Finding popular alternatives, or dupes, to expensive beauty products has become a booming trend across the makeup and beauty community. “Dupe” is a popular term that refers to a product that is a duplicate of a popular, luxury product, but without the hefty price tag.
It is sometimes necessary to splurge on certain makeup products, but it’s also important to know which products are worth investing in and which you can replace with a cheaper alternative. Here are some beauty dupes that will help you save a little money:
- Good Molecules Wake Up Eye Gel
Finding affordable skincare that actually works can be extremely tricky. However, brands such as CeraVe and The Ordinary are examples of quality skincare at drugstore prices. While some may want to save on facial cleansers and moisturizers, many individuals tend to splurge on skincare products intended for specific areas, such as the under eyes.
Whatever consumers are looking for—whether it’s to depuff, hydrate, brighten, or reduce wrinkles around the eye—there are serums and creams for every need. However, this does not mean you have to spend $62 on Tatcha’s Silk Peony Melting Eye Cream in order to see your desired results. Good Molecules has an amazing eye gel that hydrates and depuffs the entire eye area for only $6. Another benefit of buying from Good Molecules is that all of their products contain natural and clean ingredients! - Elf Power Grip Primer
I have gone through two full bottles of MILK Makeup’s Hydro Grip Primer, and I can say with complete confidence that Elf’s Hydro Grip Primer is the exact same product but at a fraction of the cost.
MILK’s primer retails for $36 per bottle, while Elf’s is only $10. Although MILK’s primer is 45 mL and Elf’s is only 24 mL, buying two of the Elf primers is still $16 less than one full MILK primer, giving you more bang for your buck.
Beyond price, Elf’s Power Grip Primer is simply a better quality product. The formula is gentle and light on the skin compared to MILK’s, which can feel extremely heavy and trigger redness in sensitive skin types. As an added bonus, the Elf primer contains hyaluronic acid, which can have great benefits for your skin! - L’Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion
On the topic of skin prep, L’Oreal’s Lumi Glotion retails for anywhere between $12 to $16 for a 40 mL tube. This product works as a perfect base for makeup looks or adds a natural finish for no-makeup days. Additionally, the formula contains glycerin and shea butter that make the product hydrating and long-lasting.
There are two drawbacks about this product: there’s a small shade range and it’s quite popular, resulting in it flying off the shelves fairly quickly with little to no options for different skin tones. Nonetheless, this is a great dupe for more expensive skin luminizers, such as the Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Glow Drops ($36 for 30 mL) and the Saie Glowy Super Gel ($28 for 30 mL). - Method Body Wash
Method Body Wash is a great skin cleanser that contains no harsh chemicals and is cruelty free. It’s also affordable – an 18 ounce bottle costs about $8. Method Body Wash is a great dupe for more expensive body cleansers, like the Ouai Body Wash, which retails at $28 for a 10 ounce bottle. Not only does Method Body feel luxurious and nourishing on the skin, but it also comes in a variety of amazing scents like coconut, citrus, and peonies. - NYX This is Juice Gloss / Ulta Beauty Juice Infused Lip Oil
Many makeup gurus and TikTok influencers have been advertising the $40 Dior Lip Oil. While celebrities claim the lip treatment is the best product they have ever bought, others believe it’s a waste of money.
“I have the Dior Lip Oil and it was definitely not worth the price. It comes off in 30 seconds and does not moisturize my lips at all,” commented Alexis Wetzler, a sophomore nursing student.
If you are looking for a glossy finish that lasts, try the NYX This is Juice Gloss. It’s only $8, comes in a variety of unique shades, and is infused with electrolytes and oils for hydration. If you are looking for something just like Dior’s Lip Oil, Ulta Beauty’s Juice Infused Lip Oil is an exact match. However, Ulta’s lip oil actually lasts and is a quarter of the price. - Maybelline Lash Sensational Luscious Mascara
Buxom’s Lash Volumizing Mascara and Benefit’s BADgal BANG! and Roller Lash Mascaras are high-end, good-quality products that range between $25 to $28. However, for between $6 to $12, Maybelline’s Lash Sensational Luscious Mascara will deliver the exact same results.
The $6 version is the basic mascara, the $9 version is waterproof, and the $12 version helps strengthen lashes with an infusion of oils. Each version of the mascara is volumizing, lengthening, and lasts all day.
It’s okay to splurge on beauty products every once in a while. However, if the product you intend to buy is extremely expensive, make sure to do some research to ensure that the product is really worth its price. And of course, always consider affordable dupes!
