I Just Think You Should Know About These 40 Cheaper Versions Of Brand-Name Products Before You Splurge

Buzz Feed

19-06-2025

E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter that looked at the iconic (and expensive) Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter and said, "Game on, pal." Not only does this give that dewy, soft, "barely there" finish, but it's designed to hydrate your skin with hyaluronic acid, helping improve your moisture barrier for longterm glowiness, too.
Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener, which will be your holy grail for concealing and brightening dark circles under your eyes when your schedule is throwing you for a loop. This lightweight, color-adapting formula is designed for truly ~invisible~ coverage that makes a drastic difference — one that a lot of reviewers compare to the $33 Becca version.
E.l.f.'s Hydrating Core Lip Shine in the "Ecstatic" shade, which reviewers say captures the some magic as "Black Honey," the $25 ~universal shade~ from Clinique that's blowing up on TikTok at a fraction of the price. It doesn't shift colors as magically as the other version, but it's a perfect, nonsticky "go-to" lip to keep in all your favorite bags.
And Moodmatcher color-changing lipstick, an affordable WinkyLux alternative that not only adapts to the pH of your skin to create a personalized, perfect shade for your skin tone, but lasts for HOURS. Reviewers marvel at its all-day staying power even after meals and breaking a sweat. Look at that lil' green lipstick go!!
A Baccarat Rouge 540-inspired moisturizing body wash infused with white jasmine, red currant, and sweet amber that reviewers swear by for a cheap alternative to keep that delectably luxe scent on them all day long. Nothing wrong with smelling a lil' ~~expensive~~!
A deliciously soothing, super gentle Briotech spray reviewers compare to the pricier Tower 28 SOS Spray. It's similarly designed with hypochlorous acid, which targets bacteria that causes acne, skin irritation, and blemishes *without* drying your skin. Reviewers swear by this handy little spray for helping not just with acne, but rosacea, eczema, dryness, dermatitis (scalp included!), and even toenail fungus.
E.l.f's brand new Lash XTNDR Tubing Mascara, an alternative to the $26 Blinc version and a GODSEND for anyone with thin or fragile lashes. This uses lightweight ~tubing~ technology to wrap around lashes and give them a natural-looking, smudge-proof extension so good it almost looks fake. The real boon, though, is how easily the "tubes" slide off in clean, easy swipes at the end of the day when you're washing your face — absolutely no smudging, over-scrubbing, or special eye makeup removal products required.
A bodycon lounge dress perfect for fans of Skims looking to spare themselves a few bucks — this versatile, figure-hugging dress has just the right amount of compression to mimic the iconic style and stay oh-so-comfortable for long periods of wear.
A bottle of Elizavecca hair treatment, an Olaplex-like repairing mask infused with collagen ingredients and protein extracts that will help restore hair health and reduce shedding. All you gotta do is apply it on wet hair after a shampoo, wait five minutes, and rinse it out.
A TikTok-famous "Soft" perfume rollerball that honestly has no right smelling so delectable and layering so well considering it's only five cash dollars. Reviewers are obsessed with the scent's warm sweetness with a hint of citrusy zest, comparing it to waffle cones, lemon pound cake, and warm vanilla scones ... and this $65 bottle of Pink Sugar 👀.
A ridiculously high-quality oversize cropped puffer jacket reviewers are not only obsessed with, but compare to the Aritzia version for a fraction of the price. This insulated, cozy, trendy puffer is perfect for anyone whose motto is "Go go go!!! ... As cutely as possible, of course."
L'Oréal Paris BB Cream, a FAST-acting, anti-redness moisturizer with results that feel like legitimate magic — especially considering its competitor, the Dr Jart+ Cicapair Color Correcting Cream, is over twice as expensive. Reviewers especially love this as a base for their makeup, because it leaves skin super soft and primed.
An affordable cult-favorite luxury-scented candle with a scent reminiscent of Le Labo's Santal 33, and a throw so satisfying that reviewers can't stop gushing about it. If you're in the market for a signature scent for your space, look no further than this jasmine, oud, and sandalwood blend.
L'Oréal Paris Makeup True Match Lumi Glotion designed to enhance your skin's natural ✨ glow✨ just like the pricy Drunk Elephant drops — perfect for anyone who wants a lightweight alternative to foundation or just a lil' extra low-effort, ethereal shimmer in their lives.
A pair of waterproof wireless earbuds with AirPods Pro energy — except these feature a charging case that, bless its technologically savvy heart, has an LED display letting you know exactly how much charge is left. Reviewers also love how delightfully comfortable and sweatproof these are, making them a solid, affordable option for talking on the phone and exercising.
And a pair of wireless over-the-ear headphones crafted to look like AirPods Max, so you can still enjoy the comfort and chic style of their iconic headphones without shelling out hundreds of dollars. These feature premium cushion padding, a built-in mic with the ability to take calls, 10 hours of playtime per charge, and surprisingly decent noise blocking for the price.
Eos' Shea Butter Vanilla Cashmere body lotion, which TikTok is going *feral* over both because of the lightweight, long-lasting moisture, and the soothing, delicious smell that reviewers compare to more expensive brands like Philosophy and Bath & Body Works.
A sophisticated laptop tote bag so you can easily (and chicly!) carry not just your tech, but the whole arsenal of I'm A Very Busy Business Person things you need to get through the day. Reviewers compare this to the $100 Beis version, and especially love the unexpected depth and pockets included.
E.l.f.'s new sheer tint, hyaluronic acid-infused moisturizing "Squeeze Me" lip balm that comes in flavors like Vanilla Frosting, Honeydew, and Peach. We all work very hard and deserve an affordable way to perpetually taste like birthday cake!!
A classic herringbone necklace so close in style to the Tiffany HardWear version that you might blink and mistake it for the real thing (imagine being able to drop $13,000 human dollars on a necklace though, MY STARS).
A pair of ~dreamlux~ leggings made with an oh-so-buttery soft material reviewers compare to Lululemon's Align ... but WAY cheaper. If you're looking for a reliably squatproof, comfy, compressive legging, look no further than these.
A pair of slingback heels you'll love for the Chanel vibes and love even *more* for the affordable price tag and surprising comfort. Reviewers mention how comfortable these are compared to typical slingback straps, with no gnarly "break in" period typical of the style.
A pair of oversize square sunglasses giving such ~designer~ vibes that passerby might mistake you for an incognito celebrity. Reviewers mention that these have the same look as Bvlgari, Quay, and Bottega versions that cost up to $400 👀.
A plated, jewel-embedded ring you can buy yourself as a little treat if the $1,250 Cartier Love Ring is decidedly out of your budget. Dare I say this version is ... prettier than the designer one?
E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration! Lip Mask for anyone who wants to go TURBO on locking in enough moisture for the perfect pout, but winces at Laneige princes. This silky, hyaluronic acid-infused formula is designed not to stick, so it plays nice with other lip products at all times of the day.
Peach Slices Acne Spot Dots, a hydrocolloid sticker comparable to the $$ "Mighty Patches" that you can apply straight onto open zits to help drain them and reduce redness overnight. Personally *love* to see a problem magically disappear while I'm snoozing.
An oversize, lightweight knit button-up cardigan with a vibe reviewers compare to the beloved Jenni Kayne "Cocoon" cardigan. This is just *begging* to be layered with all your coziest looks, and it this price point, it might be an investment to grab a few colors to have on hand 👀 .
A sleek pair of leather buckle mules that might as well be the identical twin sister of the Gucci version ... except cheaper *and* more comfortable, since this version comes with padding. Your feet and your bank account will be so happy to see it.
A Lululemon-esque adjustable mini belted pack (aka ~fanny pack~) you can wear around your waist or shoulder for a lightweight bag alternative that you won't lose, since it is literally attached to you. A lot of reviewers mention how genuinely *stunned* they are by how much this little bag can secretly carry.
Etude's delightfully multipurpose Dear Darling Water Tint, which a lot of reviewers compare to Benefit's Lip Tint. This smudgeproof formula is designed primarily to be a natural-looking, weightless lip stain, but reviewers use it as a blush as well!
A compressive cropped zip-up workout jacket so chic that you'll want to stock up on them not just for workouts, but errand running and days when your schedule is just "go go go." This is a great way to add some Lululemon-esque pieces to your rotation without breaking the bank!
An adorable, roomy duffel bag that's practically *screaming* "take me on a weekend trip," — people compare this durable, water-resistant option to Herschel's duffel and love that it comes with long handles for easy maneuvering and a side panel to hook it to a roll-on suitcase. Bonus: it's small enough to use as a "personal item" on flights!!
A hydrating, plumping lip glow oil reviewers compare to the cult-fave Dior Lip Oil ... that is, if it were a FRACTION of the price 👀.
L'Oréal Paris Collagen Daily Face Moisturizer so intensely hydrating, plumping, and smoothing that reviewers compare it to the $100 Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream 👀. Not only is this super effective (and affordable!) for use overnight *and* over time, but its nongreasy formula makes it play super well with makeup.
A bottle of Nyx matte setting spray for anyone who wants the all-day protection of MAC and Urban Decay's setting sprays without the price tag — this matte finish will lock your look in place in just a few seconds, even on days when the sun is trying to melt you like an ice pop.
Juno & Co.'s Clean 10 Cleansing Balm, a game-changing makeup remover made with a blend of pearl barley and vitamin E that reviewers adore for getting that ✨ CLEAN clean✨ feeling — it's designed to leave zero residue or oiliness, *plus* brighten skin and reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots. People compare it to pricey versions like Farmacy Green Clean, Dermalogica, and Elemis!
A ridiculously soft oversized hoodie reviewers compare to $$ brands like Skims, Aritzia, and Abercrombie. You know how on TikTok sometimes people say "this hoodie hoodies" like it's a noun and a verb? Enter this cult-favorite, reviewer-beloved hoodie, which does, in fact, hoodie.
A two-slice touchscreen toaster with all the fanciness of the $350 TikTok-famous version and none of the "YIKESSSSS" of the price tag. This lets you select seven different toastiness levels for your bread, and specify if you're putting other carbs in there, like bagels, English muffins, waffles, and even gluten-free bread.
A set of sophisticated cylindrical wineglasses to rival Crate & Barrel's, and to elevate your Friday wine-cheese-and-Netflix nights so instantaneously that you'll feel like an extra in one of those Shows About Rich Families Who Fight All The Time.
A chic structured toiletry organizer with a "window" so you can look inside and easily access whatever you need on the go. Reviewers especially love how the structure of it stops items like beauty products or medications from getting crushed inside (and that it's a heck of a lot cheaper than the $100 Truffle Clarity version).