They contain almost the same ingredients, are packaged very much alike and claim to do similar things. But one big difference in many copycat products is the price. RedEye tested some products that have a similar look and mission.
Walgreens Apothecary Carrot Oil & Quince hand lotion vs.C.O. Bigelow Apothecary Dr. Hiosous Quince hand lotion
Both products claim to refresh and renew dry hands and contain carrot oil to deliver powerful antioxidants. Similarly, each label states to apply to hands especially after washing.
PRICE
Walgreens: $7.99
C.O. Bigelow: $15
SIZE
Walgreens: 4 ounces
C.O. Bigelow: 4 ounces
RESULTS
Walgreens: The lotion smells a little like carrot and leaves hands soft and smooth without a sticky residue.
C.O. Bigelow: My hands felt hydrated, yet they weren’t as soft as when I used the Walgreens cream. It also has a medicinal smell.
Winner: The Walgreens catchphrase–“high quality at low prices”–is correct.
N.Y.C. nail polish vs. Chanel Le Vernis nail colour
Both products claim to provide long-lasting, chip-resistant, protective color.
PRICE
N.Y.C.: 99 cents
Chanel: $18
SIZE
N.Y.C.: .5 fluid ounces
Chanel: .4 fluid ounces
RESULTS
N.Y.C.: This polish produces the same shine, and after five days of my frolicking in the sand, it withstood wear and tear without chipping.
Chanel: Did not chip and remained shiny several days after application.
Winner: If you are a slave for a brand, order Chanel. But the N.Y.C. polish is just as good–at a much better price.
e.l.f. clarifying pressed powder vs. Benefit Get Even powder
Both products claim to even out your overall complexion and diminish red or blotchy spots.
PRICE
e.l.f.: $1
Benefit: $28
SIZE
e.l.f.: .25 ounces
Benefit: .31 ounces
RESULTS
e.l.f.: Coverage is minimal, which means a lot of layering is necessary to hide blotches or spots.
Benefit: Smells nice, lasts all day and creates an even appearance that minimizes blotchiness and patches.
Winner: You can’t beat a buck for makeup, but splurge on the BeneFit Get Even powder.
e.l.f.’s shimmering facial whip vs. BeneFit High Beam Lotion
Both products claim to give skin a light, dewy shine to face.
e.l.f.: $1
BeneFit: $22
SIZE
e.l.f.: .25 ounces
BeneFit: .45 fluid ounces
RESULTS
e.l.f.: It comes in a variety of hues that smell just like they’re named–pink lemonade, lilac petal and citrus.
BeneFit: It blended well on skin when combined with face lotion, did not last as long as the e.l.f. product.
Winner: You’ll shimmer with the e.l.f. product and save some money.
Sally Hansen Fast and Flawless airbrush makeup vs. Dior DiorSkin Airflash mist makeup
Both claim to give an effervescent glow, to hide fine lines and to give an airbrushed look.
PRICE
Sally Hansen: $7.39
Dior: $60
SIZE
Sally Hansen: 1.5 fluid ounces
Dior: 1.7 fluid ounces
RESULTS
Sally Hansen: The flawless appeal did indeed work, and was less filmy.
Dior: Gave off a fantastic perfume-like aroma, yet my skin felt like it was under a heavy layer of makeup.
Winner: Sally Hansen–unless a fancy bottle is necessary.
