In my last post, I discussed three high-end (a.k.a expensive) makeup products and their budget-friendly yet equally-impressive drugstore dupes.
Well lovely readers, you asked for more dupes and I will give you more dupes! This week, I’ve chosen three more products that really stand out right now: a blush, a lipstick, and a highlighter/concealer.
All of these products are what you would call “cult” favorites, but I’m going to show you that even the most high-end of products can have a dupe. Read on to check them out:
1. MAC Lipstick in Russian Red vs. Revlon Matte Lipstick in Really Red
The color of MAC’s Russian Red lipstick is a classic matte red that every girl needs to own. However, it’s $15 and, depending how much you use red lipstick, you don’t always want to keep paying that much when you need to get a new one.
Revlon’s matte lipstick in Really Redis an almost identical color and formulation. The only drawback to a cheaper lipstick is the fact that it can cling to dry patches on your lips, so remember to exfoliate and use a really good balm underneath.
Both lipsticks are very matte and classic-looking, so go with the Revlon if you’re an avid red lipstick wearer. Stick with the MAC if it’s an occasional thing for you since the formulation and hydrating quality is slightly better.
2. NARS Blush in Orgasm vs. NYX Powder Blush in Pinched
$29 at Sephora | $5.99 at Ulta
Even the descriptions of these two blushes are duplicates for each other. Both are described as a “peachy pink with shimmer” and it’s very obvious that the colors are similar.
NYX blushes are very good quality and the color payoff is great. The color Pinched is an absolute dupefor Orgasm and it’s clear, even the color of the shimmer particles are that same orange-y pink of the NARS one.
Yes, NARS’s Orgasm blush is an absolute cult favorite, but it’s $29. If you love it as much as I do, you hit pan quite frequently and buying a 30-dollar blush every few weeks can be a tad ridiculous. The NYX option is only $6, and looks just as beautiful.
3. Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat vs. Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Concealer
$40 at Sephora | $7.99 at Ulta
YSL’s Touche Éclat highlighting concealer is something you don’t see any beauty guru without. It’s a staple in any makeup bag because it’s so versatile: it’s a highlighter, concealer, eyeshadow, contour, anything you want it to be, really. The downside? It’s $40.
Maybelline’s Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer does all of the same things for a mere $7.99. It even has the same brush applicator and “pen” form.
Both versions do not contain a lot of product in the tube, so keep that in mind before purchasing. These highlighting concealers are definitely a secret weapon in any makeup bag, but I’d recommend sticking to the Maybelline version if you’re short on cash.
What do you think?
Do you have a drugstore product that you love? Or a high-end that you think is way overpriced? Leave a comment and let us know!
I’m sorry, but I really have to disagree about hitting pan on your blush in a few weeks. I wear blush every day (MAC – Desert Rose btw). I’ve also had my blush for WAY longer than 6 months. If you need to layer that much product to get the look that you want, you’re either not using the right colour, or the quality of your product is sub-par. The pigmentation on the NARS is gorgeous. 1-2 swipes of product are more than adequate to get a healthy dose of colour. I can’t speak about the NYX product (because I’m Canadian and can’t find them here) but personally, blush lasts me a good long while. I also clean my make up + brushes often so I get better results without wastage.
I love NYX blushes and definitely want to try out that color now!
Love when CF does these. Very helpful
Love these! Please do more drugstore dupes 🙂
Love these. Awesome!!
so lucky MAC lipsticks are only $15! in australia they’re $36, and the touché éclat is $52 and nars blush is $80!!!!!!!
I feel like all of these make-up dupes have been covered before…
Agh, I had such high hopes for the Maybelline Dream Lumi concealer, and while it was a great highlighter at first (when I was trying out the whole highlight and contour thing) it make me breakout wherever I put it! I had these weird little patches of zits under my eyes, the bridge of my nose, everywhere it touched, where I never break out! (I do get zits, because I’m mortal, but I never get them under my eyes. Does anyone?) I had to throw it away sadly. I try to save cash, but I feel like when you put something on your face every day, you have to really take into account the quality.
This is a great article but I feel like we’ve seen these same exact dupes in other articles right here on CF just a few months ago.
I wear MAC’s Russian Red every day and I’ve had that tube of lipstick for a really long time.
Love this series! Please continue to do more of these 🙂
The Revlon matte lipsticks, to my knowledge, have been discontinued…
Another great copy for NARS Orgasm blush is E.L.F’s Tickled Pink. It only costs $3 at Target, and it’s a nice, subtle pink.