Cheap alternatives for popular makeup
Image adapted from: stylelobster
Heartache is real, and many of us experience it every time we walk into Sephora and emerge empty-handed because we can’t afford all their premium products. But hold up – shopping for makeup doesn’t always have to be a wallet-draining experience.
With these cheap alternatives to some extravagant high-end products, you can now amass an extensive collection of makeup products and flaunt that on-fleek look without spending an unsettling amount of money:
1. Clarisonic Face Cleansing Brush ($260) vs. Miniso Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush $25.90
Image credit: bridalmusings
There’s been plenty of hype surrounding this Clarisonic Face Cleansing Brush ($260), but despite stellar reviews about how deeply this cleanses, many of us would rather use our bare hands in the cleansing process than splurge on this extravagant tool.
Image credit: carousell
But if you’d still like to experiment with a facial brush, opt of Miniso’s Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush ($25.90). Although its harder bristles might need some getting used to, this waterproof device will probably give you similar results in terms of deep-cleansing and exfoliation.
Read more about the best buys you can get at Miniso.
2. Real Techniques Travel Essential Set ($39) vs. Miniso Makeup Brush Set ($9.50)
Image credit: @realtechniques
We’ve seen countless beauty gurus on YouTube reach for Real Technique’s makeup brushes in their makeup tutorials. But for those of us who cannot comprehend spending more than $10 on a brush alone, forking out $39 for their travels essentials set of 3 just isn’t an option.
Image credit: Miniso Philippines
Fortunately, Miniso has their own line of brushes. For just $9.50, you can get a set of 3 brushes – a multi-purpose brush, foundation brush, and an eyeshadow brush – that look exactly like Real Technique’s and a nifty pouch to store them in.
We hear that these duped brushes also have soft bristles that will pick up products well and aid you in effortless, streak-free blending!
3. Too Faced Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush ($42) vs. I Heart Makeup Blushing Hearts ($12.90)
Image credit: vanityrouge
There’s no disputing the fact that Too Faced has some of the cutest makeup products on the market. But since their Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blushes are retailing for a whopping $42, don’t feel like you’re being two faced about switching loyalties for a cheaper version of these beautiful tri-toned blushes.
Image credit: Pinterest
Featuring four different shades in virtually the same heart-shaped packaging, I Heart Makeup’s Blushing Hearts ($12.90) is the perfect substitute for Too Faced’s line of Flush Blushes. With the same shimmery effect, buildable colour, and non-chalky texture, this long-wearing blush will give you that perfect glowy flush at a fraction of the cost!
4. Guerlain Météorites Illuminating Powder Compact ($89) vs. MUJI Lucent Powder ($16.90)
Left: Guerlain, Right: MUJI. Image adapted from: Sephora and Muji
With their expanding range of makeup products, MUJI’s come up with their own Lucent Powder that has an uncanny resemblance to Guerlain’s unusually coloured Météorites Illuminating Powder Compact ($89). For just $16.90, MUJI’s luminous compact will give you the same glow as a high-end illuminating powder without emptying the contents of your wallet.
5. Beauty Blender original ($32) vs. Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge ($16)
Image credit: @beautyblender
Despite it being around for years now, Beauty Blenders remain a long-standing favourite among influencers and beauty gurus. But let’s face it – no matter how much of an even application this gives you, $32 for a mere sponge is daylight robbery.
Image credit: alovelyallure
But you don’t have to resort to cutting up kitchen sponges just to save money – you can still jump on this beauty bandwagon with Real Technique’s Miracle Complexion Sponge ($16) for half the price!
These sponges will not only pick up and deposit your makeup products as effectively, but also sport a chiseled end that’ll help you reach crevices such as the corners of your nose. Get yours at any Guardian or Sephora store and flaunt that flawless finish.
Read our article on other Beauty Blender dupes here!
6. Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm ($28) vs. Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain ($20.90)
Left: Clinique, Right: Revlon. Image adapted from bestthingsinbeauty and beautyheaven
Picking a shade from Clinique’s Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm collection can be an overwhelming experience – especially when each stick costs $28.
But you can shave a considerable amount off your purchase with Revlon’s Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains ($20.90) that come in practically the same shades and packaging as Clinique’s. These affordable lippies infused with a subtle hint of peppermint will moisturise your lips without leaving a greasy finish, and stain them with a vibrant, long-lasting gloss that will stay for up to 7 hours.
7. NARS Mini Blush & Bronzer Duo ($36) vs. e.l.f. Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder in Fiji ($11.70)
Left: NARS, Right: e.l.f. Image adapted from: brigettesboutique and projectvanity
Why pay $36 for NARS’ Mini Blush and Bronzer Duo when you can get an identical product with comparable colour pay-off from e.l.f.’s Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder ($9.50) for a quarter of the price?
Like its NARS equivalent, this power duo has the same shimmer and pigmentation that will give you a peachy blush and a warm, glowy bronze with a staying power of 4-5 hours. Head on over to Shopee to snag this handy compact and start slaying with the contour.
8. Urban Decay Naked3 Palette ($74.90) vs. Makeup Revolution Iconic 3 Redemption ($11.50)
Top: Makeup Revolution’s Iconic3, Bottom: UD’s Naked3. Image credit: stylelobster
Urban Decay’s Naked3 palette ($74.90) has undoubtedly seduced beauty enthusiasts with their gorgeous, highly-pigmented eyeshadows. However, not all of us can afford to keep up-to-date with UD’s ever-expanding collection.
Image credit: stylelobster
But, hold up – Makeup Revolution has #blessed us with their Iconic 3 Redemption Eyeshadow Palette for just $11.50 on Shopee. Swatch them side by side and you’ll see that this godsend even has all the same pigmented rosy shades, and blends just as easily as the original!
Makeup dupes for days
Now that you’ve discovered these gems, you don’t have to feel too guilty about spending on cosmetic products. So go forth and update your makeup bag with these budget alternatives to doll up for less and enjoy bragging rights as lobang queen.
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