Cheap Alternatives For High-End Makeup

The market is saturated with cheap alternatives for high-end makeup! This is much more than a dupes list. This 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. I am only reviewing products that I own and use.

1. Maybelline Lasting Fix Make-Up Setting Spray vs. Urban Decay All Nighter

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 – $36

2. wet n wild megalast Eyeshadow Primer vs. Urban Decay Original Eyeshadow Primer Potion

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 megalast Eyeshadow Primer – $4.98
• Urban Decay Original Eyeshadow Primer Potion – $28

3. Essence Make Me Brow vs. Benefit Gimme Brow+

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+ – $27

4. elf Perfect 10 Eyeshadow Palette in Nude Rose Gold vs. Urban Decay Naked 3

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 Perfect 10 Eyeshadow Palette in Nude Rose Gold – $10
• Urban Decay Naked 3 Eyeshadow Palette – $59

5. 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 – $4.74
• Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil – $23

6. 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 – $11.97
• Benefit Hoola Bronzer – $36

7. wet n wild megaglo Highlighting Powder in Golden Flower Crown vs. Smashbox x 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 Smashbox x 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 – $5.47
• Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter in Champagne Pop – $42

8. wet n wild megaglo Highlighting Powder in Precious Petals vs. Smashbox x Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter in Opal

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 – $5.47
• Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter in Opal – $42

9. Maybelline Master Precise All Day Liquid Liner vs. Stila Stay All Day Liquid Liner

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 – $24

Shop The Products

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. Do you prefer to buy high-end, drugstore, or a mix? Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.

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