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NextImg:34 Cheap Beauty Products Reviewers Compare To More Expensive Versions
A L'Oreal BB cream, an E.l.f. lip balm, a Cremo body wash and an Eos body cream.
Amazon
A L'Oreal BB cream, an E.l.f. lip balm, a Cremo body wash and an Eos body cream.
1
E.l.f.'s Hydrating Core Lip Shine in the "Ecstatic" shade

I personally will live, breathe, and die by the magic of $21+ "universal" Black Honey version — it lasts FOREVER and also functions as the perfect blush — but it sells out so often that I am also deeply relieved to know it has a cheap alternative in case of lip emergency!

Promising review: "I absolutely love this product. The dark color is perfectly sheer. It also adds the most beautiful color to your lips. I am a Clinique Black Honey lip fan, and this gives me the same look for a fraction of the cost. I love it and have multiple that I keep in various spots. Not sticky either, which is my biggest gripe about lip glosses. My hair doesn’t get stuck in this like some glosses, but I get the shine." — Hamps5


2
Eos' Shea Butter Vanilla Cashmere body lotion

Promising review: "I was worried after some people said the scent was a bit strong, but as someone who is usually sensitive to smells I'm extremely happy with this. Not only does it feel amazing and super creamy, it smells SOOOO good. I love that it feels like expensive body butter and the smell literally lasts all day. 100% recommend" — Carley


3
E.l.f's brand new Lash XTNDR Tubing Mascara
Emma Lord/BuzzFeed
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Emma Lord/BuzzFeed

Check out a TikTok of the E.l.f. tubing mascara in action.

I am not a new human to the tubing mascara game, and in fact readily spent $26 on the famous OG blend from Blinc every time it needed replacing. I didn't even love it for the length half as much as the fact that tubing mascara like this genuinely never smudges, but can I just say — regardless of price, the E.l.f. tubing mascara formula blows all the others I've tried out of the water. It gives me way more length and volume than other brands, slides on so much more easily, stays put ALL day, and never, ever smudges. My favorite part, though, is how gently and easily it comes off with soap and water. In the past, other mascara removals have felt rough on my lashes, but this comes off so fast that I'm like ??? was I even wearing mascara a minute ago?? Anyway, I hesitate even writing this review because I want to gatekeep the hell out of this before it sells out, but the world needed to know. I'm a big fan of the brown shade (which is what I'm wearing above!), but it also comes in black and soft black.


4
Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener

The color-adaptive formula is designed so one of two shades will work on any skin tone.

Promising review: "My circles have been really bad since I was a kid, and this covered them immediately. First time in my life. I’ve used the the most expensive things and nothing has worked, and this is only six dollars — wow!!!! The texture was great, it wasn’t sticky. I put it on didn’t know what to expect and it worked!! Highly recommended, highly!!" — Amazon Customer


5
Plus a lil' polar bear hydrating eye stick

Promising reviews: "I have always had serious dark circles and bags under my eyes and this has really changed this for me. The results are incredible. The puffiness is gone. The dark circles are hardly noticeable. My sensitive skin has not broken out. I never write reviews, but this was so good that I had to write a review. This actually works." — Ben

"Better than Tula! I love this cooling stick!! It’s super easy, affordable and smells lovely." — Heather


6
A hydrating, plumping lip glow oil r

Promising review: "I will no longer pay $40 for the Dior lip oil. It smells the same. It's not sticky, but stays on. This is a great glossy look that feels comfortable." — Brianna Clark


7
E.l.f. Power Grip Primer

Promising reviews: "I wanted to try this for the longest time and I finally got it and I was not disappointed. I highly recommend this product, especially if you have dry skin. This is my favorite primer to use now. Works so well and helps with making your makeup look almost flawless. Highly recommend it." — Megan Lindstrom

"I tried the Milk primer and it worked magic for my super oily skin. I came across this for a fraction of the cost. The Milk primer was $34 this does the same job for way less. I am happy with my purchase." — Shenelle


8
A Baccarat Rouge 540-inspired moisturizing body wash
Amazon
,
Amazon

Promising review: "Cremo's body wash is nothing short of exceptional. If you’re a fan of luxurious fragrances, this product will quickly become your new favorite. It boasts an incredible scent that perfectly mimics Baccarat Rouge 540 — a fragrance renowned for its sophisticated and captivating aroma. What sets this body wash apart is not just its stunning scent but also its longevity. The fragrance lingers beautifully throughout the day, ensuring you stay enveloped in that luxurious aroma long after your shower." — Ralph D. Thompson II


9
L'Oréal Paris BB Cream

Promising review: "Better than the more expensive stuff. I have gone to Sephora to buy this same type of product, but I have come back to this brand. It is great for anyone with redness on their face. Immediately taps down the red and leaves a bit on color. Sometimes I only use this product on my whole face and then go for the day. Great stuff. Not too thick, not too thin — just right. I have used it for years and highly recommend it for anyone with rosacea." — Margaret S.


10
A weightless liquid cream blush

Promising review: "Creamy and dreamy! This liquid blush is worth every penny and seriously just as good as the high end, super expensive ones. I love the formula — it’s highly pigmented and extremely easy to blend. Works perfectly over foundation, over blush (for a dewy look), and even right on top of clean skin." — Ashlyn H.


11
E.l.f. Soft Glam Foundation

Promising review: "This is now my favorite foundation hands down. It has such a dewy natural finish. Medium to full coverage yet still lightweight. It could go up against higher end brands for less than $10. I’m a huge fan of all of E.l.f.'s products. Great quality and very affordable." — kimberly


12
A bottle of Elizavecca Hair Treatment

This is designed to work on all hair types, with reviewers with 2b to 4c curls mentioning it worked for them!

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

Check out BuzzFeed's full review of the Elizavecca hair treatment for more deets!


13
An internet-beloved set of makeup sponges

Promising review: "Don't hesitate, just buy these. I was using the Real Technique sponges for years and I bought these on a whim after seeing several TikToks praising these. I love these sponges and the price. I apply liquid foundation with a damp sponge and these work better than Real Techniques. They are dense but soft and 'bouncy.' I wash mine between each use and these hold up very well and much better than the RT. Very happy with my purchase and the price. Will definitely continue to buy." — chris


14
SkinSmart Facial Cleanser Spray

Check out a TikTok of the SkinSmart Facial Spray in action.

Promising review: "This products is the best thing ever invented. I spray it every time I sweat, go outside, or am in an environment that is not the cleanest. It’s literally hand sanitizer but for the face. So worth it! This is way better than the expensive versions like Tower 28." — Isabella Hinojosa


15
Etude's delightfully multipurpose Dear Darling Water Tint

Promising review: "I bought the Benefit version a couple of months ago and was very underwhelmed by it, but this product is sooo soo much better than Benetint. The pigment is so good and natural at the same time. A 10/10 for sure. And at this price point what’s there not to like?" — Rachael


16
E.l.f.'s Poreless Putty Primer

Promising reviews: "I have wasted hundreds of dollars on expensive primers only to discover this one and never use anything else. It's smooth as butter and exceptional. I had my makeup professionally done for a gala and the MUA used this primer. She swears by it and she is right! My makeup lasted the whole next day too, lol." — Angie B.

"Finally able to get my hands on this and it absolutely lives up to the hype! This is an amazing primer and really does visibly smooth and blur pores. I use my beauty blender to apply it and a little goes a long way. It’s a perfect [alternative] for the Tatcha Silk Canvas Primer at a fraction of the cost." — Rebecca


17
A six-piece set of high-performance matte lipsticks

Promising review: "What can I say, I saw a TikTok about this lipstick, and for $10 had to try it! The reviews are right, for some reason, this lipstick is better than even $20 name-brand ones bought from Ulta. Not only does it smell great, but dries in under a minute and survived eating a cupcake, a Starbucks drink, and an entire evening out, no smudging, and had to be removed with a makeup wipe. Fantastic product!!" — Claire


18
Emma Lord/BuzzFeed
A "flossing toothbrush" with two layers of bristles

Mouthwatchers is a small business established by Ronald Plotka, DDS, that specializes in antimicrobial toothbrushes designed to get deeper cleans even patients with "great" dental hygiene might miss with traditional brush and floss routines.

I use one of these and love it! I used to only use an electric toothbrush, but I feel like I'm getting a much more satisfying clean from these — especially because I tend to get yellow stains between my teeth no matter how much I floss, and these bristles seem to actually target that a lot more effectively. I've switched to using this in the morning and the electric one at night and definitely see a difference in that area in particular.

Promising review: "A thorough cleaning. This toothbrush cleans my teeth better than my expensive electric one. You actually feel the bristles scrubbing between your gums!" — Shiva H.


19
Plus a painless, mint-flavored teeth-whitening pen

Promising review: "This product actually works! Very affordable too. There are a lot of expensive teeth whitening products out there, but why spend extra money when you don't have too? Definitely worth trying!" — Mona L Cureton


20
A bottle of Nyx matte setting spray

Promising review: "Expensive isn't always better. I tried this spray before spending the day outdoors in 90-degree heat at Disneyland, and the only place my makeup moved was on the tip of my nose because I have allergies and use a lot of Kleenex. But otherwise it looked as fresh as it did when I put it on. I’ve used Mac and Urban Decay setting spray and they never worked as well as this stuff. I am completely amazed. Definitely give it a try." — Stephanie


21
Hair Chemist's Sleek Spray

Promising reviews: "I have very wavy hair that doesn't like humidity. It frizzes and tries to re-wave itself whenever I've straightened and gone out in the humidity. I tested this out on a 10-minute walk this morning with my dog in 97% humidity, and there was very minimal flyaways and very minimal, almost non-existent waves. This product is super lightweight and doesn't make my hair greasy, which I'm prone to. I'd rate this 10 stars if I could! The smell is nice, too." — Jaime

"This product is amazing! It works so much better than the Wow version that is way more expensive. I love this product!!" — Terry and Kaileigh Gabell


22
E.l.f.'s new sheer tint, hyaluronic acid-infused "Squeeze Me" lip balm
Emma Lord/BuzzFeed
,
Amazon

I love love love this lip balm. I compare it to the $24 version from Summer Fridays, which I've been splurging on — I love that brand because it lasts so long and is so high quality, but this $4 E.l.f. version feels comparable and, more excitingly, comes in smaller versions so I can stock my totes and bathroom with them whether I'm at home or on the go. It's hydrating, lightweight, doesn't get sticky, and adds a perfect subtle gloss whether I'm using it alone or on top of a lip color. I love the vanilla flavor so much, it's got a similar vibe to the birthday cake flavor that Glossier sometimes carries.

Promising review: "BUY IT, you won't regret it! After purchasing some of the more expensive Laneige ones, I decided to try this lip balm. I feel like these work so much better, and for so much less money! I'm obsessed with the scents and the formula is non-sticky, in my opinion, just a good slick balm. Peach smells like the peach ring candies, and honeydew actually reminds me of the old B&BW scent Cucumber Melon." — Kelly


23
Juno & Co.'s Clean 10 Cleansing Balm

Juno & Co. is a small business specializing in personal care and skincare products.

Promising review: "I’ve loved the Farmacy Green Clean for many years, but at $30+ for a jar that lasts 1-2 months max, it was a pricey product to buy on a regular basis. I wanted something just as good at a lower price and I FOUND IT! This cleanser absolutely melts away makeup and deep cleans the skin without any drying or eye irritation! It smells great and a little goes a loooonng way — I’m in love!" — Amazon Customer


24
L’Oréal Paris Collagen Daily Face Moisturizer

Promising review: "I absolutely LOVE this product. The texture is just like the CT Magic Cream. It is super rich but doesn't make the skin feel greasy. I have extremely sensitive/acne prone skin and this doesn't break me out at all. I have been using it for about two years now and I will never stop using it. Super inexpensive and works wonders!" — Monica S.


25
A foundation brush with soft but firm bristles

Promising review: "I loved this brush so much I bought two more! It is the perfect blending brush for liquid, cream foundation, primers, concealers, and tinted sunscreen. I have brushes that were much more expensive but I love this one best. I just ordered the eye brush set to try them out, too." — kyglo


26
Nyx's Pore Filler Targeted Stick

Check out a TikTok of the Nyx Pore Filler in action.

Promising review: "Great product. I have tried more expensive products and have discovered that NYX pore filler is as good as the $40 products. It leaves a smooth matte finish." — Amazon Customer


27
A Revlon one-step hair dryer and volumizer

Unlike other hair dryers, this one can be held closer to the roots and scalp for a higher volume and lift and helps you curl hair at the end while it dries. It comes with three heat settings and is designed to work on all hair textures — reviewers with 2a–4c hair mentioned it working for them, and especially noted that it helps cut down on drying time!

Promising reviews: "I've had my eye on a Dyson Airwrap, but given the cost, I figured I'd try this while I save up. This thing is fantastic. I have waist length hair that's naturally straight, but gets frizzy when damp. I've had salon blowouts that have left my hair looking great, but I simply can't manage a round brush without it getting tangled in my hair. This device has been a game changer. It works best if you air dry for a while before you use it, then use it to finish your style. My hair miraculously doesn't get snarled in it, and it leaves my hair looking like I've had it professionally styled. I love it, and I'm no longer interested in blowing $500 on a Dyson. Highly recommend!" — Ilsa


28
Amazon
Maybelline's Total Temptation Eyebrow Definer Pencil

The tool comes with two ends, one a small eyebrow brush and the other a specially edged eyebrow pencil.

Promising review: "I bought this because it looked like the Goof Proof brow pencil and I was tired of spending ridiculous amounts on that! I actually like it better than Goof Proof (and for a quarter of the price)! I find it even creamier and easier to use. The tip is perfect if you have a good amount of brow to fill in." — Liza T.


29
And the Brow Glue, Nyx's extreme hold eyebrow gel

Here's what BuzzFeeder Chelsea Stuart has to say about it: "I wear very little makeup — especially on vacation — but there's something about doing my brows that makes me feel more put together. I recently went on a 12-day trip to the UK, Croatia, Montenegro, and Spain, and traveled carry-on only so I really had to pare down my toiletries — especially as the airports I traveled through made us condense all of our liquids into a single quart-size bag. This stuff is TINY but does the absolute most! I wouldn't say I have particularly thin or thick brows, but this really zhuzhed them up with next to no effort."

Promising review: "The Boy Brow from Glossier was my ride or die eyebrow product for years, but the tubes are so small and they raised the price so I could no longer justify it. This brow glue is the closest thing I’ve found to it and it’s half the price! Will definitely repurchase." — Alex


30
Peach Slices Acne Spot Dots

Peach & Lily is a skincare brand founded by celebrity esthetician Alicia Yoon that specializes in toxin-free, vegan beauty products made with recyclable packaging. The company plants a tree with each order, and a portion of its proceeds have gone to to Restore NYC since 2016.

Check out a TikTok of the acne spot dots in action.

Promising review: "This brand is so affordable and works just the same as the more expensive brands. I go through them so quickly so this is a plus! I’m generally a picker at my zits, but if I can get to one of these dots in time I save my face a lot of irritation and pain. I wear them at night and sometimes during the day, only takes about two to get rid of those pesky whiteheads, sometimes more for a big zit. They really suck everything out." — Savannah Wilson


31
A trio of hydrating lip sleeping masks

Promising review: "This is the most moisturizing lip treatment in the market. When my lips started getting dry due to the cold season I was thinking of buying the Laneige lip mask, but it’s soooo expensive. This is a fraction of the cost and feels just the same. Very good product." — Riya


32
Nyx's delightfully loud Epic Wear Liquid Liner
Amanda Davis / BuzzFeed
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Amazon

Check out a TikTok of the Nyx Epic Wear Liquid Liner in action.

Here's what BuzzFeeder Amanda Davis, pictured above, has to say about it: "I'm wearing the blue liner there on the left, and the reviews are 100% right. This liner LASTS. I love to throw it on top of my usual black liner when I want an extra pop on a night out or am just feeling a little "adventurous." The liner's super thin tip glides nicely and makes it easy to be precise, too!"

Promising review: "Guys, I have hella hooded eyes, and any time I tried those expensive Sephora or Ulta eyeliners, they would smudge or fade INSTANTLY. I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!!!! The color pops, it's easy to use, and it NEVER SMUDGES, NEVER FLAKES, DOES NOT MOVE IN WATER!!! I fell asleep with it on, and it looked like I had just applied it when I woke up. ... Best eyeliner out there, take it from a girl who has tried ALL of those expensive eyeliners (Stila, Urban Decay, YOU NAME IT). I will never switch to anything else." — Jacky


33
A rainbow eyeshadow palette

Promising reviews: "Clearly time I got a new eyeshadow palette. Sargent Freddie Mercury (my not-even 4-pound bunny) made it his mission to destroy my James Charles overpriced palette. This palette is the same quality, maybe even nicer. This eyeshadow was put on at around 3 p.m. and it's almost 1 a.m., the 'highlight' stayed on my nose even with my mask on through a whole day of work. That blew my mind." — Daniel T Adams


34
A bottle of Fanola "No Yellow" purple shampoo

Promising review: "I never write reviews, but this stuff is magic in a bottle. I'm a level 7 blonde with high level highlights and hair that loves to pull red. If my hair starts to look brassy I use this and voila — looks like I just came out of the salon again. I'd love it even if it didn't make my hair feel soft, but it does that too! Please don't ever stop making this!" — scooptwins

"Best bang for your buck! I’ve used several expensive purple shampoos before and this product is just as good if not better than expensive brands!" — monique