I started doing the Amazon posts last year after doing one for Oprah’s Favorite Things! Many other sites are doing them so I thought I would take a stab at all. I appreciate how much support we got for doing those. As you know, I love shopping and looking for ways to make my life easier. I also love a good bargain and am a thrifty person overall. (I’m thrifty, not cheap!) So when I looked at Oprah’s favorite things this year I was like “what the hell, this stuff is so overpriced!” That’s typical and you could say that about Oprah’s list any year, but I swear there were more affordable choices last year. So this year I’m looking at some of the stuff Oprah recommends and finding more affordable things. As always I’m looking at reviews and trying to find the best option in each category. I know we have some fancy bitches who read us, you know who you are, but I’m trying to be affordable here. (Update I did a follow-up post with more affordable alternatives to Oprah’s favorite things!)
Fancy: Oprah’s colorblock touchscreen enabled gloves: $44 to $98
Affordable: Colorful knit touchscreen enabled gloves: $7 to $12
Oprah’s long colorblock gloves by Zig-Zag look fashionable, but I would lose those things within a week. That’s why I always buy cheap ones, although my mom usually gets me a nice pair for Christmas that I lose too. Here’s a great alternative which would make a very nice gift: knit gloves by Achiou. They come in nine different color options and in sizes medium to extra large, all under $12. They have almost 2,500 ratings, 4 stars and an A from Fakespot! People say they’re warm, that they fit nice and that they work well with touchscreen devices like phones and tablets.
Oprah: A gift set of loose turmeric tea in glass vials: $32
Alternative: A DIY loose tea flavoring set for $22
Oprah is recommending this set of loose turmeric tea blends, which looks nice enough but like one of those gifts people put on a shelf and forget to use. You would have to give this to an adventurous tea-drinker type. Oprah helped create this and people seem to like it so it might be worth the cost. As a slightly more affordable option, this DIY loose tea set is $22 and also makes 75 cups of tea, just like Oprah’s set. It has 4.5 stars, 26 ratings and an A from Fakespot. It’s made of all natural ingredients and comes with six tins of loose leaf tea, five tins of herbal flavoring and one empty mixing tin. Reviewers call it a great gift set and say the quality is excellent, the flavors are wonderful, and the packaging is nice too.
Fancy: Oprah’s French soap gift box, $68 for a box of six 7-ounce soaps
Affordable: Natural soap gift set, $15 for a box of six 4-ounce soaps
I’m sure the luxury soaps Oprah recommends by La Chatelaine are very nice, but are they worth $70? Doubtful. Scented high end soap always makes a very nice gift. For a dollar less an ounce you can get an equally luxurious set of six natural body and face soaps by Art Naturals. They come six to a box in tea tree, lavender, eucalyptus, lemon, grapefruit and orange varieties. They have 4.3 stars, over 600 ratings and a B from Fakespot. Bathers describe the smells as very nice and mild, say that the soap does not irritate sensitive skin and several people have stories about buying them as gifts and deciding to keep them. Here’s another set of gift soaps that are also highly rated, natural and affordable.
Oprah’s vegan leather woven tote: $95
Alternative: A faux leather pebbled tote $16
Oprah is recommending this vegan leather woven tote which comes in six colors. It’s nice enough and not pricey for a bag, but it’s just a plain tote. Those are so cheap on Amazon. This pebbled faux leather tote comes in so many colors, all under $16. It has almost 2,500 ratings, 4 stars and a C from Fakespot. Another option would be this gorgeous and large reversible vegan tote for $28. I would cram so much into that.
Oprah’s choice: Set of five 10mm 10″ glass drinking straws and one brush for $20
Alternative: Set of eight 10mm 10″ glass drinking straws and two brushes for $8
There’s no contest here. Oprah’s glass straws are $4 each and these are $1 each and come with two brushes instead of one. Plus Oprah’s have 4 stars and an F from Fakespot. The less expensive straws have 4.8 stars, 228 ratings and an A from Fakespot.
Oprah’s choice: a 60 by 70 printed reversible faux fur throw for $45
This is actually a decent price for this throw and I can’t find another printed throw I would recommend instead. I need a new couch throw as I have a handwoven one and it looks pretty and matches my decor but is itchy. This G.I.L.I. by Jill Martin throw comes in eight reversible prints, my favorite is the tropical one above, and is a generous size to fit over a couch or a bed. Plus it looks so cozy!
Oprah’s choice: A rotating makeup brush for $98
Affordable alternative: A rechargeable rotating makeup brush for $40
I don’t know why anyone would need a rotating makeup brush, but now that I know they exist of course I want one. There’s no way I would pay $100 for this item though. This $40 rechargeable rotating makeup brush can be used to apply foundation, powder, highlighter and more. It has two speed settings and comes with two different brush heads. It has 3.3 stars, 32 ratings and an A from Fakespot. Women say it saves a lot of time, that it’s quiet, and that it gives an airbrushed look. I want an airbrushed look! Oh and I have to again plug the Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel as the best primer! I’ve mentioned this several times, but if you are not using a primer for your foundation, or if you are using an expensive one (I used to use Too Faced’s Hangover primer), try this and you’ll notice how smooth and poreless your face looks.
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Best vegan leather purses and bags I have found are either Matt & Nat or Nanette Lepore (I’m using one of her vegan leather purses right now, it’s awesome) they are reasonably priced and high quality! Matt & Nat also make vegan leather shoes!
I like the Joy Susan line of vegan leather bags. Good price point, colors, styles and quality. I have half a dozen of the wristlet/cross bodies in multiple colors, a backpack and several totes (and clearly a bag issue, lol!).
i’ve never heard of Joy Susan, will have to check it out! thanks 🙂
Seconded. I got a three in one (tote, cross body, wristlet) Joy Susan set a year ago and I use at least one of them everyday. I love them because they are durable and easy to clean and considering I got three purses for the price of one, it was a great deal.
I got that reversible vegan tote last year, and ended up sending it back, the inside color was really weird.
Oprah stuff does seem very overpriced, thanks for finding cheaper alternatives!
The idea of a rotating makeup brush is just making me laugh, and I don’t know why. 😛 Sorry Oprah, I’ll pass on that!
That said, I am super intrigued now by the Monistat gel as a primer. I’m wondering if it would be okay for my mildly acne-prone skin? I’ve been hunting for a good primer, one that will blur my pores and smooth wrinkles, but that won’t break me out or dry out my already dry skin. I may have to try Monistat once my current primer is used up. Thanks for the tip!
I’ve used some primers, and they have definitely broken me out (Benefit). Now I’m using Jane Iredale which does not. Which one are you using?. I think I’m going to try the monistat but maybe just try it on a tiny area at first.
I recently finished a tube of First Aid Beauty Coconut primer…it didn’t break me out but as a primer it was just okay. I’m now using one by a brand called Pur Cosmetics (no silicone, yay!) and it’s pretty good. It’s not bad at blurring my pores and I can also use it as a moisturizer, it really doesn’t dry me out. No pimples yet, fingers crossed.
For LadyMTL, I’ve used the Monistat for primer and love it!
I’d imagine if it’s to prevent skin from chafing, it wouldn’t be too harsh for you to try.
Good Luck!
The pebbled tote is supposed to be a knock-off of a St. Laurent bag I believe. I’ve seen reviews saying it stinks really bad. I love the vegan bag, though! Another good primer is the ELF poreless primer putty, $8. It is a dupe for the Tatcha primer, $52. I just couldn’t put vagina cream on my face- I really enjoy putting on makeup and this would mentally ruin it for me but it’s a clever trick!
The woven vegan tote is supposed to be a Bottega knock-off, I think. And I love the vegan reversible tote! It looks like real, soft leather.
Yeah, it looks more like a Bottega knock off, the woven leather (in bottegas case) is their signature look. I’ve been looking for a decent tote for a while but Im a stickler for a zip close on my bags, too many thieving bams where I live.
The cream is made by Monistat, but it’s definitely meant for external use to prevent chafing, so not “vagina cream”. I used it when I was pregnant in the middle of the Houston summer so that I could comfortably wear dresses without my thighs catching fire. I don’t ordinarily wear primer because I wear a sheer coverage foundation and subtle makeup look daily, but when I want a little bit “more” I’ve used it as a primer and was very pleased with the results.
Ok, I knew someone would have to correct me and say it’s not “vagina” cream. Very well, I don’t want to put labia cream on my face!
You’re still wrong. It’s not labia cream either. It goes on your legs in summer so they don’t chafe as you walk and sweat. If your labia are moving around so much that you have chafing problems there, you need to talk to your gyno. Otherwise, google stuff, it’s not hard and then you don’t have to be wrong and foolish.
So, this is no different than a body lotion that people put on all over after a shower – including their legs and face. Don’t get hung up on “Monistat” it’s just one word.
My mother in law just bought me a FEED bag and it’s their brown tote. I love it so much because for every bag purchased they’re able to provide a certain number of meals. I bought little clear zipper pouches to keep it organized because a wild tote gives me anxiety. Highly recommend!
I added the CB recommended gloves in my cart. I’ve been needing some touchscreen friendly ones for my morning walk.
When a “vegan” bag is made of an oil byproduct – that is not a green option in my book. I’d rather use leather, which is a by product of an animal that has already been slaughtered since it makes more sense to use all parts. That plastic tote or whatever will end up chocking a landfill somewhere. Now are there some real green alternatives, made of fabric or bamboo or raffia and so one? Sure. And I’d love to know what a non-leather bag is made of, but I think calling a plastic item “vegan” is really just a clever marketing ploy. Off my soap box now…
I’m also curious about how long it takes for vegan leather to look worn. I used to buy non-leather bags but they would look worn out in a year. Comparing that to leather, I’ve only recently replaced a leather bag I’ve used regularly for or ten years.
I only buy leather now because long term it’s just better value and in general, looks better quality.
My opinion is similar to yours – they’ve just remarketed cheap pleather as something supposedly trendy.
Oprah has lost her touch. $88 for bath salts?! Thanks for these alternatives. 🙂
I prefer the Celebitchy recommended products over these Oprah ones
The idea of buying anything “sustainable” from Amazon is kind of a laugh, right? There’s nothing green or sustainable about their shipping, sourcing, practices, nothing. Most of the time, these products are available somewhere local to that doesn’t require additional shipping. (Not everyone, I can appreciate that. But many people have the resources available to them to purchase these items locally)
Depends what it is – most people making stuff locally are likely shipping their supplies to them, so I guess you have to weigh all those factors when comparing.
That’s a great point!
Would love some recommendations for natural scented candles!
CB ,Maybe for your next post?
I love that you did this – Orpah’s pick and more affordable options! This is awesome. More stuff for me to browse for presents 🙂
Confused: “Oh and I have to again plug the Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel as the best primer! ” I think the primer link needs to be updated. Really looking forward to trying it!
Ooops! Just noticed this is NOT a mistake. Crazy, but I am going to try it!!
I love Celebitchy’s recommendations. I’ve found some great items here – especially for the car – car organizers, car phone mounts, etc.
I really liked the car organizer in your last Amazon post. But it’s way too big to fit between two car seats in the backseat. Do you have a recommendation for a kid-friendly organizer?