Everyone loves a good makeup dupe. That feeling of grabbing your favorite shade of mauve lipstick for a third of the price is near second to none. As a self-proclaimed MAC addict, I had to give my wallet a break and find new products that stood up to my tried and true favorites. After researching and testing out for myself tons of both drugstore and higher-end makeup, I finally found a handful of products that met my criteria. (and some that became my new go-tos!) Here’s a quick rundown of five MAC makeup dupes to make your day.
1.MAC Studio Face and Body Foundation VS Maybelline Fit Me Foundation
Arguably MAC’s most well-known foundation, MAC Studio Face and Body Foundation boasts a satin finish and lightweight coverage without being cakey. Lucky for us, Mabelline’s Fit Me Foundation carries the same benefits for five times less the price! Fit Me comes in three finishes: Illuminating, Matte, and Natural, and forty different shades. Their website even has a helpful tool to find your perfect shade and finish without having to buy and try bottles of foundation.
2. MAC Spirit VS e.l.f. Praline
MAC’s perfectly mauve lipstick with a satin finish breaks the bank at $16.00, but e.l.f.’s matte version rings up at just $3.00, giving you every reason to stock up on more than one. E.l.f’s lip color is long-lasting, vibrant, and creamy, and it feels so much more luxe than its price tag.
3. MAC A Natural Flirt VS Colourpop Puppy Love
Everyone needs a great neutral shimmer shadow. Colourpop’s Super Pop “Puppy Love” eyeshadow mirrors MAC’s Extra Dimension Eyeshadow in “A Natural Flirt” for a fourth of the price! Splurge on MAC for $20, or get Colourpop’s version for only $5. Colourpop carries countless shades of super-pigmented, bunny-approved eyeshadows and palettes as well as a great selection of lip colors and liners, eyeliners, highlighters, blush, and brow products.
4. MAC Melba Blush vs NYX Mauve Blush
Carrying my favorite dupe on the list, NYX products never disappoint. Plus, they have so many color twins to my favorite high-end makeup brand. Both options feature a matte finish in a soft coral-peach color, but MAC’s blush is $23, while the NYX option is only $5.99. Personally, I think the NYX blush is even more pigmented than its high-end twin. Another awesome NYX product to pick up with the cash you save is their Matte Finish Setting Spray. Just mist on after applying your makeup, and keep the shine away all day!
5. MAC Mineralize SkinFinish Bronzer vs Makeup Revolution Vivid Baked Bronzer
On the left, MAC’s Mineralize SkinFinish bronzer in “Gold Deposit” practically mirrors Makeup Revolution’s Vivid Baked Bronzer in “Rock On World.” While the Makeup Revolution version is just slightly lighter, it’s not enough to make a noticeable difference. At $6, you’ll save on the dupe, while the MAC version comes in as a splurge at $33. My favorite thing about MAC’s bronzer is that it is just gold enough without being too orange. The Makeup Revolution bronzer doesn’t disappoint in this aspect, either, with the perfect balance of pigments.
Sometimes it’s nice to splurge on high-end makeup, but as college students, it’s so nice to appreciate dupes of your favorite products! In no way is this a definitive list, as there are so many great dupes in the makeup world for high-end brands. Try them out—some are even better than the originals!
