When it comes to skin care, we believe you get what you pay for.
However, there are some hidden gems that are holding their own against the higher-end cult favourites.
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We did some investigating into our Aussie beauty retailer, Mecca, to discover which of their top selling skin care products have budget-friendly counterparts.
So those of us fighting the constant internal battle of saving money vs having a flawless complexion can officially do both….
Eve Lom Cleanser
Eve Lom’s Cleanser ($177) is a favourite among skin care lovers, and for good reason. The beautiful balm removes makeup and tones skin leaving it soft and radiant.
Our recommended dupes for this pot of gold is The Pixi Rose Cleanser ($32, Sephora) and Dermalogica MediBac™ Clearing Skin Wash ($81 for the big 500mL bottle).
Both of these lower-priced options also contain a mix of soothing ingredients such as eucalyptus, chamomile and other natural leaf oils, to nourish the skin while cleansing.
Perricone Cold Plasma Plus Advanced Face Serum
Both products, Perricone Cold Plasma Plus Advanced Face Serum ($239, Mecca) and The Ordinary Buffet ($24, Priceline), are classified as multivitamins for the skin, promoting multiple anti-ageing benefits.
Fighting a similar fight, both provide the benefit of increased collagen production, hydration, minimised pores, even tone, anti-redness and help to diminish fine lines and wrinkles.
GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment
These three charcoal masks, GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment ($131, Mecca), The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Clay Wash ($22) and Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Masque ($65), are all effective in absorbing excess oil, fighting congested skin and unclogging pores, all while exfoliating dead skin cells.
Chantecaille Jasmine and Lily Healing Mask
If your skin is in need of a tall glass of water, these three will oblige.
Containing vitamins and floral extracts, these products brighten dull skin and promote a youthfu-llooking complexion within 10 minutes. Chantecaille’s Jasmine and Lily Healing Mask goes for $143, Origins Drink Up $42 , and This Works In Transit Camera Close Up sells for $67 (all at Mecca).
Perricone MD Brightening Amine Face Lift
Both of these non-greasy, lightweight formulas are the answer to dry, lifeless skin, crying out for some much needed T-L-vitamin C.
Perricone MD will set you back $159, but if this is out of your price range, never fear as Philosophy’s answer to the product retails for $40 (both at Mecca).
Ooh! I didn't know that! Thanks for the tip Sally10!
I used to use that Eve Lom cleanser but she started adding mineral oil so I dropped it. Love that chantecaille mask! I love a lot of chantecaille!
That Jasmine Dowling pic is so adorable.
Another great clay masque to add to the list – Bobbie Brown detox masque. Absolutly loving it these days.
obsessed with the ordinary products
I've tried the ordinary products (buffet is a cult classic) but none of the high end. Though I do splurge on tatcha products and their pricing makes me squeak
Totally in love with this article as always after dupes
Some on my list for sure
All the way for The Ordinary
I didn't realise that Mecca was an Aussie company! I go for cheapies when I can.
I recently followed a lady around a tile shop because she smelt so good, finally getting up the courage to ask her what fragrance she was wearing. It was Majove Ghost Mecca. She said it was rather expensive, and agreed it was divine, however she received it as a gift and probably over her budget too. I almost lost balance when I went to a Mecca store and discovered the price. But guess what – I got a bottle from my husband for Christmas. Boy did I go mad at him. Each time I go past Mecca now, I go in and smell the other fragrances. I think I need a job in a store because its hard now to chose a favourite… Amazing fragrances. If only someone could come up with a replica at a more affordable price.
I love a good dupe. Lots of these products I haven’t tried.
Oh dear, even the dupes are still a bit $$$ for me.
The ordinary is the best!!
Some of the prices are hefty, good to know there are just as good substitutes. I would never spend so much money on products like the expensive ones, waste of money IMO.
Even some of the dupes are expensive, I would love to see more articles like this one.
I thought it was American!
Totally agree!
That is so true! $81 for a cleanser is very expensive.
I don't think I've ever tried any of these products.
I'll take The Ordinary,
There is no way, NO WAY I would drop $177 for a cleanser!
Some of the so called "dupes" are great items in their own rights.
I must try an Ordinary product, I did see the toner is only $10
I'm so glad I found this forum, haha.
There is no need to spend a ridiculous amount of money for a cleanser which will get rinsed away. I'd rather spend more money on a serum, facial oil etc.
Great product options from high end and budget friendly
I like making my own potions for masks and moisturisers!
My favourite cleansers are grape seed and rice bran oil, QV Gentle Foaming Wash, LRP Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser and Neostrata Resurface Foaming Glycolic Wash.
I want to try it all
I love the Ordinary products – great for the price
I want try them
No way could I afford $177 on a cleanser! Thanks for the dupes.
Specials for me as I love a bargain.
I am a great believer in ‘you get what you pay for’, and I love to shop at Mecca. But $177 for a cleanser, and $239 for a face serum is ridiculous. There are plenty of more affordable alternatives available, even at Mecca.
we need more articles like this
The Philosophy Vit C sounds great!