Budget-friendly beauty dupes that are worth the hype
Drugstore beauty dupes are going viral for performing similarly to their luxury equivalents – at a fraction of the cost. Here’s our pick of the products to try.
With inflation and the rising costs of living showing no signs of slowing, more and more Australians who love beauty products are reassessing their make-up bags in a bid to reduce their spending habits.
Thankfully, beauty dupes have gone viral, helping draw attention to cheaper alternatives that don’t skimp on quality and performance.
Here are some of the most popular dupes in make-up, hair and skin care.
Go-to beauty dupes to try for yourself
Revlon Illuminance Skin Caring Foundation, $25.69
Dupe for: Makeup by Mario SurrealSkin™ Foundation, RRP $78
Foundations that give a skin-like finish have been popular for years, but Revlon’s newest base product dials it up a notch with illuminating properties, giving a radiant glow to the skin.
Packed with hydrating ingredients including squalane and hyaluronic acid, this foundation is suited for dry skin types.
W7 Light Diffusing Concealer, $3.49
Dupe for: YSL Touch Éclat, $40
A personal favourite of our resident beauty expert, Jade Kisnorbo, W7’s Light Diffusing Concealer could easily be mistaken for YSL’s cult classic concealer, the Touche Éclat.
Retailing for just $3.49, it’s an absolute steal compared to its luxury equivalent.
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Maybelline Lifter Gloss, $12.39
Dupe for: Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer, RRP $34
Glossy lips are one of the least polarising Y2K beauty trends, which is probably why this look is so popular.
Fenty’s Gloss Bombs heralded the trend’s revival when they launched in 2017, but other brands have well and truly caught up, and Maybelline’s Lifter Gloss range is deservedly popular.
Packed with hyaluronic acid, this product also boasts an extra-large wand applicator and a high-shine finish – no wonder it’s a go-to dupe.
L’Oreal Lash Paradise Mascara, $15.39
Dupe for: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, RRP $45
Another dupe to go viral, the popularity of this mascara from L’Oreal isn’t surprising given it ticks all the boxes in terms of what you want from a mascara.
It is lengthening and volumising, doesn’t flake, and is suitable for those with sensitive eyes.
MCoBeauty Flawless Glow Luminous Skin Filter, $34.99
Dupe for: Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter, RRP $65
A liquid highlighter is a great option for those prone to shine or an oily T-zone because it allows you to dictate where you want your skin to glow, and where you want it to remain matte.
Available in eight shades, MCoBeauty’s skin filter can be used as a primer or liquid highlighter, or try blending it into your foundation for a more dewy base.
Revlon Super Lustrous Luscious Mattes Lipstick in Pick Me Up, $15.39
Dupe for: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk, RRP $48
A universally flattering pink-brown lippy is surprisingly hard to come by, which is why Charlotte Tilbury’s matte lipstick in Pillow Talk became so popular.
The good news for any budget-conscious beauty shopper is there are similar-toned lip products out there at a fraction of the cost – Revlon’s Pick Me Up provides a comparable shade and finish for less than half the recommended retail price of Pillow Talk.
Bali Body Bronzing Serum, $23.69
Dupe for: Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops, RRP $60
Who doesn’t love adding a touch of bronzing luminance to their face, especially in the thick of winter?
What’s great about this crowd-pleaser serum from Bali Body is that it can be worn alone, as a make-up primer or on top of your base for a more pigmented finish.
L’Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Clay Detox Pre Shampoo Mask, $5
Dupe for: Kérastase Spécifique Argile Équilibrante Detox Cleanse, RRP $75
Pre-shampoo and scalp detox treatments have gained traction in recent years because of their ability to remove product build-up for the ultimate deep cleanse.
Both products are clay-based detox masks, but with a $70 price difference, it’s no wonder L’Oreal’s Elvive mask has gone viral.
MCoBeauty Instant Contour Cream Bronzer Light/Medium, $28.99
Dupe for: Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand, RRP $55
This bronzer wand went viral on TikTok because of its striking comparison to Charlotte Tilbury’s version – but at nearly half the recommended retail price of the luxury equivalent.
Lightweight, blendable and long-wearing, this dupe is a foolproof tool for contouring.
Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Oil Cleanser Makeup Remover, $28.99
Dupe for: Shiseido Perfect Cleansing Oil, RRP $52
Cleansing oils are one of the most effective, eco-friendly and economical ways to remove your make-up, and Bioderma’s new oil cleanser is affordable without coming at the expense of high-quality ingredients.
It includes valuable amino acids and Omega-3s, and features micellar technology.
L’Oreal Infallible More Than Concealer, $18.99
Dupe for: Tarte Shape Tape™ Concealer, RRP $50
Full-coverage concealers don’t just help to achieve a flawless base, but they also take the pressure off your foundation so you’re able to use a lighter coverage and let the shine through where you’re blemish free.
L’Oreal’s concealer provides long-wearing, full coverage at a fraction of the cost of Tarte’s equivalent.
Skin Control Peel Pads 50 Pack, $10.99
Dupe for: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel 60 Pack, RRP $245
Exfoliating pads are an ingenious way to remove dead skin cells and, packed with replenishing ingredients, give skin a radiant glow at the same time.
What’s great about these peel pads is they contain glycolic acid and salicylic acid, which provide chemical exfoliation, as well as hyaluronic acid, which hydrates the skin and protects the skin barrier.
More beauty hacks and clever ways to save money:
- TikTok beauty hacks that actually work
- Easy colour correction hacks for flawless skin tone
- When to splurge and when to save on beauty items
- Smart ways to make your money go further
Written by beauty editor Charlotte Brundrett.
