10 Essential Makeup Dupes to Save a Buck

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Shot of an attractive young woman applying makeup during her morning beauty routine

Eshal Sajjad, Staff Writer

With summer approaching, everyone is preparing to get their summer bling on with new trendy makeup looks, styles, and products. However, not all these raved-about makeup products are so budget-friendly, especially on a high schooler salary. There’s no need to fear though, as there are many cheaper, yet still as good as the original, dupes that give their expensive counterparts a run for their money. Here are the top ten dupes you need that will have your wallet thanking you. 

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer ($36) VS e.l.f. Power Grip Primer ($10)

Photo Credit: Milk Makeup and e.l.f Cosmetics

Looking for a primer that will help your makeup stick even during the summer heat? Try the e.l.f’s Power Grip Primer that will save you an easy $26 while not losing out on Milk’s iconic Hydro Grip Primer that everyone has come to know and love.  

Rare Beauty’s Blush ($23) VS Maybelline New York Cheek Heat Gel-Cream Blush Makeup ($6)

Photo Credit: Rare Beauty and Maybelline

Don’t feel like spending $23 on rosy cheeks? No need! Maybelline’s Heat Gel-Cream Blush replicates Rare Beauty’s soft and creamy blush– and for only $6!

Diamond Bomb All-Over Diamond Veil by Fenty Beauty ($40) VS Makeup Revolution Loose Highlighter ($7)

Photo Credit: Fenty Beauty and Revolution Beauty

We all know that Fenty Beauty’s highlighter is one of the most iconic makeup products Rhianana has ever put out, and to this day it is still one of the most popular products by influencers. However $40 is a steep feat, and Makeup Revolution’s $7 highlighter can do the trick in a pinch. 

Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey ($23) VS Covergirl Clean Fresh Tinted Lip Balm Bliss You Berry ($7)

Photo Credit: Clinique and Covergirl

This iconic shade of Clinique’s Almost Lipstick has been a staple of many’s everyday casual makeup routines, but $23 is quite the price to pay. Instead, save those precious $16 and use Covergirl’s tinted Lip Balm, which gets the job done and keeps your lips soft and crack-free. 

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter ($44) VS e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter ($14)

Photo Credit: Hollywood Tilbury and e.l.f Cosmetics

Everyone is craving a glowy base in their makeup routine and Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter has been a long-time staple to achieve this look. However, not everyone has $44 to throw away for a product. Try the e.l.f Halo Glow instead! It has a much cheaper price point and many people think it might be better than the original.

Dior Lip Glow Oil ($40) VS NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip ($9)

Photo Credit: Dior and NYX Cosmetics

NYX recently dropped their new Fat Oil Lip Drip, and from the moment they dropped it people have claimed it as the best dupe for the iconic Dior Lip Glow Oil. If you want a cheaper product for those natural-looking glossy lips, NYX is the way to go. 

MAKEUP BY MARIO SurrealSkin Liquid Foundation ($42) VS Revlon Illuminance Skin Caring Foundation ($17.99)

Photo Credit: Makeup by Mario and Revlon

Makeup by Mario’s drop took the makeup world by storm as many people anticipated his brand’s release. A favorite of many has become their foundation, which is known for its stunning and duey finish. However, the Revlon Illuminance foundation gives off the same duey finish while giving an extra layer of skin care for your skin! A two-for-one for $18 is a steal.

Shape Tape by Tarte ($31) VS L’Oreal Infallible Full Wear More Than Concealer ($11.99)

Photo Credit: Tarte Cosmetics and L’Oréal

The one word to describe the Shape Tape concealer would be iconic. This makeup product has been highly praised as one of the best concealers to ever make a debut, which is impressive considering the concealer came out in 2016. However, the one thing most people don’t like about the Shape Tape is the price point. For over $20 less, the L’Oreal Full Wear Concealer has a full coverage formula that rivals the Shape Tape formula. 

Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush ($40) VS Colourpop Pressed Powder Blush in “Flamingo” ($10)

Photo Credit: Dior and ColourPop Cosmetics

Your blush can make or break your whole look, and the Dior Rosy Glow Blush is one of the most prestigious blushes out there, but the price point is quite prestigious as well. If you want that same light pink, try Colourpop’s pressed blush, specifically in “Flamingo.” Colourpop is known for its iconic blushes, so pigment and quality won’t be compromised. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze ($23) VS e.l.f. Cosmetics Brow Lift ($6)

Photo Credit: Anastasia Beverly Hills and e.l.f Cosmetics

The first thing people are going to see when you have a fresh face of makeup done is those brows. You want to make sure the brow gel you use can keep every single hair in place. $23 for Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow gel is quite outrageous, even though the product is known for its quality. However, the product has steep competition with the e.l.f brow lift, which puts the price point to shame with a similar formula.