There’s a unique thrill in swiping on a lipstick that makes you feel like a million pounds. But when the price tag rivals your weekly grocery shop, it can feel more stressful than satisfying. Thankfully, there’s an entire world of makeup dupes — brilliant, affordable beauty alternatives that deliver luxe results without the luxury markup.

From foundations to lipsticks, highlighters to setting sprays, today’s drugstore shelves are brimming with the best drugstore dupes for cult-favourite high-end products. And the best part? Many of them perform just as well (if not better) for a fraction of the cost.

In this blog post, you’ll discover 12 high-quality dupes for popular prestige makeup products, with side-by-side comparisons, performance reviews, and expert-approved picks that prove great beauty doesn’t need a platinum card. Let’s get saving — and glowing.

What Makes a Product a “Dupe”?

Before we dive into the makeup bag, let’s define what makes a great dupe.

A “dupe” is short for “duplicate” — a product that mimics the look, feel, formula, or performance of a higher-end product but costs significantly less.

A great dupe ticks several boxes:

  • Similar colour payoff and texture
  • Comparable packaging or applicator
  • Similar wear time and finish
  • A much lower price tag

And no, dupes aren’t knockoffs. They’re quality alternatives created by brands that make beauty more accessible to everyone.

12 Makeup Dupes That Rival High-End Favourites

Let’s break down our top picks by category, including real-world feedback and tips for how to get the most out of each one.

Two concealers, one from NARS and the other from Maybelline, resting on a soft white fabric background.

1. Dupe for NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer – £28

Dupe: Maybelline Fit Me Concealer – £6.99

Why spend nearly £30 when Maybelline offers similar creamy coverage with a radiant, natural finish?

Key Comparison:

  • Lightweight but buildable
  • Great for under-eyes and blemishes
  • Similar wand applicator

Let it sit for 30 seconds before blending for more coverage.

2. Dupe for Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Filter – £39

Dupe: e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter – £14

Loved for that glass-skin glow, the Charlotte Tilbury classic now has serious competition. e.l.f.’s version has gone viral — and for good reason.

Why It Works:

  • Dewy without being greasy
  • Gorgeous worn alone or under foundation
  • Huge shade range

3. Dupe for Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Foundation – £30

Dupe: L’Oréal Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation – £11.99

This one’s a makeup artist’s favourite. It’s breathable, long-wearing, and gives that soft matte finish Fenty fans love.

What’s Similar:

  • Blends like a dream
  • Resists sweat and transfer
  • Available in inclusive shades

Two open compact bronzers sit on a light beige surface, casting soft shadows, with a hint of palm leaf shadow in the background.

4. Dupe for Benefit Hoola Bronzer – £30.50

Dupe: Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer – £12.99

This affordable bronzer gives the same sun-kissed warmth with a buttery soft texture and buildable pigment.

Extra Love For:

  • Dreamy coconut scent
  • Skin-loving ingredients
  • No muddy undertones

5. Dupe for Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder – £38

Dupe: Rimmel Match Perfection Loose Powder – £5.99

If you want a lightweight setting powder that doesn’t flashback or cake, Rimmel’s powder is a standout.

Standout Similarities:

  • Sets makeup beautifully
  • Blurs fine lines
  • Doesn’t leave a white cast

6. Dupe for MAC Velvet Teddy Lipstick – £22

Dupe: Revolution Matte Lipstick in “Chauffeur” – £4

This iconic nude shade is nearly identical in tone and texture to MAC’s bestseller, at a fraction of the cost.

Why It’s Beloved:

  • Comfortable matte finish
  • Perfect for everyday wear
  • Gorgeous for all skin tones

7. Dupe for Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz – £23

Dupe: NYX Micro Brow Pencil – £9.50

Tiny tip? Check. Precise strokes? Check. NYX’s brow pencil holds its own with brow buffs everywhere.

Similar Features:

  • Same ultra-slim twist-up tip
  • Lasts all day
  • Great shade range

A close-up of a person holding a spray bottle, mist emanating from the nozzle against a warm, neutral background.

8. Dupe for Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray – £28

Dupe: Milani Make It Last Setting Spray – £12.50

Milani’s setting spray helps your makeup stay in place from day to night without the price sting.

What You’ll Love:

  • Keeps shine at bay
  • Locks in makeup for up to 16 hours
  • Fresh, light mist

9. Dupe for Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara – £25

Dupe: L’Oréal Lash Paradise Mascara – £11.99

L’Oréal’s version gives you fluttery, voluminous lashes with that same fluffy wand.

Similar Benefits:

  • Dramatic lash lift
  • Long-lasting without flakes
  • Easy to remove

10. Dupe for Tarte Shape Tape Concealer – £28

Dupe: e.l.f. 16HR Camo Concealer – £6

Full coverage and crease-resistant? e.l.f.’s concealer is a must-have in any budget beauty kit.

Bonus Features:

  • Matte finish
  • Covers dark circles and blemishes
  • Doesn’t budge for hours

11. Dupe for Becca Champagne Pop Highlighter – £30 (discontinued)

Dupe: Maybelline Master Chrome Highlighter in “Molten Gold” – £8.99

If you missed out on Champagne Pop, this dupe gives the same glow-from-within vibe.

Glow Factor:

  • Highly pigmented
  • Gorgeous on medium to deeper skin tones
  • Affordable strobe effect

12. Dupe for NARS Orgasm Blush – £27

Dupe: Milani Baked Blush in “Luminoso” – £9.50

This universally flattering peach-pink blush gives the same shimmery flush without the splurge.

Why It’s a Winner:

  • Long-wearing formula
  • Subtle shimmer
  • Perfect for that “lit-from-within” look

How to Shop for Makeup Dupes Like a Pro

Shopping for dupes is half art, half science. Here’s how to master the search:

Read the Ingredients List

Similar activities often deliver similar results — look out for shared key ingredients.

Swatch When You Can

Compare colours and textures side-by-side if you’re in-store.

Read Reviews & Watch Tutorials

Influencers and Reddit threads often reveal surprisingly good swaps.

Use Dupe-Finding Apps

Try apps like “Supergreat” or “DupeUp” to identify dupes in real time.

Conclusion: Beauty on a Budget Is Beautiful

Luxury beauty will always have its place — the packaging, the prestige, the indulgence. But smart beauty lovers know that performance doesn’t need a hefty price tag. With these makeup dupes, you can look polished, radiant, and red carpet-ready without ever setting foot in a department store.

The best part? You can experiment, mix, match, and refresh your look regularly, guilt-free.