Let me start with a confession: I’m a sucker for luxury makeup. There’s something about the sleek packaging, the buttery formulas, and the way it makes me feel like a glamorous movie star. But here’s the thing—my bank account hates me for it. I mean, 50 for a foundation? 30 for a mascara? It’s enough to make me want to cry into my empty wallet.
That’s why I’ve made it my mission to find the best drugstore dupes for high-end makeup. And let me tell you, I’ve found some serious gems. These dupes aren’t just “good for the price”—they’re legitimately amazing. So, if you’re like me and want to look like a million bucks without spending it, keep reading. I’m sharing my top picks that will make you ditch your high-end favorites (and save you a ton of cash).
1. Foundation: Flawless Base on a Budget
High-End Pick: Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation
My Drugstore Dupe: Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation Makeup
Pro Tip: Use a damp beauty sponge for a seamless, airbrushed finish.
Why I Love It: This foundation is my holy grail. It’s full coverage, matte, and lasts all day. I’ve worn it through weddings, work marathons, and even a sweaty spin class (don’t judge), and it didn’t budge. Plus, it’s buildable, so you can go from natural to full glam in seconds.
2. Mascara: Lashes That Wow
High-End Pick: Benefit They’re Real! Mascara
My Drugstore Dupe: L’Oreal Paris Makeup Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara
Why I Love It: This mascara gives me the same voluminous, fanned-out lashes as Benefit’s—but for a fraction of the price. The brush is almost identical, and it doesn’t clump or flake. I’ve gotten so many compliments on my lashes since switching to this.
Pro Tip: Wiggle the wand at the base of your lashes for maximum volume.
3. Highlighter: Glow Like a Goddess
High-End Pick: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector
My Drugstore Dupe: Wet n Wild MegaGlo
Why I Love It: This highlighter is insane. It gives me that blinding, pearlized glow that catches the light perfectly. I’ve even had friends ask if I was wearing Becca—nope, just Wet n Wild!
Pro Tip: Apply to the high points of your face (cheekbones, brow bones, and cupid’s bow) for a radiant finish.
4. Lipstick: Bold Color Without the Price Tag
High-End Pick: MAC Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in “Ruby Woo”
My Drugstore Dupe: Maybelline Color Sensational Ultimatte Matte Lipstick
Why I Love It: This lipstick is just as pigmented and long-lasting as MAC’s. The matte finish is velvety and comfortable, and it doesn’t dry out my lips. I wear “Divine Wine” everywhere—from date nights to Zoom meetings.
Pro Tip: Use a lip liner to prevent feathering and extend wear time.
5. Eyeshadow Palette: Luxury Looks for Less
High-End Pick: Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette
My Drugstore Dupe: Makeup Revolution Maxi Reloaded Palette, Eyeshadow Palette
Why I Love It: This palette is a dead ringer for Modern Renaissance. The shades are buttery, blendable, and highly pigmented. I’ve created so many stunning looks with it, and no one can tell it’s not ABH.
Pro Tip: Use a primer to make the colors pop and prevent creasing.
6. Setting Spray: Lock It In
High-End Pick: Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
My Drugstore Dupe: NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Makeup Setting Spray – Matte Finish
Why I Love It: This setting spray keeps my makeup in place for hours, even in humid weather. It’s lightweight, doesn’t leave a sticky residue, and works just as well as Urban Decay’s.
Pro Tip: Hold the bottle 8-10 inches from your face and spray in an “X” and “T” motion for even coverage.
7. Concealer: Brighten and Perfect
High-End Pick: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
My Drugstore Dupe: Maybelline New York Fit Me Liquid Concealer Makeup
Why I Love It: This concealer is hydrating, full coverage, and doesn’t crease under my eyes. It brightens my face and makes me look like I’ve had eight hours of sleep (even when I’ve had two).
Pro Tip: Apply in a triangle shape under your eyes to brighten and lift your face.
8. Eyebrow Pencil: Perfect Brows on a Budget
High-End Pick: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz
My Drugstore Dupe: NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Blade & Shade Brow Pencil, Nano Mechanical Eyebrow Pencil
Why I Love It: This pencil has a fine tip for precise application and a spoolie brush for blending. It’s creamy, long-lasting, and gives me the same natural-looking brows as ABH.
Pro Tip: Use light, feathery strokes to mimic natural brow hairs.
Why I’m Obsessed with Drugstore Dupes
Let’s be real: I’ll always have a soft spot for luxury makeup. But these drugstore dupes have saved me so much money without sacrificing quality. Plus, they’ve given me the freedom to experiment with trends without breaking the bank.
My Advice: Invest in high-end staples (like foundation) and use drugstore dupes for trendy or seasonal items (like eyeshadow palettes). That way, you get the best of both worlds.
FAQs (Steal These Featured Snippets!)
Q: Are drugstore dupes really as good as high-end products?
A: Yes! Many drugstore brands use similar formulas and ingredients to luxury brands, so you can achieve the same look for less.
Q: How do I find the best dupes?
A: Look for products with similar textures, finishes, and shades. Reviews and swatches can also help you compare.
Q: Can I mix drugstore and high-end makeup?
A: Absolutely! Many makeup artists use a mix of both to create flawless looks.
Q: What’s the best way to save money on makeup?
A: Invest in high-end staples (like foundation) and use drugstore dupes for trendy or seasonal items (like eyeshadow palettes).
Final Take: You don’t need to break the bank to look like a million bucks. With these drugstore dupes, you can achieve the same high-end looks for a fraction of the cost. Trust me, your wallet (and your face) will thank you.
P.S. Still skeptical? Try one dupe and see for yourself. I promise, you’ll be hooked. 
Disclaimer: I do receive a small commission from the items bought. Which helps support what I do. Thank you so much in advanced if you decide to try any products!