Affordable Dupes to the Best Expensive Makeup

I side eye a lot of luxury makeup and skincare products out there. There is a huge markup around a lot of things based on marketing, packaging, and brand names. This list is what I always immediately think of as alternatives when someone mentions those overpriced products.  When I hear people raving about the expensive product, these are the ones that I can’t help but shoutout.

1. It Cosmetics CC Cream ($38) / I used to be one of those people who said this was worth it, but I have changed my tune. Along with the bottle not letting you get absolutely every drop out of this, it also gets REALLY shiny and never wants to set all the way down on my oily skin.  I have a bottle of this that I use to mix in with foundations that are too light but I actually gave away a tube of it and I won’t be repurchasing.

Alternative

Covergirl Clean Matte BB Cream ($7) / Great coverage, lightweight feel, sets nicely, great on any skin type. FYI, they just changed the packaging for this.

2. Benefit Gimme Brow ($32) / I beg you to not pay so much for a brow gel and I cannot believe how much this product costs when there are great affordable options available.

Alternatives

 Ulta Brow Tint ($10), L’oreal Brow Stylist Plumper Gel ($6) / I’ve use these interchangeably but if I had to pick a fave I’d go for L’oreal because the tube is bigger and cheaper which helps me not run through it as quickly.  They both have tiny spoolies for a clean application. I like to run this over my brows, then take my brow brush to define the tail just with the product that I combed through.   

 

3. Bobbi Brown Face Base ($60 for 1.7 oz) / This is a rich moisturizer than many people swear by for applying under makeup.  I had a sample and never commited to buying the full size because it is a majorly luxury priced item. While it does have a ncie consistency, It is very scented and I feel like the luxury brand is half of why people love it

Alternative

Mizon Cream ($16 for 2.53 oz) / MAJOR savings, nice glass packaging, sinks in quickly, and feels light. I use this every time I want my makeup to look extra nice, and Cerave when I don’t care as much.  The Mizon has that luxury feel that Bobbie Brown fans will like.

 

4. Urban Decay Setting Spray ($32 for 4 oz) / While I love both the De-Slick & All Nighter sprays, there is another drugstore spray that I’ve found works JUST as well.

Alternative

L’oreal Infallible Setting Spray ($14 for 3.4 oz) / I actually find myself reaching for this way more than the Urban Decay and it’s like half the price.

 

5. Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder ($38 for 1 oz) / This beautiful setting powder sets makeup beautifully, but it’s pricey.

Alternative

RCMA No Color Powder ($19.50 for 3 oz) / I haven’t looked back since replacing my Laura Mercier with this.  It doesn’t cause flashback and while the packaging isn’t ideal, I just sprinkle the powder into my hand and apply it with a sponge or brush from there. I listed the Amazon link because I like their checkout process, but you can also find it for less on websites like Beautylish or Camera Ready Cosmetics.

6. Mac Fix+ ($26 for 3.4 oz) / This spray did absolutely nothing for me other than having a way too harsh spray stream. I get why people with dry skin like it though but I don’t think it’s worth the price.

Alternative

Heritage Rosewater Glycerin Spray ($10 for 8 oz) / The bottle of this is huge and I love spraying it onto my skin before/ after applying foundation and primers, to wet my brush for shadows, to refresh my damp beauty blender, and to prime my cheeks to amp up a highlighter.  It has a light refreshing scent due to the rosewater.

7. It’s a 10 Miracle Leave In ($37 for 10 oz) / This isn’t makeup but it’s one of my must have products.  Spraying this in damp hair strengthens, softens, and works as a heat protectant.

Alternative

GVP Leave-In Conditioner @ Sally Beauty ($10 for 4 oz) / I stock UP on these every time I go to Sally’s.  I like to try out new things constantly but this is one that I don’t stray from and constantly repurchase. All the items from the GVP brand that I’ve tried are fab.  The even have Kenra dupes. Sally’s seriously never fails me!

8. SK-II Facial Treatment Essence ($179 for 5.4 oz) / This product is basically a vitamin enriched moisturizing water for your face.  I use the alternative version after washing my face or toning and absolutely love it.

Alternative

Missha Time Revolution Essence ($24 for 5 oz)/  I went with buying this version after reading up on how similar results are between the two.  The price difference made it a no- brainer.  I pour it directly into my hands and apply it onto my face rather than wasting any on a cotton round.  It also helps me not waste cotton rounds and create trash of course.

More honorable mentions

I keep these drugstore rock star products in my collection: L’oreal Infallible eyeshadows, Wet n’ Wild matte primer, Maybelline Age Rewind, L’oreal Voluminous mascara primer, L’oreal Lash Paradise Mascara, Rimmel lip liners

Anyone that tells you affordable products don’t have the same effectiveness as high end are totally wrong when it comes to these and many others.  Thank you so much for reading! Let me know if there’s anything that you want to try or if you have any major steals for high end beauty items. 

-Kim