Beauty doesn’t have to break the bank. Makeup dupes are a great way to get the same results as their high-end counterparts but at a fraction of the cost. Whether you’re looking for an exact match or something similar, we’ve rounded up 9 fantastic makeup products that are identical to their high-end counterparts. Get ready to get duped, from eyeshadows to lipsticks and everything in between!
1. Lipstick
One of the most popular makeup dupes is a drugstore dupe for Charlotte Tilbury’s cult-favorite Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk. Pillow Talk is a universally-flattering nude-pink matte lipstick shade that has amassed a massive following of devoted fans. Fortunately, if you’re looking to save some money, there is a cheap dupe that offers nearly the same color payoff as the original. The Revlon Super Lustrous The Luscious Mattes Lipstick in the shade 003 – Pick Me Up is a great makeup dupe with a similar nude, mauve-pink color payoff. It’s a near-perfect beauty dupe for the classic Pillow Talk shade, offering the same long-wearing finish without the hefty price tag.
2. Eye Shadow
Eye shadow is essential to any eye look; not all eyeshadow sticks are created equal. Eyeshadow sticks from Chanel, Burberry, Bobbi Brown, Mac, By Terry, Kiko, and elf have been popular among makeup fans. To get the perfect eye look, you need an eyeshadow stick that is easy to apply, long-wearing, sophisticated, multi-dimensional, requires minimal blending, and has a waterproof formula.
If you want something blendable, I’d always go for Kiko. They have a great shade range, are cheap, and are the closest makeup dupe to expensive designer brands. It’s perfect for creating a multi-dimensional look with just one swipe and doesn’t require a brush or heavy blending. It’s one of the few cheap and inexpensive makeup products that deliver the same high-end results without breaking the bank.
3. Blush
Blushing can be caused by the release of adrenaline, which makes the blood vessels in the face dilate and gives us a rosy complexion. Although it is often seen as a sign of embarrassment, it can also be interpreted as a sign of honesty, vulnerability, and even attractiveness. To achieve a natural-looking blush, try using inexpensive makeup. Plenty of dupes are available for high-end products that offer similar results at a more affordable price. For example, you can use a drugstore blush to get a similar effect to a higher-end blush. You can also use cream or loose powder blushes, depending on the look you’re trying to achieve.
For example, Selena Gomez’s brand Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush sold out quickly when it was first released due to the vibrant colors and creamy, hydrating formula that is perfect for dryer skin types. However, if you missed out on that one, you can also try Maybelline New York Cheek Heat which offers a similar effect with a creamy and blendable pigment that looks natural on the skin. With all these inexpensive makeup options, it’s easy to get the same effect as a high-end blush at a fraction of the price!
4. Contour
When it comes to contouring, you may be tempted to splurge on high-end makeup products. However, plenty of affordable makeup dupes will help you get the same results. Take the Charlotte Tilbury Contour Wand and the NYX Professional Makeup Born To Glow Radiant Concealer. While the Contour Wand is pricier than the Radiant Concealer, the latter still provides excellent coverage and can be used for sculpting and defining. Plus, it comes in six different shades, so you can find one that perfectly matches your skin tone. This inexpensive makeup dupe makes it easy to get that chiseled and defined look without breaking the bank.
5. Concealer
Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer is a favorite for its wide shade range and long-lasting wear, as it is transfer-proof, dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested, and buildable. It is also non-comedogenic, fragrance, and paraben-free. If you’re looking for an inexpensive makeup alternative, Maybelline Fit Me Concealer offers fewer color matches but still has non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, dermatologist and ophthalmologist-approved features. This concealer provides medium, natural coverage with adequate pigment that can be layered and will blend easily.
6. Powder
If you’re looking for an inexpensive makeup option to the popular Laura Mercier Setting Powder, the Colourpop No Filter Loose Setting Powder is a great alternative. This powder is weightless and does not feel heavy on the skin, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin or those who don’t like the feeling of a thick layer of powder on their face. The Colourpop powder also does not give off any photo flashback, a common issue with some setting powders. Many users have reported getting up to 6 hours of creaseless makeup with this powder. Six shades are available for this product, ranging from fair to deep, allowing everyone to find the perfect shade for their skin tone. Plus, this product only costs $10 for .3 oz – much more budget-friendly than the Laura Mercier version!
7. Mascara
Glossier’s Lash Slick Mascara is the way to go if you’re looking for a high-end mascara that will give you luxurious lashes. This mascara will make your eyelashes look fuller, longer, and thicker in just one coat. However, great dupes will still give you similar results if you’re not looking to splurge on an expensive makeup item.
The L’Oreal Paris Telescopic Mascara is a great dupe that provides your lashes with a lengthening effect. The brush bristles are designed to reach even the smallest of lashes, giving them an extra volume boost. Furthermore, the formula is smudge-proof for most of the day. Another affordable option is the Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara. This mascara gives your lashes a dramatic boost with its unique cone-shaped brush. Its formula adds incredible length and volume, making it a great inexpensive makeup alternative to its high-end counterparts.
8. Foundation
The most important makeup product to find a dupe for is foundation, which helps to even out your skin tone. A great inexpensive makeup dupe for Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation (valued at $48) is the Maybelline SuperStay Liquid Foundation which is only $10. This dupe provides the same full coverage and long-lasting finish with a matte finish from the Estee Lauder foundation.
Another inexpensive makeup dupe for Clinique’s Even Better Makeup (valued at $33) is Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup. This lightweight foundation offers medium coverage and has a natural finish that looks like your own skin. It is also formulated with Vitamin C to help brighten the skin and is oil-free, making it perfect for those with oily or combination skin.
9. Setting Spray
Urban Decay All-Nighter is a popular setting spray, perfect for those who want to keep their makeup intact throughout the day. It’s a lightweight mist that helps lock your makeup in place while providing skin with vitamins and minerals to soothe and refresh. While it can be a bit pricey, many excellent alternatives won’t break the bank.
Gerard Cosmetics Slay All Day Makeup Setting Spray is an inexpensive makeup dupe of Urban Decay All-Nighter. It contains oil, giving your face a plump look while sealing your makeup in place with a matte finish. It’s also enriched with vitamins and minerals to nourish your skin. For those looking for a more affordable option to Urban Decay All-Nighter, Gerard Cosmetics Slay All Day Makeup Setting Spray is worth trying out!
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Kaela Brandi 