Dupes. Some people love them, others are not so sure.
I’ll be honest, I was in the latter camp for some time as a big fan of boujee beauty treats and a firm belief that a knock-off could rarely do what an investment buy could.
But as Rose Gallagher pointed out in her recent column, there’s a different between a lazy copy (that simply imitates packaging and little else) and a genuinely effective cheaper buy that (intentionally or not), does a similar or just-as-good job as the original.
Over my time I’ve found a number of those that I think stand strong in their own right, ‘dupe‘ or not. And with the cost of living crisis as it is, we’re all looking for ways to save the pennies, meaning these couldn’t have come at a more welcome time.
Dr Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum (£250) dupe: The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid, £6.99
If you ask me, you don’t have to spend a bunch on a good hyaluronic serum.
Inkey’s bestselling £6.99 bottle is just as good as its super expensive counterparts, with a similar super lightweight texture that sinks in beautifully, and long-lasting hydration.
Le Labo Santal 33 (£157) dupe: Evolve Together Havana Deodorant, £25
We all love a bit of Le Labo Santal 33.
But for on-the-go top-ups or to boost the scent even more, Evolve Together’s deodorant is a pretty close match.
Omorovicza Queen Cleanser (£69) dupe: The Seated Queen The Cold Cream Cleanser, £22-£39
I am a HUGE fan of this gloriously luxurious Omorovicza cleanser, and recommend it wholeheartedly for those who can afford to splash out a little bit.
For times when you can’t, this alternative shares the creamy texture, efficacious makeup removal abilities, and chic packaging.
Bamford Geranium Hand Wash (£25) dupe: Arket geranium hand wash, £12
Boujee hand washes are such a treat, and I love anything geranium.
Pick Arket’s up on the high street for a fragranced, decadent experience – but for far less £££.
Olaplex No 4P Toning Purple Shampoo (£28) dupe: Bleach Pearlescent shampoo, £6.25
For those in need of a purple shampoo, Olaplex’s is definitely worth the splurge.
That said, one of my absolute favourites is by Bleach London, which leaves a gorgeous pearlescent tint behind.
Tata Harper Resurfacing Body Serum (£139) dupe: Ren AHA Body Serum, £37
In need of an exfoliating body serum to banish rough skin or ingrown hairs? My two favourites are these ones by Tata Harper and Ren, respectively.
Both leave limbs super silky soft and glowing.
By Terry Ombre Blackstar (£30) dupe: Kiko Eyeshadow Stick, £8.99
One of my favourite eyeshadow sticks in beauty is the gorgeous one by By Terry.
It’s a little pricey though, and I recently discovered the Kiko one, which does a similarly gorgeous job. Swap By Terry’s Frozen Quartz and Misty Rock for Kiko’s Golden Beige and Rosy Brown.
Charlotte Tilbury Eyes To Mesmerise (£25) dupe: Maybelline Colour Tattoo 24 Hour Eyeshadow, £4.99
Another brilliant cream eyeshadow option (this time in a pot) is Maybelline’s Colour Tattoo 24 Hour Eyeshadow, which is a good dupe for Charlotte Tilbury’s Eyes To Mesmerise.
The Maybelline shade ‘Pink Gold’ is a solid dupe for CT’s ‘Rose Gold.’
Laura Mercier Velour Extreme Matte Lipstick (£24.50) dupe: Revlon Colorstay Matte Lite Crayon, £9.99
In the market for a velvety neutral lipstick, in crayon form?
I recently discovered Revlon’s Colourstay Matte Lite Crayon in ‘Tread Lightly,’ which works if you can’t quite stretch to Laura Mercier’s ‘Vibe’ shade.
Morrocanoil Treatment Original (£34.85) dupe: The Ordinary Argan Oil, £5.90
Morrocanoil’s original treatment is of course a classic, but if you’re waiting for payday and need something to tide you over, you can’t beat a simple oil like this one by The Ordinary.
They key ingredient in both is Argan oil.
ESPA Muscle Recovery Balm (£30) dupe: Aroma Active Muscle Recovery Balm, £12
Tired, sore muscles will benefit from an emergency balm to soothe and release tension.
Aroma Active’s £12 option is similar to ESPA’s luxury tube.
Clinique Black Honey Lipstick (£21) dupe: e.l.f. Hydrating Core Lip Shine in Ecstatic, £6
Clinique’s Black Honey is a classic for a reason.
But considering how often it sells out, you may want to have a backup. e.l.f’s option is slightly more sheer and a little more purple-toned, but it’s still pretty close – and a mere £6.
Mutha Up All Night Eye Cream (£75) dupe: The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream, £9.99
Find that you can never escape tired eyes? You need an invigorating eye cream designed to target those heavy nights.
While Mutha’s elixir is the luxury option, The Inkey List’s Caffeine cream is a brilliant affordable buy.
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