Don’t Fall for It: Department Store Products That Seem Fancy But Aren’t

Monica Gray - July 25, 2025

Walk into any department store and you’ll find shelves lined with goods vying for your attention. Glittering packaging, sleek designs, and persuasive marketing all promise luxury, exclusivity, or enhanced quality.
Yet, not everything that shines is truly valuable. Many products only look premium on the surface, falling short in performance or value compared to their simpler counterparts.
In this article, we reveal the common department store items that might not be as fancy—or necessary—as they seem, empowering you to shop smarter and save money.

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1. Designer-Labeled Candles

Designer candles may captivate you with chic jars and exotic names, but the price rarely reflects better quality. Most use the same wax blends and fragrance oils as more affordable brands. Burn tests show little difference in longevity or scent strength.
For a closer look at what you’re really paying for, see Consumer Reports.

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2. High-Priced Skincare Sets

Luxury skincare sets often come with hefty price tags and glossy packaging, but don’t be fooled. Many contain common ingredients you’ll also find in affordable drugstore products.
Dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology point out that effectiveness isn’t always linked to price. In fact, a basic drugstore moisturizer can perform just as well as a prestige brand’s version.

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3. Crystal-Encrusted Water Bottles

Crystal-encrusted water bottles may look stunning, promising energy boosts or wellness perks. However, there’s no scientific evidence to support these claims. The water is identical to what you’d get from any ordinary bottle, with crystals adding only visual appeal.
For further details, see Healthline.

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4. Faux Fur Throws

Faux fur throws are frequently promoted as a luxurious home accent, but appearances can be deceiving. Many high-priced versions use the same low-grade synthetics as discount options, leading to shedding or pilling after a few washes.
Often, you’re just paying for the name. Good Housekeeping shares tips on how to spot quality if you’re shopping for one.

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5. Gilded Makeup Brushes

Gold or rose-gold makeup brushes might look elegant and sophisticated, but don’t be misled by the shiny handles. The bristles are usually made from the same synthetic fibers as those in budget brands.
What truly matters for flawless application is brush shape and density—not the finish. For more insights, see Allure.

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6. Monogrammed Towels

Monogrammed towels might seem like a personalized luxury, but don’t be swayed by fancy stitching. The embroidery doesn’t improve absorbency or softness.
Often, these towels are the same as standard versions—just with added initials. For tips on finding truly high-quality towels, visit The Spruce.

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7. Scented Drawer Liners

Scented drawer liners add a touch of elegance to closets or dressers, but their charm is fleeting. The fragrance often disappears after a few days, leaving just ordinary paper behind.
For a longer-lasting and more effective option, try using sachets or even homemade alternatives. Martha Stewart offers creative DIY ideas for freshening up your drawers.

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8. Branded Coffee Makers

Designer coffee makers can look stunning on your countertop, but the logo doesn’t guarantee a better brew. Most use similar internal mechanisms as generic models, with differences limited to cosmetic details.
Performance comes down to brew temperature and extraction—not fancy branding. For expert recommendations, check out Wirecutter.

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9. Luxury Hand Soaps

Luxury hand soaps often come in ornate bottles and boast unique fragrances, tempting shoppers to spend more. While they may elevate your sink’s appearance, most feature the same cleansing ingredients as standard soaps.
According to dermatologists at Cleveland Clinic, basic hand soaps are just as effective at keeping hands clean as their upscale counterparts.

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10. Decorative Diffusers

Designer reed diffusers can lend a stylish flair to your home, but don’t be fooled by their elegant appearance. The fragrance strength and lasting power are often similar to much cheaper options.
You’re mostly paying for packaging and name recognition, not a better scent. For top picks across all price points, visit Real Simple.

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11. Velvet Hangers

Velvet hangers are touted as a must-have closet upgrade, but price doesn’t impact performance. Whether you buy a luxury set or a budget pack, you’ll get the same non-slip surface and slim profile.
All varieties deliver the core benefits. For tips on choosing the best hangers, visit Good Housekeeping.

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12. Expensive Throw Pillows

Designer throw pillows may feature eye-catching fabrics and bold patterns, but the high price doesn’t always mean better quality. Many use standard polyester fills, just like mass-market versions, so comfort and durability can be virtually the same.
When purchasing pillows, focus on insert quality and fabric durability rather than branding. For more advice, visit HGTV.

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13. Designer Water Bottles

Stainless steel and glass water bottles with luxury branding might catch your eye, but they don’t outperform generic options. The real difference lies in insulation and leak-proof features, which are determined by design, not labels.
For practical and stylish choices—without the markup—check out NBC News’s top water bottle recommendations.

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14. Embellished Stationery Sets

Foiled or embossed stationery is undeniably charming, but don’t assume the fancy finish signals superior paper quality. Many high-end sets still use average-weight paper that’s no smoother than budget alternatives.
Look for thick, acid-free paper in simpler sets for better value. For top stationery recommendations, explore The Strategist.

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15. Patterned Baking Dishes

Patterned baking dishes add a pop of color to the kitchen, but don’t be misled by their decorative look. These dishes function just like plain ceramic or glass options.
Performance comes down to the quality of materials—not the pattern. For reliable bakeware reviews, check out CNET.

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16. Gold-Plated Flatware

Gold-plated flatware is often showcased as a luxurious dining essential, but looks can be deceiving. Most sets are simply stainless steel with a thin layer of gold plating that can fade after repeated use or washing.
Beneath the surface, you’re paying for appearance rather than substance. To compare quality and value, see Food & Wine.

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17. Scented Closet Sachets

Boutique sachets often claim to deliver a luxurious scent experience for your closet, but their effectiveness rarely surpasses simple, homemade solutions.
DIY sachets with dried lavender, baking soda, or essential oils work just as well—at a fraction of the price. For easy and affordable recipes, see Apartment Therapy.

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18. Luxury Toothbrushes

Luxury toothbrushes with metallic handles or ornate accents may catch your eye, but their looks don’t enhance cleaning. The real difference is in bristle quality and design, which the American Dental Association also emphasizes.
Skip the fancy handle and focus on effective bristles for a truly healthy smile.

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Conclusion

Department stores excel at making everyday items appear irresistibly glamorous, but style often overshadows substance. As we’ve seen, many so-called luxury products deliver little more than aesthetic appeal, with performance and quality matching much cheaper versions.
To shop wisely, focus on materials, construction, and function instead of branding alone.

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