Emily VanSchmus | 

25 Best Drugstore Makeup Dupes of Cult Favorites in 2023

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Makeup and beauty products are notoriously expensive, especially if you buy name-brand and designer items. Some high-end products are definitely worth the money, but often you can find a drugstore makeup dupe at a much lower price point. We surveyed The Krazy Coupon Lady readers, staffers, and editors to find the most popular drugstore makeup dupes on the market. Their recommendations do not disappoint.

Our readers shared their best drugstore makeup dupes, and our editors filled us in on some fantastic under-$10 beauty products you’ll want to add to your cart ASAP. We’ve compiled all the products (and where to find them) to make it easy to buy new favorites.

Additionally, we’re breaking down the price difference between all the products so you can decide where to splurge and what to save on.

For more deals and money-saving tips, download The Krazy Coupon Lady app or text DEALS to 57299.

 

Best Drugstore Makeup Dupes

1. e.l.f. Camo Concealer ($7) vs. Tarte Shape Tape ($31)

tarte shape tape and e.l.f. camo concealer price comparison graphic

Reviewers say the e.l.f. Camo Concealer ($7, Ulta) is just as creamy and blendable as Tarte’s famous Shape Tape ($31, Tarte.com). While the e.l.f. bottle is slightly smaller (0.2 ounces compared to Tarte’s 0.33 ounces), you’ll save $24. Plus, e.l.f. products are available at most drugstores and grocery stores, so you can compare shades in person rather than trying to find the perfect match online.

Shop the Tarte Original

Get the e.l.f. Camo Concealer at Ulta

Related: 19 Game-Changing Drugstore Makeup Hacks

 

2. Maybelline Superstay Ink Crayon ($8.99) vs. Bite Beauty Creme Lip Crayon ($27.99)

bite beauty creme lip crayon and maybelline superstay ink crayon price comparison graphic

Bite Beauty is known for their iconic lipstick shades, but after the brand went out of business in 2022, customers are turning to other brands to replicate their favorite hues. Maybelline’s “Lead the Way” ($8.99, Target) is almost the exact same shade as Bite’s “Sugarcane.” Even better, it’s much less expensive than Bite’s original price of $27.99. You’ll save $19 by investing in Maybelline’s Superstay Ink Crayon, plus you can save another 5% if you have a Target RedCard. I’m a personal fan and have three shades of this lipstick. PS, they also have “Enjoy the View,” which is almost a perfect dupe for Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk.

Get the Maybelline Superstay Ink Crayon at Target

 

3. e.l.f. Power Grip Primer ($10) vs. Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer ($36)

milk makeup hydro grip primer and e.l.f. power grip primer price comparison graphic

You don’t need to spend an arm and a leg for a quality primer. Our readers say the e.l.f. Power Grip Primer ($10, elfcosmetics.com) is their go-to drugstore makeup dupe for Milk Makeup’s popular Hydro Grip Primer ($36, Milkmakeup.com). You’ll save $26 by reaching for the cheaper option. Plus, e.l.f.’s website has a special offer where you get two free gifts when you spend $25.

shop the Milk Makeup original

Get the the e.l.f. Power Grip Primer at E.L.F Cosmetics

 

 

4. Revlon’s Photoready Candid Antioxidant Concealer ($8.99) vs. Nars’ Radiant Creamy Concealer ($32)

nars radiant creamy concealer and revlon photoready candid antioxidant concealer price comparison graphic

Revlon’s Photoready concealer ($8.99, Walgreens) was released just a few years ago, but reviewers say they’ve already made it a staple in their makeup bags. It’s more than $23 cheaper than the nearly identical Radiant Creamy Concealer by Nars ($32, Narscosmetics.com). And the Revlon concealer holds 0.34 ounces, compared to Nars’ 0.22, so you get more product for less money. If you can find your perfect shade with Revlon, it’s definitely worth saving the money. It is, however, worth noting that Nars does have almost double the amount of shade options to choose from.

Shop the Nars original

Get the Revlon Photoready concealer at Walgreens

 

5. NYX Control Freak Eyebrow Gel ($5.99) vs. Makeup By Mario Master Hold Brow Gel ($22)

makeup by mario master hold brow gel and nyx control freak eyebrow gel price comparison graphic

The Master Hold Brow Gel ($22, Makeupbymario.com) is one of Makeup by Mario’s most popular products, but it’s almost identical to the NYX eyebrow gel ($5.99, Walgreens). Both are clear gels with a miniature spoolie meant to set your eyebrows in place after penciling or filling them in. The Makeup by Mario bottle is only 0.10 ounces, while the NYX version is 0.30 ounces and $16 cheaper — which means you get three times more product for less than a third of the price. Plus, Walgreens often has special offers with W Cash rewards, like spending $15 on eye makeup and earning $5 W Cash rewards. So look for opportunities like that to save more.

Shop the Makeup by Mario original

Get the NYX eyebrow gel at Walgreens

 

6. e.l.f. Camo CC Cream ($14) vs. IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Full Coverage Foundation ($44)

it cosmetics cc plus cream full coverage foundation and e.l.f. camo cc cream price comparison graphic

IT Cosmetics’ CC+ cream foundation ($44, Sephora) is all the rage with beauty influencers right now. But at $44 for a 1.08-ounce bottle, it’s not cheap. However, e.l.f.’s Camo CC cream ($14, Amazon) is super similar and is $30 less. The e.l.f. bottle contains just 0.03 ounces less than the IT Cosmetics foundation, so we’re almost comparing apples to apples. Both products have SPF built in, although e.l.f.’s is SPF 30 rather than SPF 50.

Shop the IT Cosmetics original

Get the e.l.f. Camo CC cream at Amazon

 

Eyes, Lashes, and Brows Drugstore Makeup Dupes

7. L’Oreal Lash Paradise Mascara /($6.77) vs. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara ($28)

too faced better than sex mascara and loreal lash paradise mascara price comparison graphic

The Better Than Sex Mascara by Too Faced ($28, Ulta) has topped the “best mascara” lists for years, but there’s a new (cheaper) favorite on the market. Reviewers say L’Oreal’s Lash Paradise Mascara ($6.77, Amazon) is now their go-to, and at less than $7 (compared to Too Faced’s $28), it’s a steal. Plus, the L’Oreal product comes in six color combinations and is available as either washable or waterproof. We watched the sales history of the Lash Paradise mascara, and $6.77 seems to be the best price on it since it increased in 2018.

Shop the Too Faced original

Get the L’Oreal Lash Paradise Mascara at Amazon

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8. e.l.f. Cosmetics Brow Lift ($6) vs. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze ($23)

anastasia beverly hills brow freeze and e.l.f. cosmetics brow lift price comparison graphic

E.l.f.’s Brow Lift ($6, Ulta) is almost a perfect match for the popular Brow Freeze by Anastasia Beverly Hills ($23, Sephora), but it’s $17 cheaper. The e.l.f. gel is 0.31 ounces, while the Anastasia product is slightly smaller at 0.28 ounces. And if you have an Ulta Credit Card, you can save an extra 20% on top of that.

Shop the Anastasia beverly Hills original

Get the e.l.f. Brow Lift at Ulta

 

Related: Everything to Know About the Ulta Credit Card: The Good, Bad, and Beautiful

 

9. Covergirl TruNaked Eyeshadow Palette ($9) vs. Urban Decay Naked3 Palette Eyeshadow ($59)

urban decay naked three palette eyeshado and covergirl trunaked eyeshadow palette price comparison graphic

The Naked eyeshadow palettes by Urban Decay have had a cult following for over a decade. The Naked3 palette ($59, Sephora) is the latest release by the brand. But if you can’t justify spending $59 on eyeshadow, the Covergirl TruNaked palette ($9.99, Target) is a very close match for under $10. That’s a savings of $49! Note that the Covergirl palette only includes eight colors instead of the 12 included in the Urban Decay palette. That said, it’s available in four color combinations (805 Nudes and 815 Roses are most similar to the Naked palette). That means you can choose a palette with colors you’ll actually use, and you won’t worry about wasting expensive products if there are shades of the Naked shadows you don’t love.

Shop the URban Decay original

Get the Covergirl TruNaked palette at Target

 

Best Face Drugstore Makeup Dupes

10. Milani Baked Blush Petal Primavera ($8.99) vs. Nars Orgasm Blush ($32)

nars orgasm blush and milani baked blush in petal primavera price comparison graphic

If you love the peachy shade and shimmery finish of Nars’ Orgasm Blush ($32, Sephora), our readers have found an exact match that’s more than $23 cheaper. Milani’s “Petal Primavera” ($8.99, Target) is the same shade and has a similar subtle sheen. Milani is more of a baked, creamy consistency while Nars is a true powder. Even though the Milani is 0.04 ounces smaller, it’s still an insanely good deal for the same look.

Shop the NARS original

Get the Milani baked blush at Target

 

11. e.l.f. No Budge Shadow Stick ($5) vs. Thrive Causemetics Brilliant Eye Brightener ($25)

thrive cosmetics brillian eye brightener and e.l.f. cosmetics no budge shadow stick price comparison graphic

The eye brightener stick ($25, Thrivecausemetics.com) from Thrive Causemetics is an all-in-one eyeshadow product that can be used on your lids, lash line, and corners of your eyes for an instant lift. If you’re on the fence about trying a shadow stick (or if you want to try more shades), the e.l.f. No Budge Shadow Stick ($5, elfcosmetics.com) is essentially the same thing. Think of it this way: you can get five shades of the e.l.f. shadow for the same price as one Thrive Causemetics stick.

Shop the Thrive Causemetics original

Get the e.l.f. No Budge Shadow Stick at e.l.f. cosmetics

 

 

12. Rimmel Natural Bronzer ($3.97) vs. Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer ($35)

benefit cosmetics hoola bronzer and rimmel natural bronzer price comparison graphic

Benefit Cosmetics ($35, Sephora) recently released new blush and bronzer shades, and they’re wildly popular. But if you can’t or won’t spend $35 on a bronzer color you’ve never tried before, grab the Rimmel Natural Bronzer in Bronze ($3.97, Amazon) instead. You’ll pay only about a tenth of the OG’s price.

Shop the Benefit Cosmetics original

Get the Rimmel Natural Bronzer at Amazon

 

Lip Dupes

13. Maybelline Super Stay Ink Crayon Lipstick ($8.99) vs. Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk ($34)

charlotte tilbury pillow talk and maybelline super stay ink crayon lipstick price comparison graphic

TikTokers are claiming that this lipstick ($8.99, Target) is better than the original in terms of lasting power. However, it’s often in limited stock (might be thanks to viral TikTok posts).

Get the Maybelline Super Stay Ink Crayon Lipstick at Target

 

14. NYX Matte Lipstick in Euro Trash ($14.99) vs. Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk ($34)

charlotte tilbury pillow talk and nyx matte lipstick in euro trash price comparison graphic

If you’ve never tried the matte lipstick by NYX ($14.99, Amazon), consider grabbing one next time you need a lip color refresh. Their shade Euro Trash is a close match for Charlotte Tilbury’s iconic Pillow Talk ($34, Sephora), and you’ll save more than $21 by swapping brands. Plus, the NYX lipstick is one ounce, while the Charlotte Tilbury tube only holds 0.12 ounces — so you get way more for your money by saving instead of splurging.

Shop the Charlotte Tilbury original

Get the NYX Matte Lipstick at Amazon

 

15. Maybelline Lifter Gloss Lip Gloss ($6.40) vs. Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb ($20)

fenty beauty gloss bomb and maybelling lifter gloss lip gloss price comparison graphic

Fenty Beauty’s Gloss Bomb ($20, Sephora) has become wildly popular on social media, but our readers have found a nearly identical shade for about a fourth of the price. Maybelline’s Lifter Lip Gloss in Topaz ($6.40, Amazon) has the same shimmery and hydrating consistency as the Fenty gloss, but you’ll spend $14 less. Plus, you can save 20% on the Amazon alternative if you subscribe and save.

Shop the Fenty Beauty original

Get the Maybelline Lifter Gloss Lip at Amazon

 

16. Wet n Wild MegaLast Lip Color in Bare It All ($2.19) vs. MAC Cosmetics Matte Velvet Teddy ($21)

mac costmetics matte velvet teddy and wet n wild megalast lip color price comparison graphic

The MegaLast Lip Color by Wet n Wild ($2.19, Target) is one of the best makeup dupes we’ve ever found. Their Bare It All color is almost the exact same shade and size as MAC’s Velvet Teddy ($14.70, maccosmetics.com), and it’s less than $3. (Yes, really!), You can even throw an extra 5% savings on top of the MegaLast if you have a Target RedCard.

Shop the MAC Cosmetics Original

Get the Wet n Wild MegaLast Lip Color at Target

 

Skincare and Makeup Remover Dupes

17. Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen ($8.99) vs. Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen ($40)

supergoop unseen sunscreen and trader joes daily facial sunscreen price comparison graphic

Sunscreen is something you should never skimp on, so if the ultra-popular Unseen Sunscreen from Supergoop ($38, Ulta) doesn’t fit into your budget, don’t worry. It’s almost identical to Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen ($8.99, Trader Joe’s), which is more than $31 cheaper. They’re both SPF 40 and 1.7 ounces, so it’s definitely worth grabbing the Trader Joe’s version.

Shop the Supergoop original

Get the Daily Facial Sunscreen at Trader Joe’s

 

18. Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water ($7.99) vs. Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover ($31)

clinique take the day off makeup remover and garnier skinactive micellar cleansing water price comparison graphic

Regardless of what kind of makeup you wear, you want to be sure to get it all off at the end of the day. Clinique’s Take the Day Off makeup ($31, Clinique.com) remover is a popular choice, but it’s also fairly expensive for the size of the bottle. Reviewers say Garnier’s micellar cleansing water ($7.99, Target) works exactly the same, and it’s only $8 for 13.5 ounces — compared to $31 for just 6.7 ounces of Clinique.

Shop the Clinique original

Get the Garnier micellar cleansing water at Target

 

19. Peach Slices Snail Rescue Toner ($13.99) vs. Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence ($25)

cosrx advanced snail 96 mucin power essence and peach slices snail rescue toner price comparison graphic

Snail mucin is the “it” ingredient lately. Benefits include hydration, increased radiance, and skin-plumping effects. While the Cosrx Snail Mucin ($25, Ulta) is breaking the internet, you can get the same active ingredient for nearly half the price by opting for this dupe ($13.99, Ulta). The Peach Slices product also has 0.62 ounces more product, despite being much less expensive.

Shop the Cosrx original

Get the Peach Slices Snail Rescue Toner at Ulta

 

20. The Inkey List Omega Water Cream ($10.99) vs. Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream ($70)

tatcha dewy skin cream and inkey list omega water cream price comparison graphic

I have this moisturizer (Sephora, $10.99), and it’s so nice for dry skin. It gives you that glass skin shine that people love about the Tatcha cream (Sephora, $70) but for so, so much less. Plus, you can get 5% off with auto-replenish.

Shop the Tatcha original

Get the Inkey List Omega Water Cream at Sephora

 

21. Carenel Lip Sleeping Mask, 3 ct ($9.90) vs. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask ($24)

laneige lip sleeping mask and carenel lip sleeping mask three count price comparison graphic

This lip mask ($9.90, Amazon) is such a good alternative to the Laneige lip mask ($24, Amazon) that’s all over TikTok. I got the combo pack with three scents, and they smell and feel really nice. I personally prefer it to the OG since that one left my lips feeling a bit dry.

Even better, you can get 5% off if you opt to subscribe and save.

Shop the Laneige original

Get the Carenel Lip Sleeping Mask Set at Amazon

 

22. The Ordinary Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil ($11) vs. Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Oil ($68)

drunk elephant virgin marula oil and the ordinary cold-pressed virgin marula oil price comparison graphic

This oil from The Ordinary ($11, Ulta) contains the same amount of product and the same ingredients as the Drunk Elephant option ($68, Sephora). Both are made of pure marula oil, but the key difference is that one is more than $50 less than the other.

Shop the Drunk Elephant original

Get the Ordinary Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil at Ulta

 

23. Cocokind Resurrection Polypeptide Cream ($26.99) vs. Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream ($70)

tatcha dewy skin cream and cocokind resurrection polypeptide cream price comparison graphic

This moisturizer ($26.99, Target) does the same thing as the Tatcha OG ($70, Sephora) but for $43 less. Both products use plant extracts to hydrate, reduce wrinkles, and increase elasticity. Plus, the Cocokind option is vegan and uses more sustainable environmental practices.

Shop the Tatcha original

Get the Cocokind Resurrection Polypeptide Cream at Target

 

24. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA ($8.90) vs. Sunday Riley Good Genes AHA Lactic Acid ($85)

sunday riley good genes aha lactic acid and the ordinary lactic acid price comparison graphic

The Ordinary lactic acid treatment ($8.90, Ulta) has the same active ingredient as the Sunday Riley original ($85, Sephora) but for 1/10 of the price. Both use lactic acid as an exfoliant and plant extracts and moisturizers to balance out the active ingredient.

Shop the Sunday Riley original

Get the Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA at Ulta

 

25. Timeless Skin Care Vitamin C and E Ferulic Acid Serum (24.99) vs. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic ($182)

skinceuticals c e ferulic serum and timeless skin care vitamin c and e ferulic acid serum price comparison graphic

By opting for this dupe ($24.99, Target) you’re getting the same active ingredients as the SkinCeuticals option ($182, Blue Mercury), Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Ferulic Acid. The Timeless product has 20% Vitamin C, while the SkinCeuticals has 15% Vitamin C. While both use a blend of antioxidants for anti-aging and collagen-building properties, you get more of those same actives in the dupe.

Shop the SkinCeuticals original

Get the Timeless Skin Care Vitamin C and E Ferulic Acid Serum at Target

makeup on display at Target

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