It might be the old makeup artist in me {I worked at MAC during my college years…seriously the best after-school job, free makeup anyone?!} that LOVES a good makeup dupe. I remember when customers would bring a near empty container of whatever item was being discontinued from another line and I would try to come up with a match. This was pre-Pinterest days so it took some trial and error, but I was almost always able to do it.
Now fast forward to today where you can go online and see so many fantastic products that people have found alternatives to, they almost always cost less and still do the trick.
Life with my two littles keeps me running around and my makeup routine is not as elaborate as it was during my MAC days. Most days I struggle to remember to shave both legs let alone finding time to line both eyes. With lots of practice, I have found my favorite items that work for me to create a natural look in under ten minutes. What’s nice is that I can build upon this look if I am doing something later that evening {who am I kidding, I put on my pajamas as soon as I can…but you know, in the rare occasion that I do go out.}.
Oh and before I go on… If you are expecting me to just list three items you are in for a surprise. I said I want a natural look {wink!}.
Anyhow, along with my go-to items, I have also listed some super duper cost effective dupes that I came across and put to the test. I have no idea who originally came up with each dupe as these have been shared quite a bit, a big ‘thank you’ air kiss to those people, whoever you are!
I love Boscia’s BB cream, it hydrates, adjusts to my skin tone, evens out my complexion and does not break me out. Maybelline’s Dream Pure BB Cream does all the things Boscia does AND it has salycilic acid to help keep breakouts at bay {not recommended for my pregnant friends}. A big difference between the two is that Boscia has SPF and Maybelline’s Dream Pure does not, so don’t forget to protect your skin! The Boscia BB cream retails for $38.00 and the Maybelline Dream Pure BB Cream for $8.99.
My favorite concealer of all time is Cle de Peau Beaute’s concealer stick, but at $70, it isn’t something I want to replace monthly. MAC Pro Longwear {$20} is a cult favorite and NYX Hi Definition Photo concealer wand {$4.99} is pretty darn close in consistency and coverage.
Benefit High Beam {$26} and e.l.f. Essential Shimmering Facial Whip {$1…yes really!}. I adore a good highlighter…I have been trying to achieve a JLo glow for the last decade. These two are so dewy and beautiful and don’t require a lot of work or skill to use.
Supposedly contouring is ‘out’ and strobing is ‘in’. Totally fine by me because I am not an expert contourer {made up a word!}, but that does not mean that I don’t need a bronzer and blush combo handy. I love this Nars set {$42}, I am sure everyone has heard of ‘Orgasm’ blush…it really does look good on every skin tone. The e.l.f. Studio Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder {$3} is a great cost effective substitute.
When I am quick to get on the go I use only one light eye shadow. MAC Brule {$16}, it has been my favorite for years {if it is too bone-tone, try Orb} and Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Brulee {$0.99} is so close in color. I do find that the MAC shadow lasts longer without creasing. But if you are in a pinch, you can’t go wrong with the price.
Eyeliners need to have two qualities: be soft to draw on and stay exactly where they are drawn. These two satisfy both qualities. shu uemura Drawing Pencil {$24} and NYX Slide On Eye Pencil {$7.99}.
DIOR’s Diorshow Mascara {$27.50} gives the softest fullest looking fringe, and L’OREAL Voluminous {$7.99} duplicates that lash batting quality for less.
I put lip liners on the shelf for a couple years and picked up gloss instead. So glad I am back on the lining wagon. I really like liner alone for a few reasons, it makes your lips look bigger, it doesn’t move and my hair will not get stuck in it. This is probably one of my favorite dupes because they are both such good products. MAC Boldly Bare Lip Pencil {$16} and NYX Slim Lip Pencil in Peek-a-boo Natural {$3.49}.
If you were keeping track that is $209.50 vs. only $38.44 for the dupes!
Have fun experimenting and please share any dupes that you love!
air kisses,
Shahla
Love this!! Thank you
Aww, thanks! Glad you liked it! Let me know if you find any good dupes out there!