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37 Items 100% Worth The Little Money You’ll Spend Because They’re Close To The Pricier Versions
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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. You *and* you wallet will do a happy dance when you get a tomato lamp for less than $50. Promising review: "Took years off my eyes! This product in so reasonably priced. I came across a TikTok promoting this and decided to take a chance since the price was super reasonable. My eyes looked brighter in a good way, and the concealer worked so well that I felt I looked younger. I got compliments from friends asking what I did differently with my makeup. I recommend it." —Placeholder Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in four shades). 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 is so many colors because I love them so much. HIGHLY recommend!" —Cheyenne Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–3XL and 32 colors). Here's what BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord says: "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, 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. This shade, in my opinion, 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 it from Amazon for $6.99 (also available in the pink honey version, and in a two-pack that mixes both!). Promising review: "Wow wow wow!!! 🤩 This blanket is so soft and the colors and image is so vibrant! The material is great. Lightweight but also snuggly weighted, I don’t know how to describe it. I almost bought the one from Anthropologie, but this is exactly like it [for] way less price! I think I’ll be gifting a few of these because they are so nice!" —Amy Get it from Amazon for $34.39+ (available in five sizes and 17 styles). Promising review: "I’ve been buying these for years. They replaced my Ray-Bans that look identical! Fit great and with the price point, I don’t have to worry too much with my kids and being on the go!" —Jessica M Get a pack of three from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in 12 sets, as well as packs of two and individual pairs). Promising review: "Like so many, I found this scent on TikTok. I was a bit skeptical at first but finally got around to trying it. First off, this scent smells amazing! Almost every time I've worn it, I receive compliments. It has a sweet smell, almost like warm cake or sugar cookies with a hint of lemon. With such an affordable price, I would definitely recommend this to anyone curious about trying it." —Chrissy It's suitable for all hair types! Reviewers with everything from straight, fine hair to thick, curly hair said it worked for them. Promising review: "I have really thick, dark, straight-ish hair and this is the best hair oil I have ever used. I used to use an $80 Gisou hair oil, and I can gladly say that this product does work waaaaaay better than those expensive oils. I trust Korean skincare and I know the quality is better, so obviously hair care has to be better too right? This makes my hair soooo soft and it takes away all of the frizz from my hair. It smells really good and it smells fresh and clean. This bottle has lasted me soooo much longer than I expected. A little goes a long way. I love using it after the shower on damp hair, but also on dry hair. It is just an amazing hair oil and I will never use anything else but this." —Bea Get it from Amazon for $18.77+ (available in two sizes, as a mist, and five other formulas). If you're wondering what oud is, think of the smell of fallen trees in the woods after a hard rain. Lulu Candles is a US-based small business that specializes in scented candles and perfumes. Promising review: "I was staying over at a friend's house and sitting next to her coffee table. She had this candle on the table and even though it wasn't lit I could smell it, and it was so delicious that I instantly went online to find it and bought it for myself! If this came in a perfume I would buy enough to last the rest of my life. I don't know how to even explain the scent but if you are an amber/patchouli/vanilla fan, this is absolutely for you. The jasmine adds an unbelievable freshness without a flowery scent. I even bought the shampoo and conditioner which I will probably use as more of a body wash and shaving cream but that is how desperate I am to get this scent on me!" —Melissa I. Get it from Amazon for $18+ (available in seven sizes, in gift box options, in packs of two, and in a variety of scents). My colleague Jenae Sitzes uses it: "The packaging similarities are impossible to ignore, but that's not where the comparisons between this E.l.f. sunscreen and Supergoop's cult-fave product end. I've tried both, and I honestly prefer this E.l.f. version. Supergoop's had a slight graininess to it that I didn't love, while this E.l.f. sunscreen is exactly what I'd hoped Supergoop's would feel like: totally smooth and velvety. Like Supergoop's, it goes on totally clear and doesn't feel like you're wearing a mask; it sinks in immediately. And of course, a major selling point: A 1.7-ounce bottle of E.l.f. Suntouchable will cost you $14, while Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen in the same size will put you back $38. Now, it's worth noting that Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen has SPF 50, while E.l.f.'s product offers SPF 35. Both of these meet the American Academy of Dermatology's recommendation of using a sunscreen with SPF 30 or more, which blocks 97% of the sun's UVB rays. Anything over SPF 30 offers only slightly more protection (and nothing can block 100% of the sun's rays), yet the higher number, the more brands tend to charge. So do with that info what you will! This isn't the only SPF I use, but I love having it in my arsenal, especially when I do want to layer makeup on top!" Promising review: "This sunscreen is a gem. I was not expecting to love it as much as I do. I absolutely love E.l.f. products, but I rarely try their skincare. Something told me to try this. When I put it on, it gave a smooth silicone finish and feel. I was faithful to Supergoop but didn't want to spend as much as the product is listed for. I will continue to use this sunscreen; it has been one of the best I’ve ever tried. I’ve been into skincare since I was 15; I am 37, and for me to say that this product is a gold mine is rare." —Angelina S. Get it from Amazon for $14 (available in two sizes and as a two-pack). Buzzfeed Shopping writer Emma Lord says: I bought these on Prime Day, which is the only day I will buy leggings because I hate wearing leggings with a burning passion. My "I'm not like other girls" bit is that for some reason I am always comfier in jeans than leggings. BUT NOT THESE!!! They slide on. The fabric is so lightweight and breathable that it feels like a whisper. The band is so deceptively comfortable that sometimes I'm like, "Am I still wearing them??" I use them to run outdoors because that is the only circumstance I'll wear a legging, and I'm happy to report after several washes, they are durable and compressive enough to withstand workouts. They would be excellent for lounging if I weren't wired in this odd anti-legging way. I have already bought two more pairs and made my friends buy them, too. Promising review: "Super comfy. I usually don’t write reviews, I tried this first before buying Lulu, and these are the most comfortable leggings for every day and even for workouts. Highly recommended!" —Criselle Johnson Get them from Amazon for $29 (available in women's sizes XXS–XXL, two inseams, and 21 styles). Promising review: "I was going to buy the $80 one from UO, and decided to look for cheaper alternatives. I'm really happy with this lamp! The little remote with light settings and timer features is a nice addition. If you're thinking about buying this, I'd recommend you do!" —Jules F Promising reviews: "I have several pairs of Rothy’s in a very similar style to these, and they are actually just as comfortable right out of the box as Rothy’s…maybe more so. I also purchased in black. LOVE THEM!!" —Amazon Customer "I couldn’t be happier with these flats! As a result of them dropping in price, I purchased four pairs in varying colors to wear with jeans and sweaters. Not only do they look cute, but they are also decently padded and comfortable. I have been buying Vivaia flats for over $100 and these look just as good and are more comfortable to wear." —PSK Get it from Amazon for $32.99 (available in women's sizes 6–10 and 14 colors and patterns). Check out a TikTok of the E.l.f. tubing mascara in action. Buzzfeed Shopping writer Emma Lord says: "I am not a new human to the tubing mascara game, and in fact 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). Promising review: "Don't hesitate, just buy these. I was using the Real Technique sponges for years and 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 set of five from Amazon for $5.66+ (available in four sets of colors). BuzzFeed Shopping editor Jenae Sitzes says: "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 Beautyblender soap and other big-name brands." —Lily Get it from Amazon for $5.82+ (available in two sizes). Note: Powdered sunscreens are best used for touching up, not as a replacement for traditional sunscreen (read more from the Cleveland Clinic). If you're looking for a good sunscreen to add to your routine, check out our roundup of the best tinted sunscreens. Promising reviews: "Wish I would have found this sooner! Works great and so far the cheapest option I have found for powder sunscreen. Love that my face isn’t greasy anymore from normal sunscreen!" —Michelle "I was using Supergoop SPF powder but was put off by the high price along with small quantity, so I decided to try this Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen powder. I really like it!! I like that it gives me a tiny bit of color and I also like the beachy way it smells, plus it is more affordable than Supergoop. I couldn't swear by how much sun protection it provides, but I trust that it helps. Glad I found it and I hope to keep reordering it in the future. P.S. At first, I didn't know how the applicator worked. I finally read the instructions that were on the box. Now that I know how to apply it, I like it even better. :-)" —Bonnie A. Promising review: "At first, I was a little skeptical — I have been wanting to find a Skims-like material shirt for a while but didn't want to pay the price of one, lol, and this shirt feels amazing. I will be getting one in every color now." —Julianne Get it from Amazon for $17.99 (available in women's sizes XXS–3XL and 29 colors). It's great for many skin types, including sensitive, oily, dry, and combination! It's recommended that you do a patch test 24–48 hours before applying this all over your face, as it's a strong, concentrated formula. After that, apply three to five drops once daily and follow with a moisturizer (ideally one with SPF if you apply in the morning!). Though the bottle looks small, reviewers say it'll last you several months with daily use. Promising reviews: "Best $20 ever spent!!! The results are unbelievable. I was a bit skeptical because all the reviews were from Caucasian [people], and I was slightly worried that my skin would not respond as well, but I was quite mistaken. With or without makeup, my skin is bright and smooth, and my spots are disappearing. One other result I am sure a number of people have not noticed is that your palms get softer too; I guess the residue on the palms makes it soft and supple." —Mayowa O. Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in two sizes). It's designed to fit laptops up to 15.6 inches. Promising review: "I purchased this tote to opt for a more classy look. I love it!!! Would definitely recommend. Great for college students’ textbooks and laptop. It comes with over six compartments and has plenty of storage!" —Talia Arielle Get it from Amazon for $27.88+ (available in 10 styles). It's designed to work on all hair types, with reviewers with 2b–4c curls mentioning it worked for them! 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 Promising reviews: "My favorite sheets have to be Cozy Earth. But they are way too pricey for a guest bed. These sheets are just as good without the huge price tag. Side by side comparison to these versus expensive brands like Cozy Earth or Peacock Alley — these sheets are thinner and deeper, which actually fit better on our deep mattress with a 3-inch topper. These sheets are just as cool feeling as the higher-end ones when you get in bed. They wash well. They hardly wrinkle. And even after months of use, they are still in great shape. They haven’t started to peel yet or fray. No loose threads or tears. Great sheets!" —Susan "We have Egyptian cotton sheets that were expensive and I promise we have changed them back out for the comfort of these sheets. The cotton sheets were cold and these were just right. The other thing is my husband has thin skin that any nick he will bleed. Well he has bled on these white sheets and when we washed them (in cold water as instructed) the blood always comes out and never stains. I can't say enough great things about them except to say all three of my adult kids are receiving a set as part of their Christmas!" —Sheree Chrestman Get a set of queen sheets from Amazon for $36.97+ (available in sizes twin–California king, plus sheet sets with deep pockets for taller mattresses and 45 colors and patterns). BuzzFeed Shopping editor Maitland Quitmeyer says: "This is my go-to satin pillowcase. I have two Slip pillowcases, and several of these, and actually the Bedsure ones wash up much nicer and retain an incredibly silky smooth feel after dozens of trips through the laundry. They're the only ones I'll buy going forward, and I recommended them to my mom and now she's in love with them too!" Promising review: "My hair has never been better! I got this because of TikTok and it has done wonders for my hair. My hair isn’t frizzy or dull looking when I get up in the morning." —Aaron Key Get a set of two from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in four sizes, 35 colors, and in packs of four or individually). BTW, people also love this for helping heal piercings. Promising reviews: "It works just like my Tower 28 spray. Smells the same and feels the same. It's more product and saves you money. It also comes with two lids, which is perfect for traveling!" —Andrea Benton "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 a 4-ounce bottle from Amazon for $11.99 (available in fives and in multipacks). Promising reviews: "Bought this dress because I always wanted to get the House of CB dress but didn’t want to pay over $250 for it. It’s honestly so good! I got the size large in this since they didn’t have my normal sizes, which are small to medium (I have a bigger chest, so I tend to size up). But since this has a corset back, I was able to cinch it up really tight, and it fit perfectly!" —Chris Herfurth Kennedy "Beautiful, stunning perfection. This may be the best thing I've ever bought on Amazon. The corset in the back makes it fit like it was made for me. It's double-lined and not see-through at all, even though it's white. The straps are adjustable, the slit is a good height, and the fabric is slightly stretchy. I cannot say enough good things about it. It did come slightly wrinkly in the skirt, but nothing that a good steam won't fix." —Shoshanna Get it from Amazon for $61.99 (available in women's sizes 0–14 and 15 colors/styles). Promising review: "Love these drops. So effective, a little goes a long way. Great for a boost of hydration, especially in the colder and/or drier months. Great as a primer before makeup to smooth the skin. Such a value for a product that packs a punch. My skin hasn't looked better!" —Ken Unlike other hair dryers, this one can be held closer to the roots and scalp for a higher volume and lift and helps you curl hair at the end while it dries. It comes with three heat settings and is designed to work on all hair textures — reviewers with 2a–4c hair mentioned it working for them, and especially noted that it helps cut down on drying time! 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 the 2.0 model from Amazon for $42.65+ (available in seven styles, including an older model). Many reviewers with curl types 4a–c prefer the oval brush, but if you're looking to blow out tighter curls or coils, try the Revlon One-Step paddle brush instead. This model is made for users with curlier hair. You can get it for $24.02. Reviewers of this brush also say it's the best thing they've bought for their hair! Promising review: "This is my favorite belt! It's perfect with jeans, and I get so many compliments on it. I love that the double-ring is sort of designer-inspired, but not a complete knockoff of the Gucci belt. I highly recommend! I am typically a medium and the medium was perfect." —Everyday Teacher Style Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–XL and in five colors). LilyAna Naturals is a family-owned small business using natural ingredients to craft high-quality skincare products. 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 $15.99+ (available in three sizes as a two-pack). You can program it with seven light settings, seven chill "wake up" sounds, and set it to start slowly lighting up at 30, 20, or 10 minutes before you wake up. Promising review: "I’ve always wanted one of these alarm clocks! It works so great! A much more peaceful way to wake up for sure, if you’re a heavy sleeper this may not work for you, but as someone who easily wakes up to light, it is great! Wayyyy cheaper than the Hatch one and does the exact same thing!" —Hannah "I saw this on TikTok and was influenced to buy it. I have a hard time falling asleep but the sleep function really helps. It also makes it a lot easier to wake up in the morning." —Christen Get it from Amazon for $38.99+ (available in three colors). Promising review: "Really well constructed. Comfortable fabric. I don't wear shorts, so these will be great for summer. The fit is great. I ordered these pants in three more colors the day after the first pair arrived. Excellent value!" —Montana Fam Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and 14 colors). iJoy is a small business that specializes in headphones and tech accessories. They do not feature noise cancellation, but according to reviewers, have great noise isolation thanks to the padded covers. Promising reviews: "Saw these on TikTok; so far, they're really good." —Edward McDonald "I bought these for walking, running, working out, and and cleaning. And honestly, hands down the best headphones ever. I felt like I had my Apple AirPod Pros in. They sound so amazing, they are extremely comfortable on my ears. They don’t give a headache or leave the head strap line in your hair. The price is affordable, it connects so easily to your phone. They fit how you want them to fit, and I’m really happy! I carry them with me everywhere I go now. Highly recommend!" —Emily Tobias Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in five colors). My colleague Maitland Quitmeyer can vouch for these: "I bought a pack of these recently, and so far love dusting with them! All the dust sticks right on, so you don't end up breathing in all the dust you just tried removing. It's great for baseboards, too!" Promising review: "I rarely review products, but this little sponge literally changed my life! It picks up EVERYthing in one swipe! Hard water marks on your bathroom mirror, no problem! Hair clippings on your sink and counter, one swipe and they are gone! Dusty blinds? Swoosh, swoosh, swipe! And ala-presto ka-bam, like magic, they are perfect and dust-free! I just need one of these for my floors! I love, love, love how the sponge picks up everything, and with a little running water, all the dust, hair, muck, and guck just rinsed away! This will not disappoint! Thank you!" —DayDreamer Get a four-pack from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in six color combos and in packs of two or eight). Jerome Alexander is a small business that specializes in airbrush cosmetic products. BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord says: "HELLO — I found this through a recommendation on a Reddit beauty forum for people in their thirties, 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: "As a foundation enthusiast, I own and have tried SO many foundations (drugstore, luxury, and prestige brands). This foundation is in my top five of all time. For the price, it is FABULOUS. Great for skin of all ages, blends into the skin effortlessly, and gives you a nice airbrushed effect. The perfect [swap] for Dior Airflash! It also comes with a blending brush that works well with the application process. Will continue to buy again and again and I plan on buying in different shades for my client makeup kit." —Gabrielle Scire-Chianetta Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in 12 shades). Elizabeth Mott is a Korean American woman-owned biz! Promising review: "I am very happy with this purchase! The primer lasted on my client for 14 hours, including 10 hours of on-camera work and running around doing interviews. Pleased as punch! This is what I needed to hear! Finding a good shadow primer is like the holy grail in the life of a makeup artist. I have used many products and wasted a lot of money and I believe I found a winner with Elizabeth Mott’s product! I am thankful and impressed!" —Miss Lilly Promising review: "Works great, good for sensitive skin. I used to use Urban Decay but this works just as well for a much better price. I spray 3–4 pumps on my face when I'm done with my makeup and it keeps it on all day. It leaves a nice smooth, lightweight texture that isn't tacky or sticky. I have incredibly sensitive skin and reactive dermatitis that flares up even with products I've used before, but I've had ZERO problems with this product. Will definitely buy this again and again!" —Leigh Get it from Amazon for $7.96 (available in five styles, in jumbo sizes, and in packs of two). These require three AAA batteries per candle that will last you about 150 hours. Promising review: "I like that you can control the brightness with the remote and timer selection is just not one selection, that is the first time I have seen a remote for candles with lots of options. These candles are better than my expensive flameless Luminara candles and look just like a real candle. This is my second set and I just purchased a third set. You won't regret this purchase." —Experiencedandiknowit Get the set of three from Amazon for $22.99 (available in four colors/styles). BuzzFeed Shopping editor Elizabeth Lilly says, "I wear a size L/XL in clothing and sometimes waist bags just don't work out so well for me. With this one, I can confirm that it fit around my waist comfortably without outerwear, across my chest without outerwear, *and* over a thick coat and several layers. The pockets inside are so handy and I even had room to spare throughout my Iceland trip. Just make sure that you zip the zipper ALL the way because the zipper goes down pretty far on the sides for easier access to contents." Promising review:"I’m SOO impressed with the quality of this bag! I’ve worn the Lululemon belt bag and I gotta say, this is pretty similar. Almost identical, except the Lululemon is a tiny bit smaller size. The Lululemon one also has a plastic zipper but this Amazon one is metal. I prefer the plastic but this one is OK. It might be better than Lululemon JUST for the fact that they have so many color options!" —Em Get it from Amazon for $12.98+ (available in 39 styles). 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. Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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