So, the first version of this article which gives readers an inside scoop into drug store versions of high end beauty products was such a hit, I decided it was long overdue for a follow up article as I have so many more doppelgänger products to share with you all that they could never fit in one beauty blog!
If you’ve ever felt a sense of déjà vu whilst perusing the aisles of Boots make up section and been brave enough to take the plunge and buy, then to be rewarded once back home with your new goodies, with discovering that you were correct and your Rimmel gloss is nearly exactly the same as your favourite Chanel one which you forked out over twenty quid for, you’ll know how exciting it is to find cheaper alternatives which match their rival product on everything except the steep price tag. This article helps to take the hit and miss risk out of these drug store buys, by telling you the products I have already tried and tested = a no brainer!
Anyway, enough pre-amble and onto the dupes!!!!
Revlon “ColorStay” foundation vs. MAC “Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15”
Cost: MAC £20.50
Revlon £12.49
You save: £8.01
Studio fix fluid is probably one of MAC’s most admired cult products, I’ve not really met many people who haven’t tried out this foundation at least one time in their life and with good reason, it’s absolutely a fantastic medium coverage, long lasting foundation and as well as this comes in a vast array of shades, so you are bound to find one which matches your skin tone extremely well. That all said, I never expected a drug store foundation costing little over a tenner could ever compete with this superb foundation. Then Revlon ColorStay came into my life. I was dumbfounded, the coverage, feel, texture, nearly everything were an exact match for my Studio Fix. The only thing left to test was the lasting power, could this little beauty really last as well as my beloved MAC? As you may have already guessed, the answer was a resounding YES. The foundation lived up to its name and lasted incredibly well with only a light dusting of powder to set = instant beauty kit staple, sorry MAC!
Make Up For Ever (MUFE) “HD Microfinish Powder” vs. Eyes Lips Face (E.L.F) “Studio High Definition Powder”
Cost: MUFE £24.95
E.L.F £6.00
You save: £18.95
These stark white finishing powders can look absolutely terrifying in the pot (the idea of clowns with huge powder puffs come to mind!) however they are 100% transparent and extremely finely milled so they really do not leave a white cast over the skin, especially if applied well. I have to say I was rather late on the uptake with these powders as I really could not see what all the hype was about. That was the problem though – I was looking and not using! You really have to feel the silky texture and see the way it evens the skin and makes you look beautifully airbrushed, whilst skin feels soft to the touch, to understand how fabulous finishing powders are. MUFE is a lesser known make up brand, but they make absolutely incredible “High Definition” products, which are meant for use on TV, modelling shoots, etc. The idea is that they are so beautifully blended and flawless that even a high spec camera cannot pick up that you are wearing make-up, but rather give a beautiful seamless finish to the face. I heard many a good thing about MUFE’s finishing powder, so much so that I was willing to splurge even given the huge price tag. I was definitely happy with my purchase (and it has long since been finished!). Recently though E.L.F held a special 50% off promo and I came across their HD powder, I wasn’t convinced it would be anywhere near as good as the MUFE for only £6, but given that the promo meant I only paid £3, I was willing to give it a try and boy am I happy I did. All I can say is that it is exactly the same product and works just as well.
Dermalogica “Daily Microfoliant” vs. Clean & Clear “Exfoliating Daily Wash”
Cost: Dermalogica £40.30
Clean & Clear £2.99
You save: £37.31
To finish my drug store dupes series on a particularly high note, I introduce my biggest ever dupe saving with an incredible £37.31 (this saving is even bigger in reality as the Dermalogica is only 75g whereas the Clean & Clear is 150ml!). Although not a make-up product, I feel that this dupe follows on well from my last article which outlined how very important a good skin care routine is for impeccable make up application. I highlighted how beneficial a gentle daily scrub can be for skin condition and is in no way detrimental (as long as its GENTLE, I stress this point!). Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant comes in a powder form which you shake out into your palm, then add a little water and blend to a creamy paste. You can choose fluid you make the exfoliator by adding less or more water, so you can create an almost “custom” scrub. Skin feels baby soft and comfortably clean with no tightness after use. My skin had never before been in such good condition as when I was using this. The extremely high price tag always got to me though, I was convinced there must be something out there even slightly cheaper which worked just as well. During a 3 for 2 offer at Superdrug I stumbled upon Clean & Clear’s Exfoliating Daily Wash. It was so super cheap and the label claimed to be the “No. 1 UK facial wash” so I had to give into my curiosity and try it out! I was amazed, although the micro-granules are in a liquid suspension and not a powder form. The feel when scrubbed into the skin was nearly identical to Dermalogica. The effect on my overall complexion and skin condition was fabulous – forever sold!