23 Cheap Things That Look Way More Expensive Than Their Price Tag

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

You’ll be winning at the game called life with these picks.

1. A pair of mules people may mistake for a certain designer brand, and you don’t have to correct them if they do.

Promising review: “I bought these for a business trip, and they have held up surprisingly well! I have owned these for about two months, and they still look great! They are exactly as pictured, but look like they should be much more expensive than they actually are! They’re slightly padded inside, and I have worn these through airports on two separate trips and to walk around in a city on multiple occasions, and they have been more comfortable than I expected them to be! I even walked outside in the rain and they still held up nicely. They stay on my feet well and fit true to size. Overall, I’m really happy with this purchase.” —Rachel A.

Get them from Amazon for $36.98+ (available in women’s sizes 6–10 and in 20 colors and prints).

2. A set of vintage-inspired glass mugs to make your morning cup of coffee or even yogurt parfait feel absolutely regal. The mugs also come with coordinating gold-colored spoons!

Promising review: “Came straight to Amazon when I saw these beautiful mugs on TikTok. I just had to have them! I’m very picky with mugs, these are perfect for me. Stunning to look at and a pleasure to drink out of. Highly recommend!” —Margarita Harutoonian

Get a set of two translucent cups from Amazon for $15.99.

3. A lipstick you’ll go out of your way to reapply when you’re around people because the reaction to seeing the tube will elicit the biggest “OOOOOH, that’s gorgeous” you’ve ever heard. Promising review: “The package of this lip is delicate, even more beautiful than my Tom Ford. It’s a matte lip, not very dry even though I don’t use the balm as a base. I used this lip every day last week, and almost every day someone asked me about this. I love it and recommend!” —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 10 shades and also two sets of three).

4. A set of two buttery-soft satin pillowcases so your skincare and haircare can – well – stay on your skin and hair (and not absorb into the fabric of your bedding), all while having a much friendlier price tag than a silk style. 
Amazon

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

Get a set of two from Amazon for $5.57+ (available in four sizes and 35 colors). 

5. A maxi cutout dress I’m pretty sure is guaranteed to make your confidence level shoot up the second you put this on. And when you’re radiating confidence, you’ll feel like a gd superstar, trust me.Promising review: “10 stars. Absolute best dress I’ve purchased on Amazon! Amazing fit. Beautiful, perfect neutral. Not see-through and super comfortable. Makes me feel like a goddess. I’m in love.” —T.C.

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in women’s sizes S–XL and 14 colors and lengths).

6. A fashionista pouch. It’s not necessarily designed to be a purse, but something this cool and beautiful deserves to be shown to the world. Eeni Edit

Eeni Edit is a Black woman-owned business with some amazing illustrations and art that I am OBSESSED with!

Get it from Eeni Edit for $20. 

7. Polarized vintage-inspired sunglasses you’ll have ~a-round~ for a long time because this style is made to stand the test of time. Promising review: “OBSESSED!!!! They’re sooo cute! They look super high end and expensive. They’re very light weight and fashionable. I love everything about them. They came in the cutest box, came with a drawstring bag to hold them in and a lens cloth! Love love love !” —Tianna

Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in six colors and two sets). 

8. A sardine trinket tray so you can ~o-fish-ially~ have the coolest home decor without spending thousands of dollars. This is the perfect little thing to place you earrings, hair clips, or keys on.
Amazon

Promising review: “I love this fun, perfect-sized little tray. I empty my pockets and leave everything on this when I get home every day.” —Octavio

Get it from Amazon for $18.95 (available in three styles).

9. A luxe brow pomade to give your eyebrows a touch of volume and color for a natural look you’ll love. 

Merit

Promising review: “Everything about this product is so intentional. It provides the perfect tint without being too heavy and looks so natural. I just love that Merit uses clean, cruelty-free ingredients in their products.” —Amanda H.

Get it from Merit for $24 (available in three shades). 

10. A silicone placemat in neutral colors with small details because not every single thing you buy for your child has to stick out like a sore thumb in your home. These will match your decor *and* protect your table from the mess of food that does not make it into your child’s mouth during dinner.

Amazon

Plus, you can also get the matching bib!

Promising review: “I’m the biggest fan of all things Mushie. I love the neutral colors, cutest prints, and clean products. I already own several placemats (floral print, rainbow, and a pretty mauve/blush color) but I had to get this grey one too. Totally gender neutral, smooth, chic, and worry-free because it is clean, non-toxic, and made by a real mom. Happy to support a woman/mama-owned business.” —Paul Kwon

Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in 25 colors).

11. A faux suede pouf that actually comes unstuffed, which means you can fill it with your extra blankets and pillows for a chic storage piece you can rest your feet on while you watch TV. Promising review: “I live in a one-bedroom apartment and there isn’t a lot of storage, I have wanted a pouf but I couldn’t justify the expense. Then I read an article about poufs that you can stuff pillows, blankets, etc in. I went on Amazon and I found these beauties. They look great and can store a lot of pillows, bedspreads, blankets, etc. I do mean a lot. They are soft but firm to sit on. I also use them to stand on to reach objects on the top of my bookcase. I highly recommend them!” —Julie Brum

Get it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in five colors).

12. A north star ring for a subtle sparkle sure to get tons of compliments from people who will then ask you where you got it from. And if you want to say you picked it up at a fancy boutique that you don’t remember the name of…your secret is safe with me.

Promising review: “Gorgeous ring!! It sparkles and shines just as an expensive gold ring would. I am absolutely thrilled with the quality of the ring and the beauty!” —NYC customer

Get it from Amazon for $13.95+ (available in five sizes and three colors). 

13. A set of geode agate bookends that ~rock~ at keeping your collection of books organized and upright.Promising review: “Love! I get compliments on these ALL the time! They look so high-end and much more expensive than they actually are. A great way to add some color and texture when styling built-ins!” —elise1230

Get a set of two from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in four weights and in six colors).

14. A gold watering can and mister you can not only use to water your plants but then leave out after you’re done as a chic piece of decor. Plus, you’ll never have to admit to your friends that you used to water your plants with a boring old cup. Promising review: “This watering can is so easy to use, and it holds a lot more water than you would think by the size. I also love the cap that comes on the end of the spout — a great way to avoid spills!! Appreciate the pretty mister that comes with it, too. Both look very nice on the shelf where I house my plants in front of a window.” —MC Phillips

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

15. A pair of pleated palazzo pants combining comfort and style into a bottom option that you can wear with so many tops you already have in your closet. Plus, they’re super lightweight, which is great for summer weather, but it can totally also be worn in the spring, too.

Reviewers do mention that the pants can be a little see-through, but wearing nude undergarments helps.

Promising review: “I got these pants in black, and I’m ordering the grey ones now. I saw these on a fashion page on IG for triple the price. These are comfortable, stretchy, and easy to style. At times you can see your undies, so just wear flesh color, easy fix. I wear them for work, and I have worn them with sneakers and a T-shirt.” —PRISCILLA

Get it from Amazon for $19.75+ (available in women’s sizes S–XL and in 25 colors).

16. A set of black foil playing cards for sure to impress your friends when you have them over for a game night. Just be sure to practice your shuffling skills to make it seem like you were an extra in Ocean’s 11.Promising review: “My husband and I have friends over occasionally to play cards at our house. So upon looking for some new cards I saw these, and I had to get them. They are so sleek and unlike any deck I’ve ever seen. Also, they are plastic cards! Even the case is plastic! I was surprised but happy about it. Plastic is much more durable than paper and will last longer. The holographic designs on the cards are beautiful. The back of the cards almost looks like a rainbow when the light hits them a certain way, so does the card packaging. The front of the cards is just beyond cool. These far exceeded my expectations.” —MesEHair

Get it from Amazon for $6.49+ (available in seven styles).

17. A set of amber soap dispensers because nothing screams “I HAVE A LOT OF MONEY” like sleek nonlabeled soap dispensers, even if you got the soap inside from CVS with your 40% off coupon.Promising review: “These are amazing soap dispensers. The amber glass is sturdy and strong, and the pump works great. They’re easy to fill and they look so good on your bathroom or kitchen countertop. Highly recommend!” —Emily

Get a two-pack from Amazon for $13.49+ (available in three different pump colors).

18. A splash catchall dish sure to make a ~splash~ in your home because it will give you a place to set your keys down immediately when you get home. Mercia Moore

Mercia Moore Artisan Studio is a Black woman-owned small business that creates home decor and jewelry out of epoxy resin and acrylics inspired by African American diaspora.

Get it from Mercia Moore for $30. 

19. A set of sleek raised cat food bowls that are not only designed to help your cat have proper posture while eating (which helps with their digestion) but also won’t clash with the rest of your nice-looking home decor pieces.Amazon

Plus, they’re dishwasher safe!

Promising review: “I love these cat bowls. They are very easy to clean, they have a nice modern look, and best of all, they are ergonomic/healthy for your cat (or very small dog). They have almost completely eliminated my cat’s “scarf and barf” tendencies. If you’re on the fence, buy them.” –J Rucker

Get them from Amazon for $14.13+ (available in two colors and with or without mats). 

20. A jade roller and gua sha set that not only looks super luxe but will actually help you make your skincare routine feel fancier. You can use this on your face to help reduce puffiness, firm skin, and release any muscle tension.

Promising review: “I’ve only been using it for the last three days but it’s so relaxing and beneficial. I can already tell a difference in my skin and for the price this is so worth it. I love the packaging because it’s in such a cute magnetic box and come with instructions for the more beneficial way to use the product!” —brianna

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in six colors).

If you want to learn more, check out a full review on everything you need to know about jade rolling.

21. A set of porcelain serving bowls you can use to create Instaworthy salads, bowls, or even pastas.Amazon

Promising review: “I wish I’d have bought these years ago. Having a dinner salad has always been a choice of cramming it into a bowl or having it fall off a plate. With these, that issue is solved and, as a bonus, things like pasta are much easier to serve and eat. They are very well made and heavy.” —CNorris

Get a set of two from Amazon for $25.99 (available in three colors).

22. An underwire bodysuit giving me big Boss energy, even if you’re just the boss of your own life. This style with basically any bottom is sure to be a 10/10.

Promising review: “I purchased this bodysuit to wear to a concert and didn’t think I would ever wear it again, but I was PLEASANTLY shocked with how amazing it turned out. I have a larger bust but a smaller waist so I ordered a small, the fit was perfect. The straps adjust really well and everyone LOVED my outfit.” —Hope Perkins

Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in women’s sizes XS–XXL and in 17 colors).

23. A fluffy area rug that’ll make you feel like you’re stepping on an actual cloud (!!!), as well as add a simple but stylish touch to your living space.Amazon

Promising review: “Best rug EVER! No seriously…it is so soft! Bought this one for our living room. We have a similar rug we purchased at Lowes for three times the price for our bedroom and my husband and I decided that we would buy this one again instead. We are actually ordering two more for the baby’s room and our middle daughter’s room. So many people have complimented this rug and asked us to send them the link!” —Ashley Bryan

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in 17 colors).

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.