Drug Store Makeup Dupes For Luxury Price-Quality, Color & Textures

There’s a famous quote by Melanie Fiona “I’m a drugstore beauty girl, I love going to the drugstore and buying makeup.” We couldn’t agree more to it, because; trust me when I explain my thought process to you on why drugstore is the best place to purchase makeup. Here’s the thing; generally, we tend to think that the more expensive something is, the better the quality. However, when it comes to makeup, sometimes, expensive does not mean better. Frankly, sometimes a cheap product can be just as effective as an expensive one. It is all about what fits you best and it goes for makeup too. 

So what happens when you run out of your favorite high-end lipstick but running low on a budget? You guessed it: DUPES! No one said to run to a less-effective version of the luxury brand, you just need to find that product that gives off the same version as the high-end one. Let me help you with our 5 basic needs for a complete makeup look: foundation, concealer, lipstick, mascara, and lastly, eyeshadow. 

Foundations

NARS. Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation AED 245
This foundation gives the basic needs for its job. Coverage, natural glow and lasts for hours (probably days but I don’t suggest you try). However, some might say they aren’t exactly a fan of the price. That being said, a replacement or “dupe” for this product would be helpful for people who simply don’t want to spend a lot on the foundation. The dupe would be:

Covergirl Outlast All-Day Stay Fabulous 3-In-1 Foundation AED 30
Not only does this foundation give the perfect natural radiance all-day, but THE PRICE IS also TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE! It fills in as a perfect replacement because of the easiness of blending and the many varieties of shades. Give this foundation a chance and you might never go back to the high-end one you have been using for years.

Concealers  

Shape tape™ concealer AED 125
Stating the obvious, concealers are used to cover any unwanted discoloration and puffiness. However, the “cat-eye” look for instance cannot be achieved by just any concealer. It takes a sharp applicator and just the perfect ratio of dewiness-to-mattifying. However, the price isn’t exactly placed under the “affordable” list. It goes against that list. That is where our dupe enters and steals the show. 

Maybelline Instant Anti Age Eraser Concealer AED 45
This concealer has been hyped for YEARS now. So many people have thrown away all their over-priced concealers and went to the nearest drugstore to purchase the Maybelline one. The applicator is a sponge which contrary to a brush, allows all the product to be used up. The most appealing thing about this product is its price. For most of us, concealer is the most important part of a makeup routine. Foundation alone is not enough and concealer alone is not enough. 

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Lipsticks

Kylie Jenner Cosmetics GLOSS $15
Whether it was KOKO K or Cupid shade, all Kylie Jenners lipstick is $15. Now that price would be okay if it was sold in-stores in our region. However, in our case, the Middle East has to wait months for it to arrive. The duration is not the only problem, shipping and delivery fees apply which can amount to up to $70. Although these lip glosses are worth the money and wait, not everyone can afford a new one every 2-3 months. That is why our dupe is helpful.

NYX Professional Makeup | Shine Loud High Shine Lip Color AED43
This product takes the reins for lip gloss. Not only does it give the same effect as the Kylie Cosmetics one, but it also fits perfectly in all purses. The price is mind-blowing and affordable to purchase monthly. Luckily, there are a variety of shades for it.

Mascaras 

LANCÔME – Hypnose Drama  AED 210
Every mascara has a different effect on your lashes. Usually, you would spot your desired look from the name of the mascara. The Hypnose mascara by Lancome has proven to give a doll eyes look. It brushes the lashes allowing them to reach the longest length there can be. At the same time, tinting them darker than your natural eyelash color. However, the price isn’t exactly cheap. Although the mascara lasts for months, it still isn’t as affordable as one might say. That is where our dupe comes in.

L’OREAL PARIS – False Lash X Fiber 01 Mascara Black AED 55
The results of this dupe are PHENOMENAL. Not only does it fill in as a replacement for the Hypnose one, but it also has two separate brushes at each end. One end is for the brushing out and separating the eyelashes, and the other is for the darkening of the lashes. The price is too good to be true, but fortunately for us, TRUE. 

Eyeshadows 

Naked3 Eyeshadow Palette $54 
This palette name is self-explanatory. The shades are so natural and neutral that they go by the name “naked”. The shades work perfectly with all skin shades and bring your eyelids a natural, fresh-looking subtleness. From glittery shades to the completely normal-looking ones. However, pallets like these are to be used almost every day. Since they do go for an everyday look. Which means that you would run out of most of the shades quickly. Unfortunately, the price does not look like something you would be able to pull out of your pocket monthly. Our dupe would help! 

L.A. Girl, Beauty Brick, Nudes Eyeshadow Palette AED 30 
Not only does this palette have ALL the exact shades on the Naked palette, but the price is also less than half of what you would be paying. The shades are natural and last for hours! It also comes with a two-sided eyeshadow brush. Hence, one side for the glitters and the other for the neutral shades.

Always remember cheaper doesn’t always mean less-of-a-good quality. You have the high-end makeup cosmetics and then the dupes that are there for you to help with your money management.