elf Dupes for High End Makeup

When I got the idea to put together a list of elf dupes for high end makeup, I came to realize a few shocking facts. One, the other elf dupes posts on the internet are all outdated, containing products that the brand discontinued long ago. The other fact is that elf has discontinued so many great products over the years, including several from my own collection. They used to have a bigger selection of shocking dupes, but not anymore. Alas, this blog post contains an updated listing to the best of my abilities. Sometimes elf obviously downright dupes or tries to copy another product, while other times it is more subtle, or even not intentional. I might be using a product and then it dawns on me how similar it is to something else! That is how this list is born and constructed.

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elf Makeup Dupes

elf Dupe for Tarte Shape Tape

First in this list of elf dupes for high end makeup is their 16 HR Camo Concealer versus Tarte Shape Tape. This is an obvious duplication and beauty gurus pointed out immediately. elf tried their best to go after the formula, large applicator, and even the packaging. You are talking $6 compared to $30 here, which is quite a bargain for how much product you receive. I have a review on all of elf’s under eye concealers to help you to pick the best formulation for you!

Brow Lift vs. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze

Second is the elf Brow Lift (and even the applicator!) versus the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze. The beauty world is blowing up with clear brow gels that claim to give the same effects as soap brows, and elf and ABH are not the only ones pushing these products. You can see that the ABH version looks more crystal clear, but when you boil down to it, these products serve the same purpose of giving you that “soap brows” fluffy, held in place all day look. This is $6 compared to $23, which is awesome because you can easily pan these products and need to repurchase if you use them daily.

Liquid Metallic Eyeshadow vs. Stila Glitter and Glow Liquid Eyeshadow

Third is the elf Liquid Metallic Eyeshadows versus the Stila Glitter and Glow Liquid Eyeshadows. elf has both glitter and metallic options, where as Stila offers plenty as well. No matter which brand you go with, these liquids serve the same purpose, and the packaging and applicators also mirror each other. I find that both brands apply, perform, and last just as good. Typically, liquid shadows do not last long once opened, so I would rather spend $5 compared to $24. Odds are you will not use a tube up before it dries out.

elf Tatcha Dupe

Fourth is a dupe matchup that I have explored several times on the blog, which is the elf Poreless Putty Primer versus Tatcha The Silk Canvas. This is one of those ‘in your face we are totally trying to dupe this product’ items. After doing an elf Poreless Putty Primer vs. Tatcha review, I know that Tatcha is the winner. These primers look, feel, and apply similarly, but Tatcha is slightly better when it comes to giving you a soft blurring effect and filling each and every pore. Essentially, elf is what I will use on a daily basis, and then I save Tatcha for special occasions. elf is $9, while Tatcha has a smaller version for $22, then a full-size for $52 – ouch!

Nude Rose Gold Eyeshadow Palette vs. Urban Decay Naked 3

Fifth in this list of elf dupes for high end makeup is the elf Nude Rose Gold Palette versus Urban Decay Naked 3. As you can see below, elf is taking the 10 best shades from the 12 shade Urban Decay palette. You will totally get the same look and vibe on the eye. A little elf history lesson here- their eyeshadows used to be not so great. The formula started to improve with each and every 10-pan palette, and this Nude Rose Gold option is super nice. I am talking nice enough to use it on days when you want to save the high-end palette. This is $10 compared to $52.

Everyday Smoky Eyeshadow Palette vs. Urban Decay Naked Smoky

Continuing on with the elf makeup dupes is another palette option. In comparing the elf Everyday Smoky Eyeshadow Palette to Urban Decay Naked Smoky, we can see that elf is again pulling the 10 best shades to give you a palette with the same look. This one, too, works pretty good. Another bonus is that Naked Smoky is discontinued, so you can continue to re-live the glory with elf.

elf Dupe for It Cosmetics CC Cream

Here is one of those best elf dupes as dubbed by extremely excited beauty gurus. The elf Cosmetics Camo CC Cream versus the It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream is another obvious dupe, from the packaging to the claims and ingredients. elf even duped the applicator brush that It Cosmetics offers for this CC cream. I have watched so many trusted beauty gurus state that elf is a great substitution, and sometimes better. I have already reviewed the Camo CC Cream on the blog, so I will not re-iterate here.

elf+ Matte Oil Control Primer vs. Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

Next is a comparison that I discovered by myself, which is the elf+ Matte Oil Control Primer versus the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer. I do not believe elf intentionally tried to dupe this primer, but they are both a weightless clear gel that feels, applies, and wears the same. Smashbox totally extends the wear time of makeup, making it a top special occasion pick, but having elf around is a tremendous relief. This is $10 compared to $38.

elf Dupe for MAC Paint Pot

Pressing on with the elf dupes for high end makeup, we have the elf Putty Eye Primer versus MAC Paint Pots. elf took MAC’s best shades and ran with them. I have a review on all of the elf Putty Eye Primers, and they have actually discontinued some of the shades! Plenty of beauty gurus have compared the formulas in wear and cannot find a real difference. These are $5 compared to $23.

elf Dupe for Clinique Black Honey

Next is a mostly obvious dupe, which is the elf Sheer Slick Lipstick in Black Cherry versus Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey. elf has an entire line of Sheer Slick Lipstick, so it is not fair to say ‘hey’ they went after the packaging and everything, as compared to Clinique that does not have other shades. I was reviewing them and I realized Black Cherry is the same shade as Black Honey, besides the fact that the bullet is shaped the same, and the packaging is a similar idea. I have worn both shades together on the lips and they look, feel, and wear the same with virtually no difference. This is $5 compared to $20.

elf Dupe for Nars Bronzer

Here is a close but not a 100% dupe, which is the elf Primer Infused Bronzer in Forever Sunkissed versus the Nars Laguna Bronzer. Nars has the slightest amount of shimmer, while elf is a hair lighter. However, when you wear these on the face there is no distinguishable difference. This bronzer shade is so beautiful for many skin tones and is easily an every day favorite. It is the right amount of color without being muddy or orange. This is $6 compared to $38.

elf Dupe for Milk Makeup

The last items in this list of elf dupes for high end makeup requires some explanation. First, elf gave us the Jellypop Dew Primer, which is a clear-red sticky gel that is watermelon scented. It creates a sticky grip on the face for makeup to beautifully adhere to, which prolongs the wear of makeup. Then, elf gave us the Mint Melt Cooling Face Primer. The ingredients of Mint Melt as compared to Jellypop are virtually the same, with some variation that comes due to changing the color and scent.

When elf dropped the Power Grip Primer I got immediately suspicious, because it looks just like the Mint Melt primer in color and texture. They even have the same claims and directions! Beauty gurus keep comparing Power Grip to the Milk Makeup Hydrogrip Primer, saying that the products look, feel, apply, and wear the same. How come they never said this about Mint Melt and Jellypop?! Anyway, Mint Melt and Power Grip have many of the same ingredients, so I am confident we can survive on Power Grip if they discontinue Mint Melt. Really, these are like four dupes, with elf duping itself along the way. This is $10 compared to $34.

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Conclusion

To conclude elf dupes for high end makeup, you can absolutely get the look for less money! You should never feel bad about using less expensive products. At the end of the day when they look, feel, and wear the same, no one will know the difference. A penny saved is a penny earned, right?! elf Cosmetics truly makes excellent quality makeup products that gives high-end and luxury brands a run for their money. You would be silly to not give them a try and see what you are missing. Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.

Do you see any products here that you will save instead of splurge on?

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