In the beauty world, finding the perfect product that works for your skin can sometimes come with a hefty price tag. But what if you could achieve the same results with a more affordable alternative? Enter the world of beauty product dupes. These are drugstore versions of high-end products that deliver similar or identical results at a fraction of the cost. Whether you’re on a budget or simply love a good deal, beauty product dupes can help you achieve gorgeous results without breaking the bank.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best high-end vs. drugstore dupes for popular beauty products, so you can make smart choices without sacrificing quality.
1. Foundation: Estée Lauder Double Wear vs. L’Oréal Infallible Pro-Matte
High-End: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
Estée Lauder’s Double Wear foundation is a favorite among makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts alike. It offers full coverage, long-lasting wear, and a matte finish that stays put all day. However, it comes with a hefty price tag of around $42 for 1 oz.
Drugstore Dupe: L’Oréal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation
For a fraction of the price, L’Oréal’s Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation delivers nearly identical results. It offers long-lasting, oil-free coverage that stays matte all day without caking. At just $10 for 1 oz., it’s a must-try for those on a budget.
2. Concealer: Tarte Shape Tape vs. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind
High-End: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
Tarte Shape Tape has earned its place as one of the most popular concealers on the market. Known for its full coverage and smooth, non-cakey finish, it’s perfect for concealing blemishes, dark circles, and redness. However, it costs about $27 for 0.33 oz.
Drugstore Dupe: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer
Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Concealer provides similar coverage and a brightening effect under the eyes, with a lightweight feel. It’s perfect for those who want a radiant look without the high-end price. At only $9 for 0.2 oz, it’s a great budget-friendly alternative.
3. Eyeshadow Palette: Urban Decay Naked Palette vs. Makeup Revolution Reloaded Palette
High-End: Urban Decay Naked Palette
The Urban Decay Naked Palette is a cult classic. With its mix of neutral shades, it allows for the perfect day-to-night makeup look. The pigmentation is intense, and the shadows blend beautifully. But it’s priced at around $54, which may not fit every budget.
Drugstore Dupe: Makeup Revolution Reloaded Palette (Neutrals 2)
Makeup Revolution’s Reloaded Palette gives you 15 highly-pigmented shades in similar neutral tones at a much more affordable price of around $7. The shadows are soft, blendable, and deliver a beautiful, long-lasting look, making it the perfect dupe for the Naked Palette.
4. Mascara: Too Faced Better Than Sex vs. L’Oréal Lash Paradise
High-End: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara is beloved for its volumizing and lengthening effects. It creates a dramatic, false-lash look with just a few coats. The downside? It costs around $26 for 0.27 oz.
Drugstore Dupe: L’Oréal Lash Paradise Mascara
L’Oréal’s Lash Paradise is often touted as the best drugstore dupe for Better Than Sex mascara. It offers incredible volume and length with a smooth, clump-free formula. Priced at just $10 for 0.28 oz, it’s one of the most affordable alternatives to high-end mascaras.
5. Setting Spray: Urban Decay All Nighter vs. e.l.f. Matte Magic Mist & Set
High-End: Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
Urban Decay’s All Nighter is famous for its ability to keep makeup in place for hours without fading or smudging. It’s a holy grail product for makeup lovers who need their makeup to last all day, but it comes at a price of $33 for 4 oz.
Drugstore Dupe: e.l.f. Matte Magic Mist & Set
e.l.f.’s Matte Magic Mist & Set is a highly affordable alternative to the All Nighter. It keeps makeup in place and helps control oil throughout the day, especially for those with oily skin. At just $8 for 4 oz., it provides excellent value and performance.
6. Lipstick: MAC Ruby Woo vs. Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink in Pioneer
High-End: MAC Ruby Woo
MAC’s Ruby Woo is the iconic red lipstick that has become synonymous with bold, classic beauty. Its matte finish and long-lasting wear are unrivaled in the high-end world, priced at $19 for 0.1 oz.
Drugstore Dupe: Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink in Pioneer
Maybelline’s SuperStay Matte Ink in Pioneer gives you the same stunning red shade with an ultra-matte finish that lasts all day without smudging. At just $9 for 0.17 oz., it’s a perfect dupe for the high-end MAC lipstick.
7. Highlighter: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector vs. Wet n Wild Megaglo Highlighting Powder
High-End: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter
Becca’s Shimmering Skin Perfector is known for its blinding glow and smooth texture. The champagne and pearl-toned highlighters are cult favorites, but they cost around $38 for 0.25 oz.
Drugstore Dupe: Wet n Wild Megaglo Highlighting Powder
Wet n Wild’s Megaglo Highlighting Powder gives the same intense, luminous glow as Becca’s highlighter, but at a much lower price of $5 for 0.19 oz. It comes in a variety of shades and delivers a gorgeous, buildable highlight.
8. Primer: Smashbox Photo Finish vs. e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer
High-End: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer
Smashbox’s Photo Finish primer is known for its ability to create a smooth, flawless base for foundation application. It minimizes pores and controls shine, but it costs about $36 for 1 oz.
Drugstore Dupe: e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer
e.l.f.’s Poreless Putty Primer provides similar pore-blurring effects and creates a smooth base for makeup without the high price tag. It costs around $8 for 0.74 oz and is loved for its soft texture and long-lasting performance.
Final Thoughts
Beauty product dupes offer a fantastic way to achieve high-end results without spending a fortune. Whether you’re looking for a foundation that gives you a flawless base or a highlighter that makes your skin glow, the drugstore options can deliver similar performance at a fraction of the cost. Keep in mind that while dupes are great for saving money, the key is finding products that work for your skin type and makeup preferences. With the right dupes in your makeup bag, you can create gorgeous looks without the luxury price tag.
