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)
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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?
Thank you Jillee. I have been out of the make-up game for a while. Health issues; so I didn’t feel like wearing make-up or going out much. Thankfully all resolved. Wen to store recently and had sticker shock; then, what is bb and cc cream. So this post is very, very helpful for getting me back in the game of life.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’m so glad to help Janet!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I completely believe in buying drugstore versions of more expensive products, it’s a great savings. However the one thing I will never buy from the drugstore is eyeshadow. I have learned time and time again it irritates my eyelids, the color isn’t as good and it doesn’t stay as long .
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I don’t think it’s that drug store eye shadow isn’t as good, I just think that not all brands are created equal. Covergirl always creases on me no matter how I prep my lids. Wet n Wild is a waste of money. My favorite brands are Hard Candy, Loreal & Sonia Kashuk (Target). Ulta brand eye shadows & blushes work well for me too.
I have ultra sensitive skin & have never had an eye shadow irritate my eyelids unless it has mica in it. I can’t use any of the mineral makeups that contain mica or my face will itch all day long! It makes me wonder if there may be a particular ingredient you may be allergic to.
As I’m nearing 50 I find that matte shadows work best for me with my combination skin. Since I was a teen I’ve always put primer on my entire face, including my eyelids (the green one by NYX is my fav), then foundation followed by the lightest possible dusting of loose powder on the entire face before I begin applying eye products & cheeks & lips. Then I follow that with another very light dusting of loose powder. The finished look is not heavy at all & still allows for a natural look because of using neutral colors & not over applying them.
The only time I’ve ever had eye shadow crease or fade was when I was in too big of a hurry & skipped a step or two in preparing my lids, or when I used a lesser quality brand. I do think it’s funny that at least every couple of months a cashier, or another stranger will comment that I have the smoothest complexion they’ve ever seen. I smile & say thank you while knowing that it’s all technique of makeup application because without it I have quite a bit of pink undertone to my face.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.As far as drugstore eyeshadows I love the Revlon and L’Oreal quads. I sometimes use Maybelline. I love their color tattoo brand eye shadow crayons. I’ve never had a problem with it budging. It stays on until I take it off.
I have experienced the same thing except with Revlon and L’Oreal. The product that gives you a barrier is an eye shadow primer or base. But the good news is you can splurge a little on higher priced shadows with what you save on your other drug store makeup.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.These are great suggestions. My only comment is that some of the less expensive brands are not as highly pigmented as the higher end brands, so the color is less saturated and intense, and it fades much more quickly.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My favorite mascara is Loreal’s Voluminous. I have used it for years. I have tried others and always go back to the Voluminous.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use that brand too. I’m at the age where my eyelashes are so sparse. Some of the popular ones just don’t work for me.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.This will probably sound weird, but my lashes were beginning to look sparse too until I started using castor oil on them. I tried it thinking it was all hype that it helped lashes grow, but it really does. I’ve always been jealous that both my kids have their Dad’s long eyelashes. I mean what does my son need with long eyelashes, right? lol I ordered some castor oil eye lash serum from an Amazon lightening deal just to see if it would do anything & my lashes are nearly as long as my daughter’s now. I was shocked. If anyone wants to try this be sure to look for castor oil that is hexane free. It’s my understanding that you don’t want to put one containing hexane on the eyes, but I’m not sure why. Also look for cold pressed castor oil. You can buy castor oil that is both hexane free & cold pressed, but I prefer to order the ones that bottled for lashes. They come with a dropper cap, and also come with applicators that are fine tip brushes & also mini spoolies for easy application. I just put it on a couple of hours before I go to bed, then since I’m a stomach sleeper I just blot it off before I go to bed.
I have used castor oil with great success to remove my waterproof mascara. Over a few weeks I noticed a great difference not only in length but density. My lashes were thicker than ever. I used it on my brows also before bedtime. Very helpful!
Same! I’ve been using it for about 30 years. Gosh, that made me feel old to see that in print!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Voluminous is my favorite , too! After years of wearing Lancome mascara, at more than double the price, I switched to this – I did save the Lancome applcator ( washed all the old stuff off) and I use that in the Voluminous tube. I take another tube of Voluminous with me in my purse.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Would so love if you would make a printable doc of some of your lists. Then I could take it with me to the store and shop! Thanks for great info
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi Candy! There’s actually a “print friendly” button on every post! Towards the bottom of the post, but before the comments, there’s a green button. After pressing it, you’ll get a preview of what you’ll print. From here, simply click on anything you don’t want included! You can remove some or all of the photos, make the font smaller… Hope that helps! :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.For the primer I use the pink one by ELF cosmetics. I don’t know if it’s a dupe for anything. It’s $6.00. I use under my moisturizer. On the Urban Decay eyeshadow I one very similar from cover girl for about $ 10.00 it’s called trunaked nudes. Not sure if their still making it.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.You kind of have to adjust your makeup as you get older. For powder I just use the baby powder on a pouff with my brush. I’ve never bought department store eyeshadows. The quad I have from L’Oreal I think is named Oreo with grays. I use it work. It has plenty of pigment. I think the higher end drugstore eyeshadow like Loreal and Revlon have enough pigment too them. I probably wouldn’t use the Blush by NARS. It’s one of those shades that won’t show up on my pale skin. I look sickly whenever I’ve tried the peachy blushes.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.They’ve changed the formula to blemish control. It’s now in a green bottle.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I am 65 years old and do not wear any makeup except for eyeliner and mascara. I never liked the feel of anything on my face so never used toner. My skin is smooth and even. I guess I was lucky. BUT….being older I would like to know how to put on eyeliner for someone my age so it looks natural and makes my eyes look bigger without outlining them . I don’t use black liner because it looks silly on me. I heard there is a way to use a white eyeliner along with a brown but I don’t know how to apply. Can anyone help? Thanks
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Good morning, Cindy!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.For most of my life, I’ve gotten lots of compliments on my eyes. They are what’s known as, “Big, brown eyes” with long, lush eyelashes. Now that I’m much older & competing with mostly considerably younger Women in the Workplace, I’ve “adjusted “ my makeup application to a younger, more flattering look.
In my opinion, this is the best eyeliner look for older Ladies & I believe it’s what you’re asking about.
Using a brown or gray eyeliner pencil, line the “under lash” area of the top eyelid. Then, with a white eyeliner pencil, line the bottom where many ladies use a dark pencil. It’s a great look! It’s not a harsh look & definitely a “younger”, more flattering look. Hope you like it.
The upper lid technique of lining under the top lashes is also known as “tightlining”
Stopping the practice of dark liner on the bottom lashes was a good thing for me- this “closes in” the eye and makes it look smaller, plus I smeared it a lot.
YouTube tutorial on this – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwH8AhW5N2A
I sold makeup and skin care in a retail setting and as a personal consultant for many years. No one whose skin tissue is losing it’s elasticity should use any eyeliners. It further narrows the eye opening. As we age, our sclera (white of the eye) begins to lose its brightness. It may even discolor a bit. The white pencil will point to this contrast.
Eyeliner, in the wrong hands, even young ones, can be harsh looking. I always encouraged teens to use a darker shadow at the lash line. It can be blended out and is so much easier to “fix” if a mistake is made! Please no liquids! They are not attractive!
Use careful applications of mascara and brow color to emphasize your eyes. And don’t forget lipstick!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great post! I’m all about saving money, even on beauty items.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Love this, many thanks fo the suggestions of dupes. Being high end and pricy does not make better quality. I knew of a couple of these but not all, cannot wait to get and try.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks Martha!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I check labels to see if they are cruelty free and not tested on animals.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Sherrill, I do the same thing! You’ll be interested to know that Covergirl states that it doesn’t test on animals. There are good lists available online if you want to check out a specific company.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.If you haven’t tried Baby Skin, you don’t know what you are missing. It is AMAZING!! I have used so many expensive primers and couldn’t imagine this would do anything. I mean, it’s called Baby Skin and it is in a pastel tube which looks anything but sophisticated. LOL! PLus it costs next to nothing compared to other primers. I’m happy to say I was wrong. It glides on over your skin — not sticky or slippery but literally glides where you put it. And once it is on and you apply your foundation, your skin will look like velvet! I gave some to a friend of mine who is the harshest critic ever on things like this and she LOVES it. She said she didn’t get as good a result as I did but she “freaking loves it!”. LOL! Best thing ever — I can order it on Amazon and have it the next day. Often I get it for $6ish and free shipping with Prime. Occasionally, Target carries it for $5 something. However, if you find it at one of these stores, I suggest buying two tubes. They don’t ever seem to stock enough and they are often out because it’s so good. There, the secret is out! Go forth and BUY! ;-D
Please log in or create a free account to comment.who makes Baby Skin?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.read about it in #1
Do people really use all of these products (primer, blush, etc.)? I mix a bit of Cover Girl foundation with sunscreen and I am out the door. Don’t women realize that piling on all of that heavy stuff (both on the skin and over the top eye makeup) makes you look so unnatural and sometimes even trashy! Besides, how many chemicals are you putting on that gets absorbed into your skin!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.To each their own. I happen to enjoy playing up what God gave me.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Yes, Kathy life is short….I want to get out and do it while I still can.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.lol-who has the time? AND, omg! Yes! Good
Please log in or create a free account to comment.grief, the chemicals on your skin! Call me crazy (or an 8 time cancer survivor) but we all need to be as thoughtful about what we put on our largest organ as we are thoughtful about what we put in our bodies!
IMHO.