(Because great skin shouldn’t bankrupt you)

In a recent post, I shared the beauty products I’ve purchased five times or more — my true holy grails.

And a lot of you said some version of:
“Mary… I love these. My wallet does not.”

And honestly? That’s fair.

Some of my favourites are seriously expensive. I don’t pretend otherwise. So I did some digging and put this together for you: more affordable alternatives to each of those holy grails.

These are not dupes.
The formulas are not the same, and I’m not pretending they are.

But they are the closest matches I could find in terms of ingredients, performance, or how they make your skin feel — and they cost a whole lot less.

So let’s get into it, starting with cleansers.

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Cleansers

Eye Makeup Removal

Holy Grail: Bioderma Micellar Water

I use this specifically to remove eye makeup before double cleansing.

The obvious, and very good, alternative is Garnier Micellar Water.

Both use gentle surfactants to lift makeup without stripping the skin. Bioderma has a few extra moisturising agents, but honestly? The feel and performance are incredibly close.

Garnier sells one of these every four seconds for a reason. You really can’t go wrong.

Everyday Cleanser

Holy Grail: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

Here’s the good news: this one is already affordable.

It’s loaded with ceramides and glycerin — everything dry or sensitive skin needs — and there’s really nothing to replace here. It stays.

Mists & Hydration Boosters

Antioxidant Mist

Holy Grail: Maysama Green Rooibos AOX Hydrating Atomiser use code: MARY10 for 10% off

A lovely alternative is Geek & Gorgeous Liquid Hydration.

Both focus on calming, barrier support, and antioxidant protection. They contain hydrators and soothing ingredients and give that refreshed, cushioned skin feeling.

Serums

Antioxidant + Barrier Support

Holy Grail: Maysama Green Rooibos Pressed Serum, use code: MARY10 for 10% off

You know I use this specifically with LED light therapy because it’s clinically shown to boost effectiveness by over 250 percent. Nothing truly beats that.

However, if you’re looking for antioxidant protection plus peptides for barrier support, UpCircle Peptide Serum is a great option.

It uses niacinamide, peptides, and upcycled antioxidants from coffee to protect and firm the skin. It’s eco-conscious, thoughtfully formulated, and backed by some very interesting research.

Peptides + Growth Factors

Holy Grail: Allies of Skin Multi-Peptides + GF Advanced Lifting Serum

I tested this for six weeks in a dedicated review and the results were impressive — but it is wildly expensive.

My alternative here takes two products, both from The Ordinary:

I’ve used both and I’m currently using the growth factor serum in my morning routine. Together, they give you firming peptides and growth factor support at a fraction of the price.

Moisturisers

All-in-One Firming Cream

Holy Grail: Allies of Skin Peptides & Antioxidants Advanced Firming Daily Treatment

The alternative is Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturiser. use code: SOM15 for 15% off

This is a gem. It’s packed with peptides, antioxidants, hydrators, and skin brighteners. I honestly don’t know how Naturium does it at this price point — they’re just consistently good.

Rich, Indulgent Moisturiser

Holy Grail: Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream

This one is a guilty pleasure. It contains their proprietary TFC8 complex and… it’s very expensive.

The alternative that completely shocked me is InnBeauty Project Extreme Cream.

The first time I tried it, I bought another bottle the next day. It’s rich, packed with antioxidants, peptides, ceramides, and squalane — and that texture is unreal.

It’s not drugstore cheap, but at around $55, it’s far easier to swallow than $300.

If you want something even more affordable, Rephr Intense Hydration Cream is excellent. Thick, rich, and deeply nourishing — perfect for very dry skin. And if you leave an honest review after 60 days, it drops to $9. Genuinely good skincare, especially in winter.

Eye Cream

Holy Grail: Allies of Skin Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream

You don’t need an eye cream… but I absolutely use one.

A very good alternative is Naturium Multi-Peptide Eye Cream. use code: SOM15 for 15% off

Both formulas are loaded with firming peptides and ceramides for barrier repair. Naturium also includes caffeine, which is a nice touch for de-puffing in the morning.

Face Oils

Holy Grail: True Botanicals Renew Pure Radiance Oil

I’ve used this for years — long before this channel — and I still love it.

A brilliant budget option is Byoma Hydrating Recovery Oil.

It uses squalane and nine antioxidant-rich oils to deeply nourish the skin. It’s lighter in texture but gives that same radiant, restored finish. This one actually lives on my nightstand.

Body Care

Body Moisturiser Spray

Holy Grail: Aveeno After-Shower Mist

This one’s already affordable, but it’s not always available in the US.

A good alternative is Aquaphor Healing Ointment Body Spray. Both deliver glycerin-rich, occlusive moisture in an easy spray format — perfect for hard-to-reach areas like your back.

I haven’t tried the Aquaphor personally, but I absolutely would.

Firming Body Treatment

Holy Grail: OneSkin Body Supplement

This one is unique. Its peptide targets senescent (zombie) cells, and there really isn’t another product that does the same thing.

That said, a more affordable option aiming for similar results is Versed Firm Ground Retinol Body Lotion.

It uses retinol, caffeine, vitamin E, and squalane to smooth, firm, and improve elasticity. It’s not the same technology, but it works toward the same goals — and it’s under $20.

Hands & Feet

Holy Grail Hand Cream: Aveda Hand Relief
A great alternative is La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Hand Cream — thick, silky, and excellent for barrier repair.

Holy Grail Foot Cream: O’Keeffe’s Healthy Feet
This one’s already a budget hero. Unsexy. Extremely effective. No replacement needed.

Hair

Instant Shine Treatment

Holy Grail: L’Oréal Elvive Wonder Water

This is already drugstore magic. Eight seconds to glossy, smooth hair thanks to lamellar technology. No alternative needed.

Bond Repair

Holy Grail: Epres Bond Repair Treatment use code: SOM for 20% off

This one is in a class of its own. It uses a patented bond-building molecule that works on dry hair — nothing else does this.

It’s made a huge difference to my menopausal hair and I will never be without it. No real alternative here. I’d save up and use a discount code when you can. That’s what I do.

Leave-In Conditioner + Heat Protection

Holy Grail: Pureology Color Fanatic

A surprisingly good alternative is Tresemmé One Step Leave-In + Heat Protectant.

It’s lightweight, detangling, and heat-protective, with very similar performance. I’ll probably buy this instead of Pureology next time.

Makeup

Skin-Enhancing Base

Holy Grail: Trinny London BFF Cream

There’s really nothing quite like this. It’s part skincare, part makeup, with encapsulated pigments that burst as you blend. It’s my blur filter in a tube.

A good budget option is L’Oréal True Match Hyaluronic Tinted Serum. It gives that fresh, radiant, “my skin but better” finish from the drugstore.

Lip Balm

Holy Grail: Maybelline Baby Lips (Cherry Me)

This is a drugstore diamond and has taken over my house. I love it. No alternative required.

Final Thoughts

So that’s my round-up of the closest affordable alternatives to my holy grails.

Some come impressively close.
And some… nothing truly beats the original.

If you found this helpful, let me know in the comments:
What’s your can’t-live-without product?

Thanks so much for being here — and I’ll see you next time. 💛

Shop everything in this video here: https://shopmy.us/collections/282955