Benefit’s Hoola bronzer has been my go-to for the last seven years - but could Aldi be coming to take its crown?
The budget German retailer is not only known for its famously low prices, but also its dupes of other, more expensive brands. And shoppers have been raving about this £4.99 bronzer that’s ‘identical’ to Benefit’s .
One said: “Very good product, just as good as Benefit, only a fraction of the cost.”
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“Exactly the same as a well known brand for a fraction of the price,” added another.
“This product is identical to Benefit,” wrote a third shopper. “The only differences are the print on the box and the cost price. This was less than £5, Benefit is approximately £25. I won't buy the Benefit one again!”
With such bold remarks, I simply had to see for myself, and found the bronzer in my local store sitting next to a whole host of other ‘inspired’ products, from an overnight recovery oil similar to Kiehl’s, to a hot cloth cleanser that’s just like Liz Earle.
The packaging is quite different from Benefit’s deep purple box, as it’s brighter with a topical theme. However, if you look at a few other products in the Hoola range, like the quick contour stick - it’s easy to see where Aldi get their likeness from.
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The boxes both open the same way - and it’s probably important to note that both are in boxes. Bronzers typically come in a plastic compact, so this design is very well-known for Benefit.
Inside, there is a generous pan of product, a slim brush with which to apply it, and a little mirror that makes them ideal for taking in your bag on the go.
Of the bronzer , Aldi said: “Achieve your chosen look with this delicate and sweet bronzer. Define, pop and contour your way to looking your absolute best.”
But the proof is in the application, right? I added the same amount of the Aldi bronzer to its matching brush, doing the same for the £28.50 Benefit Hoola bronzer before applying one to each of my cheeks.
I found the Lacura dupe to be more orange in colour than the Hoola, which for me gives a more natural contoured look. Not only that, but Aldi’s cheaper version required a little more blending to get it to look nice and natural.
Both products offered a matte finish, which I prefer over shimmery bronzers, and provided a sunkissed look.
This time, Aldi may have been inspired by Benefit, but for me, the quality wasn’t quite as nice. It’s a great alternative if you don’t want to pay £28.50 for Benefit, but if you do fancy trying the more expensive bronzer, it’s currently on offer at Boots for £25.65.
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