Shoppers across the UK are in a frenzy over a newly discovered budget beauty product that is being hailed as a near-identical alternative to a cult favourite Lush fragrance. The discovery was shared on Instagram, sparking widespread excitement and debate among scent enthusiasts.
The Budget Beauty Discovery
Instagram user @Vickaboox brought the comparison to light, claiming that Superdrug's limited-edition Sticky Toffee body spray is a remarkable stand-in for Lush's famous Sticky Dates scent. The key difference, and the source of the excitement, is the staggering price gap. While a 200ml bottle of the Lush Sticky Dates body spray retails for £28, Superdrug's 100ml version can be snapped up for just £1.75 for members of its free loyalty scheme.
For those without a Superdrug Member card, the price is still a very affordable £3.49. The Sticky Toffee scent is part of Superdrug's Fruity range, which is also available as a shower gel. The gel costs a mere 95p for members and £1.90 for non-members, making it an incredibly cheap way to layer the fragrance.
A Divided Reaction from Shoppers
The online reaction to the scent dupe has been passionate and split. Many social media users are ecstatic about the potential savings. One thrilled commenter exclaimed they were 'Running for these!', while another confirmed, 'I got these at the weekend, definitely a sticky dates [alternative]!' Several users praised the longevity of the scent, with one noting they could still smell it on their skin the following day after falling asleep with it on.
However, not everyone was convinced. A contingent of shoppers felt the comparison was inaccurate. Some described the Superdrug spray as having a strong alcoholic scent that was 'rancid' or even made them 'gag'. Others reported being disappointed, stating it was 'nothing like' the Lush original and that it even gave them a headache. This divergence highlights the subjective nature of scent and the potential trade-offs with budget formulations.
The Ethical Consideration and Other Deals
Amid the debate, some consumers pointed out that the higher price tag of Lush products often reflects the brand's ethical stance and commitment to fresh, handmade ingredients. This serves as a reminder that when opting for a budget alternative, shoppers may be compromising on a brand's specific values and production methods.
In related beauty news, the early Black Friday sales have begun, with other chains like Boots offering significant discounts. For instance, a £29 MAC setting spray is currently available for under £10. As the holiday shopping season approaches, more major deals are expected to launch across retailers, offering further opportunities for savvy shoppers to save on high-end beauty products.
