With makeup brands constantly releasing new product launches, a common problem we face is weighing our options, and deciding between products before buying. Moreover, making a choice between high-end products and their dupe is a typical struggle – should you treat yourself to that designer lipstick, or can you uncover a similar product that works just as well, for the fraction of the price? Luxury beauty brands tend to tempt us, and justify their steep price points with stunning packaging and high-performance formulas, making it easy for us to accept that paying more guarantees better quality. However, with many affordable brands innovating and improving, with the help of technology and R&D in formulation, retailers such as Target and Boots now offer an extensive range of budget-friendly beauty dupes that many times triumph their luxury OG.
High-End: Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter, £39
Dupe: e.l.f. Beauty Halo Glow Liquid Filter, £15
The Charlotte Tilbury foundation is an award-winning best seller in the beauty industry as it adds a soft-glow, dewy base to your makeup. On the other hand, the e.l.f. foundation closely replicates the formula by also providing a luminous finish with a sheer coverage. Both foundations are complexion-enhancing, resulting in a ‘your skin but better’ natural, satin finish. In particular, Flawless Filter contains Brightening Flower Extract which further brightens complexion, and hydrates and nourishes the skin. Overall, both products share similarities, however given that some e.l.f. users with oily and combination skin have reported that it can accentuate texture and pores, as well as the Flawless Filter containing superior ingredients, including many skin benefits, it is definitely worth investing in Charlotte Tilbury’s Flawless Filter!
High-End: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, £28
Dupe: L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara, £12.99
The Too Faced mascara is a No. 1 Best Seller and is especially known for the bold and glamorous look it can add to enhancing the eyes. However, L’Oréal’s Lash Paradise is an excellent dupe as these volumizing and lengthening mascaras are both long-lasting and have the same effect. However, although Too Faced’s mascara is highly pigmented, it can be prone to smudging and clumping, and it’s difficult to remove, therefore L’Oréal’s mascara may be worth purchasing over the luxury product, as it performs just as well, has easier removal, and also costs £15 less than the original!
High-End: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer, £29
Dupe: L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24H More Than Concealer, £10.99
These popular full coverage concealers both have long-wearing, crease-resistant and transfer resistant qualities. They tackle the struggle of concealer settling into fine lines and wrinkles under the eyes, by keeping this area looking more fresh, youthful and flawless for longer! However, Tarte’s Shape Tape is preferred for a full glam look over the more natural everyday finish L’Oréal gives, as it seamlessly brightens, and covers dark circles and blemishes, but ultimately, the choice between these two brands depends on your skin type. L’Oréal’s concealer is more suited to dry or textured skin, as it contains more hydrating ingredients, whereas Tarte’s concealer is better suited to oily or combination skin or all-day wear, given that it has a complete matte finish where it can control shine throughout the day.
High-End: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, £39
Dupe: Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder, £7.99
When comparing the Laura Mercier and Maybelline loose powders, they are both popular choices for setting makeup – they are known for their finely milled, lightweight formula that provides a smooth, airbrushed finish. However, if you’re looking for a long-lasting product, the Laura Mercier powder locks in makeup and lasts for 16 hours, whereas Maybelline’s longevity is only moderate and some users have also noticed that it can ‘darken slightly upon application’. On the other hand, Laura Mercier’s powder is filled with antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, which contribute to evening out complexion by brightening the skin and fading any dark spots or hyperpigmentation. Final verdict: we therefore recommend to go all out and buy this powder as its not only the No. 1 Setting Powder, but it’s also completely reliable and maintains a flawless finish!
High-End: Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb, £19
Dupe: Maybelline Lifter Gloss, £8.99
These popular lip glosses are both known for their high-shine, super-glossy finishes and comfortable wear. On the one hand, Fenty features a non-sticky formula with a subtle plumping effect that’s known for their universally flattering shades, but on the other hand Maybelline contains hyaluronic acid which hydrates the lips, and makes them look naturally full. Also, instead of having a handful of universally flattering shades, they have a wide range of over 20 shades to choose from, allowing you to customise your looks, whilst also finding your true everyday shade match! Although the Maybelline Lifter Gloss is cheaper, this doesn’t mean you are sacrificing quality and in this case the dupe outperforms the luxury product; you should no doubt add this to your makeup bag and skip the splurge!
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