I Have Aesop Taste But Less Budget—I Buy Soaps, Creams and Candles Here Instead

As a beauty editor, I feel quite passionately about using beauty products that spark joy. Although I understand the importance of products that actually work, I also believe that there is a way to create efficacious products that make you feel good when you use them. In short, I like for my products to look good, smell good and feel good.

It's for this reason I'm such a big fan of Aesop skincare and bodycare. In fact, if you're asking me, I would say Aesop is the gold standard of super-chic beauty products that actually work. My only gripe? They're really expensive, so I can only invest in them every so often. They're so expensive, in fact, that most people (myself included) buy a product once and refill it with a cheaper alternative after it's finished. But the truth is you just can't beat the luxurious feeling of using an Aesop product, and I've never found a more affordable alternative that fills the gap—until now. 

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(Image credit: @SHANNONLAWLOR)

C.O. Bigelow is a New York–based pharmaceutical institution. And when I say institution, I mean it in the sense that it has essentially become a New York landmark. Having existed in Greenwich Village since 1838, the apothecary-pharmacy is one of beauty's biggest success stories. Stocking various brands across skincare, fragrance and bodycare, the store also produces its own line of products, and they're available to buy here in the UK. While the brand's products are by no means budget, they are slightly more affordable than my go-to Aesop buys. An Aesop handwash might set me back £30, but my favourite C.O. Bigelow handwash costs £16. However, despite the pricing differences, C.O. Bigelow products really do possess every bit as much luxury and joy as Aesop products do.

For starters, they look great on the shelf. Seriously, walking into my bathroom and seeing my C.O. Bigelow products lined up fills me with unparalleled joy. Then we come to the scents. Rich, expensive-smelling and long-lasting, the aromas make every C.O. Bigelow experience feel spa-like and luxe. The best thing about C.O. Bigelow, however, is that the products really work. The creams are nourishing and unctuous, the candles fill a room in minutes, and the skincare is full of hard-working ingredients. So if you're looking to inject your beauty routine with a hint of luxury that won't totally bankrupt you, keep scrolling for the 10 best C.O. Bigelow products.

1. C.O. Bigelow Lemon Body Cream

2. C.O. Bigelow Herbal Comfort Soak No.122

3. C.O. Bigelow Lavendula Menth Scented Candle

4. C.O. Bigelow Lemon Hand Wash

5. C.O. Bigelow Lavender Salve

6. C.O. Bigelow Aqua Mellis Body Wash

7. C.O. Bigelow Purifying Cleansing Mask No.305

8. C.O. Bigelow Dr. Galen Herbal Skin Tonic No.010

9. C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve Tin No.012

10. C.O. Bigelow Musk Hand Cream No.2007

Next Up: 17 Affordable Beauty Products That Are Just as Good as These Expensive Ones

Freelance Beauty Editor

Shannon Lawlor is a renowned beauty journalist and has contributed to Who What Wear’s beauty content since 2020. As a leading beauty editor, expert and brand consultant, she has over eight years of experience working for some of the industry’s most esteemed titles, including Who What Wear (of course), Glamour UK, Stylist, Refinery29 and Fabulous.

Having also worked behind the scenes with some of the industry’s biggest brands and retailers, Shannon has a unique insight into what people really want from their beauty routines. Understanding that beauty lovers seek honest, open and responsible advice, she has it made her mission to demystify the intimidating world of beauty, taking a no-frills approach to the most relatable topics.

While Shannon is the first to admit she doesn’t hold the answer to every beauty question out there, she is dedicated to sharing her expert insights in a bid to help. As a self-proclaimed lazy girl, Shannon has an affinity for easy-to-use, foolproof beauty products and has made it her mission to scope out the best of the best.

When she’s not working, Shannon is likely soaking in the bath or giving no-holds-barred beauty reviews on Instagram from her bathroom floor.