While I’ve worn it nearly every day for decades, I’ve always had something of a love-hate relationship with makeup. Especially when you’re looking for higher quality products, even the basics can be really expensive!
But fortunately for me, there are plenty of bargain-loving makeup enthusiasts out there who specialize in makeup knockoffs, or “dupes” (shorthand for “duplicates”). A good makeup dupe is an expensive product that’s comparable enough in color, quality, and finish to use in place of a more expensive makeup item, and they’re a great way to save money on makeup without a noticeable drop in appearance or quality.
Today I’ll be sharing 9 makeup knockoffs for popular, high-end products that are inexpensive and widely available. I also provided links to both the original products and the makeup dupes so you check them out for yourself (mainly Amazon links, with a few links to ULTA for things I couldn’t find on Amazon).
Here’s to saving money and looking great doing it!
9 of the Best Money-Saving Makeup Dupes
1. Primer
Original: Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional Pore Minimizer ($31)
Budget-Friendly Dupe: Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser ($7)
A good pore-minimizing primer helps prevent makeup from sinking into your pores and making them look larger than they actually are. POREfessional from Benefit Cosmetics is a fan-favorite primer with a hefty price tag, but this Maybelline dupe gets the job done for a lot less.
2. Blush
Original: NARS Orgasm Blush ($34)
Budget-Friendly Dupe: Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso ($13)
The perfect peachy-pink blush can take your look to the next level! NARS Orgasm Blush is a cult favorite that many claim is universally flattering, but for a more budget-friendly alternative, Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso is a very close match in terms of both shade and shimmer!
3. Mascara
Original: Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara ($29)
Budget-Friendly Dupe: L’Oréal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara ($12)
If you really want to maximize the volume of your lashes, choose a 2-step mascara. It’s two products in one—a lash volumizer plus a normal mascara. Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara uses a special brush to get that two-step look. It’s by Too Faced and it’s popular, but pricey. L’Oréal Paris Double Extend Mascara is not only cheaper, but comes in a convenient double-sided tube too.
4. Eyeshadow Primer
Original: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion ($18)
Budget-Friendly Dupe: NYX Cosmetics HD Eyeshadow Base ($11)
Using an eyeshadow primer might sound like overkill, but it’s an easy way to make your eyeshadow last longer, and it really cuts down on creasing too. Makeup fans swear by Eyeshadow Primer Potion by Urban Decay, but HD Eyeshadow Primer from NYX Cosmetics is a great less expensive alternative.
5. Makeup Sponge
Original: Original Beautyblender ($32)
Budget-Friendly Dupe: Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge, Pack of 2 ($9)
Using a makeup sponge can help you blend your way to makeup perfection. The Original Beautyblender was the makeup sponge that started it all, but it’s hard to justify spending $32 on two fancy sponges. Instead, check out the Miracle Complexion Sponge from Real Techniques, which comes in a set of 2 for less than a third the price.
6. Concealer
Original: Tarte Shape Tape Concelaler ($32)
Budget-Friendly Dupe: Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer ($13)
Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer (America’s #1 concealer brand, per Tarte’s website) is lauded for providing long-lasting, full coverage and its crease-proof formula. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer also stays put all day with minimal creasing (and for about half the price to boot). As an added bonus, it also has ingredients like Haloxyl that can lighten, aid circulation and improve the appearance of dark circles.
7. Eyeshadow
Original: Urban Decay Naked3 Pallet ($59)
Budget-Friendly Dupe: Maybelline The Nudes Blushed Nudes Eyeshadow Pallet ($16)
Makeup collectors swoon over Urban Decay’s Naked eyeshadow pallets. The Naked3 pallet is packed with neutral shades with various levels of shimmer. But if the $50+ price tag puts you off, take a look at The Nudes pallet by Maybelline, which offers similar shades at a fraction of the cost.
8. Bronzer
Original: Glo Skin Beauty Bronze ($46)
Budget-Friendly Dupe: Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer ($16)
Glo Skin Beauty Bronze is prized for its creamy, silky texture and warm golden-brown color, but with a price tag of nearly $50, I’m not sure I have the stomach for it! But Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer is a great dupe that feels every bit as expensive with ingredients like murumuru, cupuacu, and tucuma butters. It goes on smoothly with a soft-focus blur.
9. BB/CC Cream
Original: IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream ($39)
Budget-Friendly Dupe: COVERGIRL Clean Matte BB Cream ($7)
If you like to keep your makeup routine as simple as possible, consider trying a BB or CC cream. These all-in-one creams promise to prime, protect, and perfect your skin with just one product! Makeup fans love the CC+ Cream from IT Cosmetics, but the cheaper Clean Matte BB Cream from COVERGIRL has its own devotees too.
What other makeup dupes would you add to this list?
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