The beauty world is ever expanding with hundreds of new products hitting the shelves and online every week. Out of all these products, it is rare that there is one product thousands of people love and use, but when there is one, it goes viral. These “viral” products are hyped up on social media by influencers and just regular users. This causes viewers to run to their nearest Sephora or Target, eager to buy this amazing product.
These products, if popular enough, can sell out in minutes and only restock weeks later, leaving buyers anxious to get their hands on the product. Some, instead of waiting, turn to other alternatives or “dupes” of the product. These dupes are usually products that are similar enough to the original product that they can be used in place of it, and are sometimes cheaper and easier to find.
The Sol De Janeiro BumBum Cream went viral on social media, many loved the deep moisture it provided and its sweet pistachio, vanilla and salted caramel scent, especially when paired with the matching body mist. However, this product costs $48.00 for 8.1 ounces of product, and many couldn’t justify paying almost $6 per ounce.
The Brazil Nut Body Butter from Trader Joes was discovered as a dupe, coming in at only $6 for eight ounces of lotion, costing 1 ⁄ 8 of the price of the Sol De Janeiro lotion for the same amount of product. The Brazil Nut Body Butter advertises the same scent, pistachio, salted caramel, vanilla and coconut body butter. However, it is important to note that this product is seasonal and is only available during the summer, so if you miss your chance to get it you have to wait another year until you can purchase it.
However, not every “dupe” is similar enough to be considered a replacement for the product. Some dupes are found to be more expensive than the original when the price is compared to the amount of product or the dupe simply doesn’t work as well as the product. It is even being argued now that beauty dupes are falling into the same category as fast fashion. Like clothing, paying a cheaper price usually comes at the expense of the quality of what it is made of. So although you are getting a cheaper product, the ingredients are usually a lot worse for your skin. Also be careful of where the product is being sourced from. Some products contain heavy metals like talc, which are both unsustainable and can be toxic for your skin.
Overall, many of these beauty dupes are good alternatives, costing less money and are usually more available. You can find many dupes all over social media, but just be wary of the ingredients of it.
