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If You're Cheap But Want To Look Better, You'll Love These 44 Things On Amazon

We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team.

by Maria Cassano
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Personally, I don’t believe that you have to spend a ton of money in order to look and feel your best. You won’t find any super-expensive designer clothes in my closet or high-end beauty products in my cosmetics bag — but that doesn’t mean I don’t invest in myself. Rather, I just prefer to spend my money on things that give me the most value, like versatile clothing staples you can wear with any outfit, cheap beauty products that actually work, and affordable alternatives that are as good as the name-brand options for a fraction of the price. If you’re cheap but want to look better and feel more confident, Amazon is the place to go.

Why? Unlike a dollar store or a discount department chain, Amazon has a massive community of vocal shoppers. That way, if the $25 jeans or the $6 setting powder seem too good to be true, you can just consult the ratings and reviews to ensure that you are, in fact, buying something really nice for a reasonable cost. The things on this list include some of Amazon’s top sellers with thousands of reviews, and they’re so popular for a simple reason: They help you feel great without spending a bunch of money.

1These 3 Layering Necklaces For Just $15

Plated in 14-karat gold with hypoallergenic metal underneath, this necklace set gives you the layered look without the hassle — or the price tag. This particular one has a choker chain, a circle pendant, and a hammered disc, but there are countless other looks to choose from: Opt for sets with up to four pieces and with charms like butterflies, pearls, bars, moons, and triangles.

2The “Best White T-Shirt” — Or Any Other Color

A basic T-shirt is an essential building block for any wardrobe, but some are definitely better than others. Customers have called the Hanes Nano the “best white T-shirt” on the market, not to mention the “best bargain.” The ribbed crew neckline and pre-shrunk, ring-spun cotton looks great wash after wash, and if white isn’t your color, it comes in 18 other shades, too.

  • Available sizes: Small — 5X-Large

3This Tote Bag That Could Pass For Designer

“This tote looks far more expensive than it was and I receive compliments all the time. People think it's designer even though there is no logo anywhere in sight,” one reviewer wrote about this stylish shoulder purse. Its roomy interior is big enough for books and laptops, while its reinforced inner pocket keeps your phone and sunglasses within reach. It also comes in loads of faux-leather colors, all with a stylish tassel.

4This Deeply Repairing Lip Balm That’s “Unbelievable”

Dry, cracked lips? Reviewers have called O’Keeffe’s Lip Repair Night Lip Balm “unbelievable,” “miraculous,” and “THE best lip balm” they’ve ever used. Much like the brand’s cult-favorite hand and foot lotions, this balm heals cracks and locks in moisture with conditioning oils. It’s also hypoallergenic and has “no taste and no thick petroleum feel.”

5These Flats That Are An Affordable Alternative To Rothy’s

Reviewers have called these ballet flats an excellent alternative “for the super expensive Rothy’s at a fraction of the price.” They have the same canvas-like fabric, triangular upper, and stylish color options, but each pair costs less than $30. They’re also flexible, soft, comfortable, and machine-washable, according to past buyers.

  • Available sizes: 6 — 11

6Some Chunky Gold Hoops That Are So On Trend

Chunky hoops are back in, and you can get in on the trend for $14. These hoop earrings come in four sizes and three finishes (rose, white, and yellow), and all of them are plated in 14-karat gold with a hypoallergenic, nickel-free base. Despite the bold style, reviewers have called them “so lightweight” they “don’t even notice them.”

7This Chic Turtleneck Bodysuit With 18,000+ Ratings

Tuck it into a high-waisted skirt. Pair it with jeans. Layer it under a blazer. With this wildly popular turtleneck bodysuit, the possibilities are endless — especially since it comes in nearly 30 different colors and won’t come untucked. The ultra-soft modal and spandex blend is comfy and stretchy, while the snap-button closure makes it easy to use the bathroom.

  • Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large

8These No-Show Socks That Actually Stay Up

Even though they’re virtually invisible underneath most low-top sneakers, one reviewer wrote that they “stay put” and they’re “not constantly tugging on them throughout the day.” These no-show socks are also made from a stretchy cotton blend, and they have built-in silicone strips that comfortably grip your heel. Despite the cushioned foot and reinforced toe seam, they’re breathable and non-bulky, too.

  • Available sizes: Small — Large

9A Great Deal On Some Great Thongs

For $10, you can grab this pack of six— and if you don’t love the colors shown here, there are several other multi-packs to choose from, including all black. They’re made from 95% cotton with 5% spandex for stretch, so they’re breathable, durable, and feel great on your skin. “These are very comfortable,” one reviewer raved. “They wash well. Great price for a great product!”

  • Available sizes: Small — X-Large

10These Polarized Sunglasses That Supposedly Compare To Ray-Bans

“I have been LIVING in these sunglasses since they arrived at my doorstep!” wrote one reviewer who commented that they compare to Ray-Bans in their style and level of eye protection. Others wrote that they “actually prefer these” because they’re lighter weight and more comfortable. In addition to the round polarized lenses in your choice of nine colors, they also have metal frames, comfortable nose pads, and a UV coating.

11These Skinny Jeans That You Pull Right On Like Leggings

Even though they’re as comfortable and as practical as leggings, these Signature by Levi Strauss & Co Gold Label pants have earned themselves a number-one best-selling spot in the women’s jeans category. They’re made from cotton denim, so they offer structure and an elevated look in your choice of eight colors. That said, because of their elastic waistband that pulls right on (no buttons or zippers required), reviewers report that they’re “so comfortable you could wear them to sleep.”

  • Available sizes: 2 — 28

12An 8-Second Hair Mask That’s Deeply Hydrating, But Not Greasy

People are “obsessed” with L’Oreal Paris Elvive Wonder Water and have called it the “best hair conditioning mask” they have “ever used.” In just eight seconds, it penetrates hair strands with lamellas, which reinforce follicles and minimize split ends — but because the formula is water-based, even the thinnest hair experiences healing without feeling weight-down or greasy. No matter their length or hair type, buyers rave about the improved shine, texture, and manageability.

13The “Most Comfortable Bra” You’ll Probably Ever Own

The Warner’s Easy Does It bra doesn’t have any wires whatsoever — but it does have over 25,000 reviews, a 4.4-star rating overall, and a best-selling status in everyday bras. It uses wide straps, high side panels, and lightly padded cups to offer ample support while feeling like you’re wearing nothing at all, and past buyers are obsessed: “I can honestly say this is the most comfortable and supportive bra I have ever had! I have since purchased more to stockpile.” Choose from almost 20 colors.

  • Available sizes: X-Small — 2X

14This Balm That Keeps Your Eyebrows In Place All Day

The big brow trend is still going strong, and this affordable duo of eyebrow styling soaps ensure that your brows stay styled from dawn until dusk. (Each pack comes with two tins and two application brushes.) This clear gel adds thickness, texture, and volume, all while keeping individual hairs in place. Since it’s free from fragrance and irritating ingredients, it can be left on for hours at a time.

15A Stylish Satin Scarf With Countless Ways To Style It

Available in over 40 different colors and patterns, these satin scarves are soft and square shaped, which is why they’re so versatile. Reviewers have worn them as bandanas, headbands, neck scarves, hair wraps, cover-ups, and even shirts — or they can be used as a purse accent or home decor. “I absolutely adore these headscarves,” one reviewer wrote, “so much so that I bought two more after it! They're enormous, so perfect for every manner of style or wrap you could ever want to achieve.”

16These Stud Earrings That Look Way More Expensive Than They Are

“People think that I’ve spent closer to $1100 on them!” one reviewer wrote about these Amazon Essentials stud earrings. Another raved, “Bought them for my wedding and the photographers kept remarking how beautiful they looked in the light.” In actuality, though, they’re made using cubic zirconia and plated in sterling silver, so you get the sparkle without the price tag. You can also customize the size, color, and cut.

  • Available sizes: 4.5mm to 8.5mm

17A Quick, Easy Way To Smooth Down Split Ends & Flyaways

Because it’s the same size and shape as a tube of mascara, this hair finishing cream is travel-friendly and fits effortlessly in your cosmetics bag. The wax formula and the application stick, however, aren’t for your eyelashes, but for your hair: They smooth down flyaways, split ends, fussy bangs, and strands that are too short for your up-do, so your hair looks flawless all day long.

18A Collection Of 20 Clips For $10

Made from durable materials like acrylic resin, imitation pearls, and metal alloy, these fashion hair clips are trendy and well-made. Best of all, they come in a pack of 20, from gold-twist bobby pins to animal-print barrettes, so you have a match for virtually any outfit. “Retro and so adorable,” one reviewer wrote.

19This Pillowcase That “Really Makes A Difference” For Your Hair & Skin

“I definitely notice a difference in my hair sleeping with this pillowcase. Less frizz and breakage,” one reviewer wrote about the Kitsch pillowcase. Another commented, “I have acne-prone skin and haven't had a breakout since I began using the pillowcase over a month ago!” It’s made from vegan satin, so it’s soft, silky, cooling, and friction-resistant. As a result, unlike other materials, it’s gentler on hair and won’t absorb essential moisture from your skin. Choose between six colors, both solids and patterns.

  • Available sizes: Standard — King

20This Basic Dress You’ll Want To Live In

“I love these dresses,” one reviewer wrote. “I bought two and I am about to order more. [...] Dress up or wear to bed. I can literally live in them.” Thanks to its two sleeve lengths, scoop neck, flowy silhouette, and soft fabric, this classic dress is unbelievably comfortable and super easy to dress up or down. No matter which color or pattern you go for, they all have pockets, too.

  • Available sizes: Small — 3X-Large

21These Chain Extenders So You Can Customize Any Necklace

When it comes to necklaces, different lengths work better with different necklines or clothing styles — which is why these extender chains are a brilliant idea. Each set comes with four gold and four silver extenders in four different lengths and all are made from durable stainless steel. The dual-ended lobster claws are also sturdy and easy to secure. That way, you can go from a choker to a hanging pendant within seconds.

22These Lip Exfoliators That’re The Key To Smoother Lips

Reviewers call these lip brushes “a must” and their “favorite beauty tool at the moment.” Using a double-sided head made from silicone, it offers two textures that exfoliate your lips without irritation. As a result, your lips can better absorb hydration from balms and look significantly smoother with or without lipstick.

23The Easiest Way To Get Full, Precise Brows

Fill in your brows with precision and efficiency thanks to the iMethod eyebrow pen. Instead of one single tip, this marker has a forked applicator that makes four lines at once for a full but realistic look. The formula is waterproof, smudge-resistant, and long-lasting, and you can choose between seven different shades to match your hair color.

24This Ice Roller For Pain- Or Puff-Relief

Keep it in the freezer, and this ESARORA ice roller will absorb the cold in its textured roller head. You then have targeted relief for pains, sunburn, puffiness, or even dullness. “Extremely affordable and feels great on my face right when I wake up in the morning!” one reviewer wrote. It also comes in various different colors and a few multi-packs.

25The Cult-Favorite Setting Powder That Only Costs $6

The Coty Airspun loose face powder is a cult-favorite beauty product with almost 75,000 reviews. Thanks to its lightweight but versatile formula, it can be used as a foundation that smooths your complexion, a setting powder that takes down any unwanted shine, or a baking powder that keeps your makeup flawless all day. It comes in tinted shades or a translucent option, and even though it’ll cover multiple bases at once, each long-lasting tub costs just $6.

26This Fabric Shaver That Makes Old Clothes & Upholstery Look “Like New”

Thinking about replacing your couch, leggings collection, or winter sweaters? Try the Conair fabric shaver first. Using a protected blade and a battery-powered motor, this little tool safely removes pills, lint, and matted fibers, all without harming the fabric or upholstery. The result, according to a reviewer: “I’m depilling everything. Sweatshirts, leggings, blankets, socks, anything that looks like it needs some love. It does the job quickly and leaves everything looking fresh.”

27A Must-Have Cardigan If You Love Layering

“When I wear this cardigan I can't keep from rubbing up and down my arms,” one reviewer wrote. “I love the way the blend feels and I can tell I will be able to get year-round wear out of this style.” The Amazon Essentials cardigan has an open-front style with cozy ribbing, and it’s sold in upwards of 20 different colors. Since it’s made from a cotton-modal blend, some buyers say it’s the “softest sweater” they own.

  • Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large

28Some Eye Shadow Shields To Catch Excess Product

Whether you’re trying to prevent raccoon eyes or you need a clean edge for eyeshadow, these adhesive makeup shields are so, so helpful. Reviewers raved about how easy they were to apply and that they made creating the perfect cat eye or colored eye shadow look so much easier. One fan gushed, “Works just like in the make up tutorials! helps creates crisp clean lines and catches fall out from eye shadow. Makes it look like i'm a professional!”

29Some Travel-Friendly Wipes To Rescue Your Boots & Shoes

Dirt, scuffs, and salt stains are no match for these Boot Rescue wipes, which come in a resealable pack of 15. As a result, they’re travel-friendly and fit effortlessly in your bag, work desk, or glove compartment, so you can freshen up your shoes wherever you happen to be. The cleansing formula doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals, so it’s non-irritating on skin and safe for leather, even suede.

30A $5 Mascara That Has 125,000+ 5-Star Reviews

Why does a mascara have over 180,000 reviews and a number-one best-selling status? Simple: Value. Even though each tube of essence Lash princess costs $5, the formula offers falsie-like volume without clumping, fading, or flaking. It’s also cruelty-free, and even buyers who have spent $30 on high-end mascaras write things like this “works just as good if not better.”

31These Foot Masks That Make Calluses Peel Off In Sheets

Slip on a pair of these exfoliating foot masks and wear them for roughly an hour. Rinse and massage your feet thoroughly, and then wait for the magic to happen. In about a week, the rough calluses and dry skin will begin to peel off in literal sheets, revealing the fresh, soft skin underneath. “It's weird, yet satisfying! I totally recommend this product,” one reviewer wrote.

32A Buffer That Gives You Salon-Quality Results At Home

According to reviewers, this nail buffer will “give you salon-looking nails for a DIY price.” It’s been called “by far the best” because it uses a mineral-based Japanese material to clean nails, smooth rough textures, minimize cuticles, stimulate growth, and encourage shine.

33This Travel-Friendly Trick That “Streamlines The Makeup Bag”

“It's so easy to apply both as a cheek color and a lip color,” one reviewer wrote about the Palladio two-in-one cheek and lip tint, which comes in six shades. “I love that it gives me the ability to simplify my makeup bag, and that it would be TSA-friendly if I took it traveling.” Other buyers rave about it because it’s subtle, paraben-free, glides on smoothly, is easy to blend, and loaded with skin-friendly antioxidants.

34These Tools For Easy, Secure Buns

“Once you learn the trick, it’s simple to use and the results are amazing,” wrote one reviewer with thin hair who could never do a “proper bun” before. In fact, the Magic Bun Maker has over 4,000 reviews because it rolls hair into a voluminous, neat, and secure up-do. Each pack comes with a few bun makers (some even include hair ties and bobby pins), and you can get them in three shades to match most hair colors.

35A Gorgeous Turtleneck Sweater With An Asymmetrical Hem

When a sweater on Amazon has more than 17,000 ratings, you know it’s worth a second look — and this stunning turtleneck, with batwing sleeves and a statement hem, has fans ravings about its versatility and quality. “The high-low hem is great for wearing it with leggings. I've worn it with olive green leggings and flat boots for a casual look that still works for the office and with faux-leather leggings and heels for a dressier look,” one fan reported, adding “If our winter lasted longer, I'd buy more!”

36This 50-Pack Of Skin-Friendly Double-Sided Tape

Gaps in button-downs, slippery straps, tops that won’t stay put, drapey dresses that need a little security — Fearless tape fixes all of that and more. This double-sided adhesive is safe on both your skin and your clothing, and it’s designed to be waterproof, non-irritating, and easy to apply.

37Some Heel Pads For Preventing & Healing Blisters

You’ll love how these affordable heel pads prevent blisters but you’ll especially love how they come in handy once you already have a blister. The water-resistant, latex-free adhesives actually help heal blisters so you don’t have to hobble around in pain. “These bandages are actually keeping my feet comfortable as I'm walking and helping the cuts and blisters heal far better than a standard bandaid would,” one fan noted. “Super easy to use!”

38An Easy-To-Use Dye That Brightens Your Laundry

Dye right over impossible stains or totally transform the look of your home decor, clothing, and accessories. Rit’s whitener laundry wash is an easy-to-use formula to brighten whites and other colors that have lost their sparkle. It comes in lots of other shades too, and past buyers have dyed outfits, wigs, shoes, towels, and art projects — and since it’s pre-dissolved, you can even use it as a stain on unfinished wood or as a stencil on DIY projects.

39This Cleaning Brush For Leather & Suede

Specifically designed to clean leather, suede, and nubuck, this gentle cleaning brush has been called “a must” for shoes, purses, and belts. It has four tools in one, so you can remove scuff marks, tackle big stains, clean rounded corners, and get deep into crevices. From salt marks to food stains, reviewers report that their leather belongings have made an “amazing recovery.”

40A Clip-On Light That Illuminates All Of Your Selfies

Thanks to this phone clip-on selfie light, you don’t have to wait until golden hour to get the perfect lighting. Clip this ring right onto your phone, pick your brightness level, and start snapping. Its 36 LEDs have the ability to illuminate almost any setting, and since it’s rechargeable via USB, you don’t have to worry about cords or replacement batteries.

41This $28 Watch That Looks Way More Expensive

“I get so many compliments on this watch. People assume it's some expensive brand,” one reviewer wrote about the Nine West watch. Despite its mineral-crystal lens, champagne-colored detailing, and faux-leather strap, it costs less than $30 — and it comes in several other color combinations, too.

42This Cleaning Kit So Your Shoes Look Good As New

From running sneakers to canvas shoes to boots, the Pink Miracle shoe cleaner kit helped reviewers’ washable footwear look “like new again.” The formula consists of concentrated saddle soap and conditioning oils, which works on any washable surface, while the brush uses stiff bristles to remove dirt and discolorations. Basically, if you have a go-to pair of shoes that you can’t seem to part with, a buyer wrote, “This was worth every penny.”

43This $10 Staple For Every Wardrobe

According to its thousands of rave reviews, the Hanes stretch cami checks all of the essential boxes for a must-have wardrobe staple: stretchy, adjustable straps, skin-friendly cotton fabric, a built-in shelf bra, and the ability to layer it or wear it on its own. “I wear one of these things EVERY SINGLE DAY under my shirts,” one reviewer wrote. Choose from eight solid colors.

  • Available sizes: Small — XX-Large

44A Fan-Favorite Oil That Pampers Hands & Nails

If the 80,000-plus reviews and best-selling status aren’t enough to catch your attention, past buyers’ comments on Cuccio Naturale’s cuticle oil might do the trick: “Miracle in a bottle,” one wrote. Another noted, “This product transformed my hands.” Using cold-pressed, plant-based oils, it’s designed to soften cuticles, hydrate hands, and strengthen nails. This one is sweet almond scented, but it comes in a handful of other amazing scents like lavender and chamomile, vanilla bean and sugar, and pomegranate and fig, too.

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