Economical Beauty Buys Equally Effective: Save Money with These 26 Affordable Alternatives to High-end Beauty Products
Here's an informal, engaging, and slightly humorous rewrite of the article:
Yo, check it out! Our team's recommendations have you covered! Sure, some might've been sent to us as freebies, but they were all hand-picked by our cool crew of editors. Pro tip: BuzzFeed and partners may grab a slice of the pie and a bit extra coin from the links on this page, but we digress.
Are you on a budget but still wanna look like a million bucks? Well, girl, you're in luck! This dirt-cheap Lancôme foundation swap is going to have everyone asking where you copped that glam look.
1. A budget-friendly translucent powder by Maybelline - yep, y'all, it's a cheaper alternative to the Laura Mercier powder that's famous for baking like nobody's business. This product helps tone down the shine, leaving your flawless beat looking even more fabulous. It's all about vibes, moods, and saving some cash, and at less than 10 sawbucks, you can't go wrong.
Amazon.comWord on the street is this stuff is the real deal."I own the expensive Laura Mercier loose translucent powder everyone keeps praising, but I'm putting that to the side now for this alternate version. This powder looks way better and smoother on my mug, without caking up like the others. Kuddos to Sephora for recommending it! Despite being budget-friendly, it makes the expensive stuff unnecessary. Boom!" - L. Mac
Grab it from Amazon for $6.99, available in eight shades and a two-pack.
2. An affordable waterproof cleansing brush - a budget-friendly alternative to high-end name brands like Olay, Clinique, Clarisonic, and Foreo. This sonic cleanser helps deep clean your gnarly mug, giving you the glow for a low, low price. If the high costs of name brands got you down, this beauty's a winner.
Amazon.comA lot of people have tried countless cleansers, like Olay, Clinique, Clarisonic, Michael Todd, Conair True Glow, and the expensive Foreo version, but they managed to underperform. This more affordable alternative has received tons of positive feedback."I've gone through so many sonic face cleansers that worked great at first, but then stopped cleaning efficiently. I also hate having to replace the brush head! I was skeptical to switch to a cheaper brand because I was willing to shell out the big bucks for high-end stuff, but this substitute rocks! I've been using it daily with CeraVe cleanser when I shower. I've only had to charge it twice - when I first opened the box and once after - excellent battery life! I also prefer the cordless charging, you just place it on the charging base. This sonic cleanser has different levels of sonic vibration, making it perfect for both beginners and pros!" - MCJohnson
Get it from Amazon for $19.59, available in five colors.
3. A NYX brow pencil that's got Anastasia sweatin' - say what? Yep, this bad boy's got the same badge of honor as the ABH Brow Wiz. This thin pencil is the perfect tool for filling in any bald spots with hair-like strokes. Plus, it's a pennies-on-the-dollar difference compared to Anastasia.
Amazon.com"Like many others, I've been using the Anastasia Brow Wiz for quite awhile. I enjoyed it but the price for an eyebrow pencil is outrageous. So I started looking for other alternatives and found this one. I typically purchase the Brow Wiz in the soft brown shade, and I bought this pencil in the taupe shade, and I love 'er! I did a quick side-by-side comparison, and I see no difference. The design is the same as well, and this pencil lasts even longer throughout the day. Total stunner! -Dianna B"
Get it from Amazon for $9.34, available in 12 shades.
4. A plumping tinted lip oil on a budget - give your pout some shine without the stickiness. Reviewers everywhere are loving this doppelganger for the Dior lip oil, without the Dior price tag.
Amazon.com"I'd been hearing endless rave reviews about the Dior version, but $40 for lip oil? Nope! So I opted for this substitute and went to Sephora to do a side-by-side comparison - ya'll, it's practically the same for less than 10 bucks?! This little surprise went to Sephora today to compare with the Dior one - it's identical! The only difference is that this one has a slight minty flavor to it, but I'm cool with that! The brush is the same size, and I even think the formula feels better on my lips - the Dior one was a bit stickier." - Chloe
Get it from Amazon for $6.65, available in five shades.
5. An oil-control primer by E.l.f. - a budget-friendly alternative to luxury brands like Milk's Hydro Grip primer. Reviewers are singing praises for this super-affordable gem, which keeps your makeup looking great all day while adding a touch of hyaluronic acid to your visage for extra hydration.
Amazon.com"This stuff is amazing! E.l.f. always kills it. This product is the identical twin of the more expensive Milk Hydro Grip primer, if not better. Your makeup ain't going nowhere with this stuff!" - Skylar Scudder
"When they say 'grip,' they weren't kidding, luv! This primer helps create a smooth base and ensures your makeup stays put. It's a winner alternative to the more expensive Milk primer. I haven't experienced any caking or creasing. **For those who are oily like me, this primer can hold up for 9+ hours. High-five to E.l.f.!" - Hey Kae
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
6. Aussie lashes for less than $20 - get the look of lash extensions for a minimal price tag. High-end extensions can run you car note prices, so it's time to ditch those high-priced lashes and grab fabulous lashes that leave everyone thinking you dropped tons of cash, when really, you didn't spend a dime more than 17 bucks.
Amazon.comWhat's inside: 10 lash pieces, an applicator, mascara-like bond, and glue. Here's a TikTok makeup star Mikayla Nogueira review and application video. You can also snag pre-made lash fans or if you prefer a different style, cut your fave lashes into smaller sections. If you dislike lash glue, you can opt for press-on lashes instead!
Amazon.com"I've tried to apply falsies in the past with mixed results. These were SO much easier to work with. This is my first time trying them, so they're far from perfectly applied, but they look pretty decent already with my amateur skills. They also don't poke or irritate my peepers, and I can go for hours without even realizing I'm wearing them. They look very similar to my $200+ lash extensions. I applied the bond to one section of lashes at a time instead of all at once to prevent the adhesive from drying in between applications, and it worked well. I did have more luck using my fingers to apply than the tweezers. I've only had them on for about 5 hours so far but none of the clusters have loosened or fallen off yet. I'm very happy with these. I will continue to wear them and practice applying them!" - Kristan
Get it from Amazon for $17.57.
7. A lip gloss that changes colors with the power of science - shimmer up your life for a fraction of the price of high-end glosses. Reviewers love this color-changing gloss that rivals more expensive balms from Winky Lux.
Amazon.comWatch this TikTok featuring the Glimmer Glow lipstick.
Amazon.com" I have the Winky Lux version of this color-changing lip balm and I dig it, but hold up! This version is a STEAL! Just like mine, this little lip balm is moisturizing. It stains a bit, and it delivers a beautiful natural-looking sheer pink lip. Plus, it's got some sparkle going on! **All in all, it exceeds my expectations, and I'll be buying it again!" - Tracy Medina
Get it from Amazon for $3.99.
8. A buildable matte foundation that's not only a budget-friendly alternative to Estée Lauder Double Wear foundation, but also great for oily skin. This budget siren will refine your pores and give you that "I just woke up like this" look. Oily-skinned friends, get ready for your minds to be blown!
Amazon.com"I've been purchasing Dermablend, Jane Iredale, It Cosmetics, Clinique, Estée Lauder, and Lancôme - I'm always on the hunt for a foundation that works wonders for my mug. I have oily skin with yellow undertones. I was browsing Amazon and came across this foundation. I seriously like the formula - it goes on smoothly, stays all day, and controls my oily skin better than most high-end brands. I'll definitely be restocking this beauty. I've already set up the Subscribe & Save for the shade that works for me. Not only does it work amazingly well for me, but I'll also save a ton of money on my foundation!" - Nena
Get it from Amazon for $6.94, available in 38 shades.
9. A powder blush that rivals Nars - this little gem is a cult favorite and doesn't break the bank. Reviewers are raving about this powder's extraordinary quality and value.
Amazon.com"I bought this as an alternative for the Nars blush, and let me tell ya, they're pretty much the same thing. Amazing pigmentation, lightweight, and a natural blendability. It doesn't have a tacky or overly powdery texture; it doesn't lift or cause any makeup separation." - Renee
Get it from Amazon for $8.97, available in 23 colors.
10. Lip-plumping gloss set for kissable, voluptuous lips - reviewers are loving this plumping gloss for a fraction of the price of high-end glosses. It'll make your kisser look fabulous and full of life!
Amazon.comYou'll receive one lip plumper and one minty lip sleeping mask for midnight lip care.
Amazon.com"I've tried lots of different lip plumping products, currently using this one, a $40 one from Lancer, and Dolce & Gabbana's Lip Lumiere Plumping Serum, and honestly, I prefer this one out of them all. No cap - it's the bomb! I don't have issues with the lip plumper affecting my lips in the least. I can see prominent differences with this one. It doesn't make my lips feel awful, like the Too Faced one. 10/10 would recommend." - Autumn Nelson
Get it from Amazon for $9.98.
11. A set of six beauty sponges for the price of one fancy one - affordable beauty, y'all. Nothing like getting six sponges for half the price of a name-brand sponge.
Amazon.com"Saw this recommended on TikTok and never looked back. I was disheartened with the Beauty Blender's quality and hefty price tag, so I finally decided to take the plunge. This product blends amazingly, and it doesn't leave streaks like the Beauty Blender does. You get six sponges for the fraction of the price of a Beauty Blender! Five stars for the beauty babes!" - Michi Drinks Matcha
Get a six-pack from Amazon for $9.95.
12. A rainbow eyeshadow palette that's inexpensive but is just as good as the James Charles x Morphe Palette and way less expensive - now you can create all the wild, bright, and funky looks you desire.
Amazon.com"Clearly it's time for a new eyeshadow palette. Sargent Freddie Mercury (my not-even-four-pound bunny) had my James Charles palette in his sights and destroyed it. This palette is the same quality (maybe even better!) as the James Charles palette but way less expensive. I couldn't believe it myself; I've tested it, and it's earned my praise. I applied the colors at around 3 p.m., and they're still going strong by midnight, even with a mask on. That's mind-blowing." - Daniel T Adams
Amazon.com"Best palette I've ever owned! The shadows are super pigmented and blendable. I can create any look using this palette. I already have my eyes on getting some of the other colors in this line! You seriously won't regret buying these palettes - incredible value!" - Mary Diamond
Get it from Amazon for $9.99, available in two styles.
13. A maybelline mascara that delivers as much drama as Cathy from Dance Moms - this mascara's got the guts to compete with high-end brands like Better Than Sex, Dior, and Lancôme without maxing out your credit cards. Swoon!
Amazon.com"This is an outstanding mascara! I wear contacts, and I'm especially sensitive to mascaras. I was amazed that I had no sensitivity to this mascara, could wear my contacts for an entire 18-hour day with this stuff on, and it controls my oily eyes better than many of the high-end brands. I am totally blown away by the quality, and the low-low price! I won't ever go back to other mascaras." - Isabella
Get it from Amazon for $4.99, also available in a three-pack.
14. A concealer that's budget-friendly yet pigmented and oil-controlling - a total Tarte Shape Tape swap, and it's a fraction of the price.
Amazon.com"Seriously, buy this stuff! When they say 'highly pigmented,' it's no joke! A little bit goes a long way. I use this concealer daily to cover up under-eye darkness and blemishes. One bottle lasts for several months. Having previously used Tarte's Shape Tape concealer, I have no intention of going back to that $25+ concealer when this product is identical for a fraction of the price. -Amanda B."
Get it from Amazon for $7, available in three sizes and 14 colors.
15. A lip gloss that's under $5 and not sticky - this gloss keeps your lips looking fabulous without the stickiness that can come with high-end brands. Slay, darling.
Amazon.comHey, hey, me up there! This gloss is hands-down my go-to. I have at least one of these in every purse I own. I don't have a single clue about colors, but this gloss is my default. I am obsessed, and if you scroll up, you'll see a photo of it in action. (Disclaimer: I am aware I might come off as dramatic here. But really, I think it's amazing, and I've bought it multiple times.)
Amazon.com"I haven't tried the Fenty Gloss Bomb, but this is a fantastic alternative, and it's way more affordable. I totally recommend taking a look at this product!" - Erika
Get it from Amazon for $4.97, available in 33 colors and in multipacks.
16. Two gorgeous eyeshadow palettes for the price of one high-end palette - these neck-and-neck palettes are reminiscent of the Huda Desert Dusk Palette and Huda New Nude Palette. Two palettes for half the price of one high-end palette? Now, that's a steal!
Amazon.comAmazon.com"Clearly it's time for a new eyeshadow palette. Sargent Freddie Mercury (my not-even-four-pound bunny) had my James Charles palette in his sights and destroyed it. This palette is the same quality (maybe even better!) as the James Charles palette but way less expensive. I couldn't believe it myself; I've tested it, and it's earned my praise. I applied the colors at around 3 p.m., and they're still going strong by midnight, even with a mask on. That's mind-blowing." - Daniel T Adams
Amazon.com"Best palette I've ever owned! The shadows are super pigmented and blendable. I can create any look using this palette. I already have my eyes on getting some of the other colors in this line! You seriously won't regret buying these palettes - incredible value!" - Mary Diamond
Get both palettes from Amazon for $16.98, also sold separately here.
17. A setting spray that lasts for up to 16 hours - yes, you read that right! This spray helps your makeup stay put for hours without transferring or creasing.
Amazon.com"I used to use Urban Decay's All Nighter spray religiously, but thank heavens I made the switch to Milani's spray. My makeup lasts longer, the spray smells better, the price difference is incredible, and I won't lose my sanity if I misplace this. Milani just has the better product. Sorry, not sorry!" - Rose S.
Get it from Amazon for $9.35, available in four styles and in multipacks.
18. An eyebrow pencil that's perfect for fooling people into thinking you spent hours doing your brows - reviewers say it's a great alternative to Glossier and Anastasia Beverly Hills. Wallet, whaaaaaat?
Check out this TikTok video featuring the eyebrow pencil!
Amazon.com"Perfect Boy Brow alternative. I had always used Glossier's Boy Brow, but this is a fantastic alternative! It works the same as the Boy Brow. I have black eyebrow hair, and the dark brown shade worked perfectly for me." - Amanda A.
Get it from Amazon, Target, or Ulta for $5+, available in four shades.
19. Lip sleeping masks that are as nourishing and healing as the popular Laniege sleeping mask, but at a fraction of the price - three of these for the price of one Laniege mask! And...celebrate!
Amazon.com"I breathe through my mouth when I sleep and often wake up with severely chapped lips. I was a fan of Laniege's lip sleeping mask but splurging on it regularly is pricey - $24 for just one and this is less than $10 for three?! THREE?! THREE?! I love a good discount! I couldn't recommend these lip masks more! Seriously, go get 'em!" - Nikz
Get a set of three from Amazon for $9.90, available in four scent combinations.
20. A primer for your eyes to make your shadow last all day - say goodbye to unsightly creases and smudges. This base helps your shadow pop without the hefty price tag of more expensive primers.
Amazon.com"So let me start by saying, I've tried practically every eyeshadow primer available, from high-end to drugstore options like MAC, Lorac, Urban Decay, Too Faced... none of 'em hold a candle to Thank Me Later. I have very oily skin. I use this primer, and my shadow lasts for at least eight hours, if not more. I used to use Urban Decay's All Nighter spray and, despite its excellent reputation, it doesn't even hold a candle to this primer's longevity. Thank you, Elizabeth Mott, for creating this knockout product! I am overjoyed with my purchase and have no intention of going back to the other primers." - Melissa Mae
Get it from Amazon for $13.99.
21. A half wig if you're looking for a quick, affordable, and protective style - put this baby on your head and be ready in no time flat! Reviewers love this wig's versatility and ease of use.
Amazon.comAll right, y'all. This wig is my go-to and, honestly, my one true love. A few years ago, I gave up spending tons on human hair wigs and their high costs. This wig's amazing because I love switching up my hairstyles often, but we can't always afford tons of high-end options. This wig's my secret weapon to attaining a variety of eye-catching looks without breaking the bank. With this wig, I can have five different hairstyles for the price of one human hair wig. Best part? I don't need to use heat, and it still looks great. My hair is shoulder length, and I don't use heat often because it dries it out. Synthetic wigs offer the best of both worlds: affordable and protective.
This wig works well for anyone with a 3a/3b hair texture (like mine), and I recommend it highly. If you're curious about switching to synthetic wigs, you should definitely give 'em a shot! Plus, this wig helps protect your regular hair from excessive heat, stress, and damage, helping it to grow stronger.
Amazon.com"I haven't tried human hair wigs, but I have tried numerous cheaper wigs that didn't impress me at all. I wanted a nice, affordable synthetic wig of the highest quality. I discovered this wig, and I cannot express my love for it enough! I absolutely adore the different styles that I can achieve with it! The wig comes in a natural light brown shade, which I prefer, but it also comes in black. For less than $26, I don't have to pay hundreds for a human hair wig or spend lots of money on clip-ins. This wig is a critical addition to my collection!" - Maria M.
Get it from Amazon for $20.84, available in nine colors.
22. A glitter liquid eyeshadow for an affordable glow - this glitter shadow will revolutionize the way you apply and wear glitter. Seven glitter bombs for the price of one Stila Glitter And Glow liquid shadow?!? Go ahead, fill your cart, and I won't judge you.
Amazon.comAmazon.com"I can honestly say that I love thisShadow. A steal, amazing pigmentation, and easy to blend without risk of spots. Perfection!" - Becky L.
Get it from Amazon for $6, available in 11 shades.
23. A Korean lip tint with long-lasting pigment - you won't need to touch this stuff up every few minutes. This dazzling Korean lip tint is sure to take your lips to the next level.
Amazon.com"This little baby is a game-changer, girl. The color is incredibly pigmented, and the formula is velvety smooth..." - Michelle C.
Get it from Amazon for $9.70, available in 26 shades.
24. Adore hair dye that delivers the goods, as seen by more than 28,000 other enthusiastic reviewers - this hair dye is easy to use and delivers the brightest, mermaid-inspired colors with no developer or chemicals needed. You deserve to look fabulous, and this dye makes it easy and affordable!
Amazon.com"I've always loved having my hair colorful. I've had red hair, orange hair, purple hair, blue hair, and pink hair. In the past, I would achieve the most beautiful results with Adore. The range of colors is mind-boggling. Trying to find a reddish-orange shade was a breeze because Adore already had exactly what I wanted. They always do. Right now, I have Aquamarine and Purple Rage in my hair, and they are stunning - like those gifs don't even do them justice. I look like a peacock or a mermaid. And when it fades a bit, it's even prettier and more vivid. Even when I wash my hair roughly every three days, my hair still turns heads." - Laura B.
Amazon.com"Used this dye to touch up my ombre hair color (blue-black to blue). Incredibly easy to use. No need for any other products or chemicals; super easy and convenient. I also love that they provide various shades, so you can find the perfect one for you. I was hesitant to buy it at first because I didn't want to deal with the hassle of developer and other chemicals, but I'm so stoked I took the plunge. This product is great for a budget-friendly color that's also durable and vibrant." - Peri
Get it from Amazon for $7, available in six sizes and 66 colors.
25. A lash-lifting kit for a DIY lash look without the salon price - this lift kit's got all the makings of a lash-worthy purchase. Your lashes will be lifted to the heavens, and you won't have to worry about salon prices.
Amazon.com"What a delightful surprise! Doesn't irritate the skin, no discomfort, and it's easy to use. The eyelashes are lifted to perfection, and the effect lasts up to a full month!" - Tanya T.
Get it from Amazon for $24.99.
26. A roll-on waxing kit to avoid expensive salon prices - say goodbye to salon costs and say hello to your own in-home waxing station. You can use it everywhere, and the roll-on design makes transporting it on your vacay a breeze.
Amazon.comThis kit comes with a 40W high-power roll-on wax warmer, two boxes of wax (honey and lavender scented), six packs of calming oil wipes, and 100 non-woven wax strips.
Amazon.com"What in the heck?! Guys, this waxing kit is a life-changer! I've spent tons of my hard-earned cash on waxing services at salons, and I decided it was time to learn how to do it myself. This kit is fabulous, so easy to use, and incredibly convenient." - Allyson H.
Get it from Amazon for $39.99.
You when you swipe $100 worth of these gems in checkout:
You, gasping and fanning yourself: Oh. My. God. You guys, I'm putting over 100 bucks' worth of these bad boys in my cart right now!
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- A budget-friendly alternative to high-end powder brands is the translucent powder by Maybelline, which performs as well as the Laura Mercier powder and is available for less than $10.
- For those on a tight budget, an affordable waterproof cleansing brush is available as a cheaper alternative to high-end brands like Olay, Clinique, Clarisonic, and Foreo, offering deep cleaning and excellent battery life at just under $20.
- NYX's brow pencil is considered a dupe for the Anastasia Brow Wiz, offering hair-like strokes at a more affordable price.
- A budget-friendly plumping tinted lip oil is available for less than $7, often compared to the Dior lip oil for its shine and hydration without the high price tag.
- An oil-control primer by E.l.f. has been praised for its identical quality to luxury brands like Milk's Hydro Grip primer while saving customers a significant amount of money.
- Aussie lashes, priced under $20, offer the look of expensive lash extensions without the hefty price tag associated with high-end brands.
- A color-changing gloss, priced at less than $4, matches the quality and performance of high-end balms like Winky Lux.
- A buildable matte foundation, priced at under $7, is not only a budget-friendly alternative to high-end brands like Estée Lauder Double Wear foundation, but it's also well-suited for oily skin.
- A powder blush, available for $8.97, has been compared to Nars in terms of pigmentation, lightweight texture, and natural blendability.
- A lip-plumping gloss set, priced at under $10, offers kissable, voluptuous lips for a fraction of the price of high-end glosses, often outperforming them.
- A set of six beauty sponges can be purchased for half the price of a single, name-brand sponge, making it an affordable beauty staple.
- A rainbow eyeshadow palette, available for under $10, has been praised for its similar quality to high-end palettes like the James Charles x Morphe Palette, offering a wide range of colors for creating wild, bright, and funky looks.
- A mascara by Maybelline offers comparable drama to high-end brands like Better Than Sex, Dior, and Lancôme without the steep price tag of $5 or less.
- A budget-friendly concealer, priced at under $8, is pigmented, oil-controlling, and offers long-lasting coverage, often compared to high-end brands like Tarte Shape Tape.
- Under $5, a non-sticky lip gloss keeps lips looking fabulous without the stickiness associated with some high-end brands.
- Two eyeshadow palettes, priced at half the cost of one high-end palette, offer a comparable variety of shades and performance, resembling the Huda Desert Dusk Palette and Huda New Nude Palette.
