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    35 Inexpensive Beauty Products That Are Better Than The Expensive Versions

    By the time you get to the end of this post, we've calculated over $1,500 of savings — that's almost *$45* per swap on average.

    We asked members of the BuzzFeed Community to tell us their favorite inexpensive beauty buy that's BETTER than the original version. Here are the beautiful and money-saving results, plus some more inexpensive beauty products reviewers say are better than the original:

    1. Skin-lifting, pore-tightening Skin1004 face masks have results that reviewers swear by — not to mention the fact that it's weirdly fun? The mask tightens as it dries on your face, giving you the titular "zombie" effect (just like...or better than...the more expensive Hanacure).

    Reviewer before and after showing the mask made their skin look tighter and reduced the appearance of some wrinkles

    2. NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip combines a lip gloss with the hydration of a lip oil, thanks to vegan squalane, as well as raspberry and cloudberry oils. It's fairly new but already seriously beloved by reviewers who appreciate the sheer wash of color, high-impact shine, and non-sticky finish. And if you love Dior's Lip Oil (same), some reviewers say this is better!

    Three models with the light pink oil on their lips
    Amazon

    Promising review: "Best lip oil I have ever owned; better than Dior. It is not sticky at all, [it's] long lasting, shee,r and it has the juicy drop smell. It smells so good like really just like tooooooooo good to be true. It is perfect total game changer, so if you want like a lip gloss, but not too sticky than this is really for you 😁" —Lola

    NYX Fat Lip Drip: $8.97 at Amazon (available in seven shades, plus clear).

    Dior Glow Lip Oil: $40 at Sephora (available in seven shades, plus clear).

    You save: $31.03

    3. The TikTok-beloved Eos' Shea Butter Vanilla Cashmere body lotion has  people *obsessed* for providing *serious*  (and quick-absorbing!) hydration without feeling heavy or greasy aaaaand for the ahh-mazing smell that's drawing comparisons to pricey brands (hello Philosophy "Warm Cashmere" and Bath & Body Works "Vanilla Noel).

    Promising review: "Heaven sent for your skin; heavenly scent to enjoy. This feels absolutely amazing going on. Gets absorbed quickly, for a lotion rich with oil. Doesn't leave a greasy feeling, as long as you give it a minute or two to fully absorb. The scent is, for me anyway, like aromatherapy. It smells like an iced sugar cookie, and is a great base layer for fragrance. Very relaxing." —Dragonheart Jo

    Eos Vanilla Cashmere Lotion: $8.98 at Amazon (available in six scents)

    Philosophy Warm Cashmere Fresh Cream: $29 at Philosphy

    You save: $20.02

    4. TruSkin vitamin C serum is dubbed by *six separate reviewers*: a "magic potion." It's 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 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: "Magic potion. Where has this been all my life? This stuff is amazing! At 31, I am trying to take care of my skin more as I noticed my face looks "tired." I started to use this and saw immediate results. I apply it after washing/using a derma roller and follow up with applying moisturizer afterward. My husband has even noticed a difference after using a week and has said things like "your face is glowing", "your face looks radiant", "you look different, younger", "whatever you are doing is working". Bottom line, if you're in search of an anti-aging serum, stop looking and buy this." —J.D.M.

    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

    TruSkin Vitamin C serum: $16.81+ at Amazon (available in two sizes)

    SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic serum: $182 at SkinCeuticals

    You save: $165.19

    5. L'Oreal True Match Lumi Glotion is a fan-favorite, glycerin-infused illuminator you can mix in with moisturizer or foundation, wear as a base under makeup, *or* apply as a highlight or bronzer for a natural looking (and not glittery) glow — especially if you're not looking to drop a fortune on Drunk Elephan Bronzing Drops. 

    Promising review: "I used this with my Olay Regenerist Cream (it helps with my wrinkles) I mixed it and it does a great deal of shine! You should buy if you're looking for a Drunk Elephant Bronzi Drops substitute! Way better than drunk elephant." —raegan kuball

    Promising review: "I actually like this glowy lotion better than the Drunk Elephant one, and I have both. This goes on smoothly and not greasy. It leaves you very glowy with a beautiful tan, and works well with makeup on top if you so wish. Lasting power too. Recommend." —ggvega

    L'Oreal Lumi Glotion: $13.98 at Amazon (available in six shades).

    Drunk Elephant Bronzing Drops: $38 at Sephora (available in one shade).

    You save: $24.02

    6. Internet-famous Beakey makeup sponges blend your makeup to perfection — for a fraction of the price of Beauty Blender and Real Techniques sponges. Plus you get a pack of five, so you can go a little longer between cleaning them, which in my book is a huge plus. 

    Promising review: "Don't hesitate, just buy these. I was using the Real Technique sponges for years and 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

    Beakey sponges: $5.82+ at Amazon (for five sponges)

    BeautyBlender: $19 at Amazon (for one sponge)

    You save: $89.18 (if you were to buy five BeautyBlenders)

    7. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer brightens your under eye without creasing while treating them with goji berry and haloxyl — plus, it'll last even LONGER than Tarte's Shape Tape.

    A reviewer holding the concealer to show the sponge applicator, and a before and after of one eye without the concealer on, with a pronounced dark circle, and another eye with concealer, with barely any dark circle

    8. Juno & Co.'s Clean 10 cleansing balm, a non-irritating makeup remover formulated with Japanese pearl barley, helps brighten skin as it cleanses. Just scoop out a pea-sized amount (it comes with a lil' spatula!) and massage into your skin — it'll become a luxurious oil and gently dissolve allllll the makeup, SPF, dirt, oil, and more, leaving no residue behind *and* not overly stripping skin of moisture. Many reviewers find it comparable to or better than the ($69!) Elemis Cleansing Balm.

    Use it on its own or pair it with Juno & Co's reusable makeup remover pad ($8.99)!

    Promising review: "BEST PURCHASE I'VE MADE THIS YEAR! I was just going to take my mascara off with it, and I ended up rubbing it all over my face, lol! It’s like all the Tiktok reviews etc, say…perfect makeup remover. Buy this now, and you will throw away what you’ve been using. My face feels so clean." —Michele

    Promising review: "Better than Elemis at a fraction of the price! I just received this lovely product today but am already blown away by how well it removes my eye makeup while leaving my skin on the rest of my face not oily, not dry or stripped, but JUST RIGHT. The citrus scent is light and pleasant. I’ve been struggling to remove my eye makeup lately despite double cleansing with different products including Elemis cleansing balm. Which despite the price, leaves me needing to cleanse with a foaming cleanser to feel truly clean. My makeup washed right off and I didn’t need to go over my lash line with makeup remover. Such a time saver! You only need a small amount of product for your whole face so I think this jar will last a few months." —Heather

    Juno & Co Cleansing Balm: $14.99 at Amazon

    Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm: $69 at Amazon

    You save: $54.01

    9. My all-time desert island holy grail, CeraVe's Skin Renewing night cream, which delivers on hydration and softness and protects your skin's natural barrier — I won't use an expensive night cream again (and reviewers compare it to La Mer, Drunk Elephant, Charlotte Tilbury, and SkinCeuticals creams!). There's a reason people can't stop talking about CeraVe on TikTok!

    author holding a jar of cream that got her thru an allergic reaction
    reviewer with text
    BuzzFeed / Maitland Quitmeyer, www.amazon.com

    It has new packaging just FYI if it looks different when you order it — I just make sure my order is sold by + shipped by Amazon! This is my all time fave, never-be-without night cream, and I always make sure to keep at least one extra jar on hand, because it's sometimes sold out!

    Promising review: "I’ve been using the same cream for over seven years. Every other cream would break me out, not moisturize my skin enough, or just make me too oily. I got this because I’ve been breaking out and I’ve been trying to find something to calm my skin down. The first night I used this, my skin improved!! Redness/bumps reduced, my skin was soft. I have very sensitive, oily, acne-prone skin and this did not irritate my face at all. I wake up, and my skin is soooo soft. My skin texture has drastically changed in just a week. My makeup applies so smooth, and my pores even look better. My new go-to!" —Melody

    Promising review: "I used to work in cosmetics. Two big name brands. The CeraVe line is an excellent product. No perfumes. Simple and effective ingredients. My dermatologist recommended this line to me recently. I'm thrilled with it. It's a perfect night cream. Spending a lot of money on the high-priced lines is 100% unnecessary. They do not work any better. You are just getting duped by deceitful marketing ploys." —ClaudyLA

    Promising review: "I would definitely recommend this product if you have dry skin. It’s thick and very moisturizing. My dermatologist suggested this could be an [alternative] for SkinCeuticals triple lipid moisturizer, which is several hundred dollars, so I figured I would try this first. If your skin is sensitive, it may cause breakouts, but after using retinol, I needed something that was going to moisturize my skin." —sheena rote

    CeraVe Skin-Renewing Night Cream: $13.90 at Amazon

    SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore moisturizer: $155 at Skinceuticals

    You save: $141.10

    10. Sol de Janeiro fragrance mist in scent Cheirosa '68 has a similar smell to the very luxurious and oh-so-popular Baccarat Rouge 540, according to reviewers — but in a lighter body spray version with notes of jasmine, hibiscus, and sun musk. 

    the bottles of fragrance
    Amazon

    Promising review: "I finally received my new body spray yesterday and was in complete shock at the resemblance to Baccarat Rouge 540. This body spray is so delicious. It is definitely a Baccarat Rouge 540 [alternative]. There were so many reviews that said how much this body spray resembled the very pricey perfume, and they were all correct. I absolutely love Baccarat Rouge 540, but it is so expensive compared to other perfumes like Chanel, so I opt not to purchase it regularly. This body spray is a wonderful substitute for overpriced perfume. Today will be my first day wearing the spray, so hopefully, it will have great longevity throughout the day as well. 🤞🏼 Regardless, I would still purchase it again moving forward." —Tina

    Promising review: "I opened up my package as soon as I got it, sprayed it, and could not believe how IDENTICAL it smells to the baccarat rouge. It’s literally the exact same. It’s a very warm-smelling undertone of vanilla with the top scents of Brazilian jasmine and “sun musk,” just like the description on the bottle. I would definitely recommend this as an [alternative] for the Baccarat Rouge 540 if anyone were looking for one" —Rachel Jackel

    Sol De Janeiro Cheirosa '68: $38 at Amazon

    Baccarat Rouge 540: $205+ at Nordstrom

    You save: $167+

    11. Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener, which is renowned for being very similar to the Becca Under-Eye Corrector ($33), for *less than 1/5 of the price!* The peachy-orange tones of both color-correcting shades cancel out dark circles instantly, whether you pair it with a concealer or wear it on its own. 

    I have deep under-eye circles due to my allergies, and I use this under-eye brightener under my concealer every day I wear makeup! It immediately cancels out those dark purple tones and sits beautifully under my concealer (I use the Kosas one!) without creasing. And it means I can use less concealer, so my tube lasts longer! And this little pot lasts aaaaages, because a little goes a long way!

    Promising review: "Wizardry. This stuff is magic. I love putting it on whether I am wearing makeup or not. It instantly makes you look like you got a full night's sleep." —Sara Smith

    Promising review: "I like this better than the Becca version. This is easier to put on and more moisturizing. The Becca one always feels tacky to me, and this is nice and smooth. It just guides on. The Becca one might provide a little more coverage but you can build [this one[ on. TikTok recommended and approved by me." —Becky duPuis Bartek

    Catrice Instant Awake Under Eye Brightener: $6 at Amazon (available in two shades: one for lighter skin tones and one for deeper)

    Becca Under-Eye Corrector: $33 at Sephora (available in four shades)

    You save: $27.

    12. Essence's Lash Princess mascara is sworn by over *170,000* 5-star reviewers for dramatic length and volume *without* clumps, thanks to the flake- and gob-free formula and cone-shaped brush. Tons of reviewers say it's a better version of cult-faves like Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara (and even Diorshow!).

    13. The Revlon One-Step Hot Air Brush (now with an upgraded motor) has a unique oval-shaped barrel so you can get super close to your scalp for smooth hair and majorly boosted volume at the roots, without having to juggle a brush and blow-dryer. One reviewer says it takes less time to dry than their Dry Bar Brush!

    14. Colourpop's Super Shock Highlighter in "Wisp" will help you glow up just the same as the much pricer Becca Cosmetics Shimmering Skin Perfector, thanks to the cream-powder formula and blendable, pearlized finish.

    Three arms in three different skin tones showing swatches of three Colourpop highlighter shades, one of which is "Wisp"

    15. Carenel Lip Sleeping Masks come in a set of three minis (for under $10!) so if you've been looking at the Laneige ones to keep your lips hydrated and supple overnight, you might want to try these. Plus they're sized perfectly for travel.

    A reviewer holding the mini jars in red, green, and pink

    16. LilyAna Naturals Eye Cream is designed to deflate your under eye bags (some say better than Shiseido's Benefiance Wrinkle Cream), hydrate your delicate skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and brighten your under eyes, thanks to a blend of aloe, rosehip seed oil, and vitamins C & E.

    Reviewer before and after showing the cream tightened and brightened their under-eye area

    17. Maybelline Tattoo Studio Pencils glide on with no tugging, with a creamy formula that rivals Urban Decay's eye pencils. Oh, and it lasts allllll day too!

    18. Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara fans out lashes and curls them just as well as Benefit's Roller Lash Mascara — similar pink packaging, vastly different prices.

    A reviewer's eyes in two images: one with mascara on one eye and not on the other to show the difference the mascara makes, and one with the mascara on both eyes, with defined, lengthened looking lashes

    19. Briotech spray has the same magical ingredient as the very beloved Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray: hypochlorous acid. Just spritz it on whenever your skin needs a little de-stressing, and it'll help soothe inflammation, tone down redness, and strengthen your skin's barrier.

    BTW, people also love this for helping heal piercings.

    Promising review: "It works just like my Tower 28 spray. Smells the same and feels the same. It's more product and saves you money. It also comes with two lids which is perfect for traveling!" —Andrea Benton

    Promising review: "Just an FYI, this product has the exact same ingredients as the Tower 28 spray! It's been absolutely amazing at reducing acne and texture! It's also so refreshing and gives a lil glow. So in love!" —BK

    Briotech Spray: $16.99+ at Amazon (available in larger sizes and multipacks)

    Tower 28 Spray: $28 at Sephora

    You save: $11.01

    20. ColourPop Pressed Blush swipes on easily and delivers a rosy glow similar to Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush — and is available in twice as many shades.

    The compacts of blush

    21. Or E.l.f. Camo liquid blush is a great option if you're a fan of Saie's Dew blushes or Rare Beauty's liquid blushes — this has a similar doe-foot applicator. E.l.f.'s liquid blush is newer but already beloved by reviewers for its bendability and level of pigment!

    Three-step makeup application guide showing a person applying liquid blush to cheeks
    Amazon

    Promising review: "Pretty colors, pigmented, easy to use, and the perfect [alternative] if you’re looking for a cost-efficient Rare Beauty [swap]." —Meg Adams

    Promising review: "For the price?? Best blush I've tried, lasts all day and has such a pretty color; a little bit goes a veryyyy long way. you really only need a dot for a natural look" —Leah

    E.l.f. Camo Blush $7 at Amazon (available in nine shades)

    Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Blush: $23 at Sephora (available in 13 shades)

    You save: $16

    22. Milani Stay Put Brow Color will stop you spending all your cash on Anastasia Dip Brow pomade — it's just as good AND actually comes with the spoolie and brush applicator.

    The Milani brow color, which comes in a gel pot, plus the double-sided applicator (one side angled brush, one side spoolie), plus a fake eyebrow drawn on a surface to show what the strokes of the gel color look like

    23. Physicians Formula Diamond Dust adds a gorgeous shimmer onto your eyelids, cheeks, or anywhere else for a truly ~glowing~ finish — and reviewers say if you're looking for a bit less pigmented version of Fenty Beauty Diamond Bomb, this is perfect!

    Get a side-by-side look at this next to the Fenty Diamond Bomb highlighter on TikTok — the creator applies one to each cheek for comparison!

    Promising review: "I love love love my Physicians Formula Diamond Dust mineral powder! I wish I’d known about this before I spent $42 on a Fenty compact that does MORE than I want with the sparkle; this product gives just the right amount of coverage without having it end up all over my face and on my clothes as well. It’s also pretty if you want to bring attention to your collarbones or shoulders. A perfect amount of shimmer with little effort! Try it!! You can thank me later!!" —camielle parent

    Physician's Formula Diamond Dust: $12.25 at Amazon.

    Fenty Beauty Diamond Bomb: $42 at Sephora.

    You save: $29.75

    24. Elizabeth Mott's cult favorite Thank Me Later Eyeshadow Primer keeps your favorite eye makeup look on lock all day AND all night — *no* creasing, *no* budging. That's right, you will NOT have to reapply before your evening plans — or shell out for pricier primers like Urban Decay's.

    Promising review: "This eye primer is amazing!!! I have super oily eyelids and was getting to the point that I would rarely bother with eyeshadow because even with expensive primers it would be smudged and creased within an hour. So glad I don't need to shell out for Urban Decay or Mac Paint Pot anymore; they don't hold a candle to this and it's so much cheaper." —Chloe

    Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later: $13.99 at Amazon.

    Urban Decay Primer Potion: $28 at Amazon.

    You save: $14.01

    25. Elizavecca's collagen-infused ~protein treatment~ is an intense at-home mask that'll help your strands look and feel less damaged in just five minutes. It's basically a time machine for your hair is what I'm saying — and seeeeveral reviewers say they prefer it to the beloved Olaplex bond-builder.

    BuzzFeed Shopping editor's before and after: frizzier, limper hair before and wavy, full-looking hair after

    26. Wet n Wild Catsuit Liquid Lipsticks saturate your lips with matte color and last ALL DAY, rivaling Jeffree Star's Velour Lipsticks.

    An assortment of the Wet n Wild lipsticks in various bright and subdued colors, all open and showing the doefoot applicator

    27. E.l.f. Poreless Putty primer is infused with squalene to hydrate, smooth over skin for a seamless finish, and hold onto makeup for all-day staying power — better than Benefit's Porefessional Primer. You mayyyy have seen this all over TikTok, and the reviews back up the hype!

    A reviewer showing their pores being blurred after using the primer

    28. Or if you prefer gripping-style primers like Milk Hydro Grip (which reviewers say this is similar to!), E.l.f.'s Power Grip is formulated with hyaluronic acid to plump the appearance of skin and designed to *hug* to your makeup for all-day wear. And it's fragrance-free!

    Promising reviews: "I got a little sample of the Milk Hydro Grip primer, but when I went to buy it...$36 for a relatively small bottle! I wanted to find a good alternative, so I bought this. It is PERFECT! Nearly identical formula. I have sensitive skin and this did not break me out. It really does help keep makeup on all day and makes your skin look smooth. I highly recommend this." —Allison

    E.l.f. Power Grip: $9.36 at Amazon

    Milk Hydro Grip: $20+ at Amazon (available in four sizes)

    You save: $10.62+

    29. Naturium's 2% BHA leave-on liquid exfoliant works to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, so your skin *glows*, with reduced breakouts and less visible pores. And you'll save money on the cult-fave Paula's Choice liquid exfoliant, which does the same thing but for almost two times the price!

    A bottle of Natrium BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2%, highlighting ingredients BHAs and encapsulated salicylic acid, which help exfoliate skin, unclog pores, and smooth complexion

    30. Bedsure's satin pillowcases help maintain hair and skin health even as you sleep, reducing pesky frizz and breakage when compared with regular cotton or other fiber pillowcases — that means longer-lasting blowouts and less damage in the long run. Why spend the money on pricey brands like Slip and Blissy?

    the pillowcases in grey
    Amazon

    This is my go-to satin pillowcase. I have two Slip pillowcases, and several of these, and actually, the Bedsure ones wash up much nicer and retain an incredibly silky smooth feel after dozens of trips through the laundry. They're the only ones I'll buy going forward, and I recommended them to my mom, and now she's in love with them, too!

    Promising review: "I ordered these pillowcases just to see if they could compete with Blissy. Well, they can. I have washed them three times, and they came out great. They seem to protect your hair and skin. So, I’m very happy with them." —EMc

    Promising review: "This pillowcase has been an absolute game-changer! It feels incredibly luxurious, and the impact on my hair and skin has been remarkable. Since I've started using these satin pillowcases, I've noticed significantly less hair breakage and fewer tangles. My hair feels smoother and healthier than ever before. But the real magic happens with my skin. When I wake up, my face has no more sleep lines or creases. It's like I've discovered the fountain of youth! I can't believe the positive difference these pillowcases have made in my daily beauty routine. They're a small investment that yields big results. If you want to wake up feeling and looking refreshed, do yourself a favor and grab these satin pillowcases. you won't regret it!" —Ventus

    Bedsure satin pillowcases: $4.99 at Amazon (available in standard, queen, king, and body pillow sizes and 37 colors)

    Slip satin pillowcases: $74 at Amazon (available in king and queen sizes and 16 colors)

    You save: $69.01.

    31. NYX's Micro Brow pencil outlasts Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz, has the same colors, and will make your brows look better than ever, thanks to the design with a spoolie on one side and a super narrow pencil tip one one perfect for drawing on realistic, hairlike strokes in just seconds on the other.

    reviewer with swatches of both the Nyx brow pencil and ABH brow pencil on their hand
    gif of BuzzFeed author wearing brow pencil
    www.amazon.com, Jordan Grigsby / BuzzFeed

    My ABH brow pencil just ran out, and instead of replenishing it, I bought this instead! The shade I wear (taupe) is pretty much identical, and I'm loving it so far! BuzzFeed Shopping writer Jordan Grigsby (pictured on the right above!) loves it too!

    "Just as good as the Anastasia Beverly Hills brow wiz! It's literally half the cost. I use the color 'taupe' in the NYX version, and it's exactly the same as the color 'taupe' in ABH. It's just as precise with just as much color payoff. This product has saved me so much money and my brows still look awesome." —yesnokatyso

    "The NYX version is about half the price as the Brow Wiz, and from years of experience using both, the NYX pencil lasts over twice as long as the Brow Wiz, and the colors are so much better for me." —oatmeal1991

    NYX Micro Brow Pencil: $8.82 at Amazon (available in 12 shades).

    Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz: $25 at Sephora (available in 12 shades).

    You save: $16.18

    32. NYX Brow Glue, an extreme hold eyebrow gel (up to 16 hours!) to keep your brow hairs in place alllll day long, especially if you like that "laminated" look. Reviewers agree the hold is great, the formula doesn't flake off, and that it also washes off easily — and is a great alternative to ABH Brow Freeze, too!

    Promising review: "I would use hair spray to hold my eyebrows, and throughout the day I would sweat through it, and it wouldn’t last. I tried this because the price was great and I’m glad I did. This product is awesome. I’ve had it on my brows for a nine-hour shift, and they are still in place! It doesn’t dry and get flakey, nor does it feel uncomfortable on the skin. Lastly, I use brow powder, and this does NOT affect the look of the powder nor does it smudge it. I will FOREVER buy this product." —Shelby

    Promising review: "OK, I was skeptical as I love my ABH Brow Freeze. But a friend did my makeup and used it, and I was really impressed. So, I got some and played with it on my own. It is so much smoother to glide through my brows. I work it through back and front, then again with a clean spoolie. I LOVE the results. It also washes out really well (even if I don't use a makeup wipe)." —Miss Jordan

    NYX Brow Glue $9.97 at Amazon (available in clear, plus four tinted shades).

    Anastasia Brow Freeze: $23 at Amazon (you have to buy the spoolie separately for $17).

    You save: $30.03.

    33. CeraVe Retinol Serum 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).

    A reviewer's before/after with reduced redness, texture, acne and scarring

    34. E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter is comparable to (or even better than) Charlotte Tilbury's famous Flawless Filter, according to reviewers. 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

    E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter: $14 at Amazon (available in 12 shades)

    Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter: $49 at Sephora (available in 12 shades)

    You save: $35

    35. And their Halo Glow Beauty Wand, a buildable liquid highlighter formula, delivers a majorly radiant, lit-from-within finish to your skin without lots of glitter (like Charlotte Tilbury's highlighter blush wands). The cushion-tip applicator is super easy to apply, too!

    the three shades swatched on arms with different skin tones
    the tip of the wind with the rose quartz shade flowing out
    Amazon

    One reviewer says it's an alternative to the Charlotte Tilbury highlighters!

    Promising review: "We saw this highlighter in a makeup tutorial video online and thought we would try it. It was an easy decision to purchase it because the price was relatively low compared to other highlighters. It is worth every penny and more! I’ve seen this shade applied on different skin tones and it looks beautiful on everyone! Just the right shimmer, not glitter. It’s gorgeous!" —Joyinmyheart

    Halo Glow Beauty Wand: $9 at Amazon (available in three shades). E.l.f. also has reviewer-loved blush and contour shades in the same wand design! 

    Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Highlighter Wand: $42 at Sephora (available in seven shades)

    You save: $33

    When you realize if you buy everything on this list instead of the expensive version, you'd save over $1,500 total:

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