Splurge or Steal? Inexpensive Dupes for Your Favorite High-End Makeup Products

These less expensive cosmetics just might replace some pricier items in your collection.

April 09, 2021

By: Jessica Butler

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Photo By: Irina Marwan

Get the Same Look for Less

Why spend more when you can save instead? Some makeup products are so amazing, we’re willing to splurge a bit just to experience them. However, some expensive items have super similar drugstore alternatives — and they’re a fraction of the price. We’ve rounded up dupes for some of the most iconic high-end makeup products on the market. Check out our favorites!

SPLURGE: Tatcha The Silk Canvas Protective Primer

This prestige face primer blurs pores and creates a smooth finish for your makeup application. It’s a prized Sephora community favorite, but this next primer is shockingly similar — and a fraction of the price.

BUY IT: Sephora, $52.00

STEAL: e.l.f. Cosmetics Poreless Putty Primer

Glide this primer over your skin for a smooth, poreless base. It’s the perfect prep for a long day of makeup and leaves the same finish on your skin that the Tatcha primer does. At this price, there’s no contest!

BUY IT: Ulta, $ 8.00

SPLURGE: It Cosmetics CC+ Cream SPF 50+

When it comes to a lightweight, full-coverage base, the It Cosmetics CC+ cream really gets the job done. It combines makeup with skincare in one convenient bottle. Even so, the following product just might give this beloved CC cream a run for its money.

BUY IT: Ulta, $39.50

STEAL: e.l.f. Cosmetics Camo CC Cream SPF 30

This cream replicates the same healthy, full-coverage look that the It Cosmetics CC cream provides, but for less than half the price! Plus, just like the high-end cream, this dupe also contains SPF, collagen, peptides, and niacinamide.

BUY IT: Ulta, $14.00

SPLURGE: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Oil-Free Foundation

Celebrity makeup artists swear by this luxe liquid foundation. It leaves a skin-like finish on the skin with a hint of luminosity. However, it does come with a hefty price tag. So, what’s the alternative?

BUY IT: Sephora, $64.00

STEAL: L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation

Get the same gorgeous base with this drugstore foundation. Although this product doesn't claim to be oil-free like the Armani foundation, it still offers a similar look and provides 24 hours of staying power for an all-day glow!

BUY IT: Ulta, $12.99

SPLURGE: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

This long-wear concealer is a fan-favorite at Ulta. It leaves a matte finish and doesn’t budge. However, the following concealer is a close contender.

BUY IT: Ulta, $27.00

STEAL: L’Oreal Infallible Full Wear Concealer

This concealer is waterproof, transfer-resistant, and fade-resistant — just like Tarte’s best-seller. Even the packaging for these two products is pretty similar, especially their large doe-foot applicators. If you want the same look for less, give this product a try.

BUY IT: Ulta, $13.49

SPLURGE: Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer

No more orange bronzers! This celebrated powder replicates the look of a natural tan and can be used for bronzing and contouring — but it’s not the only flattering bronzer in town.

BUY IT: Ulta, $30.00

STEAL: Essence Sun Club Matt Bronzer

This bronzer is almost identical to Benefit’s powder. Use it to create a healthy sun-kissed look, just in time for the warmer months. Plus, while the shade of this product is mostly warm, the undertone is just cool enough to look natural.

BUY IT: Ulta, $4.99

SPLURGE: Chanel Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream

If you prefer a cream bronzer, you’ve probably heard of this one. Soleil tan de Chanel has been a constant luxury pick for makeup lovers. With it’s creamy formula and flattering undertone, it’s no secret that this cream bronzer is a popular option. Unfortunately, it's a bit harder to find in some department stores these days. If this cream is a staple in your collection (or if you’ve always wanted it, but could never justify the price), take a look at this next dupe.

BUY IT: Chanel, $50.00

STEAL: ColourPop Sol Face and Body Bronzing Balm

Recreate Chanel’s signature creamy glow with this bronzing balm from ColourPop. They both have similar textures and staying power on your skin. Plus, this product comes in seven gorgeous shades to suit any skin tone!

BUY IT: ColourPop, $15.00

SPLURGE: NARS Blush in Orgasm

This peachy-pink blush has been a favorite of makeup lovers for years and years, but this next item is creating some competition.

BUY IT: Ulta, $30.00

STEAL: Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso

Get an ethereal glow for less with this Milani blush. The shade Luminoso is flattering on most skin tones and it adds some golden shimmer to the skin, similarly to the NARS blush.

BUY IT: Ulta, $9.49

SPLURGE: Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette

This 14-shade palette boasts full pigments and a rich, blendable formula. It's had a secured spot in beauty lovers’ collections ever since it came out, but we found another palette that’s super comparable.

BUY IT: Ulta, $45.00

STEAL: Makeup Revolution Reloaded Eyeshadow Palette in Velvet Rose

This drugstore dupe offers the same warm neutrals and sparkly shades as the ABH palette. The smooth formula of these pigments allows them to blend seamlessly as well. Better yet, this product includes an extra 15th shade!

BUY IT: Ulta, $8.00

SPLURGE: Too Faced Better Than Sex Volumizing Mascara

This high-end mascara promises big volume and lush lashes, all thanks to its uniquely shaped wand and stellar formula. Luckily, there’s another mascara that promises the same look for much less.

BUY IT: Ulta, $26.00

STEAL: L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara

Not only is this pink packaging very reminiscent of Too Faced’s mascara tube, but both products also have very similar wands. The bulbous hourglass shape of this brush will thicken and lengthen your lashes — and keep some extra cash in your pocket.

BUY IT: Ulta, $10.99

Splurge or Steal? Inexpensive Dupes for Your Favorite High-End Makeup Products

Related To:

Shop This Look

Get the Same Look for Less

SPLURGE: Tatcha The Silk Canvas Protective Primer

STEAL: e.l.f. Cosmetics Poreless Putty Primer

SPLURGE: It Cosmetics CC+ Cream SPF 50+

STEAL: e.l.f. Cosmetics Camo CC Cream SPF 30

SPLURGE: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Oil-Free Foundation

STEAL: L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation

SPLURGE: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

STEAL: L’Oreal Infallible Full Wear Concealer

SPLURGE: Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer

STEAL: Essence Sun Club Matt Bronzer

SPLURGE: Chanel Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream

STEAL: ColourPop Sol Face and Body Bronzing Balm

SPLURGE: NARS Blush in Orgasm

STEAL: Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso

SPLURGE: Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette

STEAL: Makeup Revolution Reloaded Eyeshadow Palette in Velvet Rose

SPLURGE: Too Faced Better Than Sex Volumizing Mascara

STEAL: L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara

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