Cheaper dupe of Stila Face the Day moisturizer
July 6, 2014 1:52 PM   Subscribe

I'm looking for a moisturizer to replace the Stila Face the Day moisturizer I've been using. I love it, but at $38 for 50 mL, it's a stretch on my budget.

The ingredients list can be found here. The ingredients list for the Algenist Multi-Perfecting Pore Corrector Concentrate, which I got in a free sample and love for similar reasons but which is even more expensive, is here. For a while I thought the Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum (ingredients here) was going to be a strong contender, but over time, I found it too heavy and rich for daily use.

What I like about it is the silicone-y way it makes my skin feel soft and hydrated without feeling greasy, and the gently herbal scent. The former is much more important than the latter. I'm 39 and have oily skin that tends towards breakouts, but when I use this moisturizer, my skin stays totally clear. I'm aware that the vast majority of the beauty industry's "scientific claims" are complete bullshit, but I really like the observable effects. Anything out there that has a similar effect on a drugstore budget?
posted by KathrynT to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (7 answers total) 14 users marked this as a favorite
 
I use Aveeno Ultra-calming for the reasons you describe. I think it's like $17/bottle but the bottle lasts several months. I periodically will branch out and try a new brand, but I always regret it and come back to this one.
posted by bleep at 2:03 PM on July 6, 2014


The Yes to Carrots brand has a decent serum in the $20 range.
posted by judith at 2:11 PM on July 6, 2014


Simple makes a gel moisturizer that might work for you. I think it runs about $10-12 for 1.5oz.
posted by jabes at 2:24 PM on July 6, 2014


Trader Joe's Nourish Antioxidant Facial Serum is a good match though its smell is more fruity than herbal.
posted by 26.2 at 2:27 PM on July 6, 2014 [1 favorite]


I like CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM for the great skin-feel and quick absorption, especially just after taking a shower; I don't have oily skin (rather combination tending towards oily t-zone in the summer and dry cheeks in the winter) but CeraVe is often recommended by dermatologists. I only wish it had SPF, since the AM lotion is a totally different consistency, but it sounds like that's not a product need for you.
posted by serelliya at 4:20 PM on July 6, 2014 [2 favorites]


I like Aveeno's Active Naturals Positively Ageless Moisturizer. I really like the way it makes my skin feel, and it has SPF, which is really important to have in your daily routine.
posted by leitmotif at 4:52 PM on July 6, 2014 [1 favorite]


You might try Paula's Choice Hydralight Moisture, which is a bit cheaper at $24 for 2 ounces (~59 mL).
posted by neushoorn at 12:13 AM on July 7, 2014


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