Here, S2's LAURA STOTT pits premium products against their cheaper rivals - and gives them a replica rating out of 10.
8
ALDI’s serum left my skin soft and smooth, calming an angry red patch on my cheek. Most impressive. La Prairie’s product smelt lovely and left my skin feeling nice – but for the price I was hoping to wake up looking 21 again
8
Stem cells play an essential role in tissue renewal and it’s believed they may trigger anti-aging effects. Lancome’s hi-tech potion applies the science to a luxurious face cream – and my skin lapped it up. Skin Doctor’s YouthCell also uses plant stem cell technology but it brought my skin out in a rash
8
A “miracle broth” of bio-fermented sea kelp has earned Creme de la Mer legions of fans. Alongside strikingly similar ingredients, Mario Badescu’s replica also contains collagen and hyaluronic acid to soften, hydrate and nourish – but I found the thick cream slow to soak in
8
Maybelline’s Dream Lumi Concealer lacks the blingy packaging of the Touche Eclat but the concealer inside is identical in texture and tone – and it does a great job hiding my under-eye suitcases. While the pricey Touche Eclat brings my peepers out in sensitive red blotches, Maybelline’s cost-cutting concealer keeps my skin sweet
8
PERFUME connoisseurs quickly sniffed out similarities between Lidl’s bargain pong and designer Chanel Coco Mademoiselle. Both pale pink scents contain notes of bergamot, rose and jasmine and come in pretty glass bottles. But while a whiff of Lidl costs the same as a takeaway sarnie, a waft of Chanel will set you back the price of a fancy dinner out. After inhaling both aromas, I have to admit I’m pushed to smell much of a difference. If anything, I would choose Lidl’s fresher offering. The Lidl fragrance is quicker to fade – but at this rock-bottom price, who cares if you have to re-spritz a few times?
8
GLAMGLOW’S PowerMud Mask is a celebrity favourite but I wasn’t keen on the garish packaging or runny texture – beware of green gunk dripping on your clothes. At a fraction of the price, L’Oreal’s clay mask is definitely worth it. It sorted my spots just as efficiently as its pricier rival – and didn’t dribble down my neck
8
These two fresh and floral scents are hard to tell apart. They are both light and feminine, with rose top notes and a girly feel without being sweet or sickly. It’s easy to forget which pong is designer and which is the high street’s finest. I’d happily wear Just Pink and pocket the difference in money
