Brandefy ingredient note: Both products contain a blend of Ceramides, Squalene, Glycerin, Propanediol, and Vitamin E to hydrate and restore the skin. They also both contain Niacinamide (powerhouse ingredient that helps with hydration, pores, and inflammation), Creatine, Electrolytes, and Cholesterol. Ryan says: When Drunk Elephant launched F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial, I was so excited to try it on my dry skin. I immediately fell in love with the effects; I’d wake up with plump, hydrated skin when I applied it the night prior. Then Paula’s Choice came out with a similar product for half the price of DE, the Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturizer, and I had to check it out! After testing them side by side, I can confidently say PC delivers the same results, supple + quenched skin! The textures vary slightly, DE is gel-like with beads that emulsify upon application, whereas PC is whipped to start, but both are lightweight and immediately transform into a water-like consistency and absorb quickly. Though both are suggested for nighttime use and DE is marketed as a mask, they can be used as a moisturizer for extra dry days. I highly recommend using either product if you’re in need of an extra shot of moisture and making the switch from DE to PC if you’re looking to save 50%! - Ryan M
Brandefy Note: This was previously a rumored alternative. Brandefy sent these products to Katie free for testing. All thoughts and opinions are her own. Katie says: Designed to instantly hydrate and nourish, minimize wrinkles, and improve skin texture, both Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream and Paula’s Choice Replenishing Moisturizer provided similar results for my dry skin. With both products, my skin felt instantly hydrated upon application and remained moisturized throughout the day. Both moisturizers are thick and creamy in their packaging, but they both soften with application on the skin, leaving a relatively lightweight finish. CT’s Magic Cream is just a little thicker and oilier than Paula’s Choice, requiring a few more seconds to fully absorb which provides a temporary dewy effect as it settles. Otherwise, the consistency is very similar and both moisturizers provide comparable long-lasting hydration. My skin felt smooth and plump after application with both moisturizers, but there were no noticeable differences in skin appearance beyond hydration. Both creams have a standard “unscented” moisturizer scent, though the Magic Cream has a hint of floral mixed in. The main difference between these two products is the packaging. Charlotte’s Magic Cream looks and feels luxurious with a clear glass container and a rose gold cap inside a beautiful pink box whereas Paula’s Choice Replenishing Moisturizer is packaged in a pomegranate-colored tube wrapped in plastic. That being said, the tube is more hygienic and easier to use despite the thicker consistencies. In my opinion, Charlotte’s Magic Cream and Paula’s Choice Replenishing Moisturizer are virtually indistinguishable from each other and the price difference is purely for the packaging. - Katie L
Taylor is on the Brandefy team. We gave her both products free for testing. All thoughts and opinions are her own. Taylor says: The Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream is $64 for 0.5 oz and the Paula’s Choice C5 Super Boost Eye Cream is $39 for 0.5 oz. Both eye creams contain multiple forms of vitamin C derivatives, multiple peptides, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid. Both come in airless packaging that is a nice experience. They are similar in texture, the DE one may be slightly plushier. I really enjoyed both! My under eyes look bright, plump, and moisturized. Neither had issues layering under makeup, so I really think the PC one is a great alternative!
