Affordable Alternatives Under $20 That Match Performance of Pricier Options
Article Rewrite:
burning passion for fabulous finds! While certain items might be sent assamples, they were personally chosen by our team of editors. Here's a heads-up, BuzzFeed and its partners might gather a portion of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.
Embrace the opportunity to snag affordable options, and enjoy multiples of popular items for less than the cost of a single big-name brand version.
by Katy Herman, BuzzFeed Staff* *
1. A trio of lip sleeping masks that boast over 3,000 5-star ratings and cost less than half the price of a single Laneige tube. Talk about a bang for your buck!
AmazonRave Review: "I'm a mouth breather when I sleep, and it often leads to chapped lips. I love Laneige's lip sleeping mask, but it gets pricey when used daily. This product is an amazing alternative at a fraction of the price! Laneige sells for $24 a pop, while this product offers three for less than $10? Absolutely take my money! Highly recommend!" -Nikz
Get a set of three from Amazon for $9.90 (six scent options available).
2. A versatile fanny pack with adjustable strap, multiple pockets, and a crossbody option that could easily pass for a brand well-known for its fashionable accessories.
(Amazon)Rave Review: "I got this for work initially and now use it constantly! I didn't realize it resembles a popular Lululemon fanny pack, but someone complimented me on it! My best friend has the Lululemon one and they look exactly the same! The pockets on the inside and outside! It's super spacious and I can fit a lot in it! Definitely worth it, especially if you don't want to carry a large purse during errands!" -Melissa
Get it from Amazon for $15.28 (44 color options available).
3. A pack of beauty sponges with over 10,000 5-star ratings and six sponges for half the cost of a Beauty Blender. Transform your beauty routine without breaking the bank!
(Amazon)Rave Reviews: "If you landed here from TikTok, just go ahead and add to cart! These sponges are softer than Real Techniques sponges and blend better than a Beauty Blender." -Cassandre
"Fell in love with the Beauty Blender, but found it disappointing in quality and cost. Decided to give this a shot instead. This product blends exceptionally well and doesn't leave smudges like the Beauty Blender does. You get six sponges for the price of a single Beauty Blender? Definitely recommend!" -Michi Drinks Matcha
Get a six-pack from Amazon for $9.95.
4. A set of fine pens perfect for bullet journaling, color-coding, or adding pizzazz to your endless lists. Best of all, they come in at around 50 cents a pen!
AmazonAmazing Reviews: "A big fan of Sharpie pens! Unfortunately, I misplace them frequently and am now down to my last one. I find this product to be the more affordable version of my beloved Sharpie pens - with a variety of colors!" -Silver
"Been a die-hard Flair pen user, but found this product during a search. It's like a Flair pen, but with a finer point and higher quality. Even holds up better in the hand. Worth noting, it's less expensive than its Flair counterparts! Highly recommended!" -L Tibbs
Get a set of 18 from Amazon for $8.99.
5. A collagen hair treatment fans of all hair types adore for reviving damaged strands. Amazingly, it costs less than $10! Some users even compare the results to the expensive and highly popular Olaplex treatment!
AmazonAstonishing Reviews: "Kept hearing about this product and finally decided to try it. I'm an avid Olaplex user and spend a lot on it for my thick and long hair. Ordered this, and the results were incredible! My hair felt softer, smoother, and even stronger after a single use! Just make sure to follow the instructions and apply on damp, not soaking wet, hair for the best results." -natasha
"Have 4c hair and sought a protein treatment. Had previously used a product with excessive alcohol, damaging my hair and leaving it smelly. Was skeptical about this product at first since I hadn't seen anyone with my hair type use it. Impressed by the results! My hair looks and feels amazing. Highly recommend!" -Therese-Claire
Get it from Amazon for $9.35.
Take a closer look at BuzzFeed's full Elizavecca CER-100 Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment review for more info.
6. A Nyx brow pencil that resembles the much-loved Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz, but won't put a strain on your wallet. While you deserve quality beauty products, you might not even notice the difference if you switch to this more budget-friendly option!
(Amazon)Rave Review: "Used the Anastasia Brow Wiz for a long time. Found this pencil in a different shade, Taupe, and fell in love! The design, performance, and longevity through the day are similar to the Brow Wiz. This Nyx pencil even lasts longer!" -Dianna B
Get it from Amazon for $8.23 (12 shades available).
7. A pack of denture cleaning tablets that reviewers also use for cleaning drinking vessels. For the price of one pack of Bottle Bright, you can get over ten times as many tablets! Affordable and multi-purpose - what's not to love?
AmazonImpressive Review: "Perfect for cleaning my thermos. Use these once a week to prevent a bad coffee smell. Much cheaper than buying thermos cleaner tablets!" -Santo Esmeraldo
Get a pack of 126 from Amazon for $5.74 (or $5.45 with the Subscribe & Save option).
8. Microfiber makeup remover cloths that can swipe off even the toughest products, using just water! Plus, they're machine washable, so you can reuse them multiple times. And for just a few dollars, you can get five cloths - around the same price as a single MakeUp Eraser!
AmazonImpressive Reviews: "Amazing wash cloths! Work as well as the MakeUp Eraser and come in a variety of colors! They're soft and efficient. One even uses them for cleaning countertops and finds it just as effective!" -Katrina**
"Incredible. It seems like magic! Waterproof makeup wipes off so easily! I even use them for face cleansing and lip exfoliation. Even gets counter stains out like a magic eraser, no cleaning solution required!" -Shelly
Get a pack of five from Amazon for $7.99 (three color combinations available).
9. A 20-pack of multisurface eraser sponges that can tackle even permanent marker. Get five times the number of sponges for the price of a 4-pack of Magic Erasers!
AmazonFantastic Review: "Impressed overall. For around the same price as one Magic Eraser pack, I have 20 sponges! I used these on kitchen countertops, bathroom sinks, and even the shower. They've been doing an excellent job! Keeping in mind I've given some to my family as well, who have confirmed they're highly effective." -SierraH
Get 20 sponges from Amazon for $13.95 (or $13.25 with the Subscribe & Save option).
10. Soft, high-waisted leggings with over 18,000 5-star reviews! They're comfy as can be - it's hard to believe the low price! With a cost-per-wear close to $0, these leggings are a steal.
AmazonAwesome Reviews: "Higher quality than LuLaRoe. Fit great. Smooth out my legs. Perfect for the price!" -Priscilla
"Had a fantastic first-time experience with these leggings. Fit perfectly down to my ankle. The top doesn't roll or slide down. Even wear them during winter, and they didn't make me sweat! Love the soft material so much that I had to buy more." -Avery T
Get them from Amazon for $11.19 (available in one size fits most for straight and plus sizes, and in three styles, including one with pockets, and 21 colors and prints).
11. E.l.f.'s hydrating Power Grip Primer, delivering expensive-quality results for under $10. Keep your stunning makeup looking flawless all day long!
(Amazon)E.l.f. is cruelty-free! ❤️Amazing Reviews: "Fell in love with a small sample of the Milk Hydro Grip primer, but the price - $36 for a relatively small bottle - made it out of reach. Sought a suitable alternative and found this! It's almost identical in formula and performance! Has sensitive skin and haven't experienced any irritation." -Allison
"Tried this for the first time today. Had trouble in the past with makeup staying on and looking fresh all day. Used this primer, went to a festival in Atlanta where it was extremely hot and humid, and my makeup still looked great hours later. Simply impressed!" -Taylor Poulin
Get it from Amazon for $10.
12. Coty Airspun loose face powder, beloved by over 79,000 people! It seals in your gorgeous look and provides a smooth finish, often compared to Laura Mercier's $40 treatment!
AmazonAstonishing Review: "Truly amazed by this product! Compared to expensive versions, it works even better when it comes to sealing in makeup and creating a smooth effect. I didn't expect such great results for the price." -AlexisJulian
Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (available in five shades).
13. A tennis bracelet you'd swear was real crystal - swoon! Avoid worrying too much about losing this beauty compared to more expensive versions.
www.amazon.comAmazing Reviews: "So 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).
14. A leak-free Scotch-Brite soap-dispensing dish brush, considered better than the classic Oxo one by some reviewers. All for under $10!
www.amazon.comFantastic Review: "Had an Oxo soap dispenser and it started leaking and breaking apart. Got the Scotch-Brite brush and I think it's performing better, especially when it comes to leak resistance. The bristles seem stiffer, so they won't wear out as quickly. It has replaceable heads like the Oxo." -Deluxe Disco Sunset
Get it from Amazon for $6.47.
15. Pus-absorbing, pimple-eliminating patches over 13,000 people rely on for speedily zapping their zits. Compared to the pricier Mighty Patch version, you might even prefer these!
www.amazon.comImpressive Reviews: "These patches are the most effective acne patches on the market. I've tried others including Mighty Patch, but these extract pus faster and work overnight." -Kristina H.
"Experienced an enormous zit before a cousin's wedding. Laid a patch on my chin and watched as more white substance formed just a few hours later. My zit completely vanished after a day." -Heather R. Weather
Get a box of 36 from Amazon for $6.16.
16. An E.l.f. glitter liquid eyeshadow that competes with Stila's Glitter and Glow (almost quadruple the price). Party up with glitter - for under $6!
www.amazon.comEnthusiastic Reviews: "Love this glitter eyeshadow. I don't even wear eyeshadow and it's tempting me. The blue shade is definitely eye-catching!" -BFFs
Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in 11 shades).
17. A pair of top-quality in-ear headphones, recommended by over 53,000 people. Discover the perfect fit with three different size pads.
www.amazon.comSuperb Reviews: "Incredible sound quality! Beats headphones that cost hundreds of dollars! I'm a classical pianist, and these are on par or better than Bose! Even comes with a mic and button to skip songs." -Amazon Customer
Get them from Amazon for $8.99 (available in 16 colors and with or without a mic).
18. A gluten- and cruelty-free mascara that lasts all day, keeping sweat and oily skin at bay. It's less than $15 - way cheaper than more expensive designer brands.
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Kayla Boyd touts its effectiveness! Check out her full Essence Lash Princess mascara review.
Promising Reviews: "Love this mascara! It adds volume without clumping or smudging. Perfect with or without eyeliner." -beautyandbeast
"Impressed with the results! Got through a long workday and sweat, but the mascara stayed intact. Taking the search for a good mascara to an end." -angmoore
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
19. A portable and cordless milk frother. Enjoy Starbucks-style drinks at home whenever you want.
www.amazon.comImpressive Review: "Love this little gadget. Used to make cappuccinos occasionally with my Nespresso machine and fancier frother, but this has replaced it. Runs on batteries, no need for an electrical outlet. Keeps cappuccinos simple when cleaning up is a breeze." -Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 47 colors).
20. Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later eyeshadow primer. A waterproof base to make your eyeshadow last, even during sweating or long days. You'll thank it later when your makeup is still perfect!
www.amazon.comRave Reviews: "Beautiful product! A wonderful waterproof base that eliminates creasing. I've spent over $20 on Urban Decay eyeshadow primer before, but I find this product is superior." -Aristea Theodoropoulos**
"Amazing quality! Sexy packaging. The consistency is smooth. It's practically clear when it dries. Perfect for those with oily skin, like me. Lasts for 10 hours!" -MomTo11**
Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (or $12.59 with the Subscribe & Save option).
21. A two-pack of teeth-whitening pens, ideal for banishing coffee stains. Each pen offers 20+ uses and just requires a 30-second application, making it a hassle-free alternative to pricey strips or other whitening methods.
www.amazon.comRemarkable Reviews: "Happy with this product, as it works better than Crest Whitestrips and causes less tooth sensitivity!" -Travis Sheveland
"Wow! Incredible results after only three uses! Can't believe the difference, even with coffee and smoking habits! Peppermint flavor is a delightful bonus." -Gina L
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $19.95 (or $18 with the Subscribe & Save option).
22. Antimicrobial toothbrush with ultra-thin "flossing bristles" designed to reach even the trickiest tooth grooves. Reviewers say it even rivals fancy electric models!
Mouthwatchers manufactures upgraded toothbrushes, founded by a dentist. Although they can't replace flossing, they're helpful for those who don't floss as often. Consult your dentist for the best routine advice!
Promising Reviews: "Adore this toothbrush! Perfect with jeans and I get so many compliments on it. The double-ring design is sort of designer-inspired, but not a complete knockoff of the Gucci belt. Highly recommend!" -Everyday Teacher Style**
"Absolute love for this toothbrush! It's the best I've ever used. Affordable toothbrush, superior performance. Even my hygienist loves it!" -Smiles
Get an extra-soft version from Amazon for $4.94 (available in four colors and in more styles and quantities on [Mouthwatchers].
- A triple pack of beauty sponges, with over 10,000 5-star ratings and six sponges for half the cost of a Beauty Blender. These sponges are softer than Real Techniques sponges and blend better than the Beauty Blender, without breaking the bank. - Amazon
- A collagen hair treatment compared to the popular and expensive Olaplex treatment, but costing less than $10. It's adored by fans of all hair types and surprisingly revives damaged strands. - Amazon
- A set of fine pens for journaling, color-coding, or adding pizzazz to lists, available for around 50 cents a pen. They are the more affordable version of Sharpie pens, offering a variety of colors. - Amazon
- A pack of denture cleaning tablets that are also used for cleaning drinking vessels. For the price of one pack of Bottle Bright, you can get over ten times as many tablets, making it affordable and multi-purpose. - Amazon
- Soft, high-waisted leggings with over 18,000 5-star reviews and a cost-per-wear close to $0. These leggings are a steal as they are of higher quality than LuLaRoe, fit great, and don't roll or slide down. - Amazon
- A Nyx brow pencil that resembles the much-loved Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz, but won't put a strain on your wallet. While you deserve quality beauty products, switching to this more budget-friendly option may not even notice the difference. - Amazon
- Microfiber makeup remover cloths that can swipe off even the toughest products, using just water. With a pack of five available for just a few dollars, these cloths are a cost-effective and reusable alternative to single-use makeup erasers. - Amazon
- A pack of multisurface eraser sponges that can tackle even permanent marker, providing five times the number of sponges for the price of a 4-pack of Magic Erasers. - Amazon
- Soft, high-waisted leggings with over 18,000 5-star reviews! They're comfy as can be, hard to believe for the low price. With a cost-per-wear close to $0, these leggings are a steal. - Amazon
- E.l.f.'s hydrating Power Grip Primer delivers expensive-quality results for under $10. Keep your stunning makeup looking flawless all day long. - Amazon
- Coty Airspun loose face powder seals in your gorgeous look and provides a smooth finish, often compared to Laura Mercier's $40 treatment. - Amazon
- A tennis bracelet that looks like it's made of real crystal. Thanks to a reasonable price, you can enjoy this beauty without worrying too much about losing it. - www.amazon.com
- A leak-free Scotch-Brite soap-dispensing dish brush, considered better than the classic Oxo one by some reviewers. All for under $10! - www.amazon.com
- Pus-absorbing, pimple-eliminating patches over 13,000 people rely on for speedily zapping their zits. Compared to the pricier Mighty Patch version, you might even prefer these. - www.amazon.com
- An E.l.f. glitter liquid eyeshadow that competes with Stila's Glitter and Glow, almost quadruple the price. Party up with glitter - for under $6! - www.amazon.com
- A pair of top-quality in-ear headphones, recommended by over 53,000 people. Experience the perfect fit with three different size pads and enjoy excellent sound quality. - www.amazon.com
- A gluten- and cruelty-free mascara that lasts all day, keeping sweat and oily skin at bay. It's less than $15 - way cheaper than more expensive designer brands. - www.amazon.com
- A portable and cordless milk frother, allowing you to enjoy Starbucks-style drinks at home whenever you want. - www.amazon.com
- Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later eyeshadow primer provides a waterproof base for your eyeshadow, helping it last for 10 hours or more. It's less than $14, making it a great cost-effective choice. - www.amazon.com
- A two-pack of teeth-whitening pens, ideal for banishing coffee stains. Each pen offers 20+ uses and just requires a 30-second application, making it a hassle-free alternative to pricey strips or other whitening methods. - www.amazon.com
