It’s hard to be a skincare junkie. New products are seemingly being released daily, and we only have one face to try them on! Even harder? Being a skincare junkie on a budget. Though it may feel like it’s only a matter of time before you are tempted by expensive cleansers, toners, and the like, we assure you, it doesn’t have to be! We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite dupes for luxury skincare products, so you don’t need to spend major dough to achieve skin with a major glow!
Dark Spots and Hyperpigmentation
SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense ($96, shop here) is one of the most beloved skincare formulas for dealing with hyperpigmentation from acne scarring and age spots. But leave it to French skincare brand La Roche-Posay to come out with a similar product: La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Dark Spot Corrector ($41.99, shop here). Both formulas target darkness and the overproduction of melanin in the skin. They also both contain AHAs, which promote healthy skin-cell turnover.
Anti-Aging Moisturizers
Drunk Elephant is one of those skincare brands that consistently makes waves with its incredible formulas, including its Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream ($68, shop here). It’s a beautiful moisturizer, but the price point may be a little steep for regular use. Instead, may we interest you in The Inkey List Peptide Moisturizer ($14.99, shop here). For less than $20, you’ll get the same amount of product and reap the same benefits. Both moisturizers contain a similar amount of peptides that add bounce and life back into the skin. They’re both nourishing and plumping – perfect for those in the market for a good anti-aging formula.
Exfoliants
If you’ve been on “SkinTok” in the past year, you’ve probably heard of Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant ($34, shop here), an incredible chemical exfoliant that some claim is a “miracle in a bottle.” Unfortunately, it’s a bit pricey, so many people purchase (and salvage) the mini version of the bottle. However, you may want to try the Peach & Lily Acne Exfoliating Toner ($10.99, shop here). It’s nearly identical to the Paula’s Choice version; the only difference is that this one contains AHAs in addition to the BHAs. Both formulas contain salicylic acid, promoting healthy skin by speeding up facial cell revolution. As a result, you’ll see a decrease in acne and a glow that’ll make you look oh-so-healthy!
Facial Essences
As far as skincare brands go, SK-II might be one of the most luxurious. Its viral product, SK-II Facial Treatment Essence ($185, shop here), is known as one of the best facial essences ever produced. At that price point, a dupe may seem impossible, but, thankfully, we have Missha’s Time Revolution The First Essence 5x ($54, shop here) on our side. The skin essence is made with the same fermentation process as its luxury counterpart. Both nourishing products target dullness, dryness, uneven skin tone, and underlying textures.
Calming Balms
There’s been much hype surrounding the Dr.Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Cream ($49, shop here), especially for those with irritated, red, and otherwise angry skin. It’s calming and reduces pinkish hues in just minutes after application. Since it’s such a lifesaver, we had to find a less-expensive dupe that would truly stand a chance. This leads us to our second La Roche-Posay item on this list: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 ($14.99, shop here). This item is just starting to pick up hype in the skincare world. The only difference is that you can use it on your lips, for diaper rash, dry elbows, etc., while its luxury counterpart is recommended only for the face.
Do you have any skincare dupes you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments!