Are These The Best Drugstore Makeup Dupes From Just $6?

In recent years, the beauty industry has seen a surge in demand for high-quality yet budget-friendly makeup options. This trend has given rise to drugstore makeup dupes – affordable alternatives that closely resemble their luxury counterparts in terms of performance and quality.

These drugstore products have captured the attention of makeup enthusiasts and experts alike, as they offer the opportunity to experiment and play with various styles without breaking the bank.

As a makeup enthusiast, you might have come across discussions about cult-favorite drugstore makeup dupes on various platforms, like TikTok beauty threads or forums dedicated to affordable makeup choices. The appeal of these products lies in their ability to provide similar results to high-end makeup items while costing a fraction of the price.

From foundation and concealer to blush and mascara, drugstore makeup dupes have successfully challenged the notion that luxury equates to quality. In this guide, I will share the drugstore makeup dupes for all the famous luxury products.

What are Drugstore Makeup Dupes?

Drugstore makeup dupes are affordable alternatives to high-end luxury beauty products. They offer a way for makeup enthusiasts to enjoy the same benefits and results as they would with premium brands but at a lower price. With the growth of the beauty industry, there has been an increase in the availability of quality drugstore makeup dupes that are inclusive and economical.

These dupes perform similarly to their expensive counterparts, whether it’s a base makeup product like foundation or concealer, or a color cosmetic product like blush or mascara. They often feature similar formulas, pigmentation, and performance, making them a popular choice for those who want to save money without sacrificing quality.

Here are some examples of drugstore makeup dupes and their luxury counterparts:

• Foundation: L’Oreal True Match can be a dupe for Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
• Concealer: Maybelline Fit Me might be a good alternative to NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
• Blush: Milani Baked Powder Blush in Luminoso can replace NARS Blush in Orgasm
• Mascara: L’Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black might be a suitable substitute for Lancôme Hypnôse Drama

Drugstore makeup dupes have gained popularity in recent years due to the rise of beauty content on social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Makeup users are sharing their favorite dupes and highlighting their astonishing similarities with high-end products, thereby encouraging others to explore these affordable options.

Best Drugstore Makeup Dupes to Try

Here are some alternatives to the expensive foundation, concealer, bronzer, highlighter, and other makeup products.

Let’s compare these drugstore makeup dupes with the luxury makeup product.

Foundation

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation vs L’Oreal Paris True Match Luminous Makeup

The Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation has consistently made it to the “best of” beauty lists year after year. This is due to the foundation’s lightweight formula that provides a skin-like finish, taking inspiration from charmeuse silk.

The Micro-fil technology of Armani sculpts, brightens, and improves the skin’s texture while blurring imperfections. With 30 shades available, the foundation caters to a wide range of skin tones.

The L’Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup is an excellent option for those looking for a foundation to improve their skin tone and provide hydration throughout the day. It’s enriched with vitamins C and E and includes a Liquid Light Technology that gives a luminous glow.

With an SPF 20, it offers protection against the harmful rays of the sun. It’s also available in 15 shades, making it suitable for different skin tones. While it may not be as luxurious as the Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, it’s an affordable alternative that provides a similar glow and buildable coverage.

Primer

Tatcha The Silk Canvas Protective Primer vs ELF Poreless Putty Primer

Tatcha’s The Silk Canvas Protective Primer is a top-of-the-line makeup product that bleeds luxury. Its velvety smooth texture is due to the three types of silk used in its formulation.

This primer enhances the skin’s barrier function and helps prevent clogged pores and breakouts while protecting against environmental aggressors. Upon application, it creates a blurred effect that is a perfect canvas for makeup.

ELF Poreless Putty Primer is a wallet-friendly option that delivers results comparable to The Silk Canvas. It’s enriched with squalane that moisturizes your skin and helps your makeup last longer. The balm-like formula minimizes imperfections, giving you a flawless finish.

It’s no wonder that this primer has become a fan favorite. Due to its success, ELF has launched various versions of this top-selling primer to cater to different skin issues. There are many other Tatcha dupes that offer similar results.

Filter

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter vs ELF Halo Glow Liquid Filter

Charlotte Tilbury is a highly sought-after beauty brand that has recently gained immense popularity. Its Flawless Filter is especially renowned on #beautytok for its ability to offer a natural-looking, transparent coverage and a stunning radiant finish. Moreover, it also serves as an excellent base for oily skin. It gives you a “no-makeup-makeup” look.

Consider using the E.L.F. Halo Glow Liquid Filter if you want a luminous, natural-looking finish like Charlotte Tilbury without breaking the bank. This filter contains squalane and hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and plump your skin while blurring imperfections.

You can apply it as a highlighter under or over your makeup or use it independently. Note that e.l.f. offers only eight shades that can be stretched to match your skin tone, unlike Charlotte Tilbury’s original version. For a more detailed comparison, read my article here.

Concealer

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer vs Revlon PhotoReady Candid Concealer

Nars’s radiant creamy concealer appears to be the most popular choice for concealing dark circles among the masses. During my recent visit to Sephora, my friend suggested I try this product, and I was not disappointed.

As the name suggests, the concealer has a creamy texture that glides on smoothly. It provides long-lasting coverage, so you don’t have to touch up frequently.

Revlon is a top-tier brand when it comes to drugstore products. One of its best offerings is the Photo Ready Candid concealer. This concealer is highly recommended for its long-lasting coverage while brightening the complexion.

You can apply it lightly for a modest look or build it up for more coverage. Its creamy formula is similar to that of the Nars version. There are many other NARS concealer dupes that are affordable and as good as the original.

Blush

NARS Blush vs Milani Baked Blush

NARS Blush was among the initial premium makeup products I bought, and it lived up to my expectations. The brand’s top-selling shade, Orgasm (a peachy-pink hue with shimmer), has garnered extensive attention and admiration from customers and beauty experts, making it one of their most popular products.

While I’m not particularly fond of peachy shades on my cheeks, the peachy-pink hue with a subtle shimmer offers a smooth and effortless finish. NARS blush is available in 32 different shades.

Milani Baked Blush is crafted by sunbaking it on authentic Italian terracotta tiles to achieve a natural and warm radiance. The blush features gold fleck veining, adding a stunning golden sheen to the overall look. Due to its highly pigmented formula, a small amount of this product can go a long way. With such an affordable price, it’s hard not to love this blush.

Eyeshadow

Tarte Tartelette In Bloom Clay Eyeshadow Palette vs NYX Ultimate Eyeshadow Palette

The Tartelette Eyeshadow Palette by Tarte includes a range of neutral shades that come in both matte and shimmery finishes, making it a highly versatile option for anyone. Moreover, the presence of Amazonian clay in the formula lends the shadows a smooth texture without making them appear chalky.

NYX’s eyeshadow palette is an excellent choice for those who want to achieve a neutral look without breaking the bank. The formula is soft and super easy to apply, and the palette has 16 different colors, making it a versatile option for daily wear or a night out.

Additionally, with 16 colors, NYX’s palette has four more shades than Tarte’s.

Mascara

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara vs L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara

The Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara is a top-rated mascara in America that you can rely on for voluminous and defined lashes. Its unique hourglass-shaped brush effectively separates, coats, and curls every lash, while its film-forming polymers keep your curls in place all day long.

With just one coat, you can achieve fuller, longer, and thicker lashes, giving you a dramatic look that stands out. This mascara is available in Carbon Black, the perfect shade for any occasion.

The L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara resembles the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara as they both have a pale satin pink tube. It features a wavy brush with over 200 bristles that produce fuller lashes. The black pigments in the Lash Paradise formula create voluminous and elongated lashes.

This mascara comes in four washable shades and two waterproof shades. The buildable formula allows for a natural or dramatic look with one or multiple coats. Despite the price difference, this mascara is a close dupe to the Too Faced mascara.

Eyebrow

Anastasia Beverly Hills Strong Hold Clear Brow Gel vs ELF Cosmetics Brow Lift

The Anastasia Strong Hold Brow Gel is becoming increasingly popular among individuals aiming for a polished look. Its ability to lift and secure stray hairs in place is highly effective, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a well-groomed look.

Brow gel is all about keeping your eyebrows in place. E.L.F. Cosmetics Brow Lift has been recognized with a 2022 Health Beauty Award for doing just that. This gel is easy to apply, dries clear, and keeps your brows in place all day long.

Lip Gloss

Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer vs Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss

The Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer is a well-loved product due to its stunning shine and non-greasy texture. It is enriched with shea butter to moisten your lips and has a delightful peach-vanilla fragrance you will adore. With a large applicator wand, applying it is a breeze and comes in seven fabulous shades.

If you love Rihanna’s Fenty Gloss Bomb but find it expensive, try Revlon’s Super Lustrous Lip Gloss. It’s also high-shine and non-sticky, packed with agave, moringa oil, and capuacu butter for added hydration.

This lip gloss gives off a natural-looking shine and is available in a shade similar to Fenty Glow. Plus, there are 23 other shades to choose from in the collection.

Bronzer

Becca Sunlit Bronzer vs Physician’s Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer

The Becca Sunlit Bronzer is an excellent choice for anyone looking to achieve a beautiful sun-kissed glow regardless of skin tone. Capri Coast’s shade is remarkable as it blends into your skin effortlessly, giving you a warm, natural-looking bronze glow. Additionally, the bronzer has Color-True Pigments, ensuring a creamy, silky application that won’t cake or dry out your skin.

Physicians Formula’s Murumuru Butter Bronzer is a highly sought-after product that exceeds its affordable price tag. Its smooth application and soft-focus pigments create a skin-blurring effect enhanced by its delightful tropical scent.

This bronzer is a top-performing alternative to Becca Sunlit Bronzer, boasting a rich formula and soft, easy-to-blend texture that melts seamlessly into the skin.

Highlighter

Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight vs Wet n Wild MegaGlo Liquid Highlighter

Selena Gomez has joined the league of celebrities who have launched their makeup lines. Her brand, Rare Beauty, has gained immense popularity among makeup enthusiasts. The Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlighter is a fan favorite for its ability to add a natural-looking glow. The applicator stick ensures a seamless application, making it the perfect addition to any makeup routine.

The Wet n Wild MegaGlo Liquid Highlighter contains sparkling pearl pigments that deliver a radiant, customizable sheen. It is an affordable alternative to achieve a luminous effect on specific areas of your face that enhances the impact of your foundation and blush. There are many other Rare Beauty dupes that offer similar results.

Finding Makeup Dupes on Social Media Platforms

Social media platforms, like TikTok, have become invaluable resources for discovering drugstore makeup dupes. Users on these platforms often share their experiences with makeup products and compare them with similar, more affordable alternatives.

Using TikTok to Discover Drugstore Makeup Dupes

TikTok is a popular platform for beauty enthusiasts and makeup influencers. They often share quick, easy-to-follow video tutorials on how to recreate high-end makeup looks using drugstore dupes. To find makeup dupes on TikTok, users can look for beauty-related hashtags such as #makeupdupes, #beautytips, or #affordablemakeup. They can also follow popular makeup influencers who frequently share drugstore dupe recommendations.

For example, TikTok user Mikayla Nogueria is known for sharing drugstore makeup dupes. She has recommended E.L.F’s Halo Glow Liquid Filter as a great foundation dupe for those with oily skin, which provides sheer coverage and a beautiful glow.

Tips for Finding Makeup Dupes on Social Media

When searching for makeup dupes on social media platforms, users should keep in mind the following tips:

• Look for popular and trusted influencers who have a history of providing accurate and reliable product recommendations.
• Pay attention to reviews and comments from other users who have tried the suggested drugstore makeup dupes.
• Be cautious of sponsored content; make sure the recommendations are genuine and not solely based on paid partnerships.
• Try to find videos or posts that show side-by-side comparisons of the high-end product and its drugstore dupe to get a better understanding of their similarities.

Social media platforms are a treasure trove of information when it comes to finding drugstore makeup dupes. By following these tips and using resources like TikTok, users can discover and experiment with more affordable makeup options while still achieving their desired high-end makeup looks.

How to Create a Makeup Bag Full of Dupes?

Building a makeup bag full of affordable drugstore dupes is an excellent way to achieve high-end brand looks without breaking the bank. Here are a few tips to help you get started on creating a makeup bag full of dupes.

1. Research high-end favorites: Make a list of your favorite high-end makeup products, including foundation, concealer, mascara, eyeshadow, blush, and lipstick. This will give you a starting point for finding similar drugstore alternatives.

2. Explore drugstore brands: Visit your local drugstore or search online for brands that are known for offering quality makeup products at affordable prices. Some popular drugstore brands include Maybelline, L’Oreal, NYX, Revlon, and e.l.f.

3. Compare ingredients and shades: Read the ingredient lists of high-end products and their potential drugstore dupes. Look for similarities in ingredients and choose shades that closely match your high-end favorites. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from store employees or to seek shade comparisons online.

4. Test the products: Whenever possible, visit a store where you can test out the drugstore products you’re considering. Swatch the shades, examine the texture, and consider how well the formula applies and blends. This step will help ensure that you’re getting a dupe that performs well and closely mimics the high-end product.

5. Take advantage of discounts: Drugstores frequently offer promotions and discounts on makeup products. Keep an eye out for sales and coupons, as this will make building your makeup bag even more budget-friendly.

6. Stay informed: Follow beauty blogs, watch YouTube tutorials, and join online forums to stay informed about the latest drugstore dupes for high-end makeup products. This will help you discover new dupes as they are released and keep your makeup bag up-to-date.

By following these tips, you can create a makeup bag full of affordable drugstore dupes that give you the same high-end brand looks without the hefty price tag.

Conclusion

These were the best drugstore makeup dupes that I’ve tried so far. You don’t have to spend a fortune on high-end makeup when you can find similar products for a fraction of the price. In fact, many drugstore makeup items are just as good, if not better, than their more expensive counterparts.

Do you have any favorite drugstore dupes for your luxury makeup favorites? Share your thoughts in the comments below.