Aldi Lacura Micellar Water

I am absolutely loving these Aldi beauty products right now, if ever you have walked down the aisle, so to speak, the one which usually sits in the centre of most Aldi stores, you will come across some amazing products. In the last few weeks I’ve bought an Airfryer, a hand held hoover and some fishing clobber for him indoors! But today, I am back with another ‘dupe’ or is it?!

I’ve made no secret of the fact I am not wowed by Micellar water, in-fact the ones I use the most, other than Typology, has been Bioderma, a brand everyone seems to have used and loved. Well from Aldi, we have the Lacura Micellar Water which has been described by many as being the perfect dupe for Bioderma Sensibio H2O Make-Up Removing Solution Sensitive Skin.

Micellar water is for many, the first step in the removal of our make-up routine, personally I prefer to double cleanse in an evening and use a Micellar water at weekends when I wear very little makeup. The different in price between Bioderma and the Aldi Lacura version is almost £15... but is it worth swapping them?

“Purify and detox your face after a long day with this fresh and light Lacura Micellar Water.

This clever makeup remover removes impurities and makeup from the skin in a lovely dermatologically tested formula”.

Packaged in a plastic bottle with a study flip top lid, this Micellar water has absolutely no fragrance to it whatsoever and not even a hint of anything chemical-related. I use reusable pads to remove my face of the day and admittedly, I am not wearing a full face of makeup these days, the only time I am making the effort is when I’ve got a zoom or teams meeting - then it is a tinted serum, mascara, brows, bit of bronzer and a light coloured lipstick - nothing too dramatic. I use an eye makeup remover to remove my mascara, but I did see how well this Micellar water would work if I didn’t do that. As expected, it removed a bit of the mascara, but as I refuse to rub my lashes, I instead returned to my eye makeup remover which needs little effort to use. As for the rest of my face, I’m actually pretty impressed with the job it did, gone was my brow products, tinted serum and bronzer and as there was very little lipstick left, I could see the remnants on the reusable pad quite clearly. Ever the obsessive, I still used a balm to cleanse my skin afterwards, just to ensure nothing was left lurking.

I have had no reaction, no flare up, no breakouts, no skin stinging or anything else happen since I’ve used this Micellar Water. It’s cheap at just £1.49 for 400ml and is definitely something to keep in your stash and use when you’re in a rush, tired or just cannot be bothered to do a double cleanse in an evening.

Is it a Dupe? The question everyone wants an answer too and the answer is it looks similar, it sounds similar it does the same job, so yes it definitely does sit within the dupe category, it just costs a lot less.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Is Aldi’s New Skincare Range a Tatcha Dupe? I Tried It to Find Out

Aldi’s New Japanese-Inspired Skincare Range: Tatcha Dupes for Just £4.99?

In the ever-growing world of skincare, budget-friendly dupes are always a hot topic — and Aldi has entered the chat once again. This time, they’ve launched a new Japanese-inspired skincare line under their Lacura brand, and beauty lovers are already comparing it to the luxury favourite, Tatcha.

I tried two of the standout products from the range: the Lacura Matcha Gel Wash and the Lacura Rice Cleanser, both retailing at an affordable £4.99. Here's how they performed.

Lacura Matcha Gel Wash – £4.99

From the moment I squeezed this out of the tube, I was impressed by the jelly-like texture — a trend that’s very much in right now. It felt cooling and refreshing on my fingertips, which instantly gave it that spa-like feel.

This cleanser is powered by willow bark (a natural source of salicylic acid that’s excellent for combating acne), matcha tea, and mugwort extract, a trio known for their soothing and revitalising properties. According to Aldi, it’s designed to revive tired, dull skin for a more radiant complexion — and it definitely gave my skin a much-needed refresh.

Once water was added, the cleanser foamed quickly and effortlessly broke down makeup, sunscreen, and daily grime. What I loved most was the transformation from foam to a light, milky lather. It rinsed off easily and left my skin feeling clean but not dry — a rare feat for a foaming wash.

My verdict: A fantastic daily cleanser for normal to oily skin, especially if you're after a gentle but effective wash that doesn’t strip your skin.

Lacura Rice Cleanser – £4.99

Next up was the Rice Cleanser, which is inspired by traditional Japanese skincare rituals using rice water and rice-based ingredients.

The texture surprised me — it’s much thicker than expected, more like a paste than a cream. It’s infused with rice powder, rice starch, and gluconolactone, a polyhydroxy acid that gently exfoliates the skin. Though slightly gritty in texture, it didn’t feel scratchy or harsh at all.

However, if you're hoping for a proper exfoliation experience, this might not quite deliver. The granules are fine and sparse, making it more of a gentle polish than a true exfoliator. That said, it's ideal for sensitive skin or those who prefer a very mild cleanse.

The formula also includes hyaluronic acid and rice ferment filtrate, ingredients known for their hydrating and skin-softening properties. While I didn’t notice a huge hydration boost immediately after washing, my skin didn’t feel tight — which is always a plus.

My verdict: A great second cleanse or morning wash. Don’t expect intense exfoliation, but it’s gentle, non-stripping, and good for sensitive skin types.

Final Thoughts

It’s no surprise that these Lacura products are already creating a buzz. They’re visually and conceptually reminiscent of Tatcha’s beloved range, but at a fraction of the price. While they may not completely replicate the luxury experience of the originals, they hold their own as effective, affordable skincare staples.

If you're after a glow-boosting, budget-friendly cleanse — or just want to dip your toe into Japanese-inspired skincare without the hefty price tag — these are definitely worth a try.

Available now at Aldi, but be quick — as with most Lacura launches, they won’t be around forever!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Hair Care Dupe Gift Sets 2023

Everyone seems to be enamoured with the Olaplex System and for those who have hair that it works with and for, I can see why, for me, it seems almost too heavy feeling. As always, there is a whole host of alternatives out there to be found, from the likes of L'Oreal Paris Elvive Bond Repair System to the two offerings I am sharing today.

Starting with my beloved Aldi and their beauty brand Lacura. It has been well documented that Lacura Bonded Hair care products are similar to Olaplex, albeit, it is pried at a much more competitive price.

For Christmas, Lacura is releasing the Bonded Gift Set (£9.99) and inside, it offers the ultimate hair care experience. 

Inside this gift set, you will find:

• Bonded Pre-Wash Hair Treatment (100ml),
• Bonded Moisture Mask (50ml)
• Bonded Hair Oil (20ml).
• White hair scrunchie

The hydrating Bonded Hair Oil is a brand new launch, it hasn't been released until now and is definitely a product to look out for.

Then the second collection of products is from a brand I have used before and one which has impressed me and that is The Plex System and it is one you can find in both B&M and Savers.

The New PlexSystem range has launched with a five step programme and with it, a whole host of scientific formulations that are designed to harness a ‘Smoothing Infusion’ to restore and protect damaged hair. It is a five-step routine, featuring five full sized products and inside this gift box you will find the following:

• 1. Cleansing Shampoo
• 2. Nourishing Hair Mask
• 3. Hydrating Conditioner
• 4. Restoring Hair Oil
• 5. Styling Hair Serum

This collection will be priced around £9.99, so again it is a great little money saver and a great gift for those who love their hair care products.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Bobbi Brown Dupe from the High-street!

Every do often you swatch a product and think "ooh that me reminds of X"

Well not that long I was sent this lovely Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick compact which is described as follows

"For an instant glow that's like moonlight, sunlight and candlelight, all at once, take this full feathery brush, twirl around the compact and sweep across the face. The result is addictive"

It comes packaged inside this wonderfully sleek black palette with the Bobbi Brown logo/insignia clearly visible and you can read more about it HERE from my review.

Then I happened to be in Boots waiting for a prescription and I had 5-10 minutes to wait (dangerous) so was having a swatching session, well I am a beauty blogger after all, when I swatched a compact from Seventeen, called the Shimmer Brick, and it immediately reminded me of the Bobbi Brown compact and therefore is a great dupe.

Now to me, the idea of the a dupe is a product which is similar, not the same and this Seventeen compact for me, is just that.  The Seventeen compact is described as being:

"A shimmering powder that creates a beautiful pink bronzed glow. Sweep a brush through all 4 shades, then lightly dust onto cheekbones"

So what do they look like?

When I swatched both products together, which you can see below, the Bobbi Brown one is the top swatch and Seventeen the bottom one

So not a perfect match by any means but they are quite similar and if you look at the two swatches, I actually prefer the Seventeen swatch because the colour is so stunning, that said the Bobbi Brown swatch is equally beautiful and is one I wear quite a lot.

The Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick would cost you around £32.50 and the Seventeen Shimmer Brick costs just £4.99 - huge saving!

Have you found a good dupe lately?

Aldi Lacura Glycolic Cleansing Pads - Are they a Nip + Fab Dupe?

Everyone has their view on dupes and duping and those views are often scathing or on the opposite end of the spectrum, full of praise. Aldi has become well known for their own dupes - in recent times they have had dupes of Aussie Shampoo, NARS, Benefit, Elizabeth Arden, Liz Earle, Glamglow, YSL Touche Eclat, Jo Malone, Molton Brown, Beauty Blender and even Neom. But they are not alone, Primark and Revolution do the same thing too and again, for some people it is okay for one brand to do it but not another.   

I am a huge fan of Aldi and have one at the end of the road where I work and often pop in during the week to do a food shop top-up and more importantly browse the Gin section because Aldi has some fabulous Gin!   However, what caught my eye was the Lacura Daily Cleansing Glycolic Pads, something I had heard about on my social media feed but had never actually seen in my Aldi store.

The Lacura Daily Cleansing Glycolic Pads are a Nip + Fab dupe, there is absolutely no denying it. The packaging is similar to the point where I had to look twice to see which brand it was because if you look at the packaging then what you get are two plastic tubs featuring 60 Glycolic Acid Cleansing Pads with a similar shade of light blue and orange on the label. I am not a huge fan of Nip + Fab as a brand, I think they are overpriced for a highstreet brand especially when you can get better products for less money.

So, it is clear to see what the product is, what it does but there are a few differences and the first is that Aldi quite clearly displays the Leaping Bunny meaning they are Cruelty-Free, Nip + Fab do not have the bunny clearly displayed but do claim that they do not test their products on animals. Secondly, well we cannot ignore the price difference and Aldi Lacura Pads are priced at £2.49 and Nip + Fab costs £13.59 when they are not on an offer, so that is a huge £11.10p difference.

When it comes to descriptions they are both written very similarly, both brands state that their product is a Daily Cleansing Pad with the word 'Exfoliate' clearly visible.  When it comes to the descriptions,  Nip + Fab state that their pads are "Exfoliating Facial Pads to retexture + brighten skin" whereas Aldi Lacura state that their pads are "Exfoliating facial pads to improve skin texture and tone for a brighter & more radiant complexion".  Both pads have one side which is textured and the other which is smooth, but the notable difference is that the Nip + Fab pads are just ever so slightly thicker than Aldi Lacura, but they are the same size and the same shape.

So this then takes us to the ingredients, perhaps the most important component of whether or no a product is any good.  We have always been told that the higher up the ingredient list, the more of that particular one there is within a product, so this is what we have:

• Nip + Fab - Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Glycolic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Hydroxide, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Alcohol Denat. (SD Alcohol 40-B), Disodium EDTA, Globularia Alypum (Blue Daisy) Extract, Panthenol, Lactic Acid, Parfum, Limonene, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Linalool, Geraniol, Citral.
• Aldi Lacura - Aqua, Glycolic Acid, Glycerin, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Saccharum Offiicinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Lemon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Parfum, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Panthenol, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzoic Acid.

So as you can see there are a lot of similar ingredients used (in bold) but the order within which they have been used differs. Notably Nip + Fab use Lactic Acid whereas Aldi Lacura does not make any mention of it.  Aldi Lacura makes no mention of the words Alcohol or Alcohol Denat.  So you can make your own mind up from the two lists which one you prefer.

When it comes to using the pads, they feel exactly the same on the skin.  As mentioned, one side is textured and the other is smooth and after using, my skin feels smooth but for me, at this stage, it is the Aldi pad that I prefer and that is because it feels slightly fresher on the skin with a little more liquid within the pad than Nip + Fab and my skin feels less tacky to the touch.  When it comes to the scent, those who are familiar with Nip + Fab will know what I mean when I say Citrus scent, because that is exactly the fragrance they have thought it is a bit on the sweet side.  With the Aldi Lacura version, I actually prefer the scent of these pads because whilst the main scent is Citrus from the Orange and Lemon, the use of Aloe tones it down a lot and the Witch Hazel isn't as strong. 

If you have never tried a Glycolic Cleansing Pad and have an Aldi near you, then these are well worth the £2.49 that they cost, if anything they could charge double the price and they would still be an absolute bargain.  For me, despite being the dupe, Aldi wins the war on texture, on effectiveness, on price, on fragrance, on how my skin feels after using and there is absolutely nothing I dislike.  As far as I am concerned, they are much better than Nip + Fab which I am just not a fan of and cost five times less for what is something so similar yet so much better!

Have you tried any of the Aldi dupes?

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Aldi Lacura Perfect Proof Extreme Clean Dry Shampoo

In recent weeks, Aldi Lacura launched its Bonded Haircare range and one of those products is the Perfect Proof Extreme Clean Dry Shampoo.  I absolutely love Dry Shampoo and couldn't wait to give it a try and of course, see if what some magazines claimed was a dupe for Living Proof!

In recent weeks, the Aldi Lacura range has outdone itself with some amazing products - Microblade Effect Pen, Flawless Veil Translucent Powder and alongside some new fragrance releases, there was the much hyped Bobbi Brown Dupe, the Vitabase Moisturising Primer.  So, could the new hair care range, especially this dry shampoo live up to the hype? 

Priced at just £2.99, the Perfect Proof Extreme Clean Dry Shampoo is a fraction of the price of my beloved Living Proof Dry Shampoo, a product I cannot live without, it is simply amazing.  Like all dry shampoo, the Aldi Perfect Proof is designed to rid your roots of oiliness and impart clean, shiny hair instead, all without the telltale signs you have used dry shampoo at all. 

Perfect Proof does have a really light formulation when sprayed onto your hair. As I would do with Living Proof, I always section my hair and spray towards the roots, which after not washing my hair for 2 days represents an oil slick.  Described as being a dry shampoo that banishes oily roots, while adding body and texture to revitalise between washes, this everyday essential mimics the effects of freshly washed hair in just a few sprays.  So, the reason why I adore Living Proof so much is because of how light the formulation is, it doesn't feel or smell as though I have used a dry shampoo (think Batiste, everyone knows the scent) and there is no tell-tale white talc residue lingering on the hair, I don't have clothes covered in white marks from where the shampoo has done its job and departed and of course my hair always looks as though I have freshly washed it.  When it comes to Perfect Proof from Aldi, the formulation is lightweight but, I have found you need to hold the can a little more further back from your hair than Living Proof, otherwise you will get that white talc-like residue, that said, it works pretty well.

Now you cannot help but notice the Aldi Lacura Perfect Proof Canister is slightly similar to Living Proof, but only if you are familiar with that brand.  Having shared a photo of the Aldi Perfect Proof with friends, not one of them could tell me what it might have been a dupe for, even when I shared both products.  But to me, I found it immediately obvious as to what or who it was.  

Then we come to the ingredients list where there is some commonality, for example both products do share 

• Rice starch - is known to improve hair growth and keeps it shiny and smooth. It is rich in amino acids, which strengthens hair roots.
• Disteardimonium Hectorite - A white clay-like substance that helps lift dirt and oil away from the scalp
• Magnesium Stearate - an anti-clumping ingredient
• Cetrimonium chloride -  smoothens the hair cuticles by softening them, allowing them to be easily detangled
• Alcohol Denat which is said to help key ingredients dissolve and provide a light texture

That is where the similarities end, or at least the ones I can detect.  Further ingredients within Perfect Proof from Aldi Lacura includes:

• Argania spinosa shell powder - which helps soften the hair and can be used as an exfoliant. 
• Tetraselmis Suecicia Extract - Appears in Living Proof's Perfect Day Advanced Dry Shampoo, and is described as being a microalgae from the Mediterranean Sea known to reduce scalp sebum and protect the hair fibre
• Mannitol - helps to regulate scalp desquamation.

So some similarities and some differences, but both make it quite hard, especially Living Proof, to break down the jargon to find out what is included and why.

So which Dry Shampoo performs the best?  

For me, it is Living Proof without question, a better formula on my hair, does give me that freshly washed feeling without those tell-tale white residue marks and longer lasting on the hair.  However, again Aldi has produced a great product, it does everything it claims it will do - refreshes the hair, removed excess oil , removes odour and leaves the hair feeling clean but definitely not softer or shinier than it would be if you washed it.  What you absolutely cannot argue about is the price - £2.99 v £20 is a really big saving right now and it is a product you should try, if dry shampoo is for you.

How about the ultimate hair fix or hair transformation in the north? Then we recommend you visit Boombae in Manchester for the ultimate hair pick-me-up!

Lacura Peptide Lip Treatment - Rhode Dupe?

A product that adorns my social media feed is the Rhode's skin peptide lip treatment which has been a viral hit for years, and well as the title might suggest, Aldi has a product that might have been inspired by that product with their Lacura peptide lip treatment.

Priced at just £2.99 you could argue that it has been designed to rival Rhode's popular version, albeit it almost £15 cheaper. With its sleek grey design it does share some similarities with Rhode, both equally stylish and practical, and both feature 10ml of product making it the perfect size to fit in any bag or even a trouser pocket. 

The applicator helpfully features a classic angled tip, making it easy to apply just like you would with a traditional lipstick.

From the ingredients I noticed in Rhode’s formula, Lacura’s peptide treatment includes the same shea butter, vitamin E-rich babassu oil, but rather than the one peptide, the Lacura version features two types of peptides. Both products feature 'palmitoyl tripeptide-1', which helps support and repair the skin, but Lacura adds 'palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7', which works to prevent collagen loss and stop signs of ageing.

Coat your lips with a layer of moisture with this Peptide Lip Treatment. With a combination of peptides, shea butter, capuacu butter and babassu, your lips will look softer and full with a super glossy finish. Whether on top of bare lips or over the top of your favourite lipstick or liner for a much-needed moisture boost, this lip balm is a makeup bag essential.

From Lacura, the peptide Lip Treatment is available in three options - Unscented, Watermelon and Salted Caramel whereas Rhode features one extra offering with Vanilla. 

Whilst I am yet to try the Rhodes Peptide Lip Treatment, I have got the three Aldi Lacura ones and what I love about them is that each one feels nourishing without being heavy, and when paired with a matte lipstick, they add a lovely glossy shine.  Of the three, the Unscented option is perfect for those who just don't enjoy scented lip products, which would usually be my preference, but the Salted Caramel version smells delightful, very much how you expect a salted caramel latte would smell if I am to compare.  Then there is the Watermelon which smells like a sweet freshly cut watermelon and not at all synthetic. 

Given the price of under £3, I can say that all three of these are wonderful to use, a non-sticky or tacky formula with no unpleasant aftertastes or artificial smells, making them a great alternative.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Aldi Lacura 2% BHA Toner – A Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Toner Dupe?

Did you know that Paula's Choice BHA Toner sells one every 7 seconds? Well it is true and if you haven't tried it yet, then it is one product I always tell people to try, especially if they like other similar branded products. Today in stores, Aldi has launched their latest beauty dupe - the Aldi Lacura 2% BHA Toner, which is said to have been ‘inspired’ by the iconic, bestselling Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Toner!

Priced at just £4.99 for 100ml, the Aldi Lacura 2% BHA Toner is packaged in a very similar looking bottle to the Paula’s Choice BHA Toner with the grey bottle and white lid, the only difference from Aldi is that there is a white bottom on their bottle, but if you're a fan of the iconic Paula's Choice, then this one worth looking out for!

“Specially formulated with Salicylic Acid, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract and Methylpropanediol, the new innovative beauty buy is both fragrance-free and vegan-friendly.“

The Aldi Lacura 2% BHA Toner is £4.99 and contains 100ml but the Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is priced at £34 and contains 118ml, so the price difference could save you a huge 85% or £29 in monetary terms. 

Offering a very gentle and lightweight formula, the BHA Toner promises to effectively remove dead skin for a smoother, clearer, and more luminous complexion and with the inclusion of that much loved BHA ingredient which offers anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce the appearance of breakouts and blackheads, it is a product worth having.

Look out for and Buy here

This new Aldi Lacura 2% BHA Toner is, as you would expect from the brand both fragrance-free and vegan-friendly, and is set to launch in stores today alongside some other much loved dupes, include that Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base which I've reviewed here. 

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Aldi Lacura Luxury Bath Float - A Sanctuary Spa Dupe?

If you read my blog regularly or even follow me on Instagram, you will know that I love a good Aldi inspired dupe. The latest product to join my collection is the Aldi Lacura Luxury Bath Float and it is every bit as fabulous as you might expect it to be and dare I say, even better than the Bath Honey, which I also happen to adore.

The Aldi Lacura Luxury Bath Float, which is sold in store for £1.89 and comes packaged inside this huge 500ml bottle, is and has been compared to the Sanctuary Spa Body Wash, which is sold in a 500ml for around £12, though it is often on offer. 

To the naked eye, the two bottles share that same bronze and gold coloured packaging packaging, but whilst the Lacura version offers a smooth honey-like look through the bottle, the Sanctuary Spa offering has well a smooth honey-like looking formula too - and this is the older style packaging and not the new fancy upgrade.

When it comes to the scent, for me, both products smell so similar, it is difficult to tell them apart, unless you have them side by side to make a direct comparison. From Aldi comes a bath float which promises 'blissful and sensuous bubbles with Vitamin E, honeysuckle extract and apricot oil' and from The Sanctuary we have a product which is described as 'decadent clouds of sumptuous bubbles infused with baobab, vitamin E, and freesia flowers.'  When it comes to using in the bath, unsurprisingly, both create amazing clouds of bubbles and again, whilst the Aldi version is a slightly thicker formula, for me, the only real difference is the price.

If you are a fan of the Sanctuary Spa Body Wash then you might find Aldi has a similar inspired option now in stores and online too!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Aldi Lacura Healthy Glow Retinol & Acacia Collagen Serum

Today I am back with another product from the Aldi Lacura skincare range. I was kindly sent the Aldi Lacura Healthy Glow Retinol & Acacia Collagen Serum which costs just £3.99. As a huge fan of serums, I was looking forward to seeing what difference, if any it made to my skin.

When I shared this serum on my Instagram stories when it arrived, I had people ask if it was a dupe of the Pixi Collagen and Retinol Serum and whilst there are some similarities, I actually wouldn’t call this a dupe. It is completely different in texture, the scent, how it feels on the skin and how the pipette dropper works.

This Serum contains camomile, retinol and acacia collagen and all three ingredients are wonderful for the skin:

• Acacia Collagen works to plump as well as to boost elasticity
• Retinol is there to help smooth & refine
• Chamomile is included and it is known for its ability to calm and sooth the skin

On the skin, this is a really lightweight transparent serum which isn’t too thick but it also doesn’t have the watery consistency I was expecting it to have, it is somewhere in the middle of the two. 

To use, you only need 2-3 drops and impressively the pipette dropper is really well made and works perfectly with this serum. One of the annoying issues with some higher end brands is that the pipette droppers don’t work as well as they should because the formulas are too thick. Once you have those 2-3 drops on your hand, simply warm the formula using your skins own temperature and apply to yourself face using light pressing movements rather than rubbing. The other option is to add 1-2 drops into your moisturiser if you find that much easier - I often switch between the two methods of application depending on how much time I have to spare.

There is no real scent to describe for this serum, it definitely does make a difference to hydrating the skin. As it is an Aldi brand, it is cruelty-free and suitable for all skin types. A product that if you come across it, it needs to go into your basket to be tried because it’s price point is too good to miss!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Aldi's new Lacura skincare range

My favourite middle aisle gang over at Aldi has launched a new premium skincare range and as you might expect, it’s filled with dupes of high end products.

Aldi’s beauty brand, Lacura, which recently announced its upcoming beauty box and of course the Advent Calendar, has said that these are “high quality ingredients without the luxury price tag” with its new products and they are online and instore now!

The new range starts from £3.99 and includes everything from jelly cleansers and a microdermabrasion scrub to a glycolic exfoliating treatment and vitamin C serum. I’m sharing a sneak preview of them with you today and will then give an in-depth review of each one as I’ve used them a few times more.

The first product is the Lacura Jelly Cleanser, which is priced at £3.99 and aims to “remove even the most stubborn make-up, dirt and impurities”, it is said to be a similar to Drunk Elephant’s Beste No.9 Jelly Cleaner, which retails at £27. This cleanser is packed with make-up dissolving emollients and the luxurious gel to foam texture will remove even the most stubborn make-up, dirt and impurities. Free of skin-stripping ingredients such as fragrance or essential oils, it is of course cruelty-free.

 

The second product is the Lacura Multi-Peptide Moisturiser which (£6.99, 50ml). Formulated with a powerful complex of seven peptides, proteins and nutrients and enriched with Waterlily Extract, the gel-cream will help improve skin tone, texture, firmness and elasticity as well offering antiaging benefits. The dupe this time is said to be another Drunk Elephant product - the Protini Peptide Cream which retails for £57.

The product which really intrigued me is the Lacura Gylcolic Exfoliating Treatment (£5.99) is compared to the Sunday Riley Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment (£85). It is enriched with Glycolic Acid, Prickly Pear and Lemongrass Oil and not only does it offer intense moisture, gentle exfoliation but it can even be used as a treatment mask to reveal healthier, more radiant skin.

The final product within my collection, though it is by no means the last one available, is the Lacura Intensive Eye Cream (£3.99, 15ml). A dupe of Dermalogica’s Intensive Eye Repair (£49), it is packed with must-have ingredients such as Vitamin A, C and E as well as Pro-Vitamin B5, while remaining gentle enough to use daily. Perfect for hydrating and smoothing skin, it will also diminish fine lines and help to defend against further damage.

According to Aldi , shoppers can save themselves around £288 on skincare products by using its new Lacura products. Alongside these four products there is an entire arsenal of skincare and other beauty products to discover and they’re online and instore right now, but they never stay there for long!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Dirty Works V Soap and Glory - is it a dupe?

You know when you use a few different products and suddenly one reminds you of another? Well that happened to me whilst I was on holiday.  As mentioned in a previous post, see HERE, I took with me lots of travel sized lotions and potions and whilst using my Soap and Glory products I realised they smelt similar to another product that I had received for my birthday from a friend.

Here are those products:

Dirty Works are a brand of bath and body products that you find for sale in Sainsburys and quite a lot of the Blogs I follow have reviewed them.  I got the package above as a birthday present from a friend who knew I liked Soap and Glory but promised me this brand would be just as good if not better.

However, I don't know if anyone else has noticed this and please note I did say 'similar' and not the same, but it was with Scrub of your life that I first noticed that there was a similar scent to Buff your Stuff and when I got home I used both of the products one after another to look further into it:

Dirty works on the left and Soap and Glory on the right

Neither product look similar and truth me told the Soap and Glory Scrub is much thicker in texture than Dirty Works though the scrub particles are similar.  The similarity comes with the scent and that is all it is, similar.  The fruity smell I have come to know and love with Soap and Glory products is very similar with this particular Dirty Works product and could it be a very good dupe?

The Scrub of your life currently costs £7 for 200ml whereas Buff Your Stuff from Dirty Works costs £3.99 for 200ml which is quite a big saving.

Have you noticed this? Have you tried a Dirty Works product?

Aldi Lacura Too Legit Waterproof Mascara

Over the Christmas period, I have been putting a few mascaras to the test, one of them comes from the Aldi Lacura range with their “Too Legit Water Proof Mascara” a cruelty free mascara which costs just £5.99. 

Every time Aldi release a new product within their skincare and makeup range, the word “dupe” is one which is bounded about. Admittedly, some of the Aldi products may sound similar to those at the higher end of the price market, but just sometimes they are better.

This Too Legit mascara is an addition to the brands best selling mascara. The formula is described as being rich, black and long-wearing to create voluminous, longer looking lashes. I am picky with a mascara formula because I cannot stand those really overly wet ones which make your eyelashes feel wet.  With this formula, it isn’t overly wet or dry, it’s somewhere in the middle.

Nestled inside a metallic blue tube, this mascara features a wand which is mid-length with a specially designed brush which gets into the corner of your eyes to reach the smallest of lashes. At the end of the brush is a spiked end which features about 10 bristles and as you wiggle the brush between your lashes, they reach those hard to reach lashes. Added to that, once the brush is out of the wand, it doesn’t hold excess formula on any one side, another bugbear when using a mascara is excess mascara on the brush which creates smudges.

This Too Legit Waterproof mascara does lift, coat and help build volume, but as I have fairly long lashes, I can’t comment on whether or not it lengthens. What I can tell you is that it doesn’t smudge, it doesn’t flake and as it is waterproof, once it has been applied, it doesn’t come off easily until you use eye makeup remover and then, unlike those products to which it is referred to as being a dupe, it comes off easily with no need to run the eyes. 

If you are wanting a new mascara and don’t want to spend a lot of money, this one, for just £5.99 is exceptionally good and it gives some of my more expensive mascaras a run for their money.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

The £3.99 Aldi Concealer Everyone’s Talking About

Aldi’s £3.99 Concealer Is Being Called a Dupe for Huda Beauty’s £26 Bestseller—and I’m Intrigued.

If you love a bargain and live for a full-coverage moment, stop what you’re doing because Aldi has just dropped another seriously tempting beauty dupe. Following on from the Lacura version of Tatcha, this time, it's taking on none other than Huda Beauty with their Lacura Radiant Concealer which is priced at just £3.99.

This budget beauty gem is getting attention for its similarity to the Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Luminous Matte Concealer, which usually retails at £26. Whilst the Lacura version is over £20 cheaper at just £3.99, it’s always worth picking one up to try, you never know, it could just become your new favourite.

So what’s the fuss about?

The Lacura Radiant Concealer boasts a radiant, skin-smoothing formula designed to offer full coverage without looking cakey or heavy—basically, everything we love about the original Huda version. It’s packaged in a chic, frosted tube with a sleek doe-foot applicator that’s perfect for precise application under the eyes, around the nose, and over blemishes.

Texture-wise, it's said to be lightweight yet pigmented, blending like a dream while staying put throughout the day (no creasing, no cracking—yes, please). Early shoppers are already praising it as a "high street hero," saying it delivers the same flawless matte-but-not-flat finish Huda fans swear by.

Available in four shades to begin with, the Lacura version isn't quite as shade-inclusive as Huda's expansive range, but for a Specialbuy release, it’s definitely a strong start. I’m hoping Aldi clocks the hype and gives us more tones in future drops because the beauty community is ready.

As always with Aldi’s beauty Specialbuys, once it's gone, it’s gone—so if you want to get your hands on this £3.99 glow-up essential, you’ll need to act fast.

Would you swap your Huda concealer for Aldi’s £3.99 version? Let me know in the comments—I love hearing what budget buys are working for you!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.