As the August bank holiday recedes, many are embracing autumn, and cult beauty brand Lush has fully joined this trend with its new Halloween collection. Reimagining a nostalgic 90s kid's toy, the collection features items like Ghostie Bath Bombs and Monster Octopus shower jelly. A highlight for 90s enthusiasts is the Alien Egg Farm Shower Jelly, which draws inspiration from the classic Alien Egg toys.

Priced at £10 for 250g, the bright green Alien Egg Farm Shower Jelly contains a tiny gummy alien, promising to make bath times more exciting. This vegan product boasts natural ingredients such as lime, neroli, and fruit juice, designed to 'revive' and 'uplift' the skin. Lush playfully suggests keeping the jelly in the fridge or freezer before use for 'out of this world freshness,' then lathering it onto the skin during showering. The brand teases shoppers with the childhood curiosity: 'Will they come alive in the fridge? Can they actually multiply?' This zesty shower jelly, infused with sweet lychee juice and lime peel, is described as leaving skin 'mysteriously soft and soothed.'

The Alien Egg Farm Shower Jelly has already garnered significant attention and praise from shoppers. Many have flocked to the Lush website to express their delight, with one shopper describing the concept as 'insane' and 'super creative,' praising its 'electric, fruity and fresh' scent. Another user declared it their 'best jelly scent' and expressed disappointment that it is a limited edition. A third review highlighted its 'amazing' smell and its ability to leave skin feeling 'heavenly,' making it a daily shower staple.

However, with the ongoing cost of living crisis, many consumers are seeking more affordable alternatives to popular brands like Lush. Lidl has emerged as a go-to destination for 'dupes,' offering products that mimic luxury items at a fraction of the cost. The supermarket is now drawing attention for its Deluxe Lavish Shower Gel, which bears a striking resemblance to Lush products.

The Deluxe Lavish Shower Gel from Lidl is available in two appealing fragrances: 'Relax,' which is lavender scented, and 'Dizzy Rose,' featuring a strawberry scent. Lidl Plus shoppers can purchase a 500ml bottle for £1.59, a 20% saving, while others pay £1.99. This offers a significant saving when compared to Lush's 'Sleepy' shower gel, which has a similar 'deeply relaxing lavender' scent but costs £27 for a 520g bottle, making Lidl's version £25.41 cheaper.

The discovery of these dupes has caused a stir on social media, with bargain hunters sharing their finds. Beyond the 'Relax' and 'Dizzy Rose' options, shoppers have noted other scents available, including a 'Winter Fairy' variant that smells like Lush's 'Snow Fairy' and a 'honey' scented option, all receiving positive feedback for their quality and scent.

Lidl's dupe strategy extends beyond personal care items. The German discounter has also brought back its popular designer kitchenware dupes, offering cast iron casserole dishes for a fraction of the price of high-end brands like Le Creuset. A 1.35L dish costs just £13.49 at Lidl compared to £209 for a similar Le Creuset item, while a larger 4.7L version is £26.99, a massive saving of over £270 against a comparable Le Creuset dish. These robust, oven-safe, and induction-compatible dishes are available in various colors and feature a 'drop-system lid' to enhance cooking, further solidifying Lidl's reputation for high-quality, budget-friendly alternatives.