31 Affordable Alternatives To Favorites From Brands Like Lululemon, Skims, And More
A tube of Essence's Lash Princess Mascara to give you a falsies-level look for less than five bucks. It seems questionable, I know, but for confirmation, you need only look at the 262,000+ 5-star reviews!!
A long-sleeve bodysuit in a deliciously soft fabric — known as Smoke Cloud — that reviewers compare to Skims. They say it washes well, too, so you can count on it being high quality despite the deceivingly low price!
Elizavecca's Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment — it works just like a hair mask to repair your locks in five minutes flat. The ceramide 3- and collagen-packed formula repairs all types of hair, whether you've got over-processed tresses or 4c hair that's susceptible to dryness. Reviewers even say the $8 product is comparable to Olaplex No. 3!
A stretchy bodycon pencil dress that'll basically feel like a second skin. Some reviewers say they were considering splurging on the Skims version until they tried this and loved it just as much!
A Simple Modern tumbler if you're looking for an option that will keep your drink cold for hours on end and don't really care about the name brand. 🤷♀️ It also comes in a bunch of pretty pastels and checkerboard prints, sooo it's really a no-brainer.
A colorful pan — from BuzzFeed's Goodful line — that's not just cute, but has the ability to kick all of your other dented and scratched pots to the curb as it can pan fry, sauté, sear, boil, simmer, blanche, braise, poach, deep fry, stew... and more but I'll stop myself there.
A pair of lightweight legging-style joggers reviewers say are comparable to Lululemon Align Joggers — but for less than 30 bucks, so you can girl math two more Pilates classes into your weekly budget!
A popular checkerboard throw blanket that's garnered comparisons to Barefoot Dreams' much more expensive option. Since you're saving so much, you might as well buy one for your couch, one for your bed, one for your guest bed...
A trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks for just $10 (!!) if you've been hesitant to drop $$$ on a singular Laneige lip mask.
A sophisticated laptop tote bag that looks a whole lot like one from Beis but for a fraction of the price. 👀 It'll fit your laptop, your wallet, your snackies, and more, so you don't have to schlep several bags to the office.
A pair of stylish teardrop earrings if you want the luxe look of Bottega Veneta but don't want to drop the equivalent of a month's rent on them — especially with how often you misplace things.
L'Oreal True Match Lumi Glotion — it delivers a sun-kissed, natural glow comparable to Drunk Elephant's bronzing drops *and* you don't even have to spend any time in the sun to achieve it.
LivaClean Superstar pimple patches if you love the look of Starface patches, but can't stomach throwing even more money at your acne. Paying for clear skin is just the worst, isn't it??
A baroque-inspired mirror — with a gorg gilded frame — if you've long dreamt of owning ***that*** Anthropologie mirror but don't want to take out a second mortgage on your home in order to do so.
An Amazon Basics 6-quart Dutch oven that people compare to budget-busting versions from Le Creuset, Staub, and Lodge. Cutting costs here means you can invest more in ingredients!
A CZ tennis bracelet that — according to reviewers — can pass for real-deal diamonds, especially when incorporated in a sparkly stack.
The Gym People's pullover fleece sweatshirt if you like the look of Lululemon's oversized scuba hoodies but can't bear to part with $118.
A sunrise alarm clock reviewers say is super comparable to Hatch's as it offers seven nature sounds and slowly wakes you up over the course of 30 minutes by mimicking a sunrise.
A fuzzy three-piece loungewear set that's sure to pass for Skims but honor your TJ Maxx budget.
A tube of E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter — a $14 alternative to Charlotte Tilbury's Hollywood Flawless Filter — with a hyaluronic acid- and squalane-infused formula that beautifully blurs pores and leaves you dewy and radiant.
A faux-leather bag that can straight up pass for Polène's Cyme. Despite its low price point, reviewers say the quality and detail — from the stitching to the hardware — is there. 👏
Hanes Ultimate ankle socks — an affordable alternative to Aritzia's TNA line that still delivers a low crew cut and cushioned design that ensures all-day comfort.
A cherry bag charm if you're currently 'Jane Birkinifying' all of your bags — aka accessorizing your accessories — and fell in love with a particular $95 charm that's taken TikTok by storm.
NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip — a TikTok-approved Dior alternative that delivers the perfect pout for under 10 bucks! It can be worn alone for a subtle look or layered over other lip products for a full glam moment.
Slingback heels for anyone leaning into their timeless French fashion era. What can I say? The French know what they're doing and these Chanel-inspired heels are a no-brainer.
A high-neck cropped tank that reviewers swear by as it offers loads of support (seriously...one reviewer with G cups says they don't even have to wear a bra!), isn't see-through, and its quality is on par with much more expensive options from Athleta and Lululemon.
A beaded shoulder bag you'll immediately treat as well as your firstborn child so it stays in the best condition imaginable. It's v similar to options from Staud if you love the look but simply can't afford the brand!
A dazzling cubic zirconia ring that looks *just* like the one you've seen on the hand of many a celeb and influencer — but for $10. Just keep it away from water (and maybe don't wear it to Solidcore classes if you sweat a lot), and you'll get your money's worth.
A Briotech spray reviewers compare to Tower 28's SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray. Similar to its pricier counterpart, the mist employs hypochlorous acid to fight off irritants and target all sorts of skin woes from acne and rosacea to eczema and dermatitis.
And a set of amber glass soap dispensers that look a whole lot like the ones from Aesop, but won't run you over $40 a pop. Fill 'em with your products of choice and get ready for loads of compliments for guests!
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Buzz Feed
14 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
Practical Purchases That Are Low-Key Super Exciting
A Bounce wrinkle release spray in a convenient travel size so you can take it with you on your next vacay. Seriously, who has time to iron while traveling?! There's also no telling if that dusty hotel iron is actually going to work. All you have to do is spray, tug the fabric a few times, then smooth the wrinkles away with your hand like some sort of magic wrinkle-fighting wizard. It's also perfect for refreshing any clothes you plan to wear a few times during your trip, thanks to the fresh scent. Built's "Puff Protein Bars" — they may look like a typical protein bar to the unsuspecting eye, but they're actually hiding a gooey, marshmallow center that's basically a delicious mountain of flavor packed with up to 17 grams of protein. I'm personally a bit obsessed with these — the Cookie Dough Chunk flavor is always in my kitchen. A set of limited edition wildflower Band-Aids so even your boo-boos will be super cute and match all the sundresses you bought for summer. Or! If you scrape your knee while gardening, these floral cuties will keep the happy vibes going. A set of breathable, seamless thongs, which are so comfy they've won over certified thong haters. Let's run down all the positives — they're sweat-wicking, they have a compression waistband, are they're super stretchy with an soft cotton liner. The negative? They might make your pairs from Skims and Victoria's Secret extremely jealous. An oscillating tower fan with six speed levels that cranks out some serious breeze without making serious noise. No really, you'll be so cool you'll stop day-dreaming about fall weather! There's even a timer function so it'll shut down when it starts to cool down late at night. Go ahead and pick out a name for it while you're waiting for the delivery, because this is basically about to become a member of the fam. An eight-compartment pill organizer so you can ditch the bulky bottles for something that's way easier to slip in your pocket. You'll also be the hero of your travel group when anybody has a sudden headache. Yes, being in your 30s means finding excitement in a pill organizer. A travel brush with a hidden compartment, which is one of those "seriously, where has this been my entire life?" kind of inventions. The surprisingly spacious compartment slides out so you can store your hair ties, lip balm, bobby pins, mini perfume, or even an extra pair of earrings. This is basically Mary Poppins' purse in hairbrush form. Also, your goal of traveling with just a carry-on is about to be SO much easier. Monday Haircare Dry Shampoo — close your eyes and imagine a dry shampoo that absorbs oil, coats your hair in keratin to help protect it from damage, and costs less than $7? Open 'em — THIS is it! Oh, and it even has a lovely gardenia scent to freshen up your locks on sweaty summer days. A tub of dual-textured toner pads from K-beauty brand Medicube — it uses the power of lactic and salicylic acid to wipe away dead skin cells and help reduce the appearance of pores and blackheads. After cleansing, use the textured side for a deep exfoliation, then flip to the smooth side to soothe and mop up any excess oil. Convenient and good for your skin?! That's the definition of exciting. A set of Wonder Hangers — okay, I know hangers seem lame, but these are a miracle for anyone who A) has way too many shirts for their tiny closet or B) needs everything in their life to be organized. These let you stack your clothes so you can fit more (yay for utilizing vertical space!), and you can keep organized by color, occasion, season — whatever your type A heart desires!! A super cheerful set of gel pens in a vibrant gradient design and with buttery-smooth ink that'll have you jumping to volunteer first to take notes in your next work meeting. They're also super fast-drying, so no worries about accidentally smearing your extremely thorough to-do list. And a set of 10 retractable Crayola markers — wait, how long have these been a thing?! Do you know how many markers child-me had to toss because the cap went rolling under the stove, never to be seen again?! Well, today's kids (and kids at heart) can simply give these a satisfying click once they're done coloring, and today's parents can rest assured that these markers will last through dozens of arts and crafts sessions. A portable air compressor that has "Super Adult" written all over it. You won't jump for joy once it arrives at your doorstep, but you'll be STOKED when you realize your tire pressure is low on your next road trip... and you have no idea where the next gas station is. It even has a flashlight so you can use it at night, and it's small enough to stow away in your trunk or glove compartment without taking up too much space. They thought of everything. A smooth edge can opener — a helpful gadget and cool party trick in one! This can remove the entire top of most drink cans, meaning you can spruce up your bev with ice, syrups, or fresh fruit without having to dirty an extra glass. Imagine sipping a wild berry Poppi (the best flavor, FYI) with actual blueberries floating in your can. 😭 Gold Bond's firming neck and chest cream if you've reached the era of your life where finding new skincare is genuinely exciting. The tube may seem unassuming, but this magic formula contains salicylic acid to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, while glycerin and aloe add some extra hydration. Put that Groupon for a laser treatment down — try this first! And a lightweight gel-cream from Nivea that uses the magic of an incredible called ~Q10~ to help firm and moisturize your skin — and it's racked up more than 17,000 rave ratings. Reviewers say it takes consistent use over a few weeks to see results, but those who stuck with it have seen improvements in the smoothness of their neck, thighs, and more. A next-level toothbrush your dentist will be so ridiculously proud of you for using. It has the standard bristles you'd expect from any toothbrush (it also looks like any other toothbrush, let's be honest), but the game-changer is the extra-long bristles that are 10x thinner — meaning they can reach in between teeth and under the gum line to help sweep away food and residue. Dare I say you might actually look forward to brushing?! The Pink Stuff, a tub of cleaning paste that against all odds has become one of the biggest celebs on TikTok (no really, it's racked up 156,000 positive ratings). It'll completely revitalize your sink, bathtub, and neglected oven with the help of a little elbow grease. You'll stare in awe as you realize that crayon stain on your staincase wasn't as permanent as you thought. A delightfully affordable instant foot peeling spray that makes giving yourself at at-home pedi just as nice as going to the salon. If you're looking for a fast-acting, super convenient way to get rid of dead skin pronto, just spray a few spritzes on clean feet, rub off dead skin (the formula will start to roll up into tiny balls to help you exfoliate!) then wash it off! The ChomChom pet hair remover roller — it'll pick up each and every stray hair your fur baby leaves in their wake. It's perfect for restoring your couch back to its former glory or making your car's seats look presentable again. Reviewers especially love this one (it's a constant best-seller on Amazon) since it only takes a few rolls back and forth to pick up the toughest pet hair, and the quick-release button makes it a breeze to remove the gross-but-satisfying ball of fur from the roller brush. A satin bonnet so silky smooth it's inspired more than 10,000 reviewers to leave a 5-star rating for upgrading the bonnet experience. Those satisfied reviewers love that it's super soft (yes, the inside is also lined with satin!) and roomy enough for long hair. And all my fellow hot sleepers will be relieved to know it's breathable enough to wear all night long! Suction cup knobs that are about to completely change your bathroom storage game. The twist-and-lock design can easily adhere to glass, plastic, mirror, or porcelain surfaces — and it holds up to 15 pounds! You can also easily remove them and place them in a new area as many times as you want, so your loofah knobs can become your hand towel knobs with ease. A 3D-printed battery organizer and dispenser, which is honestly so genius and helpful, it weirdly makes me a bit emotional? 🤔 Where has this been all my life?! You simply pop the batteries in at the top, grab one from the bottom when needed, and the rest will roll down so you can quickly and easily grab another. All you parents out there, this is about to become the MVP of your household. A 3-in-1 wireless charger so you can power up your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods at the same time — no more wishing you had way more USB ports near your bed! The standout feature might just be the foldable design, meaning you can take it to the office with you so your noise-canceling AirPods never run out of juice. Imagine having to listen to your co-workers instead?! An absolutely genius device called a "Supoon" — this perfectly sized spoon not only helps you scrape every last bit of food from the container (think: peanut butter, yogurt, cream cheese, etc.) but also has a unique design that keeps it away from the countertop when you set it down! This is about to prevent SO many "babe, stop leaving your peanut butter spoon on the counter" arguments. The beloved Hard as Hoof nourishing cream made with beeswax and jojoba oil to condition brittle nails and cuticles (on your fingers AND toes!) and have them looking as shiny and fresh as they did before that gel manicure did its damage. It's designed to sink in quickly (a rare feat in the world of cuticle oils) and it also smells like coconuts. I probably should have led with the coconut part. 🥥 🤤 A jar-opening tool that will be an absolute lifesaver when that jar of Ragu is holding on to the lid like its life depends on it (to be fair, it kind of does). It has four different slots to help open a variety of jar sizes, and there's even a helpful hook at the top to help with pull-tab cans when it's a Chef Boyardee kind of night. An exfoliating glove with immediate results you can actually see — seriously, the dead skin just clumps up and rolls right off of your body. It's somehow satisfying and gross at the same time. Plus, removing all that excess dead skin can help with everything from preventing razor bumps and ingrown hairs before shaving, smoothing away bumps caused by Keratosis pilaris, and prepping your skin for the perfect streak-free self-tan. A reusable gel lint roller that looks like it's from the future and is a major upgrade from the traditional sticky rolls that require approximately 10 sheets just to clean one shirt. Just pop open the cover and roll it over any garments that need a good sprucing up, then give it a quick rinse, and it'll be ready to use again! A pair of rechargeable motion sensor lights so you can finally see exactly which Little Debbie you're reaching for in the pantry when that late-night snack craving hits. You'll feel like you did a full cabinet overhaul when really all you did was pull off some adhesive backing. They're also great for closets, under cabinets, or even illuminating the shelves holding your exquisite Lego Flower collection. A pack of antibacterial paper soap sheets that will seriously come in handy when the public restroom you're using is out of that mysterious pink sludge they call soap. Just pull out a sheet, wet it, get to lathering, and thank yourself for being such a smart shopper. A glasses lens cleaner so you finally say goodbye to those microfiber cloths and disposable wipes that just seem to smear the dirt and oil all over your lenses. This little tool has a small brush on one side to wipe away dirt and dust, while the microfiber pads on the other side will wipe away oils for a streak-free finish without scratching your lenses. It even comes with a case so you can keep it clean when not in use. You'll be seeing in 4K in no time! An Anua pore-clearing cleansing oil that'll do the impossible — make you excited about washing your face at night. It's specifically designed to help regulate your sebum production and break down blackheads, making it a great option for all my fellow oily-skinned peeps. It also helps break down makeup, so you can finally stop wasting money on makeup-removing wipes! A super grippy suction attachment so you can stick your phone to basically any smooth surface (think mirrors, walls, windows, basically anything without any texture). I recently saw someone use one of these to stick their phone to the back of a plane seat and my jaw dropped as I was filled with pure jealousy.
Black America Web
17 hours ago
- Black America Web
A Psychologist Explains Why The Nicki Minaj Challenge Became A Viral Sensation
Source: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / Getty Since #TheNickiMinaj challenge swept the internet last week amid the rapper's puzzling and pointed jabs at fellow music artists like SZA and Doechii, over one billion social media users have hopped on books, stacked dumbbells, and pool ledges to prove their physical aptitude on heels. The trend, that popped up seemingly out-of-the-blue and has now spread like wildfire, is an homage to a pose Nicki Minaj clocked in her 2013 music video, 'High-School,' balancing on sky-high beige heels beside a pool while rocking a long blonde wig and bubble-gum pink bikini. Twelve years later, an ordinary scene from an old rap video is now one of the most viral moments of the 2025 summer run, racking up over one billion views and counting. Every post appears aimed at outdoing the one before it, with TikTokers upping the stakes by balancing on increasingly outrageous household items like soda cans or cooking pots. So what's behind the latest wave of internet peacocking? We spoke to Columbia-trained psychologist, Bea Arthur, about why the high-heeled challenge has the social media world in a chokehold. Feminine Strength In A #TradeWife Era Arthur said that one of the driving forces motivating the trend's popularity is the 'brag-a-docious aura' of Nicki herself. 'One of the things that makes Black women so awesome and Black people so awesome is that we give ourselves confidence, that cockiness,' she said. The pose celebrates feminine prowess and seemingly superhuman strength, which is a visually captivating combination. 'The core strength in heels, it's so feminine. All the girls who were doing it in stripper shoes, I was like, 'Yes,'' Arthur said. 'And how they kept elevating it too. I think Ciara did it on three dumbbells,' she said. The pose is naturally defiant in a #tradewife era that demands women be more demure and submissive. Arthur said this trend calls forth a new message: 'The bad bitch will never die.' Showing Off Is In Our DNA Arthur, whose family is from Ghana, says that culturally, people of African descent tend to be 'shamelessly cocky,' a thread of gold we derived from our struggles. 'You look at hip-hop, we had to call ourselves kings. We had to put on gold. We had to flex, because it literally wasn't given.' She said in Black gay culture, we see the rise of the ballroom king and queen archetypes, who flounce about in a shamelessly vain way, but that's the magic marginalized people must tap into to create their own sense of value outside of systems of oppression. 'The human soul seeks balance at all times in our actions,' Arthur said. 'We seek to be understood, and we seek to be known on a subconscious level.' Participating in a trend like #thenickiminajchallenge is a chance to be seen and known by others, which is a form of self-regulation, albeit brief, she said. But seeking validation online can come with a dark side, especially for people who struggle with social isolation. Arthur said posting can cause spikes in dopamine, our brain's pleasure chemical, which can literally change social media from a pastime into an addiction. 'We're alone. Right? We're watching Netflix. We're scrolling. We're in the house. We're not connected. And so these likes feel like love.' she said. Social Media As Community Arthur said that it's no coincidence that TikTok's popularity took off during COVID when humans were socially and emotionally secluded for months. Viral trends give users an opportunity to feel a part of something, even if it's online and not in-person. 'We need community. We're social animals or tribal creatures, so we need to feel part of something and to be seen. These needs are innate, just like food and water,' she said. Being alone triggers cortisol, which is the body's stress hormone, to be more present in the blood, according to research. So viral trend participants may feel a sense of belonging and alignment by posting. 'That's why athletes love sports so much,' she said. 'Being with other people who love the game as much as you, is a beautiful thing, a necessary thing. Again, we are tribal social animals, but once it becomes ego serving, then it's an addiction, and then it's destructive,' Arthur said. SEE ALSO A Psychologist Explains Why The Nicki Minaj Challenge Became A Viral Sensation was originally published on
USA Today
20 hours ago
- USA Today
Julia Garner spills on Silver Surfer secrets: 'I never looked so cool'
Julia Garner is enjoying her chrome era. There was instant fan love when Garner's Silver Surfer first appeared in a trailer for Marvel's 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' (in theaters now). Since then, the character has inspired Instagram cosplayers as well as TikTokers meme-ing her in-movie message, heralding the coming of planet-devouring Galactus. 'I don't have a TikTok,' Garner says. 'People have been talking about TikTok. They're like, 'Did you know that this was going to be a thing on TikTok?' I'm like, no. I'm in disbelief that people even know me.' Playing the silver alien Shalla-Bal, though, 'I never looked so cool in my life,' Garner adds with a laugh. 'This looks almost like a Met Gala look or some high fashion thing.' Join our Watch Party! Sign up to receive USA TODAY's movie and TV recommendations right in your inbox Being in a Marvel movie is a departure for Garner, who won three Emmys for her role in the Netflix drama 'Ozark.' But she gets one heck of an entrance: In the retrofuturistic 1960s setting of 'Fantastic Four,' Shalla-Bal arrives in Times Square on a spiffy surfboard to warn that Earth is 'marked for death' and Galactus (Ralph Ineson) is on the way. Since she's the one who identifies the planets that will be her boss' next meal, Shalla-Bal has a 'toxic relationship' with Galactus. 'There's no HR,' Garner quips. However, her connection with Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), the Human Torch and youngest Fantastic Four member, is one that's actually meaningful to her. 'She finds him amusing, but she doesn't really want to show him. Secretly, I think she likes the attention.' Garner, 31, who says she puts 'love, rage and secrets' in every role she plays, did a deep dive into Shalla-Bal's comic-book history. In Marvel lore, she was the lover of Norrin Radd, and when he agreed to be Galactus' herald (and the original Silver Surfer) to spare their planet Zenn-La, they were separated. The actress was most surprised by 'actually how tragic her story is. If this was a human, you would be like, it's devastating. So that really resonated with me and helped ground it.' One thing she didn't find going down that geeky rabbit hole: Her character inspiring the 1989 Joe Satriani guitar track 'Back to Shalla-Bal.' In 2007's 'Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer,' Doug Jones played the Radd version of the Surfer. But director Matt Shakman wanted to use Shalla-Bal instead because 'First Steps' was a different universe than fans have seen – it takes place on Earth-828, as opposed to the MCU's Earth-616 – and that choice made for a 'really interesting story line' with Johnny. A lot of attention was paid to how the computer-generated Shalla-Bal would appear. Garner portrayed the Surfer via a motion-capture suit and a helmet with a GoPro-type camera attached, and it was important to Shakman that Shalla-Bal was shiny and 'completely reflective' but still 'emotionally powerful,' he says. Another fun fact: Copper veining was added to the Surfer's facade. 'There's a sense of old weathered metal in places, just this idea that she's been doing this a long time and she's gone through some pretty inhospitable environments. So there's a touch of history to her.' Shakman also hooked Garner up with surfing adviser Tehillah McGuinness to guide her with Shalla-Bal's movement. 'She surfs a neutron star. She surfs a wormhole, she surfs real water, she surfs lava. There's a lot of great ways to make use of her Surfer-ness in the movie,' the director says. With McGuinness' help, Garner learned how to feel comfortable and balanced on the board, 'and not look clumsy, like you're in control,' she adds. Garner, who next stars in the horror film "Weapons" (in theaters Aug 8), found ways to add her own secret sauce to the Silver Surfer. For the opening message to humanity, she studied how T.S. Eliot would read his own poetry. 'It was very eerie in a way but also comforting at the same time,' she says. To get in Shalla-Bal's mindset before takes, she'd listen to spacey '70s krautrock music ('I just imagined that that's what she would be surfing to') and also learned to speak her character's fictional native tongue, Zenn-Lavian. 'It's not as hard as you would think. It's not like learning Japanese or something,' Garner laughs. 'Would I want a monologue in Zenn-Lavian? No. But I can say a few lines.' And while Garner became the Silver Surfer, she hasn't tried out her newfound board skills in real life. Nor will she. 'The water that I enjoy is that kiddie water that doesn't have any sort of wave,' she says with a smile. 'I'm quite scared of waves.'
