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Let me tell you a little secret... there’s literally no reason to pay extra just so the tag can say a specific brand name. 🤷🏼‍♀️ 🤫

I am a contributor and former BuzzFeed Shopping writer based in Cincinnati, OH where you can find me curating lists on ~a little bit of everything~ (and adding a few things to my own cart in the process).

Promising reviews: "Soooo pretty. It’s 100% a Swarovski [alternative] for so cheap. Looks exactly like the photo, and I wear it every day." —Trysten Walters

"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 $19.95+ (available in three lengths,14K gold-plated or 18K gold vermeil, and in yellow, rose, or white gold). 

Promising review: "I bought this, and my daughter immediately tried to steal it because she thought it was the real thing. Ha! This is so easy to use, and a little goes a long way. This will last for a while. And it was a fraction of the price of the brand name." —Amazon Customer

Promising review: "I am a macaron baker and have been using Silpat brand for years. I needed to order more Silpats but didn't want to spend the money. I found these Amazon Basic nonstick baking mats and thought I'd give them a try. It has been a month now, and they are still working just as great as my Silpat brand. Even baking, easy to clean, and clear (I bake shapes and use templates underneath). Hopefully, they last as long as my Silpats, which I have had for three years now, but if I get at least a couple of years out of them before buying new ones, I won't mind because of the price! The top macaron shell [pictured above] is from the Amazon Basics brand, and the bottom is Silpat. They baked up even and with the same feet!" —Kasey G

Get a two-pack from Amazon for $10.49+ (available in two versions and two pack sizes).

Promising review: "This bag is great quality inside/out. If you want the original bag's vibe without the price tag, this is IT!" —Georgia Peach

Get it from Target for $25 (available in three colors). 

Many reviewers said they find themselves drinking more water when they have a straw. 

Promising review: "Please do not run out to Targé and waste your money on a Stanley IF you’re only using a cup for ice/cold drinks. This cup is just as good and far more affordable. I put ice in my cup over 24 hours ago during my shift at the hospital, and there is still ice in the cup! This product is BEYOND worth it at this price point. You won’t be disappointed. If the cup isn’t in your cart at this point, I don’t know what’s wrong with you: GET IT! 😂" —Marie

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two sizes, a personalized option, and a variety of colors and patterns). Also available in a style without the handle!

Promising review: "I wish I had known about these sooner! PicassoTiles are *exactly* like Magna-Tiles but way more affordable. We just received the 100-tile set today — an early birthday gift for our soon-to-be-4-year-old. We have two sets of Magna-Tiles — one with the grommets (purchased new last year) and one without (purchased secondhand [no idea how old they are]). The PicassoTiles are the same weight and size as the Magna-Tiles and have the same exact magnets. They do not have metal grommets, but the old Magna-Tiles are indestructible, so I know that these will be, too. And PicassoTiles are much prettier in my opinion, because they are slightly more translucent and have brighter colors. They integrate into the collection seamlessly. I highly recommend this product. And if you are considering buying any kind of magnetic tile toy for your child, I recommend purchasing as big a set a you can for versatility of play. Our son has played with these all day and night off and on every single day since we bought them last year. After integrating the new PicassoTile set, he hugged his enormous structure and declared them his favorite...twice. A wonderful toy!" —skater mom

Promising review: "The lip oil trend has fully saturated my TikTok feed. So, I was anxious to test and compare. I also own the Dior Lip Oil, and tbh, Nyx is giving them a run for their money. This lip oil does its job for a fraction of the price. The formula isn't as thick as the Dior product, but the color options and leakproof packing make up for it. I'd definitely recommend picking this up to try!" —Courtney Calestiini

Get it from Amazon for $7.70+ (available in 17 shades, plus clear).

Former BuzzFeed editor Kayla Suazo has this and says, "There are few beauty products out there that I consistently go back to, which says a lot because I love everything that has to do with makeup. But alas, here I am, consistently finding my way back to Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Concealer. I still don’t know how a cheap tube of concealer beats out the more expensive ones I have stuffed into my vanity, but it does. It’s not too creamy or thick, yet it still gives solid coverage without the cake-y feeling. It blends incredibly well with every foundation I wear — and I have a lot of different foundations. I also really enjoy the sponge applicator. I still go over whatever I apply with a Beauty Blender to get that matte look, but having the sponge makes it easier and means I don’t have to use my fingers to dab under my eyes. When I am done with my entire routine, my eyes look lighter and brighter, but not in a way that’s totally obvious — even when photos are taken and the flash is on."

Get it from Amazon for $9.96+ (available in 23 shades).

BuzzFeed Shopping editor Maitland Quitmeyer has these and says, "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: "These are exactly like the Scrub Daddy, only hella cheaper." —kr425

Promising review: "I had low expectations for this. But I'm really happy to find that they do work really well for a much better price than the name brand. It's pretty much the same as the name-brand damp duster, except that the grooves are slightly wider. I dusted the tops and fronts of my cabinets in about five minutes, but I'm most impressed with how well it removes pet hair from my couch and clothes, even better than sticky rollers. I have Pomeranians blowing out their winter undercoats, so it's my new fav thing." —I shop too much

Get a two-pack from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in six color packs and three quantities).

Peach & Lily is a skincare brand founded by celebrity esthetician Alicia Yoon that specializes in vegan beauty products. A portion of the company's proceeds have gone to Restore NYC since 2016.

Check out a TikTok of the acne spot dots in action.

Promising review: "Honestly, these are by far the best pimple patches I have ever used. I have a problem with picking at pimples, causing them to scar, but these now save me from the scars that take so long to heal. They work so much better than Mighty Patch, which is also far more expensive; they are 10 times more effective. They come in all different sizes, too, so it’s perfect!! GET THESE RIGHT NOW, TRUST ME, you will never turn back." —Isabel

This stuff is even made with hyaluronic acid and squalene to give your skin some extra 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 Flawless Filter, this is leaps and bounds better! Just buy it. The coverage is better and 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 $9,85+ (available in 14 shades).

Promising review: "I LOVE CUSHIONAIRE shoes! I own many Birkenstock shoes and many Cushionaire shoes. These are damn near identical in quality, and you don't feel guilty getting several pairs at once because they're so affordable, and they're so comfortable!" —Shayna

Get it from Amazon for $39.46+ (available in women's sizes 5–12, wide sizes, and 15 colors).

Promising review: "I finally received my new body spray yesterday and was in complete shock at the resemblance to Baccarat Rouge 540. This body spray is so delicious. It is definitely a Baccarat Rouge 540 [alternative]. There were so many reviews that said how much this body spray resembled the very pricey perfume, and they were all correct. I absolutely love Baccarat Rouge 540, but it is so expensive compared to other perfumes like Chanel, so I opt not to purchase it regularly. This body spray is a wonderful substitute for overpriced perfume. Today will be my first day wearing the spray, so hopefully, it will have great longevity throughout the day as well. 🤞🏼 Regardless, I would still purchase it again moving forward." —Tina

Get it from Amazon for $39 (available in three other scents).

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 fits 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. It is almost identical, except the Lululemon is a tiny bit smaller in size. The Lululemon one also has a plastic zipper but this Amazon one is metal. I prefer 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 28 colors). 

Promising reviews: "OK. So, I’m a mascara snob! This is better than Dior Show, better than Better than Sex. I’ve ordered this repeatedly, about 14x, and you won’t be dissatisfied, I PROMISE. I use micellar water to remove my makeup on little cotton squares. EASY. Take a chance. $4.99 vs $40 for Dior. You can’t go wrong. ❤️" —john t dowell

"I can only praise this mascara! It’s easy to put on, and you control how dramatic you want your lashes. No smudge. Very easy to remove, and the BEST part is the price!! In my opinion, this is better than Better than Sex. Definitely love and will buy again." —Mayra Z

BuzzFeed editor Kayla Boyd wrote an in-depth Essence Lash Princess mascara review.

Get it from Amazon for $4.97 (available in four colors).

Promising reviews: "Bottega, who? These are adorable and super close to the original ones! Perfect for work, events, or casual days. They don’t get rusty or anything right away (I wore them while walking around in 90-degree weather). Love them, and I’m gonna get them in gold too!" —Amazon Customer

"Yep..this is it, FINALLY! For those of you who have been searching for the best, affordable, similar looking Bottega [swap], THIS IS IT!! I searched many places and bought from other places, but this is the best one out there… I thought the price of these earrings was sketchy, but NO…it's legit." —Amazon Customer

Get them from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in a variety of sizes and colors).

Promising review: "These are great for oily skin. I normally can get through half the day before my face looks like a grease pit and that's after applying anti-shine under makeup. These wipes are a miracle. They absorb quickly and I love having them in my purse. I normally use two a day — much better than Tatcha." —Leslie M.I Photographer

Get a 100-pack from Amazon for $6.95+ (available in three styles and multipacks).

Promising review: "I came across this looking for a cheaper replacement for my Tarte Maracuja Oil. I tried a few cheaper maracuja oils, but never any that made my skin look or feel anywhere near as good as this one does. I was a little hesitant as I hate the smell of cocoa butter. This has no cocoa butter smell to me at all. It actually works better than the Tarte oil at a fraction of the price. I can’t see ever being without this product. Definitely one — if not the best — budget-friendly beauty or skincare products I’ve ever tried." —Jennifer Salley

It comes with seven nature-inspired wake-up sounds plus an FM/AM radio. And there are eight colorful night-light options as well!

Promising reviews: "I really needed another reliable alarm in the morning besides my cell phone (because I’m notorious for hitting sneeze), 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

"I had my eye on the Hatch sunrise alarm but didn’t want to spend over $100 on it. I am so glad I found this sunrise alarm clock instead! Has all the features I was looking for for a third of the price! Things I love about this product:

-It’s easy to set up and use-Can have two different alarms saved-dimmable-different color options-several sound and brightness options-snooze option-looks niceThe only feature I do not utilize is the FM radio." —Olivia Nguyen

Promising review: "I bought this product because I heard that it was an alternative to the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, and it 100% is!! It's basically the same scent and texture, and it moisturizes just as well overnight. I love both products, but will buy this one moving forward because it’s so much more affordable!" —¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Get a set of three from Amazon for $9.90 (available in five variations).

Promising review: "Such cute shoes that are maybe even better than the designer inspiration! I ordered a 37 and usually am a 6.5. They fit perfectly. The footbed is more padded than the designer version. Leather is soft and comfortable on the foot. Sole is not slippery." —Emily Wilson

Get it from Amazon for $49.89+ (available in women's sizes 5–12 and seven colors).

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 $19.99+ (available in two sizes).

Read more about what massage guns can (and can’t) do, plus how to use them, at Cleveland Clinic.

Promising review: "I was avoiding buying a Theragun because of price issues and this had a great deal on price markdown, even from list so I went for it. It was a great choice. Helps with pain relief and massage in pressure spots I wasn't able to get before. I had access to use a theragun before and haven't noticed any difference between items and it's at a much lower price point. Whatever extra theragun features there might be I haven't needed and the heads are interchangeable between Theragun and this. Very happy with my purchase." —tauntaun

Promising review: "I used a Theragun for about a month and although it was great, this unit is better suited for my needs. I found the Theragun to be too powerful on the lowest setting and bulky to handle. Some people prefer a lower setting than the "professional" brand offers. This unit is also easier to handle when massaging my partner than the Theragun. This gun goes from a comfortable low setting to very powerful on the highest setting. Much better fit for me and my partner plus it's got solid battery life." —Pierremoe

Get it from Amazon for $59.99+ (available in eight colors/versions).

It's recommended to use this product on the ends of your hair (be careful to avoid your scalp) two to three times per week on wet hair after you shampoo. You should use one dose if you have fine to medium-textured hair, two to three if you have thick to curly-textured hair, and add one extra dose if you have long hair. 

Promising review: "This is the best hair product I have ever purchased. It truly lives up to its claims. I have thinning, coarse hair and was stymied by its proclivity to frizz and its cotton candy texture. After one use of Wonder Water, my hair was shiny and the frizz and flyaways disappeared. Friends even remarked at how great my hair looked — something that has never happened to me. The only product I can compare this to is Olaplex, which is almost as effective, but five times as expensive and much more time-consuming to use. Applying Wonder Water is foolproof (the exact amount to use with each application is marked on the container) and it only takes eight seconds to work. Initially, I thought that Wonder Water was too good to be true, but I am already midway through my second bottle and I continue to be delighted." —Maureen Bolton

Check out rave reviews from folks with fine hair, curly hair, and type 4c hair.

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

Check out BuzzFeed's full review of the Elizavecca hair treatment for more deets!

Promising review: "I brought this blanket to the hospital for the birth of my son. By the end of my stay, my OB and every nurse I had ended up ordering it. It’s so soft and washes and dries very well. I own a Barefoot Dreams blanket, and this is quite comparable, especially for the price. It’s warm without being too bulky. My newborn loves to be snuggled in it, too. Make sure to dry on medium heat!" —SJJ

Get it from Amazon for $21.91+ (available in three sizes and a variety of styles). 

Promising review: "Ok so last summer I took the plunge and bought that expensive Drunk Elephant glowy tan drop stuff. I used it a fair amount, it was okay, but in my opinion, not anywhere near the price I paid. It had to be mixed into my foundation to look remotely normal, which defeats the whole point of the product, which was supposed to be for an 'effortless no makeup glow'. I bought this stuff instead in the Deep shade this summer after a beach trip. This is not only an alternative for Drunk Elephant, it’s a better product. It doesn’t make you look like a glowing orange Oompa Loompa. It’s a very natural ACTUAL skin shade and sinks into your skin as you blend it in. As my tan fades, I will combine it with moisturizer but that’s all that’s necessary. If you were between this and just finally spending the money on the Drunk Elephant, get this. I wish I found it a summer sooner and saved myself the moolah." —EWB

Get it from Amazon for $14.97+ (available in five shades and two-packs).

Promising review: "I’ve been looking at these sunglasses at Bottega Veneta for months, but just couldn’t justify spending the hundreds of dollars because I lose sunnies so often! These are EXACTLY THE SAME! The weight of them, the detail on the sides. The only difference is the brand name is not on the side (obviously, lol) — love these so much!" —Shelley Cooper

"I saw these sunglasses on TikTok a couple of months ago and finally ordered them. I’m so glad I did. I LOVE them!! They’re such good quality! And I love the way they look on. I’d definitely buy them again!!" —Sammie Batey

Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available in 13 colors). 

Promising review: "I usually wear a full face of makeup and I used to take it off with the Clinique Take the Day Off balm, which is superb, but I find this one to be an amazing option at a fraction of the price. I don't have breakouts, it's easy and simple to use." —viewer

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.

The reviews used in this post have been edited for length and clarity.