Everybody loves a great dupe. Who doesn’t want a similar product that passes for the real deal, giving you the same bang — for significantly less buck? And while there’s something to be said for respecting the original, when it comes to beauty, there’s a serious case to be made for high-end makeup dupes that stand up to the designer brands in terms of things like formula, pigment payoff and packaging. So let’s take a look at 10 of our fave (and super affordable) drugstore makeup dupes that pass for the expensive, viral beauty products you love.
Maybelline’s Lifter Gloss in Pearl as a dupe for Fenty’s Gloss Bomb in Diamond Milk
If you’re looking to replicate the clear, shimmery and pout-perfecting look of Fenty’s cult favourite Gloss Bomb, which will run you $26, look no further than Maybelline’s Lifter Gloss. The gloss, in the shade “Pearl,” is a solid dupe for Fenty’s Gloss Bomb in shade “Diamond Milk”.
Maybelline’s Lifter Gloss in Pearl, Shoppers Drug Mart, $8
See also: 10 best sweatproof makeup products to beat the summer heat.
e.l.f. cosmetics’ Hydrating Core Lip Shine in Ecstatic as a dupe for Clinique’s Almost Lipstick in Black Honey
Boasting a luxe hue that will adapt to the wearer as a universally-flattering shade, it’s not surprising the original, Clinique’s Almost Lipstick in “Black Honey” went viral. This also means it’s almost always sold out, making it not only the more expensive option at $28, but also the least accessible. Try e.l.f.’s dupe for this one in the shade “Ecstatic” and thank us later.
e.l.f. cosmetics’ Hydrating Core Lip Shine in Ecstatic, Shoppers Drug Mart, $8
See also: Splurge versus save – the summer’s best beauty buys.
Milani Cream-to-Powder Foundation as a dupe for KVD Vegan Beauty Good Apple Foundation
Save yourself the $53 price tag of KVD’s Vegan Beauty Good Apple Foundation and try Milani’s dupe on for size. The affordable brand’s Cream-to-Powder Foundation is a viral hit for its similar formulation and staying power. The brand’s version fails to impress in terms of shade variety, but it’s an otherwise solid alternative to the celebrity KVD brand.
Milani Cream-to-Powder Foundation, Shoppers Drug Mart, $18
See also: The best Amazon products for summer that are worth the hype.
Maybelline Cheek Heat Gel-Cream Blush as a drupe for Glossier Cloud Paint
On price tag alone this one’s a no-brainer, with Glossier’s popular cheek tint ringing in at $26 (before shipping) and Maybelline’s drugstore-accessible dupe just $13 — packing the same punch in pigment and aesthetically-pleasing packaging.
Maybelline Cheek Heat Gel-Cream Blush, Shoppers Drug Mart, $13
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Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum as a dupe for SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
SkinCeuticals has a stellar reputation on the skincare scene, but so does Vichy — and if it comes down to pricing, the higher-end brand just seems excessive, with their C E Ferulic product coming in at just under $200. Vichy offers a quality dupe with their LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum for well under $50.
Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum, Shoppers Drug Mart, $46
See also: Turn your powder bronzer into a cream with this viral TikTok.
e.l.f. Camo Concealer as a dupe for Tarte’s Shape Tape
Tarte’s $39 Shape Tape is no doubt a makeup artist staple, boasting non-creasing application and a formula that will conceal even the most stubborn dark circles — but before you break the bank on this one, give budget-friendly brand e.l.f.’s Camo Concealer a try. The product is a viral hit for good reason, claims to stay put for up to 16-hour wear and will cost you under $10.
e.l.f. Camo Concealer, Shoppers Drug Mart, Shoppers Drug Mart, $8
Related: How to get the glowy, clean girl makeup look.
Nivea Creme as a dupe for La Mer Moisturizing Cream
Okay, so while Nivea’s $9 dupe for La Mer’s infamous moisturizer (which can run you from $265 to over $700 — and even higher for special editions) isn’t quite a makeup product, any beauty-savvy babe knows that a moisturized base is one of the first steps in a perfect palette for makeup application. Nivea has been around forever and its reputation is solid when it comes to no-fuss, non-irritant skincare. Their rich Creme product does double duty for face and body, and at well under $20 (and currently just $9 on sale at Shoppers Drug Mart), you can’t miss giving this one a shot.
Nivea Creme, Shoppers Drug Mart, $9 (on sale from $14)
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Maybelline Instant Age Rewind as a dupe for Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter
At $53, Charlotte Tilbury’s famed Flawless Filter falls in line with the pricing you’d expect from a luxury beauty brand – but why splurge when you can save and score with a solid dupe like Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind 4-in-1 Glow product? The sheer glow and the dewy effect on the skin is totally reminiscent of the Charlotte Tilbury version — for a fraction of the price.
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind, Shoppers Drug Mart, $14 (on sale now)
Related: Thin eyebrows are back — should you get them? We investigate.
NYX Sweet Cheeks Soft Cheek Tint as a dupe for Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand
Charlotte Tilbury reigns supreme of the luxury beauty brands once again with their Light Wand product. But if forking over $53 for the highlighter-blush hybrid has you looking for a more affordable option, check out NYX’s Sweet Cheeks Soft Cheek Tint. Just add a light sweep of any powder highlighter on top of this pretty tint for a similar effect to CT’s original product.
NYX Sweet Cheeks Soft Cheek Tint, Shoppers Drug Mart, $14
See also: How to find the best skincare for your budget.
NYX The Brow Glue Instant Brow Styler as a dupe for Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze was an instant hit for its ability to lock brow hairs into place for a shape you can fluff or tame however you like. But at $30, it’s a pricey product compared to NYX’s The Brow Glue Instant Brow Styler, which rings in at $13 and has an excellent spoolie (meaning no need to sub in another one as per usual with these products) and does the job — minus that tacky feeling post-application.
NYX The Brow Glue Instant Brow Styler, Shoppers Drug Mart, $13
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