Do you ever feel like you’re paying too much for luxury makeup brands? I get it, the allure of posh packaging and high-end claims can be intoxicating. But what if you could achieve the same polished look without breaking the bank? That’s where makeup artist-approved dupes come into play.
What Are Makeup Dupes?
A makeup dupe is essentially a product that mimics the benefits and shade of a more expensive, luxury brand item. These dupes come in various forms—foundations, lipsticks, eyeshadows—you name it. They’re essentially the Robin Hoods of the makeup world, giving us beauty enthusiasts the luxury look without the luxury price.
Why Dupes?
Why go for the dupe instead of splurging on the original? First off, it’s kinder to your wallet. High-end makeup can be exorbitantly priced, and not everyone can afford to spend a small fortune on cosmetics. Secondly, many drugstore brands have significantly upped their game in recent years. You’d be surprised at just how closely some budget-friendly items resemble their pricey counterparts in both quality and performance.
Foundation: The Canvas of Your Face
Finding the perfect foundation is akin to finding the Holy Grail. It needs to match your skin tone, provide the desired coverage, and stay put throughout the day. Here are some makeup artist-approved dupes for high-end foundations that don’t compromise on quality.
Luxury Foundation: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
This foundation is a favorite among makeup artists for its lightweight feel and ability to provide a dewy, natural finish. However, it retails for around $64, which can be a bit steep.
Dupe: L’Oréal True Match Lumi Foundation
Priced at about $12, the L’Oréal True Match Lumi Foundation offers a similar luminous finish and lightweight feel. It’s often hailed as a great alternative to the Giorgio Armani counterpart.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk | L’Oréal True Match Lumi |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $64 | $12 |
| Finish | Dewy, Luminous | Dewy, Luminous |
| Coverage | Medium | Medium |
| Shade Range | 30 shades | 15 shades |
| Longevity | Lasts up to 8 hours | Lasts up to 6 hours |
Not perfect, but pretty close, right?
Concealers: Magic in a Wand
A good concealer can be life-changing. It’s the magic wand that erases late nights, stress, and surprise breakouts. However, high-end concealers can be notoriously costly.
Luxury Concealer: Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer
Known for its full coverage and long-lasting formula, Tarte Shape Tape is a go-to for many makeup enthusiasts. However, it costs around $27.
Dupe: e.l.f. 16HR Camo Concealer
This drugstore gem offers similar full coverage and longevity, but at a fraction of the price—around $6.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Tarte Shape Tape | e.l.f. 16HR Camo Concealer |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $27 | $6 |
| Coverage | Full | Full |
| Longevity | Lasts up to 16 hours | Lasts up to 16 hours |
| Shade Range | 30 shades | 18 shades |
| Applicator | Large doe-foot | Large doe-foot |
You see, less money, same magic.
Eyeshadows: The Windows to Your Soul
High-end eyeshadow palettes often come with a hefty price tag but wouldn’t it be great if you could achieve similar eye-catching looks without splurging? Well, you can.
Luxury Eyeshadow Palette: Urban Decay Naked Palette
The Urban Decay Naked Palette has become an iconic staple due to its versatile range of neutral shades. However, it’s priced at about $54.
Dupe: e.l.f. The New Classics Eyeshadow Palette
This e.l.f. palette provides a similar range of neutral shades and retails for around $14.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Urban Decay Naked Palette | e.l.f. The New Classics Palette |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $54 | $14 |
| Number of Shades | 12 | 18 |
| Finish Range (matte, shimmer, etc.) | Matte, shimmer, metallic | Matte, shimmer, metallic |
| Longevity | Long-lasting | Long-lasting |
| Pigmentation | High | High |
Comparable results without the giant hole in your wallet.
Lipsticks: The Finishing Touch
Lipsticks can elevate your entire makeup look, but designer lipsticks can be quite the splurge.
Luxury Lipstick: MAC Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo
The iconic red, Ruby Woo by MAC, is a favorite for its universally flattering shade and long-wearing matte finish. It comes in at about $19.
Dupe: Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink in Pioneer
This Maybelline lipstick offers a similar bold red and long-lasting wear for around $9.
Comparison Table
| Feature | MAC Ruby Woo | Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $19 | $9 |
| Finish | Matte | Matte |
| Longevity | Up to 8 hours | Up to 16 hours |
| Shade Description | Bright Red | Bright Red |
| Applicator | Classic Lipstick Bullet | Precision Applicator |
Half the price but virtually identical results.
Setting Sprays: Lock It In
Setting sprays are like insurance for your makeup, ensuring everything stays in place throughout the day. But are pricier sprays really worth it?
Luxury Setting Spray: Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
Urban Decay’s All Nighter Setting Spray is heralded for its longevity and oil-control properties, but it costs around $33.
Dupe: NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray – Matte
This NYX spray offers similar staying power and oil control for approximately $8.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Urban Decay All Nighter | NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $33 | $8 |
| Finish | Matte | Matte |
| Longevity | Up to 16 hours | Up to 12 hours |
| Oil Control | Excellent | Excellent |
| Size | 118 ml | 60 ml |
Now your makeup can stay flawless without you having to shell out big bucks.
Blush: The Pop of Color
Blush can add that perfect touch of color to your face, making your complexion appear healthy and radiant.
Luxury Blush: NARS Blush in Orgasm
NARS Orgasm is renowned for its beautiful peachy-pink hue with a golden shimmer. It’s priced at around $30.
Dupe: Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso
For about $9, Milani’s Luminoso offers a very similar shade and finish to NARS Orgasm.
Comparison Table
| Feature | NARS Orgasm | Milani Luminoso |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $30 | $9 |
| Shade | Peachy-pink with golden shimmer | Peachy-pink with golden shimmer |
| Finish | Shimmery | Shimmery |
| Pigmentation | High | High |
| Longevity | Lasts all day | Lasts all day |
Both add a beautiful flush to your cheeks, but one leaves you with extra dollars in your pocket.
Highlighters: That Glow
Highlighters are all about giving your skin that extra touch of radiance. But do you really need to pay top dollar to shine?
Luxury Highlighter: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Champagne Pop
Becca’s Champagne Pop is famous for its buttery formula and stunning glow. It will set you back about $38.
Dupe: Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder in Precious Petals
Priced at around $5, Wet n Wild’s MegaGlo offers a similarly stunning highlight.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Becca Champagne Pop | Wet n Wild Precious Petals |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $38 | $5 |
| Finish | Shimmery | Shimmery |
| Pigmentation | High | High |
| Longevity | Lasts all day | Lasts most of the day |
| Texture | Buttery | Buttery |
You can achieve that luminous glow without the hefty price.
Eyeliners: The Definition
Eyeliners can make your eyes pop, but high-end brands often come with a steep price tag.
Luxury Eyeliner: Kat Von D Tattoo Liner
Kat Von D’s Tattoo Liner is known for its precise application and staying power, retailing for about $21.
Dupe: NYC Liquid Eyeliner
For around $3, the NYC Liquid Eyeliner offers similar precision and longevity.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Kat Von D Tattoo Liner | NYC Liquid Eyeliner |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $21 | $3 |
| Finish | Matte | Matte |
| Longevity | Long-lasting | Long-lasting |
| Applicator | Brush tip | Brush tip |
| Pigmentation | High | High |
You save more than you spend while still achieving a killer cat eye.
Mascaras: The Volume
A good mascara can make your lashes look voluminous and dramatic, but high-end mascaras can be pretty pricey.
Luxury Mascara: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
Heralded for its volumizing effect, this mascara will cost you about $26.
Dupe: L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise
This drugstore alternative provides a similar volumizing effect for around $10.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Too Faced BTS Mascara | L’Oréal Lash Paradise |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $26 | $10 |
| Volume | High | High |
| Longevity | Long-lasting | Long-lasting |
| Brush Type | Hourglass brush | Hourglass brush |
| Smudge-proof | Yes | Yes |
Both give you those fluttery lashes, but one is much friendlier on your budget.