As a child, I would be so fascinated with my mother’s fancy skincare tubs and shiny gloss bottles. Naturally, I always dreamt of stacking my dresser with luxury makeup and skincare when I grew up. As a grown-up today, not only do I realise that all that glitters is not gold, but also that my dream luxury vanity will drive me to bankruptcy. If you’re sailing in the same boat, this article is a special treat for you.
Save That Coin
Today, we bring to you a list of budget beauty buys that work similarly, if not better than some of the cult favourite luxe skincare and makeup products. Both, your skin and your wallet are going to thank you.
Luxe Buy: Clinique Moisture Surge
Budget Buy: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
This Neutrogena moisturizer has a similar consistency to the best-selling Moisture Surge by Clinique and is suitable for normal to oily skin types. A similar variant of the Water Gel is also available for dry skin types in the same price range.
Luxe Buy: M.A.C Strobe Cream
Budget Buy: Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Strobing Cream
Although this M.A.C luxe buy comes with more quantity than the dupe, the Maybelline Strobing Cream can be purchased twice and will still put a lesser dent in your pocket. Available in 2 shades, Nude and Pink, the Maybelline Strobing Cream has lesser variants than the M.A.C Strobing Cream. However, it is a perfect buy for amateur makeup enthusiasts who don’t want to blow a bomb on base makeup products.
Luxe Buy: Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Budget Buy: Earth Rhythm Deep Pore Charcoal Cleansing Balm
Clinique is really a favourite, huh? Fret not, we have another affordable dupe for this Clinique buy. Earth Rythm’s Cleansing Balm has a smooth textured formula that gently removes makeup and dirt from your skin. This easy-to-use cleansing balm is formulated without parabens, sulphates, phthalates, formaldehyde, mineral oil, triclosan, and other harmful chemicals.
Luxe Buy: LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask
Budget Buy: Dot & Key Skin Plumping Moisture Infusion Water Sleeping Mask
Sleeping masks are all the buzz ATM and we are here for it. Adding a sleeping mask to your skincare regime is sure to make you feel pampered, and also gives your skin that plumped oomph for younger-looking skin. If Laneige is going over your budget, give this Dot & Key sleeping mask a try.
Luxe Buy: Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Gloss
Budget Buy: e.l.f. Cosmetics Lip Plumping Gloss
Lip gloss that plumps your lips? Take my money! But are you ready to shell out more than 3K on one? If you’re on a saver’s budget, probably not. e.l.f. Cosmetics to the rescue! Their lip-plumping gloss retails for under 1000 bucks (Rs. 650 – 800) and will help you get that baddie look on a budget.
Luxe Buy: belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb
Budget Buy: Ponds Super Light Gel Oil Free Moisturiser
Leave it on our trusty Ponds to come through with the most affordable dupe. This Ponds gel moisturizer has an extremely similar consistency to that of the popular belief Aqua Bomb. Also including similar ingredients, both the products are suitable for skin that requires lightweight moisturization.
Include these makeup and skincare dupes in your routine and save some major bucks!