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35 Affordable Alternatives To Those Brands You Love, But Just Can’t Bring Yourself To Splurge On
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We hope you love our recommendations! While every product is independently chosen by our editors, BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. You can read more about how our affiliate partnerships work in our Editorial Standards & Ethics Guide. If you love Polène but also love saving money... this $60 bag is for you. Here's what BuzzFeeder Emma Lord has to say: "I bought this because I crave that Black Honey and will buy it until the day I die, but I am always paranoid of losing it, so I almost never let it leave my bag. I have tried probably five or six "almost" versions of Black Honey that came close, but this one genuinely spooked me. It has the same easy glide, the same buildability, and the same refreshingly hydrating effect. It was a two-pack, so I gave one to my BFF, another Black Honey fan, who also could not detect the difference!" Promising review: "Better than Clinique! I bought this one on a whim, but never liked the real Black Honey Almost Lipstick by Clinique, since it tends to run red on me. In my opinion, this shade is exactly what Black Honey SHOULD be, as it looks more like Black Honey in pictures. For the price, it can’t be beat, so I’m buying more." —HAC Get a two-pack from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in the pink honey version, and in a two-pack that mixes both!). And BTW, reviewers say the double lining in the torso is supportive, so they don't need to wear a bra. Promising review: "Are you kidding me? This is the softest, most comfortable body suit I’ve ever owned. I got so many compliments lol; everyone did think they were Skims lol, but it’s definitely worth every penny. I love and will be getting more colors!!! You need it." —Wendy L. Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–3X and 13 colors). And check out all the styles available in the Smoke Cloud fabric. Promising review: "THIS STUFF IS AMAZING. Super easy to apply. I have fine, curly hair, and it leaves my hair glossy and soft without weighing it down. Works better than any Moroccan Oil, L'Oréal, or Briogeo product I've used and is wayyyyy cheaper. Gifted a bottle to a friend with very thick, curly hair, and they said it works amazingly on them, too. Just do it once a week and you're set!" —Mid-west Get it from Amazon for $7.40+ (available in two styles). Read our review of Elizavecca CER-100 Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment to learn more about why one BuzzFeeder calls it "the miracle product I've been searching for." Lulu Candles is a US-based small business that specializes in scented candles and perfumes. Promising review: "This is such a great candle that fills the room quickly with a really nice, strong smell that is soothing and relaxing. I was looking for a less expensive Le Labo Santal 33 scent candle, and this one is very, very close! It's a bit stronger, but I love it! The shipment arrived fast, and I just love how fast it fills up the room without being lit for so long!" —Cristina Bertolotto Get it from Amazon for $17.95+ (available in three sizes, in gift box options, in packs of two, and in a variety of scents). Promising review: "These are literally the best leggings/joggers I have ever owned, and I plan to eventually buy every single color. I originally saw these on TikTok and heard they were like the Lululemon ones but cheaper. I've never owned Lululemon leggings, but if they feel anything like these, then I have clearly been missing out. These are soft and absolutely perfect. I love the pockets and jogger style, and that they fit like leggings and can be worn to the gym or dressed up with a cute outfit. I need to buy every color of these before they're gone!" —Courtney Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–3XL and 26 colors). Billion Dollar Brows is a small business that specializes in beauty products. Promising review: "I have found a new eyebrow enhancer powder! I’m blonde, and my eyebrows don’t show up very well. I have tried a lot of colors and products, but the rich, soft color of this one beats them all. Easily glides on, covers my gray brow hairs, and helps my eyebrows frame my face. And this one stays on all day until I wash it off! Well worth the price and the quality surprised me!!" —Pammer Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in four shades, with or without brush, and also in two packs). Promising review: "This blanket beats others because it is softer (a buttery and fluffy feeling), it is long enough for a 5'10" tall person, it is not too light and not too heavy (works year-round in Virginia), and it has a stretch to the material that I haven’t experienced with other soft blankets. The design is just so-so, but the colors are nice, and the price is right. If they updated the designs with more colors, patterns, then these would be absolutely perfect. I like this as much as my much more expensive Barefoot Dreams blanket and Williams Sonoma faux-fur blanket." —JH Get it from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in seven colors and three sizes). Promising review: "This mirror is gorgeous and very well-made. It feels heavier than I expected, so I used a 3M Claw to hang it, and it’s definitely secure. Looks exactly like the picture. I wanted the Anthropologie Primrose mirror but couldn’t stomach the price tag, even with deep discounts from their home outlet pop-up. This is an excellent alternative, so definitely worth it." —Jillian Coneys Get it from Amazon for $81.99+ (available in five styles/finishes and 10 sizes). Promising review: "Very similar to my Burberry fragrance, and they layer beautifully. I always get tons of compliments on the scent. I also purchased the jasmine and berry for a more fruity option, but to me, it just smells like regular lotion. Cost per use is well worth it considering how thick the lotion is. It also actually moisturizes while leaving a fragrance behind instead of drying my skin out due to the perfume. I have sensitive skin and have had no adverse reactions." —Violet Frahm Get it from Amazon for $9.97 (also available in other scents and packs). Promising reviews: "I used this with my Olay Regenerist Cream (it helps with my wrinkles). I mixed it, and it does a great deal of shine! You should buy it if you're looking for a Drunk Elephant Bronzing Drops substitute! Way better than Drunk Elephant." —raegan kuball "I actually like this glowy lotion better than the Drunk Elephant one, and I have both. This goes on smoothly and is not greasy. It leaves you very glowy with a beautiful tan and works well with makeup on top if you so wish. Lasting power, too. Recommend." —ggvega Get it from Amazon for $14.49+ (available in four shades and as a two-pack). 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 $8.99+ (available in eight designs/shapes as well as multipacks). Reviewers agree that if you want it fitted, size down. Promising review: "I have the Skims dress in black and wanted to look for a cheaper version, but read reviews and some said that it is a bit looser than expected. I would agree that the small is a bit loose. If you want a snatched look, definitely get a size smaller as it is very stretchy. I'm 5' tall, so this is a bit long on me, even when I wear heels. In comparison to the Skims, the material is smoother, while Skims has a ribbed texture. You honestly can't tell the difference. Good bang for your buck if you ask me!" —Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $26.99 (available in women's sizes S–XL). It's formulated with hyaluronic acid and squalene for a boost of hydration! Promising reviews: "This stuff is so legit I’ve gone through three bottles. Adds the perfect glow to your skin! Sometimes I use it under foundation and sometimes I use it solo with a bit of concealer. I will never not repurchase it for the price and how beautifully it sits on the skin. This stuff is viral for a reason!!" —mapagill "If you like Charlotte Tilbury's Flawless Filter, this is leaps and bounds better! Just buy it. The coverage is better, [it] makes my skin have the most amazing natural glow! The colors run with a more warm/yellow undertone which worked great for me! Spend a fraction of the price and just get it, you will be happy you did!" —Amazonreview Get it from Amazon for $12.33+ (available in 14 shades). Many reviewers said they find themselves drinking more water when they have a straw, and the fact that it's so dang cute doesn't hurt either! BuzzFeed Shopping editor Jenae Sitzes says, "I finally decided to hop on board the hype train for these big tumblers and am already obsessed with my Simple Modern one! I opted for the mint green color and it's as pretty as I'd hoped in person. The fact that this has both a straw and a handle means I end up carrying it around with me and drinking WAY more water than I did before. BTW! I highly recommend getting straw covers to protect against dust and germs — as pictured above, I got cute cloud ones (like these), and they work perfectly!" Promising review: "If you have been wanting a Stanley cup, believe me, save yourself some money and get this cup! You will end up with a better cup than the Stanley! I have dropped/tipped over this cup a couple of times and only a couple of drops of water come out. If I did that to my Stanley, water got everywhere! And this cup keeps the water so cold. And if you purchase silicone straw toppers, it keeps the water even colder! Also, it fits in my car cup holder, and my Stanley really didn’t. Love this cup!" —Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $25.24+ (available in two sizes and lots of colors). Also available in a style without the handle! The weights are covered with a sweatproof, skin-friendly silicone layer that's comfortable, and the adjustable elastic band helps you get the right fit. You can even remove weights as well if needed! Promising review: "I love these! So great for yoga or mat Pilates. I like that they are 2 pounds each, which is the perfect weight, and you can even take off weight as well. I use them every week for my workouts. Very durable band as well!" —Robyn Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in three sizes and 14 colors). It comes with seven nature-inspired wakeup sounds, plus an FM/AM radio. And there are eight colorful nightlight options as well! Promising review: "I really needed another reliable alarm in the morning besides my cellphone (because I’m notorious for hitting snooze), and this clock is exactly what I was looking for! I love that it slowly brightens as it gets closer to your alarm time because I feel less startled when my alarm goes off. This is super similar to the famous Hatch alarm clock, and at a much cheaper price. Would definitely purchase again and again! Saves my morning" —Skylar Faul Promising review: "I bought this bag looking for something similar to 'that one brand' that was affordable. This bag is absolutely gorgeous and looks identical. When I opened the box, it smelled a bit weird, but I took a leather cleaner/conditioner to the bag with a microfiber cloth, and it no longer smelled, and it looked nice and shiny. It took me a while to figure out how to organize my things as it is a unique shape, but once it was organized, I loved it." —lisa keegan Get it from Amazon for $59.99+ (available in three colors). BTW, people also love this for helping heal piercings. (Note: This product has newer packaging that you might receive instead of the older bottle shown above!) Promising review: "This spray is amazing. I had a rash on my face, and it disappeared after one use of this spray. I had a stye in my eye, and the skin around the eye was irritated. This spray fixed not only the irritation, but the stye went away as well. Any sort of blemish or acne is taken care of with this simple, inexpensive spray. Great for after-sun care or workout redness. Everyone loves Tower 28's expensive SOS spray. The SOS spray contains hypochlorous acid, which is the exact same ingredient in the Briotech spray for much less money. It’s a miracle worker." —Squid466 Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in five sizes and in multipacks). Promising review: "I'm obsessed with this pan. I previously owned an Always Pan which retails for $150 and this pan is way better! The Always Pan didn't last at all and I've been using this one daily and it's still just as nonstick as when I bought it. I also love that it's lightweight compared to other pans I've used. The colors are so pretty, too! I'm buying a second one for my RV :)" —Donna Irene Get it from Amazon for $37.85+ (available in five colors). Promising review: "Love these sandals. I bought them for a black and beige dress, thinking I'd be limited to only those matching colors. After receiving and trying them on — they looked perfect with jeans, too! My feet are not narrow, but not wide either. The fit is perfect on my size 8 feet, which are usually in sneakers. Dressing up in these sandals will present a [high-end] vibe and be comfortable, too!! I love the look it gives my feet! Dress it up, dress it down, and easy wearing — my go-to sandals now!!" —shinyliberty Get it from Amazon for $45.99 (available in women's sizes 5–11). Promising reviews: "BESTIES, if you don't own these socks yet, buy them NOW! I purchased these over and over again after finding them. They beat every other ankle sock I've tried in comfort, durability, and price! They are the perfect height on my ankles and look great with every shoe or slipper. A NEED!" —Carly Mabli "These are an alternative to the TNA Aritzia socks. They look identical and are very comfy and stylish. I love to pair these with sneakers and Birkenstock Boston clogs. Will order again." —Sabrina Marie Good Get a six-pack from Amazon for $8.49+ (available in women's sizes 5–9 or 8–12 and in two colors). Promising review: "Obsessed with this purse! And a reasonably priced option for such a popular bag trend right now. Good size to fit essentials like phone/wallet." —Jacscott15 Get it from Anthropologie for $98 (there are seven food styles, but it's also available in floral, geometric, and icon styles, as well). BuzzFeeder Emma Lord is a fan! Here's what she has to say: "I bought this after being peer-pressured by all the lovely reviews and I'm happy to report it lives up to the hype. The scent is lovely — it has depth with a hint of floral, but it's light and not at all overpowering. My favorite thing about it is how easily it pairs with other scents, because I am a body mist gremlin who swaps out her scents every day. The lather is also deeply satisfying and I feel quite refreshed and squeaky clean without ever feeling dry." 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 (clip the coupon on the product page to get it for $8.49). Promising review: "LOVE. It is super comfortable to wear and is great for supporting my chest when I go on a run. Doesn't collect sweat. Very nice and cool material for hotter environments. I have it in so many colors because I love them so much. HIGHLY recommend!" —Cheyenne Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in women's sizes XS–3XL and 38 colors). Jerome Alexander is a small business that specializes in airbrush cosmetic products. And here's what BuzzFeeder Emma Lord has to say: "HELLO — I found this through a recommendation on a Reddit beauty forum for people in their 30s, and I am OBSESSED. I am not very skilled with makeup and was intimidated by the brush factor, but it's nearly foolproof. This foundation straight-up glosses over my pores and redness and makes my skin look so even-toned and natural that it doesn't look like I used much foundation at all. It's a bit price-y compared to brands I used in the past, but I'm still on my first bottle of it, and it's been three full months. I hope this never stops getting made. It is so lightweight and lovely and has made my makeup routine feel like a TREAT." Promising review: "Bought this because I saw it on TikTok, and it did not disappoint. I love the lightweight feel of it and how easy it is to build." —Smickens Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in 12 shades). Promising review: "Love love LOVE these sunglasses! They have a chic, vintage vibe and feel super high-end right out of the box. The gold frames are sturdy, the lenses give great sun protection, and they instantly elevate any outfit. I’ve gotten compliments every time I’ve worn them. Total steal for the price, I’d 100% buy again!!" —Maxwell Get them from Amazon for $15.99 (available in 12 colors). Promising review: "This bag looks just like the Beis one — definitely a great alternative! It fits my 16-inch laptop perfectly and has plenty of room for all my other essentials. The size is ideal, and it has a sleek, elegant, and professional look. I love how functional and stylish it is. It's also waterproof, which is a huge plus. Overall, it’s a great value for the price!" —berenice urena Get it from Amazon for $35.86+ (available in nine styles). Promising review: "These are AMAZING! I highly recommend them. They look so luxurious and expensive. I've gotten a lot of compliments on them already. 10/10!" —Hayley Ghormley Get them from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 13 finishes, two-packs, and an XL size). 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: "It’s been four months since ordering this, and it’s now part of my nightly routine. I can’t go to bed before putting this on. I highly recommend this! And it’s worth it to get the three-pack. The flavors are not overly sweet, and I think my favorite is the berry. I like it more than the Laneige night lip mask. For me, Laneige absorbs pretty quickly, and in the morning, I feel like my lips are dry again. With these, my still lips feel moisturized in the morning. It has a thicker consistency. I used to get dry/peeling lips pretty often as I’m outdoors/in the ocean a lot. However, since incorporating this into my routine, I haven’t had peeling lips in a long time. Loooove these!" —Angela Get it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in five combos). BuzzFeed writer Emma Lord is a big fan of this brand! Here is what she has to say about their pieces: "For what it's worth, Pavoi — the company behind this piece — has gone TikTok viral time and time again for its classic, modern, and expensive-looking pieces. I personally own almost all my 'daily wear' jewelry from Pavoi and swear by it. Everything is so easy to accessorize and makes my outfits look and feel so much more put together, and the pieces are so durable that they're easily worth twice what I paid. Check out the rest of Pavoi's line of jewelry for more options, including earrings, bracelets, and anklets!" Promising review: "I just lost my very real gold tennis bracelet. I’ve heard good things about this company and decided to order one that looked like the one I lost. It just came in, and it looks as nice as my real one. I don’t know how it will do as time goes, but for $19, it’s a great buy." —Alina Get it from Amazon for $17.95+ (available in three lengths, 14-karat gold-plated or 18-karat gold vermeil, in yellow, rose, or white gold, and in packs of two). 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 lip gloss. It’s always awesome to find a less expensive [option] for the high-end products I like." —Jennifer Get it from Amazon for $8.50 (clip the coupon on the product page to get it for $7.99). Promising review: "Le Creuset? Don't know her. I have always wanted one of these enamel-covered cast iron beauties, but even from the outlet stores, they were expensive. I saw this guy after finding a stew recipe that went from stove to oven, and I got it. I am DELIGHTED with this purchase! I've cooked in it several times, including a chili recipe tonight that had to reduce by half. It left a ridiculous ring on the inside, and that sucker wiped right out. I haven't burned or scorched any of my foods and it's pretty, too!" —HerRoyalHighness Get a 6-quart Dutch oven from Amazon for $46.07+ (available in 10 colors and also in two other sizes). Promising review: "I love Rifle Paper Co. rugs, but they’re really expensive and not super thick or anything. I mostly love their designs. I saw this rug, and it didn’t have a lot of reviews, but I took a chance and am so glad I did! I bought the runner and then the door size, both for my kitchen. I love the design of this rug and the colors! I personally would prefer a straight edge, but it’s fine. I washed the runner in the laundry with no issues. It’s easy to vacuum and doesn’t get sucked up constantly. It’s soft and thin, but that’s fine for the price. I love them, and I hope they make more designs!" —Sydney Get it from Amazon for $19.35+ (available in 16 sizes and 11 designs). JoyJolt is a small business that makes all sorts of homewares. Promising review: "I saw these wineglasses on TikTok and had to order them. They are perfect! Will be purchasing again as gifts for my friends!" —diana Get a set of two from Amazon for $16.92+ (white wine glasses, red wine glasses and champagne flutes are available). Promising review: "Exactly what I was looking for! Love this amber glass soap dispenser! It adds a classy touch to my bathroom and works like a charm. Smooth pump action, easy to refill, and eco-friendly. Highly recommend!" —Emily Get a 2-pack from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in various color and pack options). Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity. BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.