What Are Makeup Dupes?
A dupe (short for “duplicate”) is simply a cheaper alternative to a popular high-end makeup product. Think of it as getting similar color, texture, or wear for a fraction of the cost. As Glossy reports, a dupe is literally “inspired by a higher-priced item” and carries its own branding.
In practice, a dupe isn’t a knockoff pretending to be real—rather it’s a knowingly affordable version you buy to save cash. In fact, a 2024 Mintel study found 7 in 10 makeup users have purchased a dupe, so this savvy shopping hack is mainstream.
Dupe hunting is especially great for beginners. If you’re new to makeup, trying a budget-friendly version (aka “cheap makeup that works”) is low risk. You can play with color and technique without fear of ruining an expensive item. Plus, using drugstore brands builds confidence – every beauty guru had to start somewhere!
Dupes vs. Counterfeits: Spot the Difference
Before we dive in, it’s crucial to know the difference between a legitimate dupe and a shady counterfeit. An affordable makeup alternative is sold openly as itself, not wrapped to look exactly like the original. By contrast, a counterfeit is an illegal fake passed off as the real thing. Allure’s beauty editors warn that many unsuspecting shoppers buy fakes online.
To stay safe, buy from reputable retailers (drugstores, Ulta, Sephora, brand websites) and avoid super-cheap third-party marketplaces. When in doubt, check ingredients lists and packaging carefully – a true dupe will mention its own brand.
As Allure explains, buying a dupe is “knowing you’re not getting the real deal,” whereas a counterfeit pretends to be the real product. Stick to well-known budget brands (like NYX, e.l.f., Milani) or new dupes brands, and you’ll avoid the pitfalls.
Why We Love Dupes: Benefits of Cheap Makeover
- Save Big: The obvious plus is money left in your pocket. A $35 primer can often be swapped for a $7 version (hello, instant $28 savings!). We’ll highlight some eye-opening price comparisons below.
- Experiment Freely: On a budget, you can test trends without regret. Mess up a cheaper palette? Not the end of the world. This freedom is priceless for beginners still figuring out their favorite looks.
- Similar Quality: Dupes have come a long way. Many drugstore brands invest in good formulas. In fact, big names like e.l.f., ColourPop, and NYX purposely create dupe-like shades and formulas. Some startup brands (like Australia’s MCoBeauty) launch products at the exact same stores (Target, Kroger) as cheap versions of Charlotte Tilbury and others. Glossy even notes that 70% of makeup buyers have found dupes that rival luxury products.
- Cruelty-Free & Clean Options: If you care about ingredients or animal testing, many drugstore brands are ahead of the game. Brands like Wet n Wild and Milani offer cruelty-free ranges that match luxury finishes. That means your wallet and your values both win.
- Proven Performance: We’ve curated only the best. Each dupe below was vetted by beauty experts or major review sites to ensure it truly “beats high-end.” No fluff or ineffective products – only what works.
Face Base Dupes
1. Pore-Minimizing Primer Dupe
High-End: Benefit “The POREfessional” – $35
Dupe: Maybelline Baby Skin Pore Eraser – $7.99(save $27)
Benefit’s famous primer claims to blur pores and control oil. Good news: Maybelline’s ultra-affordable Baby Skin primer delivers almost the same silky feel for way less. In fact, blogger Nada Wilson reports they’re “almost identical” in use. For large pores or shine, this dupe is a no-brainer. Apply a dime-size amount before foundation for a smooth canvas on a shoestring budget.
2. Foundation Face-Off
High-End: MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF15 – $45.89
Dupe: Maybelline Fit Me! Matte + Poreless – $8.62 (save $37.27)
Foundation is the heart of your look, and the drugstore does not disappoint here.
Maybelline’s Fit Me Matte+Poreless foundation matches MAC’s “everyday” fave in finish and shade range – plus it comes in an enormous variety of tones. BeautyTidbits blogger Harshleen confirms the Maybelline gives a “balanced matte finish” and keeps oil at bay just like MAC. In short, you can get a similarly smooth, natural base for under $10 instead of $46. Easy on the wallet, same silky look.
(For extra tips on picking the perfect shade, see our Flawless Base 101: How to Choose the Right Foundation Shade for Your Skin Tone.)
3. Setting Spray Steal
High-End: MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ – $25.50
Dupe: e.l.f. Cosmetics Mist & Set – $6.00 (save $19.50)
A long-lasting look needs a good setting spray. MAC’s cult Classic Fix+ costs $25.50, but e.l.f.’s Mist & Set spray (yes, the same e.l.f. from Target) does the trick for just $6. For those with oily skin, e.l.f.’s fine mist locks makeup in place through a hot day – just like MAC’s. The payoff? Practically identical dewiness for one-third the price. Keep an e.l.f. spritz handy to refresh makeup on the go without splurging.
Eye Makeup Magic
4. Single Shadow Steals
High-End: MAC Satin Taupe – $23.97 (per shade)
Dupe: Wet n Wild Single Eyeshadow in “Nutty” – $2.00 (save $21.97)
For a single matte or shimmer lid color, Wet n Wild’s $2 single shadows are legendary dupes for pricier versions.
Beauty writer Meg O. at MegOnTheGo says the Wet n Wild Nutty shadow is “literally the same” as MAC’s Satin Taupe. Yes, the pigment payoff and texture are startlingly close.
Use one of these drugstore pots for quick eyeshadow swaps – you get a rich, blendable color at a tiny fraction of the cost. Perfect for beginners practicing blending too.
5. Palette Perfection
High-End: LORAC Pro Palette – $25.00
Dupe: Maybelline “The Nudes” Palette – $13.99 (save $11.01)
Want a full palette of neutrals? Drugstore dupes are all over this category.
For instance, Maybelline’s “The Nudes” palette packs warm browns, taupes, and creams into an $14 pallet that rivals LORAC’s $25 Pro Palettechasingfoxes.com. We’ve used both back-to-back and swear the lighter browns and shimmers look indistinguishable.
Experiment with smoky eye or natural looks using The Nudes, then breathe easy knowing you spent under $15. (Feeling adventurous? Check out our Mastering Smokey Eye Looks: Step-by-Step Tutorial for Beginners to put these shades to work.)
6. Eyeliner Knockouts
High-End: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil – $23.00
Dupe: Rimmel Scandaleyes Kohl Liner – $4.99 (save $18.01)
A long-wear pencil liner for tightlines or smoke-outs? Rimmel’s Kohl Scandaleyes pencil does the job for under $5. It glides on creamy and stays put nearly as well as Urban Decay’s cult-glamour 24/7 pencil.
Whether you want a jet-black cat-eye or a subtle smudge, the Rimmel liner delivers true-black pigment and good durability, making it one of the best drugstore makeup dupes out there.
7. Mascara Magic
High-End: Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara – $28.00
Dupe: CoverGirl LashBlast Volume – $8.48 (save $19.52)
For fluttery lashes on a budget, CoverGirl’s LashBlast Volume mascara is a hero. Testers say it lengthens and thickens lashes just like Smashbox’s $28 Full Exposure. Kara from Fit Chick Next Door even calls CoverGirl’s LashBlast one of her favorites – and it’s more than three times cheaper!
At under $9, it’s a no-brainer pick that gives dramatic volume for pennies. Newbies can spend those extra dollars on other essentials, knowing their lashes look just as bold.
8. Eyeshadow Primer Power
High-End: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion – $28.00
Dupe: Milani Eyeshadow Primer – $6.77 (save $21.23)
If your eyelids get oily or you’re doing an intense evening look, primer is key. Milani’s eyeshadow primer (just $6.77) is our budget champion. It gives eyeshadow serious staying power – comparable to Urban Decay’s iconic $28 Potion.
Reviewers with oily lids rave that Milani’s matty formula keeps shadows crease-free all day, a nearly $22 saving. Layer it under any drugstore dupe palette and you’ll see those colors pop!
Cheek & Lip Champions
9. Blush Bargains
High-End: NARS Orgasm Blush – $34.00
Dupe: Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso – $7.62 (save $26.38)
This one’s famous: NARS’ peachy-pink “Orgasm” blush vs. Milani’s “Luminoso.” Beauty experts say they’re almost twins.
Both give a universally flattering peachy-pink glow; Milani’s has a hint more gold sheen but you’d never know it until you’ve tried both. At under $8, Luminoso saves you over $26 and even comes in a bigger pot (and a variety of shades). The moral? Everyone can wear “Orgasm” without the splurge – just grab the Luminoso dupe instead.
10. Red Lip Dupe
High-End: MAC Ruby Woo (or Russian Red) – ~$19.50–25.44
Dupe: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in “Really Red” – $6.95(save $12.55–18.49)
Classic red lips are a must-have, and drugstore options can deliver that punchy pigment. Revlon’s “Really Red” or “Cherries in the Snow” lipsticks have the same bright, true-red hue as MAC’s famed Ruby Woo (or Russian Red) but for under $7.
Reviewers note that Revlon’s version even feels creamier. (Fun fact: one blogger quipped that her teenage self would be thrilled to find a cheat for her expensive lipstick habit.)
The verdict: For a poppin’ red pout, your $6 Revlon is the real winner.
Infographic: Key Savings at a Glance
- Benefit The POREfessional ($35) vs. Maybelline Baby Skin ($7.99) – save $27.
- NARS Orgasm Blush ($34) vs. Milani Luminoso ($7.62) – save $26.38.
- Wet n Wild Nutty Shadow ($2) vs. MAC Satin Taupe ($23.97) – save $21.97.
- Rimmel Kohl Liner ($4.99) vs. Urban Decay 24/7 ($23) – save $18.01.
- CoverGirl LashBlast ($8.49) vs. Smashbox Full Exposure ($28) – save $19.51.
- Maybelline Fit Me ($8.62) vs. MAC Studio Fix ($45.89) – save $37.27.
These quick stats show how much you pocket by opting for the dupe. In each case, the performance is comparable to the high-end name – but your wallet gets the real bonus.
FAQs
Q: What exactly is a makeup dupe?
A: A makeup dupe is simply an inexpensive product designed to mimic a higher-end one. It has its own brand label, but the formula, shade, or effect is very similar to the luxury version. You buy a dupe knowing it’s not the real thing.
Think of it as an authorized “lookalike” – for example, Milani’s Luminoso blush looks nearly identical to NARS Orgasm, but it’s totally on-brand and legal. Glossy notes that “dupe” comes from “duplicate,” highlighting that it’s inspired by a pricier item. In short: it’s legit and often much cheaper.
Q: Do these budget dupes really perform as well as high-end products?
A: Many do, yes! Beauty experts and user surveys suggest that a lot of dupes match the pricier products in quality. For example, a Mintel report found 70% of makeup users have bought dupes, and a number of influencers test them side-by-side. In our roundup, each dupe was chosen because it gets rave reviews.
One tester even said a $2 Wet n Wild shadow is “literally the same” as a $24 MAC shadow. You’ll often get the same pigments, texture, and staying power (especially if you use a good primer). The savings come almost entirely from brand and packaging, not performance.
Q: Are drugstore dupes safe and reliable?
A: Yes, if you buy from reputable sources. The big-name drugstore brands follow the same safety standards as any cosmetics maker, so you’re getting a quality formula. The key is to avoid knockoffs from untrusted sellers. As Allure notes, many unsuspecting shoppers have snagged counterfeit makeup online.
To steer clear of that, shop at known retailers (Target, Walmart, Ulta, Sephora, brand boutiques, etc.) or the brands’ official sites. Avoid too-good-to-be-true deals on sketchy marketplace listings.
When you buy the product labeled with the budget brand (e.g. “Milani Luminoso blush”), you’re getting exactly what you paid for – a safe, tested formula.
Q: Where can I find these affordable makeup alternatives?
A: Most are available at your local drugstore, pharmacy, or big-box store. Retailers like Target, Walmart, Walgreens, Boots (UK), and chemists in Australia stock brands like e.l.f., Maybelline, Milani, Wet n Wild, CoverGirl, and more – all of which make famous dupes.
Glossy points out that dupe-focused brands are even launching in major chains: for example, MCoBeauty dupes debuted in 1,300 Target stores in 2025.
You can also shop online at official brand sites or major retailers. (Just be sure to buy from legitimate sellers.) In short, a quick trip to the beauty aisle or a search on a trusted site will turn up plenty of budget-friendly makeup dupes.
Q: Are these makeup dupes good for beginners?
A: Absolutely! In fact, dupes are beginner-friendly by nature. Since they’re inexpensive, you can experiment without anxiety.
Many dupes come in straightforward shades (like neutrals and basic reds) that are easy to work with. The products themselves (mascaras, pencils, cream shadows, etc.) are usually no more complicated than their luxury counterparts – some are even simpler (no fussy applicators, for instance).
If you’re new to makeup, grab a few dupes from this list and practice different looks. You might even follow tutorials (e.g., our Smokey Eye tutorial) using these budget products – you’ll quickly build skills without the high-end commitment. In short: dupes are perfect for beginners who want to learn without wasting a ton of product or cash.
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