Expensive products that aren't worth it and alternatives

[susiefen]

Inspired by the previous "beauty products you hate" thread, I thought it might be starting one for products that you've spent a lot on but been disappointed. I'll start with the Estee Lauder serum everyone raves about but I don't find it's done anything for me and also Creme de la Mer - absolutely lovely and smells utterly divine, but I'm not sure it's done more for my skin over the last 6 months than Olay ever did...

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Hello, this thread is a little old and the links are out of date. Take a look at this handy page for a round-up of Mumsnetters' favourite beauty dupes.

I second Mavala nail polish the dinkiest little brush makes application so easy.

Currently using Astral cream as rich night time moisturiser- 1 month in and neck looks less crepey-£1 from superdrug.

(But I still buy lots of other expensive stuff so can hardly call myself frugal)

I used to only get OPI or Essie polishes but Barry M ones have lasted just as well. I still invest in a good base coat, then you can sling whatever polish you want on top. Bourjois is a great brand, a lot of the products feel expensive. I can't find a blusher I love as much as Nars, although my budget doesn't allow for it often!

Rose hip oil has been better for my face than any of the other high end brands like blue orchid oil. Less than half the price

I use l' oreal face oil and hot cloth, lasts for ages and very reasonable.

I bought some v cheap mascara in monsoon because I liked the case:) it's turned out better than anything I've ever used. And I'm useless at applying make up despite years of daily practice.

L'avenue is a favourite of mine, I use their hand cream and face cream with spf. My skin can be a bit sensitive but it likes this.

Vaseline on feet with cotton socks at night beats anything I've used so far. And I'm always looking for the perfect body lotion!

Any substitutes for Jo Malone perfume? Red roses or the peach suade one? I need to replace but am a bit ?? at the price now.

Try this for the Jo Malone substitute.

Also do you mean Peony Blush Suede?

I have not tried these particular ones, but I have had a lot if success with Perfume Parlour. Highly recommended.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a cheaper alternative to kerastase Dermocalm range? I have dandruff itchy sensitive scalp. Oh the glamour

Lavender The perfect body lotion exists - Aveeno.

Anyone have a good dupe for a day cream with decent SPF?

I'd use Vaseline if it had SPF in it!

Jet, I do mean peony blush - thank you:)

Remus- I' m going to give it a go, thank you:)

I used to use EL DW but found it made my skin dry and spotty. I now use MAC studio fix fluid which is so much nicer. Sorry not a cheaper dupe!

What are good dupes is a brand called w7 which you can buy via Amazon. The 'In The Buff' palette is an exact dupe for the Naked 2 palette. The quality is fab, think it was only about a fiver. Colours are highly pigmented which I use alongside my MAC colours and they last the duration. The brand 2 true (superdrug sells) 'tints' which are the same as the Benefit ones. I also love Sleek makeup, they sell a palette for contour and highlighting which has dupes for NARS Orgasm and highlighter in it, once again great product.

Somebody upthread mentioned cream cleaners. I swear by Boots 'cold cream' a pot is less than £5 and lasts about 7 months. I rub this into my face including over eyes to remove makeup and wipe clean with a couple of Huggies Pure (beige packet) babywipes. My skin is in the best condition it has ever been. I also use a No7 electric cleansing brush - dupe for Clarisonic Mia every 10 days or so.

What I'm looking for is a good alternative for Benefit Hoola bronzer if anybody knows one?

Brill when I suffered that problem I used to buy cradle cap shampoo, it worked a treat!

Swoosh if you have a B&M near you they had the w7 palettes in! Less than a fiver each. I bought a couple.

Swoosh- try The Body Shop Honey Bronze powder

Ah I'll go and check my B&M, can never have enough palettes

Thanks charity.