We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream, which I can personally vouch gives similar soft, hydrated results to pricier specialty hand creams like Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve (which I also love!), but for $5 instead of $20.
You only need a small dab for your hands, and don't worry, it's fragrance-free! TBH a tube of this in my bag usually lasts me through most of the winter, although I also keep other lotions that I use when I'm at home.
Promising review: "This stuff is incredible. I've been using it since I was a kid and it's just perfect. I get super dry hands, especially because where I live the winters can get down to -40 degrees F. This stuff is magic. I don't know how else to explain it. This is just the best and most moisturizing hand cream I've ever tried — and I've tried a lot! A little bit of this goes a LONG way, so don't worry that it's only two ounces. One tube of this can last me probably 3–4 weeks, with me applying it every night." —hatchibomitar
Get it from Amazon for $5.24.
2. A pair of chunky gold-tone raindrop earrings — they only look like the same style designer brands sell (*makes eyes at Bottega Veneta*) for literally over 100x the price.
Promising review: "Beautiful! Best jewelry purchase I have made in a long while. If you’re looking for the inexpensive alternative — THIS IS IT! Lightweight and comfortable. Shiny and does not turn green or rust or wear off/away. I love the color." —michael p davis
Get it from Amazon for $13.49 (also available in silver tone, and in a variety of sizes and styles).
3. A 12-pack of soft microfiber makeup removing towels that might just seem like magic, because they effortlessly and gently wipe away layers of makeup with just water, even (according to one reviewer) waterproof mascara! Pop them in the washer when they're dirty, and count yourself smart that you opted for these $1/cloth beauties over the (great! highly functional! but $20!) name-brand Makeup Eraser.
HuffPost Shopping writer Haley Zovickian owns and loves these: "I only use these now to remove my makeup, including heavy mascara, and they are great for my sensitive skin. I do follow up with a gentle cleanser to cleanse my skin once all my makeup is off. They're big and dry quickly so you can use the same towel a number of times before having to wash it or switch to another one."
Promising review: "These things are so soft! Great for taking off makeup. I was using the Makeup Eraser before, but these are 100 times better. You just wet them, wipe off your makeup, rinse and hang out. I guess you could use a new one each day, but I they are very big so you can get a few days out of one. Great value for the money!" —Shopforbargains
Get a pack of 12 from Amazon for $13.95+ (available in 13 color combos and in packs of 30).
4. A faux sheepskin rug — it's perfect for putting next to your bed, on the hard mudroom bench, or anywhere the wood or tile is feeling a little chilly. Oh, and if you're looking for a little cozy hygge, consider this an affordable way to set that mood.
Promising review: "I painstakingly searched for hours for a 6x9 faux fur white rug that had solid reviews and didn't cost an arm and a leg. I'm so glad I did my research because I didn't find this one until right at the end! If feels so soft and luxurious and totally pulls my room together!! Most of the similar rugs I looked at were at least $250 if not a lot more, so when I found this for $140 I just couldn't beat it! My living room is very large, and somewhat narrow and it filled the space perfectly! I also bought the 2x3 throw, which is just as soft and awesome as the larger rug!! Highly recommend!!!" —Isiah Abraham
Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in many sizes and colors).
5. Some cleaning tablets designed to banish bacteria and buildup from retainers, night guards, and dentures — and they do it very well — that ALSO just happen to work well for ridding water bottles and coffee travel mugs from seemingly permanent stains. Even better? They'll do it for $0.05/tablet, instead of the $0.66/tablet that the (also great!) Bottle Bright tablets cost!
Some reviewers use these for cleaning vases, too!
Promising review: "These are absolutely wonderful in cleaning my thermos. I use these once a week, and doing so prevents my thermos from developing a weird, old coffee smell. Much cheaper than buying thermos cleaner tablets, and I understand that the ingredients are the same." –Santo Esmeraldo
Get a pack of 126 from Amazon for $5.74 (also available in packs of 44 and 90).
6. Some Elizavecca Hair Treatment, which many reviewers say is just as good as three-times-the-price Olaplex, meaning it can help make your hair softer and more manageable, especially if it's been damaged by bleach, heat, or dye. Swap for conditioner once a week, let it soak into your hair for five minutes, and rinse to see noticeable results!
This is designed to work on all hair types, with reviewers with 2b–4c curls mentioning it worked for them!
Promising reviews: "I have tried everything to fix my damaged, bleached hair that keeps breaking off. I stumbled across this on TikTok. I had never heard of it before but decided to give it a try. I used it for the first time yesterday and I couldn't believe how amazing it made my hair feel and look. It's sooo soft, shiny, bouncy and nourished. My bleached rat's nest now looks and feels like hair again. I’ve been really frustrated about my hair for years now because of all the damage. Now I can finally relax and enjoy my new hair." —Eline
"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 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! 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!
Get a bottle from Amazon for $7.20.
7. A pair of Bearpaw ankle boots to keep your toesies cozy and stylish just like Uggs, but at a price your wallet will smile at. Even better? They're waterproofed already and have some serious traction on their sole.
Reviewers recommend sizing down!
Promising review: "I love these! BearPaws are very well made — I bought a pair of slippers a while back and I'm still impressed with how beautifully made they are. Yet they're half the price of Uggs. Don't get me wrong, I love my Uggs, but wanted a less expensive, waterproof, warm boot to slog through Wisconsin winter snow/slush and not worry about them getting messed up. These are perfect. They actually have better traction and arch support than Uggs. I couldn't be happier with my purchase!" —CGrey
Get them from Amazon for $39.95+ (available in sizes 5–13 and 18 colors).
8. Or chunky lace-up boots if Doc Martens are more your style, but you're looking to spend less than $100. Your feet will feel warm and protected, your outfit will look on point, and you'll have a little extra cash leftover in your bank account! The side zipper also makes 'em super easy to take on and off, no need to painstakingly do up the laces every single time.
Promising review: "I absolutely loved these shoes. They were perfect for the festival I went to. I wanted shoes I didn’t care that would get dirt and I didn’t want to wear my Docs for that reason. Honestly I like these better than my Dr. Martens. I walked in these for three days straight, eight hours a day and they honestly didn’t feel like normal boots they were pretty comfortable. They also did well when it rained or walking into puddles. And when people stepped on my feet they held up very well lol. 10/10 recommend." —Kindle Customer
Get it from Amazon for $39.66+ (available in sizes 5.5–10 and four colors).
9. The cult- (and BuzzFeed editor-) favorite Essence Lash Princess mascara, which, it just makes sense to buy a mascara that gives you results many reviewers say are better than expensive brands — and one says is better than even Dior Show. Skip messing around with falsies for your parties, and opt for this sweat-proof, length-endowing option instead!
My colleagues Kayla Boyd and Emma Lord *love* this stuff! And it's less expensive than your favorite coffee shop drink.
Kayla says: "As someone who isn't a big fan of false lashes (the glue irritates my eyes and I'm terrible at applying them) this budget-friendly holy grail does the trick for both lengthening and volumizing my lashes. It uses a conic shape fiber brush to help the mascara apply evenly without getting too clumpy. After you've given it a minute to dry, it lasts all day long and doesn't smudge or fade. It seriously gives the effect of false lashes, without the discomfort." Read her full Essence Lash Princess Mascara review for more!
Emma says: "Hello, that is my face above (I'm the blonde), because I bought into the hype of all the 5-star reviews and now I will never look back!! Putting it on is like giving my eyelashes butterfly wings. It doesn't get clumpy, it stays put ALL the livelong day no matter how much you sweat, and you can apply it on very lightly if you don't want it to look so dramatic, or continue applying for longer lashes each time."
Promising review: "Saw this product on TikTok and thought it would be expensive looking at the results they got. I am beyond amazed with how my lashes look after about two coats. For around $5 you couldn’t ask for a better mascara! I will be buying this same one when I run out. I was not expecting to like it as much as I do! No complaints." —Kd
Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in black or brown).
10. A sunrise alarm clock because waking up in the morning when it's dark outside is a little easier when this lamp gradually gets brighter and then floods your room with light, instead of blaring an annoying alarm sound into the dark. Yep, it's just like that TikTok-famous Hatch alarm clock, but'll run you less than $50 instead of over $100.
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
Get it from Amazon for $32.98+ (available in three colors).
11. A mint-flavored teeth-whitening pen to use instead of the more expensive options like Crest 3D Whitestrips. You'll see a difference basically immediately after one use, and if you keep going with it on a regular basis, it can brighten away years of coffee, tea, wine, and soda stains. Oh and it's painless — you shouldn't have to suffer through stinging gum pains to get whiter teeth at home.
After brushing and flossing, you paint your teeth with the pen (each pen contains about 20 uses), wait for 30 minutes, then rinse!
Promising reviews: "I have to say, I was skeptical about this product from all the TikTok hype about it but after trying it out, it really does work. This was super easy, didn’t hurt my teeth at all, and didn’t taste much different than my regular toothpaste, since I got the mint-flavored one. I used it for a few weeks before my brother’s wedding and it worked like a charm. I noticed visible results in only a couple of days and was able to keep using it until I reached my desired shade of white. 10/10 would recommend for anyone with sensitive teeth and tastes!" —Victoria Bravo
"Saw this on BuzzFeed — they were right! It's easy to use and actually works. I was so surprised at how well this pen bleached out some coffee stains on my teeth after just one application. I've tried Crest Whitestrips and this is better because you can get in between the teeth." —CS
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $18.95.
12. Cosrx Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence, which reviewers with sensitive and dry skin swear by as a way to boost hydration (with results after just a few days) without breaking the bank on $$$ moisturizer and serum brands. You can try it no matter your skin type to deliver deep hydration and help protect your skin from losing moisture.
Promising reviews: "My skin dries out severely during the winter all the time, and I have to constantly use Vaseline to keep it moisturized (normal cream doesn't work on me). Imagine my surprise when my S.O. tried to put snail goo on me, eww!! I resisted for weeks. After a month I finally gave in, and boy it is amazing! My hands feel more moisturized than ever for longer and it doesn't leave a disgusting greasy feel as Vaseline. Take it from a once non-believer, you have to try this. Even if it doesn't work for you, you paid a fraction of what you would've paid for any other name-brand moisturizers." —Kyoko Ozaki
"I love this! TikTok made me buy it. Use after toner and before moisturizer. Helps lock in moisture and keep skin hydrated. Apply to damp face and let it absorb a minute before your favorite moisturizer. Works well with any type of skincare you normally use." —Auka Nayokpuk
Get it from Amazon for $13 (available in two sizes).
13. A pair of legging-style joggers that you'll feel smart for buying because reviewers say they're similar to Lululemon Align Joggers. Reviewers love them for fall, winter, and spring. You'll find yourself pulling them on for errands, exercise, and just around the house because they're *that* comfy, *that* cute, and *that* good for your wardrobe.
Promising reviews: "These joggers are as good as my Lululemon Align joggers and much much cheaper....can buy three of these for one LLL." —Debra
"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 $28.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and 19 colors).
14. A lil' milk frother to upgrade your regular hot drink routine with delectably frothy, creamy tea and coffee lattes in a matter of moments: just press the button, and voila! Several reviewers prefer it to the much pricier Nespresso Aeroccino.
Note that this doesn't heat the milk up, though, the way the Nespresso frother does.
Promising reviews: "So I’ll admit I got this on a whim after a TikTok video, however I’m in love with this thing! It’s so much fun to use and you make your at home drinks feel so much more special. It’s easy to use and froths pretty quickly if you’re on the fence I’d say what are you waiting for buy it already!" —Denise
"I have tried the Illy machine with steam frother, the Nespresso Aeroccino and this one. This is by far the one with the best results, the cheapest, smallest, easiest to clean and... well, I ran out of superlatives! The best caffè macchiato, macchiatone, cappuccino etc." —andrea c
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in 44 styles).
15. A pack of 100 Picasso Tiles so your kiddo who loves their Magna-Tiles can build even bigger structures and stretch their creativity to the stars without stretching the limits of your budget. Reviewers say the $40 Picasso ones are completely compatible with the $100+ name-brand!
Promising review: "We received this 100-piece set three weeks ago and my 3.5 year old son has been playing with it daily. Compared to the Magna-Tiles, the Picasso Tiles are very slightly heavier and the magnets are stronger too. Manga-Tiles seem to be more durable as each tile is secured with metal rivets whereas the PicassoTiles are secured with glue. However, I haven’t had any issue with the tiles cracking or breaking apart when my son builds them into tall towers, especially considering how many times they’ve crashed to our wood floor." —LG
Get it from Amazon for $33.99.
16. A 6-quart Dutch oven because reviewers say it has the same functionality and beauty as $$$ brands — *cough* Le Creuset *cough* Staub *cough* Lodge — all while clocking in at $70 or less. Look, I'm a dutch oven stan, since reviewers say this has the same enameling and heavy cast iron as the pricey versions, I'd bet money it's just as good for big, beautiful batches of warming soups, stews, and pastas.
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 $56.99+ (available in two other sizes and 10 total colors).
17. A pair of faux leather straight-leg pants so you can look basically the same as if you were wearing the Abercrombie style that went viral but pay just about half the price. If you're looking for pants to keep you feeling stylish, and comfy, but also *warm*, consider your search over!
Watch a TikToker compare these to the Abercrombie faux leather pants here.
Promising reviews: "Perfect pants for cold weather. The cold breeze is always blocked! I love these and they fit so well!" —Olivia Alvarez
"Love them! They are lightweight and breathable with moderate stretch. Unless looking close you can't tell its not leather. And obviously doesn't feel like leather but who cares. For the price these pants are fantastic. I'd definitely recommend." —Mimi
Get them from Amazon for $52.99+ (available in women's sizes XXS-4XL and up to 20 colors).
18. A pack of five colorful wool-blend socks because nobody ever wants to suffer through cold feet or itchy feet, and having a little wool mixed in will give you that warmth while minimizing the prickly irritation you associate with wool. I have this set and love them when it's cold out, and second, the reviewer below says that they compare very favorably to mall brand socks, at a fraction of the price!
Like I said, I own these and love 'em! I've had them for five or so years now and all the ones I still have (I lost two different single socks) have held up extremely well despite being washed and worn every couple of weeks or so. No holes in sight!
Promising reviews: "Great socks! Found them comparable to Talbot's but far less expensive." —Amazon Customer
Get them from Amazon for $10.39+ (they fit women's sizes 5–9 and are available in 14 colors and patterns).
19. Eve Hansen Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum — you'll immediately feel thankful for it when it keeps your skin soft, soothed, and hydrated *without* looking oily. And reviewers say it's just as good as the $200 (that's so much money!!!!!) TNS Recovery Complex serum.
Promising reviews: "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
"Winter dries out my skin like crazy, and I've been looking for an option to add to my skin routine to keep my skin feeling refreshed and moisturized. I've been adding it to my foundation as well, which has made a big difference! Love using this first thing in the morning to help feel refreshed and ready to go." —Laura Q
Get it from Amazon for $27.98.
20. A 20-pack (!) of extra thick magic cleaning pads because (shh), they're made out of exactly the same melamine foam as the famous Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Just like the name-brand, this one's super durable and holds up to tough scrubbing, and will similarly magically vanish all kinds of gunk — including that dirt you let build up from muddy puppy paws on your back door because you've just been too busy to wipe it off on a regular basis.
Promising reviews: "These are the best. Sooo much better than Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Won't buy those anymore and these will last me a very long time. I scrubbed and they got everything clean and didn't break apart!!! Can even reuse if I wanted." —miguel mendez
"I own a cleaning business and have spent a small fortune on the name brand. I clean everything from condo rentals to long-term lease/residential rentals and I have had to clean unimaginable NASTY, I mean 'pics or it didn't happen' kind of nasty, and these cut right through it. These work just as well as the name brand, if not better, and they seem to last a little longer!" —Keisha Marie
Get a pack of 20 from Amazon for $12.56 (also available in a 100-pack).
21. Some wireless Bluetooth earbuds that clock in at under $30 *and* happen to be similar to AirPods (according to some reviewers) AS WELL as waterproof, meaning you can shower with 'em and listen to whatever music you want without bothering your partner/roommates. Over 223,000 people have rated these five stars — that's like, approximately the population of Richmond, Virginia or Spokane, Washington — so you know they're good.
The earbuds can play four-plus hours with a charge, and the wireless charging case can provide up to 14 hours of charge.
Promising review: "Best decision! These are the greatest headphones ever! I saw them on TikTok months ago and added them to my wishlist. I got a new phone that doesn't have the headphone port so I decided it was time to finally buy them. They are amazing and I probably won't ever take them out of my ears! 😂" —Katlyn D Arnold
"Outlasts and outplays my AirPods and PowerBeats. I love these. After seeing review after review and on every “must have” list, I caved in and bought these for our vacation. These did not disappoint! The bonus is being able to tweak the EQ via the app. They lasted throughout a long flight and beyond." —Jeffrey Taylor
Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in five colors and two styles).
22. Three flavors of lip sleeping masks — they're packed with emollients, which help protect and moisturize your kisser similar to the way the famed Laniege mask does, but for less than half the price. And you get a lime flavor, pomegranate flavor, and berry flavor. Cracked, dry lips begone!
Promising review: "I breathe through my mouth when I sleep and I often wake up with super chapped lips. I love Laniege’s lip sleeping mask but, it gets pricy when used daily. This product is the most amazing alternative for it at a FRACTION of the price! Laniege is $24 for just one and this is less than $10 for three?! THREE? Omg take my money. Highly recommend! —Nikz
Get a set of three from Amazon for $9.90 (available in six scent combinations).
23. A chic aesthetic Simple Modern tumbler that's a highly functional alternative to the pricier Stanley cup. You can choose from 42(!!) different colors and patterns, so you know it'll fit your style. Even better? Double-wall insulation means your drinks will stay perfectly cold for *literally hours*, and the silicone straw and leak-resistant lid will help avert disaster when you accidentally drop it.
Several reviewers mentioned they drink more water with it because of the straw, and they're not mad about how adorable it is, either!
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 30 colors and two sizes). Also available in a style without the handle!
24. Oversized square sunnies with polarized lenses and UV protection, which TBH are features even luxury sunglasses don't always have. And while you may not be boarding a private jet to LA, you'll certainly look like you could.
Promising reviews: "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
"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 $12.79 (available in 13 lens colors).
25. A super soft three-piece loungewear set that's about to be the only thing you want to put on your body in the morning because it looks and feels so damn luxe. Yes Skims is still a fave, but this'll favor your bank account.
Prime members: You can try before you buy!
Check it out on TikTok!
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 loved them so much!" —Jenna
Get the three-piece set from Amazon for $48.99+ (available in women's sizes S–XL and in 28 colors).
26. A slightly cropped, lightweight half-zip pullover so trendy and nice, many reviewers talk about how it reminds them of a more expensive Lululemon item!
Promising reviews: "I saw this sweatshirt advertised by an influencer on TikTok. I was blown away by the quality of this jacket!! It’s super soft and it fit perfectly." —Rebecca Slattery
"Love it. So soft and comfortable. Such a great fit. Totally looks like Lululemon." —ahnjloo
Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in women's sizes S–XXL and 21 colors).
27. The long-time cult-favorite Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer — it's brilliantly versatile, because it works just as well layered under a full face of makeup as it does for a lil' touch up here and there all by itself. Pricier name brands may be great, but this is even greater because it does everything they can for under-eye circles and redness *and* costs under $10.
Promising reviews: "I have extremely dark under eye circles. I've used numerous kinds of concealers. Tarte Shape Tape, Mary Kay, Estée Lauder (assorted kinds), IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye, Clinique, Laura Mercier, Mac, and Bobbi Brown. I usually spend anywhere from $25–$30 on one tube of concealer and still feel unsatisfied with the coverage. Or it looks too heavy and thick by the time i set with a damp makeup sponge and powder (accentuating my under eye fine lines). This little gem is great. I use this concealer every day instead of all my high-end brand concealers. It's full coverage, buildable, lasts all day, not drying and not too liquidy. I'm so happy I gave this a try, will definitely be keeping this baby in my every day makeup bag." —Brittney
"My favorite! I heard a lot about this product on TikTok. When I got it I immediately put it on and was amazed at how well it matched my skin tone, maybe that's just luck but still. The point is I can barely even see my dark circles when I put this on and that’s saying something." —Elizabeth
Get it from Amazon for $8.71 (available in 45 shades).
And check out our Maybelline Instant Age Rewind concealer review for more deets!
28. A tennis bracelet so you can sparkle and shine after handing over a couple of $10 bills, instead of the several $50s name-brand Swarovski would cost. This is another wear-everywhere piece, and thanks to the price point you won't be afraid to. Everything from your swimsuit to the cocktail dress you picked up for your friend's wedding is about to get a little extra shine!
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
"Absolutely OBSESSED. I actually saw it on TikTok and decided to buy one for myself and I LOVE it. It’s so stunning. You won’t be disappointed." —Kailee Gonzalez
Get it from Amazon for $17.95+ (available in two styles, three sizes, and three colors).
29. Peach Slices acne spot dots to suck out a bunch of the gunk lurking in your zits until they basically vanish, or at least have been somewhat diminished. Reviewers talk about how they're similar to brands like Mighty Patch — just as effective, for less dough.
Peach Slices is a part of the skincare company Peach & Lily, which was founded by celebrity esthetician Alicia Yoon. It prioritizes vegan beauty products and recyclable packaging. They plant a tree for each order, and have sent some proceeds to Restore NYC since 2016.
Check out a TikTok of the acne spot dots in action.
Promising reviews: "This brand is so affordable and works just the same as the more expensive brands. I go through them so quickly so this is a plus! I’m generally a picker at my zits, but if I can get to one of these dots in time I save my face a lot of irritation and pain." —Savannah Wilson
"So I have been using these for about a year now. I have tried Mighty Patch and a few others, none I feel really worked or worked as well. This product is MY GO-TO and I have turned so many others to it." —Melodie G
Get a pack of 30 from Amazon for $4.88 (also available in a 60-pack).
30. A pair of flared high-waisted crossover leggings if you feel like the Aerie version's been, like, relentlessly following you around everywhere you go on the internet, but you just can't pony up the cash for them right now. Reviewers love these for how soft, strechy, and comfy they are, all while giving them that stylish little flare and slit right above their feet.
Promising review: "These are beyond soft and so dang cute. I love how these have the little cuts in the front. Super great spinoff of the Aerie Crossover. They fit shorter but honestly, they still look so cute. I kinda wish I would have sized up. I think I woulda been happier in them if I did, BUT still love them." —Sarah Elizabeth Zimmerman
Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and 11 colors).
31. A fanny pack in the style that seems to be *everywhere* these days, probably because it's so functional: the strap converts it between a waist-pack and a crossbody-pack, it has two built-in little pockets for organization and a back zip pocket, fits SO much, and leaves your arms and hands-free for, like, dealing with the world. Lululemon makes a bag like this that reviewers (see the two below!) say is super similar, but way more expensive!
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 $13.98 (available in 44 styles).
32. A set of three remote-control flameless candles to add a soft, cozy, glowy accent to any and every corner of your home that needs it, except you get *three* for $26, instead of shelling out $30+ for just ONE, like you'd have to for a brand-name Luminara candle. At first glance, anyone who doesn't know better will think they're real, thanks to the fire-like flickering faux flame!
More bells and whistles: they come with an optional timer that'll turn them on at the same time every day, and you can adjust their brightness level and choose between flickering or just a steady "on".
They need three AAA batteries per candle, but that will last you about 150 hours — over six days if you left them on constantly.
Promising review: "With the price of batteries, these beautiful candles are a must. I've always used Luminara, which, unfortunately, devour batteries and die after several years. These candles also have a more soothing, ambient affect. The colored exteriors are far prettier than Luminara. Great gifts!" —pandorah
Get the set of three from Amazon for $25.99 (available in six colors).
33. A ribbed workout jumpsuit so you can channel some Skims vibes for less, but without coming off as cheap quality at all: the thick, breathable, ribbed fabric's four-way stretch is squat-proof, and the whole thing features slight compression.
It's long-sleeved already, but if you need more warmth in these cold months, it looks adorable with a cropped jacket!
Promising review: "I absolutely love this bodysuit! I discovered this brand from my coworker who was wearing this bodysuit in a different color and it looked so good on her I knew I had to give them a try. Finding items that fit my body nicely is next to impossible; but THIS?! It was literally perfect and full coverage + support and not sheer at all! I’m buying this in so many colors and the quality is SO good. I love this more than my Skims!" —Zoe T
Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in women's sizes S–XXL and six colors).
34. Maybelline's Cheek Heat gel-cream blush because as wonderful as every shade of Glossier Cloud Paint is, $20 per tube makes piggy banks squeal. Never fear, though, because this water-based cream blush is just about one-quarter of the cost, and still blends nicely with just your fingers to give you the right amount of natural-looking color.
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 reviews: "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
"Such a pretty color! Heard about this on TikTok. Sheer and the color is sweet. And the price can't be beat." —Kaye Ralene White-Hancock
Get it from Amazon for $5.91+ (available in six shades).
35. E.l.f.'s Poreless Putty Primer, which reviewers swear is comparable to the 5x pricier Tatcha Silk Canvas Primer — it's lightweight, helps reduce the appearance of pores, and has a velvety texture that'll help your foundation glide over your skin flawlessly. And hey, it's cruelty-free and vegan!
It's sold out frequently thanks to TikTok, so if you want this, it's probably best to grab it while it's in stock!
Promising reviews: "I was super impressed with this primer after have tried Tatcha Silk Canvas. 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, my makeup didn’t separate nor crease, key is a little goes a very long way. For $8 you can’t beat it!" —Brandy Dail
"Highly recommend. Learned about it as several influencers used it on TikTok. Tried it and it’s my favorite. Better than all the expensive brands I had tried before. Smooth application and does an excellent job! Excellent." —Binnyx1
Get it from Amazon for $10.
36. A longline sports bra to pair with all your high-waist leggings that several reviewers (including the one below) say looks, feels, and fits pretty much the same as a similar style at Lululemon, except you only handover one 20 dollar bill, instead of a whole stack of 'em.
Promising review: "Comparable to Lululemon. I love my Lulus but wanted something more affordable and this hit the mark! I’m typically a size medium, and the medium fits great! I bought two, the fuchsia and white — I love both colors and the material is very soft." —Alyssa Lynch
Get it from Amazon for $18.39(available in women's sizes XS–3XL and 29 colors).
37. And soft, squat-proof high-waisted leggings that exactly 248 reviewers compare to Lululemon, so you know it's gotta be legit for both workouts and lounging. AND they're sooo stretchy and comfy that pregnant reviewers love 'em, too!!
Promising reviews: "I wore these to the gym one day and my Lululemons the next. I preferred these. They stay on better, are a little bit thicker, and feel softer. Granted my expensive Lulus are two years old, but well taken care of. These are cheaper and better quality. Side by side it is hard to even tell the difference, other than the logo on the back; and the stitching on the inner leg is different on these than the Lululemon." —Alaina
"Currently 20 weeks pregnant and these are all I wear, I basically live in these leggings. They’re so stretchy and comfy, definitely recommend for pregnancy!" —Alba siviero
Get them from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–XL, with 25" or 28" inseam, and in 23 colors/patterns).
38. Cushionaire slides featuring a flexible cork footbed and suede-lined insole, both shaped to support your arches, aka they're exemplary walking shoes. The 50,000 5-star ratings and 800+ reviews where people compare them to Birks are the proof in the pudding: you know you're getting something good.
Prime members: You can try before you buy!
Yes it's chilly out right now, but I always wear my Birks around the house just bc they're that comfy! And if you're lucky enough to get to snowbird somewhere warm, these could be very nice to have.
Promising reviews: "I bought these sandals before a three-week trip in Europe; I didn't want to pay for Birks but did want something in similar style with good arch support. I was a little skeptical about the low price, but gave them a shot...and they were the MOST comfortable sandals I've ever owned. I walked over 120 miles in them in three weeks on our trip and never once had foot pain. They broke in so quickly and were very supportive from the get-go — and still are! Highly recommend." —Han Lin
"I saw these sandals on TikTok so, I decided to try them. They are SO COMFY. You can’t beat the price either. They’re extremely soft and the strap across the top of the foot closest to the ankle offers good support so, you’re safe if you’re going to be doing a lot of walking. I highly recommend these sandals." —PlantLady
Get them from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in women's sizes 6–12, including wide sizes, and 20 styles).
39. A five-pack set of makeup sponges famous internet-wide for how comparable they are to Beauty Blender and Real Techniques — and for clocking in at around $2 each, when you do the math. Whether you're blending foundation, BB cream, or concealer or applying powder, you'll get the perfect finish every time.
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 $5.94+ (available in eight sets of colors).
40. A rainbow-inspired eyeshadow palette featuring 40 shades in matte, shimmer, and metallic finishes, which is basically what your creative eyeshadow look dreams are made of. Even reviewers who are professional makeup artists *heart* this, because it's so pigmented and you get SO many bright colors to play around with.
Keep up with luxe beauty releases? Yep, it's very similar to the $40 James Charles x Morphe 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
"The colors are very pigmented! All I have to say is RUN and get this product!!!! I looked up reviews on TikTok for affordable but pigmented palettes and I kept seeing this one. Safe to say I was NOT disappointed." —Courtney Melvin
Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in two colors).
41. BestLand's high-performance matte lipsticks for beautifully pigmented lip color that lasts from the moment you apply it till the moment you're back in front of your mirror at the end of the day, micellar water in hand. And for less than $2 each, your wallet will breathe a sigh of relief...especially if it's used to you buying the pricier brands.
Promising reviews: "What can I say, I saw a TikTok about this lipstick and for $10 had to try it! The reviews are right, for some reason this lipstick is better than even $20 name-brand ones bought from Ulta. Not only does it smell great, but dries in under a minute and survived eating a cupcake, a Starbucks drink, and an entire evening out, no smudging and had to be removed with a makeup wipe. Fantastic product!!" —Claire
"Beautiful and soooo worth the money! Usually I always purchase either Stila Cosmetics or Kylie Jenner but both of those are very pricey and expensive, so I looked up matte lip glosses on Amazon and saw this and thought I would give it a try. I absolutely love it. Very easy to put on does not smudge, beautiful colors, very very happy about the size of it! I went and purchased set B now because I love this product!" —Vickyy
Get a six-piece set from Amazon for $8.49 (available in three shade sets).
42. Eva Naturals' vitamin C serum, a powerhouse of a formula thanks to retinol (helps acne), hyaluronic acid (hydrates, so can help fine lines), niacinimide (soothes skin, helps minimize pores), salicylic acid (more acne and pore help), and of course vitamin C (helps brighten and soothe). A little goes a long way, making the under-$20 price tag even better!
Multiple reviewers like it for sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, and oily or combo skin times (reviewers with dry skin like it, too). Several people say it's similar to the $182 (I knowwww!!) SkinCeuticals vitamin C serum.
Promising reviews: "I actually heard of this product on TikTok. It’s a nice lightweight formula. Makes your skin so smooth and I’ve noticed a more even looking skin tone." —Katelyn Hoffa
"I absolutely LOVE this serum. I was spending an absurd amount of money on SkinCeuticals products. This serum is way better. My skin is clearer and more bright. The only negative about this serum is the smell. It's awful! I will tolerate it and continue to use it because of its effectiveness and price!" —Tish
"I am a licensed esthetician who deals with hormonal cystic acne that leaves scarring on my sensitive skin. My skin has improved so much since I started this!!! First, my skin purged out underlying blemishes but after was clearer + smoother than I’ve seen it in YEARS! I love that it not only targets my acne scarring with the vitamin C but also soothes the redness with the niacinimide, has retinol, AND helps minimize my blackheads and pore size with the salicylic acid. 😭 It is the perfect product for my sensitive oily acne prone skin!" —Jackie
Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in multipacks and sets).
43. An eyebrow soap kit for an instant, easy eyebrow transformation that locks hairs exactly where you want 'em all. damn. day. Precision and hold without crunchiness or crustiness — for well less than the cost of name brands? Check, check, check, check, and check.
Promising reviews: "I have the kind of eyebrows that look very full with brushing, but can quickly look like one has 'collapsed' once my hair or something else touches it. I’ve used nearly every product from Anastasia Beverly Hills, but never had luck keeping my brows in place. Well, let me tell you, this stuff is no joke. I had to scrub my eyebrows clean tonight to get them to move. If you need some help holding your fluff, this will be your new favorite product. Also, I was able to ditch the eyebrow pencil since this this stuff holds every hair in the place you brush it." —Bailey M, Deacon
"Saw this on TikTok and after looking around where I live for some clear soap and coming up short I decided to try these out. They are a great value for the price. Super easy to use and give a great effect on the brows." —Linds
Get it from Amazon for $4.99+ (available in a one- or two-piece set, and with a brow gel).
44. A sleeveless halter bodysuit that, even though it's under $30 on Amazon, could totally pass as a piece from Zara or Skims with nary a soul knowing but you. Your cost per wear is about to be SO low, because this smart basic goes with SO much, like jeans, skirts, shorts, cardigans, and blazers.
Some reviewers said that they were able to skip wearing a bra with it!
Promising reviews: "Okay this is so good. I had the Zara bodysuit identical to this but it quickly got stretched out so I tried this one out. It is 10 times better than that one. The fit is perfect, it hugs you just right and is supportive enough that I won’t wear a bra. Also, not see through at all! Amazing. Need in all the colors." —Dawn E.
"Saw these on a TikTok video and I took a chance. The sherbet orange one looks just like the picture and it’s double layered material so it’s not see through. It’s smooth material and lays flat. Will def buy more." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $14.98+ (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and 30 colors).
45. A chunky-heeled designer lookalike for a statement that'll make your next Fancy Party Outfit POP. Douse your tootsies in satin and rhinestones and prance your way around the dance floor all night, because reviewers say they're decently comfortable (platforms = you feel like you're wearing a shorter heel) and for the relatively cheap price, not bad quality.
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 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 $39.99+ (available in women's sizes 4–10.5 and seven colors).
46. The lightweight SoCozy Curl Spray Leave-In Conditioner Spray, which curly-haired people of all ages (kids and grown-ups!) swear by for BOTH A) defining curls in the morning and B) resetting and detangling curls to prevent frizziness at night. Aaaaand...*drumroll* ...multiple reviewers say it works better than other more expensive products they've tried!
Check out a TikTok of the SoCozy Curl Spray on one kiddo's gorgeous hair. Reviewers with curls all the way from 2a–4c love it!
Promising review: "I was pleasantly surprised by this. I didn’t think it would work as well as it does. My little one has curly hair and it’s not very long. (She’s 2.5-years-old.) I was using a misting spray that I didn’t love the smell of and it was kind of on the expensive side. So I gave this a try to see if it could replace that one. And it ABSOLUTELY DOES! This redefines my daughters almost coil curls, moisture is great for her frizzy curls and I thought maybe this would be too heavy for more than after shower wet hair but it’s great on dry hair!" —Sarah
Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in three sizes).
47. Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint, a highly pigmented lipcolor renowned for its silky, not-at-all-sticky feel that lasts all day and all night. One reviewer compares the shade Rosy Nude to Charlotte Tilbury's shade Pillow Talk and another mentions Wine Nude is kinda like the YSL Velvet Cream shade New Sedition.
Promising reviews: "This is velvet, full coverage without feeling like glue on your lips. It does transfer. The color is very pigmented so what you see is what you get. Honestly one of the best lip color products I've ever used, I put this above Charlotte Tilbury." —Lexi Lee
"This is 💯 a TikTok Made Me Buy It story. I usually go for lip stains because I love bold lip colors but hate it when they smear. I saw a TikTok where a woman was raving about these velvet lip stains so had to give it a go! It isn’t a stain at all but it is a super nice, velvety long wearing lipstick that is HIGHLY pigmented for an affordable price point." —OCDesthetician
Get it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in 23 shades).
48. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water if you're out of European-favorite Bioderma but kinda need to save a few bucks. Pretty much all micellar waters work about the same: mild little micelles (cleaning agents suspended in the water) gently pick up waterproof makeup, dirt, and excess oil from your skin. Even better? It won't leave your skin overly dry, the way typical soap and water would.
As one reviewer mentions, pick up some reusable pads and you'll never have to buy makeup wipes again!
Promising reviews: "I was skeptical about this product at first but I am so glad I decided to buy it. It really removes my makeup, even waterproof mascara with ease. It has no smell and doesn't leave my face oily. It reminds me of my Bioderma that I got in the UK. And for this price, amazing!" —Kat
"Miracle worker. Minimal smell, feels nice, helped a lot when taking off make-up. Really good. Came unopened and brand new. Bought it because of TikTok haha." —Tracey
Get it from Amazon for $3.99+ (available in two sizes and in packs).
BTW, this is our budget pick for the best makeup remover!
49. The Ordinary's AHA 30% Peeling Solution, which makes it easy to give yourself a spa-level exfoliating treatment at home. Besides lifting away dead skin cells, it helps with unclogging pores and increasing the rate your skins surface layers turn over — all of which equal softer, more glowing skin. TBH, it has many similar ingredients to the $80 Drunk Elephant's T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial, so much so that some reviewers say they both make pretty much the same difference.
Read about even more skincare products designed to help you get a more even skin tone.
The 3 key ingredients in The Ordinary's peel =
- Glycolic acid and lactic acid are both alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which exfoliate the top layer of skin.
- Salicylic acid, a a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), helps cut down on pore congestion.
Promising reviews: "This is my new favorite peel product! In 10 minutes, my skin looked glowy and smooth, and felt soft and even. There was zero irritation, just healthy, happy skin. Babyfacial works, but always left my skin red, extra oily, and hot to the touch. Not this product though! Not to mention it literally costs less than 10% of what Babyfacial costs." —ClaireEB
"TikTok was right. I love this! I have been using it for 4 weeks, once a week and have noticed a difference in my skin. It has helped clear up my acne as well as even my texture. Will be buying again (and again...and again...)" —emjaybe95
Get it from Sephora for $10.20 or in a bundle with The Ordinary's hyaluronic acid serum from Amazon for $18.69.