If You Can’t Beat ‘Em...
Let’s be honest, sometimes the “dupe” short for “duplicates” of popular beauty items are just as good, if not better than the original product. If you spend any time on social media, are a beauty enthusiast or have friends who are, then you’ve probably heard of more affordable, maybe even drugstore products that are better than their luxury counterparts.
We were shocked to find out that some of these products use the same ingredients but are 1⁄3 or or even half of the price tag. But how do you know which ones are actually the real deal and which ones should be left in the Amazon cart? Check out some of our favorite “dupes” of these luxury makeup products and skincare.
e.l.f. Powergrip Primer + 4% Niacinamide
This e.l.f. primer went viral last year for its scary similarity to the Milk Makeup version. Beauty influencers to this day have been viewed on TikTok raving about how its formula grips to your skin in a semi-sticky way, keeping your makeup glued to your face all day come rain or shine. This niacinamide version keeps your skin hydrated and provides a dewy, healthy glow. Use with other water based products as opposed to silicone to prevent cakey makeup. We rate this product a 10/10 and will definitely be buying doubles next time we stock up.
Milani Make It Dewy Setting Spray
The Charlotte Tilbury setting spray has been hailed as the go-to holy grail when it comes to setting sprays. Yet, this Milani Make It Dewy Setting Spray has also been hailed as a holy grail when it comes to dupe products, period. It boasts that it locks in your makeup for up to 16 hours, when we tried it we noticed that our makeup was preserved for an eight-hour work shift and lasted through cocktails. It didn’t quite hit the 16-hour mark but it was good enough for us - and the price point. We love the dewy effect it provides and also the cooling/refreshing effect it has on our skin. We give this an 8/10 and would definitely repurchase.
L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara
When we get excited about a product, we really get excited. We’ve boasted before about our love for the Better Than Sex Mascara from Urban Decay. We still stand by that, however our wallets don’t always agree. Enter Lash Paradise, at a price point of around $10 this is one of those rare products that stands up to the original. It lengthens, thickens and volumizes and best of all, it DOES NOT flake! We also like to pair it with the L’Oreal Paris Lash Paradise Primer for an ever bigger bombshell effect. 1000/10, will always repurchase.
Maybelline Dream Liquid Foundation
A good dupe for a foundation is probably the hardest to find. It’s rare that a “drugstore” foundation provides the same high quality formula ingredients that its luxury counterparts do, however the Maybelline Dream Radiant Liquid Foundation is a pretty good second option. It comes in thirty shades, has medium coverage and is extremely hydrating. It has hyaluronic acid and collagen so it’s very lightweight and lasts for the better part of the day. It’s a great addition for the other products on this list and we’re rating it a solid 7/10.
Pacifica Sunny Glow Drops
The Drunk Elephant glow bronzing drops create that ideal bronze-y glow but these Pacifica Beauty Sunny Glow Drops provide the exact same effect for half the cost. Not only are they great alone or under your makeup as a primer but they have powerhouse ingredients like glycolic acid, vitamin C and Kakadu plum. We like to use these all over or apply to certain places we want to add just a bit of definition to such as the jawline or where we would usually contour. These are a 10/10 solely because they are a staple in our makeup bag - and our shopping carts.
How do you feel about shopping dupes like the ones we listed? Which ones are your favorites and which ones are you leaving in the cart?