If you’re anything like me, your TikTok and Instagram feeds are probably flooded with all things makeup, from high-end to drugstore. Seeking from a “broke college kid” perspective, when it comes to content creators talking about a dupe of any sort, they have my full attention. From spending over $50 on foundation to swiping my card on an equivalent, if not better, $13 one, I’d like to think I know a thing-or-two about finding the best makeup dupes on the market.
Here are five of my all time favs:Â
1) e.l.f Halo Glow Liquid Filter
This product is the perfect dupe for Charlotte Tilbury’s $49 Flawless Filter. It is quite literally like walking around with a smoothing filter on your face that leaves you with the most perfect, skin-enhancing glow. Many people actually prefer this product over the original, and it is three-times cheaper– talk about a win-win!
With a wide range of shades, this $14 product creates an impeccable base for the rest of your makeup routine. The glowy liquid filter is normally used as a primer or foundation, but it is not limited to either! I have mine in a darker shade and use it for my contour (also an awesome dupe for Charlotte’s $42 contour wand). It blends like butter and is such an ideal addition to my collection.
2) L’Oréal True Match Lumi Glotion
Glow is in the name, and it does just that. L’Oréal’s glotion is a replica for Drunk Elephant’s D-Bronzi bronzing drops that retails for $38. Both of these products’ goals are to have you looking sunkissed and brilliant, however one of them may just be a bit better.
Not only is L’Oréal’s product over half the price ($13.99), it contains ten more ml of product, so why not get a bang for your buck and check out this luminous dupe that leaves you gleaming.
3) Milani Conceal + Perfect
I’ve heard amazing reviews regarding the Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer, however I personally cannot justify paying nearly $40 ($36, to be exact) on a tiny tube of product. A few months ago, I stumbled upon a TikTok that talked about this Milani concealer, and I knew I had to try it. For just $9.99, this full-coverage, buildable concealer became an absolute staple in my everyday makeup routine. Coming from a fourth year, full-time student, and intern, trust me when I tell you that this concealer does the job right when covering those dark circles and under eye bags.
4) Maybelline Lifter Gloss
Lip gloss is an absolute necessity. Considering I need one for my purse, school bag, car, and desk, I am extremely happy to have found an affordable gloss that doesn’t dry out my lips.Â
Now, as much as I love and adore Rihanna and Fenty Beauty, paying $21 for her Gloss Bomb is not something I want to partake in often, even though I have like three. However, after comparing the two, I seriously don’t see, or feel, a difference. Maybelline’s $8 Lifter Gloss is such a great alternative and is definitely wallet-friendly. It’s hydrating and will leave your lips looking as glossy as ever.Â
5) e.l.f. Power Grip Primer
Primer is the outright key for ensuring that your look stays in place all day/night long. There are many different types out there, but for me, I love a good sticky, goopy one. Milk’s Hydro Grip Primer is just that, however there is an identical (and I mean, identical) version, only way cheaper.Â
e.l.f.’s done it again with taking the home run for fabulous, affordable dupes, and this one right here was the first one I ever tried. It’s safe to say that I was overjoyed after trying this product. It’s perfectly tacky and glues my entire look in for hours on end– it’s even tear-proof, in case you were wondering. You can take my word for it and purchase this $10 primer, or you can head to Sephora or Ulta and pay $38. Up to you…Â
Each and every one of these dupes have been a staple in my makeup routine for quite some time, and I hope this list encourages you to add it to yours, too. Save your coin, run to Target, and astonish everyone with a flawless face that looks expensive, but isn’t!Â