The Best Aldi Beauty Dupes

These Aldi beauty dupes were gifted to me via Shopping Links for the purposes of review.

Best Aldi Beauty Dupes

A dupe is a similar-coloured shade or formulation to an original product. It might be cheaper, better-performing, or more accessible. I’ve been buying Aldi’s food dupes, (“own brands”) for years but I’ve only ever bought, (and then re-bought), a few items from their Lacuna beauty range, namely, the Vitamin C Hot Cloth Cleanser and the Hemp hand cream. One reason is because I love the shelf-appeal of a luxury brand. Another is because it feels like a treat if I use a premium product in my skincare or make up regime. The third is because I don’t know if an economy product will be as good as the original and therefore wonder if the purchase constitutes false economy.

Am I missing a trick by thinking this way? Would I be better to spend wisely on dupes that are just as effective and free up some budget for, something else, let’s say designer shoes and handbags? If they’re as good as the originals then why not? It’s not as though the contents of my bathroom shelf are on public display after all.

What I love about the Aldi beauty dupes is the unashamed way in which they’re presented. The packaging is not as aesthetically pleasing as the original, but it’s close enough to be immediately recognisable. So here are honest reviews and my thoughts about a selection of Lacura by Aldi make up and beauty dupes. All links and prices are in the notes at the foot of the post.

(To see some of the products in action, take a look at this Instagram Reel).

Aldi Original Hot Cloth Cleanser vs Liz Earl Cleanse and Polish

I’ve used both of these and for the difference in price, the Aldi Lacura version wins hands down. Both are gentle, creamy formulations which you rub into dry skin and remove with the muslin cloth and warm water. There is no difference in performance. I highly recommend this Aldi beauty dupe.

Aldi “Too Legit” mascara vs Benefit “They’re Real”

Mascara is the most essential make up product in my armoury. I’ve tried A LOT of different mascaras over the 35 years in which I’ve worn it, including Benefit’s “They’re Real.”  The Aldi “Too Legit” is very, very similar. Unlike, say an eyeshadow palette, which can add significant dressing-table appeal, a tube of mascara doesn’t, so I’d go for the Aldi version and spend the difference on something else.

I said I’d be honest… I don’t like either version, but if you’re a fan of the original, then definitely give the dupe a try. (My favourite mascara and the one I’ve been using for several years now is *Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift).

Aldi Rose Facial Oil vs Pixi Rose Oil Blend

I haven’t tried the Pixi version so I can’t offer a direct comparison. I have however use other high-end facial oils, which you can see below. I bought them when I upped my beauty routine ahead of our wedding. They are ok, but I didn’t love using them, mainly because I’m not keen on the scent, hence having so much left six months after the wedding. This Aldi rose oil has a divine delicate rose fragrance and a gorgeous smooth feel. I adore rose in any form, be it flowers, perfume, Turkish Delight or anything containing rose water so it’s a pleasure to use. My skin has been patchy and dry lately and this oil worked wonders after a few applications. I love it. It is INFINITELY better than any facial oil I have tried before. I’m obsessed.

Aldi Healthy Glow Glycolic Toner vs Pixi Glow Tonic

Aloe vera, ginseng and glycolic acid are listed in both of these products. Again, I haven’t used the Pixi version, but the Aldi version is great. I use it after cleansing and haven’t experienced any irritation or redness whatsoever. My skin feels smoother but that may be because of the rose oil as mentioned above. Either way, I like this product a lot.

Aldi Pink Clay Dual Mask vs Sand and Sky Pink Clay Mask

Once again, I haven’t tried the original, which is something of a cult product so this is a standalone review. It’s got a soft, almost whipped consistency which makes it very easy to apply spread over the face. It smells pleasant too and feels more indulgent than its price tag would suggest.

Aldi Snapshot Ready Glow Primer vs Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Foundation Primer

The Smashbox primer has enjoyed phenomenal success and although I have never used it, I have used other premium brands. The Aldi dupe works as well as any I have tried. This is a no brainer. I recommend and will re-buy this product.

Aldi Peptide Moisturiser vs Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream

I used several Drunk Elephant products ahead of our wedding and they were excellent. I therefore assume that their Polypeptide cream is equally good. The Aldi version is lovely. Very smooth and easily absorbed- it almost has a gel-like texture. It has a pump-action delivery system which I love- so much more hygienic than dipping fingers into the pot  I am very impressed with this product and will buy it for myself.

Aldi Makeup Setting Spray vs Urban Decay All night Setting Spray

I have just come to the end a Nars finishing spray. I’m not really sure it’s a product worth spending a lot of money on, so Aldi’s offering is an excellent option. It sprays well and evenly and it has a pleasant delicate scent.

Naturals Two Eyeshadow Palette vs Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette

The Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette is one of my everyday favourites. It isn’t identical to the Aldi version, but it’s similar enough to do a fair comparison. The product has a smooth texture and it  blends well, but it isn’t as pigmented as the Urban Decay. In this instance, I would buy the original over the dupe, but I will use the Aldi palette for daytime make-up.

Pineapple Microdermabrasion Scrub vs Wishful Yo Glow Enzyme Scrub

This Aldi scrub is excellent. It has a subtle pineapple/papaya scent and it’s easy to rub into the skin. The particles are fine enough not to damage the skin, but just abrasive enough to do the job in hand- one of my favourites in this selection.

Jelly Cleanser Vs Drunk Elephant Jelly Cleanser

The Drunk Elephant Jelly Cleanser has rave reviews all over the internet- it seems to be an excellent product. The Aldi beauty dupe counts the same Marula oil, melon and glycerine among its ingredients as the Drunk Elephant, so what do I think? It’s lovelt to apply- so smooth and light. I much prefer it to the Hot Cloth Cleanser.

Glycolic Serum vs Sunday Riley Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment

Both of these serums contain prickly pear, lemongrass and lactic acid. I was particularly interested in trying the Aldi version, simply because my skin can be sensitive and I wouldn’t want to invest £80+ for a high end version. I must assume that all beauty ingredients across all brands must undergo the same vigorous testing and I therefore expect the prickly pear etc to be of a certain standard or purity. I started gradually by using it every three nights. I didn’t experience any irritation or discomfort at all. I haven’t been using it for long enough to see a difference but I will definitely continue to use it.

My Favourite Three Aldi Beauty Dupes

I’m impressed with all of the Aldi beauty Dupes that I was sent to try. I will buy several of them again for myself and have in fact already, ordered two more bottles of the Rose Facial Oil. So if I was pushed to choose my three favourite Aldi Beauty dupes, I’d go for the Rose Facial Oil, the Pineapple Dermabrasion Scrub and the Jelly Cleanser.

Do you buy dupes? Has this blog inspired you to try something less expensive? Shall I buy budget beauty products and reallocate the budget for something that will last a lifetime such as a Dior bag? I’d love to know your thoughts and also any of your own beauty dupe recommendations.

Notes: Links and Prices

Original Hot Cloth Cleanser £3.99 *Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish £27.
Too Legit Mascara £5.99 *Benefit They’re Real Mascara £23.50.
Rose Facial Oil £3.99 *Pixi Rose Oil Blend £26.
Healthy Glow Glycolic Toner £3.49 *Pixi Glow Tonic £25.
Pink Clay Dual Mask £6.99 *Sand and Sky Pink Clay Mask £36.75.
Snapshot Ready Glow Primer £5.99 *Smashbox The Original Photo finish Foundation Primer £29.50.
Peptide Moisturiser £6.99 *Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream £57.
Makeup Setting Spray £3.99   *All night setting spray Urban Decay.
Naturals Two Eyeshadow Palette £5.99 *Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette £46.
Pineapple Microdermabrasion Scrub £3.99 *Wishful Yo Glow Enzyme Scrub £18 *Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel, £35.
Jelly Cleanser £3.99 *Drunk Elephant Jelly Cleanser £27.
Glycolic Serum £5.99 *Sunday Riley Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment £85.

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