I’ll let you in on a secret: most luxury, expensive makeup brands are owned by the same companies as high street brands, which means their product shades and formulas are often very similar. On a student budget, we don’t always want to splash out on expensive items. I’ve put together some of the best dupes for luxury makeup, some of which are so close that no one will ever have to know that it’s not the real deal.
MAC ‘Brave’ Lipstick
MAC’s ‘Brave’ lipstick is a cult favourite which gathered a huge following when Kim Kardashian let it slip that it is one of her sister Kylie’s signature shades. But as it retails for £16.50, why not save by purchasing Revlon’s ‘Blushing Mauve’ lipstick instead? The shades are almost identical, and Revlon’s offering is even more moisturising and retails at £5.99, saving you over £10.
YSL Touche Éclat
This illuminating concealer pen is an essential for under-eye circles caused by 9am lectures. However, L’Oréal’s Lumi Magique bears a striking resemblance in both packaging and formula, costing only £7.99 compared to YSL’s £25.50. The only difference is that L’Oréal’s is slightly more watery in consistency, but it certainly does the job well.
Anastasia Beverley Hills Brow Wiz
This eyebrow product is double ended and comes with a tiny pencil to recreate hairs as well as a brush to keep your eyebrows in place. But so does Nyx’s ‘Microbrow pencil’. In fact, these two products are so similar I’m surprised they got away with it. By purchasing Nyx’s version, you’re saving yourself £14 and your eyebrows are still going to look full and neat.
Beautyblender
It seems crazy that you can pay £15 for what is basically just a sponge. Beautyblender makes cream product application much quicker and much more seamless but does need replacing quite often. Real Techniques’ ‘Miracle Complexion Sponge’ does exactly the same job for £5.99 and does not soak up product like some of Beautyblender’s other alternatives. You can even purchase a two-pack for £8.79. Now you don’t have to fear the next time your dog mistakes your makeup sponge for a ball (or maybe that’s just mine!).
Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder
Makeup artists love this loose setting powder. It is ideal for setting your concealer without it looking cakey and is also perfect for reducing any shine. It retails for £29 and you do get a decent amount of product for the price, but Nyx’s ‘HD Professional Studio Photogenic Finishing Powder’ is £20 less and has the same function. It doesn’t create the dreaded flashback in flash photography either and keeps your under-eye concealer crease-free all day. Applying this powder is like adding an Instagram filter to your face.
Happy shopping!
Edited by Tia Ralhan
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