The biggest misconception in beauty is that more expensive means better quality. Although investing a little more can often mean an upgrade in terms of ingredients and packaging, sometimes a more affordable alternative is just as effective. Due to the pure volume of makeup landing on my desk every week, it's easy to spot the products that are 'dupes' for some of my premium favourites and fast track them to my dressing table for a good testing session. To round of #DoItLikeADupe week, I've picked the five best makeup dupes currently residing in my stash that together provide a flawless 'every day' look. Here's a breakdown of why they're a fundamental part of my routine and how you can get the best out of them...
PREMIUM: Benefit Roller Lash Mascara (£19.50)
One of my favourite mascaras in recent years, this lightweight formula is totally buildable and leaves my lashes looking incredible. The innovative brush catches every individual lash while lifting, creating an effect that's comparable to false lashes. I just can't get enough of this brilliant product, but at nearly twenty quid a pop it's not one I'm prepared to use every day.
DUPE: Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara (£7.99)
The next best thing to Roller Lash, Maybelline have created a mascara that lifts lashes while ensuring even the smallest of lashes are coated. The brush gets right to the root to create a thicker result, while the formula is incredibly buildable - it's really hard to create clumps. At £7.99, this is an affordable mascara that's really rather fabulous. For best results, wiggle the brush as you comb through lashes to create volume and length simultaneously.
PREMIUM: Urban Decay Ultimate Ozone Primer Pencil (£15.00)
An innovative concept, this little pencil can be used to not only prime lips, but to prime eyes and targeted areas of the face too. Just draw over the area before you apply eyeshadow, lipstick or your base (it's best for specific areas like around the nose or chin) and it helps prevent creasing, flaking or smudging. The texture is non-greasy and really workable; if you struggle keeping lipstick in place or don't like the dryness it can create, this is a good way to keep your makeup looking fab.
DUPE: MUA Pout Prime Smoothing Lip Primer (£3.00)
A much more affordable alternative, this MUA pencil has been designed specifically for the lips. Although the texture is much heavier and a little greasier, it still helps to prime lips ahead of lipstick application to prevent movement or dryness. The bullet is quite malleable, so you do have to be careful not to break it, but for £3.00 this is a great alternative if you're wanting to test the water.
PREMIUM: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Sparkle Shadow & Liner (£20.00)
This was launched just in time for Christmas last year, but remains one of my favourite products to create an 'understated smokey eye'. The rich and creamy texture lends itself perfectly to being buffed into the lid and blended for a subtle result, but can equally be used along the lash line as a liner. It builds like a dream and can be layered even when 'dry', meaning it's fab for popping in your bag and topping-up before a night out.
DUPE: Topshop 'Nude Eyes' Cream Eyeshadow (£8.00)
Topshop makeup is vastly underrated; their expansive collection includes some fab little finds, including this little tub of cream eyeshadow that's incredibly similar to Bobbi Brown's. Although you get a little less in the pot, the creamy texture is just as good to work with and sets to provide a hint of shimmer. It's a little more tricky to build (you do have to wait for each layer to dry,) but it's well worth a cheeky purchase if you can't stretch to Bobbi Brown before payday. Just apply using a short eyeshadow brush and work it into the lid using small circular movements; you don't need a lot of product, so just 'dip' the brush and build as you go.
PREMIUM: Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick (£15.50)
I adore this rich and creamy lipstick that also provides a subtle shine. It's incredibly comfortable and doesn't dry the lips, meaning you can re-apply throughout the day without worrying about the condition of your pout. Available in a huge portfolio of tones, my favourties include this pinky-brown nude and a bright pink that's perfect for injecting a touch of colour.
DUPE: Rimmel London Kate Moss Lipstick (£5.49)
Part of a limited edition collection, this lipstick is practically identical to the Urban Decay formula that I love so much. The bullet glides over lips to coat them comfortably in a lightweight formula, providing a great amount of pigment and an effortless finish. This is fast becoming a 'go to' product to chuck in my bag when I want to feel a little more polished; pair it with a brown smokey eye for effortless glamour.
PREMIUM: Charlotte Tilbury The Feline Flick Liner (£22.00)
The price of this eyeliner makes me weep, but it really is one of the best felt liners I've ever tried. The precise tip ensures you can sweep the pigment across lids to create even the most delicate of 'flicks', but equally can be built-up for a thicker and more dramatic look. It doesn't flake, smudge or budge - but then again, for that price I'd expect it to take ten years off me too. (Just be careful to close the lid properly every time, as it does dry out easily and become unusable.)
DUPE: Soap & Glory Supercat Liner (£6.00)
Possibly the best way to spend six quid, this liner makes creating a retro look super easy. It's really pigmented and doesn't leave a 'wishy washy' line, while the sturdy nib provides stability as you apply. I can create cat flicks in seconds using this, knowing that the result won't budge all day; considering it's around a quarter of the price of Charlotte Tilbury, you can afford to stock up and experiment. To create the perfect line, use the edge of the nib (rather than the tip) and glide along the lash line.
Do you have any other favourite makeup or beauty dupes that you just can't live without?
Clik here to view.![]()
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Clik here to view.
PREMIUM: Benefit Roller Lash Mascara (£19.50)
One of my favourite mascaras in recent years, this lightweight formula is totally buildable and leaves my lashes looking incredible. The innovative brush catches every individual lash while lifting, creating an effect that's comparable to false lashes. I just can't get enough of this brilliant product, but at nearly twenty quid a pop it's not one I'm prepared to use every day.
DUPE: Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara (£7.99)
The next best thing to Roller Lash, Maybelline have created a mascara that lifts lashes while ensuring even the smallest of lashes are coated. The brush gets right to the root to create a thicker result, while the formula is incredibly buildable - it's really hard to create clumps. At £7.99, this is an affordable mascara that's really rather fabulous. For best results, wiggle the brush as you comb through lashes to create volume and length simultaneously.
PREMIUM: Urban Decay Ultimate Ozone Primer Pencil (£15.00)
An innovative concept, this little pencil can be used to not only prime lips, but to prime eyes and targeted areas of the face too. Just draw over the area before you apply eyeshadow, lipstick or your base (it's best for specific areas like around the nose or chin) and it helps prevent creasing, flaking or smudging. The texture is non-greasy and really workable; if you struggle keeping lipstick in place or don't like the dryness it can create, this is a good way to keep your makeup looking fab.
DUPE: MUA Pout Prime Smoothing Lip Primer (£3.00)
A much more affordable alternative, this MUA pencil has been designed specifically for the lips. Although the texture is much heavier and a little greasier, it still helps to prime lips ahead of lipstick application to prevent movement or dryness. The bullet is quite malleable, so you do have to be careful not to break it, but for £3.00 this is a great alternative if you're wanting to test the water.
PREMIUM: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Sparkle Shadow & Liner (£20.00)
This was launched just in time for Christmas last year, but remains one of my favourite products to create an 'understated smokey eye'. The rich and creamy texture lends itself perfectly to being buffed into the lid and blended for a subtle result, but can equally be used along the lash line as a liner. It builds like a dream and can be layered even when 'dry', meaning it's fab for popping in your bag and topping-up before a night out.
DUPE: Topshop 'Nude Eyes' Cream Eyeshadow (£8.00)
Topshop makeup is vastly underrated; their expansive collection includes some fab little finds, including this little tub of cream eyeshadow that's incredibly similar to Bobbi Brown's. Although you get a little less in the pot, the creamy texture is just as good to work with and sets to provide a hint of shimmer. It's a little more tricky to build (you do have to wait for each layer to dry,) but it's well worth a cheeky purchase if you can't stretch to Bobbi Brown before payday. Just apply using a short eyeshadow brush and work it into the lid using small circular movements; you don't need a lot of product, so just 'dip' the brush and build as you go.
PREMIUM: Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick (£15.50)
I adore this rich and creamy lipstick that also provides a subtle shine. It's incredibly comfortable and doesn't dry the lips, meaning you can re-apply throughout the day without worrying about the condition of your pout. Available in a huge portfolio of tones, my favourties include this pinky-brown nude and a bright pink that's perfect for injecting a touch of colour.
DUPE: Rimmel London Kate Moss Lipstick (£5.49)
Part of a limited edition collection, this lipstick is practically identical to the Urban Decay formula that I love so much. The bullet glides over lips to coat them comfortably in a lightweight formula, providing a great amount of pigment and an effortless finish. This is fast becoming a 'go to' product to chuck in my bag when I want to feel a little more polished; pair it with a brown smokey eye for effortless glamour.
PREMIUM: Charlotte Tilbury The Feline Flick Liner (£22.00)
The price of this eyeliner makes me weep, but it really is one of the best felt liners I've ever tried. The precise tip ensures you can sweep the pigment across lids to create even the most delicate of 'flicks', but equally can be built-up for a thicker and more dramatic look. It doesn't flake, smudge or budge - but then again, for that price I'd expect it to take ten years off me too. (Just be careful to close the lid properly every time, as it does dry out easily and become unusable.)
DUPE: Soap & Glory Supercat Liner (£6.00)
Possibly the best way to spend six quid, this liner makes creating a retro look super easy. It's really pigmented and doesn't leave a 'wishy washy' line, while the sturdy nib provides stability as you apply. I can create cat flicks in seconds using this, knowing that the result won't budge all day; considering it's around a quarter of the price of Charlotte Tilbury, you can afford to stock up and experiment. To create the perfect line, use the edge of the nib (rather than the tip) and glide along the lash line.
Do you have any other favourite makeup or beauty dupes that you just can't live without?
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.![]()
Clik here to view.
Get involved with Superdrug's Swap Shop this June: the average Brit could save over £150 a year by swapping from pricy beauty brands to own brand beauty and toiletries! If you pop into store Superdrug staff will suggest an own brand alternative to your usual product; if you aren’t completely happy with your alternative then Superdrug will offer a 100% money back guarantee with a 25% off voucher for your next own brand purchase!
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