Milk Makeup Watermelon Brightening Serum is one of those products you’re drawn to the first second you see it. It’s a twist-up stick packaging and the bright pink, solid serum looks so pretty in the clear packaging. It’s unlike anything out there, it looks so fun to use and it looks amazing on your vanity. But, for it’s hefty price tag that’s highly based on aesthetics, can’t there be a good dupe to try in its place?
Our favorite dupe for the Milk Makeup Watermelon Brightening Serum is Olay Brightening Serum Stick. The name gives it away, it’s brightening stick serum which is a perfect match for Milk Makeup serum. The only thing you’re missing is the pretty packaging and watermelon extract. But, the Olay serum rings in at about ⅓ of the price and you just can’t beat that. Plus, the ingredients in the Olay serum are better for brightening the skin.
Milk Makeup Watermelon Brightening Serum Ingredients
Here’s the Watermelon Brightening Serum’s star ingredients:
- Watermelon Fruit Extract: Keeps the skin hydrated over time.
- Swiss Garden Cress Sprout Extract: Evens the look of skin tone by visibly reducing dark spots.
- Matrixyl: Smooths the appearance of fine lines and skin texture.
This serum is very mild and soothing on the skin. It’s good for sensitive skin types but don’t expect reduced fine lines and brightened skin immediately. Watermelon is more of a gimmick for this mask and accounts for the pink color. Yes, watermelon extract hydrates and soothes the skin but there’s not much in the formula. There are many more ingredients out there that can adequately soothe and hydrate the skin!
Plus, if you’re wondering, it does not smell like watermelon! It’s virtually scent-less.
Milk Makeup Watermelon Brightening Serum Dupes
The hard part about duping this serum is finding a stick applicator and a serum with watermelon extract. It’s pretty niche and precise. If you’re open to a watermelon serum that’s not in a stick format you have options! If you’re open to a brightening serum without watermelon, tons of great options exist and some even have a stick applicator. If you straight up want the Milk Makeup packaging and watermelon serum – it’s one of a kind. Go for the mini version of the product to save some money.
Personally, I don’t find the Watermelon Brightening Serum to be potent or worthy of the price. It’s very mild and if dark spots are a main issue for you, there are so many better options for a fraction of the price. If it’s for packaging, it’s obviously A+ and unlike anything out there.
Olay Brightening Serum Stick With Vitamin C
This serum delivers instant, deep hydration in an easy-to-apply, mess-free form for a brighter, glowing skin.
This is by far the best dupe because it’s the only brightening serum with a stick applicator! While it doesn’t contain watermelon, vitamin C is far more effective at brightening your skin. The price is super affordable and it matches the ease of the Milk Makeup serum. Reviewers call it moisturizing and convenient…overall, it’s the best dupe by far!
Pros:
- Twist up stick applicator.
- Affordable!
- Brightening formula features niacinamide and Vitamin C. Superior ingredients for brightening the skin.
- This serum also hydrates the skin and won’t make your face feel sticky.
- Great for travel and on the go use.
Cons:
- Does not contain watermelon extract.
- The packaging is less luxe than Milk Makeup.
Where to buy it:
W7 Skin Brightening Serum
This serum is enriched with skin loving ingredients to compliment your favorite skin routine.
Brighten the skin with this serum formulated with collagen, arbutin and hyaluronic acid. We really like that combo of ingredients for brightening and hydrating. This serum is crazy affordable and comes in a cute pink bottle with a dropper. Not a stick applicator but the formula reminds us of Milk’s Watermelon Brightening Serum and the price makes it our cheapest dupe by far.
W7 has a watermelon line of skincare that goes with this serum and includes a mist and moisturizer. If you’re craving watermelon skincare, this is a good option!
Pros:
- Super affordable.
- Cruelty-free, vegan formula.
- Pink dropper packaging is easy to use and actually more sanitary than a stick.
- Great ingredients for brightening, especially at this price point.
Cons:
- Not a stick applicator, has a dropper.
- No watermelon extract.
- This is a very cost effective serum and you do get what you pay for.
Where to buy it:
Earth To Skin Watermelon Face Serum
This serum instantly hydrates and refreshes your face, neck and the delicate eye area.
Watermelon extract and Vitamin C brighten the skin while glycerin adds in moisture for a healthy glow. This serum comes in a pump and we love the gorgeous pink color in the clear packaging. This serum has a jelly texture and is really affordable. If you want something brightening, Vitamin C is always the best route to go.
Pros:
- Affordable.
- Contains watermelon extract and vitamin C to brighten the skin.
- Smells like watermelon and citrus.
- A light jelly texture hydrates the skin.
- This serum has a pump applicator so it’s clean and easy to use.
Cons:
- Not a stick applicator.
- Some reviewers say the scent is too strong.
Where to buy it:
HanHoo Overnight Watermelon Serum
This deeply hydrating serum goes to work overnight to deeply nourish your skin for a bright dewy complexion.
This serum deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin with watermelon extract, niacinamide, vitamin C and antioxidants. An overnight serum sounds unique but this product lasts on the skin to create a glowy, bright complexion. It comes in a pot applicator that’s easy to slather all over the face plus it’s wrapped in a cute watermelon pattern. Their line also offers a watermelon face oil for extra hydration.
Pros:
- Smells like watermelon!
- This serum is great for brightening and nourishing the skin.
- An overnight serum is great for intense treatment and moisture.
- Super affordable and the packaging is cute!
Cons:
- Not a stick applicator, it’s a pot.
- Some reviewers said the applicator is messy. In contrast to Milk Makeup’s efficient stick applicator.
Where to buy it:
Fourth Ray Watermelon Face Milk
This face milk is formulated with watermelon seed oil, bamboo milk, cucumber water, and aloe, this lightweight formula will replenish hydration for a healthier, softer complexion.
This watermelon milky serum hydrates and soothes dry, irritated skin. It can double as a moisturizer for oily skin and even works as a primer for makeup. It’s not a stick serum nor is it brightening, but it contains watermelon extract and it’s a nice, mild serum. This comes from Colourpop’s skincare line and the packaging is adorable and it has a subtle watermelon scent.
Pros:
- Watermelon extract provides soothing and hydrating properties.
- Affordable.
- Vegan, cruelty-free and paraben-free.
- Has a subtle watermelon scent.
- Light milky texture never feels oily or sticky.
Cons:
- Has a dropper applicator.
- Not a brightening serum.
Where to buy it: Fourth Ray
Acure Radically Rejuvenating Serum Stick
This serum stick incorporates targeted plant botanicals, extract and antioxidants to rejuvenate, refresh and provide anti-aging support for your skin.
This solid, stick serum contains Vitamin C and Marula oil to hydrate, nourish and brighten dull skin. This is an especially good dupe if you really want that twist up, stick applicator. Vitamin C brightens while marula oil hydrates and we can’t think of a better combo. The price is just right for this product and it’s a great alternative.
Pros:
- Stick applicator solid serum!
- Vegan, paraben-free and cruelty-free formula like Milk Makeup.
- Vitamin C and Marula oil brightens and nourishes the skin.
- Affordable and you get a good amount of product.
- They also offer a soothing serum in this stick formula.
Cons:
- Does not contain watermelon extract.
- May not be the best option for oily skin!
Where to buy it:
Final Thoughts
The only time I recommend buying the Milk Makeup Waterlemon Brightening Serum is if you want it for looks. Other than that, Olay Brightening Stick Serum is very similar and the ingredients are much better for brightening the skin tone! Plus you could buy 3 of them for 1 Milk Makeup Serum. If you are looking for something to brighten your skin, definitely pick up a vitamin c serum. If you’re sensitive to that, try niacinamide or arbutin.