My Favorite Makeup Dupes That Won't Break the Bank

Makeup can be a joy, but the prices on high-end products often leave us feeling frustrated. Many of us have our go-to holy grail items; the ones that transform our look but can drain our wallets. Fortunately, I’ve uncovered some fantastic makeup dupes that give you similar results at a fraction of the cost. If you're looking to keep your beauty routine fabulous while saving your hard-earned cash, this guide is for you!

The Beauty of Makeup Dupes

Makeup dupes are affordable alternatives to pricey products that offer similar formulations and colors. This means you can create stunning looks without overspending. For instance, you can find dupes for high-end brushes, eyeshadows, and lipsticks that perform almost identically. It’s about spreading your beauty wings without being tied down by financial constraints.

Dupes can be found in drugstore brands like e.l.f. and Maybelline, as well as indie labels known for quality. I've often splurged on luxury makeup, only to find a cheaper option that works just as well or even better. You can still express yourself through makeup without sacrificing your budget!

Primer Time: Tatcha vs. e.l.f.

I remember the first time I used Tatcha The Silk Canvas Protective Primer. Its ability to smooth out my skin was impressive, but the price tag can be hard to swallow—around $54 for less than 1 ounce!! I am not a huge primer girlie, so I could not justify this price no matter how well it worked! Instead, I found e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer for only $8, and it works just as well!

Affordable e.l.f. primer for a flawless finish

The e.l.f. primer offers incomparable smoothness and keeps my foundation looking flawless. It applies easily and creates a canvas that grips foundation just as well as its pricier counterpart.

Foundation Finds: Estée Lauder vs. Maybelline

Searching for the ideal foundation can be tough. The Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation, priced at around $43, is popular for its long-lasting formula. But a powerful alternative is Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation, which costs about $9.

Budget-friendly Maybelline foundation with great coverage

I personally prefer the dewy version of this foundation, but this foundation is lightweight, provides a natural finish, and feels comfortable all day. With over 40 shades available, it caters to a diverse range of skin tones and doesn’t clog pores. Many of my friends prefer Maybelline for daily wear, proving you can have quality without breaking the bank!

Eyes That Sparkle: Urban Decay vs. ColourPop

If you love eye makeup, you probably admire the Urban Decay Naked Palette. However, at about $54, it can stretch your budget. Enter the ColourPop Sweet Talk Palette, priced at $18.

Stunning shades in ColourPop's Sweet Talk Palette

I have been a huge fan of ColourPop for years! This palette has rich pigment and offers a variety of shades, making it easy to go from a subtle daytime look to a bold night out. Users rave about its blendability, making it an essential in any makeup routine. Other than this pallet, they have a large assortment of color stories, including collaborations with some of our favorite movies and shows- uh, a Twilight Pallet? Say no more!

Blush: Nars vs. Milani

I adore Nars Orgasm Blush for its warm peachy-pink hue, but at around $30, it's not always in my budget, and to add, I prefer the creamy stick version that is out now- and that is even MORE expensive! Thankfully, Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso gives you that same glow for only $10!

This blush is versatile enough for any season, and I feel that it is more pigmented and easier to work with than the powder Nars blush. The radiant finish and color payoff ensure that I can wear it year-round, making it a staple in my makeup collection.

Lip Service: MAC vs. L’Oreal

For lip lovers, MAC Matte Lipstick offers incredible color options, but the price—averaging $19—can sometimes push any beauty budget past its limit. Instead, I often opt for L’Oreal Colour Riche Matte Lipstick, priced around $9.

These lipsticks deliver an equally creamy finish and striking pigmentation. I can try multiple shades without the guilt of spending too much. I've received compliments on these colors, proving you don’t need to splurge to make a statement! Personally, I say that nobody should be paying more than $15 bucks for lipstick that doesn't offer any lip care ingredients- but that's just me!

Setting Spray: One/Size vs. L'oreal

Maintaining your makeup all day is important, and while the One/Size Starrr On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray is renowned, it usually costs around $34. A great alternative is L'oreal Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist Spray, which retails for about $12.

This budget-friendly option holds makeup in place wonderfully, keeping your look fresh throughout the day. It’s a lifesaver during long work days or special events! I have both of the sprays because they both serve a purpose. I like the L'oreal better, mainly because it sprays out product the best, BUT! I also feel these cans last no time, and they only come in the one size (no pun intended). The One/Size comes in a couple of different sizes, with the largest one lasting me months! But, it doesn't spray nearly as well, which makes the L'oreal work better in my opinion. The One/Size also comes in a glitter formula, and one with SPF that I have heard good things about.

Mascara Battle: Too Faced vs. L'Oreal

Okay, I am a little biased when it comes to these two since the L'Oreal Lash Paradise Mascara is one of my all time favorites- I am even wearing the waterproof version for my wedding- and the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara is one of my least favorite mascaras on the market. And to add, one is $25 and the other is $10. Need I say more?

Other than the savings, let me explain why I personally believe Lash Paradise is superior. This mascara lengthens and gives great volume without clumping. You can also get the waterproof version for the same price as the regular, and it truly is waterproof- perfect for when you plan on a cry session. The Better Than Sex has always looks so clumpy and messy for me, which is why I do not buy it and do not use on myself or clients. I have used the waterproof version, and it did hold up to an extent... but it started to flake off after the lashes dried down. This is a perfect example of high-end not always being better than the drug store.

Your Path to Affordable Beauty

Makeup should be fun and creative, not a source of stress over costs. Exploring dupes opens doors to new brands and products that can enhance your beauty routine without excessive spending. I’ve shared some of my favorite products, but the world of affordable beauty is vast, and there are countless hidden gems waiting for you to discover.

So the next time you're shopping for makeup, consider these dupes. You’ll likely be surprised at how you can achieve your desired look while sticking to your budget. Happy makeup shopping!