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Buzz Feed
3 days ago
- Health
- Buzz Feed
37 Affordable Swaps That Live Up To The Hype
A pair of high-waisted ~DreamLux~ leggings that reviewers compare to the more expensive Lululemon Align ones. Everyone is obsessed with their ultra-comfy stretch and ridiculously soft, moisture-wicking material that makes it feel like you're wearing next-to-nothing — did I mention they're squat-proof and won't randomly roll down?! E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer with a hydrating formula featuring squalene to keep your skin hydrated underneath a blurred, photo-filter matte finish. If you've been spending $$$ on velvety primers like Tatcha's Silk Canvas primer, this affordable option is going to blow your mind! Nyx Fat Oil Lip Drip — instead of splurging on the pricier Dior version, enjoy the same juicy finish and hydration benefits with this one, thanks to a blend of vegan squalane, raspberry, and cloudberry oils. Time to pucker up and receive compliments from everyone you cross paths with! A Renpho percussion massager to help you release knots, muscle tension, and other body aches you might not even have noticed were making you a grump on the daily! Sometimes foam rolling just isn't working out your knots enough, and this massager is cheaper than both the triple dollar sign TheraGun *and* paying for a professional. E.l.f. Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen, which boasts a lightweight, non-greasy finish with SPF 35, so you don't feel sticky and weighted down before even stepping outside. You can even use it as a priming base for your makeup, so if it's time to reup but the price of Supergoop is making you (and your budget) is a darn good alternative! Some slip-on pointed-toe flats to make you feel like you're walking on cloud nine with a comfy memory foam insole. Because they're a much more affordable option to the popular Rothy's and Vivaia styles — yes, these are also machine washable — you never have to worry about wearing sweaty, smelly flats to work! A bottle of makeup brush–cleaning shampoo because your brushes are soiled with layers and layers of remnants from your past six months of makeup looks, so it's way past time to clean them. BTW — a lot of reviewers compare it to Beauty Blender's own $15 liquid cleanser, which is more than double the price. An ultra-light milky toning lotion, an award-winning K-beauty staple designed to gently exfoliate your skin and help combat dryness and irritation. With daily use, you'll begin to notice a more hydrated, glowing complexion and reviewers say it's a slightly cheaper swap for the Cream Skin Toner by Laneige! A 20-pack of extra-thick melamine cleaning pads, which are a great alternative to your favorite name-brand Magic Eraser, but offering a great deal at under 75 cents per sponge. Even better: Because they're twice as thick as that brand, these sponges are even more durable and can tackle all the food drippings in the bottom of your oven that have been burning up for weeks, maybe years! A bottle of Nyx setting spray because you want to be confident that your makeup actually makes it to *and* through the day without worrying about sweating, crying, or wiping it off. Reviewers even say this spray is comparable to the more expensive setting sprays by MAC and Urban Decay! A ribbed workout jumpsuit, which has many reviewers sporting it year-round as a go-to layering piece because of its comfy stretch material. It boasts a similar seamless and compressive design as Skims, but without the price tag — and honestly, who would be able to tell the difference if you don't tell them?! Plus, a budget-friendly Skims-like sweetheart neckline bodysuit that you definitely will want to buy more than one of after seeing how seamlessly it pairs with your favorite pair of jeans and mini skirts. It's designed with a comfy double-layered fabric that offers shapewear-level support without feeling too restrictive! An ultra-hydrating TruSkin vitamin C serum featuring a blend of vitamins C and E, plus hyaluronic acid, which together help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots with regular use. Reviewers report noticing brighter and firmer skin within weeks, and with over 93,000 5-star ratings... this $20 serum is practically a steal compared to SkinCeuticals' $140 version! An adorable pair of wrist and ankle weights, so you can get your sweat on while walking the dog without needing to run or spend a bunch on a barely-used gym membership. And yes, these cuties are verrrrrry similar to the popular Bala Bangles, but literally less than half the price! A bottle of the top-rated Elizavecca hair treatment, which helps restore and repair damaged hair that's been through... a lot (aka dye jobs, heat damage, and even sun damage). Packed with collagen and ceramide 3, this protein treatment brings your hair back to life and has some reviewers even saying it's better than the much more expensive Olaplex treatment! An Overmont cast-iron Dutch oven for a dependable and versatile pot you can use to boil potatoes, roast a chicken, bake bread, or even fry fish when you feel like throwing down in the kitchen. Seriously, if you've been obsessively trying to recreate the taste of NOLA red beans and rice at home, this might just be the slow cooker you need to get the job done. Did I mention it's significantly cheaper than the aesthetically-pleasing, but budget-busting Le Creuset Dutch ovens? E.l.f's Camo Liquid Blush with highly-pigmented hues just perfect for building and blending onto your cheeks for a soft, dewy finish. Reviewers are obsessed with how it lasts all day long without fading and even compare its quality to a similar blush by Rare Beauty, except it's a fraction of the price! A pack of reusable duster sponges — a great alternative to the always selling out Scrub Daddy Damp Duster — that allows you to clean your surfaces effectively to remove all that lingering pet hair and dust. Simply dampen it, wipe any surface, and then rinse when you're done! A 12-pack of soft microfiber makeup-removing towels that only require water to remove your makeup! Stop wasting money on disposable wipes and cotton pads. Each cloth is around $1, aka definitely worth it since the popular Makeup Eraser towels are $19+ each. 😳 Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer because it delivers 12 hours of buildable medium coverage, in case you need a quick fix for under-eye circles (or on-the-go touch-ups)! Plus, it's less than $10, making it a great alternative to more expensive concealers from luxury brands like Bobbi Brown or Mac. A set of satin pillowcases, which are great for your skin *and* hair because the silky material helps lessen friction. This means reduced damage to your tresses and salon looks that'll actually last! Who wants to spend money on more expensive brands like Slip and Blissy, when you could save money without sacrificing comfort with these?! A Briotech topical skin spray featuring an alcohol-free, dermatologist-approved formula that contains hypochlorous acid — the main ingredient in the more expensive Tower 28 SOS Spray, BTW — for targeting the kinds of bacteria that lead to skin irritation, acne, and other blemishes. An app-controlled Govee neon rope light for adding customized lighting to your space thanks to a flexible design that morphs into different shapes for unique backlighting *or* colorful decor. And compared to a pricey customized neon sign (which can only display one thing, btw), these won't cause you too much emotional pain when you click *add to cart*. So if you want to elevate the vibes of your Sims 4 gameplay, this an affordable option to add even more drama in your meticulously crafted PC soap opera! Essence's Lash Princess Mascara — an under-$5 reviewer fave that delivers a voluminous, bold finish with its long-lasting, sweat-resistant, flake- and clump-free formula. Lots of reviewers even swear it's a great alternative to more expensive name-brand mascaras like Too Faced Better Than Sex and L'Oreal Telescopic Lift! *Or* E.l.f's Lash XTNDR Tubing Mascara that uses innovative "tubing" technology to wrap around your eyelashes and deliver natural-looking length and volume with a smudge-proof finish. Plus, the "tubing" makes it SO much easier to remove your makeup without any specialized cleaners or abrasive scrubbing! Not-so-falsies for less than $10? NEED. A Lululemon-esque mini belt bag so you can keep all your daily must-haves on hand while remaining hands-free as you explore cities and navigate street fairs or concerts. The adjustable strap means you can wear it as a crossbody or in the classic fanny pack around-the-waist style. And according to reviewers, this little bag holds A LOT. A cruelty-free brightening facial scrub featuring a blend of French green clay, Madonna lily, and sea kelp to help exfoliate and remove dead skin, so you can step into tomorrow and the next day with a glowing complexion. The best part? It's designed for ALL skin types, and reviewers swear this little bottle lasts a long, long time and even better than luxury microdermabrasion scrubs from brands like Kate Somerville and Rodan + Fields! A trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks that make a worthy affordable alternative to the popular Laneige lip masks with the same moisturizing overnight transformation of chapped lips. Plus, this set offers three different flavors, making the math come out to around $3.30 per mask! Hoard them all in your makeup collection or dole them out to your besties as teeny just because gifts! A pair of lightweight legging-style joggers — lots of reviewers rave about how they're an affordable alternative to a certain Lululemon cult-fave. If you've been looking for a pant that does it all, these are the perfect addition to your closet, keeping you comfortable no matter the weather or occasion. Plus, this longline sports bra, which boasts a lightweight, compressive, and supportive design that can take you from an a.m. hot yoga class to brunch with the besties without a second thought about changing! This Lulu lookalike is a perfect base for the jacket above and several other everyday outfits when the weather starts warming up! Skin1004's skin-lifting and pore-tightening face masks with over 8,000 5-⭐️ ratings from reviewers because it's that good at reducing the appearance of wrinkles, calming skin, and delivering a smoother, brighter-looking complexion! Similar to the much more expensive Hanacure masks, as it dries, it delivers a "zombie" look because of ingredients like aloe vera extract and albumin (egg whites), which aim to intensely hydrate and lift skin. Some extra-strength cleaning tablets that immediately get to work during each 15-minute soak removing food particles, plaque build-up, and other grossness trapped in your mouthguard, Invisalign trays, or other dental accessories. Psst — you could even use these to thoroughly clean your favorite stainless steel and ceramic tumblers and water bottles, instead of the more expensive Bottle Bright tablets! 👀 CeraVe's Retinol Serum because retinoid products can run pearl-clutching levels of expensive (hello, Murad we're looking at you), but you should be allowed to upgrade your skincare routine even on a budget. This version boasts the same retinol effectiveness, along with niacinamide and licorice root which work together to help reduce the appearance of acne scars and blemishes for a brighter, smoother complexion! L'Oreal's illuminating Lumi Glotion, which is similar to Glossier Futuredew for delivering a shimmering, dewy glow to your complexion, but at a fraction of the price. This lightweight tinted moisturizer goes on effortlessly and is even formulated with a blend of glycerin and shea butter to keep your skin hydrated underneath! A six-piece (!!) set of BestLand's high-performance matte lipsticks because they deliver an expensive-looking, velvety bold finish thanks to a quick-drying, waterproof formula. And yes, the price is right because in this set of six, each lipstick comes out to $1.49! Reviewers say they compare to the matte lippies by Kylie Cosmetics, which cost $23 a pop! A top-rated pair of hoop earrings that'll add some subtle glam to your everyday outfits, while looking strikingly similar to the $325 Jennifer Fisher hoops. 👀 Fortunately, these under-$20 beauties are from the TikTok-famous jewelry brand Pavoi, known for their high-quality accessories that boast designer-looking styles at budget-friendly prices! Or the long-lasting Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint, which is celebrated for its ultra-pigmented formula that delivers a matte finish without being too heavy, dry, or sticky on your lips. This under-$10 lip tint is similar to more expensive matte lipsticks like YSL Velvet Cream and Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution, according to reviewers!
Buzz Feed
01-03-2025
- Health
- Buzz Feed
32 Cheap Alternatives To Name-Brand Beauty Products So Good, You'll Want To Gatekeep Them
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. Olaplex, Tatcha, Urban Decay — step aside; reviewers swear these cheaper options provide better results. 1. A L'Oreal Paris rinse-out lamellar water treatment if you want healthier-looking hair in eight seconds flat! Using this magic-in-a-bottle, it'll penetrate your locks to leave silky, smooth, and shiny hair with just one use! Just rinse it out after shampooing your hair, and watch as those frizzy strands get under control — all for less than Redken's lamellar treatment, despite it having the same main ingredient. Promising reviews:"Wow! I have waist-length 3C curly color-treated hair that's usually a nightmare to deal with in the summer and this stuff is a game-changer. My hair is silky, my curls are defined, it dried in like half the usual time…seriously impressed!" — Stavana Jubinsky "I'm a professional hairstylist and Matrix, Redken, and L'Oreal are all owned by L'Oreal, and each line has a lamellar water in it at different prices. I am here to tell you that they are all the exact same ingredients in different bottles. So buy the cheapest and save yourself some cash. Your hair will love you for it. I love this stuff." — anonymous87 Get it from Amazon for $10.97. 2. A Briotech spray incredibly similar to the famous (and more pricey) Tower 28 SOS facial spray, to reduce redness. The main ingredient, hypochlorous acid, triggers an immune response that'll signal your body to repair and heal irritated skin (yeah, just like your white blood cells). BTW, people also love this for helping to heal piercings. Promising reviews: "This is a [swap] for the Tower 28 spray that's 28 bucks for 4 ounces. I use this after cleansing my face before toners or serums. It's healed my acne. Also great for eczema. I have recommended this to so many people. Thanks Briotech for saving me money! Lifelong customer here." — Chey "Just an FYI, this product has the exact same ingredients as the Tower 28 spray! It's been absolutely amazing at reducing acne and texture! It's also so refreshing and gives a lil glow. So in love!" — BK Get an 8-ounce bottle from Amazon for $16.49 (available in four sizes and in packs of two and four). 3. An E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer with tea tree and vitamin E to smooth out the appearance of wrinkles, blur pores, and get that whole IRL filter look. Plus, it hydrates your skin, lasts all day, and is a lot cheaper (yet incredibly similar to) Tatcha's Silk Canvas primer! Time to make this a staple in your makeup routine. 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. 4. Peach Slices acne spot dots to clean out any pore-clogging gunk that's festering right under the surface of your skin for a great price, especially when compared to other $$$ brands like Mighty Patch. Just pop one of these over a whitehead and let it sit for a few hours to absorb all the goo stuck in your pores. BTW, these work best on open, draining pustules (rather than blackheads or pimples that haven't come to a head yet). You can read more at Cleveland Clinic! Check out a TikTok of the acne spot dots in action. Promising reviews: " This brand is so affordable and works just the same as the more expensive brands. I go through them so quickly so this is a plus! I'm generally a picker at my zits, but if I can get to one of these dots in time I save my face a lot of irritation and pain." — Savannah Wilson "So I have been usually these for about a year now. I have tried Mighty Patch and a few others, none I feel really worked or worked as well. This product is MY GO-TO and I have turned so many others to it." — Melodie G Get a pack of 30 from Amazon for $4.88 (available in a 60 pack). 5. Or LivaClean Superstar pimple patches if you wanna suck out the acne on your face but prefer the look of a cute star sticker on your cheek rather than an obvious pimple patch. Reviewers compare this to the pricier Starface patches — and they swear up and down that these work waaay better. Plus, you're literally paying three cents per patch, a fraction of what other popular brands cost. 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 five designs/shapes as well as multipacks). 6. A bottle of Elizavecca Hair Treatment for anyone who wants a frizz-free, silky look without paying exorbitant salon prices. Just apply it to wet hair, leave it on for 5 minutes before washing it out, and say goodbye to the damaged look your hair has been sporting after years of abuse at the hands of bleach and flat irons. Reviewers basically swear by this treatment, which many say is even better than Olaplex, for a much lower price! Reviewers with everything from thin, fine hair to 4c curls have reported positive results from this moisturizing formula, which is particularly recommended for folks whose hair is damaged from using hot tools, bleach, and the like. Promising review:"Like many others, I tried this as a replacement for Olaplex. Honestly, Olaplex never had a great effect on my hair and certainly wasn't worth the price. This did an unreal job on my hair!! I was skeptical (tried a little bit first because I was petrified it would burn off my hair and I would end up bald!) but, lo and behold, it was magic! My hair is so strong, silky, and healthy looking after just one use. Plus you can't beat the price! Have already ordered another box. I should also add I have curly/wavy hair that's been colored to a light brown. Buy it!!" — BB Get it from Amazon for $7.58. 7. Cosrx Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence to help hydrate, rejuvenate, and repair your skin. It doesn't matter what kind of skin you have — dry, oily, or, if you're like me, a lil' bit of both depending on the weather — this potion-in-a-bottle is designed to work for everyone as it helps soothe damaged skin. It works even better than many other name-brand moisturizers; it's gentle, it's effective, and it can make your skin look and feel absolutely radiant. Promising review: "My skin dries out severely during the winter all the time, and I have to constantly use Vaseline to keep it moisturized (normal cream doesn't work on me). Imagine my surprise when my SO tried to put snail goo on me, eww!! I resisted for weeks refusing to use this product as she constantly vouched for its abilities. After a month I finally gave in, and boy it is amazing! My hands feel more moisturized than ever for longer and it doesn't leave a disgusting greasy feel as Vaseline. Take it from a once non-believer, you have to try this. Even if it doesn't work for you, you paid a fraction of what you would've paid for any other name-brand moisturizers." — Kyoko Ozaki Get it from Amazon for $19.98. 8. Maybelline's Cheek Heat gel-cream blush that's about one-third the price of Glossier's Cloud Paint and gives a nice touch of color to your cheeks with only a dot or two. It's super pigmented, buildable, and ridiculously easy to use. Seriously, no one will even be able to tell the difference between this and the more expensive option. Emma Lord / BuzzFeed BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord says:"I'm a Glossier Cloud Paint stan, so I'll continue to buy it, but I love this affordable alternative, too! It spreads on super easily and can either go on sheer or build for a bolder effect. I got the Rose Flush shade and enjoy it for ~everyday wear~ since it's so easy to squirt a bit on my fingers, swirl it into my cheeks, and be on my merry way. It lasts all day and looks super natural to boot!" Get it from Amazon for $5.98+ (available in six shades). 9. A pack of bamboo oil-blotting sheets to blot out the extra oil pooling on your face and ruining your well-crafted makeup look. You can keep these on hand throughout your day without fearing you'll go through them too quickly — after all, a 100-pack costs less than $10, a fraction of what pricer brands like Tatcha charge. Promising reviews:"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 — much better than Tatcha." — Leslie M.I Photographer "These have been a game changer for swamp hag summer. I use these during the day to keep my skin clean and reduce breakouts from sweating out the souls of my enemies." — Kim Possible Get a 100-pack from Amazon for $6.95 (available in three styles and a bundle with a pocket mirror). 10. Skin1004's Zombie Pack that only takes 15 minutes to work! These masks are made from albumin, an egg white extract that can help keep your face looking hydrated, bright, and lifted! Reviewers even compare it to Hanacure, but like, wayyyyyyy cheaper. You get eight packs and a brush with the set! Promising review:"As good as Hanacure, much better price! The Zombie pack face mask is the best! It works just as well as other tightening masks but it's a fraction of the cost. I use these once a week and am extremely satisfied. My skin feels so good after, and my wrinkles are getting less noticeable." — meredith shaputis Get a box of eight masks from Amazon for $18.82. 11. A trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks to give you soft and supple lips for less than half the price of the popular Laneige lip mask. These masks use ingredients like berry extract and vitamin C to target dry and cracked lips while you sleep. There are three different scents, so you can share them with friends — or hoard them all for yourself. For reference, the Laneige lip mask contains 20 grams of product, while each of these measures 5 grams, or 15 grams for the entire set. So even with product sizes taken into account, these are a much better deal! Promising review: "[Alternative] for the Laneige lip mask. This is the most moisturizing lip treatment in 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 it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in six combos). 12. L'Oreal's illuminating Lumi Glotion for those of you who want that perfect "no-makeup" look. You can use this in place of foundation or simply add it to your existing makeup look for a bit of a glow. Plus, it's under $15, so it's the perfect substitute to the $$$ options like Glossier Futuredew and Drunk Elephant's D-Bronzi Drops. Promising reviews:"Similar to the Drunk Elephant bronzing drops but half the cost!!! Definitely has more shimmer/glow to it." — Taylor Luckhardt "This is EXACTLY what I was looking for. I apply after moisturizer and makeup, highlighting under my eyes and brow bones. Not too sparkly, just makes me look like I've had enough coffee. Seems to last through hot and sweaty Florida days, so that's a plus. I've tried other luminizers, and for me they are usually too sparkly or weirdly colored. I tried an $$ 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). 13. A highly pigmented eyeshadow palette that'll make you feel like a professional painter because it comes with 40 matte, shimmer, and metallic shades — literally every color you could possibly need. You won't even be able to tell the difference between this one and the palette by James Charles! Everyone from makeup newbies to professionals rave about this work-of-art palette! Promising reviews: "Clearly time I got a new eyeshadow palette. Sargent Freddie Mercury (my not-even-4-pound bunny) made it his mission to destroy my James Charles overpriced palette. This palette is the same quality, maybe even nicer. This eyeshadow was put on at around 3 p.m. and it's almost 1 a.m., the 'highlight' stayed on my nose even with my mask on through a whole day of work. That blew my mind." — Daniel T Adams "Best palette I've owned and you can't beat this price! The colors are beautiful and vibrant. They are also extremely pigmented, especially the shimmery colors, and they all seem to blend well. I'm happy to have every color I could ever want in an eyeshadow in the palm of my hands and I've been experimenting with colors I've never worn before!!" — Mary Diamond Get it from Amazon for $7.39+ (available in two color combinations). 14. And a tube of Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later eye primer to ensure your color stays intact even as you sweat buckets while trekking up that never-ending hike your buddy talked you into joining. Just apply it to your eyelid prior to dabbing on your eye look of the day, and voila! Eyeshadow that won't budge, no matter how much sweat pools across your brow. Mac's Paint Pot has got nothing on this. Promising review:"This eye primer is amazing!!! I have super oily eyelids and was getting to the point that I would rarely bother with eyeshadow because even with expensive primers it would be smudged and creased within an hour. So glad I don't need to shell out for Urban Decay or Mac Paint Pot anymore; they don't hold a candle to this and it's so much cheaper." — Chloe Get it from Amazon for $13.99. 15. Nyx Fat Oil Lip Drip because why spend $40+ on that one Dior lip oil, when you can have basically the same thing for $9?! It's hydrating (thank you, vegan squalane), has beautiful sheer colors, and, despite the gloss, is surprisingly not sticky! Literally gorgeous. Promising review: "I have Fenty Cherry Treat, a lip oil from Dior, and several other brands that were $20 or more…and the Nyx Fat Oil is better! Same consistency as the others, but a little more color, which is a good thing. About as long lasting as any other thick lipgloss. It's always awesome to find a less expensive [option] for the high-end products I like." — Jennifer Get it from Amazon for $8.97 (available in 14 shades). 16. LilyAna Naturals eye cream so you can trick everyone around you into thinking you got the full recommended nine hours of you were actually too busy marathoning the latest season of Love Island. This magical cream brightens and lifts your under-eye area — all for a fraction of the price of other brand-name eye creams. Victory!! Promising review:"Best eye cream I have ever used!!! Better than Benefiance by Shiseido and Clinique or Lancôme, for less than a third of the price with the amount you get. It is rich enough to do the job but not greasy. It doesn't interfere with concealer, yet softens lines. Love it so much!!!!" — Lory Lacy Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in three sizes and a two-pack). 17. A painless, mint-flavored teeth-whitening pen to brighten each and every tooth so that your smile is as ✨shiny✨ as can be. This pen brings instant results without the need to deal with the expensive, traditional strips that may leave your teeth feeling sensitive and your wallet feeling sad (Crest Whitestrips, I'm looking at you). Chip Skylark himself will burst into song at the sight of your smile. 🎶My shiny teeth and me!🎶 The before/after image above shows results after just one use (the pics were taken 30 minutes apart)! Promising review:"Saw this on BuzzFeed — they were right! It's easy to use and actually works. I was so surprised at how well this pen bleached out some coffee stains on my teeth after just one application. I've tried Crest Whitestrips and this is better because you can get in between the teeth." — C. S. Get a pack of two pens from Amazon for $9.95. 18. A Revlon one-step hair dryer and volumizer that can dry, style, straighten, and add some volume without having to play with about 50 other tools or products. Just step out of the shower, turn this magic wand on, and voila! The perfect look! Spending $500+ on a Dyson Airwrap is not necessary. It has two heat and speed settings and a cool option, and it's designed to work on all hair textures — reviewers with 2b–4c hair mentioned it working for them. Promising reviews:"I've had my eye on a Dyson Airwrap, but given the cost, I figured I'd try this while I save up. This thing is fantastic. I have waist length hair that's naturally straight, but gets frizzy when damp. I've had salon blowouts that have left my hair looking great, but I simply can't manage a round brush without it getting tangled in my hair. This device has been a game changer. It works best if you air dry for a while before you use it, then use it to finish your style. My hair miraculously doesn't get snarled in it, and it leaves my hair looking like I've had it professionally styled. I love it, and I'm no longer interested in blowing $500 on a Dyson. Highly recommend!" — Ilsa Get it from Amazon for $36.99+ (available in two models and nine colors). 19. CeraVe's Retinol Serum to prevent irritation, flakiness, and redness — all while helping reduce the appearance of acne scars and pores. Now you can finally add a retinoid to your routine without having to pay $92 for Murad's retinol serum (big yikes). 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 Get it from Amazon for $18.68. 20. A set of makeup sponges perfect for blending in your foundation, BB cream, powder, and even concealer at a fraction of the cost of all other well-known brands. Reviewers even swear these sponges hold up and work just as well (or even better) than the Beauty Blender and Real Technique ones. I just added these to my cart. 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 are much better than the RT. I'm very happy with my purchase and the price. I will definitely continue to buy." — chris Get a set of five from Amazon for $5.99+ (available in four color combinations). 21. And a bottle of makeup brush-cleaning shampoo for those long-neglected brushes that were once white instead of bronzer-colored-brown. This shampoo will wash away all the shadow and blush from your tools, so you don't have to buy a whole new pack every six months or so. Plus, it's basically just like Beautyblender's $15 liquid cleanser, but half the price. See what BuzzFeed writer Jenae Sitzes has to say about this: I've used Ecotools brush cleaning shampoo for years, and it makes cleaning my brushes so much easier. I just add a bit of the shampoo to my brush and gently rub it against a silicone mat under running water, and it makes quick work of removing all the makeup that's built up on my brush for, frankly, way too long. You'll see the water start running brown immediately, which is always super gross but also really satisfying, and once you see your brush return to its original color, you know you're done. And the bristles are always left as soft as before too! Promising review:"The best, most affordable brush and sponge shampoo on the market! No joke, I have tried everything; even homemade hacks like dish detergent mixed with olive oil. Nothing works like this brush shampoo. Don't waste your money on the Beauty Blender soap and other big-name brands." — Lily Get it from Amazon for $6.96. 22. A 12-pack of soft microfiber makeup removing towels so you can gently remove your makeup without relying on the increasingly expensive liquid removers. These towels can be used again and again, are perfect for travel, and literally cost just over $1 per cloth. Move over Makeup Eraser; these are both easier to use AND are about 20 times cheaper. HuffPost Shopping writer Haley Zovickian swears by these: "I only use these now to remove my makeup, including heavy mascara, and they are great for my sensitive skin. I do follow up with a gentle cleanser to cleanse my skin once all my makeup is off. They're big and dry quickly so you can use the same towel several times before having to wash it or switch to another one." Promising review: "These things are so soft! Great for taking off makeup. I was using the Makeup Eraser before, but these are 100 times better. You just wet them, wipe off your makeup, rinse, and hang out. I guess you could use a new one each day, but they are very big, so you can get a few days out of one. Great value for the money!" — Shopforbargains Get a pack of 12 from Amazon for $13.95+ (available in 13 color combos and in packs of 30). 23. An Eva Naturals' vitamin C serum capable of helping transform your skin by boosting collagen and reducing the appearance of dark spots, fine lines, acne, and clogged pores. This serum contains retinol, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and salicylic acid — all powerful ingredients made to brighten your skin. Say buh-bye to the expensive SkinCeuticals serum! Reviewers say it's *especially* effective for sensitive, acne-prone skin and oily/combination skin types (though reviewers with dry skin report great results too). And many people compare it to SkinCeuticals' vitamin C serum — which, if you're unaware, retails for a whopping $182. 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 "I am a licensed esthetician who deals with hormonal cystic acne that leaves scarring on my sensitive skin. My skin has improved so much since I started using this product!!! For the first couple of weeks, my skin purged out any underlying blemishes but afterward was clearer + smoother than I've seen it in YEARS! I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!! I love that it not only targets my acne scarring with the vitamin C but also soothes the redness with the niacinamide, has retinol, AND helps minimize my blackheads and pore size with the salicylic acid. 😭 It is the perfect product for my sensitive oily acne prone skin!" — Jackie Get it from Amazon for $9.99. 24. Physicians Formula Diamond Dust translucent powder to add a bit of shimmer to your cheeks, eyes, and lips — so you can look as expensive as you feel. It might be less pigmented than the famous Fenty Beauty Diamond Bomb highlighter (which costs over $40, btw), but a bunch of reviewers actually prefer this one! Get a side-by-side look at this next to the Fenty Diamond Bomb highlighter on TikTok — the creator applies one to each cheek for comparison! Promising review: "I love love love my Physicians Formula Diamond Dust mineral powder! I wish I'd known about this before I spent $42 on a Fenty compact that does MORE than I want with the sparkle; this product gives just the right amount of coverage without having it end up all over my face and on my clothes as well. It's also pretty if you want to bring attention to your collarbones or shoulders. A perfect amount of shimmer with little effort! Try it!! You can thank me later!!" — camielle parent Get it from Amazon for $11.46+ (available in two shades). 25. A bottle of Nyx matte setting spray that will protect your flawless makeup look with a matte finish — all without having to fork over the $$$ that Urban Decay's setting sprays cost. This bad boy is not only travel-sized for your convenience but can keep your makeup in place for over 16 hours! Promising review:"Expensive isn't always better. 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." — Stephanie Get it from Amazon for $9.97 (also available in dewy, plump, and radiant finishes, and a jumbo size). 26. A pack of BestLand's high-performance matte lipsticks to bring some color to your lips without the fear of it smearing after every single dab of a napkin. Each lipstick costs less than $2 each, an absolute steallll when compared to the $25+ for other famous name brands 👀. Promising reviews: "What can I say, I saw a TikTok about this lipstick and for $10 had to try it! The reviews are right, for some reason this lipstick is better than even $20 name-brand ones bought from Ulta. Not only does it smell great, but dries in under a minute and survived eating a cupcake, a Starbucks drink, and an entire evening out, no smudging and had to be removed with a makeup wipe. Fantastic product!!" — Claire "Beautiful and soooo worth the money! Usually I always purchase either Stila Cosmetics or Kylie Jenner but both of those are very pricey and expensive, so I looked up matte lip glosses on Amazon and saw this and thought I would give it a try. I absolutely love it. Very easy to put on does not smudge, beautiful colors, very very happy about the size of it! I went and purchased set B now because I love this product!" — Vickyy Get a six-piece set from Amazon for $8.99 (available in four different sets). 27. Long-lasting Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint that will give your pout a smooth, ultra-pigmented stain with a silky finish without having to worry about constantly reapplying. Reviewers even swearrrr it's just as good as products like the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution and YSL Velvet Cream. Promising reviews:"This is velvet, full coverage without feeling like glue on your lips. It does transfer. The color is very pigmented so what you see is what you get. Honestly one of the best lip color products I've ever used, I put this above Charlotte Tilbury." — Lexi Lee Get it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in 29 shades). 28. An eyebrow soap kit to sculpt your brows into mini-masterpieces that will stay in place for hours. With just a few swipes of a brush, you can boast perfectly fluffed brows. Reviewers even claim that it's better than any name-brand alternatives!! (Anastasia Beverly Hills, I'm looking at you.) Promising reviews:"I have the kind of eyebrows that look very full with brushing, but can quickly look like one has 'collapsed' once my hair or something else touches it. I've used nearly every product from Anastasia Beverly Hills, but never had luck keeping my brows in place. Well, let me tell you, this stuff is no joke. I had to scrub my eyebrows clean tonight to get them to move. If you need some help holding your fluff, this will be your new favorite product. Also, I was able to ditch the eyebrow pencil since this this stuff holds every hair in the place you brush it." — Bailey M, Deacon "This is so, so much better than the clear mascara that I was using. Ditto for the expensive eyebrow gel that I used before that. This stuff is: not crunchy, not crusty, and doesn't wear off, all day long. What it IS is nothing short of amazing: a little brow pencil and some of the eyebrow soap, and you have perfect brows all day, with no worries." — H. K. Rodman Get it from Amazon for $4.99+ (available in a one- or two-piece set, and with a brow gel). 29. A cruelty-free brightening facial scrub that surpasses more expensive brands like Clinique, The Body Shop, and Rodan + Fields. This scrub contains ingredients like Madonna lily, lemon peel, French green clay, and sea kelp — all of which will leave your skin glowing and hydrated all day long. Promising reviews:"You need this face scrub. Got rid of my obvious blackheads after two to three uses. Just make sure you tone or moisturize after each use. This is much, much better than the $60 scrub I purchased last year at an expensive chain makeup store. Do it!" — WhatTheFrenchRoast "I have no clue how this stuff works as amazing as it does, but it's AWESOME! After getting this and using for over a week I officially switched from the Rodan + Fields reversal line to the Acure brightening scrub. It work evens better than products that were costing almost 15x the amount. I've even gotten two of my friends to order it and they love it as well. You can't go wrong." — Michelle A Malaska Get it from Amazon for $9.59. 30. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer to mask those dark circles without feeling like you're wearing something heavy across your skin. It color-corrects and conceals, so you can pretend as though you haven't been pulling all-nighters all week. This magic wand has a built-in sponge for application and will give you all-day coverage (all for cheaper than those 💸💸💸 name-brand options). Kayla Suazo / BuzzFeed, Promising reviews:"I have extremely dark under-eye circles. Honestly that is the only reason I wear makeup, is to cover them. I've used numerous kinds of concealers. Tarte Shape Tape, Mary Kay, Estée Lauder (assorted kinds), IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye, Clinique, Laura Mercier, Mac, and Bobby Brown. I usually spend anywhere from $25-30 on one tube of concealer and still feel unsatisfied with the coverage. Or it looks too heavy and thick by the time i set with a damp makeup sponge and powder (accentuating my under-eye fine lines). This little gem is great. I use this concealer every day instead of all my high-end brand concealers. It's full coverage, buildable, lasts all day, not drying and not too liquidy. I'm so happy I gave this a try, will definitely be keeping this baby in my everyday makeup bag." — Brittney "Oh my gosh. I have spent so much money on expensive concealers and this is my all-time favorite. I'm 61 and starting to get crepey skin under my eyes. Other concealers make it worse, but I also have dark circles so I feel like I need something. And this is it! Moisturizing, silky and covers the circles. I love it!" — Lynnette Smith Get it from Amazon for $8.79 (available in 23 shades). And check out our Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind Concealer review for more deets. 31. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water that will gently cleanse your skin and lift away even waterproof makeup along with dirt and excess oil. Reviewers even prefer this to Bioderma, which is more than double the price. Promising reviews:"I was skeptical about this product at first but I am so glad I decided to buy it. It really removes my makeup, even waterproof mascara with ease. It has no smell and doesn't leave my face oily. It reminds me of my Bioderma that I got in the UK. And for this price, amazing!" — Kat "I've been using makeup wipes my whole life because I didn't even know this existed. I saw it in stores but nobody ever told me what this was. This is literally amazing, buy reusable pads and this and you're set for life. I'm really upset nobody ever told me what this stuff was. I don't understand why makeup wipes even cleanses your face, takes off your makeup. Nobody should not know what this stuff is." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $3.99+ (available in two sizes and in packs). BTW, this is our budget pick for the best makeup remover! 32. Eve Hansen Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum to make you feel like you just got a facial, when really all you did was apply a few drop of this lil' magic potion. It'll hydrate your skin, reduce under-eye puffiness and dark circles, smooth fine lines, boost overall hydration, and create a radiant glow✨! Plus, reviewers even compare it to TNS Recovery Complex serum, which is literally over $200 for a 1-ounce bottle (YIKES). Promising review:"So far I have used about four bottles of this product. I use it like a serum and put a few drops on my face and décolleté before I apply moisturizer in the morning or night cream. I see the same outstanding results I did see with the TNS Serum — just for a fraction of the price!!!" — nana bendick Get it from Amazon for $17.98. Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
