Budget Beauty
Looking great doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg. Here are 5 drugstore beauty dupes that work just as well as their high-end counterparts.
Primer Dupe
As far as primers go, the Vitamin Enriched Face Base from Bobbi Brown ticks a lot of boxes. It’s hydrating, smells delightful and gives an amazing glow to the skin. Keeping this in mind, you can imagine my surprise when I tried the Penneys Vitamin Enriched Moisturising Primer, which worked just as well (if not better), for a fraction of the price.
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base €54, visit brownthomas.com
PS Prep and Perfect Vitamin Enriched Moisturising Primer €5, visit Penneys
Mascara Dupe
Lancôme proves time and time again that they are the quintessential mascara fanatics. A wand for almost every lash time, countless formulas and blacker-than-black shades - it’s not a surprise the brand is a cult-classic. If mascara isn’t something you tend to bother with on a daily basis, why not try this affordable dupe from Essence? At under €5, it’s a steal.
Lancôme Hypnose Doll Eyes Waterproof Mascara €28, visit mcelhinnys.com
Essence Lash Princess Mascara €4.10, visit mccabespharmacy.com
Glow Dupe
Charlotte Tilbury is making the rounds online for their miracle product, the Hollywood Flawless Filter, which acts as a primer, illuminator and spot highlighter so you can achieve radiant looking skin. At €40, it might not be in everyone’s price range but L’Oreal has a product that works quite similarly to the Flawless Filter at a fraction of the cost. The only downside to the Glow Enhancer Lotion is that the shade range is definitely lacking in comparison to Charlotte Tilbury but if this doesn’t bother you, glow away.
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter €40, visit charlottetilbury.com
L’Oreal Paris Glow Cherie Natural Glow Enhancer Lotion €6.50, visit boots.ie
Concealer Dupe
Tarte Shape Tape took the world by storm when it first emerged. A full coverage concealer that melts into the skin? Yes, please.
The only downside is the price. €28 for a concealer is quite steep, especially if you have a couple of different shades on the go for concealing, brightening and contouring. The Maybelline Anti-Age Eraser has a similar formula and almost identical finish without you having to splurge.
We love it.
Tarte Shape Tape Concealer €28, visit tartecosmetics.com
Maybelline Anti Age Eraser Eye Concealer €11, visit beautybay.com
Lipstick Dupe
When someone brings up their favourite nude lipstick, my mind immediately jumps to Huda Beauty. I love their formulas, shade ranges and the packaging is uber luxurious.
One thing I don’t love, however, is the price. And as someone who goes through lipstick faster than you can say Jack Robinson, it’s just not worth it. This dupe from NYX ticks all of the boxes for me, and dare I say it, is more long-lasting.
Huda Beauty Power Bullet Lipstick Interview €30.99, visit asos.com
NYX Professional Makeup So Matte Lip Cream Rome €7.95, visit lookfantastic.ie