10 Cheaper Alternatives of the Best Health, Beauty and Wellness Items
Written by
Madeline Duley
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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Nothing beats the rush of finding an affordable dupe for a high-end product. After all, not everyone can splurge over $100 on a 1-ounce face serum. Today’s shoppers are looking for high-quality products that won’t break their budget. Thankfully, there are numerous alternatives that deliver the same performance as luxury items — without the hefty cost. These dupes can save you money all while maintaining comparable quality.
Check out 10 of the hottest health, beauty and wellness dupes that offer the same benefits as their high-end counterparts at a fraction of the cost.
E.l.f. Power Grip Primer
If you’re on the hunt for high-end beauty alternatives, the drugstore is a great place to start. One brand to look out for is e.l.f. Beauty, which has built a reputation for crafting affordable dupes of luxury products.
“E.l.f.’s cruelty-free and hydrating Power Grip Primer is one-third the price of the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer, which retails at $38,” said Destiny Chatman, consumer expert at TopCashback. “With stellar reviews and a nearly identical formula, e.l.f.’s Power Grip Primer can be found at Walgreens for $10.”
Non-comedogenic and designed to create a hydrated barrier beneath makeup, the Power Grip Primer offers a tacky finish that helps makeup adhere smoothly while keeping the skin hydrated and protected.
Naturium Multi-Peptide Serum
For just $25, you can enjoy the benefits of a multipeptide serum without the splurge.
Comparable to cult favorite Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Firming Moisturizer priced at $69 at Sephora, the Naturium Multi-Peptide Serum offers similar benefits at a fraction of the price. Packed with encapsulated copper peptides, collagen and ferulic acid, this serum targets fine lines, wrinkles and loss of elasticity to give the skin a firmer, more youthful complexion.
With skin-rejuvenating ingredients aimed at targeting loss of skin elasticity, Naturium offers a budget-friendly alternative that will keep your skin and wallet happy.
Maybelline Cheek Heat Gel
When Glossier launched its Cloud Paint Blush, it became an instant favorite for its tube applicator, impressive pigment and lasting power. But thanks to Maybelline, you don’t need to spend over $20 on a blush tube anymore.
“A drugstore gem to look for is Maybelline’s Cheek Heat Gel, priced at $6.19 at Target,” Chatman said. “It’s an affordable alternative to Glossier’s Cloud Paint, which retails for $22 per tube. Plus, the Maybelline product is even known to be less pigmented and easier to blend than its more popular rival.”
While some might prefer the higher pigmentation of Cloud Paint, Maybelline’s Cheek Heat is a blendable, budget-friendly alternative that delivers a subtle flush — perfect for everyday wear.
Peach Slices Acne Exfoliating Toner
Peach Slices by Peach & Lily is known for its clean ingredients and effective acne solutions. The Peach Slices Acne Exfoliating Toner, priced at $10.99 at Ulta, rivals the Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, which retails for $35 at Sephora.
Chatman recommended the Peach Slices toner for its gentle formula, featuring 2% salicylic acid, glycolic acid and lactic acid to calm and balance the skin without stripping it dry.
NYX Professional Makeup Micro Brow Pencil
While luxury makeup brand Anastasia Beverly Hills has the name, the reputation and the sleek packaging, it also comes with a high price tag. For shoppers who love the Brow Wiz eyebrow pencil but not the $25 price tag, there’s a great alternative.
“NYX Professional Makeup Micro Brow Pencil is the best alternative,” Chatman said. It costs just $10.99 at Target, saving you a significant amount.
The NYX pencil has an ultra-fine tip that shapes, defines and fills brows for a natural, hair-like finish without the painful hit to your wallet.
Peach Slices Snail Rescue Blemish Busting Toner
One of the biggest trends in the beauty world right now is snail mucin, known for its ability to brighten, hydrate and repair the skin. While the CosRx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence has taken this skincare craze by storm, the Peach Slices Snail Rescue Blemish Busting Toner offers a competitive alternative at just $13.99 — over $10 less than CosRx’s $25 option.
With 95% snail mucin, this toner hydrates the skin and targets pores and blemishes, offering similar benefits at a lower price.
HanHoo Blemish Patch
Acne spot patches have become a skincare essential since they went viral in 2020, but with popularity often comes a higher price. The Peace Out Acne Healing Dots, for example, retail at $19 at Sephora, while the HanHoo Blemish Patches are a much more affordable option at just $4.50.
“Often what’s popular can be more expensive,” Chatman said. “Both products have hydrocolloid as their main ingredient and offer similar benefits, but their main difference is their price.”
HanHoo’s blemish patches offer significant savings as well as acne-fighting benefits.
Byoma Creamy Jelly Face Cleanser
Awarded Allure’s Best of Beauty in 2022, the Byoma Creamy Jelly Face Cleanser is not only a fantastic drugstore beauty buy but also a dupe for the popular Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser. Instead of spending $34 for a 5-ounce tube of Drunk Elephant’s cleanser, you can buy Byoma’s cleanser, which is nearly 6 ounces, for just $14.59.
Complete with a tri-ceramide complex, this cleanser breaks down dirt, makeup and oil while supporting your skin barrier. An effective, gentle cleanser doesn’t have to break the bank, and Byoma proves just that.
Atlantis Nutrition Hormonal Balance Gummies
Supplement prices can be shocking, especially when it comes to nutritional gummies. For those looking for a more affordable option, Atlantis Nutrition Hormonal Balance offers a competitive dupe to the popular Flo gummies.
“The trendy Flo PMS Relief Gummy retails at $34.99, which can be pricey for many. That’s why some shoppers are looking for alternatives,” Chatman said. “Atlantis Nutrition Hormonal Balance Gummies are half the price at $15.26, but provide similar benefits and almost identical ingredients.”
Atlantis’ gummies also feature chasteberry, a supplement known for easing mood swings and pain. This key ingredient helps reduce the primary side effects of hormonal imbalance, including skin breakouts, breast tenderness and mood swings. At a fraction of the cost, Atlantis offers all the benefits of the Flo gummies without the high price tag.
Paula’s Choice C15 Vitamin C Super Booster
The most expensive luxury beauty buy on this list is the SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Serum. Known for its proven results in improving skin firmness and reducing fine lines and wrinkles, it comes with a hefty price tag of $182. The good news is there’s a more affordable option.
“Paula’s Choice C15 Vitamin C Super Booster, priced at $55, is a cheaper alternative to this widely popular serum,” Chatman said.
With 15% vitamin C and ferulic acid, Paula’s choice offers anti-aging benefits without the high cost.
Prices and availability are accurate as of Sept. 10, 2024, and may vary by location.
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