Forget diamonds — skincare is a girls best friend. If you’re like me, then your day is not complete until you’ve washed your face and applied your whole skincare regimen. The one thing I do hate about skincare is how freaking expensive it can get, so when I find a dupe for one of my faves, I feel like I need to share it with, like, the whole world. If you’re looking for a few skincare drugstore dupes for the most wanted luxury products, then keep on reading!
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Water-based moisturizers are super popular right now, and for good reason. Not only are they light and airy, but they don’t feel thick and gloopy on the skin the way a heavy moisturizer can. With the humidity that summer brings, our skin isn’t as dry but it still needs to be hydrated and a gel-like moisturizer is the way to go. If you’re looking t0 pick one up, the Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream is an excellent option, however if you’re wanting to save, a great dupe is the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream which is long-lasting, lightweight, and a steal!
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If you asked me what skincare product I couldn’t live without, I probably couldn’t give you a straight answer but one of my top picks is definitely a good exfoliator. Even when my skin feels clean, a good sloughing off of dead skin makes it feel even squeakier clean and fresh. The best exfoliator I’ve ever used is the goop Exfoliating Instant Facial. Not only is it a certified clean product, but it’s the next best thing to getting a real facial. Priced at $172 means that it’s a real splurge and if you’re looking for the same tingly exfoliation, pick up Aveeno’s 60-Second In-Shower Facial for near identical results.
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I told you I had a thing for exfoliators so it should be no surprise that I included two in this list — sorry, not sorry. These Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Pads are really a thing of beauty as it’s a chemical exfoliator that gently encourages cells on the skins surface to renew. These pads are great to use in the morning to remove dead skin and give your skin a great canvas that makeup will adhere to beautifully. The price tag on the Elemis pads is up there, so if you’re in search of a bargain buy, the Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads are a great dupe!
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No one wants dull, lack lustre skin so if your complexion is needing a boost, a Vitamin C serum might be what you’re needing. A great option is the Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum as it’s super potent and packed with antioxidants, nutrients, and vitamins that work to firm and brighten the skin. Priced at $105, if it’s a bit out of your price range, the more affordable Inkey List Vitamin C might be more appealing as it’s on sale for under $10 and promises a more even skin tone.
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A best-seller for a reason, the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser is a great cleanser for when your complexion is needing a gentle cleanse. In addition to being hydrating and soothing, the cleanser can also be used as a makeup remover. Formulated with cucumber extract to calm the skin and balancing rosewater, if it’s supple skin you’re after, give this baby a try. However, if you’re not looking to splurge, drugstore-fave CeraVe’s Hydrating Cleanser is a great dupe as it’s hydrating (duh!), cheap, and is dermatologist tested so you know it’s good.
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Fake a great nights sleep with the help of a trusty eye mask. These patches from MILK Makeup feel instantly cooling and refreshing as they hydrate and sooth the under-eye skin. With ingredients like caffeine to de-puff and seawater and lavender to calm, you’ll look awakened and ready to tackle your day.
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Do you feel like your makeup doesn’t quite last the day, or you feel like you’re needing a mid-day pick-me-up? Try a mist that not only will hydrate your skin but will give your makeup a boost. The Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist is a fave in the beauty world as it can be applied under or over makeup for instant hydration that leaves skin looking dewy and fresh. In the event you’re not prepared to shell out over $60 for a mist, the Olay Mist Ultimate Hydration Essence is a fabulous alternative as it’s still super hydrating and energizing.
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Featured Image: Instagram/@beautylookbook
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When it comes to beauty, sometimes it’s difficult to know what to splurge on and what you should be saving on — especially when it comes to products that you use on the regular. Great for university students or anyone on a budget, Walmart is here to help you save some of your hard-earned dollars with this season’s best beauty dupes.
You’ll be incorporating these five staples into your routine in no time! Keep reading to start saving now:
You should be replacing your mascara every 3-6 month to prevent bacteria buildup, so finding a good (yet affordable) mascara is absolutely KEY. Too Faced’s Better Than Sex is a cult-classic, thanks to its inky black pigment and intense volume. This mascara dupe will have people asking you if you’re wearing false lashes — no lie! The brush is almost identical to Too Faced’s “Better Than Sex” mascara, whose name says it all.
SPLURGE: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, $31
STEAL: L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara, $10.96
Available at Walmart and Walmart.ca
Cleansing water is STILL trending and I’m all about it. After using makeup removing wipes for years, I finally found a non-harsh way to remove all that mascara you can never get rid of (even waterproof!). I have used both of these cleansing waters, and they both achieve the same end result. Your wallet and skin will thank you.
SPLURGE: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution Cleansing Water, $19.90 for 500mL
STEAL: Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Cleanser & Waterproof Makeup Remover, $8.47 for 400 mL
Available at Walmart and Walmart.ca
Both of these moisturizers boast the same *star* ingredient – hyaluronic acid, which can absorb over 1000 times its weight in water, helping to restore dry, depleted skin’s moisture barrier. The gel-cream texture goes on super-smoothly and provides a lightweight feel. Bonus? They won’t clog pores or make skin greasy. However, the variation in pricing makes quite the difference.
SPLURGE: GLAMGLOW Waterburst™ Hydrated Glow Moisturizer, $62
STEAL: Neutrogena Hydroboost Facial Gel Cream, $19.95
Available at Walmart and Walmart.ca
The popular 90’s beauty brand, Hard Candy, is back in action at Walmart. These moisturizing lip balms are just as nourishing and even identical in colour. You’ll want to keep this ultra sleek lipstick in your purse at all times.
SPLURGE: Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Whole Lotta Honey, $22
STEAL: Hard Candy All Glossed Up Hydrating Lip Stain in Sand Castle, $5.68
Available at Walmart and Walmart.ca
Make your life easier with this all-in-one facial cleansing stick. Both are made for sensitive skin and can be used for makeup removal, deep facial cleansing, and is extremely travel-friendly. This helps reduce shine, purifies pores, removes dullness, and thoroughly cleans all skin types. The only difference is in the price!
SPLURGE: Tarte FRXXXTION Stick Exfoliating Cleanser, $29
STEAL: Yes to Charcoal 2-in-1 Scrub & Cleanser Stick, $12.98
Available at Walmart and Walmart.ca
The final step to perfecting your face is making sure it stays on all night long. Hello, setting spray. I’m never sure if this stuff really works but I’d like to think so, considering I practically bathe my face in it post foundation. I’ve used both products and there are no noticeable differences in their performance. The one thing I did notice was how I went through my NYX bottle significantly quicker than Urban Decay’s “De Slick”, but if you were to purchase two bottles of NYX, you’d still be saving!
SPLURGE: Urban Decay De-Slick Oil-Control Setting Spray, $40
STEAL: NYX Matte Makeup Setting Spray, $10 at NYX Cosmetics
Everyone is going nuts over the restorative benefits of gold fused masks. If you’re looking for something fancy but not willing to spend a chunk of your paycheck, the Soo’AE Revive Gold Peel Off Mask, is the perfect alternative filled with essential oils to nourish and remove dead skin cells.
SPLURGE: Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Mask Pure Luxury Lift and Firm Mask, $99
STEAL: Soo’AE Revive Gold Peel Off Mask, $3.47
Available at Walmart and Walmart.ca