1. A Simple Modern tumbler because Stanley cups are actually so overrated. Nothing that expensive should spill or break your wrist whenever you pick it up to drink it.
This similar style is actually so much prettier, comes in an absurd variety of colors, and most importantly, doesn't leak! Many reviewers said they drink 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 only use 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.
98+ (available in two sizes and several colors). Also available in a style without the handle ! 2. Or a vacuum-insulated Takeya water bottle if you, like me, are constantly on the go and need to be able to throw it in your purse at a moment's notice.
It's about half the price of a 40-ounce Hydro Flask and you almost definitely won't notice the difference. Bonus: You can still plaster it in stickers like so many do with their Hydro Flask. Promising review: "I purchased this bottle to replace my 40-ounce Hydro Flask.
I thought that no other bottle could replace it. Boy was I wrong! This bottle has kept my water cold for more than 24 hours. I love the fact it has a leakproof spout on it.
My Hydro Flask had the straw and it didn’t even reach down to the bottom of the bottle. With this bottle I get every ounce of water I filled it with." — TraMychael Ross Get it from Amazon for $23.
99+ (available in four sizes and in six colors). 3. A Briotech spray if you're loving the Tower 28 version but are having a tough time fitting it into your budget.
Formulated with hypochlorous acid, a groundbreaking ingredient that helps strengthen the skin barrier and minimize irritation. BTW, people also love this for helping heal piercings. Promising review: "This is a [swap] for the Tower 28 spray that's 28 bucks for 4 ounces.
I use this after cleansing my face before toners or serums. It's healed my acne. Also great for eczema.
I have recommended this to so many people. Thanks Briotech for saving me money! Lifelong customer here." — Chey Get a 3.
4-ounce bottle from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in eight sizes). 4.
Some cleaning tablets that are designed to clean dentures but can do so much more. I use them to clean my night guards and vases, but some people also pop them into water bottles and coffee tumblers that they want to get squeaky clean. At just 5 cents per tablet, they do the same thing as the infamous Bottle Brights but for way cheaper.
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 $5.45+ (also available in packs of 44 and 90). 5.
Essence's Lash Princess Mascara to elevate your eye makeup without elevating your budget. Over 200,000 reviewers gave it 5 stars, so it's a no-brainer swap for mascaras like Too Faced Better Than Sex , which costs six times as much! Promising reviews: " The best I’ve tried so far and I used Dior, Tarte, Two Faced, you name it. I always have a problem with brand-new mascara because they have too much product on the brush, especially first few uses, and my lashes stick together.
I didn’t have this problem with this one. I could layer it without any product starting to fall off or my lashes sticking together. And I love that they don’t test on animals.
" — Detti "This product is fantastic; the best I've used in years! And the price can't be beat. It's [leagues] ahead of the well-known brand names that sell for five times as much and more!. Just one or two coats gives me length and volume.
With the gloppy other brands, I'd given up wearing makeup at all. I have sensitive blue eyes — and did I say I'm old, which adds another layer of sensitivity — and this mascara don't bother my eyes at all, no redness or irritability. " — Antonia Albany Get it from Amazon for $4.
99+ (available in two colors and four sizes). 6. Wireless Bluetooth earbuds that cost less than an AirPod replacement and still deliver great sound and literally days of play time.
These come with a wireless charging case that provides up to 45 hours of playtime when you're on the go — it'll fully recharge the earbuds in less than two hours. BuzzFeed Shopping editor Elizabeth Lilly vouches for these: " I was able to wear mine comfortably under my bucket hat while I slept on a very rocky bus ride from the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in Iceland. And while I was out exploring, the charging case easily fit in my coat pocket.
I also use these on the reg in my everyday life to listen to Spotify and podcasts, and even talk on the phone. I have to charge them about once a week and always keep them in my coat pocket." Promising review: "I bought these for the price and as a trial run on whether or not I could keep up with small wireless earbuds.
I’ve had these for 6+ months now and they are pretty awesome for $25. Comes with a lot of different ear bud sizes, cancels noise well, the sounds is actually decent/better than I expected and I’ve accidentally thrown these into the washer and dryer and they still work the same. I was gifted AirPods and honestly find myself reaching for the Tozo buds more often because they’re so much more comfortable in my ears.
Definitely will buy another pair if these die on me." — Liubhard Get them from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in two sizes and five colors).
7. Cosrx pimple patches for a budget-friendly alternative to Mighty Patch . You can actually see the results when you peel them off in the morning, the clear patch will have turned white, showing it has soaked up oils, pus, and other gunk from your pimple.
"I have used these for years, and I literally buy them in bulk so that I'm never caught without them. I really can't sing the praises of these enough — they make my cystic acne heal faster , whether by sucking puss out of active breakouts or by curbing the beginning of pimples through keeping my hands the heck off them. I like to keep them on overnight, and they're clear and unobtrusive enough that I'll usually use them during the day when needed, too.
Different sizes are included so you can customize to different blemish sizes, or simply use smaller patches during the daytime and larger ones at night, lol. This is the product I'm constantly raving to my friends about, and TL;DR: It's my desert island item . You cannot go wrong with these.
Plus, they're super affordable for the amount you get, and especially for the benefit they provide." — Haley Zovickian Promising review: "I have been using these hydrocolloid patches for years now. They are MILES better than the overpriced Mighty Patches.
Great price for the amount. I use these over my pimples or blackheads instead of makeup now, and the difference in healing time is actually astounding. They blur the appearance of the blemishes so you don’t need concealer, while drawing out all the nastiness and reduce inflammation.
They are also great if you have anxiety and pick your skin like me. I will be purchasing these forever and ever :)" — Maya Get them from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in three pack sizes) 8.
A 20-pack of magic cleaning pads reviewers say are an excellent swap for the name brand Mr. Clean Magic Eraser . Having tested them back in the day, we can confirm they work just as effectively at a fraction of the price.
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 $14.95 (also available in a pack of 100).
9. Makeup removing towels that gently take off your makeup and lift away dirt using only water. At about a dollar per cloth, they're about 20 times cheaper than the Makeup Eraser .
Promising review: "These things are so soft! Great for taking off makeup. I was using the Makeup Eraser before, but these are 100x 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).
10. A LuckyZ lightweight canvas backpack similar in style and functionality to the Fjallraven Kanken backpack but quite different in terms of price. Is the logo really worth the extra $50? Reviewers report that their 13-inch and even 15-inch laptops could fit inside this bag! Promising review: "I took this bag on a trip with me and I swore if it stayed intact I would write a review so here I am.
This bag looks flimsy but it’s really durable. I put my 15-inch MacBook, books, chargers, etc. It was filled to the brim and there’s not a seam ripped off or anything.
If you are looking for something similar to a Kanken at a lower price point this is a very good bag." — Nicky Miller Get it from Amazon for $27.98+ (available in five colors).
11. A set of satin pillowcases that'll help reduce the friction that causes split ends, frizz, tangles, and irritated, creased skin. Instead of paying nearly $70 for one, you'll get two for less than $10.
They also keep your pillow cool if you sleep hot, which will help you sleep more comfortably. "I finally took the plunge and bought some satin pillowcases, and OMG, I wish it hadn't taken me so long! I have 2c–3a curly hair, and for years I'd go to sleep with intact curls and wake up to a nest of frizzy hair that was basically the ghost of curls past. For the first time ever, my curls now survive the night.
Is this a *miracle*? No — you're likely to experience *some* frizz in the morning no matter what, if you're like me and toss and turn a lot at night. But there's truly a night-and-day difference in my hair when I do and don't use my satin cases. BTW, I haven't experienced any creasing on my face since I've made the switch, which is kinda unbelievable.
And I honestly do feel a bit like a princess resting my head on cool, smooth satin after a long day." — Haley Zovickian Promising review: "My hair has never been better! I got this because of TikTok and it has done wonders for my hair. My hair isn’t frizzy or dull looking when I get up in the morning.
" — Aaron Key Get a set of two from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in five sizes and 40 colors). 12.
A tube of E.l.f.
Wow Brow to sculpt your unruly brows into works of art. Considering it's about the cost of a cup of coffee, it's a great swap for pricier brow products from Glossier and Anastasia Beverly Hills . Check it out in a quick makeup look from TikTok beauty influencer Mikayla Nogueira, who succinctly describes Wow Brow as "the tinted brow gel that does the job.
" Promising review: "This product has replaced ALL of my high-end brow products. This is the most amazing brow stuff I’ve ever used. I don’t even have to fill in my brows because this has such great coverage.
It’s a game changer!!" — Isabella Get it from Ulta or Target for $5 (available in four shades). 13. A checkerboard throw blanket that reviewers say is soft and plush enough to rival the eye-wateringly expensive Barefoot Dreams throw .
While it may not have the Kardashian stamp of approval like the latter, it boasts a super cute pattern and comes in a variety of stylish colors. Promising review: "This blanket beats others because it is softer (a buttery and fluffy feeling), it is long enough for a 5'10 tall person, it is not too light and not too heavy (works year-round in Virginia), and it has a stretch to the material that I haven’t experienced with other soft blankets. The design is just so-so, but the colors are nice, and the price is right.
If they updated the designs with more colors, patterns, then these would be absolutely perfect. I like this as much as my much more expensive Barefoot Dreams blanket and Williams Sonoma faux fur blanket ." — JH Get it from Amazon for $35.
19+ (available in three sizes and six colors). 14. A pair of cork slides with flexible footbeds and supportive padded insoles, because you shouldn't have to pay an arm and a leg for Birkenstocks in order to get through the day without a blister.
Prime members: You can try before you buy ! Promising review: "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 Get them from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in women's sizes 5–12, including wide sizes, and 21 styles).
15. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water rivals Bioderma in terms of cleaning and makeup removing capabilities without the hefty price tag. Infused with rose water and glycerin, it effectively lifts away dirt and oil while hydrating the skin, all without the need for rinsing.
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 "I've been using makeup wipes my whole life because I didn't even know this existed. I saw it in stores but nobody ever told me what this was.
This is literally amazing, buy reusable pads and this and you're set for life. I'm really upset nobody ever told me what this stuff was. I don't understand why makeup wipes even exist.
..this cleanses your face, takes off your makeup.
Nobody should not know what this stuff is ." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $3.99+ (available in four sizes).
BTW, this is our budget pick for the best makeup remover ! 16. An Eva Naturals' serum that combines the power of Vitamin C with ingredients like skin-renewing retinol, hydrating hyaluronic acid, brightening niacinamide, and pore-clearing salicylic acid. While serums like these can cost upwards of $180 (*cough, cough* SkinCeuticals ), this one will give you similarly dramatic results without draining your wallet.
Reviewers say it's *especially* effective for sensitive, acne-prone skin and oily/combination skin types (though reviewers with dry skin report great results too). Promising reviews: "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 using this product!!! For the first couple of weeks, my skin purged out any underlying blemishes but afterward was clearer + smoother than I’ve seen it in YEARS! I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!! 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 $13.
49+ (available in two sizes). 17. Elizavecca Hair Treatment , which hundreds of reviewers prefer this over Olaplex .
Packed with collagen and soy protein, this mask will store your dry and fried strands back to their silky, shiny glory. Reviewers with everything from thin, fine hair to 4c curls have reported positive results from this moisturizing formula, which is particularly recommended for folks whose hair is damaged from using hot tools, bleach, and the like. 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 Get it from Amazon for $7.40 .
18. A Fossil watch that looks like you pulled it out of a sunken treasure chest (it's water-resistant up to 330 feet, so that checks out), and yet it's a great deal cheaper than a similar Michael Kors piece . Promising review: "I was going to get the Michael Kors rose gold watch , but decided to go with this one due to the great price and my familiarity with Fossil watches and how great they are made.
I was not disappointed. The crystal dial is just enough to make it look really expensive and add a touch a bling! I totally recommend it." — Tina Beanie Get it from Amazon for $91.
82 . 19. A tennis bracelet to elevate any outfit (from black-tie gowns to silly lil' sundresses) just as well as its pricey Swarovski doppelgänger .
Promising review: "Soooo pretty. It’s 100% a Swarovski [alternative] for so cheap. Looks exactly like the photo and I wear it every day.
" — Trysten Walters Get it from Amazon for $17.95+ (available in two styles, four colors, and three sizes). 20.
A loungewear set that might actually be cuter and snugglier than their Skims counterpart. Prime members: You can try before you buy ! 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 $54.99 (available in women's sizes S–XL and 27 colors).
21. Blotting sheets to keep your face oil-free (without smudging your glam) during what is a very steamy summer. You'll get way more bang for your buck than you would from brands like Tatcha or even Clean & Clear .
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 a bundle with a pocket mirror). 22.
A pair of suede pull-on boots so you can look like a casually chic celeb without dropping $100+ on Uggs . The memory foam insoles will prevent your feet from getting sore, even when your pup drags you on an extra-long walk. As an added bonus, there are no visible labels from the company on the shoe.
Prime members: You can try before you buy ! Promising review: "I had these on my wishlist for a while but was skeptical. I’m glad I finally ordered them! They fit perfectly and SO much easier to put on than my real Ugg minis, which I love. They’re very comfy and warm.
Highly recommend! Glad I bought them to wear while I wait for Ugg to restock their tan ultra minis." — Kamryn Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in women's sizes 5–12, including wide sizes, and 11 colors).
23. Maybelline's Cheek Heat gel-cream blush to glow up without paying out the wazoo for Glossier's Cloud Paint . 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). 24.
LilyAna Naturals Eye Cream because why throw your budget out the window for name brands like Shiseido and Clinique ? This one uses rosehip, hibiscus, aloe, and vitamin C to lighten and deflate those bags under your eyes. You can also say goodbye to sagging and fine lines. Promising review: "Best eye cream I have ever used!!! Better than Benefiance by Shiseido and Clinique or Lancôme, for less than a third of the price with the amount you get.
It is rich enough to do the job but not greasy. It doesn't interfere with concealer, yet softens lines. Love it so much!!!!" — Lory Lacy Get it from Amazon for $14.
99+ (available in three sizes and a two-pack). 25. Cosrx Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence that repairs and hydrates just as well as more expensive options.
My wedding makeup artist loves using it for skin prep to help her clients get through their big (and very long) day without their makeup fading, creasing, or flaking. Basically, snail mucin allows snails to glide over rough surfaces like gravel without getting hurt. When you put it on your skin, it forms a protective barrier that shields your skin from harsh weather and pollution, keeping it hydrated and helping it heal and regenerate.
Promising review: "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 SO tried to put snail goo on me, eww!! I resisted for weeks refusing to use this product as she constantly vouched for its abilities. 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 Get it from Amazon for $13.
99 . 26. Rare Beauty's Hair Fragrance Mist to make your luscious locks smell like lemon zest, jasmine, and cashmere wood.
Professional artist Kelli Anne Sewell swears by this product as an affordable replacement for her beloved Byredo Bal D'Afrique Hair Perfume . Promising review: "I really love this scent. It’s very similar to Byredo Bal d’Afrique, but clearly at a much better price point.
My husband got me this for Mother’s Day and it is light and perfect for summer months when it’s already humid and heavy perfume can be overwhelming. I will buy again! I only wish it was an oil or perfume." — MamaKnowlesBest Get it from Sephora for $28 .
27. A pair of lightweight legging-style joggers if you need to replace your raggedy pair of Lululemon Align joggers, but your size is never in-stock. These have pockets and a wide waistband that sits right over your tummy for a smooth and comfy fit.
Promising review: "These are literally the best leggings/joggers I have ever owned, and I plan to eventually buy every single color. I originally saw these on TikTok and heard they were like the Lululemon ones but cheaper. I've never owned Lululemon leggings, but if they feel anything like these, then I have clearly been missing out.
These are soft and absolutely perfect. I love the pockets and jogger style and that they fit like leggings and can be worn to the gym or dressed up with a cute outfit. I need to buy every color of these before they're gone!" — Courtney Get it from Amazon for $28.
99+ (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and 24 colors). The reviews used in this post have been edited for length and clarity..
