All the new makeup trends have us running to the store to snag the products to get the look, but has anyone noticed the price hike on cosmetics? Because I am a bit of a makeup junkie and am always eager to try the trends, I just had to search for lower priced drugstore dupes to complete my looks. In this post I am sharing my top 4 best makeup dupes so far this year!
Before we dive in, here is a little Instagram post that I created showing the makeup dupes in action!
.ff-62a5e85578fb7e7c5a8ef77c { display: none; }Makeup Dupes
Rare Beauty Makeup Dupe
Being in my late 30s, I am not one to usually follow the trends of the younger pop princesses, but Selena Gomez is one of my favs. After watching a your Tube video where she talked about the creation of her brush line, I knew I had to have them. The only problem was, they were sold out all over Memphis! I searched for months until I got my hands on her Rare Beauty liquid touch concealer brush ($18) and True Beauty Liquid Touch foundation brushes ($29.) I was instantly in love with them!
One day while during my weekly Amazon shopping I was surprised to see a set of brushes that looked just like my Rare Beauty Brushes except the Rare Beauty Makeup Dupe brushes were only $4.59! What? For less than $5, it was totally worth the purchase. I have to say, the dupe is pretty on point, the only difference is when it comes to wash time. The hair on the cheaper Amazon set started to fall out. Clearly Selena’s brushes are of higher quality but if you want to try the innovative shape of these brushes for less, this is a beauty dupe win!
Shop the Makeup Dupe
Charlotte Tilbury Makeup Dupe (Highlighter)
Charlotte is arguably the hottest name in makeup right now with her infamous Pillow Talk line. After hearings all the rave reviews, I knew I ha to check it out so I went to my local Kohl’s Sephora and picked up a few goodies. I have to admit, the line DID NOT DISAPPOINT! Everything I tried was worth the hype. The only problem is, just three products can hit your pocketbook at a tune of over $100. I decided to scour my local pharmacies in search for Charlotte Tilbury makeup drugstore dupes. Here’s what I found.
It is really hard to compare to the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Beauty Wand ($42.) The product is just beautiful and the consistency perfect to really make your skin glow. I did discover the Elf Halo Glow Beauty Wand ($9) and while the consistency was not as nice as the Charlotte Tilbury product it did give the same effect. I prefer Charlotte’s wand because the product keeps a beautiful dewy shine while the ELF product can make my skin look a little dry.
Shop the Drugstore Dupes
Fenty Makeup Dupe
Rhianna’s Fenty line has all the things. I have several of her products because 1. She has a wide color range to match any skin tone, and 2. The isn;t one product that I need, that she doesn’t have. I have most recently fallen in love with the Fenty Match Stix ($32) for contouring.
Last week, I decided I wanted to try the Natural Face contour and highlighter set ($11.99) I saw on Amazon and I was shocked by the resemblance to my Fenty Color Stix. The color and blendability here the exact same which was a win for my look. The only difference in the long-term wear was that my Fenty product dried quicker which helped it stay in place while my Natural Face product seems to stay a little too dewy throughout the day.
Shop the Amazon Beauty Dupe
Charlotte Tilbury Makeup Dupe (Lip Cheat)
Probably best known for her incredible matte lipstick sets, Charlotte Tilbury has all eyes on her Pillow Talk lip liner ($25.) The colors in her Pillow Talk line are arguably the best colors I have ever used and they are seemingly beautiful on every lip color. The only problem I had with Charlotte Tilbury’s Lip products was that they wear a bit drying on my already dry lips, but the color was unmatched. So of course, I set out to find the perfect dupe. I have to say, Maybelline’s Super Stay Ink Crayon ($9), in color “Reach High,” is the best Charlotte Tilbury Medium Lip Cheat dupe. It stays on just as long and is not very drying. I like to pair it with the Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Pillow Talk Nude Pink Lipstick ($35) which is very matte but also has some moisture.
Shop the Makeup Drugstore Dupes
What Are Dupes in Makeup
In the beauty world, “dupes” (short for duplicates) are products designed to deliver a very similar look, finish, or performance as a higher-end or luxury item, usually at a much more affordable price point. A makeup dupe isn’t necessarily an exact replica, but it closely mimics key elements like color payoff, texture, longevity, or overall effect on the skin.
For example, a drugstore foundation might be considered a dupe for a high-end formula if it offers a similar glow, coverage level, and wear time. The same goes for lipsticks, eye shadow palettes, and even skincare-infused makeup—if it gives you that coveted result without the luxury price tag, it’s likely being called a dupe.
Dupes have become especially popular thanks to social media and beauty influeners who compare products side-by-side, helping consumers discover budget-friendly alternatives. While some dupes perform nearly identically to their high-end counterparts, others may differ slightly in ingredients, packaging, or staying power, so it’s always worth testing to see what works best for your skin.
Ultimately, makeup dupes are all about accessibility, giving you the ability to achieve a luxe look without the luxe investment.
Drugstore Dupes For High-end Makeup
If you love the look of luxury makeup but not always the price tag, drugstore dupes are your secret weapon. These budget-friendly alternatives are designed to mimic the finish, texture, and performance of high-end products, often so closely that it’s hard to tell the difference. From long-wear foundations to velvety lip colors and volumizing mascaras, today’s drugstore formulas have truly elevated, offering high-performance results without the investment. Incorporating dupes into your routine allows you to experiment, save money, and still achieve that polished, high-end beauty look we all love.
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara
High-end dupe for: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
This cult-favorite delivers dramatic volume and length for under $5, giving you that bold, falsie-like effect without the luxury price.
Maybelline Super Stay Lumi-Matte Foundation
High-end dupe for: Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation
Long-wearing, breathable, and buildable, this foundation gives a similar flawless, matte-yet-luminous finish that lasts all day.
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream
High-end dupe for: Kylie Cosmetics Liquid Lipsticks
Lightweight, velvety, and non-drying, this lip cream gives that soft matte look without the heavy feel or high price.
Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer
High-end dupe for: Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer
Full coverage with a smooth, skin-like finish, this multitasking formula works as both foundation and concealer for a fraction of the cost.
e.l.f. Monochromatic Multi-Stick
High-end dupe for: NARS The Multiple
A creamy, blendable stick you can use on cheeks, lips, and eyes—perfect for achieving that effortless, glowing look.
What Makeup To Buy As A Beginner
If you’re just starting your makeup journey, the key is to keep things simple, versatile, and easy to use. Instead of overwhelming yourself with a full glam kit, focus on a few core products that enhance your natural features—think a lightweight foundation or skin tint, a creamy concealer, a neutral eye shadow palette, a soft blush, and a hydrating lip product. These essentials allow you to create a polished, everyday look while learning what works best for your skin and style. The beauty of starting small is that you can build confidence with application techniques, experiment without pressure, and gradually expand your collection as your skills evolve.
1. e.l.f. Soft Glam Satin Foundation
A lightweight, buildable foundation that gives a natural, skin-like finish. It’s perfect for beginners because it blends easily, doesn’t feel heavy, and allows you to control how much coverage you want.
2. e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer
This creamy concealer is great for covering dark circles and small imperfections without looking cakey. It’s beginner-friendly because it blends smoothly and is forgiving if you’re still learning application techniques.
3. e.l.f. Bite-Size Eyeshadow Palette
These mini palettes feature simple, coordinated shades that take the guesswork out of eyeshadow. Perfect for beginners, they make it easy to create a soft, everyday eye look without needing multiple products.
4. NYX Buttermelt Blush
A soft, blendable blush that adds a natural flush to the cheeks. It’s ideal for beginners because it melts into the skin seamlessly, making it hard to over-apply.
5. NYX Butter Gloss
A hydrating, non-sticky gloss that enhances your lips with a subtle shine and color. It’s perfect for beginners since it’s easy to apply without precision and instantly pulls a look together.
Enjoyed learning about the Top Makeup Dupes?
Please share with your friends and family via the pinnable image below!
Please Note: I always strive to provide accurate and helpful information, but just a quick heads-up—I’m a blogger, not a doctor, lawyer, CPA, or any other kind of certified professional. I’m here to share my experiences and insights, but please make sure to use your own judgment and consult the right professionals when needed.
Also, I accept monetary compensation through affiliate links, advertising, guest posts, and sponsored partnerships on this site, however I am very particular about the products I endorse and only do so when I am truly a fan of the quality and result of the product.
