5 Dupe Beauty Products to Save Money

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Tuesday September 4, 2012 by Alexandra C.

Unfortunately for me, only in my dreams would my makeup bag be filled to the brim with the most expensive and high end products a girl could ever want. And I am guessing most people are in the same boat as I. While it's fun to splurge every so often and pick up that pricey palette, blush or eyeshadow you've been eyeing from afar, my guess is it isn't exactly a weekly occurrence.

When I do feel like trying out something new, picking up something fun or just giving myself a little treat, I head to the drugstore instead. Makeup and skincare products sold at the drugstore sometimes have a bit of a stigma surrounding them, but I am not really sure why. While they may not carry the same desirability of a high end brand, many drugstore brands are actually pretty comparable. Often times, they use the same active ingredient and if you've seen both mine and Miranda's $20 makeup challenges, you'll know that the cheap thrills can look very similar to the expensive stuff.

If you aren't totally sure what 'dupes' are, I'll clue you in. They are very similar products that come at a lower price point. The shades, formulas or finishes might be slightly different but they do a pretty good imitation and can help save you a lot of money. Here are 6 dupe products I recommend:

Dupe #1: BB Creams

BB Creams have clearly been the hottest thing since sliced bread this year and they are definitely worth an investigation if you haven't already tried one. For the most part, all BB creams promise to do a few key things: lighten, cover, prime and protect. I've used a lot of BB creams and I can say from my experience that a less expensive BB cream is interchangeable with a more expensive one. As long as the BB creams are boasting the same benefits, I think it's safe to try a less expensive one before breaking the bank. My current top picks are Gosh BB Cream (C$22.00) and for more money, Dr.Jart+ Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm (C$36.00).

Dupe #2: Highlighter/Concealer Combos

Yves Saint Laurent's Touche Eclat is a cult fave and it is easy to see why. It's an illuminating pen that both lightens, brightens and conceals. However, with it's price point at C$50.00, I am not so much a fan. Instead, try L'Oreal True Match Touche Magique Concealer (C$11.99). It also makes for an easy product to travel with and use on the go.

Dupe #3: Lipstick/Lipstain Crayons

Tarte's LipSurgence Matte Lip Tint (C$31.00) and LipSurgence Lip Lusters (C$31.00) are handy 'on the go', easy to apply crayons that give lots of pigement to your lips. At C$31.00 though, they aren't the type of product you can go crazy with and buy in every colour. Enter in Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain which also give gloss and colour while at the same time moisturizing. At (C$9.49) you can totally afford to pick up a couple to play around with!

Dupe #4: Mascara

I've mentioned this before, but when it comes to mascara, don't spend all that hard earned cash in one place. Most mascaras are so similar that it isn't worth spending an extra $20 or more on something that looks and feels like a $10 product. The trick is to find the right mascara for you (pssstt...check out mascara reviews here!). When it comes to specialty mascaras like Urban Decay Lush Lash Mascara (C$24.00), which thickens and grows your lashes, rather try out a drugstore dupe at half the price. I like Revlon's Grow Luscious Mascara (C$8.99). If the product isn't for you, you'll be glad you didn't spend too much.

Dupe #5: Multi-Purpose Highlighter

I love a good highlighter and I especially love any product that I can repurpose and use in a few different ways. Which is why I was so happy to pick up Nars The Multiple (C$46.00) a little while back. Only, now that I have it, I don't use it nearly as much as I thought I would and getting my money's worth is proving difficult. I wish I would have snagged a few of e.l.f.'s All Over Color Sticks first. At (US$1.00) you can get one in every colour! They have a similar glowy finish with a bit of shimmer and come in colours for any skintone. While they may not have Nars' staying power, at $1 you can buy a few and keep them in your purse for reapplying.

What dupe products can you think of? What are your money saving beauty tips?

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	on Sep 06, 2012 nicolerae 128 said: I've recently tried Tarte's LipSurgence Matte Lip Tint and was really happy with the results that I went out and bought it in a different shade, now owning Hope and Envy. I have not been able to find Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain yet in a store near me, but I'm definitely intrigued to see how it compares to Tarte's lip tint. I'd much rather spend less on a product that has a similar outcome, especially if I want to experiment with more shades.
	on Sep 06, 2012 aileenc 419 said: Some of your "Dupes" are more expensive than my actual makeup! Just because its a big brand doesn't make it great! E.L.F Cosmetics are by far the best quality make up I have ever used, and it costs $1.
	on Sep 04, 2012 amyknows 2,101 said: I love your suggestions! Unfortunately I can be a total brand snob sometimes. I don't know why, but it just happens. I really should start trying more dupes!
	on Sep 04, 2012 Becky 12,798 said: Ohhh this is such a great article!! The Revlon kissables are really good dupes of the Tarte lipsurgence. I have the Tarte Lipsurgence in "Joy" (a peachy orange colour) and I love it. I have Revlon in Lovesick and I love it just as much. Honestly, the Revlon has great colour payoff, the tint lasts at least a whole day, and it's pretty moisturizing. I can't think of a reason why I'd spend the extra $$ for Tarte Lipsurgence now that Revlon has a cheaper alternative. Another "dupe" is the L'Oreal Infalliable Eyeshadow. It is a great substitute for the MUFE aqua cream eyeshadows. :-)
	on Sep 04, 2012 smiley_gen 3,036 said: I am a big fan of Nars The Multiple but I should serioulsy look into E.L.F! I've never seen it around tho...
	on Sep 04, 2012 fredamans 5,359 said: Those mascara's appeal to me!
	on Sep 04, 2012 shanaz 4,135 said: To save money I use up every drop of my products. Especially skin care items and foundations. If the product comes in a tube, I use my handy scissors and cut it open to reveal at least two more weeks worth of product, that would've otherwise gone to waste. I also use q-tips to get to the bottom of lipsticks and lipbalms. It's amazing how much product we throw out! Maximizing what you already have is an effective way of saving money for future spending on your most coveted beauty products.
	on Sep 04, 2012 mirandasivilay 448 said: Great comparisons! I really want to try Yves Saint Laurent's Touche Eclat but wasn't feeling the price, thanks for the alternative. Also going to grab myself e.l.f's all over colour stick!
	on Sep 04, 2012 KatelynRose1984 19,373 said: I'm a huge fan of make up, and wear it every day. I honestly don't think I have ever left my house without it - even when going to the gym! I would love to have the most expensive, name brand products - but really, it's just not possible for me being a single mother. I have found some amazing products at our local drugstore, and haven't had any problems since! Once in awhile, I will actually treat myself to a nice "name brand" product - especially when it comes to foundations, as my skin is VERY sensitive.
	on Sep 04, 2012 takoda 23,789 said: This is why I love getting samples. Its hard to get makeup samples yes, but if you ask you can sometime get a few simply because they won't people to buy a full size product. I don't really buy the more expensive brands simply because I hate spending the money on them when I feel I can get the same look with the drugstore brands.