If you spend entirely too much time scanning social media like I do, you’ve probably encountered a few influencers who seem like they just get you. Whether they’re getting real about parenting, offering sound financial advice, or sharing genius beauty tips, some of these content creators really have a knack for giving the people what they want.
In the world of beauty influencers, Leah Janae, 31, has made a name for herself on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. If you’re a product junkie, Leah is the queen of dupes — she can find the best of the best beauty and makeup dupes that won’t break the bank. If you’re on the hunt for the best drugstore dupes and makeup dupes, Leah found her favorites for The Krazy Coupon Lady … and get this, they’re all under $10.
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Q: As a total dupe expert, what is your favorite dupe?
A: A lot of brands are now launching contour wands, similar to Charlotte Tilbury. I recently picked up the Flower Beauty one, and the formula was pretty spot on!
Q: How are you finding the best deals during inflation? How are you saving money?
A: Despite inflation there are also a lot of sales going on, which definitely helps. I follow a lot of accounts that strictly post deals so I can also share them with my audience. Whenever I spot a decent discount on makeup or a skincare product, I make sure to share. Also, I’m doing a lot more drugstore makeup shopping with Walmart or Target, who seem to have the best prices.
Q: What would you never pay full price for?
A: Bath & Body Works Candles and Too Faced Makeup products. I also don’t like to pay full price on clothes because I know most sites I’m shopping have a coupon code or sale.
Related: 25 Best Drugstore Makeup Dupes of Cult Favorites in 2023
Q: What do you think is the secret gem in the shopping world that no one knows about?
A: That T.J.Maxx literally gets some of their inventory from Sephora and Ulta stores. I find so much good discounted makeup there that is still available full price at those retailers.
Q: What’s your best money-saving advice when it comes to shopping?
A: Don’t impulse buy things just because your favorite content creator may be raving about a product. Always think on it. Watch reviews with someone who has a similar skin type to you. Sometimes a week or two later, you won’t even think about that product anymore since it’s old news.
Q: What beauty launches are you excited for in 2023?
A: There are tons of new perfumes coming out this year that I can’t wait to try! I’ve heard about new fragrances coming from Valentino, Donna Karan, and Carolina Herrera. I am also loving all the new drugstore products coming out this month.
7 Drugstore Dupes Leah Approved
Leah found our long list of 25 Best Drugstore Dupes and put them to the test on a side-by-side comparison. These seven products below were her favorites, and we couldn’t be more shocked with her results! You check out her entire video here.
1. e.l.f. Camo CC Cream ($14) vs. IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Full Coverage Foundation ($44)
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
2. e.l.f. Camo Concealer ($7) vs. Tarte Shape Tape ($31)
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.
Get the e.l.f. Camo Concealer at Ulta
3. Covergirl TruNaked Eyeshadow Palette ($9) vs. Urban Decay Naked3 Palette Eyeshadow ($59)
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.
Get the Covergirl TruNaked palette at Target
4. L’Oreal Lash Paradise Mascara /($6.77) vs. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara ($28)
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.
Get the L’Oreal Lash Paradise Mascara at Amazon
5. NYX Control Freak Eyebrow Gel ($5.99) vs. Makeup By Mario Master Hold Brow Gel ($22)
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. Rimmel Natural Bronzer ($3.97) vs. Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer ($35)
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
7. Maybelline Super Stay Ink Crayon Lipstick ($8.99) vs. Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk ($34)
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).
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