Dupes for iconic high end products can be tricky to find. Some people are extremely fussy when it comes to calling something a dupe. They feel the ingredients need to be an exact match. In my opinion, a dupe is when a product has a similar colour, can be used in the same way and gives a similar effect to its high end friend. I love my high end products but they aren’t in everyone’s budget. Sometimes they aren’t in my budget. After extensive testing I bring to you affordable products that are dupes for iconic high end products.
Marc Jacobs Coconut Bronzer (40 euro) VS L’oreal Back To Bronze Bronzer (10.45 euro)
In the grand scheme of value for money the Marc Jacobs Coconut Bronzer isn’t bad. The pan is huge and a little goes a long way. A finely milled, matte bronzer that is perfect for contouring and sculpting the face. The L’Oreal Back To Bronze is almost identical in colour and texture. An affordable matte bronzing formula with no shimmer or glimmer and that performs equally as well.
Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer (27.50 euro) Vs Maybelline Fit Me Concealer (6.95 euro)
The Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer has been an iconic high end product for as long as I have loved makeup. It is perfect for dry skin and to spot conceal on days when you don’t want to wear foundation. I’ve put it up against the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer as they are so similar in texture, hydration and wear that it is hard to pick a favourite. I love both. The Nars beats it as it is slightly more pigmented but the Maybelline is the absolute next best thing.
Benefit Brow Zings (35 euro) Vs Sleek Makeup Brow Kit (10.49 euro)
Benefit Brow Zings was one of the first brow products I ever bought. When I discovered the Sleek Makeup Brow Kit I could not tell it apart from the Benefit one. Both contain a brow wax, brow powder, tweezers and mini brush and there is little to no difference between the two. Save yourself 25 euro and no one will know.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush (43 euro) Vs Max Factor Crème Puff Blush (11.45 euro)
Hourglass do some of my favourite powder formulas of all time and to me, the Ambient Lighting Blush is well worth the price tag. If you want a more affordable alternative then I find the Max Factor Creme Puff Blush very comparative. Both swirled with finely milled pigment that leave a beautiful finish on the cheek. This will come down to personal preference and budget as I love both products.
Kat Von D Tattoo Liner (22 euro) Vs Note Cosmetics Precision Liner (9.95 euro)
Bloggers every swear by the Kat Von D Tattoo Liner. Let me introduce you to the Note Cosmetics Precision Liner. It is Identical. Literally no difference. I actually find the Note Cosmetics liner easier to use. Both have the same tip, pigment and longevity. Definitely save your pennies here.
Nars Orgasm Blush (28.75 euro) Vs Sleek Makeup ( 5.95 euro)
Nars Orgasm Blush is so iconic that the brand have created a whole line around it. Personally this blush is not my friend. The gold shift is too glittery and exaggerates my pores. So if I did want to use this shade then I think the Sleek Blush in Rose Gold is actually a better buy. These two are so similar you can’t tell the difference on the skin. Both have that gold shift and suit all, warm pink colour. Probably the closest of my dupes for iconic high end products.
Chanel Les Beige Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream (43 euro) VS Milk Makeup Matte Bronzer in Baked (27.75 euro)
I love the Chanel Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream for the tone and the way it blends into the skin. However, the shade range is inexcusable as in there is only one and it is even too light for me if I have self tanner on my face. I spoke about the Milk Makeup Matte Bronzer on my Instagram Stories frequently over the past year. It is a beautiful alternative to the Chanel. The colour is less orange but it blends beautifully and lasts all day. It does come in two shades which is slightly better than Chanel but at least it is a start.
It Cosmetics CC Cream (39 euro) VS Maybelline Dream Urban Cover (
It Cosmetics CC Cream is one of my favourite bases. It ticks all of the boxes in terms of ingredients and spf50. You can read my blog post on It Cosmetics HERE. Maybelline launched the Dream Urban Cover foundation last year and the similarities are overwhelming. Ok, first up both brands are owned by L’oreal. It Cosmetics is cruelty free but Maybelline is sold in China so it’s not. Maybelline Dream Urban Cover comes in 20 shades which isn’t great but better than It Cosmetics 12 shades. The formula is different in that It Cosmetics is slightly thicker and contains skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Personally, if you have a good skincare routine already then this shouldn’t matter. Both apply beautifully with a buffing brush and give a medium, flawless finish to the skin. Both leave the skin looking fresh and dewy. I have the shade 116 Sesame in the Dream Urban Cover which is almost an exact match to the shade Light in It Cosmetics CC Cream. Differences include It Cosmetics having a pump top, the added skincare, fragrance (Dream Urban Cover smells like holidays) and you get 30mls of Maybelline for 14.99 euro while 32 mls of It Cosmetics will set you back 39 euro. Both dry down identically on the skin.
Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter (40 euro) VS L’Oreal Glow Cherie (13.99 euro)
Charlotte Tilbury’s Flawless Filter has been a holy grail of mine. I use it every single day and nothing gives my skin a glow like it. It’s just such a versatile product as it can be used under makeup, as a highlight, on the body and mixed into foundation. When I was looking to dupe this I found it really difficult. I found the L’Oreal Glow Cherie gave the most similar effect in terms of use and effect on the skin. I actually love both of these products but Flawless Filter will always be my first love.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance (53 euro) VS Wet N Wild Icon Palette Rose In The Air (6.95 euro)
ABH Modern Renaissance Palette was the first palette I ever bought from the brand and it ignited my love for her shadows. It is a really versatile palette that will take you from everyday to night time glam. The formula blends like a dream and I repurchased a second one recently. I was sent the Wet N Wild Icon Palette in Rose In The Air last year and immediately knew this was an excellent dupe for Modern Renaissance. Colour story, flexibility, performance and longevity. Wether you want to dupe ABH or are just looking for an affordable palette then the Wet N Wild palette is a great choice.
Tatcha Silk Canvas Primer (50 euro) VS ELF Poreless Putty Primer ()
When I was in America last year, the Tatcha Silk Canvas Primer was at the top of my shopping wishlist. I bought it in Sephora and the only thing I regret about my purchase is that you can’t buy it here in Ireland. ELF Poreless Putty Primer is almost an exact dupe. Better still it is available in Boots and it is only 9 euro. You won’t know the difference, promise.
There you have all of my dupes for iconic high end products …
I hope you found these helpful! Let me know if you have any dupes you’d like to share on my Instagram HERE. You can also read all about my affordable holy grail products HERE.
Louise.