The Skincare Swap

A couple of years ago I did a tag called 'how much does your face cost' and was shocked at the final number. As a budget focused blogger I like to think I'm pretty savvy when it comes to my product picks but from time to time the lazy in me sneaks out and buys expensive items rather than researching their cheaper alternatives. Some things really are worth the extra cash - a few years ago I scoffed at bloggers raving about EsteeLauders Double Wear but now I can't be without it - but a lot can be duped for a fraction of the cost. I should preface the following by saying I am NOT a skincare expert, I don't know what ingredients are expensive or why one thing is worth more than another I just know if it works for me. Feel free to add to the conversation in the comments if you have an educated opinion - or just an opposing one - my thoughts are my own and skincare is not one size fits all.

Superdrug recently launched a 'swap shop' campaign in which they are suggesting you replace your fancy skincare items with their own brand products in the hope that they will win you over with their value for money. Now I don't have a great routine for my skin.. I don't stick to anything and I don't even moisturise every day - I know, I'm awful - but I sent over a list of products that I really enjoy using and I'd like to find cheaper alternatives for and this is what I received..

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My Current Product: Caudalie Beauty Elixir £32 - This is my guilty pleasure because it's expensive and it's full of alcohol and probably not good for my skin at all but it feels so refreshing and I'm addicted to the scent. It's probably the only thing that I do use without fail every night because it's a quick and easy spritz and as previously mentioned, I'm lazy.

Superdrug's Replacement: Vitamin E Refreshing Toning Mist £2.99 - I can't tell you I love this as much but in fairness they were going to struggle since the scent is 90% of what I love about the Caudalie. It's just as refreshing and a quick scan of the ingredients tells me it's probably less likely to dry out my skin. It lacks the 'luxury' feel, it's a squirt rather than a mist so your face is left wet rather than damp but it's just as quick and easy to apply and when I run out of the Beauty Elixir I will definitely use this in it's place.

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My Current Product: Origins Drink Up Intensive Mask £23- This was a product I avoided for years but as soon as I tried it I was hooked. My skin is oily but prone to dehydration and this is the perfect pick me up. While we were in Las Vegas I actually used it as my evening moisturer, it was so dry my skin literally drank it up. The texture might not be for everyone, quite sticky and the scent isn't my favourite but it's effective so I can overlook the cons.

Superdrug's Replacement: Vitamin E Moisture Mask £2.59 -Funnily enough I already had this product and have raved about it both here and on my YouTube channel. I wouldn't say it replaces the Origins mask but the price difference swings it back in Superdrugs favour. This moisture mask is almost as hydrating but not at all sticky and with a much fresher scent. It's lighter so for those with very oily skin or for the summer months it actualy edges out the higher priced option.

My Current Product: The Body Shop Body Butter £13 - I never used to like these Body Butters and I still don't think they're worth the money - always buy on sale, ladies - but they're uber thick and they last a long time. When I want a real moisture hit there's nothing quite like them and they don't pill like other body products so they're also great for massage. Another obvious benefit is of course the huge range of scents available.

Superdrug's Replacement: Vitamin E Body Butter £2.59 - I have had a few products from the range over the years from cleansers to lotions and been happy with all of them.. it's just the scent. Much like Rose - which I also dislike - I'm in the minoroty here as the whole line smells like suncream. In theory it's summery but it's just not my favourite. That aside the product itself is excellent, again very thick and although TBS Butters are hard to beat it's just as good as say Soap & Glory when it comes to texture and how my skin feels after using it.

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My Current Product: Origins Plantscriptions Serum £48 - This is a TOTAL luxury, it was sent to me and I cannot honestly tell you I'd spend the money on repurchasing so I don't think it's worth the price point but it's just LOVELY to use. It absorbs quickly and leave just enough residue for my skin to feel velvety smooth and look plumper.

Superdrug's Replacement: Clearly Youthful Hydrating Day Serum £6.99 - This product totally blew me away, I wasn't expecting to like it even a fraction as much as the Origins but seriously it's as close as it could be. It doesn't feel quite the same to apply, it actually felt sticky and I was surprised it was a day serum but it settles to a near identical, plump, velvety finish that is the perfect base for makeup. I had considered repurchasing the Planscriptions Serum as a treat for my - nearing 30 - skin but having tried this there's no way I would shell out that kind of money.

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I can't tell you every one of my swaps made the grade but you have to try to know, don't you? Plus Superdrug offer a money back guarantee so if you're not completely satisfied with your purchase from their own range they will refund you AND give you 25% off your next own brand purchase. It's estimated that we could be saving over £150 a year by swapping our pricier skincare for own brand products but even if you just find a couple of alternatives, it's a saving! Throughout June there will be Swapshop advisors in Superdrug stores every Friday and Saturday so if you'd like to put them to the test they're there to help.

Now for the fun part, one of you have the chance to try their swapshop for free, I have one prize of 5 products to give away. It's going to be a simple one today.. the giveaway will run until the end of June and the regular Ts&Cs apply. You must be over 18 or have permission to give out your personal information and - sorry - it's UK only. Now all you need to do to enter is leave a comment below of the 5 products you'd like to swap. Be sure to enter your email in the comment form and I will contact the winner next month!

Good Luck & Happy Swapping!

Miss BB

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