Are you a big spender who loves to splurge on the latest designer beauty, or are you more of a bargain beauty hunter? Or maybe you can be both! Either way, if you wonder what the difference between luxury vs affordable beauty is and whether it’s worth the investment, then our blind trial might hold the answer.
How Will We Trial Them?
An Escentual team member will attempt to guess which beauty formulas are high-end and which are affordable completely blind; no packaging or designer labels, just the texture, formula and aroma.
Who’s in the VS Hot Seat?
Our Editor, Ceryn is attempting to spot the luxury product. Ceryn has worked at Escentual for seven years and in the beauty industry for eight ½ years. Previously she worked with affordable beauty, and now she works closely with some of the most premium and designer beauty brands. Her experience puts her in good stead to spot the key differences between affordable and luxury beauty. See if Ceryn could differentiate the high-end formulas and delve deeper into the products featured with this full run-through…
Round 1: Dry Shampoo
Dry Shampoo 1:
The first dry shampoo is a 2021 Get The Gloss award-winner with many celebrity fans; developed with softening oat milk, corn and rice starch, the dry shampoo offers effective yet gentle cleansing for all hair types. A blend of microspheres and micronised powders eliminate excess oils, dirt and odour to regain volume and freshness within minutes.
Ceryn’s Thoughts…
Ceryn was impressed that this dry shampoo left no white residue in her hair; she felt it had an enjoyable fresh scent.
Dry Shampoo 2:
Next up, we picked the first-ever anti-dandruff dry shampoo. The soothing formula contains aloe vera and chamomile for reactive and sensitive scalps to relieve itchiness and irritation. Added zinc provides anti-fungal and antibacterial action to reduce build-up on the scalp. The gentle dry shampoo targets dandruff at the root while reducing excess oil and sebum in between washes.
Ceryn’s Thoughts…
Initially, Ceryn noticed the dry shampoo had a powerful spray-action that covered a lot of area and once again left no white residue on her dark hair. Ceryn felt this dry shampoo was the luxury option because of the nozzle’s power and the sturdiness of the bottle design.
Ceryn decided the second dry shampoo is the luxury formula.
Which Is Which?
Dry Shampoo 1: Affordable – Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk Spray
Dry Shampoo 2: Luxury – Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Soothing Dry Shampoo
Round 2: Setting Spray
Setting Spray 1:
The first mystery setting spray is a natural, refreshing 4-in-1 formula that preps skin, sets makeup, brightens your complexion, and provides SPF 45 protection. Its lightweight, airy mist settles on the skin for a comfortable and weightless feeling that doesn’t feel sticky or heavy on the skin. Its bottle is compact, making it perfect for the on-the-go.
Ceryn’s Thoughts…
Initially, Ceryn felt this spray felt more like skincare than a traditional setting mist. She felt it had a slightly more hydrating and milky consistency.
Setting Spray 2:
Next up, we have a setting spray that locks in your makeup for up to 16 hours. The pore-blurring formula has a smoothing, refreshing and hydrating action that feels comfortable and non-sticky. Delivering long-lasting results, the microfine mist reduces shine with its waterproof, smudge-proof and fade-proof formula.
Ceryn’s Thoughts…
Ceryn immediately compared the weight and size of the bottle and felt this setting spray would sit better on her dressing table. She enjoyed the fine and lightweight texture of the mist.
It was a tough one! Ceryn thought the second setting spray was the luxury formula.
Which Is Which?
Setting Spray 1: Luxury – GIVENCHY Prisme Libre Prep & Set Glow Mist SPF45
Setting Spray 2: Affordable – Benefit POREfessional Super Setter Setting Spray
Round 3: Milk Cleanser
Milk Cleanser 1:
Designed for sensitive skin, the first milk cleanser has a gentle, fragrance-free formula that removes traces of dirt and makeup from your face without irritating your skin. The hypoallergenic milk cleanser is a best-seller with a no-rinse formula that leaves skin soft and comfortable.
Ceryn’s Thoughts…
Ceryn immediately noticed that the milk cleanser was fragrance-free. She felt the cleanser removed her makeup without tugging or irritating her sensitive skin.
Milk Cleanser 2:
Developed with a calm complex of chamomile, polysaccharide and hawthorn extract, the second milk cleanser removes makeup and impurities without irritating your skin. The dermatologist-tested formula is ideal for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin and leaves complexions clean, fresh and soft.
Ceryn’s Thoughts…
Ceryn felt the pump cap alone of the second milk cleanser screamed luxury with its lockable design.
Ceryn guessed that the second milk cleanser was the luxury formula. The pink pearl colour and subtle floral fragrance hinted toward it being a luxury cleanser.
Which Is Which?
Cleanser 1: Affordable – Avene Tolerance Extremely Gentle Cleanser Lotion
Cleanser 2: Luxury – Darphin Intral Cleansing Milk
The Results:
Ceryn had some tough rounds and just missed out from the top of the leaderboard; guessing two out of three rounds correctly.
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