Ballin’ on a Budget: Drugstore Makeup Dupes
College is expensive. From tuition, to eating out, to other everyday expenses, most students don’t have the extra cash to spend on high-end makeup. But have no fear! You can find dupes for Sephora classics at your local drugstore that have the same luxurious quality for a fraction of the cost. I’m going to break down 5 of the most poppin’ drugstore dupes for Sephora products that won’t break your bank account and will keep you looking fabulous!
1. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer ($30) vs Maybelline Fit Me Concealer ($6.49)
The NARS creamy concealer is a cult favorite widely accredited for its high coverage and hydrating formula. In comparison, the Maybelline concealer performs just as well as the NARS concealer and is also praised for its long-lasting formula and natural finish on the skin. Maybelline also recently extended their shade range, so everybody on a budget has access to this bomb formula. The best part about the Maybelline concealer is that it costs just about one-fifth of NARS one and works equally as well!
Application tips: Simply apply under the eyes to cover any dark circles or discoloration, as well as to any blemishes or problem spots on the face and blend out with a beauty sponge for flawless skin!
2. Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder ($39) vs Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder ($7.99)
When comparing the two setting powders, the difference between each formula is unnoticeable. Both powders are extremely finely milled and do not appear cakey or heavy on the skin. Although the powders are supposed to appear translucent on the skin, the Maybelline powder has eight different shades to appeal to a wider range of skin tones, whereas the Laura Mercier powder only has two. The only true difference between these powders is the price; Laura Mercier’s powder is one of the more expensive ones on the market, and Maybelline’s is very affordable at under $10.
Application tips: Apply to the under eyes and T-zone with a damp beauty sponge to melt the powder into the skin for a flawless, airbrushed look!
3. Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Highlighter in Champagne Pop ($38) vs Wet n’ Wild MegaGlo Highlighter in Precious Petals ($5.49)
Glow, baby! Highlighter is my personal favorite step of my makeup routine and is an absolute essential in my day-to-day life. Becca’s Champagne Pop is a cult classic, and its blinding golden glow is raved about by beauty gurus all over the world. However, Wet n’ Wild’s Precious Petals color payoff is similar to Becca’s with its golden hue, but it is only slightly darker, allowing it to work better on a wider range of skin tones. Both highlighters are absolutely beautiful and blinding, but Wet n’ Wild’s glow packs the same punch for only $5!
Application tips: Use a small rounded brush or a fan brush and lightly sweep across the cheekbones, cupids bow, and a little bit on the center of the forehead to glow all day long!
4. Natasha Denona Sunset Eyeshadow Palette ($129) vs Colourpop Yes Please Eyeshadow Palette ($16)
Natasha Denona has one of the most raved about eyeshadow formulas at Sephora, and the Sunset palette is absolutely gorgeous; however, with a price point over $100, most people can’t afford to buy such a luxurious palette. But don’t fret! Colourpop’s eyeshadow formula is widely praised for being soft, blendable, and highly pigmented, and their prices make their products more accessible. Unlike the other products on this list, Colourpop is mainly an online retailer. However, you can also find their products in Ulta, and their formula triumphs over many drugstore brands with a similar price point. For an eighth of the cost of the Sunset palette, the Yes Please palette has the same color story and can also produce breathtakingly beautiful warm-toned looks.
Application tips: Use a fluffy blending brush to apply some of the matte colors in the crease and outer corner of the eyes and use a small flat brush to pack one of the radiant shimmers onto the eyelid for a simple yet elegant look.
5. Benefit Roller Lash Mascara ($25) vs L’Oréal Telescopic Mascara ($10.99)
Mascara is a key step in my makeup routine, and finding the perfect mascara for my short, straight, eyelashes has been a long journey. My personal favorite high-end mascara is the Benefit Roller Lash, which does a fantastic job of curling and lengthening my lashes without looking clumpy. The L’Oréal Telescopic mascara has a formula similar to Roller Lash, and also does an amazing job at transforming lashes to give a natural yet doll-like. Both mascaras have rubber wands with short bristles, but the L’Oréal wand is thinner, allowing for a more precise application.
Application tips: Start at the base of the lashline, and wiggle the brush all the way up to the tips of the lashes in order to evenly spread the product for killer lashes!
