5 Drugstore Dupes of High End Makeup Faves

Even I, a drugstore makeup enthusiast, sometimes fall into the trappings of cult favorite high end makeup. The hype, the quality, the gorgeous shades… who can resist? But at the end of the day, I know that I can get the same– if not better– products on a budget.

As I’ve fallen in love with certain high end products, I’ve luckily been able to find drugstore dupes that create similar looks without the sticker shock. Keep reading to discover five drugstore makeup dupes of my own high end favorites.

1. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eyeliner vs. Essence Extreme Lasting Waterproof Eye Pencil

The Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner ($22) is a classic from the brand, with a soft and pigmented waterproof formula that stays put all day. The exact same description can be given to the Essence Extreme Lasting Waterproof Eye Pencil ($2.99) and then some. I actually think essence’s Blacklove shade looks richer than Urban Decay’s Perversion, though they share a slightly satin finish. Further, the essence liner stays more vibrant while the Urban Decay liner is prone to fading when touched. At a fraction of the cost, I actually think the drugstore dupe is the better product.

2. YSL Rouge Volupte Shine vs. Revlon Super Lustrous Glass Shine Lipstick

This year we’ve seen a massive shift away from the flat matte lip, and glossy shine has taken over. The YSL Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick ($38), shown in a mini above, is basically a designer tinted lip balm. Gorgeous colors, gorgeous packaging, and a nourishing oil-and-butter-filled formula that offers a medium coverage wash of color.

Ever since their launch, the Revlon Super Lustrous Glass Shine Lipsticks ($6.62) have been called dupes of the YSL. I’ll admit that the shades I swatched above (No. 49 in YSL and Dazzle Me Pink in Revlon) aren’t exact matches, but the formulas feel indistinguishable on the lips. The Revlon formula features hyaluronic acid that helps your lips retain moisture, and has the same melty texture as the YSL. They both also transfer and fade alike, leaving a slight stained appearance once the shine disappears.

Also Read: Revlon Super Lustrous Glass Shine Lipstick Swatches & Review

3. Benefit Precisely My Brow Pencil vs. L’Oreal Brow Stylist Definer Pencil

While I maintain that I haven’t found an exact dupe of the Benefit Precisely My Brow Pencil ($24), really only one characteristic sets the L’Oreal Brow Stylist Definer ($8.99) apart. Both pencils offer a waterproof formula and a fine retractable tip that creates realistic strokes to define and fill your brows. Honestly, they’re pretty identical except that the Benefit pencil has a slightly smaller tip. That’s it. Even these shades (6 in Benefit and Dark Brunette in L’Oreal) match perfectly.

4. Becca Champagne Pop Highlighter vs. essence Pure Nude Highlighter

When it was announced that Becca was going out of business earlier this year, beauty lovers everywhere had a moment of silence for the iconic Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Highlighter in Champagne Pop ($38). It’s one of my all time favorites, and while we later found out that Smashbox would take over and continue producing it, I was eager to find a dupe.

I was surprised to find one I already had in my makeup drawer– the bottom left shade in the essence Pure Nude Highlighter Palette ($9.99) comes pretty dang close. It’s a radiant warm champagne with a strong sheen and micro shimmer that creates a strong glow that looks flattering on many skin tones.

5. Tarte Tartelette In Bloom Palette vs. Catrice Basic Bae Palette

The tarte Tartelette In Bloom Eyeshadow Palette ($39) is my absolute favorite neutral palette– I feel like it’s perfectly balanced between finishes, shade tones, and all with the super pigmented and buttery Amazonian Clay formula that the brand is known for. I had never noticed until recently that the Catrice Basic Bae Eyeshadow Palette ($15) has an incredibly similar color selection.

Aside from both being neutral palettes, they both have a good mix of warm and cool shades. While they’re not shade-for-shade dupes throughout, there are a few that are close matches. The Basic Bae eyeshadows are also very soft and pigmented, and a good budget alternative to create the same type of looks.

What high end makeup would you want to see drugstore dupes of?