I remember spending my Saturday afternoons strolling the aisles of Sephora at the mall. My mom used to own stores in the mall so I would take a “5-minute break” and somehow always end up in the bright lights of my favorite striped store.
I loved looking at all of the new compacts, liners, and lipsticks. It didn’t even phase me that there was practically no diversity in 2005 makeup advertisements. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the (too light for my skin) “peony pink” lipstick that the beautiful white model wore on the life-size cut-out.
I was obsessed with makeup, the problem is… I was a teenager and had no money.
See in immigrant families we didn’t get an allowance for doing chores or working at our parent’s stores every weekend. They liked to call it a barter for the lodging and meals I was provided while living at home.
Years later, I still love a good drugstore find. While I may be able to splurge on a designer mascara, I don’t just want the most expensive product – I want the one that works for me. As with everything, there are things you should splurge on and things you should save on. That my friend is what is post is about. Here are my favorite drugstore dupes that you’ve been missing out on.
What exactly is a makeup dupe?
A makeup dupe is when two makeup products are similar. The word “dupe” is short for “duplicate” in this context. A dupe is a makeup product at a lower price point that provides a similar experience as the original product. It is not the same formula as its more costly counterpart but can provide a similar experience with regard to shade, texture, and pigmentation.
Related: The Ultimate List of Maybelline Products You Need
Best Drugstore Makeup Products
The drugstore is filled with great makeup products, but decision paralysis can kick in really quickly. With so many options, it’s difficult to know where to start. Here are some of our favorite drugstore makeup items that are similar to costly brands at a fraction of the price.
Eye Makeup Dupes
You may want to drop some serious cash on an awesome makeup palette, designer mascara, elite eyeliner, and brow pencil – but your wallet may not be as into it. Finding the right dupe for certain eye makeup products can help you get the look you want. These are our drugstore eye makeup favorites.
- Tartelette™ Toasted Eyeshadow Palette ($47) or Urban Decay Naked Heat ($59) – Warm colors can be flattering for many skin tones and perfect for a sunkissed look. If you’re looking for warm shades that make you glow and shine like the Tarte Toasted Palette or the iconic Naked Heat, try this instead.
- Maybelline Nudes of New York ($10) – For less than half the price you can buy this warm palette at the drugstore. According to Allure, this affordable palette is designed to suit all skin tones and complexions. The Maybelline Nudes of New York is a great dupe for both the Tartelette™ Toasted Eyeshadow Palette and the Urban Decay Naked Heat.
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette ($45) – Pretty neutrals with berry tones to take any look a notch higher, but can we find that dream at a lower price point?
- Wet n Wild Color Icon Palette in Rosé in the Air ($12) – At a fraction of the cost, this palette can give you the same vibe that you are looking for with the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette. This highly pigmented palette should be your go-to for that pretty sultry look.
- Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Shadows ($25) – Love the glittery look of these liquid shadows, but can’t justify the price tag? We hear ya! Simply readers swear by this dupe for the Stila Liquid Shadows.
- Pixi Liquid Fairy Lights ($15) – These liquid glimmer eyeshadows will intensify well glittery (if you will) look with ease. It lights up the entire eye with super sparkles for an ethereal look.
- Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara ($29) – Anyone who has been in the vicinity of the beauty world knows of this mascara, but can we get the same effect without paying the price? Try these.
- L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara ($13) – L’Oreal sells 1 of these mascaras every 5 seconds. Need I say more? I will anyway. This drugstore mascara provides the full feathery, but soft lashes that don’t get too clumpy. #thedream
- Maybelline Lash Sky High ($13) – Or maybe the new kid in town can take over. If you have been anywhere near beauty TikTok you would know of this incredible mascara that layers beautifully and transforms your lashes. It was a best-seller from our Maybelline favorites post.
- Dior Diorshow Mascara ($33) – This buildable mascara is a bestseller for a reason and it’s not the price. So, let’s find a drugstore dupe shall we?
- Maybelline The Falsies ($10) – Lengthening and lifting all in one affordable product. It was dubbed the “Best Lengthening Mascara” by Allure in 2020!
- Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper ($25) – This liner is hardcore, at least that is the word on the street, can a drugstore product match up?
- NYX Epic Ink Liner ($10) – Waterproof, smudge-proof, precise, and all of that for $9. The felt tip is almost identical to the Kat Von D Tattoo Liner and can give you precision.
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz ($25) – This has been a cult favorite for many years now. The product rose in popularity as the world started embracing thicker bushier brows. When I ran out of my ABH original, I grabbed this NYX option from CVS on vacation and never looked back. It’s so good!
- NYX Micro Brow Pencil ($11) – For less than half the price of ABH magic, you can have perfect brows too. The ultra-thin pencil creates the most hair-like strokes for beautiful natural-looking brows.
Shop the post
Lipstick Dupes
- Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk ($35) – Yes, we all probably already own way more lipsticks than we’ll ever use, but we always want more. So, why not spend a little less and still have all the fun? This is a cult favorite for a universally perfect nude. Our team is a variety of skin tones, so we put it to the test. Most people said they liked the shade and would wear it again – although the shade does appear more pink than nude on darker skin.
- Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Naturally Chic ($6) – If you have a lighter skin tone and a pinkish nude won’t look chalky or wash you out, this is the perfect drugstore dupe for Pillow Talk by Charlotte Tilbury. However, since the products aren’t formulated the same way they may not be the perfect dupe for all skin tones.
- MAC Satin Lipstick in Rebel ($23) – Rebel is a beautiful rich berry tone that makes any woman look badass and elegant. It is a total vibe, but can we find it at a more affordable price?
- Wet n Wild Megalast Lip Color Formula in Sugar Plum Fairy ($5)- A 4-hour-long wearing of lipstick for your next night out. It is a fraction of the cost of Rebel by Mac but just as much fun.
Shop the post
Related: The Hits You Need for the Summer Beauty
Face Makeup Dupes
Contour, bronzer, blush, and highlight are all items that can enhance a makeup look. Choosing the right product will make all the difference.
- Marc Jacobs O! Mega Bronzer in Tan-Tastic ($34) – This beautiful silky bronzer is coveted for a reason. It gives a smooth silky effortless glow but… the price however doesn’t feel so effortless so let’s take a look at an alternate option.
- Milani Silky Matte Bronzing Powder in Sun Kissed ($12) – This amazing dupe also has a couple of other shades that you can choose from. It cost less than half the price and gives you a very similar ‘sun-kissed’ glow.
- Iconic London Prep Set Glow Spray ($29) – It shouldn’t have to cost that much to feel like a bronze statue. The Iconic London Prep Set Glow Spray is designed to hydrate and reflect light that makes anyone glow like a goddess but sometimes we mortals just gotta budget.
- Makeup Revolution Glow Revolution Illuminating Face & Body Spray ($8) – Now we can all glow at an affordable price. Makeup Revolution has the perfect Face and Body spray for your glowing needs. I love to spray it on my collarbone when I’m wearing a summer dress. Just make sure it dries before you put on the dress!
- Iconic London Illuminator ($40) – Mega, super, and extreme radiance. It is a tiny bottle that packs quite the shine, unfortunately, the price does too. The market however has other options that will help you get your glow on at a more affordable price.
- Makeup Revolution Liquid Highlighters ($5) – For less than $10 you can get the same shine. The liquid highlighters are versatile and easy to use. Don’t forget your cupid’s bow when you use it.
- NARS Orgasm Blush ($34) – This iconic blush gives you more to talk about than just its saucy name. “Orgasm” is a cult favorite and it’s been around for a long time. I know this because I stole my sister’s blush when she was in high school. She had spent her birthday money on her very first Sephora purchase and she definitely thought she lost it. Oops, sorry, Sal!
- Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso ($11) – Milani again to the rescue! The blush offers a satin finish that adds to the glow. The pigment is also buildable and absolutely stunning.
- NARS Blush/Bronzer Duo ($42) – This is the most convenient product duo for your daily makeup kit. It minimizes the hassle and simplifies the process, what if I told you, you can get it for cheaper too?
- e.l.f. Cosmetics Aqua Beauty ($6) – NARS is famous for its bronzer + blush duo, but this compact from e.l.f. will give you a run for your money. To be fair, readers have complained that the e.l.f. option is a fraction of the product size, but also of the price. Do what you want with this information.
- Becca Pressed Highlighter ($42) – Listen up you need this dupe not because of the price, but recently Becca announced they are closing their doors, here is the best option to replace your favorite highlighter.
- Revlon Skinlights Prismatic Powder Highlighter ($14) – I can now say, Revlon saves the day! I prefer to travel with my Revlon highlighter because I think it’s less likely to break. Make a note of this for when you run out of your Becca Pressed Highlighter.
Shop the post
Related: Beauty Staples you have to Buy on Amazon
Base Makeup Dupes
Base makeup can include anything from primers, setting powders, foundations, and concealer. It is essentially your “base”. Imagine your face as a beautiful canvas. The base makeup will get you prepped to add color (in the form of blushes, bronzers, and highlighters) later.
Now that our vocabulary lesson is done, let’s share our favorite drugstore base makeup.
- Laura Mercier Loose Translucent Setting Powder ($47) – We all want that perfectly mattified look that doesn’t look dry or cakey and the Laura Mercier setting powder does exactly that, but there is a more affordable option out there. This is a great product to set your makeup with and without baking.
- Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder ($13) – The Fit Me powder range has 8 different shades so you will definitely be able to find one that works for you and it will work with your budget. If you’re a fan of the Laura Mercier Setting Powder in the shade Medium, we recommend the Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing powder in Banana.
- Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer ($75) – Hourglass is known for its lightweight smoothing primer that is great for combination skin. This silky primer has a dupe that will save you some serious cash.
- NYX Angel Veil Primer ($17) – This satin primer is designed to minimize shine and make you look flawless like you were touched by an angel. Plus they are both veils so it has to be the perfect dupe.
- Smashbox Photo Finish Smooth and Blur Primer ($42) – A gel primer that helps makeup last longer on all skin types. It smooths and blurs for that perfect flawless look, but there is an option that will help you get the results with a smaller budget.
- The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer ($14.78) – Mattifying, hydrating, and blurring, this isn’t necessarily available at a drugstore, but it’s drugstore-friendly pricing. This primer can even be used alone as a hydrator for perfect-looking skin.
- Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation ($69) – This gorgeous foundation minimizes texture, evens out skin tone, and blurs imperfections. We are not surprised by its magical powers, but you can find similar results with these gems by L’Oreal.
- L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup ($11) – Lightweight and buildable for luminous healthy-looking skin. The foundation has 40% water that keeps skin hydrated all day long.
- L’Oréal Infallible Pro Foundation ($12) – This is one of the first drugstore brands to have a truly inclusive foundation shade range. The long-wearing demi-matte formula makes it a favorite amongst my makeup artist friends for brides on their wedding day!
- NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer ($32) – This cult favorite concealer may not be your wallet’s favorite, so we have a couple of options here.
- Maybelline Fit Me Concealer ($6) – TikTok Beauty Realm swears by this as a NARS concealer dupe. This is an oil-free concealer that provides medium coverage, similar to that of its muse. It blends beautifully and is a good substitute for the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer.
- Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin Concealer ($9) – This concealer does not look cakey or set in the lines it provides moisture under the eyes. It corrects and conceals dark circles for quick and easy application.
- Tarte Shape Tape Concealer ($31) – This is the most iconic concealer that you know and love (plus the best seller on our Best of Tarte post). There hasn’t been any doubt about the amazing coverage it provides, but there are always alternate options that you need to know about in case you’re looking for an alternate. Some users complain that Shape Tape can be drying so here are some more hydrating options.
- L’Oreal Infallible Full Wear Concealer ($13) – Full coverage and matte exactly like the Shape Tape concealer. It is a great substitute when you are on a budget.
- Makeup Revolution Conceal & Define Concealer ($8) – Remember when this concealer broke the internet (sort of). We had hardly heard of Makeup Revolution until this line was dropped. It is a great affordable dupe for the Shape Tape and comes in 18 shades.
- e.l.f. Camo Concealer ($7) – BeautyTok is at it once again. This high coverage gem from e.l.f. promises 16hr coverage, while staying hydrating on the skin. I have this and have been reaching for it daily.
- Hourglass Vanish Seamless Foundation Stick ($49) – This ultra-blendable high coverage foundation is a favorite of many beauty enthusiasts and we understand why. So, we found another option for you.
- PhotoFocus stick Foundation Wet n Wild ($25) – This foundation blends seamlessly and there are 21 shades for you to choose from. It has a semi-matte finish for a slightly glowy look.
- Mac Studio Fix Foundation ($36) – This one is a throwback for the beauty OG. Remember the days when Mac ran the beauty scene? My favorite thing to do was go to the mall on Saturdays, get a pretzel from Auntie Anne (cinnamon sugar, duh) and play around at the M.A.C. store. This was the first product I ever bought with my own money.
- Maybelline Fit Me Foundation ($11) – The Maybelline Fit Me line has a stellar reputation for being inclusive, especially when it comes to shade ranges. While the formula from brand to the brand will always be different, we were quite impressed with the foundation application as a similar option to Mac Studio Fix.
- NARS Sheer Glow Foundation ($47) – The NARS Sheer Glow foundation is a low to medium coverage option. It’s a buildable foundation that gives the skin a bright glowy look, but if you’re looking for something more affordable – try this.
- Neutrogena Healthy Skin Foundation ($15) – The Healthy Skin Foundation provides natural coverage for daily wear, it also has SPF which is great for when you are out and about, but don’t forget to apply SPF as an individual product too! What’s in the foundation is never enough!
- IT Cosmetics CC Cream Drugstore ($47) – This is the product that put IT Cosmetics on the map. Minimal coverage for regular use, but at the price point it seems a little luxurious so we found an alternate for you.
- e.l.f. Camo CC Cream ($15) – Beauty TikTok has been raving about this e.l.f. dupe for the IT Cosmetics cult beauty classic. This color-correcting CC cream simplifies your routine at a great price.
Shop the post
Final thoughts on drugstore dupes
Affordability is key. In today’s world, good makeup is available at every price point, it just takes a little time to find the best fit. Finding the dupe for your favorites or trying out dupes because you like the look of a high-end product is a great way to keep up with trends while staying within your budget.
