Is 29 by Lydia Mondavi an affordable Caudalie alternative?

I love me some Caudalie, but unless I happen to be in Europe where it can be $15-35 cheaper, it isn't exactly the most affordable skincare, save for things like the Grape Water which is a reasonably priced spritzy fruit/floral water.

But Target is here yet again to help high-end fans get some cheap, dupe-y thrills. Enter, 29 by Lydia Mondavi.

With a story similar to Caudalie's, that of a woman whose family runs a popular winery and had decided to harness the anti-oxidizing power of grape seed, it's hard not to compare. Inspired by California's beautiful Napa Valley region (which is very lovely, indeed), the line is comprised of anti-aging toner treatment pads, an eye cream, a day cream with SPF, a cream cleanser, a foaming cleanser, a serum, a night cream, a mask, a face scrub, a lip scrub, and a lip balm. Basically, enough you need to build a AM/PM routine without being too many products.

I picked up the night cream, as I needed a new one. It's formulated with peptides, shea butter (but doesn't seem like a super high amount), amino acids, marine extracts, and vitamins to, as their site says, "give your skin a boost with dewy glow." The ingredients list feels very French pharmacy with rose water, grape seed, sesame oil, and other natural oils, which makes a little sense given the vibe of this brand.

Off the bat, it really does smell a lot like Caudalie products. I was surprised for a night cream that this wasn't as thick as I expected; it's almost like a gel-cream texture if that makes sense but don't be fooled, it works well and does seem to do what it says on the tin. Right now my skin is thirsty like a dudebro looking to score, and this is helping it stay nice and hydrated overnight as everything else I put on my face does its magic. This is typically what I put on top of The Ordinary Advanced Retinoid or Ordinary Lactic Acid at night, and I do think they make a nice PM dream team in keeping my skin hydrated and looking good in the morning.

I believe this is currently $16 according to Target's website, so if you want Caudalie thrills without the price tag, you should give 29 by Lydia Mondavi a go as it's, in my opinion, pretty comparable in ingredients, smell, and general "power of grapes" mantra. I definitely want to pick up the day cream with SPF, which I heard was created to go over makeup/foundation as needed and not smudge it. Hi, yes please, will like that come springtime.

Have you tried this brand and like it?