5 amazing skin care dupes for classic cult favorites
When it comes to beauty, some of the most talked about, most loved, cult classic favorites usually have one thing in common: a hefty price tag.
It’s safe to say that it’s much wiser to invest in good skincare, rather than expensive makeup. The better your skin is, the less makeup you’ll need. But what if you could experience a little skincare luxury, even when on a budget?
Bioderma Micellar Solution
A must-have for many professional makeup artists, Bioderma Sensibio H2O is a non-detergent, non-foaming micellar water with neutral pH that is perfect for removing makeup even on the most sensitive skin. It’s gentle, soothing, free of fragrance or other irritants and most importantly, it does an amazing job at removing makeup without having to tug or irritate skin.
When Garnier released its own version of micellar water, the beauty world went crazy. The packaging, as well as the formula, is incredibly similar to Bioderma’s Micellar Solution and as a little bonus, it also comes in a waterproof version capable of removing even stubborn water-resistant makeup. The incredibly gentle formula works just as well as it’s high-end counterpart and is conveniently available at your local drug store.
Garnier Micellar Water, $8, walmart.ca
Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil
An all-over moisturizing oil that can be used directly on your face, body or hair. It can even be mixed with your favorite moisturizer or used as a cuticle treatment. I love everything about this oil — except the price tag. Physicians Formula Argan Oil has the same rich, conditioning benefits and is just as great at multitasking. Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil is *slightly* lighter, but other than that, these two oils are pretty much identical.
Physicians Formula Argan Oil, $20, well.ca
Related: Reviewing Physicians Formula Argan Oil
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Complex
This best-selling serum serum rose to fame for its ability to fight key signs of aging. It helps reveal smoother, younger looking skin and it’s also pretty amazing at fading post-acne hyper-pigmentation. It’s one of those products that sounds too good to be true, except… it isn’t. I personally went through many bottles of this serum and didn’t think I’d ever be able to find something just as good, let alone better.
Yes, Missha’s Time Revolution Night Repair Serum is not only better, it’s also more wallet-friendly. It’s formulated with niacinamide, a powerful cell-communicating ingredient that offers anti-aging benefits. It also contains antioxidants and retinol, which also helps reverse the signs of aging and leaves you with better, healthier skin.
Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Serum, $37, amazon.ca
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
I waited years until I finally decided to splurge on SK-II Facial Treatment Essence. I kept hearing all these amazing things about it, but simply couldn’t justify the hefty price tag. I eventually did give it a try and fell in love. When I ran out of it, I went on a hunt to find a similar, more affordable product. That’s when I came across Missha’s Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence.
Not only is the packaging very similar, Missha’s Treatment Essence has a few more ingredients, none of which are alarming or irritating. I knew this is a great dupe for the SK-II Treatment Essence, after my very first use — it felt exactly the same as SK-II on my skin. Both left my skin feeling very smooth, both helped with redness and with minimizing the appearance of sebaceous filaments around nose and chin and both softened and slightly brightened skin. The only difference was Missha did it at a fraction of the cost.
Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence, $64, amazon.ca
Related: Missha’s Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence vs SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief
If you’re looking to invest in skincare, a great moisturizer is always a good place to start. If your skin is on the dry side, chances are you’ve probably heard of Clinique’s Moisture Surge Intense Hydrator — a rich, oil-free moisturizer that helps repair skin’s moisture barrier. At $61 for 2.5 oz, it’ll also cost you a pretty penny.
Etude House Moistful Flower Cream is yet another Korean skincare product that’s a great and more affordable alternative. Just like Moisture Surge, this cream does wonders for dry skin, protecting and nourishing it, all while bringing relief and soothing dry patches. You can also put on a very generous amount at night, and use this as a sleep mask.
Etude House Moistful Flower Cream, $27, yesstyle.com
Keep in mind that pricy, doesn’t always mean better. Pay attention to ingredients and you might be surprised at how many of your department store favorites can be easily substituted with some gems found at the drugstore.
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