If the last few years showed us anything in the beauty industry, it’s that there are dupes for almost every beauty product out there. Courtesy of the fast-paced culture of the Internet and beauty trends, most luxury and viral beauty products always have dupes, in some cases multiple dupes. Over the years, I’ve also fallen prey to dupe culture and purchased many products that were either more reasonably priced than the original, available where I live or just simply performed better than the original too. However, some beauty products are so iconic that they cannot have an alternative. These products are cult favourites that feature a formulation, colour, texture or results that nobody has been able to replicate.
Here are a few beauty products that will never have any dupes.—
Emolene
When I heard every beauty editor I know rave about this product constantly, I knew that it was the one. A pharmaceutical product, Emolene is a gel-based moisturiser that works effectively to help you retain the moisture of your skin and intensely hydrate it. Its hero ingredient is Propylene Glycol which seals moisture into your skin, making it supple. Its unique formulation works for extremely dry, flaky skin and also for oily skin that requires hydration.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
View this post on Instagram
I’d like to call this product the mother of all cleansing balms, with a good reason. After using the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, I’ve not reached out for another balm at all. It has an ultra-rich texture which feels luxurious to touch and upon application, it cleanses even the most stubborn makeup. As someone who wears a full face of makeup every day, using a cleansing balm that gets rid of everything in a single wash is a boon. Its uplifting and calming scent is one reason this balm will always reign supreme.
Isdin Fusion Water SPF 50
View this post on Instagram
Another product that is loved by beauty editors all over the world, Isdin’s Fusion Water SPF 50 also comes with the dermatologist’s stamp of approval. AÂ hybrid sunscreen which combines chemical and physical filters, this product has a lightweight texture that doesn’t leave a greasy residue on the skin. This texture also makes it easy to apply on dry skin and wet skin, yes you can reapply when you’ve had a quick dip in the pool or when you’re lounging at the beach.
Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Range
View this post on Instagram
Bond-building technology is all the rage lately and Redken’s Acidic Bonding Concentrate Range ticks off all the boxes of the ultimate bond-building products. Specially made for strands damaged by incessant colouring, chemical treatments and heat styling, this entire range works effectively to repair damage with its unique acidic pH. Amidst the clutter of products that claim to soften and repair your hair, this entire range from Redken shines through.
K18 Leave In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
View this post on Instagram
Only a few beauty products can boast of a celebrity stamp of approval from people like Rihanna, Selena Gomena and Hailey Bieber. K18’s Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask has a unique leave-in formulation that performs its magic in just four minutes. By mimicking the natural structure of keratin present in the hair, this mask penetrates deeper than usual hair masks and helps reconnect broken hair bonds. What sets this mask apart is that there is a visible difference in the health and softness of your hair in just one use.
Urban Decay 24/7 Moondust Eyeshadow in Space Cowboy
View this post on Instagram
One would assume that an eyeshadow can have multiple dupes, but not this one. Urban Decay’s 24/7 Moondust Eyeshadow in the shade Space Cowboy is a universally loved product that hasn’t stopped going viral on the Internet. With a blend of champagne gold and silver sparkles, this eyeshadow looks dreamy and makes your eyes pop. It doesn’t look chunky so it can be worn by itself and also as a topper over your usual eyeshadow. The way this glitter slides on your eyelids with minimal fallout and maximum glitter can never be replicated.
