Dupes dupes dupes

I sent my friend Tara to go on an odyssey at Trader Joe’s to test out duplicates of some products she’s loyal to that are way too expensive. Not that this is a place where we shame anyone for spending money on stuff because a treat-based lifestyle is basically the key to my survival. I have a mysterious grossness this week (it is not the bagged salad one but not dissimilar?) so we’re letting Tara take over while I throw money at the problem in the form of Happier Grocer’s gazillion-dollar house electrolyte drinks. (All are good but the dragonfruit one is elite.) -Marisa

The first time I really committed to a cohesive, lengthy skincare routine was with Drunk Elephant, mostly because their matte, neon packaging spoke directly to a primal part of my millennial brain. I eventually moved on when I discovered Caroline Hirons and her guides to finding effective products beyond those that are expensive, just okay, and use nebulous “clean beauty” claims.

The one thing of Drunk Elephant’s I found to be way more than just okay was their single ingredient virgin Marula oil. I was shocked that there exists an oil I can put on my face and through some kind of science or wizardry it actually helps to clear pores while being insanely moisturizing.

So when I found out that Trader Joe’s also has single ingredient virgin Marula oil at a mere 10% of the price, I was rightfully all in. It’s the same. It’s perfect. I love it so much.