Health & beauty

Bargain Swaps for Oprah's Fave Beauty Things

We love the beauty products Oprah has featured in her "Favorite Things" episodes over the years, but not their price tags. Here we share budget-friendly alternatives.

March 25, 2010 | by Anna Jimenez | 40 COMMENTS

Budget-Friendly Alternative: Benefit Silky-Finish Lipstick, $18 Most people would have a hard time spending more than 50 bucks on one lipstick -- no matter how silky, smooth and slender it is. That's why this version from Benefit is a great alternative. It boasts the same attributes -- soft, light texture and a thin tube that's perfect for your purse -- at a much lower price.

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products mentioned

Clarins Sunscreen Cream High Protection SPF 30

5.3

Neutrogena Healthy Defense Oil-Free Sunblock

7.4

Kai Body Butter

8.0

Kai Body Buffer

8.5

Simply Suds Lavender Body Butter

0.0

Simply Suds Lavender Loofah Slices

0.0

Clarisonic Classic Sonic Skin Cleansing System

9.2

Neutrogena Wave Original Vibrating Power-Cleanser

6.5

Yves Saint Laurent Beauty BLUSH VARIATION

8.8

Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Blush &...

7.7

Claus Porto Bath Soap

0.0

Mistral Green Fig French Shea Butter Soap

0.0

Nars Kabuki Artisan Botan Brush

0.0

Too Faced Kabuki Brush

9.3

Cle de Peau Extra Silky Lipstick

8.0

Benefit Silky Finish Lipstick

7.0

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Some products I like (Physician's Formula blush), but I am tired of hearing what Oprah uses and doesn't use (no offense, please).

by GigiSD Monday, April 29, 2013 at 11:51AM Report as inappropriate

some great dupe ideas.

by Chris213 Friday, October 5, 2012 at 07:11AM Report as inappropriate

Some of the products were definitely over the top in terms of prices for the average woman who has a budget and other people to consider as well. Not having children makes a huge difference in what a person can comfortably spend and their disposable income. There are some things here that dont interest me at all while others I would love to try. I dont think the Clarins product is that far out they are good quality and I do buy from that line, always watching for promotiond and "frequent shopper bonuses. Purchased correctly Shopperd Drug mart in Canada akk==llos significant points accumulation and they can then be redeemed fr product. I average about 400-600 yearly in cash at the store. This involves shopping during bonus times and since it includes everyday itemd l There are definitely great products out there and with promotional points systems you get

by mum21 Friday, September 14, 2012 at 10:02PM Report as inappropriate

oprah? not impressed.

by LittleBunny Sunday, July 29, 2012 at 05:54PM Report as inappropriate

Oprah- eh whatever. Some products look decent.

by Nicole1021 Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 07:15AM Report as inappropriate

I do not trust Oprah's choice in books or beauty products.

by jola64 Friday, April 20, 2012 at 01:26PM Report as inappropriate

I'm not a huge Oprah fan, but I know her favorite things lists are famous so this was fun to read. I definitely recommend the Olay Pro-X as a budget version of the Clairsonic Mia. It's a little pricier than the Neutrogena Wave, but it does work very well.

by tallredamanda Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 05:37AM Report as inappropriate

I love splurge and steal ideas.

by beautybody Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at 10:41PM Report as inappropriate

I love articles like this because they give you some really great ideas about alternative products to use for us kittens. I'm a girlie girl and really love all the products, but unfortunately I can't afford all of Oprah's favorite things, nor do I want them. I like to find my own things that are reasonably priced for me and my budget, and comparable to some of the ones that Oprah loves, if you will. It's all about personal preference, and I'm all for that. I like being able to find products with the same great quality but for less and that is my motto. All-in-all, I love all the great products and info!!!!! Keep it coming!!!!

by jbynum Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at 12:57PM Report as inappropriate

oh I've been going back and forth between the wave and the Olay Pro-X scrubber i can't decide but its definately been on my wishlist for a long time. I love Oprah, what an awesome lady!!

by Alisunshine Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at 11:12AM Report as inappropriate

I love the budget friendly alternatives! I will say that I do believe in my Clairisonic MIA. I purchased the MIA for about half the price of the original, and I love mine! If you don't want to pay for the MIA., pick up the Olay version for a very reasonable price!

by powerwoman033 Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 05:16PM Report as inappropriate

great alternatives.

by lazorc Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 07:10PM Report as inappropriate

Oprah is such a junk peddler. Thanks for sane alternatives.

by krycekov Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 06:22AM Report as inappropriate

Wow! Fantastic affordable swap suggestions! But the Olay Pro-X Clairsonic wannabe is better (and more similar to the Clairsonic) than the Wave.

by Jewelrydesigner Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 07:58PM Report as inappropriate

great thank you so affordable

by Nicole2814 Saturday, December 24, 2011 at 09:56PM Report as inappropriate

Some great suggestions!

by TBjunkie Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 09:58PM Report as inappropriate

I love how the luxury, plus affordable products were mentioned !

by applepiealamode Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at 02:40PM Report as inappropriate

Wave was a huge waste of money. I'd go for the new Olay one instead.

by Piggie8 Monday, November 14, 2011 at 11:05PM Report as inappropriate

I love the Wave! In one use my skin was amazingly smoother and clean but not dry! Love LOVE it!

by GIJill Saturday, October 29, 2011 at 05:53AM Report as inappropriate

Thank you for the budge rated alternative!

by MissXu Saturday, October 8, 2011 at 02:27PM Report as inappropriate

Oprah is so over rated

by Bon_Bon Monday, August 15, 2011 at 01:53PM Report as inappropriate

Hmmmmm, usually I go on my own info. Plus, I need items that are in my price range.

by MissPurple Monday, August 1, 2011 at 01:07PM Report as inappropriate

LOVE this article! Like many women, I LOVE and respect Oprah's opinion! Thanks for this great article!!

by ladyboarder9669 Thursday, June 30, 2011 at 02:42PM Report as inappropriate

Sorry Oprah but I'll take Lancaster sunblock over any you recommend! Just because they're the best,not that I have anything against Oprah:)

by selma Thursday, June 30, 2011 at 01:42AM Report as inappropriate

Wonderful tips. I will have to try these alternatives!

by LittleBunny Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at 05:36PM Report as inappropriate

Good to know that there are cheaper alternatives that still work good.

by sarahsuperstar Friday, May 13, 2011 at 07:29PM Report as inappropriate

This gig only is good if you are either in the audience during one of these shows or the manufacturer/seller of one of the items she picks, that's all.

by keatonkat Saturday, May 7, 2011 at 10:22AM Report as inappropriate

i love to try out new bath items i love lushh!

by azngrl25 Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 04:23PM Report as inappropriate

everyone cares about what oprah thinks! things she likes sell out super fast!

by kenya Friday, April 22, 2011 at 01:40PM Report as inappropriate

Good to know i am not the only one that dont about what Oprah likes

by debjosh Monday, April 11, 2011 at 03:55AM Report as inappropriate

arg. don't care.

by yckitsmary Sunday, April 10, 2011 at 01:09PM Report as inappropriate

I LOOOOOOVE Too Faced's pink retractable kabuki brush. It's super soft, incredibly dense, and cute.

by LipglossandSpandex Friday, April 8, 2011 at 09:46PM Report as inappropriate

i agree with the other posters: why is everything she endorses so expensive?! on the other hand, i would love to be in the audience for one of these favorite things shows!!

by mlenaei Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 09:13AM Report as inappropriate

no one cares what oprah likes, she has all the momey in the world

by judyangel101 Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at 01:46PM Report as inappropriate

Oprah's opinion is of no interest to me.

by LittleBunny Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at 07:18AM Report as inappropriate

why do we all care what Oprah likes???

by Bon_Bon Monday, February 21, 2011 at 03:18PM Report as inappropriate

Too much money

by LittleBunny Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at 08:15AM Report as inappropriate

I love Nars but I just cannot believe that outrageous price! When I spent $20 on a brush I felt like I was being ripped off, lol. This is a fantastic article I am going to look into the loofah slices now.

by pynkNymphette Monday, January 10, 2011 at 10:01PM Report as inappropriate

I like these type of articles (for those of us who aren't the Oprahs of the world!). How insane to pay $75.00 for ONE makeup brush! Geesh!

by dawnrager Monday, January 10, 2011 at 09:30AM Report as inappropriate

omg this is great for thos of us who can't afford what oprah can!

by kenya Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at 10:42AM Report as inappropriate

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