Shopping

55 Cheap Versions Of Expensive Products That Work So Well, They Deserve 6 Stars

Champagne picks on a lemonade budget.

by Maria Cassano
We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

While there’s something to be said for treating yourself, if an alternative works just as well for a fraction of the price, I’m usually sold. Luckily, the internet is filled with cheaper versions of nearly every expensive product out there, so you can save money without sacrificing quality. Whether you’re in the market for pampering skin care or luxe-looking home furnishings, there’s something bound to catch your eye below. And according to reviewers, these less-pricy options work so well you’ll never miss their more expensive alternatives.

1A Soothing Milky Toner That Compares To Rhode

Beauty influencer Nina Pool recommended this hydrating milky toner as a cheaper alternative to Rhode's Glazing Milk. Use it to soothe, hydrate, and protect your bare face. Not only can it help reduce redness, but it can also be applied underneath makeup to give your complexion a glowy finish. I have dry, sensitive skin, and I love this stuff.

2A Smocked Romper That Looks Designer

Searching for a throw-on-and-go outfit that feels comfy, looks chic, and has pockets? This smocked romper offers designer style comparable to the viral Hill House Home styles for an amazing price. It even comes in a variety of similar prints, too. “I’ve gotten lots of compliments,” one reviewer wrote, while another raved, “great quality” and “the color is stunning in person.”

  • Available sizes: Small — XX-Large
  • Available styles: 8

3A Tropical-Scented Cream For Full-Body Moisture

Like Sol de Janeiro’s Bum Bum cream, this Palmer’s coco cream smells amazing and is packed with skin-nourishing botanical oils to boost hydration and elasticity. It coasts way less than the name brand and even comes in a slightly larger jar. This cream boasts a whipped texture for non-greasy moisture that lasts up to 48 hours. “Shockingly better than the real Bum Bum cream,” one reviewer wrote.

4Polarized Sunglasses That Look Like Ray-Bans But Cost Less Than $20 For 2

You don’t have to spend tons of cash to get the look of designer shades, an these semi-rimless sunglasses prove it. They’re stylish, polarized with UV400 lenses, and come in a set of two for under $15. One reviewer who used to buy Ray-Bans wrote, “You would be hard pressed to tell the difference at a glance.”

  • Available sizes: 2 — 4

5A Hypochlorous Acid Spray To Calm Sensitized Skin

Using just special salts and deionized water, this hypochlorous acid spray is designed to soothe redness, irritations, rashes, and acne on sensitive skin. Tons of reviewers compared it to the Tower 28 SOS Rescue spray, and one wrote, “I’ve been using the Tower 28 spray for a few years now and I’m so glad I found this. Cheaper and exact same results.”

6A Lip Gloss That Plumps, Shines, & Shimmers

Reviewers have compared this plumping lip gloss to brands like Fenty, Sephora, Dior, and Laneige. The consensus? “Amazing formula” that’s “worth the hype.” It uses non-sticky shine, a shimmery finish, a natural plumping complex, and a refreshingly cool tingle to create a juicy, full-looking pout at an incredible price.

  • Available styles: 15

7A Stretchy, Textured Tank That Looks Like Free People

With its thick straps and textured fabric, this square-neck tank top reminds buyers of a similar style from Free People. Even though it’s a fraction of the price, reviewers wrote that it’s soft, stretchy, comfortable, and supportive, all while looking so chic. “You cannot beat the price,” one raved. “I now have two colors and will buy more. A closet staple!”

  • Available sizes: X-Small-Small — Large-X-Large
  • Available styles: 21

8A Washable Area Rug That’s Shockingly Affordable

Machine-washable rugs can be expensive, but this low-pile washable area rug is shockingly affordable. It’s suitable for high-traffic areas and has a nonslip backing with a soft, stain-resistant surface. Grab one in your choice of nine sizes and seven distressed vintage patterns.

  • Available sizes: 2' x 6' (Runner) — 9'x12'
  • Available styles: 7

9Lululemon-Like Shorts That Have Reviewers Obsessed

“These are identical to the Lululemon name brand for so much cheaper!” wrote one reviewer who was “highly impressed” by these high-waisted running shorts. In addition to a thick, stretchy waistband and buttery soft fabric, they also have a breathable mesh liner for coverage and zippered pockets for secure storage.

  • Available sizes: XX-Small — X-Large
  • Available styles: 21

10A $30 Tote That Gets Mistaken For A $150 Designer Bag

This shoulder tote bag is surprisingly comparable to Longchamp’s best-selling handbag that starts at $150 thanks to its faux-leather handles, full zipper, and gold-tone hardware. It also has a roomy interior with organizational pockets and it folds up to a compact size when it’s not in use. “Best travel bag EVER,” one reviewer wrote. “I constantly get asked if it’s a Longchamp.”

11Bronzing Drops That Are “Just As Good” As Drunk Elephant

Reviewers wrote that these bronzing drops are “just as good as the Drunk Elephant brand” and “so much cheaper.” The sheer liquid formula is buildable and non greasy with a shimmery, golden finish. Apply it to your bare face for a sun-kissed glow or mix it with your foundation to deepen your shade for summer.

12A Shower Oil That “Performs The Same” As L’Occitane

This soothing shower oil aims to gently cleanse your skin while nourishing it with vitamin E and natural oils. One reviewer noted, “I've ordered this item multiple times as a replacement for the L'Occitane Shower Oil. It's equally hydrating, it smells really good, and it's budget friendly.” Another reviewer who prefers it to the pricier option added, “So amazing and leaves my skin so supple,” plus it’s “great for shaving.”

13A Micro Brow Pencil That’s “Just As Good” As Anastasia Beverly Hills

I’ve used this affordable micro brow pencil for years because it helps me define, fill, and style my brows with its smudge-resistant tip and convenient spoolie brush. Judging by its overall 4.5-star rating from over 66,000 reviewers, I’m not the only one who loves it: “I used to pay the double the price for the Anastasia brow wiz and this one is just as good and half the price!” one reviewer wrote.

  • Available styles: 12

14A Luxe-Looking 100% Cotton Cardigan With Delicate Embroidery

Knit from 100% cotton, this button-down cardigan looks way more expensive than it is thanks to its faux pearl buttons and embroidered details. Wear it fully buttoned up as a sweater, halfway buttoned as a plunging V-neck top, or open for coverage over sundresses and camisoles. Reviewers called it “super cute” and “well-made with beautiful details.”

  • Available sizes: X-Small — Large
  • Available styles: 5

15An Effective Cleansing Balm That Quickly Melts Makeup & Sunscreen

Using a buttery balm that melts into an oil, this cleansing balm has an overall 4.6-star rating from over 17,000 reviewers. It removes makeup (“even the most stubborn waterproof mascara”) while hydrating and nourishing your skin — and it only has 10 uncomplicated ingredients. Reviewers compared it to expensive brands like Elemis, Farmacy, Clinique, and Body Shop and wrote that it “works just as well.”

16A Glowy Tinted Lip Balm That Rivals Brand-Name Options

Hydrating and nourishing with a pigmented tint, this melting lip balm from e.l.f. comes in your choice of six colors. According to reviewers, the multitasking formula is just as good as expensive brands. “My new favorite lip balm!” one wrote, adding “I find myself reaching for it over Summer Fridays, Laneige, and my Rhode lip products.”

  • Available styles: 6

17A Luxe-Smelling Sanitizer That Won’t Dry Out Skin

Reviewers wrote that this ruby grapefruit-scented hand sanitizer spray is the “best hand sanitizer out there” because it moisturizes skin, travels well, skips the harsh chemicals, and smells amazing. It’s made from sugar-derived alcohol and pure essential oils to tackle 99% of germs without drying out your hands, and it comes in a recycled spray bottle for portability and easy application.

18A Highly Rated Cream & Powder Blush Duo Like Patrick Ta’s

Thanks to its combination of cream and powder formulas in one pigmented pairing, reviewers compare this blush palette to a much-lauded pricier version. “These are fantastic,” one reviewer wrote. “I bought all four, and I hope they add more colors. They are giving Patrick Ta, but better, at a fraction of the cost. They really last all day.”

  • Available styles: 4

19A Highly Rated Makeup Brush That Blends So Well

This flat-top foundation brush is much cheaper than many name-brand Kabuki brushes and comes backed with over 2,000 five-star ratings. Its dense bristles apply, buff, and blend all types of makeup into a smooth, even finish. And thanks to its easy-to-grip wooden handle, it feels high end, too.

20A Stylish Woven Tote That Looks & Feels Designer

You don’t have to drop hundreds on a designer bag, and this woven tote bag proves it. Its crosshatch vegan leather comes in 16 colors, and it has a zippered inner purse and a magnetic buckle closure for security. It even boasts an anti-collapse liner on the bottom to help the bag keep its shape. “Feels like high-quality material and looks expensive,” one reviewer wrote, while others compared the style to Bottega Veneta.

  • Available sizes: Medium — X-Large
  • Available styles: 16

21A Silky Body Serum That Hydrates, Illuminates & Evens

This budget-friendly body serum is packed with hyaluronic acid for moisture, niacinamide to illuminate skin, and licorice root to neutralize unwanted dark spots and uneven texture — and it doesn’t leave a greasy residue. “I use this all over my body including my face when I run out of the expensive face cream,” one reviewer wrote.

22A Soft Satin Sleep Set That’s A Great Value

Silk pillowcases pamper your skin and hair while you sleep, and this satin pillowcase set delivers similar benefits for a much better value. Satin is a less pricy material and is ideal for reducing frizz, preventing breakage, minimizing friction, discouraging acne, and evenly distributing natural oils. In addition to the envelope-style case, this set also includes a satin eye mask and hair scrunchie.

  • Available styles: 5

23An Affordable Alternative To The Viral Milk Jelly Tint

Available in apple and cherry flavors, this Lip Smacker Hello Kitty tint offers moisture alongside a fresh scent and buildable color for your lips or cheeks. Its jelly consistency is bouncy, fun, and satisfying, too. According to one reviewer, it’s “better, cuter, and more affordable than the Milk one.”

  • Available styles: 2

24Chic Ballet Flats That Reviewers Call “More Supportive” Than Rothy’s

“Every time I wear these, someone asks if they are Rothys,” one reviewer wrote about these ballet flats. The pointed toe and knit upper look nearly indistinguishable, but despite their lower price tag, they have a blister-preventing heel and a latex memory foam insole that make them “more supportive” than the designer brand, according to another reviewer.

  • Available sizes: 6 — 10
  • Available styles: 14

25A Highly Rated Exfoliating Serum That Works Like Sunday Riley

This high-strength exfoliating serum has an overall 4.6-star rating from more than 6,600 reviewers, some of whom say it’s comparable to Sunday Riley Good Genes and does “the exact same thing for way cheaper.” Using 10% lactic acid and 2% hyaluronic acid, it aims to smooth texture, even tone, and boost hydration for a clear, supple complexion.

26A Contour Wand Like Charlotte Tilbury’s

This butter glow contour wand uses tinted coverage for contouring, micro minerals for illumination, and murumuru butter for nourishment. Plus, it has a cushioned tip for easy application. Reviewers “can't believe the price” given its creamy, shimmery formula, and some like it better than a similar product from Charlotte Tilbury because it “lasts longer” and “blends like nobody’s business.”

  • Available styles: 2

27A Liquid Blush With A Convenient Sponge Applicator

According to reviewers, this liquid blush is a great alternative to a similar item from Rare Beauty. It boasts a moisturizing cream formula that dries into a natural-looking matte finish. And since it’s not quite as pigmented as some other options on the market, many found its buildable finish easier to control. Choose from 23 shades, all featuring a built-in sponge applicator.

  • Available styles: 23

28The Best Pimple Patches Reviewers Have Tried

Hydrocolloid acne stickers are everywhere now — but according to reviewers, these pimple patches “work better than any other brand” when it comes to healing blemishes. They’re transparent, fast-absorbing, and are super sticky so they’ll stay in place overnight. “I’ve tried more brands of patches than I can count, and these stand out as the best,” another Amazon user wrote.

  • Available styles: 3

29A Merit-Like Blush Balm That Applies Beautifully

Portable, pigmented, and paraben free, this blush balm offers an easy way to add color and jojoba-infused hydration to your cheeks or lips. One reviewer compared it to Merit and wrote that it “applies beautifully whether placed directly on the skin or placed on a beauty blender and blotted on.” Choose from a wide range of rosy hues.

  • Available styles: 12

30Reusable Pads That Are Compatible With Swiffer Mops

“I will never buy another box of Swiffer refills again,” one reviewer wrote after trying these microfiber pads, which are compatible with most Swiffer mops. “These things are the bomb,” they added. Use them wet or dry to sanitize, grip dust, trap pet hair, and absorb spills on all types of hard surfaces. They’re also machine washable, so you can clean and reuse them up to 100 times each.

31A Decorative Candle With A Spinning Carousel Topper

This candle mobile carousel smells like fruity berries with floral notes and comes in an embossed glass vessel, but unlike your average candle, this one adds a whimsical visual element. The heat from the flame rises and turns the metal fan, which causes the carousel to spin automatically. Get it in your choice of fairies or cats on crescent moons for a luxurious touch to any space.

  • Available styles: 2

32An Under-Eye Concealer That Brightens On A Budget

This under-eye brightener is shocking reviewers with its low price tag, crease-free hydration, and ability to conceal dark circles. One reviewer wrote, “I ran across this when looking to replace my $33 BECCA under-eye brightening cream [...]. Very surprised to find this product to be comparable in coverage and staying power, and superior in moisture.” It’s even certified as cruelty-free by PETA for color correcting you can feel good about.

  • Available styles: 4

33A Stretchy Top You’ll Want To Wear With Everything

This long-sleeve top is made from stretchy, ribbed material with a scoop neck and cropped cut that lend themselves well to both casual and dressy outfits. It’s body-skimming silhouette is reminscent of the figure-hugging basics made popular by brands like Skims and more. “Amazing quality,” one reviewer wrote. “Most comfortable shirt I own.”

  • Available sizes: Small — XX-Large
  • Available styles: 12

34A Buttery Soft T-Shirt With A Free People Vibe

This striped top is comparable to a designer version thanks to its contrast crewneck and oversized fit. According to reviewers, it’s worth every penny: “It feels like butter” and “has the look of Free People without the cost,” one wrote. Another raved, “Material is soft and the color combos are perfect!”

  • Available sizes: Small — XX-Large
  • Available styles: 21

35A Diffuser That Smells Amazing & Looks Pricey

This reed diffuser offers up both enhanced ambiance, elegant decor, and a reasonable price tag. The five scent options are made using essential oils, the wooden reeds disperse fragrance into the air to freshen your space, and the modern glass vessel contains shells and petals. According to reviewers, it smells “amazing” and looks “elegant” and “expensive.”

  • Available styles: 5

36An Effective Azelaic Acid Serum For A Low Price

“The Ordinary keeps proving that great skincare doesn’t have to be expensive,” one reviewer wrote about this azelaic acid suspension serum. It contains 10% Azelaic acid and aims to brighten skin and soothe blemishes. “After just one week, I noticed a visible improvement in my skin texture. It looks smoother, more even, and has a subtle [glow],” the reviewer added. Another user noted that they prefer it to a similar version from Paula’s Choice.

37A Glowy Liquid Filter You Can Use 4 Ways

Reviewers are obsessed with this liquid hybrid filter. Using hyaluronic acid and fine-milled shimmers, it hydrates skin, blurs imperfections, and creates a glowy finish. Use it as a concealer, a highlighter, mix it with your foundation, or apply it over your makeup. One reviewer noted, “I love this product as it gives you more coverage than the Charlotte Tilbury flawless filter and is more affordable!”

  • Available styles: 14

38Luxurious Bath Salts Sourced From The Dead Sea

As the name suggests, these Dead Sea salts for your bath contains nothing other than Dead Sea salt harvested from Jordan and pure essential oils. Available in lavender, rosemary, or unscented options, each 2-pound container is packed with minerals and free from additives and dyes. “Absolutely worth it,” wrote one reviewer who said their “skin felt smoother” and their “muscles were less tense.”

  • Available styles: 3

39A Highly Rated Knife Set That Comes With Protective Sheaths

This knife set includes six different knives, all with high-carbon stainless steel blades, woodgrain handles, and matching protective sheaths. It boasts a stellar 4.6-star overall rating from almost 60,000 reviewers, making it a worthy choice for your utensil collection. “Far better than more expensive knives I've bought before,” one reviewer wrote.

  • Available styles: 9

40A Powerful BHA Exfoliant That Works Like Paula’s Choice

“A superhero for blackheads and breakout,” wrote one reviewer about this BHA liquid exfoliant they compared favorably to Paula’s Choice. Using a non-irritating, dermatologist-tested formula made from 2% salicylic acid and fruit acids, it aims to minimize the look of pores, smooth the complexion, and gently exfoliate to reveal radiant skin.

41A Shimmery Balm That’s “Even Better” Than Brand-Name Options

This multi-glow balm combines a hydrating base with a shimmery, blurring finish. The result? A one-step product that’s part makeup, part skincare. The shea butter and coconut oil in the formula leaves your skin feeling so soft, too. And according to reviewers, this balm is “even better” than pricier brand-name alternatives.

  • Available styles: 5

42Under-Eye Patches That Make A “Visible Difference”

“I’m genuinely impressed!” one reviewer wrote about these gold eye patches, which aim to hydrate and revitalize the under-eye area with collagen and caffeine. “They feel super soothing the moment you put them on, and after just a few uses, I noticed a visible difference in puffiness and dark circles.” Some reviewers also store them in the fridge for a chilled experience that feels ultra luxurious.

43A Glowy Setting Spray That Lasts All Day

“The best! This is my favorite,” wrote one reviewer who has this makeup setting spray on auto-ship so they never run out. “It truly helps my makeup stay all day!” In addition to preventing smudging, fading, and creasing, it also creates a dewy finish, protects against environmental pollutants, and contains niacinamide to balance your skin’s oils.

44A Room Spray With A Relaxing, Earthy Scent

Room spray is one of those little luxuries that feels indulgent, and this Oud al Khaleeji room spray proves you can score luxury even on a budget. It combines notes of basil, rose, cinnamon, and sandalwood to refresh your space, linens, or prayer mat with an earthy, relaxing fragrance. According to reviewers, it “smells wonderful” and “the scent lasts an impressively long time.”

  • Available styles: 10

45A High-Pressure Showerhead That Feels Spa-Like

While it costs less than $30, this high-pressure showerhead feels like a luxury upgrade thanks to its enhanced water flow and self-cleaning silicone jets. It also has a universal twist-on system that installs in minutes without any tools. “I like this better than anything else I’ve owned in the last 25 years!” one reviewer raved, while another wrote, “like having a shower at a luxurious hotel and spa.”

  • Available styles: 6

46Peeling Foot Masks That Reveal Silky Soft Skin

Skip the buffing, grating, and filing because these foot peel masks have over 13,000 five-star ratings. Just a week after application, they cause dead skin and cracked calluses to peel off in sheets, revealing baby-soft skin underneath. “Peeled like a lizard” one reviewer wrote. “I'm saving $50 monthly,” raved another who stopped getting pedicures.

  • Available styles: 3

47An Aerosol-Free Dry Shampoo That Also Adds Volume

Instead of aerosol spray, this dry shampoo uses a cushion applicator to dab quick-absorbing powder directly onto your roots. Its formula contains corn starch to soak up oil, Korean ginseng to boost volume, and lavender oil for a refreshing scent. According to reviewers, it’s invisible, lightweight, and effective: “So amazing! Best dry shampoo I’ve ever used,” one wrote.

48Stainless Steel Tweezers That Compare To Tweezerman

“These tweezers change the game, they’re absolutely as high quality and precise as Tweezerman at a quarter of the price,” one reviewer raved about these eyebrow tweezers. They have strong-clamp slanted tips made from stainless steel to grab, pluck, and remove hair, blackheads, and splinters with ease. They even come with protective covers to keep your tips sharp, too.

  • Available styles: 9

49A Beauty Blender-Alternative With Thousands Of Rave Reviews

These impressive makeup blenders come in a pack of six and break down to less than $2 apiece. Their latex-free construction is super soft for flawless blending and comes in a teardrop shape to reach into every contour. They’ve gotten rave reviews, with over 19,000 Amazon users weighing in to give them a stellar 4.7-star overall rating. One wrote: “Better than Beauty Blenders! I’ve tried multiple different makeup sponges at varying prices and these by far are the best!”

50A Cotton Basket That’s Big & Budget Friendly

Similar storage solutions can go for way more in department stores, but this rope storage basket is roomy, stylish, and reasonably priced. It’s large enough to hold laundry, towels, pillows, blankets, and toys, and its classic cotton design turns your clutter into decor. Get it in your choice of five colors, all with dual handles for portability.

  • Available sizes: Large — Extra Large
  • Available styles: 5

51The Best Purple Shampoo Reviewers Have Tried

Using violet pigments and innovative UV filters, this purple shampoo aims to neutralize brassy tones for blonde, silver, or gray hair and protect strands from sun damage. It’s also sulfate free and made with vitamin B5 to nourish and soften your strands. “I’ve tried tons of brands,” one reviewer wrote, “even super expensive ones, and this is the best!”

  • Available styles: 4

52A Study Cast Iron Grill Pan That’s An Excellent Value

Use this cast iron pan on the stove, in the oven, on the barbecue, or over an open flame. It’s ridged to sear food with grill marks, oil coated for low-maintenance care, and doubles as a dual-handle lid on pots and pans. “This pan is an excellent value for the price and I expect I will be using it for a long time,” one reviewer wrote.

53A 40-Ounce Tumbler That Comes With Tons Of Freebies

Similar to brands like Yeti and Stanley, this 40-ounce tumbler with handle uses double-wall stainless steel to keep your water cold for up to 24 hours and your coffee hot for up to 12. It also comes with an ergonomic handle, a leak-resistant lid, a stainless steel straw, two silicone straw caps, and a thin brush for cleaning. That’s why reviewers called it a “great value.”

54A Plush Throw That’s So Cozy & Inviting

Reviewers compared this pom-pom throw blanket to similar (and way more expensive) styles from stores like Barefoot Dreams and Pottery Barn. The plush microfiber fabric feels buttery soft, making it an ideal choice for both cozy lounging or accenting your couch or bed. The spherical details around the perimeter makes for a fun, decorative touch as well.

  • Available styles: 10

55Blackout Curtains That Look & Feel Substantial

“These were very inexpensive compared to some of the others I had seen and they work just as well!” one reviewer wrote about this modern blackout curtain. Judging by their 24,000 five-star ratings, plenty of others agree. Each curtain blocks up to 99% of UV rays, reduces noise, creates privacy, and offers thermal benefits that can help keep your heat and cooling costs down. Plus, it’s machine washable and comes with your choice of grommets or rod pockets.

  • Available styles: 25