of compliments coming your way.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review: "I've used Glow Recipe's Watermelon Dew Drops, and while I liked the product I wasn't too fond of the strong scent or the price point. The texture, finish, and feel of this product is pretty much identical, but without the fragrance and at a better value. Smooth, absorbs quickly, works well as a lightweight primer that doesnt pill with makeup, and subtly evens skin tone over time." — K.C.
Get it from Amazon for $11.97.
34. A creamy, oil-based Juno & Co cleansing balm reviewers swear by for removing every trace of makeup, even stubborn waterproof formulas. (Seriously, take those makeup wipes out of your cart right now!!!) It's made with only 10 ingredients, including Japanese pearl barley to hydrate and brighten. If you've tried and loved Farmacy's Green Clean, keep this cheaper alternative on your radar.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
New to cleansing balms? Start by warming the product up with your dry fingertips, massage in circular motions on dry skin, then rinse with lukewarm water. If using as part of a double cleansing routine, follow this up with a water-based facial cleanser.
Promising review:"I've loved the Farmacy Green Clean for many years, but at $30+ for a jar that lasts 1–2 months max, it was a pricey product to buy on a regular basis. I wanted something just as good at a lower price, and I FOUND IT! This cleanser absolutely melts away makeup and deep cleans the skin without any drying or eye irritation! It smells great, and a little goes a loooonng way — I'm in love!" — Amazon Customer
Juno & Co. is a small business specializing in personal care and skincare products.
Get it from Amazon for $12.74.
35. A moisturizing hair serum from Korean hair care brand Mise En Scéne made with SEVEN nourishing oils: argan, coconut, jojoba, marula, olive, camelia, and apricot. They all work together to protect your strands from damage (including up to 446-degree heat protection!) while adding some hydration and shine. One reviewer even said the results are comparable to Crown Affair's $40 hair oil!
www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "I looooove this so much. The smell is amazing, and it tends to stick around for a while, so I love getting whiffs of it throughout the day. My hair is softer and doesn't seem as frizzy as before. I put it on after washing my hair and then after it's dry. I tend to wash my hair two times a week, so I'll use it in between washes on my ends to make sure they still look nice and healthy. Great value, too; I've been using it pretty consistently since purchasing, and I've barely made a dent in it. Love it!" — Noley
"Coming from someone with very coarse 4c hair.. this product is heaven-sent. Extremely satisfied. Sticking to this product and this product only from now on, lol." — Danielle
Get it from Amazon for $11.20+ (available in two sizes, a mist style, and four other formulas).
36. A set of makeup sponges that'll make you question how you ever spent top dollar for a Beauty Blender. You can get five of these for less than $10, and reviewers say they blend everything from foundation to concealer like a dream.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Don't hesitate, just buy these. I was using the Real Technique sponges for years and 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 $5.39+ (available in five sets).
Reviews here have been edited for length and/or clarity.