Best beauty dupes: The top products worth your cash priced £15 and under
THERE are reams of high-end beauty products out there, but many cost a small fortune – and they’re often not much better than budget beauty buys.
Fortunately, there are a number of cheap alternatives – known as beauty dupes – which can be just as good as the pricey products.
They can be up to 50% cheaper than the real deal, and often, no one will tell the difference.
However, due to the multitude of dupes out there, it can be difficult to know the difference between a real dupe and one just in similar packaging.
That’s where I’m here to help.
I’ve scoured the web for the very best beauty and make-up dupes, and here’s everything you need on your shopping list.
Best Drunk Elephant dupes
Drunk Elephant is one of our favourite skincare brands, but those gorgeous formulas come with a hefty price tag.
If you’re looking to save some cash, these are some of the best dupes we’ve found for the premium clean beauty brand.
Want more? You can read our full Drunk Elephant dupe round-up here.
Drunk Elephant: D-Bronzi Drops Dupe: Bondi Sands Be Bronze Instant Bronzing & Hydrating
Serum
Bondi Sands Be Bronze Instant Bronzing & Hydrating
Serum, £12.99
If you like a product that does it all, then look towards bronzing drops.
These handy formulas can be tapped onto cheekbones, mixed in moisturiser or swept across cheeks, for an instant glow.
Only yesterday was I chatting with a colleague about the rising popularity of bronzing drops, and it’s safe to say that the trend began a la Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Drops (£34).
However, our Lifestyle Writer Orla Pentelow has discovered a near-identical dupe, at a fraction of the price.
She describes the Bondi Sands Be Bronze Instant Bronzing and Hydrating Serum (£12.99) as: “Easy to blend, build or mix with moisturiser, allowing you to customise your desired level of glow.”
They’re a whopping £21 cheaper than Drunk Elephant‘s offerings and much easier to get your hands on, as the viral skincare brand is renowned for selling out.
Orla adds: “The Bondi Sands option comes in at a fraction of the price of the Drunk Elephant version, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget.”
Drunk Elephant: Beste No.9 Jelly Cleanser Dupe: Byoma Creamy Jelly Cleanser
Byoma Creamy Jelly Cleanser, £10.99
With options spanning from gels to oils and creams, choosing a cleanser can be complicated.
However, I’m a die-hard gel cleanser fan, as this type of cleanser is suitable for most ages and skin types, and works well as both a makeup remover and a general face wash.
Like most of Drunk Elephant‘s products, the Beste No.9 Jelly Cleanser (£31) went viral for its luxe formula and vibrant packaging.
And whilst it’s a great cleanser, there are some brilliant, cheaper alternatives, like Byoma Creamy Jelly Cleanser (£10.99) – whose packaging is arguably just as fun.
This non-nonsense formula is fuss-free and simple, and it’s suitable for all ages and most skin types.
It’s packed with ceramides and fatty acids which help boost your barrier for smoother, hydrated skin.
Best Revolution Pro dupes
Revolution Pro is smashing it recently, and shoppers can’t stop stocking up on the brand.
You can find dupes of Charlotte Tilbury and Dior, and great products in their own right.
Want more? Read our full Revolution Pro dupe round-up here.
Charlotte Tilbury: Magic Cream Dupe: Revolution Pro Miracle Cream
Revolution Pro Miracle Cream, £10
You can’t type ‘beauty dupes’ into the internet without seeing image after image of the Revolution Pro Miracle Cream (£10).
This moisturiser, which beauty fans have likened to Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream (£52), promises an instant glow and a plumper complexion – just like the Charlotte Tilbury offering.
So, I had to give it a go and, honestly, I was surprisingly impressed.
I’ve used Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream religiously in the past, so I know its thick, luscious texture like the back of my hand.
This is the first thing to note about Revolution Pro Miracle Cream is that it has a much lighter texture, which isn’t worlds away from a water cream.
However, when applied to the skin, it has a similar feel to Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream, so I can understand why so many people have raved about the similarities.
The Revolution Pro Miracle Cream sunk into my skin, offering an instant hydration hit, without feeling heavy or greasy.
And whilst it doesn’t quite give my skin the same ‘glow’ as Magic Cream, it brightened my complexion and gave my skin a fresh, dewy look.
Dior: Addict Lip Glow Oil Dupe: Revolution Pro Eternal Rose Lip Oil Rosy
Revolution Pro Eternal Rose Lip Oil Rosy, £7
Last year, there was one product everyone wanted: Dior Lip Glow Oil (£32).
During the winter, I kept this lipgloss in my coat pocket at all times, as I can always rely on it for a quick hydration burst.
I love its lightweight non-sticky formula, but I’m less of a fan of its pricetag – which quickly adds up when you use it as much as I do.
So, I’ve jumped ship to Revolution Pro Eternal Rose Lip Oil Rosy (£7) which moisturises lips and provides a flattering rosy glow, just like DIOR.
The oil has amassed several rave reviews, with one shopper saying “Nice and light while adding moisture and a hint of colour”, while another adds “It is hydrating and a little goes a long way.”
Another adds: “Leaves a nice shine and has a subtle rose scent,” adding “Consistency isn’t sticky [and] has a slight tint to it.”
READ MORE:
- Best Revolution Beauty dupes
- Best Rare Beauty dupes
- Best e.l.f dupes
- Best Drunk Elephant dupes
- Best Beauty Pie dupes
- Best Charlotte Tilbury dupes
Best e.l.f dupes
If you love beauty brands e.l.f., then you’re in luck, we’ve highlighted some of our favourite products, including the Melting Touch Lip Balm, and Flawless Filter dupe.
We’ve highlighted our favourites here in our full e.l.f Dupe roundup – if you’re looking to stock up, don’t miss out.
Iconic London: Melting Touch Lip Balm Dupe: e.l.f Pout Clout Lip Plumping Pen
e.l.f Pout Clout Lip Plumping Pen, £8
From stunning, shimmering highlighters to rosy blushers that blend like a dream, I’d be hard-pressed to pick a favourite product from ICONIC London.
However, one product that I always have in my handbag is Iconic London Melting Touch Lip Balm (£19).
Not quite a lipstick, or lip balm, it offers the pigment and coverage of lipstick and the hydrating, glossy finish of a balm.
It’s perfect for adding a hydrating hit of colour to your lips and doesn’t require faffing about with a lip liner.
I’m a huge fan of the formula, and when e.l.f launched Pout Clout Lip Plumping Pen (£8), I couldn’t help but spot the similarities.
Just like Iconic London, Pout Clout melts onto your lips for a smooth finish, with the added edition of plumping.
I usually swerve plumping glosses, as I’m not a fan of tingly, uncomfortable formulas, but the e.l.f Pout Clout Lip Plumping Pen doesn’t fall foul of this.
Whilst the plumping results aren’t nearly as dramatic as other competitors (think Too Faced Lip Injection and Charlotte Tilbury Plumpgasm), the formula still adds a bit of volume to the lips.
Charlotte Tilbury: Hollywood Flawless Filter Dupe: e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter
e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter, £15
Every now and then, one make-up product will take the internet by storm, impress beauty editors, and sell out (pretty much) everywhere.
And, it’s safe to say, e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter (£15), is one of them.
Wind the clock back a couple of years and you literally could not get your hands on this product.
This budget foundation became an internet sensation almost overnight, thanks to its similarities with Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter (£39).
Offering a dewy, barely-there coverage, e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter illuminates the complexion and promotes a natural glow.
Similar to Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter, it’s formulated with finely milled powders to provide coverage, create an even skin tone, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores.
Shoppers can’t help but rave about the similarities – and the calibre of results – with one saying: “Okay, so, we all got excited when Elf released this product because it’s their take on the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter.”
Adding: “Let me tell you, this blows CT out of the water! Halo Glow is a must-have for beautiful, glowing skin. It is advertised as ‘complexion boosting’, but offers some coverage!”
Best Rare Beauty dupes
Selena Gomez’ Rare Beauty has been a hit with shoppers since its launch in 2020, and the brand keeps pumping out hit after hit.
Of course, this has meant shoppers have been looking for affordable alternatives, and boy, have some brands delivered.
Here are our faves, but you can read our full Rare Beauty dupe round-up here.
Rare Beauty: Soft Pinch Liquid Blush Dupe: e.l.f. Camo Liquid Blush
e.l.f. Camo Liquid Blush, £7
Liquid blush is a game-changer.
Unlike powder blush, it’s less likely to set into fine lines and has a vivid, pigmented finish.
Rare Beauty’s Liquid Blush (£22) is one of the best on the market, thanks to its sumptuous formula that can be blended easily with either a brush or with fingers.
The shade lineup is stunning too and spans from a deep blackcurrant shade to dusty pinks.
However, if £24 is a little on the pricey side for you, then look towards e.l.f. Camo Liquid Blush (£7) which launched earlier this year.
It’s part of e.l.f’s Camo family – known and adored for its full-coverage Camo Concealer – and has all the same qualities.
The blush has a rich, powerful pigment, but can still be dialled up and down to create your desired look.
Our Lifestyle Writer Maisie Bovingdon, says: “The nourishing formula is super lightweight and easy to blend, plus it’s buildable, which is perfect for those who like a bold blush.”
Shoppers agree too, with one saying: “LOVE!!! I got the shade ‘bronze bombshell’ and it is SO pigmented. the consistency and amount of colour is comparable to the much pricier Rare Beauty blush.”
Best Charlotte Tilbury dupes
Fan of Charlotte Tilbury? Who isn’t?
We love Charlotte Tilbury, with everything from her Magic Cream to her iconic Pillow Talk, but if you’re looking for some cheaper alternatives then we got you.
Here are some of our favourite Charlotte Tilbury dupes, and you can read our full Charlotte Tilbury dupe round-up here.
Charlotte Tilbury: Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray Dupe: Milani Make It Last Setting Spray
Milani Make It Last Setting Spray, £11.60
Setting spray is a product that I never used to have in my make-up bag.
Every time I tried it, I’d break out and it never really did a great job of setting my make-up, anyway.
But, when I discovered Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray (£32), my opinions changed.
This setting spray dispenses a fine mist which forms a veil over your make-up, locking it in place without feeling sticky or wet.
However, at £32 a pop, it’s not light on the wallet.
So, I’m glad I’ve found Milani Make It Last Setting Spray (£14.50) which offers similar results at a fraction of the price.
Just like the Charlotte Tilbury alternative, it distributes a lightweight mist which locks in your make-up.
Its pump isn’t quite as fine, so the formula feels a little wetter on the skin, and has a slightly stronger smell, but it does prevent smudges all day long.
Charlotte Tilbury: Pillow Talk Push-Up Lashes Dupe: H&M Lengthening Mascara,
H&M Lengthening Mascara, £8.99
Mascara is by far my favourite make-up product – nothing else helps make me look quite so awake – so I’ve tried more products than I’d care to admit.
Whilst there are a number of luxury mascaras that I rate, such as Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push-Up Lashes (£28), there are several budget offerings that are just as good.
I love Charlotte Tilbury’s mascaras for its vertigo-inducing lash lengthening, but I’ve found that the H&M Lengthening Mascara (£8.99) is just as good.
It only costs about the same as a couple of coffees, but it instantly teases lashes to new heights without clumping or weighing them down.
The mascara has a smudge-proof formula and a fine-tooth comb that can reach the shorter lashes at the inner and outer corners of your eye.
What’s more, it’s a breeze to remove – I usually do it with micellar water.
Best Beauty Pie dupes
Beauty Pie has taken the beauty world by storm and features some great dupes of big-name brands at discounted prices for their members.
Looking for more? You can read our full Beauty Pie dupe round-up here.
Beauty Pie: Super Healthy Hair Luscious Moisture Hair Mask Dupe: Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask
Beauty Pie Super Healthy Hair Luscious Moisture Hair Mask, £10
A hair mask never used to feature in my haircare routine, mainly because I’m much too impatient.
However, I’ll always make time for the Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask (£27.85).
I’ve got very thick hair, which is prone to dryness, but this hydrating hair mask injected a bit of life back into my locks after just one use.
Formulated with deeply nourishing argan oil, it hydrates hair and scalp for softer, smoother hair, without any greasiness or weight down.
However, our Freelance Lifestyle Writer Maisie Bovingdon has found a brilliant, cheaper alternative that’s just as fantastic.
She says: “When I apply Beauty Pie Super Healthy Hair Luscious Moisture Hair Mask (£10), which is the consistency of a cream, to my hair I will leave it all day and wash it out in the evening, or overnight.”
Masie adds: “When washed out my hair has fewer flyaways, and is super soft, especially after styling.”
Just like Moroccanoil, the Beauty Pie formula is packed with nourishing argan oil, alongside hydrating hyaluronic acid and vitamin B3, for stronger, healthier locks.
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