As Requested: Reviews and Dupes from My Most Expensive Face- Skincare Edition

I was requested to do reviews and dupes for some of the products from My Most Expensive Face- Skin Care Edition. This is going to prove to be quite difficult for me because I haven't tried a lot of drug store brands, so I might cheat and just use some less expensive alternatives.

Eye makeup remover: 
Biotherm Biocils Lash Optimizer- $31
This dual phased product is supposed to removed stubborn eye makeup and condition lashes. I agree that this is a fantastic eye makeup remover, but I don't know how well it "conditions" my lashes. This expensive eye makeup remover could easily be replaced with:
Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover that's only $6.99

Toner: 
Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner- $34
This product is an exfoliating toner so there isn't much to compare it to. It uses fruit acids from tamarind to exfoliate and white nettle to tighten pores. It's very gentle on the skin so I can even use it when I have a cold and my noses is sore and full of dead skin. The only thing I can compare this to, but do not prefer, is the Clinique Clarifying Lotion in Level 3 for $16. It has a lot more chemicals in it and is definitely not as gentle.

Day Cream: 
Dr. Brandt's Pores No More Anti-Ageing Mattifying Lotion- $60
This lotion contains apple stem cells to fight signs of ageing and retinol to stimulate cell turnover and keep lines at bay. It also helps to reduce pores and keep the skin mattified throughout the day. I also like the yellow colouring of the product to instantly reduce some redness. What's a cheaper alternative? The Olay Professional Pro-X Clear Acne Protocol and the entire set is only $40. The set includes the cleanser, toner, and lotion. This product uses Salicyclic acid to fight breakout and Ginseng to fight lines. I personally find retinol to be more effective ingredient but if you are sensitive to that, try Olay.

Night Serum: 
Neostrata's Skin Brightener - $72.50
This intensive serum contains 20% Vitamin C. This helps to fight discolorations in the skin but is VERY strong on the skin and you will see a vast improvement after the first couple of nights. This product is not for anyone with sensitive skin. A cheaper alternative to this is the Body Shop's Vitamin C Skin Booster- $26. It uses Vitamin C and E to brighten and soften the skin, as well as brazil nut oil to hydrate the skin. If you have sensitive, dry skin, choose the Body Shop option, if you want to see results fast, use Neostrata.

I have to admit, this was a tough challenge for me. Some of the products on the list I bought because I found them unique. These were the best dupes I could give as I have at least tried all these.


Are there any other products that you want me to find a dupe for?

Eighth Product Completed: QUO Mini Eye Make-Up Remover Pads

This evening I finished my eighth product. The product was my QUO Mini Eye Make-Up Remover Pads. These were very easy to use, super convenient, and great for travel all at a good price ($5). Although it was a good price, I don't know how "valuable" it is because there are only 30 wipes in a pack.

Now comes time for the ultimate question...would I buy these again? Probably not. Why? Because I already have other eye make-up removers AND more importantly because I think these can easily be replaced with less expensive Baby Wipes.

What products do you think can be replaced with something else?

Fifth Product Completed: Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

I just finished my fifth product and ran to the computer to write this! I feel like it's been so long! The product I finished was the Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover. This is a fantastic eye makeup remover, especially for the price. It's great at getting rid of even the toughest waterproof makeup and it's under $10! Could you ask for more? I found this better than even the Lancome Bi-facils. Shocking, I know. Needless to say I will definitely be repurchasing this when I've finished my other, more expensive, eye makeup removers.

The only down side to this product was the oily residue it leaves. The container claims that it's not but yeah... Nothing a little water can't fix though.

What's your favourite eye makeup remover?