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15 April 2022

Cult Skincare Items and Their Dupes

Treat your skin with some top-shelf products.

Cult status for skincare items is usually synonymous with excellence. Put it down to active ingredients, high-quality formulations, and efficacy. Whatever it may be, they’ve earned popularity for their ability to achieve results. We’ve picked out some cult favourites amongst the industry for each of your skincare steps, from cleansers to masks. These products often come with a luxury price tag, so, we’ve hunted for dupes that are more affordable for those not wanting to splash serious cash. Whatever your budget, we have you covered.


Words By Cara Briggs

Cleanser

Cleansing is the most essential step for any skincare routine, so having a product that is effective is essential.

The cult product of cleansers is the Eve Lom Colourless Cleanser. Formulated with essential oils, it effectively decongests all skin types without drying out the epidermis. It has been described by Vogue Magazine as ‘the best cleanser in the world’ so if that’s not a selling point, we don’t know what is.

For those wanting a more affordable alternative, we’ve selected the Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm. Similar in formulation, this product melts into the skin to deeply cleanse and remove makeup and dirt. It also boasts compatibility with all skin types with ingredients that don’t strip the skin.

Next in line for similarity to Eve Lom, is the Urban Jungle Melt Me Softly Cleansing Balm. Its similar ingredients and texture, ensure a product that melts into the skin to deeply cleanse and clarify.

At a budget-friendly price point, you can venture into the world of cult cleansing balms without breaking the bank. Explore the rest of our favourite dupes below.

EVE LOM Cleanser 200ml, $151.21, NET-A-PORTER

Exfoliator

Exfoliating the skin 2-3 times a week will ensure you properly remove dead skin cells and allow for maximum penetration of all your skincare products.

A cult favourite in this department is non-other than the ALPHA-H Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment with 5% Glycolic Acid. This little product packs a big punch, with active ingredients of AHA’s to resurface your skin to be brightened and rejuvenated. This product has earnt its title as a favourite amongst many with its ability to smooth fine lines and reduce pigmentation.

If you’re after a slightly more affordable dupe for this star product we would suggest the PIXI Glow Tonic. This exfoliating toner works similarly with the ingredient of Glycolic acid to brighten and enhance your complexion. It is also made with Aloe Vera for added hydration and a pore minimising effect.

Another similar product to Alpha-H is the OLE HENRIKSEN Pore-Balance Facial Sauna Scrub. This is a slightly stronger exfoliant with AHA’s and volcanic sand for both chemical and physical exfoliation. This scrub is more suited to those who have an oily complexion and are needing excess sebum to be removed.

Exfoliate away dull skin with the rest our picks below.

Alpha-H Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment with 5% Glycolic Acid, $70, Sephora

Serum

Serums are the step in a skin routine where you add much-needed nutrients and vitality back into the skin.

One product that is leading the way is the, you guessed, cult favourite, Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Complex. Packed with antioxidants and hyaluronic acid, this serum helps to kickstart your skin into repair and renewal, revealing a brighter, protected skin barrier.

For those after a dupe at a slightly lower price point, there is the L’OCCITANE Reine Blanche Brightening Serum. This product works similarly to introduce hydration and vitality back into the skin. It’s recommended to anyone who wants a brighter complexion (pretty much all of us!).

Another similar product to Estee Lauder’s serum is brought to us by The Ordinary. The “Buffet” Multi-Technology Peptide Serum boasts peptide complexes that seek to smooth and revitalise the skin’s appearance. The technology utilised in this serum acts in accordance with the skin’s amino acids, targeting signs of ageing.  As our collagen production begins to decrease in our mid 20’s, this could be the product for you.

At a much lower price point, this is a budget-friendly serum to add to your routine. Explore Estee Lauder’s number one serum and some of our favourite dupes to enhance your complexion.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair, $65, Estee Lauder

Moisturiser

The final step of any good skin-care routine is to lock in all your products with a hydrating moisturiser.

La Mer is a luxury brand that has become iconic for its skincare. The Moisturizing Cool Gel Cream has become a cult-followed moisturiser infused with renewing, hydrating ingredients. Its high price delivers all-day moisture with an infused formula to fight the signs of aging.

For a more affordable dupe of this luxury cream, we would suggest the EVOLVE Multi-Peptide 360 Moisture Cream. This vitamin-enriched product works similarly to La Mer’s as it seeks to combat aging with its ultra-hydrating properties.

Another dupe in the line-up is the Intraceuticals Rejuvenate Hydration Gel. This antioxidant-rich product is formulated with a gel for a lighter texture. We would recommend this product for those with slightly oiler complexions. Infused with hyaluronic acid, this active ingredient seeks to enhance the skin barrier’s ability to regulate hydration and moisture.

For those of your wanting to treat your skin, we would of course opt for the luxurious La Mer moisturiser. However, if it is out of your price range, we have selected several dupes to match.

Explore endless hydration below.

La Mer The Moisturizing Cool Gel Cream, $451, Harrods

Masks

Masks are the perfect way to seal hydration and vitality back into the skin.

A cult skin mask we’ve been loving is the MZ Skin Vitamin Face Mask. These hydrogel sheets are the perfect treat, enriched with vitamins and minerals to make your skin glow.

We’ve chosen the affordable FOREO UFO Mask Make My Day Mask for a dupe. Combat your face with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and red algae for moisture and pollution protection.

The Dear, Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Tencel Sheet Mask, is another great way to soothe and boost your skin’s moisture barrier. Enriched with aloe vera, these masks are sure to calm any angry skin barriers.

Another alternative is SATURDAY SKIN’s Spotlight Brightening Mask, formulated with Bilberry and liquorice extract to fade dark pigmentation and give your complexion a brightening boost.

The SKIN INC Multi-masking Bento Set provides a mask for everything your skin may need. The set includes an anti-aging formula, a brightening option, and a clarifying mask.

Take your pick of our favourite masks at every price point, below.

MZ Skin Vitamin Face Mask, $109, Coltorti Boutique