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    Don't Break the Bank: 30 Cheaper Alternatives to Popular Expensive Products

    The only thing different about these products is the price tag. 👀

    1. A Simple Modern tumbler many reviewers love more than the viral Stanley cup (which is also more expensive). Not only is this cup super minimalist and pretty, but it also has double-wall insulation and a leak-resistant straw, and will help keep you hydrated all day long.

    the simple modern tumblr in a car drink holder
    a reviewer holding up the simple modern tumbler

    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 $29.99 (available in 31 colors). Also available in a style without the handle!

    2. Elizavecca's CER-100 Collagen Coating Hair Protein treatment made with soy protein, allantoin, and ceramide 3. It works like a mask to revive your dry hair and give your strands the boost they need after you've used too much heat on them. Many reviewers say this is comparable (or even better) than the pricey Olaplex No.3 everyone won't stop talking about

    A BuzzFeed Shopping editor's before-and-after of her hair looking damaged and frizzy compared to it looking more smooth and healthy
    the tube of hair treatment
    Bek O'Connell / BuzzFeed

    It's recommended for use on damaged, over-processed hair of all textures.

    Promising review: "I have continuously been hearing about this product and decided to finally give it a try. I am a religious user of Olaplex and spend lots of money on it because I have thick hair that’s down my back. I ordered this and used it once, and it’s literally SOO GOOD. It’s the same thing as Olaplex for a fraction of the price! It left my hair feeling softer and less frizzy, and it even felt stronger! Give this a shot, it DOES NOT disappoint. Just make sure you follow the directions and use it on damp hair not soaking wet hair so you can see the full results." —natasha

    Get it from Amazon for $7.84.

    And read our full review of Elizavecca's Hair Protein Treatment.

    3. A pair of pull-on cushioned boots because winter is here and with it, so many more videos with people raving about mini Uggs. But you don't have to drop almost $150 on a pair of cozy boots if you don't want to. These are lined with soft faux fur and have memory foam insoles, so it'll basically feel like your feet are getting a warm hug when you wear them.

    Prime members: You can try before you buy!

    Promising review: "So cute, so comfy, so cheap! I was super close to purchasing Uggs, however, I could not wrap my head around the price. when I came across these I just had to buy them! The only thing I do have to say is DO NOT wear them in the snow or rain. I feel like this is a given, but the minute they get wet, they are ruined. Overall, best purchase and super happy with them!!" —Abigail Downing

    Get it from Amazon for $100.14+ (available in women's sizes 5–12, including wide sizes, and in 11 colors). 

    4. ceramic essential oil diffuser I had to do a double-take when I first saw it because I seriously thought it was the Vitruvi one I see so many videos about. Reviewers love this one because it's easy to use, looks super nice, and — oh yeah — it's so much cheaper.

    Stone diffuser in gray with tapered end
    Amazon

    Promising reviews: "I was looking at getting the Vitruvi diffuser but stumbled across this. I’m so happy I did! This is incredible quality for half the price!" —Amazon Customer

    "I like everything about this diffuser. It is pretty to look at, has a ceramic top, works well (I can actually see the vapor across the room), and you can smell the oil even in a large room. I am happy I found this diffuser." —jenny r

    Get it from Amazon for $29.97+ (available in seven colors).

    5. crewneck sweater if you don't want to drop $100+ on the very popular tunic from a more expensive brand that everyone raves about. Plus, the oversized fit means this sweater looks just as cute with leggings and boots as it does with bike shorts, making it an incredibly versatile piece you can wear all year long.

    reviewer wearing the sweater in white
    reviewer wearing the sweater in purple

    Promising review: "I love this sweater, I’m tempted to buy it in 2–3 more colors! I think it’s a great, more affordable option if you like the sweater that all the influencers seem to wear. It’s perfect for jeans or leggings, but if you want a little more butt coverage or more of an oversized fit, then I would go one size up." —Marisa Bailey

    Get it from Amazon for $36.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–XL and in 31 colors and styles). 

    6. set of makeup sponges that cost a fraction of all the other well-known brands on the market. And reviewers confirm these sponges hold up and work just as well (or even better) than Beauty Blender and Real Technique ones. They work overtime to give you expert-level blending and coverage when applying foundation, BB cream, powder, and even concealer. Pro tip: try using them while wet for even smoother coverage.

    Reviewer with foundation blended on their face from the sponge
    Five tear-drop shaped makeup sponges in different sizes and colors

    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 $6.99+ (available in eight color combinations).

    7. A pair of mules your friends may mistake for the popular Gucci ones when you wear them to brunch, and you don't have to correct them if they do.

    reviewer wearing the buckle-detail loafer mules in tan
    reviewer wearing the loafers in brown

    Promising review: "I love these mules. I purchased them a few days ago and have walked pretty extensively in them. Extremely comfortable. I get a lot of double takes but realize they resemble the Gucci mules." —LC

    Get them from Amazon for $39.99 (available in women's sizes 6–11 and in nine colors and prints).

    8. A bottle of NYX setting spray, which is a great alternative to the Urban Decay one but for under $10. You can spritz on after doing your makeup in the morning and not have to worry about applying again. You'll look and feel great all day long.

    the black spray bottle
    reviewer showing how their makeup looks after just using the spay and then 12 hours later looking the same

    Promising review: "I’ve been using the Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray forever, and this is a great replacement. I usually spray it on before foundation and then after foundation, and it will not move. Keeps my makeup looking fresh and dewy all day. I also have very acne-prone sensitive skin, and this spray doesn’t irritate my skin at all. For the price, you can’t go wrong." —Sara

    Get it from Amazon for $7.99.

    9. A longline sports bra with an eerily similar resemblance to the TikTok favorite Lululemon Align Tank but for only a fraction of the price. This top is perfect for low-impact workout classes (like Pilates and yoga), but it's so cute and versatile that many reviewers say it's great to wear as you go about your day. 

    reviewer wearing the tank in black
    reviewer wearing the top in blue

    Promising review: "These workout tops are perfect. Good quality. You can’t tell the difference between this and the Lululemon Align Tank. It might be a little bit shorter, but that’s not noticeable to me. If you’re thinking about it… just buy it you won’t regret it. You’ll probably go back and buy more colors as I did. 😂" —Kindle Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in women's sizes XS—3XL and in 29 colors). 

    10. plush blanket reviewers swear is super comparable to the cult-favorite Barefoot Dreams people are obsessed with. You'll be able to get cozy under this ridiculously soft blanket while only spending a fraction of the price. Score!

    the sage green checked blanket on a bed
    reviewer with the black and white throw blanket

    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." —JH

    Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in seven colors and four sizes). 

    11. E.l.f.'s Poreless Putty Primer made to be lightweight so you barely feel it when you apply it before the rest of your makeup. But it will make a big difference in ensuring your foundation goes on even and smooth and stays in place all day long. Reviewers draw comparisons between this and Tatcha Silk primer.

    reviewer with their makeup done
    reviewer holding the tin of beige colored primer

    Promising review: "I was super impressed with this primer after having tried Tatcha Silk Canvas and saw Jeffree Star had approved Elf. The textures in my opinion were nearly identical! It was easy to spread, it felt like silk but not like super silicone or anything like that, very velvet-like. No scent, and my makeup didn’t separate nor crease, key is a little goes a very long way. For the price, you can’t beat it!" —Brandy Dail

    Get it from Amazon for $9.

    12. A pair of faux leather straight-leg pants very similar to the Abercrombie style that went viral but for a fraction of the price. Reviewers (and TikTok-ers) love these because they're comfortable, stylish, and a closet staple. 

    reviewer wearing the pants in brown
    reviewer wearing the pants in brown

    See one TikToker compare these to the Abercrombie faux leather pants here

    Promising review: "Perfect!! Omg, just buy them now! Don't hesitate! These are going to go fast once the word gets out how great they are! They have some stretch to them!" —Amazon Customer

    Get them from Amazon for $49.99+ (available in women's sizes XXS-4X and in 22 colors). 

    13. A teeth-whitening pen because you can only call them your "pearly whites" if they're actually white... This pen will be a simple way to help remove discoloration. Each one can be used around 20 times and can lighten your teeth four to eight shades with consecutive use for a fraction of the cost of favorite Crest Whitestrips

    Reviewer before and after showing the pen noticeably whitened their yellow teeth
    reviewer holding the whitening pens

    Promising reviews: "Throw your expensive Crest Whitestrips away! Being the son of a dental hygienist, clean bright white teeth have always been important to me. Though I had my reservations about the whitening pen, it certainly didn't disappoint and works far better than the Whitestrips I've been using for the last several years, not to mention it's a much better deal for your money. I'm a total coffee connoisseur, which has always made having a bright white smile all the more challenging, but the Pen is giving me the upper hand." —Franknsd

    "We like these better than Crest Whitestrips and for a fraction of the price! The Crest Whitestrips make my teeth way too sensitive, these work JUST AS WELL and no tooth sensitivity." —Travis Sheveland

    Get a two-pack from Amazon for $18.95.

    14. An adjustable mini belted pack that'll be your go-to option almost every time you leave the house. You can wear it around your waist or shoulder, and it's roomy enough to hold all your essentials when you're on-the-go. OH! And many reviewers say it has a striking resemblance (👀) to the Lululemon belt bag seen allll over TikTok

    Reviewer with black buckled fanny pack across their shoulder and chest
    Reviewer opening the fanny pack to show pockets on teh inside

    Promising review: "Just like the Lululemon belt bag that I spent way more money on. This is perfect, and for this price, I can get more fun colors!" —Launie Thompson

    Get it from Amazon for $16.98 (available in 44 colors). 

    15. A set of two buttery-soft satin pillowcases so your skincare and haircare can – well – stay on your skin and hair (and not absorb into the fabric of your bedding), all while having a much friendlier price tag than popular Slip pillowcases

    two pillows in pink satin cases on a bed
    Amazon

    Promising review: "My husband and I notice the difference in our hair and skin when we sleep on these pillowcases. Instead of 'hanging on' to your hair, the pillowcases let your hair slide. The satiny softness is great for your face as well. I've tried really expensive pillowcases and didn't like them nearly as much as I like these. I bought a second pair." –Brenda A. Rodgers 

    Get a set of two from Amazon for $6.29+ (available in five sizes and 35 colors). 

    16. Oversized square sunnies many reviewers say actually look pretty similar to a certain designer pair that rhymes with Tottega Beneta. And no ~shade~ to that brand, but you can wear these all the time without worrying about accidentally leaving them somewhere (because that somehow always happens with sunglasses). 

    reviewer wearing the sunnies in black
    reviewer wearing the sunnies in silver

    Promising review: "Love these so so much. I wanted the chic Bottega Veneta designer pair, but these look exactly like those for less than $20. Deal of the century. They are comfortable and extremely well made and I seriously can’t get over the price. I’m thinking about buying another color because I love them so much." —Kam

    Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in 13 colors). 

    17. A trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks resembling the Laneige lip mask you may have seen a million TikToks about. You can either use them all yourself or even split them up between friends so you can all have soft and moisturized lips.

    reviewer holding the three containers of the lip mask in red, green, and orange
    reviewer showing their lips with the lip mask on

    Promising review: "This is the most moisturizing lip treatment in the market. When my lips started getting dry 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 five combos). 

    18. A bodysuit one reviewer confirms had people asking if it was Skims, which is so so so popular on the clock app. This base layer is a must-have because it's extremely soft and feels (and looks) expensive.

    reviewer wearing the bodysuit in white
    reviewer wearing the bodysuit in orange

    Promising review: "10/10 buying in every color. Finally a bodysuit that fits and hugs, without giving underwear lines! Seriously, best bang for your buck. I had so many people ask if it’s Skims. I’m in love." —Lfugatey00

    Get it from Amazon for $26.99 (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and in 24 colors). 

    19. sunrise alarm clock that has reviewers reevaluating if they need to shell out more money for the viral Hatch alarm clock when this one does essentially the same thing. It slowly brightens to wake you up peacefully and without a loud alarm in the morning. You'll feel more relaxed and ready to take on whatever the day has in store for you.

    The circular alarm clock with the time stamp on it
    The clock lit up with a warm yellow glow

    This can be programmed with seven different light settings, seven different calming "wake up" noises, and to start gradually lighting up at 30, 20, or 10 minutes before you wake. 

    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

    Get it from Amazon for $38.99+ (available in three colors). 

    20. bodycon maxi dress great if you're not ready to purchase the uber-popular Skims one but still want a simple style that will make you feel great. You may return again and again to buy more colors, as many reviewers do.

    reviewer posing in black maxi dress
    reviewer posing in mauve bodycon maxi dress

    Promising review: "I have the Skims dress and wanted to look for a cheaper version. If you want a snatched look, definitely get a size smaller as it is very stretchy. In comparison to the Skims, the material is smoother while Sims has a ribbed texture. You honestly can't tell the difference. Good bang for your buck, if you ask me! Would recommend this dress." —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in women's sizes XXS–XL and 10 colors).

    21. A set of cylindrical wineglasses with such a modern and elegant look, you'll shock your friends when they come over for wine night because they'll think you dropped a huge chunk of change of them on the fan-favorite Crate & Barrel ones. And I can't guarantee it, but I'm *pretty* sure these glasses will make your $5 bottle of wine taste a liiiiiittle bit better.

    A cylinder shaped stemmed clear wine glass with pink gin in it
    The glass with white wine in it

    Joy Jolt is a small business that offers modern and pop culture-themed drinkware and other kitchen products. 

    Promising review: "Crate & Barrel look for less. These look and feel very high-end — almost like a thin crystal." —Lauren

    Get a set of two from Amazon for $18.95+ (available in three styles). 

    22. A two-piece lounge set you may have seen your fave influencer rocking on social media. Reviewers say this one is just as comfortable, cozy, and cute. You'll feel put together and chic, even if your only human interaction while wearing it is grabbing your dinner from the delivery driver.

    reviewer wearing the set in pink
    reviewer wearing the set in purple

    Promising review: "I ordered this set after admiring the lounge set that was way out of my price range! I got it today, and I’m in love. It’s so comfy and cozy and fits great! Definitely ordering another color soon!" —🍃

    Get it from Amazon for $45.89+ (available in women's sizes S–XL and in 31 colors). 

    23. luxury-scented candle capable of making your home feel more luxurious without having to buy one of those pricey, pricey styles. Reviewers love the look *and* smell of this one, calling it "heavenly" and even saying it's comparable to fancy-schmancy Le Labo

    Lulu Candles is a small business offering candles, diffusers, perfumes, and more. 

    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 Lelabo Santal 33 scent candle, and this one is very very close! it's a bit stronger, but I love it! I just love how fast it fills up the room without being lit for so long!" —Cristina Bertolotto

    Get it from Amazon for $19.95 (available in 42 scents). 

    24. A highly pigmented eyeshadow palette that comes with 40 matte, shimmer, and metallic shades, meaning you can essentially ~paint with all the colors of the wind~ when you do your eye makeup. This pallet looks nearly identical to one by makeup star James Charles and is loved by everyone — from makeup newbies to professionals and everyone in between. It's a great palette at an incredible price for anyone who isn't afraid of a little color. Go for it!

    a hand holding the palette of 40 rainbow shades
    reviewer's eyeshadow look with orange, pink, and yellow shades from the 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 $9.99.

    25. A pair of drawstring lounge pants designed with fabric that many reviewers say compares to Lululemon's On The Fly pants TikTokers love. And the best part about these joggers? Reviewers also confirm they look nice enough to wear to work, even in a professional setting. Yes, that's right. Pretty sure you'll feel a little smug when you show up in these and a blazer a couple of times a week because you'll be so comfortable the entire time.

    Reviewer in high waist faded red drawstring lounge pants
    reviewer wearing the pant in olive green

    Promising review: "These pants are amazing!! I got them for an office environment, and they are easy to dress up or down. Previously, I couldn’t get out of my work clothes fast enough. Now I’m comfy ALL DAY! I tried these because I have a pair of Lululemon On The Fly pants that I like, but I didn’t want to pay that price to fill my closet with options… I think these are even better! The fabric isn’t as thick, which I actually prefer. In my Lulus I’m a size 4. The small fits me great and gives me room to eat without feeling suffocated. JUST BUY THEM!" —Shelly Gardanier

    Get it from Amazon for $35 (available in women's sizes XXS–XXL and 22 colors).

    26. Wireless Bluetooth earbuds that have reviewers reevaluating if they need to purchase AirPods seen all over TikTok because these are just as great but at a fraction of the cost. Plus, these are completely waterproof, so you can actually take them for a swim without fear you'll ruin them. 

    The earbuds come in a wireless charging case with up to 14 hours of charge. The earbuds themselves can play for up to four hours on a full charge. You also get different sized silicon tips to make sure these fit your ear perfectly. 

    Promising review: "These put AirPods to shame! You can do different things with music from either earbud (volume up, volume down, skip a song, etc.) I’ve heard of people constantly having to replace their AirPods or the knockoff version. They last long, and I bought another pair!" —Dot

    Get it from Amazon $23.99+ (available in five colors).

    27. A pair of high-waisted quick-dry running shorts giving favorite Lululemon's Hottie Hot shorts a ~run~ for their money because they are lightweight, comfortable, *and* affordable. Reviewers even say they like these shorts better than the more expensive version. 

    BuzzFeed editor in high waist elastic purple shorts
    Emma Lord/BuzzFeed

    Promising review: "I actually have Lululemon shorts, but I was looking for a cheaper alternative… This is the one! Super cute, true to size, and comes in a lot of colors. The material feels the exact same as the Lululemon! —Abuchanan

    Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–3XL and 31 colors). 

    28. chunky-heeled designer lookalike that'll leave you doing a double-take because they look so much like the viral Versace shoes you've been lusting over. But these beauties are inexpensive shoes you can wear to ~step~ up your fashion game. Reviewers even confirm they're comfortable and a good quality for the price!

    reviewer wearing the black heels with a dress
    closeup of a reviewer wearing the pink heel

    Prime members: You can try before you buy!

    Promising reviews: "I’ve been wanting the Versace ones but obviously can’t afford them. I saw a TikToker share these so I snatched them up immediately. I’m in love!!! I’m a 5.5 in heels so I got the 5 and they fit perfectly. They are pretty comfy too, which is nice. I’m thinking about getting them in different colors now." —Courtney Van Court

    "Baby goooorl... March yourself into the checkout browser because these are so so so good!! They're really comfortable, which I wasn't expecting at all except for the ankle strap, but I think that's because I'm sensitive??? The height was something I was a little scared of, but they're so easy to walk in; I suppose the platform cancels out a portion of the heel. Obviously they're not perfect, but if you want that, you should probably go talk Versace with $1,800 in your pocket." —Anika

    Get them from Amazon for $45.88+ (available in women's sizes 4–10.5 and seven colors).

    29. Maybelline's Cheek Heat gel-cream blush because, yes, you've probably seen videos about Glossier's Cloud Paint circulating TikTok forever now, but spending $20 on a tube just isn't always feasible (especially in this economy). This has a water-based formula and will give you a nice touch of color on your cheeks when you apply a dot or two. And nobody will be able to tell the difference.

    BuzzFeed writer holding pink tube of Cheek Heat with it applied to cheeks
    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!" 

    Promising review: "This is a great, cheap alternative to Glossier Cloud Paint. It’s less pigmented and blends more easily, so it looks very natural." —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $5.98+ (available in six shades). 

    30. A fuzzy three-piece loungewear set for the days when the only option is to be comfortable, but you don't want to put on your ratty old sweatshirt again. You'll basically be lounging like a Kardashian in this set (because it's super similar to the Skims one everyone on TikTok has been showing off.)  

    A customer review photo of them wearing the set in white
    A customer review picture of them wearing the set in camel

    Promising review: "No joke, these are pretty much exactly the same as my Skims lounge set for half the price. The pants graze the tops of my feet even when I wear them high-waisted at my belly button, so I think they’re plenty long. The robe is like wearing a blanket but still looks put together. Anyway, I’m back here to buy a second color because I love the set so much!" —Jenna

    Get the three-piece set from Amazon for $53.99 (available in women's sizes S–XL and in 30 colors and styles).

    Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.