Top Drugstore vs. High-End Makeup Dupes: Budget-Friendly Alternatives That Work
In the world of beauty, there’s often a dilemma we face: should we splurge on high-end makeup products, or stick to more budget-friendly options at the drugstore? High-end makeup is often associated with luxurious packaging, exceptional performance, and high-quality ingredients—but the price tag can sometimes be a barrier. But what if you could get the same flawless results without breaking the bank? The good news is, there are drugstore dupes that perform just as well as their high-end counterparts.
In this article, I’m breaking down some of the best drugstore makeup dupes that stand up to their high-end competitors, so you can achieve amazing makeup looks without spending a fortune.
1. Foundation: Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless vs. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
High-End:
If you’ve heard about the Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, you know it’s a fan favorite. This foundation is known for its long-lasting matte finish, wide shade range, and full coverage. It’s perfect for oily or combination skin types and gives you a flawless, airbrushed finish that lasts throughout the day.
Drugstore Dupe:
Enter Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation. Not only is it a fraction of the price, but it also offers a similar matte, smooth finish. This foundation controls shine and minimizes the appearance of pores, providing a natural, buildable coverage that works perfectly for everyday wear. Whether you have oily skin or just want a matte base, this drugstore option won’t let you down.
2. Concealer: L.A. Girl Pro Conceal vs. Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
High-End:
Tarte Shape Tape Concealer is a beloved product in the beauty community, offering full coverage with a creamy, hydrating texture. It conceals everything from dark circles to blemishes and is known for staying put throughout the day without creasing or settling into fine lines.
Drugstore Dupe:
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative, L.A. Girl Pro Conceal is a fantastic option. This concealer has almost identical performance to Shape Tape—it provides full coverage and has a smooth texture that’s easy to blend. Plus, it comes in a wide variety of shades, ensuring you can find the perfect match. It’s an affordable dupe that doesn’t skimp on quality.
3. Mascara: L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise vs. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
High-End:
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara has achieved cult status thanks to its volumizing formula and lash-lifting effect. The hourglass-shaped brush coats each lash to give you maximum volume and length, making it a go-to for dramatic lashes.
Drugstore Dupe:
L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara is the drugstore counterpart that lives up to the hype. With a similar brush shape and formula, this mascara delivers intense volume, length, and curl. The formula is just as thick and creamy, coating each lash for a full, fluttery effect. You’ll get dramatic lashes without the price tag!
4. Eyeshadow Palette: Makeup Revolution Forever Flawless vs. Urban Decay Naked Palette
High-End:
The Urban Decay Naked Palette is the OG of neutral eyeshadow palettes. It features a perfect mix of matte, shimmer, and satin shades that can take you from everyday looks to bold, smoky eyes. The formula is buttery, and the pigmentation is intense, making it one of the most popular palettes in the market.
Drugstore Dupe:
If you’re looking for an alternative that won’t break the bank, check out Makeup Revolution Forever Flawless Palette. This palette offers a variety of stunning shades, from warm neutrals to rich jewel tones, and the quality is just as good as the Naked Palette. The pigmentation is strong, and the colors blend beautifully, making it a must-have in your makeup collection.
5. Setting Spray: e.l.f. Makeup Mist & Set vs. Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
High-End:
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray is a staple in many beauty routines for good reason. It locks makeup in place for hours, preventing it from fading or settling into fine lines. It gives you a matte finish while ensuring your makeup stays intact throughout the day (or night).
Drugstore Dupe:
The e.l.f. Makeup Mist & Set is a solid dupe for the Urban Decay All Nighter. It helps keep makeup fresh all day, providing a lightweight, refreshing mist that sets makeup without the heavy, sticky feeling. While it may not be as heavy-duty as its high-end counterpart, it’s perfect for everyday wear and an excellent option for anyone on a budget.
6. Blush: Milani Baked Blush vs. NARS Orgasm Blush
High-End:
NARS Orgasm Blush has become a classic, loved for its peachy-pink hue with a hint of shimmer. It gives a natural, healthy flush to the cheeks and leaves a beautiful, subtle glow.
Drugstore Dupe:
Milani Baked Blush in “Luminoso” is the ultimate dupe for NARS Orgasm. This blush offers a similar peachy-pink color with a soft, radiant glow that mimics the NARS version. The texture is smooth and blendable, and the pigmentation is impressive for a drugstore product. You’ll get the same glowing, fresh-faced look without the splurge.
7. Lip Gloss: NYX Butter Gloss vs. Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
High-End:
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb is a fan-favorite lip gloss known for its smooth, non-sticky formula and universal shades. The gloss gives lips a plump, hydrated appearance and a beautiful shine without feeling heavy or gooey.
Drugstore Dupe:
For a more budget-friendly option, try NYX Butter Gloss. This gloss provides a similar glossy finish with a buttery, smooth texture. The shade “Fortune Cookie” is a great dupe for Fenty’s “Fenty Glow,” offering a peachy nude shade that looks flattering on everyone. This gloss is moisturizing, long-lasting, and perfect for everyday wear.
8. Highlighter: Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighter vs. Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector
High-End:
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector is one of the most beloved highlighters, offering a glowing, dewy finish that isn’t too glittery. It’s known for its buttery formula and
buildable pigmentation, which gives you a natural, radiant glow that works well on all skin tones.
Drugstore Dupe:
Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighter is a fantastic dupe for the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector. This highlighter delivers a similar intense glow with a smooth, creamy texture that’s easy to apply. The formula is buildable, so you can go for a subtle sheen or a bold highlight depending on your preference. Plus, it’s available in a variety of shades, so you can find one that complements your skin tone perfectly.
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Lipstick: Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink vs. MAC Retro Matte Lipstick
High-End:
MAC Retro Matte Lipstick is known for its bold, vibrant colors and long-wearing formula. It has a matte finish that stays put for hours without needing constant touch-ups, and the wide range of shades makes it a go-to for many beauty lovers. It’s the epitome of a high-quality matte lipstick.
Drugstore Dupe:
Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick is a great budget-friendly alternative. It offers intense pigmentation, long-lasting wear, and a comfortable matte finish. The formula is smooth and doesn’t dry out the lips, making it an excellent choice for all-day wear. Plus, the range of shades is extensive, making it easy to find a perfect match for any occasion.
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Bronzer: Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer vs. Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer
High-End:
Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer is a luxurious bronzer that has become a cult favorite. It gives a natural, sun-kissed glow with a subtle matte finish, and its cocoa-scented formula makes the experience even more delightful. It’s perfect for creating a warm, sculpted look.
Drugstore Dupe:
Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer is a perfect dupe for the Too Faced version. It has a similarly smooth, creamy texture that blends beautifully into the skin, giving you a radiant, sun-kissed glow. The formula is infused with a tropical scent, and it’s available in a variety of shades to suit different skin tones. Plus, the price is much more affordable.
Conclusion:
It’s clear that you don’t have to spend a fortune to achieve a flawless makeup look. Whether you’re in the market for a full-face foundation, a dramatic mascara, or a glowing highlighter, drugstore dupes are often just as effective as their high-end counterparts. The next time you’re in need of a beauty product, consider trying one of these budget-friendly alternatives—they’ll give you the same stunning results without the hefty price tag. So, go ahead, treat yourself to some affordable beauty products and enjoy a gorgeous look that won’t break the bank!
