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).
I'm also longing for a Mecca visit to check out some of these products
Thanks for this article! Now we don't have to shell out hundreds for a product
Good that you can get the exxy and cheaper counterpart at Mecca. Note that the Purity product is actually made by Philosophy.
I love this article. Nice to know the dupes to save money.
Love this. Can't wait to visit mecca again after all of this
Perricone MD products is featured twice. Must be nice. Must try.
This article can save money
I'm obsessed with The Ordinary, I've tried most of their products and they're all amazing
Definitely some products here I’d like to try!
I’ve tried the Philosophy moisturiser, but that’s about it from this list. I intend to check out The Ordinary range.
It’s to good to find out about some more affordable alternatives. Would like to see more articles like this.
Wouldn't mind trying Perricone MD Brightening Amine Face Lift sounds great.
i would love to try glamglow
Wow the prices on some of the exxy ones! It would be interesting to hear from someone who has actually used the exxy and the dupe and how they compared.
I love a good dupe! I use The Ordinary .
I really want to try Pixi and Perricone MD!
I love the Ordinary buffet. Such great value for a really effective product
A dupe tip could be the Neutrogena range that leaves skin looking and feeling super hydrated. That Hydro boost moisturiser.
Is anyone here on facebook? Mecca has a group page called Mecca Chit Chat which is great for information on Mecca products 🙂
I have heard good things about the Ordinary
I love The Body Shop's Himalayan Charcoal Mask. Even though my skin is a bit dry and sensitive, I use this occasionally when my skin feels a bit congested and it works a treat 🙂
The Ordinary is the best thing that has happened for me in terms of skin care. It's great to be able to customise my own regime with multiple targeted serums. Buffet is great, those looking for more can try SubQ Skin (also by the same company) or Buffet + copper peptides 1%.
I started with 'No Brainer' box of 3 products. It is affordable and gave me marvellous results. From this basic trio, you can then experiment with their other products.
The dupes are still pretty expensive.
Ive not tried any of these and im certainly not likely to get to try any of the products with hefty price tags. Some of the dupes I might manage 🙂
So do I, have bought several bottles of it, such good value for money. My skin looks better using it.
The only product I've used is the Philosophy Purity Moisturiser which I found to be very good.
Don't do dupes. Just use actives my skin requires. I don't go for hype or marketing (most of the time it is funny and puts me off even looking into the product).
Great to know, thank you
I've tried the Eve Lom before and it's SO good!
It is great to know that there are budget friendly products that are just as good as high end products, I know which ones I prefer to try. Thanks for the comparison of prices.
Pixie products look nice
I love using that Glamglow! It’s probably the only thing I’ve tried and continue to use.
I think up to a point you get what you pay for, but then it just goes over a reasonable limit and products are just ridiculously priced for no good reason
mecca is expensive
Origins make some great products.
Great to know!!!
Perfect ways to look good and save money.
Some of these dupes are still out of my price range, lol
Have always wanted to try out glamglow!!! But my goodness the price is way toooo much, to see bodyshop is awesome.
Still bit expensive but not too crazy
I love a good affordable dupe.
I agree Dermalogica is better than Glam Glow but I have to disagree with the rest. Some of these are cult classics you definitely can't dupe
I love Perricone MD products, they are amazing and worth every cent!
Gee thanks a lot Nys Silver, You've just shattered my dreams of saving a few hundred bucks.
The ordinary works well for me, can't say I've tried the others
Love dupes but none of these really interest me
I almost became bankrupt just looking at the prices of the high end products. Are they really worth the money? I always look for the most economical option as long as it does the job but there are some products you just can't scrimp on too much.
These are some nice dupes! I'm already using the The Ordinary buffet serum and it's great. Dermatologica also make wonderful products.
Good to know how I can get similar products
Keen on Pixi Rose Cleanser