Makeup Dupes that Stack Up Against High-End Favorites

Finding true beauty dupes—ones that actually perform like their high-end counterparts—is no easy feat. After testing countless options, I’ve rounded up some high-quality makeup dupes and alternatives that deliver a similar look, feel, and wear as their luxury counterparts. 

Inspired by my recent YouTube video, I’m sharing affordable makeup products that perform just as well as high-end products. If you love a luxe beauty product but wouldn’t mind saving a few bucks, these swaps are worth considering. 

Makeup Dupes that Stack Up Against High-End Favorites

e.l.f. Cosmetics Keep It Ethereal Eyeshadow Palette

I picked up this eyeshadow palette on a whim, not thinking it was a dupe of anything. I simply thought it was a pretty, neutral palette, which it is!

When I first swiped my fingers through some of the shades, I realized how similar they seemed to the original Makeup by Mario Ethereal Eyes eyeshadow palette, which has been discontinued. Comprised of toppers and shimmers, there is a shade match for all but one of the shades in the Makeup by Mario (discontinued) palette. I share color swatches and compare the the e.l.f. palette with the Makeup by Mario palette in THIS video. There is a slight difference in quality, but the end result is spot-on, and it’s a fantastic drugstore alternative!

Milani Cheek Kiss Liquid Blush & Glow

I am a long-time fan of the Charlotte Tilbury Pinkgasm. It’s a beautiful blush + highlighter all-in-one that offers the perfect glow and is extremely easy to apply. It has a cult following, and other brands have been trying to dupe it for years.

Milani recently launched their Cheek Kiss Liquid Blush & Glow. It’s a blush/highlighter duo that also applies quickly and easily. It starts off more sheer and buildable than Pinkgasm, which I prefer. If you also enjoy buildable cheek products, you may like Milani blush & glow better! 

On my skin tone, Pink Cava is almost a direct shade match but the Caffé shade is also a close match to Pinkgasm. I have both swatched here:

While the initial pigmentation level may be slightly different, the texture and end result are similar, making it a very near dupe. 

Dupe of: Charlotte Tilbury Pinkgasm

Moira Starshow Shadow Eyeshadow

I absolutely adore this eyeshadow from Moira! It immediately reminded me of Hourglass Scattered Light eyeshadow when I first tried it, another eyeshadow that I absolutely love. 

If you haven’t tried Hourglass Scattered Light yet, it’s a really special smooth, flattering, pressed glitter eyeshadow. It doesn’t settle into texture and gives you a stunning satin finish, perfect for aging eyelids. While it’s a gorgeous product, perfect for special occasions, it’s pricey! And Moira will save you a lot of money and is equally beautiful. There are also tons of shades to choose from.

Enter: Moira Starshow

While the shades are slightly different from Hourglass, this dupe is all about the formula. Both are hybrid cream formulas infused with light-reflecting pearls that give a multi-dimensional finish and can be applied sheerly to have a really delicate glimmer or built up to be more intense for those special events. 

Dupe of: Hourglass Scattered Light Eyeshadow

Moira Soft Blush Balm

Merit Flush Balm blushes have taken over the Internet, and while they are great, they are $30. Moira recently launched their Soft Blush Balm, which you can clearly see from the shape, is intended to be a dupe. Shade Think of Me is a close shade match to Merit’s Rouge.

Merit Flush Balm has a sheer, buildable formula that’s extremely quick and easy to apply. They look natural and never get patchy or cakey. They’re formulated with vitamin E.

Moira Soft Blush Balm is also lightweight but is much more pigmented from the start. It can be sheered out to be buildable if you can start off applying less product.

The end result can be nearly identical, with a slightly more glowy result from Merit and a soft matte finish from Moira

Dupe of: Merit Flush Balm Blush

Clarins Lip Oil Balm

Chanel Boy Lipstick had a viral moment somewhat recently, making it extremely difficult to get your hands on. This very thin, comfortable, moisturizing, high-shine lipstick glides onto your lips nicely. It’s also really transformative if you apply it over lip liner. The downside? It is a lipstick that must be reapplied throughout the day, and it’s $50.

One of the dupes that was circulating for Chanel Boy was the Clarins Lip Oil Balm in Almond. While this is still a high-end product, it costs less at $30 for the same amount of product. Plus, I adore the formula. When swatched, it had more brown tones than Chanel Boy Lipstick. But it has that same thin, lipstick-oil-hybrid feel when you apply it. It’s also infused with hyaluronic acid, oils, and peptides, making your lips comfortable and smooth.

L-R: Chanel Boy, Clarins Lip Oil in Almond, L’Oreal Silverstone

*One of the ingredients in Clarins Lip Oil Balm is hazelnut oil, so if you have a nut allergy, this is something to be aware of!

Dupe of: Chanel Boy Lipstick

There are so many amazing drugstore makeup products out there that are great dupes of high-end favorites. All it takes is a little research, which I’m happy to do so you don’t have to! If you’re looking for more dupes, I have lots more for you HERE!

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