At VALLEY, we get it – college students need to know how to look good on a budget. Between THON, State Patty’s Day, Valentine’s Day dates and Greek life events, Penn Staters with a busy social schedule this month are trying their best not to break the bank. But when weekend outings call for all the beauty essentials, high-end makeup can get especially pricy.
Why not ditch the Sephora aisles for a cost-effective makeup routine? Buying drugstore makeup is certainly cheaper, but it’s important to make sure you’re not sacrificing quality for the lower price. If you’re a brand junkie on a budget, VALLEY’s here to save you: these five beauty dupes will elevate your look for way less. Plus, every item is available on Amazon – so your next beauty purchase is only one click away!
Check out these dupes to save money while still getting that luxury-makeup feel:
Dupe for KKW Beauty Contour and Highlighter Stick Set ($48): NYX Wonderstick ($9)
In 2017, Kim Kardashian capitalized on her passion for makeup by releasing her very own beauty line. Unsurprisingly, KKW Beauty generated huge sales, and Kim’s revolutionary contour and highlighter sticks became bestsellers. The original set includes a cream contour stick, a cream highlighter stick, and a blending tool on each. The set was originally $48, but since KKW Beauty temporarily ended sales, the product now sells on eBay for as high as $168.
Shoppers who love Kim’s product but aren’t willing to pay the price have found NYX’s Wonderstick, a $9 two-sided highlight and contour stick. Many claim the stick works just as well as Kim’s but for a fraction of the cost.
Dupe for Fenty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer in shade “FU$$Y” ($20): Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in “Rosy Future” ($5)
Since Rihanna first launched her Fenty makeup line, she’s transformed her brand into one of the leading makeup companies on the market. Her products are undoubtedly popular, but they can also be pretty expensive. Trying to get that signature RiRi look without dropping extra cash? Try Revlon’s Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in the shade “Rosy Future” – the swatch color is identical to Fenty’s Lip Luminizer in the shade “FU$$Y,” but it will only cost you $5 instead of $20!
Dupe for Glossier Cloud Paint ($18): Maybelline Cheek Heat Gel-Cream Blush ($6)
Glossier’s Cloud Paint, a two-in-one lip and cheek stain, is known for its dewy feel and easy application. The makeup product is a favorite for all-natural beauty lovers, but its $18 price tag adds up. To avoid the high cost, try Cloud Paint’s drugstore doppelganger: Maybelline’s Cheek Heat Gel-Cream Blush. This product mimics Cloud Paint’s effortless feel while costing way less than other competitors.
Dupe for Tarte Shape Tape Concealer ($30): e.l.f. 16-Hour Camo Concealer ($6)
Just about any beauty guru has Tarte’s famous Shape Tape concealer in their makeup bag. You’ve probably watched countless YouTubers rave about the product in their makeup tutorials, claiming it is a must-have for any beauty routine. However, at $30, some wonder whether the product is worth the price. If you’re not willing to spend on luxury brands, consider e.l.f.’s 16-Hour Camo Concealer instead. Not only is this product more than $20 cheaper; it also works just as well and offers full-face coverage.
Dupe for Too Faced the Chocolate Bar Eye Palette ($74): Milani Gilded Nude Hyper Pigmented Eyeshadow Palette ($15)
Everyone loves a great eyeshadow look, but it’s hard to find a versatile palette for a reasonable price. Many brand-name palettes cost major cash, and Too Faced’s Chocolate Bar Eye Palette is no exception. At $74, this product is probably only worth it if you’re really willing to invest. For a cheaper option, VALLEY recommends Milani’s Gilded Nude palette. The eyeshadow palette has all the essential shades plus a few extras, and it looks nearly identical to the colors that Too Faced offers.
Trying one of these dupes for your next night out? Tweet @VALLEYmag with your new makeup look!
2 Comments