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 ($28)
Budget-Friendly Dupe: Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser ($5)
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 ($29)
Budget-Friendly Dupe: Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso ($9)
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 ($14)
More Ideas You'll Love
Budget-Friendly Dupe: NYX Cosmetics HD Eyeshadow Base ($10)
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 ($23)
Budget-Friendly Dupe: Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer ($10)
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 ($47)
Budget-Friendly Dupe: Maybelline The Nudes Blushed Nudes Eyeshadow Pallet ($13)
More Ideas You'll Love
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 ($13)
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 ($31)
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?
I’ve been using a Face powder by Wet n Wild . It’s their Photo focus Translucent powder. My favorite thing is it’s $6.00. But it performs like the more expensive ones.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ve tried the NYX eyeshadow primer. I was amazed .,Before trying my eyeshadow would always have the line at the crease by afternoon. I also recently discovered a concealer that’s great for the dark circles. It’s called Can’t stop won’t stop by NYX. I use the Vanilla shade. It helps a lot with mine.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.For makeup powder I’ve been using the NO 7 brand. It’s about $14. It’s. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s supposed to be a dupe for the highly recommended Laura Mercier powder which I refuse to pay $40.00 for. There’s a lot of makeup sites with great ideas. You can also search for Dupes on Google ..You can find great ideas for cheaper brands that are similar to the more expensive versions.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Wet and wild makes a great waterproof pencil eyeliner – it’s the Break up proof one. I love their brownish – black. It’s really good in hot humid weather. I’ve also started using Essences – Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara. It’s super cheap $5.00. I’ve found it at Target, possibly Walmart. It’s great if you have thin sparse eyelashes.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Do you have a dupe for brow gel? I used one from Maybelline for years that was great, but…now they’ve replaced it with BROW-FastSculpt, which clumps and is stiff and gummy. It’s just horrible.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Also, how do I see if my question was answered? Do I go back to the original One Good Thing article and check all the comments? Or is there another way?
I don’t have a gel recipe, but I do love the brow pencil I use. If you click on the link below (scroll to number 9) you will see the brow pencil that I love. You may even learn some other tips from my post. Hope this helps!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you for posting this. Very helpful and appreciated. Another thought for your “review” and selection of alternates would be . BOOM. A few of my friends use it and like it- but it is SO EXPENSIVE!!! There has to be something out there very similar for less. I just got Wet’n’Wild Baton de Maquillage – Floral majority. It was under $3. Vs almost $30 for one BOOM tube. Seems pretty good to me – but I need to order some sponges!
Thanks for your efforts in making life easier for us out here – struggling.
AND we need a recipe for Lume! I have used and loved several of your DIY recipes. Thanks!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Marcia, thank you so much for sharing this great tip with us! We are always so happy to learn new tips that we can share with other readers. I will look into Lume and see if I can come up with a DIY recipe.
I really appreciate your kind words. My team and I are so happy that you love our newsletter, website and tips! We are here to make people’s lives easier with solutions to everyday homekeeping, beauty routines, recipes, natural products and more.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’m glad to see an updated list. I love the Physicians Butter Bronzer – I’ve only used the smaller size. My favorite Dupes – ELF – poreless primer is a good base. I’ve started using it instead of Urban Decays pricey primer. The Elf brand is supposed to be a dupe for MACs eyeshadow base. Another favorite one is No 7 Translucent loose face powder- it’s $13.00. Its a Dupe for Laura Mercier ‘s Face powder which is $39.00. I haven’t tried the the original versions of these 2 dupes. There is no way I would pay that for the Laura Mercier brand.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Regarding number 7, the eyeshadow paragraph, a “pallet” is a wooden platform used to lift heavy materials. A “palette” is a range of colors and the word you should have used.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.If you have a Walgreen’s, it used to be Rite Aid, nearby try the Wet and Wild make up. The lipsticks, foundation, blush, eye shadow, mascara, and nail polish, if you have lovely nails like yours, Jillee, are good quality and very reasonably priced. I use all their products, but the nail polish, unless it is clear as my nails are constantly breaking or splitting.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I love Wet and Wilds Megaglo Highlighting Powder . It’s about $5-6. It’s great . I won’t spend a lot of money when you can find a great cheap Highlight powder at the drug store. Some of the Wet and Wild Eyeliners recently got good reviews in Good Housekeepings beauty pages.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I am 62 and I would like to find a drugstore foundation that has vitamin e,a, and c and smoothies out wrinkles and fine lines
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I am too old to worry about wrinkles, I figure that I earned every last wrinkle. But do try a Rite Aid/Walgreen’s as they carry quality makeup items at very reasonable prices.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My daughter, at 40 is into Urban Decay, etc. I am a complete Avon fan and have been since the early 70’s. I recently went to a “spa” for bit of Botox and the ARNP there was bragging to everyone about the great xcondition of my skin. I aam 74, so could it have been my choice of makeup over the years?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’m looking for a finishing spray to set makeup. Any suggestions?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Love your tips!
Yes! I actually just made a homemade one that I am LOVING! http://bit.ly/2QzNYNQ
Please log in or create a free account to comment.TLM color change foundation – on Amazon for less than $10 it’s an awesome foundation that changes to suit your skin color. You can get different tones. I am not a make up fan but at 52, I need something on my face. It also has spf. I think if your complexion is half way decent it’s an AWESOME product and a great value
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Who makes the color change foundation you reference? Thx.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I am looking for a comparable foundation to Benefit 1 to a cheaper brand. Do you know of any ?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I could have sworn there was an amazing lip balm on this site but it’s gone now. It was one you purchased rather than made. Anyone?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Any suggestions for a good eye liner. I like Estée Lauder’s retractable one, which is soft to apply.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Revlon Color Stay works well for me.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I like Maybelline Last Drama. It’s waterproof. One of the few formulas I’ve found that stays put.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.It’s a pencil eyeliner. I love it.
I switched that that Thayers toner several months ago and I swear by it! It really helped my acne!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.the good thing for me is I can buy only some of the things that I want from the doller store instead of getting them through a club and paying a price and shipping and handling and they are full size from the doller store and only one doller not 7 dollars or 11 dollars
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Did anyone notice that Jillee did not have a face powder on her list? As we age it will settle into the lines and creases and emphasize them. Blot your face well all over with a clean sponge. If you are oily you can use blotting papers throughout the day. Still working all day? Don’t skip the primer! And you may find you need touch ups or a longer lasting foundation to last 12+ hours. I don’t need mine to last all day so I have not added a setting spray so I can’t speak to that.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I recently got a Lancome powder that’s amazing! It doesn’t settle into my lines like others and also makes your makeup waterproof! It is not cheap though so if I find a dupe I’ll let you know! For drug store powders I think the Elf HD powder is decent
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have not used powder for several years, the foundation and blush keep me, while not young, at least showing that I care about how I look, even at home. I use creamy eye shadow and mascara, too. No nail polish for me until my nails get to a reasonable length, as they are quick to break and split/
I’ve read multiple times that the vintage Coty Airspun powder is excellent (and easy on the pocketbook, keeping with the vintage theme). It’s the yellow-gold flowered round container. I’ve seen it at Walmart. I’m using up powder I received in a subscription box, then will buy Coty. Or I may put cornstarch in a container I already have.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Coty Airspun Translucent is my go to powder. Sometimes it’s hard to find because the translucent sales out quickly, so I usually buy two when my last one starts getting low.
instead of buying expensive or semi expensive blotters, try perm sheets,Beauty supply stores, same thing only you get like 200 or more for next to nothing.eilee
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Witch hazel is a great toner and very cheap. If you want it scented why not just put a drop of your favorite perfume or essential oil in the bottle
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I am so allergic to maybelline makeup. That’s what my mom always bought us when we started wearing makeup. The first time I put the mascara on my eyes swelled shut and turned red. I had to immediately take it off. I tried it again in my 20s and it did it again. I’ve used cover girl then switched to L’Oreal voluminous mascara. I can wear other types of makeup but I steer clear of maybelline. I have green eyes so I can wear a lot of different colored eye shadows. My daughter, the makeup expert, tells me what colors to buy and sometimes she just buys it for me.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I love, love, love L’Oreal Double Extend mascara! Been using it for years and don’t worry about losing my eyelashes when removing it. Just wet the eyelashes well and the tubes slide right off. Many women have asked me if I had false eyelashes on because this product gives so much volume and length. You can even use 2 coats of the volumizer if you want to go all out. Thanks Jillee for info on the other products, as well!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ll have to see what chemicals are in them. But good info.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.When you are older matte eye shadow looks better than shimmer especially if the lid has a bit of crinkle to it. However, it is difficult to find matte eye shadow. And, just when you find one you like, they discontinue it. LOL!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Try Ulta brand. They have individual eye shadow pots, many of which are matte & you can make your own pallet. Also Hard Candy, Loreal & Sonia Kashuk (Target) all have matte pallets that I love. I think Maybelline also has a matte pallet, but I haven’t tried it, & maybe Revlon. I can’t remember. You definitely have to look for them in most stores.
This one is my favorite right now. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hard-Candy-Pro-Eyeshadow-Palette-Artiste-Kit-1256-Pro-Palette-0-69-oz/136991698?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&wl13=4487&adid=22222222227000000000&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=42423897272&wl4=pla-51320962143&wl5=9010692&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=local&wl12=136991698&wl13=4487&veh=sem&gclid=Cj0KCQiA7IDiBRCLARIsABIPohivK8pxiL5I_54SnGiVIchF5Q7qc22vmsjjWY3auTlvP2R7hG7C46YaArd7EALw_wcB
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My issue with makeup is not necessarily the price, but where it comes from. I won’t buy any product that is for the face or body that comes from China, because it has such a bad reputation for quality.
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