Remember that time you splurged on a fancy beauty product, convinced it was part of the holy grail, only to find a cheaper version that worked just as well, if not better? We’ve all been there, haven’t we? There are so many times I’ve splurged on a high-end makeup product, only to discover a drugstore gem that delivered the same stunning results without the hefty price tag. I love the rush you get when you save a few extra bucks, and if you’re reading this – I’m pretty sure we’re the same!
So here’s a list of affordable finds that not only match up to the high-end classics but might even take their place in your heart (and makeup bag). Say goodbye to buyer’s remorse and hello to smart shopping with these budget-friendly alternatives that are nothing short of magic!
Original: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer / Dupe: L’Oreal Infallible Full Wear Concealer
It would be an understatement to say that the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer and the L’Oreal Paris Infallible Full Wear More Than Concealer are identical. With the same lightweight, full-coverage pigment and applicators – there’s no way to tell the difference except by price!
Original: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara / Dupe: L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara
The Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara is a cult favourite but thankfully for us – drugstore brands have really upped their game in the past few years. Both provide instant volume and length, the formula conditions and softens lashes and even the wands are eerily similar!
Original: M.A.C Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation / Dupe: L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Foundation In A Powder
The M.A.C Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation gives your skin a smooth and even ultra-matte finish with medium-to-full buildable coverage. This is very similar to the L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Foundation In A Powder formula. It is not an exact dupe, but at nearly half the price – it gets the job done!
Original: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution – Pillow Talk / Dupe: Maybelline New York Super Stay Crayon Lipstick
Alia Bhatt’s wedding lipstick has been the talk of the town but there are so many dupes that come in the exact shade and formula. One fantastic replica of the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution – Pillow Talk has to be the Maybelline New York Super Stay Crayon Lipstick in the shade Lead The Way, trust me.
Original: Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Filter / Dupe: e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter
Both the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Filter and the e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter have a very similar formula and tint. Each can be used as a primer or a full-coverage foundation base. They each reduce the appearance of lines and pores while illuminating your skin from within.
Original: Positive Light Liquid Luminizer – Transcend / Dupe: Makeup Revolution Superdewy Liquid Highlighter – Gold Champagne
Both the Positive Light Liquid Luminizer and the Makeup Revolution Superdewy Liquid Highlighter have a silky, second-skin formula that creates a dewy, buildable glow. While both are cult favourite brands, we survived just fine before Rare Beauty launched in India!
Original: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation / Dupe: L’Oreal Paris True Match Super Blendable Liquid Foundation
The Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation has a lightweight, second-skin finish and comes in 30 shades. Similarly, the L’Oreal Paris True Match Super Blendable Liquid Foundation has a vegan, hydrating formula with a remarkably buildable coverage and works for all skin types at a fraction of the price.
Original: Mario Badescu Acne Spot Corrector Drying Lotion with Salicylic Acid / Dupe: Innisfree Bija Trouble Lotion
The Mario Badescu Drying Lotion is a tried and tested acne product that’s been around for ages. It helps in reducing the appearance of a pimple and calming down the inflamed area. The Innisfree Bija Trouble Gel Cream does exactly the same thing and moisturises your skin with bija oil.
Original: Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Lip & Cheek Stain / Dupe: ETUDE HOUSE Dear Darling Water Gel Lip and Cheek Tint Lipstick
While the Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Lip & Cheek Stain has a reddish tint, the ETUDE HOUSE Dear Darling Water Gel Lip and Cheek Tint Lipstick has a much deeper pigment for less than half the price. Both stay on for the same amount of time and I’ll even go so far as to say that they have the exact same formulation!
Original: NARS Blush In Orgasm / Dupe: Milani Baked Powder Blush in 05 Luminiso
The Milani Baked Powder Blush in 05 Luminiso is the closest dupe to the NARs Blush in Orgasm blush. With a similar pigment, this blush delivers a buildable, pink tint that looks ever so natural!
Featured Images: Too Faced, L’Oreal
