If you are somebody like me who loves makeup and who is constantly trying new things but cannot always splurge on high end products, this article is for you! I am going to give a list of great high end products and dupes I have found that have the same consistency and have similar lasting power. Some swatches are from my own collection and others I had to find other resources for because I have already used up a lot of the hot products in these collections!
Foundation/Primer/Concealer
Makeup Forever HD ($43) vs L'oreal Infallible Pro-Matte (~$10)
The Makeup Forever foundation is extremely comparable in coverage and consistency and both are easily buildable to become medium to high coverage. The only difference I will have to say is that the L'oreal is not as lasting but it will still last a good 6-8 hours without touch up and the Makeup Forever formula has more of a dewy finish and tends to look more vibrant on mature/dryer skin.
Smashbox Photo-finish Primer ($36) vs NYX Photo-loving Primer ($13)
The NYX photo primer is honestly the best! I tried Smashbox and it was the biggest waste of money yet, the NYX primer in my honest opinion creates a smoother appearance and really helps your cake face stick! No need to waste your money on the Smashbox if NYX works the same and even better.
Nars Concealer ($29) vs. Maybelline Fit Me Concealer ($~5)
Maybelline Fit Me concealer is the best drugstore concealer and identical to the Nars creamy concealer! It is a must have in anyone's makeup bag.
Blushes/Bronzer/Setting Powder
Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush ($28) vs ColourPop Blush ($8)
I love the ColourPop blushes (on the right), especially if you are a woman of color I feel that they definitely have a larger shade selection. The only thing I will say is that the Tarte blushes are a lot more forgiving if your over apply because the ColourPop blushes are so stinking pigmented, as long as you apply lightly you are good to go.
Benefit Hoola Bronzer ($29) vs Jane Cosmetics Bronzer ($10)
The Jane Cosmetics bronzer is a definitely a great choice for my fellow fair skinned ladies, as I feel that the Hoola Bronzer appears a little more muddy on my skin tone. If you are into cool tones Jane Cosmetics is great!
MAC Studio Fix Powder ($28) vs Rimmel Stay Matte ($4)
In my personal experience I found the coverage of these two products to be identical, however the MAC powder broke me out, people rave about this product but I found the Rimmel powder to work better for me.
Becca Highlighter (Moonstone) vs Body Shop Shadow (Gold Resonance)
Please excuse the lighting for second swatch, it was late when I took that! The first swatch is featuring the Body Shop shadow which I think works great as a highlighter with its subtle shimmer and the price ($10). The Becca highlighter ($38) is at the bottom and as you can see it is chunkier and in my experience appears more natural rather than glam and you get a lot more product than you would for the Body Shop's (considering that product is meant to be an eyeshadow).
Eyes
Benefit Cream Shadow ($20) vs. Maybelline Color Tattoo (~$6)
In my opinion the benefit product tends to crease more than the Maybelline on my eye lids, Maybelline color tattoo works great as an eyelid base and shadow!
Buxom Eyeshadow (Single pan-$12) vs. L'oreal Infallible Shadow ($8)
Both of these shadows are so close in price and formula it is worth buying, the only difference I would say is that you actually get more bang for your buck with the high end prodcut Buxom! Because you can get a customizable 6 shadow palette with Buxom for $40 at your local Ulta or Sephora. (The top is Buxom and the bottom is L'oreal)
Marc Jacobs Gel Liner ($26) vs. L'oreal Infallible Gel (~$8)
Both products apply smoothly put the L'oreal is not as long wearing so that's why I suggest setting the liner with a black eyeshadow on top!
Lips
I swear by Wet n Wild and NYX lip products! I find them both fantastic, and I am going to show you guys some swatches from my own collection and feature shades that I personally love!
The one on the left is Wet n Wild cherry frost (~$1) and the right is Bite's pigment pencil in Tart ($24). The only negative to the Wet n Wild is that if you tend to have dryer lips, the product will often clump in those dry areas.
The one on the left is my personal favorite, it is from NYX in shade Tea Rose (~$6) and the lipstick to the right is Bare Minerals in shade Speak Your Mind ($18). I find the one on the left to be longer wearing and to have higher pigmentation.
