Who doesn’t love a good beauty dupe? Finding a product that performs just as well as its high-end counterpart (without the hefty price tag) is a win for beauty lovers everywhere. But not all dupes are created equal. Some are total game-changers, while others leave much to be desired. In this post, I’m sharing the best beauty dupes to buy over the original and a few flops that just don’t make the cut.
Best Beauty Dupes Worth Buying
1. e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter vs. Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter
✅ Buy the Dupe!
If you’re after that radiant, lit-from-within glow, the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter is a cult favorite… but at nearly $50, it’s a splurge. Enter e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter ($14), a near-identical formula that delivers the same dewy, blurred effect without breaking the bank. Whether you wear it alone, under foundation, or as a highlighter, this dupe is chef’s kiss.
2. Maybelline Lifter Gloss vs. Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb
✅ Buy the Dupe!
Fenty Beauty’s Gloss Bomb is an iconic lip gloss, but the Maybelline Lifter Gloss is a serious contender. Both formulas are ultra-hydrating, non-sticky, and packed with shine-enhancing ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Plus, the shade range is surprisingly similar, making this $9 alternative a no-brainer.
3. NYX Micro Brow Pencil vs. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz
✅ Buy the Dupe!
When it comes to brow pencils, precision is everything. The Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz is a staple in many beauty routines, but NYX Micro Brow Pencil offers the same ultra-fine tip, blendability, and natural finish—for a fraction of the price. At around $10 compared to ABH’s $25, this dupe is a total steal.
4. Milani Conceal + Perfect Foundation vs. NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation
✅ Buy the Dupe!
The NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation is beloved for its buildable coverage and long-wearing formula. But the Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation provides a similar full-coverage, radiant finish at a budget-friendly price. If you’re looking for an affordable foundation that lasts all day, this one is a must-try.
Beauty Dupes That Flop
Not every dupe lives up to the hype. Here are a few that just don’t cut it.
❌ Revolution Pro Blur Stick vs. Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer
While Revolution Pro’s Blur Stick claims to be a dupe for the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer, the formulas couldn’t be more different. The Hydro Grip Primer offers long-lasting hydration and grip for your foundation, while the Blur Stick tends to pill and doesn’t provide the same smoothing effect. This is one case where it’s worth splurging on the original.
❌ Wet n Wild Photo Focus Concealer vs. Tarte Shape Tape
Tarte’s Shape Tape Concealer is known for its full coverage and crease-proof formula. The Wet n Wild Photo Focus Concealer, while affordable, lacks the same blendability and staying power. It can feel dry under the eyes and settles into fine lines, making it a disappointing dupe attempt.
❌ L.A. Colors Hydrating Lip Oil vs. Dior Lip Glow Oil
The Dior Lip Glow Oil is a luxury favorite for a reason—it provides hydration, shine, and a slight tint without feeling sticky. While the L.A. Colors Hydrating Lip Oil tries to mimic the look, it falls short in texture and lasting power. If you want a solid lip oil dupe, go for NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip instead.
Finding a great beauty dupe is like striking gold, you get the look and performance of a high-end product without the steep price. However, not all dupes deliver. While some truly rival their luxury counterparts, others fail to match up in formula, wear time, or overall experience. Happy beauty hunting!
