Allow Me To De-Influence You Out Of Buying Expensive Beauty Products Because These 30 Cheaper Alternatives Work Just As Well

Buzz Feed

07-02-2025

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Enjoy results that genuinely feel too good to cost so little.
1. Cruelty-free Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Eye eyeshadow primer because after all that hard work spent perfecting your eye makeup, you should be able to enjoy it all day without smudging or creasing. If you're used to paying up for the Urban Decay primer potion, this heroic alternative is about to swoop in and save your wallet.
I'm among the many who have converted from Urban Decay's eye primer to this affordable potion. I've always had oily lids that make long-lasting eye makeup...a challenge, to put it mildly. Urban Decay was the only primer that worked for years, but the price always stung badly. After trying this and enjoying gloriously comparable results, I haven't even considered going back.
Promising review:"For years, I exclusively bought the Urban Decay eye primer. I wanted to find something cheaper and took a chance on this. I'm on my second bottle now, and it's been great." — KT and RL
Get it from Amazon for $13.99.
2. A budget-friendly SkinSmart facial cleanser spray that reviewers compare to the pricier Tower 28 SOS Spray for its ability to target redness and bacteria without drying out your skin. It's suitable for all skin types and is ideal for busy bodies who still want to take good care of their skin. Just spray and go — no scrubbing needed!
Amazon, www.amazon.com
See it in action on TikTok.
Promising review:"I rarely write reviews, but I am already in love with whatever sorcery is in this bottle! This was a TikTok-influenced buy, so I was skeptical. When I got the product, I was having a horrible breakout with a HUGE irritated pimple in the crevice of my nose, and after two days of using it before and after work, it's gone! It immediately helped the redness and irritation as well, and I'm blown away! After less than a week, my breakout has almost cleared up completely." — Catherine bunch
Get it from Amazon for $17.46.
3. A brightening CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum if you've heard about the wonders of adding a retinoid to your skincare lineup but can't bring yourself to pay the nearly $100 pricetag brands like Murad charge. It's almost easier to ask what this serum can't do! It's known to help reduce the look of acne scars and pores with encapsulated retinol alongside ceramides that strengthen the skin barrier to prevent dryness and irritation.
And remember, like with any retinol, don't start off applying this every day. Start slow and work yourself up if needed, paying attention to your skin. You'll also definitely want to use a sunscreen (with at least SPF 30) while using this product.
Promising reviews: "I absolutely love this stuff! I saw a dermatologist on TikTok who raved about this product and tried it out, and it's been the most amazing stuff! It's helped my face to clear up very quickly removing all of the blemish spots and dark spots around my face. It's been one of the best products I've added to my face routine. This would be great for all ages/stages and for any weather types." — Successful Solo
"I bought this for my teenager to use for his acne scars, but he ended up not using it. I ran out of my Murad retinol serum, so I gave this a try. I actually like it better than the Murad! It absorbs quickly, with zero smell or irritation. As with any retinol product, be sure to wear sunscreen when you're going to be outside." — C. Munsterman
Check out BuzzFeed editor Daniel Boan 's Cerave Resurfacing Retinol Serum review for more deets!
Get it from Amazon for $18.68.
4. A budget-friendly E.l.f. Poreless Putty primer for blurring pores, smoothing the appearance of wrinkles, and getting that virtually airbrushed look for *literally* 1/5 the cost of the Tatcha Silk Canvas primer beloved formula. Plus, this primer is mixed with squalane, which offers a whole host of hydrating skin benefits.
Promising review:"I initially bought this because I had read it was an [alternative] for Tatcha's silk primer, which is great but too expensive. I bought this and have kept purchasing it since. It's great! Pore diffusing, moisturizing, and keeps my makeup on, without smudging, all day. Plus it lasts a long time." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $10.
5. A cruelty-free Catrice Under Eye brightener to effortlessly conceal dark circles since you haven't gotten enough sleep in *checks watch* about a decade. The color-adapting formula is creamy and lightweight, so you don't have to worry about unwanted creasing, just like the internet-famous Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector.
www.amazon.com
The color adaptive formula is designed so one of two shades will work on any skin tone. Check out a TikTok of the brightener in action.
Promising review: "I have used the Becca brightener for years and years. Decided to give this a try, and it is an excellent [alternative]. It is a softer product than the Becca, but still has the same brightening power. You won't be sorry if you try this, and the price point is perfect!" — Kelly
Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in two shades).
6.
Plus, a fragrance-free CeraVe Eye Repair cream because you've seen this holy grail product evveerrryyyyyyywhere and wanna know what all the hullabaloo is about. Here's the deal — the nongreasy formula costs pennies compared to other pricy creams like Shiseido Benefiance and Alastin Restorative eye treatment and helps combat puffiness and dark circles with a nourishing combination of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
www.amazon.com
Promising reviews:"I cannot believe that I've haven't heard of this product sooner! Better than my $90 bottle of Alastin repair eye cream from a med spa and 1/10 the cost! Helped to reduce the appearance of my dark circles within a few weeks, instantly smoothed fine lines, and layers beautiful under my concealer. Hydration lasts all day. I know not all products work for everyone, but this is worth a shot, given the price is right. I'm just excited that I found a better, less expensive alternative to a pricey eye cream, which, btw, I could only use at night because my makeup would not blend as smoothly as it does with this, and I am actually noticing results!" — Maria
"I've used Shiseido for over a year...got a bit expensive at 60 bucks each jar. Tried this and saw better results in the puffiness of my bags in just one use." — Amazon Customer
7.
An easy-to-use Elizavecca Cer-100 collagen hair mask you can apply at home so it looks like your hair hasn't undergone years of abuse at the hands of bleach and blow-dryers. Reviewers compare it to Olaplex Hair Perfector, but for literally one-third the price.
See it in action on TikTok.
Promising review:"I recently discovered this protein treatment, and I'm blown away. I spend hundreds on hair products, and this protein treatment blows everything away, even Olaplex. Yes, I said it. After using it, I don't even need conditioner. I'm definitely buying more. The only complaint, and it really isn't even a complaint, is if you have a lot of hair like I do, it takes a lot, but at that price, I can stock up." — Theresa Harper
Read our Elizavecca CER-100 Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment review to learn more about why my colleague calls it "the miracle product I've been searching for."
Get it from Amazon for $9.45.
8. A moisturizing Cremo body wash because the delicious blend of white jasmine, red currant, and sweet amber has reviewers comparing this to the smell of Baccarat Rouge 540, even hours after using it in the shower.
Amazon
Promising review:"Cremo's body wash is nothing short of exceptional. If you're a fan of luxurious fragrances, this product will quickly become your new favorite. It boasts an incredible scent that perfectly mimics Baccarat Rouge 540 — a fragrance renowned for its sophisticated and captivating aroma. What sets this body wash apart is not just its stunning scent but also its longevity. The fragrance lingers beautifully throughout the day, ensuring you stay enveloped in that luxurious aroma long after your shower." — Ralph D. Thompson II
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in two other scents).
9. A cruelty-free Essence Lash Princess mascara if you're tired of getting excited about mascaras that never live up to their promises. This one is different — or at least according to the 260,000+ 5-star ratings — and can easily give the Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara a run for its money.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
See it in action on TikTok.
Promising review: "This mascara is by far my fave! I get so many compliments on my eyelashes when I use it. I'm not a believer that anything GREAT has to be expensive. I've tried other mascaras, even the Too Faced one that everyone rants and raves about, but this one by far is the best!" — T. Ballesteros
For more info and review pics, check out BuzzFeed Editor Kayla Boyd's full Essence Lash Princess Mascara review!
Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in black and brown).
10. Or this cruelty-free E.l.f Lash XTNDR tubing mascara for wrapping each lash in a hug-like layer of elongating goodness, so you can enjoy next-level va-va-voom you thought only falsies, Tarte, or Blinc could deliver.
Watch on TikTok as one user goes from skeptic to believer!
BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord considers herself a fan:
"I am not a new human to the tubing mascara game, and in fact, I 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 $7 (available in three shades).
11. A powerful SeoulCeuticals snail mucin repair cream to plump and brighten dull, dry skin while fading discoloration with a powerful little ingredient called snail mucin (sounds gross, works great), which is regularly found in K-beauty products. Now, a moment of silence for all the unnecessary money spent splurging on Drunk Elephant and Sunday Riley.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Perfect gel texture moisturizer for my combination skin. It absorbs quickly and leaves skin with a nice finish (not sticky or greasy). It layers really well under sunscreen and makeup too! It really reminds me of the Drunk Elephant Protini moisturizer but one-quarter of the price! Will buy again!!" — AG
Get it from Amazon for $20.
12. An OGX Locking + Coconut Curls air-dry cream so you can get touchable, crunch-free curls and enjoy less frizz without spending a boatload (lookin' at you, Moroccanoil Intense Curl cream) or getting any heat styling tools involved.
This cream helps define your natural texture and works best on those with wavy, curly, or coily hair!!
Promising review:"Not wanting to pay $34 for a new bottle of Moroccanoil Intense Curl, I shopped around for an affordable alternative. This had good reviews and promising customer pictures. Gotta say, I'm sold too. It doesn't 'define' curls (or waves, in my case) in quite the same way as my usual product, but I like the softness better anyway." — G. Van Horn
Get it from Amazon for $8.39.
13. A painless, mint-flavored Venus Visage teeth-whitening pen because traditional strips are expensive, take forever to see results, and can leave you with teeth sensitivity that is, in my professional opinion, NO fun. With this pen, you can get noticeable results fast. And the best part? No lingering sensitivity.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Very pleased with this purchase. Product is working on my sensitive teeth with no issues. Better results than Crest Whitestrips. Would and have recommended to others." — Mel
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $18.95.
14. Extreme-hold Nyx The Brow Glue if you're a Glossier Boy Brow lover, and choosing between midday fallen brows and rising prices leaves you crestfallen. Try this nonsticky styler (transparent or tinted) for serious staying power that'll last up to 16 hours.
Promising review: "The Boy Brow from Glossier was my ride-or-die eyebrow product for years, but the tubes are so small, and they raised the price, so I could no longer justify it. This brow glue is the closest thing I've found to it, and it's half the price! Will definitely repurchase." — Alex
Get it from Amazon for $9.97 (available in five shades, including clear).
15. A pack of LivaClean Superstar pimple patches for the same great aesthetic as the pricy Starface ones at a price that won't make you wince every time pimples make an appearance.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
LivaClean pimple patch ingredients include hydrocolloid, Salicylic acid, and tea tree oil. Read more about tea tree oil and acne at Mayo Clinic.
Promising review: "I LOVE the look of pimple patches on myself (as weird as that sounds) and absolutely hate the semi-clear ones since they just draw my eyes to something that's SUPPOSED to be invisible. So I easily fell in love with the Starface pimple patches — but the issue with those is they're SO expensive and don't work at all. THESE, however, have immediately sucked everything out of my face. I love them and literally wear them all the time. So many people have complimented me, saying, 'Oh my gosh, I love how you just wear stickers on your face; it's adorable.' These also work as [an alternative to] the TikTok Shop ones that are really popular right now and are cheaper! 10/10 from me :)" — evalyn evoke
Get a pack of 240 patches from Amazon for $7.99 (available in four designs/shapes as well as multipacks).
16. Plus, a pack of Peach Slices nose pore patches that'll make your skincare dreams a reality by expunging gunk and excess oil from your nose while you sleep. The hardest part will be resisting the urge to tell everyone how much cheaper these are than the Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch versions...and not touching your post-treatment skin now that it's as smooth as a baby seal.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:" Comparing to the Mighty Patch...these are great. They work just as well as the better-known brand in drawing out the gunk. It did NOT harm my skin, and I like the peel-off method on these; it is better for the nose than the major brand. Plus, you get a few more strips for a couple less dollars. This is a buy!" — Rachael Rae
Get a seven-pack from Amazon for $9.98.
17. A lightweight L'Oreal Paris Lumi Glotion if you want a lit-from-within glow that looks natural but never greasy, for half the price of Drunk Elephant's D-Bronzi drops. This lotion is infused with glycerin and shea butter to deliver all-day hydration with subtle coverage that'll give your skin a sun-kissed glimmer on even the cloudiest days.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I love this stuff! I have been buying Drunk Elephant drops for a while, and then I discovered Lumi Glotion. Way less money! I will definitely say buy this when looking for a little glow and don't want to spend a ton of cash on one product..." — carson daly
Get it from Amazon for $13.98+ (available in five shades).
18. A pair of Bedsure satin pillowcases for a luxurious swap that can work wonders for your skin and hair by helping to fight frizz, reduce breakage, and maintain hydration, all while you sleep! And Blissy wants you to pay how much?!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Get a closer look on TikTok.
Promising review:"Wow! This really does work! My hair would massively shed every day to the point of thinning. First night of use I had very little shedding! My face felt softer as well. Try them now! Such a buy compared to $89 Blissy brand, plus you get two! Highly recommended! No, my head doesn't slip as some said and the case stays put! Do it!" — Sherry
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in three sizes and 35 colors).
19. A "Soft" perfume rollerball tiny enough to keep stashed in your purse in case you're anything like me and forget that perfume exists until you're out the door. It also smells downright divine — reviewers compare it to the far pricier Pink Sugar — and lasts allll day.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I saw this product being talked about a lot on TikTok, so I decided to buy it. It was described as a very sweet, sugary scent which is exactly my type of fragrance. This oil smells EXACTLY like Pink Sugar. If you already own Pink Sugar, don't waste your money, but for perfume collectors, I definitely would recommend it." — Lenwood Williams
Get it from Amazon for $5.88 (available in two styles).
20. A bottle of EcoTools makeup brush shampoo so you can really get your brushes clean and keep last week's makeup residue from messing up this week's makeup ~lewk~. A lot of beauty brands are out here up-charging you for soap...but that was before you knew about this budget-friendly powerhouse.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
This shampoo is hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and paraben-free.
Promising review:"Despite the great reviews for this product and the hyping on social media, I wasn't expecting much. But my mind is blown at how well this soap works. I have tried all kinds of soap (Beautyblender soap, Ivory bar soap, MAC brush cleaner, Dawn dish soap, etc). I am very thorough but could never get my sponges or brushes completely clean. But a little soak in a small bowl with this Eco soap, and the makeup comes right out. A little rubbing and squeezing is all it takes. I'm a convert. Will be repurchasing!" — ss3745
Get it from Amazon for $6.96+ (available in two sizes).
21. E.l.f.'s sheer tint "Squeeze Me" lip balm infused with moisturizing hyaluronic acid because a little birdie told me it's a mega-affordable alternative for the viral Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm butter balm. No pouting over prices with this pocket-size formula!
Emma Lord / BuzzFeed, Amazon
You can count BuzzFeed writer Emma Lord among this balm's many fans:
"I love love love this lip balm. I compare it to the $24 version from Summer Fridays, which I've been splurging on — I love that brand because it lasts so long and is so high quality, but this $4 E.l.f. version feels comparable and, more excitingly, comes in smaller versions so I can stock my totes and bathroom with them whether I'm at home or on the go. It's hydrating, lightweight, doesn't get sticky, and adds a perfect ~subtle~ gloss whether I'm using it alone or on top of a lip color. I love the vanilla flavor so much, it's got a similar vibe to the birthday cake flavor that Glossier sometimes carries."
Get it from Amazon for $4 (available in five flavors).
22. A NYX makeup setting spray that's regularly compared to Urban Decay All Nighter for helping your makeup persevere through the toughest elements. In the words of the USPS: Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night will keep this makeup from looking tight...or something like that.
Promising review:"I tried this spray before spending the day outdoors in 90-degree heat at Disneyland, and the only place my makeup moved was on the tip of my nose because I have allergies and use a lot of Kleenex. But otherwise, it looked as fresh as it did when I put it on. I've used Mac and Urban Decay setting spray, and they never worked as well as this stuff. I am completely amazed. Definitely give it a try." — DH
Get it from Amazon for $9.97+ (available in two sizes and in a matte or dewy finish).
23. An ultra-fine Jerome Alexander airbrush foundation if you're on the hunt for a full-coverage foundation that doesn't feel heavy or cakey and doesn't require a PhD in makeup to apply. Here it is!! All you need is one spray on the included applicator brush, and you might just start getting mistaken for a pro makeup artist. Especially since reviewers are comparing this formula to Dior's Airflash spray!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Jerome Alexander is a small business that specializes in airbrush cosmetic products.
Promising review: "Excellent Dior [alternative] at a fraction of the price! I was able to match my shade easily, and also came with a brush that was nice. Very pleased with the product." — Emily A. Freeman
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in 12 shades).
24. A multitasking Eva Naturals vitamin C serum that's so wildly good, reviewers are comparing it to one from SkinCeuticals that costs (*checks notes*)...$182?!?! No, thanks. Packed with all the foodstuff, this serum utilizes a blend of retinol, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and salicylic acid to tackle just about any skin woe on your radar.
www.amazon.com
Promising reviews:"I absolutely LOVE this serum. I was spending an absurd amount of money on SkinCeuticals products. This serum is way better. My skin is clearer and more bright. The only negative about this serum is the smell. It's awful! I will tolerate it and continue to use it because of its effectiveness and price!" — Tish
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in two sizes).
25. A Fanola No Yellow purple shampoo to make your blonde hair look less brassy and...well...more blondey. It'll help cut down on expensive touch-up hair appointments, and costs roughly half of what popular salon brands like Joico charge.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:" I have used Shimmer Lights, Joico Color Balance, Redken Color Extend, and Matrix Total Results, and Fanola beats them all. It is a deep violet and is much more effective; you do not have to leave it in very long to see a noticeable change (3–5 minutes). It is drying, as is the case with 99% of purple shampoos, but I find a good conditioner and leave-in product (oil or leave-in conditioner) keeps hair hydrated. Beware on first use, it is very runny and comes out quickly — so be careful not to waste product. The results last much longer than I noticed with previous products, allowing me to go more washes without having to use it. With using it every week to a week and a half, I am able to maintain an ashy platinum blonde that was once so hard for me to achieve!!!" — Gracie
Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in two sizes)
26. A trio of hydrating Carnel lip sleeping masks so you can wake up every morning to a luscious pout, something you'll extra appreciate in the dead of winter when chapped lips come for us all. If Laneige has infiltrated your feed, know these cuties are a budget-friendly swap.
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 three-pack from Amazon for $9.90 (available in five combos).
27. These bamboo Natural Face oil-blotting sheets because what's better than sucking up excess face oil, then literally throwing it away in the trash and forgetting it ever happened?! Oh, I know! Doing all that without paying over twice as much...*cough* Tatcha Aburatorigami papers *cough, cough.*
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"These are great for oily skin. I normally can get through half the day before my face looks like a grease pit, and that's after applying anti-shine under makeup. These wipes are a miracle. They absorb quickly and I love having them in my purse. I normally use two a day and the noise doesn't bother me a bit, much better than Tatcha." — Leslie M.I Photographer
Get 100 sheets from Amazon for $6.95.
28. A set of five makeup sponges that'll get you to quit spending upwards of $20 on name-brand Beautyblenders. These sponges can be used wet or dry and offer airbrush-level blending without the high price tag.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Don't hesitate, just buy these. I was using the Real Technique sponges for years and I bought these on a whim after seeing several TikToks praising these. I love these sponges and the price. I apply liquid foundation with a damp sponge, and these work better than Real Techniques. They are dense but soft and 'bouncy.' I wash mine between each use, and these hold up very well and much better than the RT. Very happy with my purchase and the price. Will definitely continue to buy." — chris
Get a five-pack from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in five color schemes).
29. A paraben-free self-tanner if you still want that on-demand, sun-kissed glow even when the sun is nowhere to be found. You can expect results in just one hour! Just like the pricier St. Tropez Self Tan Express mouse, this formula doesn't have that *distinct* smell you've likely experienced with other sunless tanners.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:" If you use St. Tropez tan products or any fake tanner, do yourself a favor and try this. This stuff is AWESOME. Dries quickly, lasts longer, does NOT make your skin stinky, applies evenly, and you get a fair amount of product!! Other tanners I've used become VERY noticeable when they start fading. Gross hand lines, patchy white spots, etc., but not this stuff. The best one-hour tan I have ever used!" — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $8.50+ (available in nine shades).
30. A highly pigmented Changeable Fantasy eyeshadow palette so you can FINALLY try out all those bright and bold looks you've seen coloring your FYP without feeling even a little fiscally irresponsible. This baby scores you 40 colors for under $10; unlike the mega-pricy James Charles x Morphe palette you can't even get anymore.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com