DB Cosmetics Review: High End Skincare Dupes For Under $30
This new “luxe for less” skincare collection is an affordable alternative to expensive designer brands, but does it do the job?
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When you hear the words ‘premium skincare’ it’s often followed by a price tag that makes you wince. Or do a double take.
But a new skincare range from an established Aussie beauty brand is turning that expectation on its head.
Not only that, but it’s a dupe for a high end skincare brand at a quarter of the price.
The unicorn in question is the new skincare collection from Designer Brands (DB) Cosmetics. Sound familiar? As the top Australian community pharmacy beauty brand, if it hasn’t made its way into your makeup bag over the years you’ve definitely stopped and seen it in the aisles at your local.
With no product over $30, the range promises luxe for less and is quickly garnering serious buzz. So how does it stack up? And is it too good to be true?
DB Cosmetics Skincare Collection
WHAT ARE DB COSMETICS KNOWN FOR?
I first tried DB Cosmetics makeup as a beauty writer almost a decade ago, and was impressed by the quality given the price tag. My overzealous use of their contour kit may have softened (it was the Kim K circa 2016 era, after all) but the brand’s ability to deliver solid products at an affordable price apparently hasn’t.
They’re now taking the same approach - high-quality affordable alternatives to top tier products - to skincare. And with every product no more than $28.99, it’s certainly appealing.
The elephant in the room? Yes, the range is inspired by another brand, Trinny London. There’s lots to be said about dupe culture but I appreciate that DB Cosmetics, as one of the original “Inspired by” beauty brands, is upfront about which brand and even specific products they have taken inspiration from. These are clearly displayed in the product descriptions on the website.
I’ve used Trinny London skincare before and love it but it is on the more expensive side (from double to quadruple the price). If that’s out of your budget, then this could very well be an alternative worth exploring.
WHAT ARE THE STANDOUT PRODUCTS?
In a world of complicated skincare regimens, the Australian-made range is a welcome streamlined 3-step offering designed to cleanse, brighten, hydrate and nourish.
Start with the Revitalising Cleanser with Glycolic Acid ($24.99), boost with either the Plumping Serum with Hyaluronic Acid or Brightening Serum with Vitamin C (both $28.99), then finish with the Nourishing Moisturiser with Peptide Complex ($26.99). It’s simple, effective and a great option for anyone starting their skincare journey or making some more affordable swaps.
The cleanser is thorough without stripping the skin, and carries a subtle, citrus-y scent. Formulated with Glycolic, Lactic and Hyaluronic Acids, ceramides and bilberry and citrus extracts, it brightens and hydrates. My skin has been feeling a little lacklustre of late so I definitely noticed a difference after a few consistent uses. Massaging it into the skin also helps get rid of any stubborn or lingering makeup or residue in tricky areas like around the nose.
The Plumping Serum is great for dry or mature skin, while the Vitamin-C packed Brightening Serum tackles dull-looking skin with added antioxidant protection. SImply apply 1-2 pumps on to clean, dry skin daily. Both are great options but I opt for the brightening one to get some much-needed pep back in my skin. While they boast plenty of active ingredients, they’re a gentler version so suitable for sensitive skin too.
The Nourishing Moisturiser, which helps to hydrate, boost elasticity, enhance the function of the skin barrier and lock in all that moisture and hydration, is also lovely to use and provides a smooth base for makeup. It’s a relatively light moisturiser that absorbs quickly so you’re not left with that sticky or heavy feeling but may not be quite heavy duty enough for those who like it thick and creamy in the colder months.
I was back and forth with travel while I was trialling and loved how easy it was to just take the three products and have a full skincare regimen. The twist and pump packaging is also great for reducing spillage - home or away.
HOW DOES IT COMPARE TO TRINNY LONDON?
Given it’s openly inspired by the brand, there are a lot of obvious similarities. The products promise the same results and share a lot of ingredients although the formulations are not identical. The eye-catching packaging is also very close to Trinny London’s signature style although I do love the brighter, two-tone colour ways that DB Cosmetics has dialled up compared to the original.
The big test is whether the results you see in your skin stand out enough in their own right. And I wasn’t disappointed.
WHAT ELSE IS WORTH TRYING FROM DB COSMETICS?
If you’re also looking for some affordable cosmetics to add to or update your makeup bag with, there is no shortage of options from the cruelty-free and vegan beauty brand.
Their Luminous Hydrating Foundation has a 4.6/5 rating from almost 450 reviews thanks to its similarity to the cult NARS Light Reflecting Foundation, while their Blur Primer – inspired by the Lancome Absolute Perfecting Primer – is also a customer favourite. I’ve always thought highly of their lipsticks, with the range now expanded to include dupes for the Dior Lip Oil (Colour Burst Glossy Lip Oil) as well as bestsellers from Fenty and Rhode.
Who said premium beauty products had to break the bank?
Brittany Stewart is a curly-haired beauty journalist and podcaster with an extensive collection of red lipsticks that look the same but definitely aren’t. From her award-nominated podcast, Beauty Island, to her funny and insightful beauty newsletter, she shares stories of beauty across people, products and more. You can find Brittany on Instagram @brittanybeautybts
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