If you’ve had your eye on viral name-brand products and brands but just can’t justify spending full price, we’ve got your back. Consider this one-stop shopping, because by the time you get to the end of this list, we’ll have saved you hundreds on beauty, fashion, home, tech, cleaning products, and more.
1. A spandex-blend slip maxi dress, because you deserved to feel dressed-up and oh-so-comfortable alllllll at the same time. Wear it at home, out to dinner, or even to a fancy event with the right accessories. Reviewers note that this is comparable to the Skims dress — and some even like it better!
Reviewers agree that if you want it fitted, size down.
Promising review: “I don’t own any Skims clothing, but I saw this girl wearing this exact style of dress with a Skims tag on the back, and honestly, it made me so grateful that I purchased this dress instead. It looks exactly like the Skims version, and I could be biased, but the material of this dress looked better than the Skims one. If you want it to be a little snug, I would definitely recommend sizing down one size from your normal size. I usually wear a medium, but I got this in a small, and it was so perfect. So freaking comfortable and made out of thick material. BUY THIS, don’t waste money on Skims.” —Kaitlyn
Promising review: “I have the Skims dress in black and wanted to look for a cheaper version. But read reviews, and some said that it is a bit looser than expected. I would agree that the small is a bit loose. If you want a snatched look, definitely get a size smaller, as it is very stretchy. I’m 5 feet tall, so this is a bit long on me even when I wear heels. In comparison to the Skims, the material is smoother while the Skims have a ribbed texture. You honestly can’t tell the difference. Good bang for your buck if you ask me! Would recommend this dress.” —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in women’s sizes XXS petite–XL and four colors).
2. A set of surprisingly affordable *noise-canceling* wireless earbuds so you can jam out to your favorite tunes, nod thoughtfully at your go-to podcast, or simply call into all your Zoom meetings with great sound clarity. They also come with three sizes of silicone tips so you can ensure a secure — and comfortable — fit. If you’d like to keep several pairs of headphones or often lose yours, they’re a great alternative to Apple AirPods Pro!
And even better than AirPods Pro? These have an LED display on the case to show you the charge level at a glance (am I the only one who has a hard time getting my phone to show the charge of my AirPods??). Btw, these are also IP7 waterproof rated, which means they’re protected against immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes.
Promising review: “I have used these for about a month now, and they have been great! I had Apple brand AirPods for years, but didn’t want to spend that much this time, so I was looking for an alternative. I went through several from Amazon ’til I found these, and let me just say they are worth every penny!! I use them a lot, and I’ve charged them maybe two times this whole month. The purple color is an added bonus! Look no further, buy these!” —Amazon Customer
Promising review: “I bought these after getting an almost identical set previously from another supplier. I choose to buy the non-Apple pods because I tend to lose things, and after accidentally drowning my last set, I needed a replacement. These are hands down better. My last pair would cut out, refuse to connect, or disconnect randomly. These do none of those things. The connectivity is great, noise cancelling is really good, and they don’t shut off on me. I would buy these again if/when I inevitably need to.” —Cinnalosasha
Get them from Amazon for $26.99 (available in eight colors).
3. Or a pair of noise-cancelling on-ear headphones reviewers say are a great alternative to AirPods Max if they’re out of your budget. These have a similar look, three noise modes (noise-canceling, transparent, and normal), and they’re designed to fit comfortably over ears. And reviewers agree the battery life and sound quality are on point, especially for the price (aka over $440 cheaper than AirPods Max).
The noise-canceling is 95%, so reviewers say if you’re looking for 100% cancellation, you might want to splurge on the name brand.
I bought these two years ago when I was trying to decide whether to splurge on AirPods Max. I am very particular about how headphones fit — and am sensitive to my ears overheating after wearing certain on-ear headphones for too long, so instead of (or before) committing to the $500 version, I thought trying these for a test run would be good. Turns out, I love them! They’re super comfortable and do *not* make my ears overheat. The sound quality (to my non-expert ears) is excellent too! And the noise-canceling is right for me — it blocked out annoying street noise so I could be fully immersed in my tunes. What is maybe the most impressive? The battery life (up to 68 hours with the noise canceling on), so you’re never left tuneless on a long flight.
Promising review: “These headphones are surprisingly awesome. I was rather impressed with the quality, considering the price. They are easy to pair, come charged, and are super cute. People have actually asked me if they were the Airmax Pros! I also really like how you can pause/skip & adjust the volume on the headphones (which many headphones lack). Noise canceling is pretty good. I can’t hear very much when I play music. When there’s no music, they still cancel a lot, but not everything, like most headphones. I do wish they could get a little louder, but they still have great sound quality. 4.5/5″ —Amazon Customer
Promising review: “These headphones are one of the best purchases I could’ve made. For starters, the presentation of the headphones is amazing. It comes in a silky oval-shaped bag, with a couple of options for audio input. In terms of video/audio, they are IN-SYNC! The girls that get it get it. Some headphones tend to have a delay, but these do not! When on the highest volume, they are pretty easy on the ears. Not only this, but I’ve been fascinated by the longevity of the battery life. I’ve used these headphones for about 4-5 hours consecutively over a matter of days and still have over 50% battery life. These are, by far, the best headphones I’ve had, and would recommend to everyone.” —Ken
Get them from Amazon for $79.99 (available in silver and mint green).
4. TruSkin vitamin C serum formulated with hyaluronic acid (to provide a boost of hydration), soothing aloe vera, and vitamin E (in addition to the namesake vitamin C) — a combo designed to brighten dark spots and overall skin tone *and* smooth your skin for your glowiest glow yet. And money-saving alert: reviewers say it’s comparable to the SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic serum (which costs $182 for the full-size, btw!).
When it comes to vitamin C, this formulation is on the stronger side, so you should do a patch test before using! And make sure you use SPF after (tbh as you should every morning)! Though the bottle looks small, reviewers say it’ll last you several months with daily use.
Promising review: “I love this product so much. In only five days, my skin is smoother, clearer, and tighter. On the second day, my skin was a bit warm and red, so I skipped a day and have been using it every day without any more irritation. I find this just as effective and WAY less stinky than Skin Ceuticals. I highly recommend giving it a try.” —Alex
Promising review: “I should have started using this years ago! I’m in my mid-30s, and I’ve tried everything, including much more expensive brands, Korean skincare, Japanese skincare, etc., but I’ve always had breakouts and problems with texture. This is by far the best vitamin C product I’ve tried. I’ve tried multiple vitamin C serums in the past, but they always broke me out or had a slimy or gritty texture. This serum has a smooth texture, soaks in quickly, does not pill with other products, and has noticeably cleared up my skin.” —Amazon Customer
Get from Amazon for $21.99 (for 30ml; also available in a larger size).
5. Nortiv 8 walking shoes…wait…are those Hokas? No, but that’s what all your friends are going to say when they see these. And with the arch and heel support, your feet will feel like they’re sitting in the lap of luxury, too. One reviewer says they’re “like a cloud” AND that “it feels like a pillow hugging your foot.” Compelling stuff!
Promising review: “Won’t regret this purchase! These are my fave shoes. I use them practically daily. I don’t get foot fatigue like I do with my other footwear. I have plantar fasciitis and my arch is supported well. This is easily my best purchase find. The reviews were super helpful. I will say that the shoe isn’t as supportive around the foot, but I’ll play around with the laces.” —Leialoha
Promising review: “My foot surgeon suggested Hoka’s after On Cloud did nothing for my sesamoiditis. I found these alternates, and this is the best thing I have purchased. I work in a warehouse on my feet all day and these are life savers. I am buying another pair in another color.” —Tiffany
Get them from Amazon for $69.99 (available in women’s sizes 6–11 and seven colors).
6. A set of buttery button-down PJs with piping detailing that’ll make you feel like you’re lounging and/or sleeping in the lap of luxury — one reviewer calls them “the softest I’ve ever bought” and several draw comparisons with Eberjey jammies (which are around $150 👀) aaand Skims and Cozy Earth.
Promising review: “Better than Eberjey! Impressed with the quality and softness of these pajamas. Ordered a size up bc I was worried about shrinkage, but they didn’t shrink! I prefer these over Eberjys — the buttons don’t come undone and just as soft — maybe softer!” —CDS
Promising review: “If you desire comfort, if you desire soft fabric against your skin, if you desire pajamas that fit perfectly, if you want to feel like you have your life together, then these are the pajamas for you. I’m currently 39 weeks pregnant and live in these now. I bought a size medium (pre-pregnancy size small) and have no intention of taking these off unless to wash them. And then I’ll put on my other color option that I bought of these pajamas because these are so freaking great. The fabric is soft and not too sheer of a material that fits loosely as it should. The waistband does not feel constricting, and the lace drawstring on the pants does not make the bottoms feel tight. The pajamas are of great quality and are worth the investment. I plan on wearing these in the hospital and then probably for the rest of my entire life because they’re so fantastic.” —CMC
Get them from Amazon for $35.99+ (available in women’s sizes XS–XXL and 47 colors and patterns).
Also available in a short sleeve and pants set and a short sleeve and shorts set.
7. The Hanes Ultimate crew socks because it just feels painful to shell out $20 for a three-pack of the cult-fave Aritzia TNA socks. If you’ve fallen in love with the perfect height, ribbed ankle detail, and (my favorite) the extra cushioned bottom of the original, fret not — these Hanes crew socks are *eerily* similar and just as cushy! And you get twice the socks for almost half the price.
I personally have both the Aritzia TNA socks *and* these Hanes socks, and now the Hanes are all I’ll buy! They are the perfect everyday sock with sneakers or slides, the perfect height, and the thick, cushy bottom is everything. I’ve walked for miles and miles and miles in them, and they haven’t worn out yet.
Promising reviews: “I am not being dramatic when I write this: These are the only socks I will wear. I have them in white, too. I buy them over and over again and will continue to forever. If they discontinued these, I would be extremely disappointed. Why do I love them so much? They are the perfect size, they are comfortable – not too soft and not too thick, they are easy to clean, and the lining of the sock never creases or feels uncomfortable. Would take a pic of the socks on my feet, but that would be weird.” —Tiffani A
Get a six-pack from Amazon for $11.99 (available in women’s sizes 5–9 or 8–12 and in two colors).
8. A pack of duster sponges, because the Scrub Daddy Damp Duster seems to be constantly sold out, and these are totally similar, for less! Just dampen, and wipe whatever surface needs dusting — all the dust (and even pet hair!) will accumulate on the ridged surface. Just rinse clean, and you’re done!
I bought a pack of these and love dusting with them! All the dust sticks right on, so you don’t end up breathing in all the dust you just tried removing. It’s great for baseboards, too!
Promising review: “These are exactly like the Scrub Daddy’s. Only hella cheaper.” —kr425
Promising review: ” I had low expectations for this. But I’m really happy to find that they do work really well for a much better price than the name brand. It’s pretty much the same as the name-brand damp duster, except that the grooves are slightly wider. Dusted the tops and fronts of my cabinets in about five minutes, but I’m most impressed with how well it removes pet hair from my couch and clothes, even better than sticky rollers. I have Pomeranians blowing out their winter undercoats, so it’s my new fav thing.” —onon
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in five color packs).
9. A versatile nylon tote bag comfy enough to be your new go-to option for everyday use — and unlike the Longchamp Le Pliage (which this is rahther similar to), you won’t feel a single qualm dumping in all the random stuff you need to carry around. Leaky hand lotion, loose pens, a pint of ice cream from that last-minute grocery run? They can all be safely stored without fear of ruining a $$$ tote. And btw, it’s water-resistant!
Promising review: “I bought this for a trip to Italy and used it for the entire three weeks. Perfect!!! It’s waterproof and large enough, has pockets where you need them, and even a place to attach keys. The handles are long enough that it’s comfortable over your shoulder! Some are too small. It zips for security! Stylish! Can’t say enough good things about this bag!!” —EWC
Get it from Amazon for $26.99 (available in four colors).
10. LivaClean Superstar pimple patches with all the cutness of the original (and more expensive) Starface patches…but spoiler alert: reviewers say these work *b e t t e r* anyway — that’s what I call a win-win. They’re designed to absorb pus and oil from *inside* the zit, protecting skin from further damage and reinfection so you don’t have to hot compress, pop, ooze, scar, and repeat.
Promising review: “I LOVE the look of pimple patches on myself (as weird as that sounds) and absolutely hate the semi-clear ones, since they just draw my eyes to something that’s SUPPOSED to be invisible. So I easily fell in love with the Starface pimple patches — but the issue with those is they’re SO expensive and don’t work at all. THESE, however, have immediately sucked everything out of my face. I love them and literally wear them all the time. So many people have complimented me, saying, ‘Oh my gosh, I love how you just wear stickers on your face; it’s adorable.’ These also work as [an alternative to] the TikTok Shop ones that are really popular right now and are cheaper! 10/10 from me :)” —evalyn evoke
Get a pack of 240 patches from Amazon for $8.99 (available in four designs/shapes as well as multipacks).
11. A classic pleated tennis skort you can rock all of tights season, continue to wear through the hottest summer days, and (of course) use as your go-to outfit for dominating on the pickleball court. Did I mention it has pockets? *And* favorably compared to similar versions from Nike, Artizia, and Lulu by reviewers? ‘Nuff said.
Promising review: “I LOVE this skirt! I have the original Nike one, and they are identical. The only difference is that it doesn’t have a logo on it, but tbh, I prefer the no-logo look. It’s such a good buy and SO comfortable!” —Tayler
Promising review: “I was skeptical at first, but once it arrived! WOW! I love this skirt! I need one in every color now. Very comfortable, breathable fabric, and the skirts have secret pockets on the inside of the shorts! I really like it, and the length is perfect! Oh, and there’s a super cool, thick band around the skirt top. It looks very nice I received a lot of compliments on skirt! Definitely recommend! ❤️” —VM
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in women’s sizes XS–XXL and eight colors).
12. A Simple Modern tumbler for all of your hydration needs. Not only is the monochrome body chic (you might want to pick one up in various colors to match your ‘fits), but it’s leak-resistant, dishwasher safe, cupholder-friendly, and keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours. Plus, it has a built-in straw and ~ergonomic~ handle! Stanley, who?
Many reviewers said they find themselves drinking more water when they have a straw.
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 42 colors and patterns). Also available in a style without the handle!
Or a water bottle with some of the features that are *very* popular with the Owala, including a carry loop, locking lid that opens with the push of a button, and sip and chug options for however you’d like to hydrate. But unlike the Owala, this whole thing is (gasp) dishwasher-safe — and cheaper.
You can also refill easily without having to unscrew the lid! You need to disassemble it before throwing it in the dishwasher and make sure the silicone ring is back in place to make sure it stays leak-proof.
Promising review: “10/10 would recommend. I was originally looking at getting an Owala bottle because my boyfriend got one for Christmas, and I really liked the 2 in-one lid, but I could never find one with cute enough colors, nor could I justify spending 40 dollars on a bottle. Ello is the PERFECT bottle! My drinks stay cold all day, you can take the lid completely apart for a good clean, it has a chug and sip option, and YOU CAN DISHWASH THIS BOTTLE!!! This thing is perfect. I love the fun, bright color options that Ello has to offer. I’ve also already dropped my bottle a few times, and it’s super sturdy with no dents or scratches!” —Meg
Promising review: “Best water bottle. I got this water bottle because the reviews were incredible. I had never seen someone write paragraphs about a product, but for this water bottle, every single review had multiple paragraphs. Honestly, they were right, though. This water bottle is amazing. The straw is perfectly sized and silent (my last one was so noisy). The design of the lid is awesome! It also comes on sale frequently, so I got it for $13, which is such a good deal considering the product! I like it better than the Owala, and it’s half the price! Also very cute” —Caroline
Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in 22, 32, and 40-ounce sizes and 23 colors and patterns).
13. A 3-in-1 foldable magnetic wireless charger perfect for at home or traveling, so you can charge your iPhone, Apple watch, and AirPods all at once without wasting space on bulky chargers or dealing with tons of cords. Several reviewers note that this connects better and lasts longer than the name-brand versions.
Promising review: “These chargers are great. Space for phone, watch, and AirPods, or two phones. They work much better than some of the more expensive brands. You can tell when you put your phone down that it connects like a magnet to make sure your phone is properly placed for charging. It also folds up small for travel. Only wireless charger you will need.” —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in six colors).
14. A pair of comfortable clogs if you’ve had your eyes on the Birkenstock Boston Clog, but aren’t sure you’re ready to splurge for the long haul. These babies are from the makers of the TikTok–famous cloud slides, so you know you’re going to stay comfortable all day, without spending Birkenstock money.
Promising review: “My favorite shoes. I love these so much. I’ve been a Birkenstock girl for 20 years. But I didn’t want to pay 160 for the style of clog I wanted. Plus, that didn’t even fit me the best. These, no doubt, are a way better fit and so much more comfy than the clogs I originally tried on from Birk. Good quality and very stylish. True to size. I’m always a 7. Bought a 7. My new go-to. For jeans or leggings. If you are thinking about it, buy them!” —Jjackson
Get it from Amazon for $41.99 (available in women’s sizes 5–12, wide sizes, and in 15 colors).
15. Or a pair of Cushionaire cork-bottom sandals for your warm-weather needs — these have arch support for all-day walking at home or on vacation, and reviewers say these are quite similar to Birks and indeed, extremely comfy!
Promising review: “I honestly ordered this sandal three times. This is one of the best sandals I’ve purchased in awhile. This shoe is so comfortable, and the arch is perfect for all-day walking. No rub from the straps. I can’t say enough what a great sandal. I ordered the stone color, and it’s perfect to match everything. You will NOT be disappointed in this shoe.” —Amazon Customer
Promising review: “I bought these sandals before a three-week trip in Europe; I didn’t want to pay for Birks but did want something in a similar style with good arch support. I was a little skeptical about the low price but gave them a shot…and they were the MOST comfortable sandals I’ve ever owned. I walked over 120 miles in them in three weeks on our trip and never once had foot pain. They broke in so quickly and were very supportive from the get-go — and still are! Highly recommend.” —Han Lin
Get them from Amazon for $33.24+ (available in women’s sizes 6–12, including wide sizes, and 19 styles).
16. E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter, which reviewers say is comparable to (or even better than) Charlotte Tilbury’s famous Flawless Filter. Apply this as a luminous, blurring base, mix it with your moisturizer or foundation, or dot it over makeup as a natural-looking highlight. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid and squalene for a boost of hydration, too.
Promising review: “This stuff is so legit I’ve gone through three bottles. Adds the perfect glow to your skin! Sometimes, I use it under foundation, and sometimes, I use it solo with a bit of concealer. I will never not repurchase it for the price and how beautifully it sits on the skin. This stuff is viral for a reason!!” —mapagill
Promising review: “If you like Charlotte Tilbury, flawless filter, this is leaps and bounds better! Just buy it. The coverage is better and makes my skin have the most amazing natural glow! The colors run with a more warm/yellow undertone, which worked great for me! Spend a fraction of the price and just get it. You will be happy you did!” —Amazonreview
Get it from Amazon for $15 (available in eight shades).
17. A CZ tennis bracelet that looks similar to the pricey Swarovski (or even…the real deal). Reviewers agree it sparkles beautifully, has a super secure clasp, aaaand holds up well to repeated wear! And btw, buys like this are also a great way to “test drive” a piece of jewelry before splurging to make sure you like it for the long haul!
Promising review: “Well, I have to tell you this is the best bracelet ever. I’ve been buying from this particular brand for a few years. It’s well made if you want a piece of jewelry to show off, this is it!! It’s a must-buy! I just love it. This is the last thing I put on bc I want it to last. I’ve bought pieces for family and friends and they love [them] as well. I get all sorts of compliments whereever I go and never tell them it’s not real. It looks real, and it sparkles so beautifully. You need to buy it!! Enjoy!!” —Member since 2012
Promising review: “Soooo 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 $19.95+ (available in three lengths,14K gold-plated or 18K gold vermeil, and in yellow, rose, or white gold).
18. CeraVe’s Retinol Serum, which lives up to the CeraVe name and uses *encapsulated* retinol to reduce the appearance of scars and pores without flaking or redness. If you haven’t gotten into retinoids yet or are worried about irritating your skin, this gentle but effective serum is a great option — and reviewers say they like it better than other, more expensive options (like Murad’s Retinol Serum, which retails for $92).
And remember, like with any retinol (that actually works) *just do not use it every day.* Start slow and work yourself up if needed, paying attention to your skin.
Promising review: “I absolutely love this stuff! I saw a dermatologist on TikTok who raved about this product and tried it out, and it’s been the most amazing stuff! It’s helped my face to clear up very quickly, removing all of the blemish spots and dark spots around my face. It’s been one of the best products I’ve added to my face routine. This would be great for all ages/stages and for any weather type. It doesn’t moisturize much, but that’s not its intention, and there is no scent, so I’d imagine it’s great for all skin types and hypoallergenic.” —Successful Solo
Promising review: “I bought this for my teenager to use for his acne scars, but he ended up not using it. I ran out of my Murad retinol serum, so I gave this a try. I actually like it better than the Murad! It absorbs quickly, with zero smell or irritation. As with any retinol product, be sure to wear sunscreen when you’re going to be outside.” —C. Munsterman
Get it from Amazon for $18.68.
19. A set of Amazon Basics silicone baking mats to make sure all of your homemade cookies and sheet pan dinners never end up stuck on the pan — and unlike parchment paper, they’re reusable….forever! Exactly like fan-favorite Silpat mats, but without the fancy price tag — just ask the reviewer who took this photo and made a batch of macarons using both Silpat and Amazon Basics mats and couldn’t tell a difference!
Promising review: “I am a macaron baker and have been using Silpat brand for years. I needed to order more Silpats, but didn’t want to spend the money. I found these Amazon Basic nonstick baking mats and thought I’d give them a try. It has been a month now, and they are still working just as great as my Silpat brand. Even baking is easy to clean and clear (I bake shapes and use templates underneath). Hopefully they last as long as my Silpats, which I have had for three years now, but if I get at least a couple of years out of them before buying new ones, I won’t mind because of the price! The top macaron shell [pictured above] is from the Amazon Basics brand, and the bottom is Silpat. They baked up even and with the same feet!” —Mac MKE
Get it from Amazon for $9.44.
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