A Beginner's Guide to Finding Affordable Beauty Alternatives
Let's be real—we all want that luxury makeup glow without the luxury price tag. If you've ever walked past a makeup counter and felt your wallet cringe at a $42 highlighter, you're not alone. The good news? In 2025, the best makeup dupes have become so incredibly good that even beauty experts are doing double-takes. However, not every drugstore dupe lives up to the hype.
In this beginner's guide, I'm breaking down the best and worst makeup dupes I've tested this year, comparing affordable beauty options with their luxury beauty counterparts. Whether you're new to makeup or just looking to save some serious cash, this guide will help you shop smarter and get that high-end look for less.
What Makes a Great Makeup Dupe?
Understanding the Dupe Game
Before we dive into specific products, let's talk about what actually makes a dupe worth buying. A truly great dupe should deliver similar results in terms of color payoff, texture, longevity, and overall finish. Additionally, it should feel good on your skin and be easy to work with, even if you're a complete beginner.
The best makeup dupes aren't just about finding something cheap—they're about finding quality products at accessible price points. Meanwhile, some drugstore alternatives simply can't replicate the magic of their expensive counterparts, no matter how similar they look in the package.
The Best Makeup Dupes of 2025
1. Elf Cosmetics Glitter Eyeshadow in 'Fine as Fleeck' ($6) ✨ WINNER
Versus Urban Decay Moondust in 'Space Cowboy' ($24)
This affordable beauty hero absolutely steals the show. While Urban Decay's viral Moondust formula is gorgeous, Elf's version delivers equally stunning sparkle for a fraction of the cost.
Why Elf Wins:
Nearly identical color payoff: Both give you that mesmerizing champagne-gold shift with intense glitter that catches the light beautifully
Impressive staying power: The formula stays put throughout the day without significant fallout or fading
Unbeatable value: At $6 versus $24, you're saving $18 that you can spend on other products in your collection
Similarities: Both have buildable shimmer, similar undertones, and work well over primer or bare lids.
Bottom line: Save your money. The sparkle is identical — e.l.f. even looks brighter.
2. Elf Cosmetics Complexion Duo Brush ($10) ✨ WINNER
Versus It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Brush #7 ($50)
Good brushes don't have to cost a fortune. Elf's dual-ended brush features incredibly soft bristles that feel luxurious against the skin.
Why Elf Wins:
Dual-ended versatility: The larger end buffs out foundation beautifully for an airbrushed, seamless finish. The smaller end is perfect for targeted concealer application under eyes or on blemishes
Same shape: the shape is the exact same but the elf brush is slightly lighter in weight
Incredible savings: At $10 versus $50, you're saving enough to buy four more brushes for a complete collection
Similarities: Both have ultra-soft synthetic bristles, dense construction, and work well with liquid or cream products.
3. Rimmel Lasting Finish Lip Liner in 'Cappuccino' ($6) ✨ WINNER
Versus Makeup Forever Artist Color Pencil in 'Endless Cacao' ($26)
When it comes to cool-brown tone lip liners, Rimmel completely nails it. This drugstore gem performs beautifully alongside its luxury beauty counterparts.
Why Rimmel Wins:
Smooth, effortless application: The formula glides on without tugging or pulling on delicate lip skin
Long-lasting wear: Offers excellent staying power that keeps your lip color in place for hours. MF does smudge slightly less.
Perfect neutral shade: The shade is a beautiful, cool brown that flatters various skin tones
Similarities: Both have creamy textures, prevent lipstick from feathering, and can be worn alone or with gloss.
Bottom line: This is the exact vibe of Endless Cacao without the price tag.
4. Revolution Makeup Lip & Cheek Stain in 'Strawberry' ($9) ✨ WINNER
Versus Milk Makeup Jelly Tint Lip + Cheek Blush Stain ($24)
Multi-use products are perfect for beginners, and this stain is incredibly user-friendly.
Why Revolution Wins:
Natural, buildable flush: The berry-pink shade gives a fresh, youthful look on both lips and cheeks
Foolproof application: The sheer, buildable formula makes it nearly impossible to mess up—ideal for makeup newbies
Multi-use convenience: Streamlines your routine by working as both blush and lip color
Similarities: Both have lightweight gel-like textures, blend easily with fingers, and create a natural stained effect.
5. Elf Cosmetics Blush Tint in 'Plums Up' ($6) ✨ WINNER
Versus Benefit Benetint Liquid Lip + Cheek Blush Stain in 'Raspberry' ($28)
Benefit's Benetint is legendary, but Elf's version performs remarkably well.
Why Elf Wins:
Rich pigment: The liquid formula is more pigmented than the luxury one which means less layers
True multi-use formula: Works beautifully on both lips and cheeks and actually lasts a long time
Beginner-friendly price: At just $6, you can experiment with staining techniques without worrying about wasting an expensive product
Similarities: Both have liquid formulas with doe-foot applicators, long-lasting stain, and work on various skin tones.
6. MCoBeauty Miracle Flawless Pressed Powder ($10) ✨ WINNER
Versus Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder ($42)
This Australian brand has cracked the code on luxury dupes. Their pressed powder mimics Charlotte Tilbury's blurring effect beautifully.
Why MCoBeauty Wins:
Soft-focus blurring effect: Minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines for an airbrushed finish. Same as CT
Sets without caking: Locks makeup in place without looking heavy, dry, or powdery. Plus, you can apply it with a brush or powder puff
Photography-friendly: Looks gorgeous in photos without flashback or a white cast
Similarities: Both have finely-milled textures, come in elegant compacts with mirrors, and work for touch-ups throughout the day.
Bottom line: This is the dupe that broke the internet — for good reason.
7. Revolution Makeup Gloss Stick in 'Chocolate Ganache' ($9) ✨ WINNER
Versus Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix in 'Spice Cold' ($26)
Glossy lips are everywhere in 2025, and Revolution delivers that perfect shine.
Why Revolution Wins:
Beginner-friendly stick format: Makes application incredibly easy and mess-free, even on the go
Same pigment payoff: The richness in color and shine is exact! It is not sheer at all
Comfortable wear: Feels non-sticky and hydrating while providing gorgeous color and shine
Similarities: Both have twist-up packaging, buildable color, and a high-shine, high-pigment finish that lasts throughout the day.
8. Morphe Cosmetics Cheek Thrills Multi-Finish Trio Blush in 'Beach Bonfire' ($19) ✨ WINNER
Versus One Size Cheek Clapper 3D Blush Trio in 'Very That' ($38)
Blush trios are trending, and Morphe's version is spectacular.
Why Morphe Wins:
Three versatile finishes: Includes matte, shimmer, and satin shades you can mix and match for custom looks vs One Size which only has two finishes
Buildable pigmentation: The formula is even more pigmented that One Size. A little goes a long way
Exceptional value: You're getting three complementary products in one palette for half the price
Similarities: Both feature coordinating shades, blend seamlessly, and can be used individually or layered together.
9. Lottie London in 'Rose Campagne' ($10) ✨ WINNER
Versus Fenty Beauty Diamond Bomb in 'How Many Carats?!' ($42)
This highlighter dupe is genuinely jaw-dropping. Lottie London delivers that blinding glow Fenty is famous for, but for $32 less.
Why Lottie London Wins:
Ultra-fine shimmer particles: Creates an incredibly reflective, lit-from-within glow without looking chunky or glittery
Seamless blending: The formula melts into the skin without emphasizing texture or pores
Universal multitasker: Works beautifully as a highlighter or even on the body to add shimmer
Similarities: Both have intense payoff, can be applied with fingers or brush, and layer well over makeup.
Bottom line: If you love sparkle, Lottie London is a 1:1 dupe.
10. MCoBeauty Lip Liner + Lipstick in 'Very Shelley' ($16) ✨ WINNER
Versus Charlotte Tilbury Lip Liner + Lipstick in 'Pillow Talk' ($61)
If you've been coveting Charlotte Tilbury's iconic Pillow Talk duo, MCoBeauty's version is astonishingly similar.
Why MCoBeauty Wins:
Nearly identical nude-pink shade: The color is gorgeous and universally flattering, just like the original. Most flattering pink-brown tone on medium and deep skin tones.
Creamy, comfortable formula: Applies smoothly and feels hydrating on the lips without bleeding
Two products for less: You get both a lip liner and lipstick for less than the cost of just the Tilbury liner alone
Similarities: Both have matte-satin finishes, coordinating liner and lipstick shades, and elegant gold packaging.
The Worst Makeup Dupes of 2025
When the Luxury Version Wins
Not every dupe is worth the compromise. Sometimes, that higher price tag actually delivers something special that drugstore brands can't quite replicate. Here are the products that tried… but didn’t deliver.
1. YSL Beauty Lash Clash in '4' ($44) ✨ WINNER
Versus L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in 'Cobalt Blue' ($10)
While L'Oreal usually makes excellent dupes, this colored mascara falls flat. YSL's vibrant blue pigment shows up intensely on lashes, while the L'Oreal version looks almost more navy on black lashes unless you layer it heavily.
Why YSL Wins:
True color payoff: The vibrant blue pigment shows up intensely on lashes from the first coat. Deeper, richer blue tone.
Superior curl-holding: Keeps lashes lifted throughout the day without drooping
No flaking or smudging: The formula stays put without creating dark circles under your eyes
Key Differences: The L'Oreal version requires multiple coats to see any blue tint, tends to clump, and loses curl by midday.
2. NARS Blush in 'Thrill' ($36) ✨ WINNER
Versus MCoBeauty Glow Up Powder Blush in 'Rosy Pink' ($9)
NARS blushes are iconic for their buttery texture and incredible color payoff. While MCoBeauty usually makes excellent dupes, their blush formula doesn't quite match up.
Why NARS Wins:
Buttery, silky texture: The ultra-smooth formula feels luxurious and blends like a dream
Non-patchy pigmentation: Delivers intense color with just a light touch, requiring minimal product. MCoBeauty is ultra pigmented which can lead to patchiness unless you go in with a soft hand
Long-lasting performance: Stays vibrant and fresh-looking all day without fading or patchiness
Key Differences: The MCoBeauty version is more pigmented which does not blend as seamlessly. However, a single NARS pan lasts for years, making the investment worthwhile for a product you use daily.
3. Milk Makeup Jelly Tint Lip + Cheek Blush Stain ($24) ✨ WINNER
Versus Ulta Beauty Twist Tint ($14)
Although both are multi-use stains, Milk's jelly formula is far superior.
Why Milk Wins:
Seamless blending: The jelly texture melts into skin effortlessly without streaking or patchiness
Doesn't emphasize texture: Glides over pores and fine lines smoothly, unlike the Ulta version. Ulta adds more shine
Professional-looking finish: Creates that effortless, dewy flush that looks naturally radiant
Key Differences: The Ulta version tends to apply unevenly, can look shiny, and emphasizes texture rather than smoothing it.
How to Shop Smart for Makeup Dupes
Tips for Beginners
Now that you know which dupes are worth buying, let's talk strategy. First, always read reviews and watch comparison videos before purchasing. Second, start with affordable beauty products for items you're still experimenting with, like colorful eyeliners or bold lip colors. Third, invest in luxury beauty counterparts for products you use daily, like foundation or your signature lipstick.
Building Your Collection Wisely
As a beginner, focus on versatile products that work for multiple looks. Many of the best makeup dupes on this list are multi-use, which maximizes your budget. Furthermore, don't feel pressured to buy everything at once—build your collection gradually with products you'll actually use.
Final Thoughts
The world of makeup dupes has never been better. In 2025, affordable beauty brands are creating products that genuinely rival their luxury beauty counterparts in quality, performance, and aesthetic appeal. However, it's important to know when to save and when to splurge.
Most of the dupes on this list are absolutely worth buying, offering incredible value without compromising on results. Meanwhile, those few products where the expensive version wins teach us an important lesson: price isn't everything, but sometimes quality truly does cost a bit more.
Whether you choose drugstore or high-end, the most important thing is finding products that make you feel confident and beautiful. After all, the best makeup is the makeup that works for you—regardless of the price tag.
Thank you for reading!!
XOXO,
Krity
*I get a commission for purchases made through links in this post*
