For all the makeup lovers out there, this one is for you. If you often find yourself lusting after makeup products created by designer brands but your bank balance won’t allow you to splurge, then the best thing to do is to find the alternatives - dupes. ‘Copycat’ items can be just as good, if not better than the ‘real thing’ and are affordable too! It’s a win-win. Here are some of our favorite designer makeup dupes that are better than the real deal, so you can add the best products to your makeup bag without having to splash the cash.
Dior Lip Gloss ($34) vs. Maybelline Glow Balm ($4.49)
As ‘the face’ of one of the most fashionable and iconic brands, top model Bella Hadid has been seen in the latest campaigns applying this pretty product. The Dior Lip Glow has become one of the popular lipsticks of 2018 and it has been highly rated by magazines, beauty writers, and beauty bloggers alike - and it’s not hard to see why. With a choice of a shimmer, matte, or satin finish, you can give your lips a tint of color, subtle tones, and a spark of shine. However, if your beauty buying budget won't stretch to $34, then the perfect alternative is Maybelline's Baby Lips Glow Balm, which is hydrating, pigmented, and moisturizing. Not bad for less than $5!
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara ($23) vs. L'Oreal Paris Lash Paradise ($8-$11)
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara is one of the best selling mascaras. With a formula thickens, lengthens, volumizes, and curls after just one coat, Better Than Sex is a cult beauty favorite. Plus this product is cruelty-free, vegan, and contains no parabens or gluten. To rival this product, L'Oreal has a cheaper alternative that has since become a huge hit: the L'Oreal Paris Lash Paradise. This mascara contains a silky-smooth formula that gives lashes the same intense volume and spectacular length.
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MAC Lipstick in Velvet Teddy ($18.50) vs. Rimmel London's Lasting Finish Lipstick in Nude Pink ($5)
The MAC Lipstick in Velvet Teddy is a deep-tone beige creamy rich lipstick that leaves a matte finish. It is an iconic product that is popular among many beauty influencers and editors. Not to mention, it's the perfect go-to nude lipstick. To create the perfect nude lip with a similar shade on a low budget, try Rimmel London's Lasting Finish Lipstick in Nude Pink. Like Velvet Teddy, Rimmel London's Nude Pink has a smooth and creamy texture and lasts up to eight hours. This means you can keep your lips in the nude all day.
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NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer ($30) vs. Glossier Stretch Concealer ($18)
With the ability to smooth imperfections and gives natural non-drying and oil-free coverage, the NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer is the ultimate long-wearing, one-pot wonder for a flawless face. It is a concealer that is available in 16 shades, which is makes it the perfect product for a wide range of skin tones, and is formulated with a cocktail of peptides and vitamins to give the skin a soft and healthy glow. However, for almost half the price, you can get a similar concealer in the form of Glossier's Stretch Concealer. While this is only available in five shades, it provides a natural look with a dewy finish, as well as covering up dark circles, redness, and blemishes.
Kylie Cosmetics Matte Liquid Lipstick ($17) vs. NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream ($6.50)
When reality TV star Kylie Jenner released her liquid lipsticks and lip kits in 2016 (thus establishing the Kylie Cosmetics brand) the beauty world was stunned and the matte lip trend intensified. Now, Kylie Cosmetics Matte Liquid Lipsticks are available in a wide range of fabulous colors and the tones are highly-pigmented so that they make your lips stand out and look bold with a matte finish (and without drying them out.)
However, for a fraction of the cost, you can wear NYX’s Soft Matte Lip Cream on your lips, which has a creamy texture and leaves a soft and smooth matte finish on your pout. With a massive range of shades available and with a luxurious formula, the Soft Matte Lip Cream is one of NYX’s most popular products and is a fan favorite. Another lip product to test out is NYX’s Lip Lingerie ($7), which are silky-smooth and sultry on the lips.