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34 Products People Might Think Are More Expensive

Apr 23, 2024Apr 23, 2024

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

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BuzzFeed Staff

Promising review: "As a woman who has bought every mascara out there from expensive department store exclusives (around $30.00+ ) to brands found in local drugstores...this mascara rivals and is somewhat BETTER than all I've bought before. It gives your lashes a thick full length in a few coats. UNBELIEVABLE for the price!! I highly recommend it. You will see for yourself!! I am shocked at how great my lashes look in only two coats!!" —Lisa Baker

Get it from Amazon for $4.99.

Promising review: "Please do not run out to Targé and waste your money on a Stanley IF you’re only using 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 $29.99 (available in 24 colors). Also available in a style without the handle!

It's recommended for use on damaged, over-processed hair of all textures.

Promising review: "I have continuously been hearing about this product and decided to finally give it a try. I am a religious user of Olaplex and spend lots of money on it because I have thick hair that’s down my back. I ordered this and used it once, and it’s literally SOO GOOD. It’s the same thing as Olaplex for a fraction of the price! It left my hair feeling softer and less frizzy, and it even felt stronger! Give this a shot, it DOES NOT disappoint. Just make sure you follow the directions and use it on damp hair not soaking wet hair so you can see the full results." —natasha

Get it from Amazon for $7.84.

And read our full review of Elizavecca's Hair Protein Treatment.

Promising reviews: "I was looking at getting the Vitruvi diffuser but stumbled across this. I’m so happy I did! This is incredible quality for half the price!" —Amazon Customer

"I like everything about this diffuser. It is pretty to look at, has a ceramic top, works well (I can actually see the vapor across the room), and you can smell the oil even in a large room. I am happy I found this diffuser." —jenny r

Get it from Amazon for $33.98+ (available in six colors).

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

Get a six-piece set from Amazon for $9.99 (available in three color combinations).

Promising review: "The best sweater I’ve ever purchased. It's super soft and stretchy. It looks like a Free People sweater, but it's half the price." —Renee

Get it from Amazon for $39.89+ (available in women's sizes XS–XL and in 32 colors and styles).

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 are much better than the RT. I'm very happy with my purchase and the price. I will definitely continue to buy." —chris

Get a set of five from Amazon for $5.94+ (available in eight color combinations).

Promising review: "I’ve been using the Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray forever, and this is a great replacement. I usually spray it on before foundation and then after foundation, and it will not move. Keeps my makeup looking fresh and dewy all day. I also have very acne-prone sensitive skin, and this spray doesn’t irritate my skin at all. For the price, you can’t go wrong." —Sara

Get it from Amazon for $7.99.

Promising review: "These workout tops are perfect. Good quality. You can’t tell the difference between this and the Lululemon Align Tank. It might be a little bit shorter, but that’s not noticeable to me. If you’re thinking about it… just buy it you won’t regret it. You’ll probably go back and buy more colors as I did. 😂" —Kindle Customer

Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in women's sizes XS—3XL and in 25 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 $29.99+ (available in seven colors and four sizes).

Promising review: "I was super impressed with this primer after having tried Tatcha Silk Canvas and saw Jeffree Star had approved Elf. The textures in my opinion were nearly identical! It was easy to spread, it felt like silk but not like super silicone or anything like that, very velvet-like. No scent, and my makeup didn’t separate nor crease, key is a little goes a very long way. For the price, you can’t beat it!" —Brandy Dail

Get it from Amazon for $9.

Promising reviews: "Throw your expensive Crest Whitestrips away! Being the son of a dental hygienist, clean bright white teeth have always been important to me. Though I had my reservations about the whitening pen, it certainly didn't disappoint and works far better than the Whitestrips I've been using for the last several years, not to mention it's a much better deal for your money. I'm a total coffee connoisseur, which has always made having a bright white smile all the more challenging, but the Pen is giving me the upper hand." —Franknsd

"We like these better than Crest Whitestrips and for a fraction of the price! The Crest Whitestrips make my teeth way too sensitive, these work JUST AS WELL and no tooth sensitivity." —Travis Sheveland

Get a two-pack from Amazon for $18.95.

Promising review: "Just like the Lululemon belt bag that I spent way more money on. This is perfect, and for this price, I can get more fun colors!" —Launie Thompson

Get it from Amazon for $16.98 (available in 36 colors).

Promising review: "My husband and I notice the difference in our hair and skin when we sleep on these pillowcases. Instead of 'hanging on' to your hair, the pillowcases let your hair slide. The satiny softness is great for your face as well. I've tried really expensive pillowcases and didn't like them nearly as much as I like these. I bought a second pair." –Brenda A. Rodgers

Get a set of two from Amazon for $6.29+ (available in five sizes and 37 colors).

Promising review: "I would buy this dress again. Fit well. Good Quality. Nice underskirt. It looks similar to Anthropologie or Free People. Great dress."—Marko

Get it from Amazon for $37.99 (available in women's sizes S–XL and in 32 colors).

Promising review: "Love these so so much. I wanted the chic Bottega Veneta designer pair, but these look exactly like those for less than $20. Deal of the century. They are comfortable and extremely well made and I seriously can’t get over the price. I’m thinking about buying another color because I love them so much." —Kam

Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in 11 colors).

Promising review: "This is the most moisturizing lip treatment in the market. When my lips started getting dry 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

Get it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in four combos).

Promising review: "10/10 buying in every color. Finally a bodysuit that fits and hugs, without giving underwear lines! Seriously best bang for your buck. I had so many people ask if it’s Skims. I’m in love." —Lfugatey00

Get it from Amazon for $26.99 (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and in 23 colors).

This can be programmed with seven different light settings, seven different calming "wake up" noises, and to start gradually lighting up at 30, 20, or 10 minutes before you wake.

Promising review: "I’ve always wanted one of these alarm clocks! It works so great! A much more peaceful way to wake up for sure, if you’re a heavy sleeper this may not work for you, but as someone who easily wakes up to light, it is great! Wayyyy cheaper than the Hatch one and does the exact same thing!" —Hannah

Get it from Amazon for $32.88+ (available in two colors).

Promising review: "It’s so impressive. There’s a designer version for four times as much. Why pay that when this one is so good! The packaging was exceptional, so it arrived safely. I love the little drawstring bag it comes with for your items. It’s sturdy and well-made. You can see the glue/threading on it but I can deal with that :) BUY IT! I have the cream one ordered as well." —Erin

Get it from Amazon for $69.99 (available in six colors).

Promising review: "I was so hesitant about ordering this dress. I’m a Skims lover, I swear by them, but I said 'let me just try it.' Y'ALL this dress is everything! So stretchy, feels good on the skin, and gives BAWDYYYYY! I ordered another color." —Alexis

Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in sizes XXS–XL and 11 colors).

Promising review: "I ordered this set after admiring the Free People lounge set that was way out of my price range! I got it today, and I’m in love. It’s so comfy and cozy and fits great! Definitely ordering another color soon!" —🍃

Get it from Amazon for $51.99+ (available in women's sizes S–XL and in 27 colors).

Joy Jolt is a small business that offers modern and pop culture-themed drinkware and other kitchen products.

Promising review: "Wonderful and elegant glasses for both white and red wine. They fit in the dishwasher, too. I also bought the more expensive German wine glasses that look like these, but I like these better! More sophisticated look and feel. Enjoy." —Virginia D

Get a set of two from Amazon for $18.95+ (available in three styles).

Lulu Candles is a small business offering candles, diffusers, perfumes, and more.

Promising review: "This is such a great candle that fills the room quickly with a really nice strong smell that is soothing and relaxing. I was looking for a less expensive Lelabo Santal 33 scent candle, and this one is very very close! it's a bit stronger, but I love it! I just love how fast it fills up the room without being lit for so long!" —Cristina Bertolotto

Get it from Amazon for $19.95 (available in 34 scents).

Promising review: "I usually wear the Lucky brand version of these, but at this price point, I wanted to see if they stood up to that quality. They look exactly the same and are more comfortable. Not sure how long they will last, but if you need some in a pinch they’re great!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $18.68+ (available in sizes 5–15, including wide sizes, and in 26 colors).

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

"Best palette I've owned and you can't beat this price! The colors are beautiful and vibrant. They are also extremely pigmented, especially the shimmery colors, and they all seem to blend well. I'm happy to have every color I could ever want in an eyeshadow in the palm of my hands and I've been experimenting with colors I've never worn before!!" —Mary Diamond

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in two color schemes).

Promising review: "These are amazing. I actually got the inspiration to wear these as work pants when I saw a girl ok TikTok pair her black Lululemon on the fly pants as work pants paired with a black blazer. I can’t stop wearing them to work. No one can tell they’re athletic/yoga pants. They’re super comfortable. I even bought a second pair in another color. I now have both black and olive green." —Bianca Liquori

Get it from Amazon for $35 (available in women's sizes XXS–XXL and 18 colors).

I bought these recently, and they have become my go-to pool shoes. I had been using a pair from Birkenstock that were looking a little run down after years of wear, but I just didn't want to pay that price for new ones. Now, they are not the most supportive, but I find them perfect for just wearing around. I can slide them on quickly and easily. And I love the fun marble color. Plus, it's totally great that they can get wet. Oh — and reviewers say they last more than a year. Amazing!

Promising review: "I’ve had these for over a year. Considering how cost-effective these sandals are paired with the fact that I wear them almost every day; I was expecting them to last about three months tops, but low and behold, one year later, and they’re still in great condition." —BeligumJamaica111

Get them from Target for $10 (available in women's sizes 6–11 and in 10 colors).

Promising review: "I love this gorgeous tennis bracelet, and I’m loving the price even more! So comfortable and easy to wear. Expensive looking at an incredible price. I love it so much that I bought it in gold and plan on giving one to all my family and friends for birthdays/special occasions! Buy it — you won’t regret it." —Jennifer Sanchez

Get it from Amazon for $17.95 (available in four styles, three sizes, and a two-pack).

Promising review: "This is very similar in style to the designer Acne real shearling coat. I love it. Thick and warm, looks amazing. I have to cut off a few snags, but otherwise the best apparel purchase I have made on Amazon thus far! It has the exact edgy cool look I was looking for, and I don't even mind it being faux since it's sooo warm." —Monia Lisa

Get it from Amazon for $69.99 (available in women's sizes S–XL and 10 colors).

The earbuds come in a wireless charging case with up to 14 hours of charge. The earbuds themselves can play for up to four hours on a full charge. You also get different sized silicon tips to make sure these fit your ear perfectly.

Promising review: "These put AirPods to shame! You can do different things with music from either earbud (volume up, volume down, skip a song, etc.) I’ve heard of people constantly having to replace their AirPods or the knockoff version. They last long, and I bought another pair!" —Dot

Get it from Amazon $23.99+ (available in five colors).

Promising review: "I have bought two pairs of these and always get compliments. People ask if they are Dolce Vita or other brands. They are comfortable to walk in too! I would obviously buy these again :)" —Laura R.

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in women's sizes 6–10 and 27 colors and styles).

Promising review: "I got these to see how they compare to Lululemon shorts, and they are spot on if not better. They fit perfectly and feel great. I will purchase more soon!" —Nathan R.

Get it from Amazon for $26.99 (available in women's sizes XS–3XL and 31 colors).

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 love the set so much!" —Jenna

Get the three-piece set from Amazon for $53.99 (available in women's sizes S–XL and in 30 colors and styles).

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

Promising reviewthis mascara rivals and is somewhat BETTER than all I've bought before. Promising review This cup is just as good and far more affordable. Promising review: It’s the same thing as Olaplex for a fraction of the price! It left my hair feeling softer and less frizzy, and it even felt strongerPromising reviews: Promising review: The reviews are right, for some reason, this lipstick is better than even $20 name-brand ones bought from Ulta.survived eating a cupcake, a Starbucks drink, and an entire evening out,Promising review:Promising reviewI apply liquid foundation with a damp sponge and these work better than Real Techniques.Promising review:I’ve been using the Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray forever, and this is a great replacementKeeps my makeup looking fresh and dewy all day.Promising review:You can’t tell the difference between this and the Lululemon Align Tank.Promising reviewI like this as much as my much more expensive Barefoot Dreams blanket and Williams Sonoma faux fur blanketPromising review:The textures in my opinion were nearly identical!Promising reviews:Throw your expensive Crest Whitestrips away! The Crest Whitestrips make my teeth way too sensitive, these work JUST AS WELL and no tooth sensitivityPromising reviewPromising review: I've tried really expensive pillowcases and didn't like them nearly as much as I like thesePromising review:Promising review: I wanted the chic Bottega Veneta designer pair, but these look exactly like those for less than $20.Deal of the century. Promising reviewThis is the most moisturizing lip treatment in the market. This is a fraction of the cost and feels just the same. Promising review: I had so many people ask if it’s Skims.Promising review:Wayyyy cheaper than the Hatch one and does the exact same thing!Promising review: There’s a designer version for four times as much. Why pay that when this one is so good! Promising review: Y'ALL this dress is everything! So stretchy, feels good on the skin, and gives BAWDYYYYY!Promising review:Promising review: I also bought the more expensive German wine glasses that look like these, but I like these better!Promising review I was looking for a less expensive Lelabo Santal 33 scent candle, and this one is very very close!" —Promising review: They look exactly the same and are more comfortable.Promising reviewsThis palette is the same quality, maybe even nicer.I'm happy to have every color I could ever want in an eyeshadow in the palm of my hands and I've been experimenting with colors I've never worn before!!Promising review:Promising review:Promising review: Promising review:This is very similar in style to the designer Acne real shearling coat.Promising review:These put AirPods to shame!Promising review:People ask if they are Dolce Vita or other brands.Promising reviewI got these to see how they compare to Lululemon shorts, and they are spot on if not better.Promising review: