We’ve all heard a rendition of the age-old classic, “The Prince and the Pauper.” The regal, magnificent prince trades places with the rejected, overlooked pauper for a day – and not a single soul recognizes the difference. While people claim fairytales aren’t real, there’s definitely some truth behind the Mark Twain novel. Today, thousands of women and men alike are promoting the cosmetics industry with their social media influence, innovative makeup techniques and, of course, product advertising.
But what if I told you that you don’t need to run your bank account into the ground to achieve a glow space aliens can see from Mars? Or contour as sharp as cheddar cheese?
A number of well-known publications such as Allure, Glamour, Independent and Metro have all picked up on the trend that’s taking the makeup industry by storm: makeup dupes. Short for “duplicate”, a “dupe” is a product that acts as an alternative to a high-end makeup product that can cost way more money.
The following tools are just a few of many products you can swap out to save a few extra dollars this semester.
- Color corrector
High-end: Left
Correct Click Color Corrector by Cover FX, in the shade Peach, $18
Dupe: Right
Dark Circle Concealer by NYX Cosmetics, in the shade Medium, $5.99
Verdict
Both color correctors serve their purpose: they eliminate dark circles and make applying concealer much smoother with more coverage. Both products also have the same consistency – a little goes a long way.
- Mascara
High-end: Right
Better Than Sex by Too Faced, in the shade Carbon Black, $23
Dupe: Left
Wonder’Lash Lift Me Up by Rimmel London, in the shade Extreme Black, $6.78
Verdict
In 2016, Better Than Sex was voted the best-selling mascara by teenVOGUE on an international level. Rimmel London provides a great alternative for nearly a quarter of the cost. Both products are waterproof.
3.Foundation
High-end: Left
Studio Skin Foundation by smashbox, in the shade 3.15, $42
Dupe: Right
FIT ME! Dewy + Smooth by Maybelline, in the shade 240 – Golden Beige, $4.99
Verdict
Both foundations provide hydration for normal-to-dry skin while creating a smooth, natural finish. They provide medium coverage with natural ingredients.
4. Highlighter
High-end: Left
Radiant Luminizing Drops by SEPHORA, in the shade Ultra Light, $14
Dupe: Right
Shimmer by elf, in the shade Gold, $6.44
Verdict
Both highlighters, like many others, are designed to provide definition to your face by illuminating the areas on your face where natural light hits, like your cheekbones. The SEPHORA illuminator is liquid, while the elf shimmer is powder.
5. Lipstick
High-end: Left
GEN NUDE by bareMinerals, in the shade Scandal, $18
Dupe: Right
Soft Matte Lip Cream by NYX Cosmetics, in the shade Berlin, $5.99
Verdict
Both products are matte liquid lipsticks that dry quickly without drying your lips out. The colors are nearly an exact match and both provide adequate coverage without too many coats.
These are just few of many products that you can find inexpensive, nearly identical replicas for. It’s official: makeup products have their own doppelgangers, and they’re called dupes.
Photo credit: C. Mahabir
