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    Reviewers *Insist* These 26 Affordable Products Are Just As Good As The Expensive Versions

    A three-pack of shirts for less than the price of one Skims shirt and a bunch of other swaps that'll save you a heckuva lot of money.

    1. A Simple Modern tumbler as an alternative to the popular, expensive, and very difficult-to-get-your-hands-on Stanley version. This has all the key features you need: ~aesthetic~ colors, keeps drinks cold for hours, and fits in a cup holder. 

    Multiple reviewers said they find themselves drinking more water when they have a straw, and the fact that it's so dang cute doesn't hurt either! 

    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 33 colors/patterns). Also available in a style without the handle!

    2. And a Takeya water bottle that keeps your drinks so cold you'll be skipping the Hydro Flask trend and instead buying a few of these in different colors (without even spending more than you would if you bought one Hydro Flask).

    Both bottles are made with food-grade stainless-steel and BPA-free plastics, and can keep cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours. The Tayeka can keep hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours, while the Hydro Flask can keep hot drinks hot for up to six hours.

    Promising review: "I have purchased insulated water bottles costing much more than the Takeya brand. I've tried Hydroflask, Yeti, Kleen Kanteen, and Camelbak. I wanted a larger size for the golf course, and since I was worried about losing it, purchased this less expensive Takeya brand. I am AMAZED! This water bottle has outperformed all of the expensive brands I have tried previously. FIRST of all — the LID. It's awesome! It doesn't leak at all and the one thing I really love about it is it has some retention so it doesn't flop back against your face when you're taking a drink. I can't say the same for others I've used. The spout is pleasant to drink from as well and I like the grip ring for taking it on and off. SECOND — it insulates VERY well. I used it on a hot day at the course this past Sunday. I filled it halfway with ice and then added cold water. The water stayed extremely cold throughout my round. But even more amazing, I left it in my car overnight and when I took a drink on my way to work the next day, the water is still cold and there is still ice in the bottle! I will definitely be getting some other sizes in this bottle so I highly recommend it! The only downside for the 32-oz bottle is that it may be a bit too wide for smaller hands, but otherwise, I've found it to be the perfect insulated water bottle." —Just a normal everyday dude

    Get it from Amazon for $19.97+ (available in four sizes and in six colors).

    3. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer if you've been looking for something to cover up big pimples, redness, or dark circles without weighing you down or lightening up your wallet too much.

    Viral News Only editor applying the concealer under eyes
    Viral News Only editor showing the under-eye coverage
    Kayla Suazo / Viral News Only

    Former Viral News Only editor Kayla Suazo has this and says, "There are few beauty products out there that I consistently go back to, which says a lot because I love everything that has to do with makeup. But alas, here I am, consistently finding my way back to Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Concealer. I still don’t know how a cheap tube of concealer beats out the more expensive ones I have stuffed into my vanity, but it does. It’s not too creamy or thick, yet it still gives solid coverage without the cake-y feeling. It blends incredibly well with every foundation I wear — and I have a lot of different foundations. I also really enjoy the sponge applicator. I still go over whatever I apply with a Beauty Blender to get that matte look, but having the sponge makes it easier and means I don’t have to use my fingers to dab under my eyes. When I am done with my entire routine, my eyes look lighter and brighter, but not in a way that’s totally obvious — even when photos are taken and the flash is on."

    Get it from Amazon for $8.80 (available in 17 shades).

    4. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil that nourishes and hydrates your skin with natural ingredients to give you that same ✨glow✨ you get with Tarte Maracuja Oil, just for a ~fraction~ of the price.

    Bottle of the skin therapy oil laying on a rose
    Amazon

    Promising review: "I came across this looking for a cheaper replacement for my Tarte Maracuja Oil. I tried a few cheaper maracuja oils, but never any that made my skin look or feel anywhere near as good as this one does. I was a little hesitant as I hate the smell of cocoa butter. This has no cocoa butter smell to me at all. It actually works better than the Tarte oil at a fraction of the price. I can’t see ever being without this product. Definitely one — if not the best — budget-friendly beauty or skincare products I’ve ever tried." –Jennifer Salley

    Get it from Amazon for $10.97.

    5. A rainbow-inspired eyeshadow palette with 40 shades (matte, shimmer, and metallic!) So you can get as creative as you could ever imagine. And somehow even with this wide variety *and* brilliant colors, it still won't cost more than $10!!

    Also, if you follow beauty influencers, you miiiight notice this is extremely similar to the James Charles x Morphe palette, which cost almost $40. 👀

    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

    6. Care:Nel lip mask reviewers say is *spot on* to the other version that's viral on TikTok. This will hydrate your lips overnight while creating a protective barrier to help prevent future damage.

    Promising review: "I bought this product because I heard that it was an alternative to the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, and it 100% is!! It's basically the same scent and texture, and it moisturizes just as well overnight. I love both products, but will buy this one moving forward because it’s so much more affordable!" —¯\_(ツ)_/¯

    Get a set of three from Amazon for $9.90 (available in six variations).

    7. A 20-pack (!) Of extra thick magic cleaning pads that work on household surfaces, cars, shoes, really anything that you need to clean. These are extra thick, so they can handle bigger messes without you having to constantly grab a new one. Reviewers love these as an affordable alternative to the ones that bald guy with the earring sells.

    Promising reviews: "These are the best. Sooo much better than Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.  Won't buy those anymore and these will last me a very long time. I scrubbed and they got everything clean and didn't break apart!!! Can even reuse if I wanted." —Miguel Mendez

    "I own a cleaning business and have spent a small fortune on the name brand. I clean everything from condo rentals to long-term lease/residential rentals and I have had to clean unimaginable NASTY, I mean 'pics or it didn't happen' kind of nasty, and these cut right through it. These work just as well as the name brand, if not better, and they seem to last a little longer!" —Keisha Marie

    Get a pack of 20 from Amazon for $14.95.

    8. A pair of Satina high-waisted leggings beloved by reviewers as a great alternative to that one v popular athleisure brand… except these are ~way~ more affordable (we're talking $84 cheaper 😱). Get ready for your newest obsession — your closet is about to get a lottttt fuller.

    Promising review: "Loved these leggings! I saw many influencers talk about them and finally took the chance and tried them! These feel almost identical to the Lululemon Align leggings that I have. Super soft and comfy! They don’t dig in! Can’t wait to try the pocket ones!" —Amazon Customer

    Get them from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in two women's sizes, two lengths, with or without pockets, and 27 colors/patterns).

    If you still aren't sold, check out our full review of the Satina high-waist leggings.

    9. Eve Hansen Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum designed to help (stay with me here…) smooth wrinkles, brighten dark spots, firm skin, add moisture, reduce under-eye puffiness, and give you a beautiful glow. Not to mention it is more than eight times (!!) Less expensive than the highly sought-after TNS Essential Serum, but just as effective!

    Promising review: "So far I have used about four bottles of this product. I use it like a serum and put a few drops on my face and décolleté before I apply moisturizer in the morning or night cream. I see the same outstanding results I did see with the TNS Serum — just for a fraction of the price!!!" —nana bendick

    Get it from Amazon for $17.98.

    10. A bottle of L'Oréal *eight-second* lamellar water rinse-out treatment so you can achieve moisture, shine, and silkiness in EIGHT SECONDS?! — just like the Olaplex Hair Perfector, except faster and a third of the price.

    And it's silicone-free!

    Promising review: "This is the best hair product I have ever purchased. It truly lives up to its claims. I have thinning, coarse hair and was stymied by its proclivity to frizz and its cotton candy texture. After one use of Wonder Water, my hair was shiny and the frizz and flyaways disappeared. Friends even remarked at how great my hair looked — something that has never happened to me. The only product I can compare this to is Olaplex, which is almost as effective, but five times as expensive and much more time-consuming to use. Applying Wonder Water is foolproof (the exact amount to use with each application is marked on the container) and it only takes eight seconds to work. Initially, I thought that Wonder Water was too good to be true, but I am already midway through my second bottle and I continue to be delighted." —Maureen Bolton

    Get it from Amazon for $8.20.

    11. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream with a thick, velvety texture to absorb quickly and provide you with 24 hours of hydration. You won't hesitate to buy this over the Sunday Riley ICE Ceramide Moisturizing Cream, which is nearly four times the price.

    Viral News Only writer's hand holding the tub of moisturizing cream
    Marquaysa Battle / Viral News Only

    Promising review: "I know there are a million 5-star ratings for this, but it's a wonderful creamy moisturizer. I've been using the Sunday Riley ICE Ceramide Moisturizing Cream and this has similar ingredients and feels the same without the outrageous price tag. Def will be switching to this one!" —amanda

    Get it from Amazon for $16.91.

    12. And CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream to help renew and hydrate your skin overnight with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, so you can have sweet dreams thinking of everything you can buy with the money you save from not getting Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Firming Moisturizer.

    Viral News Only Shopping editor Maitland Quitmeyer has this and says, "I've been using this CeraVe night cream for almost the whole year, and I have loved it the whole time. I have sensitive, combination skin that's also acne-prone (especially when I get stressed or don't get enough sleep.) I loved it right away, noticing the plumping, soft, hydrating effect it gave my skin after the first use — without any greasiness or overpowering fragrances. And after getting an allergic reaction to a different product, this cream got me THROUGH. TL;DR: CeraVe night cream really is fabulous, whether you have dry winter skin, combo skin, or your skin just needs some hardcore TLC after something goes awry. And for around $15 a jar, you're getting quite a lot of skincare bang for your buck."

    Promising review: "I have very dry skin and used this at night and loved it! It's a small tub but lasted me about five months because a little goes a long way... I liked this much more than the DE Polypeptide cream, which was too light (I know you can put a thicker moisturizer on top, but at that price?! I needed it to be more). This is also great for sensitive skin because it's fragrance-free. I love CeraVe products, they really helped repair my moisture barrier and bring my skin to a much better place!" –Jacque

    Get it from Amazon for $15.23.

    13. A fluffy throw blanket that reviewers have been L O V I N G as an (~affordable~) alternative to the Barefoot Dreams blanket. Whether you want to use it as a decorative piece or something to snuggle up under, this is the blanket for you!

    a green and white checkered throw blanket tossed on a couch
    a pile of four blankets (white, pink, grey, and navy) wrapped in ribbons in a pile
    Amazon

    Promising reviews: "Better than Barefoot Dreams. Might be the best thing I’ve ever purchased on Amazon. Love it." —Janervalentic

    "I love everything about this blanket. The color is pretty, the texture is soft and elegant, and the blanket is large, warm, and lightweight. I will probably buy more of them." —Amy Allshouse

    Get it from Amazon for $26.09+ (available in four sizes and in 30 styles).

    14. Garnier's Micellar Cleansing Water to remove makeup just like Bioderma while also cleaning skin of dirt and oil, all without stripping your face of moisture.

    a model holding a bottle of the micellar water
    Https://www.instagram.com/p/B1i6bOrHWRQ/ / Via @garnierusa

    Promising review: "I used to use Bioderma micellar water and it was my favorite. Then I came across this little gem, which works just as great and is a heck of a lot cheaper. This is my favorite makeup remover. It's great for sensitive skin and removes heavy makeup." —Patrick Mahoney

    Get it from Amazon for $3.99+ (available in two sizes and a two-pack).

    This is our budget pick for best makeup remover!

    15. A Renpho percussion massager with five massage heads and five speeds to help you relax and decompress. No, you don't have to shell out the extra $100+ for the Hypervolt. Your muscles will be thanking you for this purchase.

    Promising review: "This massage gun is well worth its price! I have used all of its attachments. It is easy to use, comfortable on your muscles and most importantly, extremely effective!! I have used a different massage gun in the past. This one is much superior!! I would say it is the same grade quality as a professional massage gun but much less expensive!  I am very grateful for this product!" —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $89.99 (available in three versions).

    16. Fanola's purple shampoo to maintain that fresh-from-the-salon blonde, similar to Davines purple shampoo. Maybe now you can hold off on that expensive salon visit a liiiittle bit longer since the Fanola brand will keep you looking just as fresh as its contenders!

    Promising review: "I have naturally almost black, thick, Asian hair that is highly processed and toned to high heaven just so I can be blonde. Not just sandy blonde. Platinum blonde. Now, any 'bottle blonde' knows that purple shampoo is the sweet baby Jesus in a manger necessity that they MUST use if they don’t want to end up looking like a wannabe ginger with greasy orange-tinged hair. It’s just that blonde life. I have tried almost every purple shampoo under the sun, ranging in price from $7 to $70 a bottle. The top contenders so far have been Davines Alchemic Shampoo in Silver, L’Oréal Purple Shampoo, and now, THIS. Fanola takes the cake and is hands down the winner when it comes to toning even the most stubborn brass out.  Seriously. Your granny needs this. You need this. GIRL. I tried it in the shower on wet hair and left it on for about 10 minutes. Great results after just one use! And then, because I love a little lavender tint, I tried it on DRY hair, saturating it until almost black, and left it on for a whopping 30 minutes. Rinse until clear. And guess what? I LOVE IT. The lavender is not at all overpowering but there’s isn’t a hint of yellow/brass in my hair. I swear it even lightened my roots too!" —CatsonCatsonCats

    Get it from Amazon for $8.39+ (available in three sizes).

    And check out our full write-up of the Fanola No Yellow Shampoo to learn more.

    17. Essence Lash Princess mascara that will give you the look of wearing falsies, without the hassle of making sure you actually know how to put them on. Not to mention, the end result will be basically the same as you would get with higher end versions, only significantly cheaper.

    Viral News Only writer without any mascara
    Viral News Only writer with mascara so lashes look much darker and longer
    Emma Lord / Viral News Only

    Viral News Only writer Emma Lord has this and says, "Hello, that is my face above, because I bought into the hype of all the 5-star reviews and now I will never look back!! Putting it on is like giving my eyelashes butterfly wings. It doesn't get clumpy, it stays put ALL the livelong day no matter how much you sweat, and you can apply it on very lightly if you don't want it to look so dramatic, or continue applying for longer lashes each time."

    Promising review: "I have used every high-end and drug store mascara out there. This is hands down the best mascara around and the price is unbelievable. It does not smudge, does not flake, does not irritate my sensitive eyes, no raccoon eyes at the end of the day, and stays put during and after workouts. It also removes easily in the shower with cleanser or makeup remover. BUY IT." —Michelle D.

    Get it from Amazon for $4.99.

    18. The highly effective Bio-Oil designed to help minimize the appearance of scars just as well as Mederma scar gel, a drugstore staple. But as an added bonus, Bio-Oil is also designed to help nourish your skin without clogging your pores. Yeah, it just one-upped you, Mederma.

    Promising review: "I have been using this every day for the past month and have definitely seen results. I had gallbladder surgery and just got some scars being pregnant and this has definitely helped with my scars and stretch marks! Smells amazing too! Works way better than Mederma!" —Skie bostwick

    Get it from Amazon for $9.95+ (available in two sizes).

    19. A pack of PleasingCare bamboo oil-blotting sheets for the times you catch yourself looking greasy as HECK. These can quickly and easily remove excess oils just as well as Tatcha's popular blotting sheets, without messing up your makeup.

    Promising review: "These are great for oily skin. I normally can get through half the day before my face looks like a grease pit and that's after applying anti-shine under makeup. These wipes are a miracle. They absorb quickly and I love having them in my purse. I normally use two a day — much better than Tatcha." —Leslie M.I Photographer

    Get a 100-pack from Amazon for $6.95+ (available in three styles and multipacks).

    20. A three-piece long sleeve fitted shirt set for anyone who has been dyinggg to try out the trending Skims cotton jersey long sleeve but can't ever catch them before they sell out or doesn't feel like shelling out *that* much money for one shirt.

    Promising review: "These are the perfect Skims alternative! The fabric is very thick and soft but stretchy and breathable at the same time. The white top is also not see-through. I highly recommend and I will be buying more color packs." —Kyla

    Get a three-pack from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in women's sizes S–L and 16 color combinations).

    21. A pair of round sunglasses just as stylish as Ray-Bans *AND* they're even polarized! Yep, go ahead and buy yourself a few colors to match your outfits.

    Promising review: "For the money you can’t beat em! These look amazing on my face like a $300 pair of sunglasses. I have tried multiple pairs and this brand looks and feels comparable to a pair of Ray-Bans and Pradas. I have a smaller face and to me this pair fits the best, perfect for my nose and brow line. I couldn’t be happier, just wish there were six stars so everyone would know how amazing they are.  If you are questioning whether or not they will look as good on you as they do in the photos, yes...yes they do." —Christina

    Get them from Amazon for $12.99 (available in seven colors).

    22. A teeth whitening pen to help you achieve those pearly whites you've always wanted. Simply spend 30 seconds a day brushing these on your teeth and then go about the rest of your life instead of having those Crest Whitestrips that have to sit on your teeth for upwards of an hour a day. Plus each pen gets you about 20+ treatments whereas one box of strips is only 16 treatments.

    Promising review: "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. I also don't miss the tender gums I used to get from the Whitestrips." —Franknsd

    Get a two-pack from Amazon for $14.96 (also available in a four-pack).

    23. A pair of wireless Tozo T10 headphones comparable to AirPods, except these are actually waterproof…like take-them-in-the-shower waterproof!! You can even jam out to your fave songs up to one meter deep for 30 minutes.

    These compact wireless headphones come with a charging case that provides up to 35 hours of uninterrupted listening, while the earbuds themselves will last eight hours on a single charge. They also quickly and easily pair to your phone via Bluetooth to provide quality sound with minimal lagging. Similarly to AirPods, they have smart touch control so you can play, pause, skip, answer calls, adjust the volume, and more by simply touching the earbud without having to worry about finding your phone.

    Promising review: "I bought these because a friend had a pair and he always sounded crisp and clear when talking. I can admit that I'm a sound snob on a beer budget. I don't like cheap sounding knockoffs with low bass and bad battery life. But these.. OH MY! THESE! They are completely awesome! Sound quality is excellent. Battery life is out of this world! I now reach for these Tozo T10s many times over my AirPods Hands down the best rechargeable headphones I have ever owned. You will not regret buying these! They cost a little and give quality in return!" —Jeremy

    Get them from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in five colors).

    24. A container of Albolene moisturizing cleanser reviewers are loving as an equally effective — and much more affordable — makeup remover compared to Clinique Take The Day Off balm. Massage this balm on your face and watch your makeup melt away.

    Promising review: "I usually wear a full face of makeup and I used to take it off with the Clinique Take the Day Off balm, which is superb, but I find this one to be an amazing option at a fraction of the price. I don't have breakouts, it's easy and simple to use." —viewer

    Get it from Amazon for $9.74+ (available in two quantities).

    25. Or a makeup cleansing cloth that works just like the MakeUp Eraser to remove A L L your makeup by just adding water…yes, even waterproof makeup. Buhbyeee wasteful makeup removing wipes! How does it make sense? IDK maybe it's magic, but whatever it is, it *works.*

    Promising review: "Affordable comparison to the MakeUp Eraser towel, and it WORKS! Highly recommend it if you want to ditch single-use makeup removal wipes... These things absorb water quickly and remove makeup without the hassle... Yes, even waterproof mascara and brow tint." —Marcy Days

    Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in six colors).

    26. A pair of drawstring 7/8 pants you can dress up for work or dress down for lounging. Reviewers are loving these as a more affordable option for the Lululemon Stretch High Rise pant.

    Promising review: "I had almost bought Lululemon Stretch High Rise for $100 but I stumbled across these and I am soo happy I did because they are the same. Exact. Pant. I even went to Lululemon and tried on their pant right after buying these to compare, and they fit and look the exact same. These pants are super soft material, light, and fit really well because they are a perfect high rise but still loose. I loved them so much so my boyfriend got me the same ones in a few more colors and they are my go-to. They are great casual athleisure but can be dressed up with a cute sweater and shoes." —Rita

    Get them from Amazon for $35 (available in women's sizes XXS–XXL and 25 colors).

    The reviews used in this post have been edited for length and clarity.