The Beauty Diary: Aldi Special Buys Lacura skincare range review

We love a good budget beauty buy as much as an luxe one here at The Beauty Diary — and no one gets as much attention for its discount skincare products as Aldi.

The German owned supermarket causes actual chaos in its aisles whenever it includes its Lacura beauty range in the store’s infamous “Special Buys” deals.

Earlier this year the “Lacura Caviar” range was described by fans as a dupe of luxury brand La Prairie, just minus the hectic price tag as the Swiss brand’s Skin Caviar Luxe Cream retails for $575, while Aldi’s Caviar Illumination Day Cream costs just $19.99.

The rave reviews made the item extremely hard to come by, causing some of the lucky people who got their hands on it to sell it for three times its price on eBay.

This weekend the budget grocery store dropped another round of limited-edition Lacura products, the “Lacura You” range.

There were just three items in the release, a “hydrating” day cream and a “rejuvenating” night cream, both of which cost $5.99, and a “booster” serum for $8. But its unique selling point were the five variants of the booster that you’re meant to choose based on your specific skin concerns and then mix with the creams to create your own “custom” blend. The options are vitamin C, vitamin E, collagen, Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin A.

While the “Special Buys” always create a frenzy and hype, there’s a whole line of Lacura products that are in store all year round and one $10 fans describe as the line’s “stand out” item.

Here’s the lowdown on what ones are worth trying and which ones you should avoid.

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SKIN SCIENCE REVIVE NIGHT ELIXIR

Price: $9.99

I love a good serum, especially one that claims to achieve its magic overnight. This baby contains a “Peel Moist Complex” that removes dead skin cells during the night, giving skin a fresh glow in the morning — and helping to reduce the appearance and wrinkles. I found after just two weeks my skin looked brighter and my crows feet lines were softer — no wonder this was voted a winner in the 2017 Product of the Year Awards. It’s also a scent free and a super absorbent formula, which did feel slightly tacky but I prefer that to a tight, suffocating skin product. Another winning point is that its red and silver tub looks super chic, so unless you know Lacura is an Aldi brand, it’ll pass off as super boujee on your bathroom shelf.

Though no one has called it yet, I reckon this is a dupe of L’Oreal’s Revitalift Anti-Ageing Power Serum. Aldi are known for affectionately imitating industry rivals and everything about it feels similar to me from the near identical red bottles to the serum textures and the fact both “lift” dead skin cells to refresh skin. Aldi’s Revive Night Elixir is a good option for one fifth of the price.

ESSENTIALS CARING CLEANSING GEL

Price: $3.69

Skin experts are regularly quoted at saying if you need to cut back in your skincare, your cleanser is the place to do it. This gel is definitely a good option if you’re trying to watch your spending, though be warned — if you’re not a massive fan of that soapy smell, you might want to avoid as it has a smililar scent to a baby soap. I rubbed the product straight onto my skin and rubbed in circular motions before washing off. The cleanser itself is pretty gentle so it is suitable for those with sensitive skin and I had to use it twice before it got rid of all my make-up, I double cleanse most days anyway so it wasn’t a big deal for me.

24-HOUR WATERPROOF MASCARA

Price: $6.99

If you’re going to try just one thing from Aldi’s beauty range, I’d make it this. While this is a long-lasting mascara, it has amazing lengthening and thickening skills that honestly rivals high-end brands. According to the brand’s website, that comes from an unexpected ingredient in the product — beeswax, which coats your lashes making them look full and thick. Best of all, it really does last well without transferring to my undereyes (no body digs the panda look) making it a bloody steal of a product and one I would definitely buy again.

LONG LASTING DUO LIPSTICK

Price: $7.99

I do love a good lippie, especially a bright bold colour that actually lasts — and this product is described as a dupe for Revlon of which I’m a huge fan (read more on that here and here). But I have to admit, I don’t love this. I found the formula too thick and sticky for my liking and the shades — rose pink, nude and red — just aren’t my jam.

SKIN SCIENCE RENEW EXPERT DOUBLE EFFECT EYE GEL

Price: $9.99

I’m into this because it’s a gel not a cream and I find my skin in that area doesn’t absorb thick products very easily. The clear formula was fresh and had a cool tingly sensation when it touched my face which I quite enjoyed when I was patting it on. It also absorbed really quickly and didn’t give me any piling, which I’ve had when using similar products. After using my skin felt plumped and hydrated, giving me a smug “I just had 10 hours of sleep” vibe when I hadn’t. One negative though is the bold claims to reduce wrinkles by 37 per cent which I didn’t experience at all. But hey, it’s still a super juicy product that is enjoyable to use so I’d recommend if you’re on the hunt for a budget eye product.

This column is not advertorial content. Every review is independent, honest and ad free.

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