I’m still slowly working my way through a bottle of Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. I use less of it these days since I’m having good luck with my Mountain Rose Herbs argan oil, but it’s still a good lightweight moisturizer for those with combination to oily skin. At this point, I don’t think I would repurchase unless I bought it from the CCO at less-than-retail or managed to catch it on a rare sale like Macy’s recent VIP sale.
Generic Price, Perhaps Prestige Quality?
In my internet wanderings, though, I’ve come across TWO Clinique Dramatically Different dupes or generics. Until now, I’ve never seen Clinique Dramatically Different dupes, or any other Clinique dupes for that matter. They are both generics of the lotion version of Dramatically Different.
One, from Sally Beauty’s GVP (Generic Value Products) line:
GVP Distinctively Unique Moisturizing Lotion
With a Sally’s card, it’s $9.69 and they frequently offer B1G1 50% off on the GVP line. It only has one review, which is glowing, but still. For less than half the cost of the, “real deal,” I’d probably venture the money and give it a shot if I were in the market.
Two, from Wal-Mart’s Equate line:
Equate Strikingly Unique Moisturizing Lotion
The price on this one varies – on Walmart.com it is marked around $12, but through Wal-Mart Grocery (their pickup service, more on that below), it is marked down to $6.84. Apparently, Wal-Mart’s Equate line has a whole host of generic versions of Clinique products. Realistically, I’d be skeptical – but there are 55 reviews, many from former Dramatically Different users, giving it nearly five stars.
Side Note on Wal-Mart Grocery: I’ve used this service for nearly two months (yes, with my own money) I wholeheartedly recommend it to my friends, family, colleagues, and fellow busy people. They don’t charge for pickup orders, and I save time and the hassle of going in a store (particularly Wal-Mart – I love this service, but I don’t love being IN Wal-Mart. Sorry not sorry).
If that sounds relevant to your interests, you can sign up and save $10 on your first order here. I do get a small referral kickback but do not have an affiliate relationship with Wal-Mart; any Wal-Mart Grocery customer can refer their friends or family in the same way.
I’ve tried neither of the Clinique Dramatically Different Dupes in this post, but was intrigued by seeing generic versions of prestige products.
Is It Risky?
Compared to trying to buy Clinique Amazon or some other random, non-licensed reseller? Not at all.
I’d be more comfortable buying a generic version of a product from an established generic line like Equate or GVP. Even if it ends up being not as high quality a product, it isn’t mislabeled or falsely packaged. Generic house brands or private labels like Equate and GVP are directly tied to the reputation of the retailer that sells them – so even if we aren’t quiiite getting Clinique quality, they aren’t going to offer a comparison product that unsafe. From a business perspective, it doesn’t make sense.
I’m Curious
Would you try either of these Clinique Dramatically Different Dupes or other generic version of popular Prestige products?
I tried the Walmart version of my beloved Clinique Take the Day Off cleansing balm, and did not like it at all! It cleaned well enough but you couldn’t get it off your face. I rinsed and rinsed ( and rinsed and rinsed and rinsed) and finally got it off, but it was nothing like the TTDO balm in terms of being a snap to get off….. the Clinique cleanser dupe seemed a little more drying than the real deal, and didn’t have the same scent, but it worked well enough. I think people with normal to oily skin would like it a lot!
That’s great to know, Kim! I didn’t even see an Equate version of Take the Day Off. I’m glad to hear the other cleanser seems like it may work well for some skin types.