Cheap Alternatives For High-End Makeup

You know that heart sinking feeling when you drop $54 on a single eyeshadow palette? Or, when you shop at Sephora and leave with a bag of 2-3 items that cost $100+? I love high-end makeup, but I never get over that kicked in the gut, buyers remorse feeling. Thankfully, the market is saturated with cheap alternatives for high-end makeup! This is much more than a dupes blog post, as I know the sheer volume of those floating around the web. I am not going to give you another review that compares elf’s Putty Primer to Tatcha’s Silk Canvas. This blog post is about drugstore makeup products that work just as well as their high-end counterpart so that you can achieve the look without the buyers remorse.

For this post I am only reviewing products that I own and use. I feel that it is dishonest to tell you that one makeup product is 100% an alternative for another if I have never tried it. With that being said, there are so many alternates I can think of right now that I can go on forever! This is where you come in. I will share the best 15 from my collection, and you can use the comments to add your own.

Cheap Alternatives for High-End Makeup

1) elf +Matte Oil Control Primer vs Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

I am starting my cheap alternatives for high-end makeup list with a duo that you probably cannot find a comparison on anywhere else! Both of these primers have a clear gel-like formula that is slightly greasy in feel and will blur minor imperfections (but is not a replacement for a pore filling primer). The main attraction here is that both of these primers extend the wear of your makeup and are suitable to use on days when you need long-lasting, bullet-proof face! Your makeup will look gorgeous over top, even if the foundation you are using is not your favorite. These primers also help control oils.

• elf+ Matte Oil-Control Primer – $10
• Smashbox Photo Finish Primer – $36

2) Maybelline Lasting Fix Make-Up Setting Spray vs Urban Decay All Nighter

Second are two setting sprays that I know I have compared in the past. Urban Decay’s All Nighter is still my holy grail that I use for special occasions when I need a long-lasting look, and I will always keep it on hand. Maybelline’s Lasting Fix is the closest match I have ever tried from the drugstore. The ingredients are different, but they perform similarly. I can turn to Maybelline’s for everyday looks.

• Maybelline Lasting Fix Makeup Setting Spray – $9.99
• Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray – $33

3) wet n wild photofocus Eyeshadow Primer vs Urban Decay Original Eyeshadow Primer Potion

Third are two eyeshadow primers that I have compared many times here on the blog. I fully 100% believe that wet n wild’s photofocus Eyeshadow Primer is a dupe for Urban Decay’s Original Eyeshadow Primer Potion. The formulas are similar in color and feel, but they perform the same. I always say that I could put wet n wild’s on one eye, and Urban Decay’s on the other and no one will know the difference! I demand an eyeshadow primer that keeps shadow in place all day without creasing, fading, or movement. Honestly, I can stop buying Urban Decay’s and save money with wet n wild’s, but I keep both around because I am extra like that!

wet n wild only offers one type of primer, but with Urban Decay they offer the primer in different colors and formulations. Also, with Urban Decay’s packaging, you can apply the primer either with the doe-foot applicator, or by squeezing the tube to dispense. With wet n wild, you can only squeeze dispense.

• wet n wild photofocus Eyeshadow Primer – $5.49
• Urban Decay Original Eyeshadow Primer Potion – $24

---

Related Post: Long Lasting Eyeshadow Primer

---

4) Essence Make Me Brow vs Benefit Gimme Brow+

Fourth is a comparison that I am sure everyone knows about. The wand on Benefit’s Gimme Brow+ is a bit smaller than that on Essence’s Make Me Brow. The formulas are different as well. At the end of the day, they both perform and apply the same. I do not struggle with making a mess with the wands, and my brows are held in place with added tint. The only downside is that Essence’s shade selection is horrible.

• Essence Make Me Brow – $2.99
• Benefit Gimme Brow+ – $24

5) wet n wild megalast Stained Glass Lip Gloss vs Urban Decay Vice Lip Chemistry

Next with the cheap alternatives for high-end makeup is another comparison that you will not find anywhere else! As far as I am concerned, wet n wild’s megalast Stained Glass Lip Gloss is a complete dupe for Urban Decay’s Vice Lip Chemistry. They apply, wear, and behave the same. I do not consider these to be glosses, rather, highly pigmented glossy liquid lipsticks that actually stay on the lips all day through eating and drinking and stay shiny. This is unheard of!

I am not sure what kind of black magic we have going on here, but they dry down and stay glossy. With Urban Decay’s you can press your finger on your lips and you end up with a shiny, clear residue on your finger, but no color transfer. You can do that all day long and not damage your lip look. They both feature a flat doe-foot applicator, but wet n wild’s is shorter in length. Urban Decay’s claims to react to your body’s pH so that you get a custom version of the color, but wet n wild’s does not do that.

I would love to buy all the colors from both brands to get a nice color range. wet n wild, if you are listening, please release more shades either in your 2021 products or Fantasy Makers line!

• wet n wild megalast Stained Glass Lip Gloss – $5.99
• Urban Decay Vice Lip Chemistry – $22

6) Profusion Pro Contour Palette vs Kat Von D Shade and Light Palette

Here are two products that look nearly identical! The Shade and Light Palette by Kat Von D is my holy grail for contouring and I never reach for another high-end palette. Profusion has their own knock-off called the Pro Contour palette, but it is hard to find. There is not much difference in using these palettes, either. Talk about an awesome example of getting the look for less! But, I still love my Kat Von D and she travels with me.

• Profusion Pro Contour Palette – $8
• Kat Von D Shade and Light Palette – $49

7) elf Nude Rose Gold Palette vs Urban Decay Naked 3

I think everyone knows about the next two eyeshadow palettes. elf has other Naked palette knock-offs, but Urban Decay has since discontinued those palettes, and I really do not want to feature products that you cannot buy. As far as I can remember, Naked 3 was my first ever high-end makeup product, as well as eyeshadow palette. Admittedly, I wish the shades in Naked 3 have more of an impact on the eye, but the palette is so pretty. elf’s palettes are good alternatives when you feel guilty dipping into your high-end palettes, or if Naked 3 is out of your budget. You will notice that elf’s palette is 10 pans, while Urban Decay’s is 12 pans.

• elf Nude Rose Gold Eyeshadow Palette – $10
• Urban Decay Naked 3 Eyeshadow Palette – $54

---

Related post: Favorite Beauty Products of All Time

---

8) wet n wild On Edge Long Wearing Eye Pencil vs Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil

I have known about these eyeliner pencils for years and it is about time that I say something. I love Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil line. They come in a rainbow assortment of colors and they always apply smoothly without skipping or tugging at the eyelid, and you can blend them out. The only issue is that I cannot wear them on my water line because I am allergic. My eyes will bother me all day. I can wear them on the upper or lower lash line, but that’s it. wet n wild’s On Edge Long Wearing Eye Pencils perform the same, but I am not allergic! Even though wet n wild’s shade range is deplorable in comparison to Urban Decay’s, these stay on the water line well all day with minor touch-ups needed.

• wet n wild On Edge Long Wearing Eye Pencil – $3.99
• Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil – $22

9) wet n wild coloricon Eyeshadow 10 Pan Palette in Rose in the Air vs Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance

One of my all-time favorite high-end eyeshadow palettes is Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Modern Renaissance palette because the shade range is beautiful, and the quality is there. Drugstore fans know that wet n wild’s eyeshadow formula is top notch, and it does give ABH a run for their money. All of the main shades from ABH are in wet n wild’s palette. Naturally, the formulas are different, but each provide high quality and stunning pigmentation in their own way. You can totally stop lusting over ABH and grab wet n wild!

• wet n wild coloricon Eyeshadow 10 Pan Palette in Rose in the Air – $5.99
• Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance – $42

10) wet n wild coloricon Eyeshadow 10 Pan Palette in My Glamour Squad vs Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam

Pressing on with the cheap alternatives for high-end makeup, I have another ABH vs wet n wild head-to-head match. Soft Glam is also one of my all-time favorite high-end eyeshadow palettes with all of the superior quality that you expect from ABH. wet n wild is again taking the key shades and their own impressive formula and turning them into a drugstore marvel. What I say above for Rose in the Air and Modern Renaissance applies to these two.

• wet n wild coloricon Eyeshadow 10 Pan Palette in My Glamour Squad – $5.99
• Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam – $42

11) Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer in Bronzer vs Benefit Hoola Bronzer

I have so many blush, bronzers, and highlighters in my collection. Even when I use different ones on a day to day basis, ultimately I feel that my finished makeup look cannot be differentiated from the day before. We all know this is true! I love Benefit’s Hoola Bronzer, but you might as well save money. No one is gonna look at you and exclaim “she is wearing Hoola.” The world does not know. I find that the shade Bronzer from Physicians Formula’s Butter Bronzer line is a suitable alternative. You can see a few sparkles in it if you look closely, and you cannot see those in Hoola since it is matte, but who cares.

• Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer – $16
• Benefit Hoola Bronzer – $30

12) wet n wild megaglo Highlighting Powder in Golden Flower Crown vs Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter in Champagne Pop

How long have I been preaching that wet n wild’s megaglo line of highlighters is just as good as high-end? The proof is in the pudding. Champagne Pop is a famous shade from Becca, and one that most people who are into makeup at least have heard of. You can get a similar look with Golden Flower Crown from wet n wild, and their formula surely does not disappoint. I like to glow for miles when I enter a room, you definitely will with either of these.

• wet n wild megaglo Highlighting Powder in Golden Flower Crown – $3.89
• Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter in Champagne Pop – $38

---

Related post: Holy Grail Products – Hair, Skin, and Beauty

---

13) wet n wild megalast Liquid Catsuit Shimmer Eyeshadow vs Stila Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow

When you want want to add glitter, shimmer, and shine to your eyeshadow look without mess or fallout, a liquid eyeshadow is a great choice. Most beauty guru’s will rave about Stila’s Shimmer and Glow Liquid Eye Shadow range, which I admit is awesome! But, I get the same results from wet n wild’s megalast Liquid Catsuit Shimmer Eyeshadow range. Both last all day without creasing or flaking, with beautiful shimmer. Of course, the formulas and shade ranges are different, but I am looking for performance.

• wet n wild megalast Liquid Catsuit Shimmer Eyeshadow – $5.29
• Stila Shimmer and Glow Liquid Eye Shadow – $24

14) wet n wild megaglo Highlighting Powder in Precious Petals vs Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter in Opal

Here is another match up between wet n wild and Becca! Opal is also a shade from Becca that is well-known and famous. I like to save it for a special occasion, but for daily wear wet n wild’s Precious Petals comes in the clutch. Both shades provide a similar look to the skin, with that blinding glow that I crave. Seriously, wet n wild has one of the best highlighter formulas at the drugstore and rivals high-end at every turn.

• wet n wild megaglo Highlighting Powder in Precious Petals – $3.89
• Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter in Opal – $38

15) Maybelline Master Precise All Day Liquid Liner vs Stila Stay All Day Liquid Liner

I have one final match up in this list of cheap alternatives for high-end makeup. You can see in the picture that Maybelline’s Master Precise All Day Liquid Liner‘s tip is a bit longer and even lightly larger in circumference in comparison to Stila’s Stay All Day Liquid Liner. That difference bears no meaning on how these products apply or perform. Both of these provide a matte black line that lasts all day. I especially love how much control I have over the thickness of the line with the felt tips. I can easily do a thin or a thick eyeliner without it getting out of hand. The same concept applies to the size of my wing! I will say that the tip gives out on Stila’s pretty early on, but Maybelline’s is a trooper.

• Maybelline Master Precise All Day Liquid Liner – $8.99
• Stila Stay All Day Liquid Liner – $22

Shop the post

Drugstore products:

High-end products:

Conclusion

In summary of these cheap alternatives for high-end makeup, you do not have to break the bank to look your best. The drugstore is really stepping up its game, and you have products at your fingertips that are giving the big brands a run for their money. Whether you are on a budget or simply find dropping $54 on a single item is beyond painful, you can absolutely achieve the look you are after for a fraction of the price. I am confident that at least one of my comparisons is new to you and cannot be found on another blog or video. Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.

Do you prefer to buy high-end, drugstore, or a mix?

Discover More Beauty Tips & Tricks: