Do popular makeup "dupes" actually work? We wanted to find out.
Makeup is AmAzInG. But it's also sometimes super expensive. Go on Pinterest, and you can find tons of drugstore makeup people claim is ~just like~ the real thing. But do they work on everyone? We decided to test nine common dupes for popular high-end makeup products on a wide range of skin tones and makeup experiences.
The dupes were evaluated on a scale of 0 to 3 stars — one star from each tester if they thought it was a good match for the high-end product. They judged on pigmentation, application, and how it lasted throughout the day.
1. Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita ($20) vs. Wet n Wild MegaLast Lip Color in Spiked with Rum ($2.19)
2. NARS Blush in Orgasm ($30) vs. Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso ($8.29)
3. Urban Decay Naked3 Palette ($54) vs. Maybelline The Blushed Nudes Palette ($11.99)
4. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz ($21) vs. NYX Micro Brow ($9.99)
5. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara ($23) vs. CoverGirl Flamed Out Mascara ($7.29)
6. MAC Lipstick in Russian Red ($17) vs. Revlon Matte Lipstick in Really Red ($8.49)
7. Stila All Day Liquid Eyeliner ($22) vs. L'Oréal Infallible The Super Slim Eyeliner ($9.49)
8. Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Champagne Pop ($38) vs. e.l.f. Baked Eyeshadow in Enchanted ($3)
9. Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer ($29) vs. NYC Smoothing Skin Bronzing Powder in Sunny ($3.62)
So, what are we taking away?
* If you're just trying something out, start with the dupe. When testing a new color or makeup ~lewk~, start with the cheap version. And then when you're ready to commit, it may be worth investing in a more expensive product.
* Expensive isn't ALWAYS better. Some of the high-end products are more pigmented or longer-lasting, but not necessarily. Value for money is totally a case-by-case situation.
* Decide what works for you. Makeup is personal! Do the research and decide what products are best for you. Maybe you need your makeup to last All Day. Maybe the cheaper color actually looks better on you. Maybe you just need to *treat yo'self* to a schmancy product. Completely up to you!