One season it’s all about the bold brow, and the next it’s the barely-there 2000s look. One minute glowy skin is the goal, and the next it just means you need a blotting sheet ASAP. Just when you’ve stocked up on matte lipsticks, glosses make a comeback.
Makeup trends are always evolving. And while it’s fun to experiment with new styles, keeping up with the latest beauty must-haves can get seriously expensive.
But here’s the truth—looking great doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. You don’t need a $50 foundation or a $40 lip balm to feel confident and glowing. Many drugstore products work just as well, delivering the same results for a fraction of the cost.
Beauty should be fun, expressive, and accessible. Luckily, there’s a dupe out there waiting to be discovered. Ready to find your next favorite swap? Let’s dive into some budget-friendly alternatives that your wallet and your makeup bag will thank you for.
Switch out your Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lipstick for the Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in the shade “Pink in the Afternoon.” The Revlon variant offers the same rosy-nude tone and creamy finish for a fraction of the price.
The Maybelline Fit Me Concealer is a near match to the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. Both formulas have a light, buildable coverage with a natural and dewy finish.
Trade your Glossier Boy Brow for the e.l.f Wow Brow Gel. At less than a quarter of the price, you can achieve the volume, color, and hold for a big fluffy brow.
Physicians Formula makes a similar bronzer to Benefit Hoola Bronzer with its Muramura Butter Bronzer Palette. Both powders blend like butter, smell amazing, and give you a sun-kissed glow.
The Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder is a classic drugstore gem that rivals the Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder. For more than $30 less, it blurs pores and sets makeup just as beautifully.
Trending in the TikTok beauty community, the Dior Addict Lip Glow comes in at around $40. To get the same level of hydration and subtle tint, try Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm for just $5.
Swap your Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray for the Milani Make it Last Setting Spray to lock your look in place all day, no melt, no mess.
Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty Liquid Blush has taken the internet by storm. But, the Juvia’s Place Liquid Blush is just as pigmented, buttery, and it helps you save a few extra dollars.
The L’Oréal True Match Super-Blendable Foundation is a solid alternative to the Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation by Lady Gaga. Although L’Oréal’s formula doesn’t have the Triclone technology, it still gives you a medium, buildable clever with a natural skin-like finish.
At the end of the day, makeup should be about what makes you feel good, not about chasing every trend or breaking the bank. Whether you’re a beauty beginner or a product junkie, there’s no shame in choosing a budget-friendly dupe over a high-end brand. What matters most is that you’re having fun and feeling confident in your own skin.
Tried any of these dupes? Have a favorite that we missed? Let us know over on Instagram and tag us in your go-to affordable beauty finds!
