Beauty doesn’t have to make you broke. If you want to shop for the most viral products on a strict budget, here are our fave dupes for bestselling high-end skincare and makeup.
1. Instead of Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm ($24), try Naturium Phyto Glow Lip Balm ($10)
Everyone wants flushed, glossy lips, but lip balms only seem to get more and more pricey. Rest assured: you don’t need to break the bank for a quick swash of color and all-day moisture. Naturium’s dupe for the viral Summer Fridays bestseller comes in a wide range of colors that you can buy in bundles or as individuals. You can also opt for the clear version if you’d like to layer it over your favorite lipstick or lip tint for some extra shine.
2. Instead of SkinFix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream ($54), try Naturium Plant Ceramide Rich Moisture Cream ($25)
Dry skin can be merciless. If you want a nourishing face cream that isn’t super greasy, Naturium’s Plant Ceramide Rich Moisture Cream is a great alternative to higher-end moisturizers that you can use both day and night. It also lies beautifully under makeup and helps your base products blend into the skin. And don’t worry, it won’t leave a super oily sheen if you choose to use it in the AM.
3. Instead of the K18 Leave-In Hair Mask ($75), try 100% Organic Unrefined Coconut Oil ($$ varies)
Healthy hair is a struggle to achieve. K18’s famous bond repair mask can do wonders for damaged locks, but it’s pretty expensive — not to mention, kind of inconvenient to use. Instead, try a coconut oil hair mask right before shampooing. Coconut oil is high in protein and will penetrate your strands to coat them with a protective layer, minimizing future external damage (split ends begone!). To get the most benefit, make sure the oil you’re using is organic and unrefined. Though you can find coconut oil in most grocery stores, this version from Sprouts is my personal favorite.
4. Instead of Too Faced “Better than Sex” Mascara ($29) try L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara ($9.99)
I get what you’re thinking. Too Faced’s “Better than Sex” is the gold standard in mascaras. Trust me, I know. But if that price point looks a little steep, don’t disregard its comparable little sister, L’Oreal’s Lash Paradise. It gives you volume, length, and separation without a scary-looking receipt.
5. Instead of Clinique “Take The Day Off” Cleansing Balm ($38), try Byoma Melting Cleansing Balm ($14.99)
Your makeup remover is arguably the most important step of your beauty routine. All the morning skincare in the world can’t compensate for going to bed without a clean face. For something you’re supposed to use so frequently, it’s hard to justify splurging — especially when you only rub a cleansing balm in for a minute and then wash it off. Byoma’s Melting Balm Cleanser is available at a reasonable price point and features skin conditioning oils/extracts like grapeseed and olive.
6. Instead of CosRX Snail Mucin Essence ($25), try Peach Slices Snail Rescue Blemish Busting Toner Product ($13.99)
This is one of those rare dupes that doesn’t just compare to the original — it outdoes the original. Even though snail mucin is a powerhouse ingredient with lots of hydrating and antibacterial benefits for the skin, CosRX’s famous essence has left some customers disappointed because it feels like, well, mucin. The Peach Slices toner boasts a much lighter and more watery consistency, while still being concentrated with 95% snail mucin.
7. Instead of Benefit Cosmetics Brow Microfilling Eyebrow Pen ($26), try NYX “Lift N Snatch!” Brow Tint Pen ($11.99)
If you know me, you know I have a bone to pick with Benefit Cosmetics. For a pricier brand, their products aren’t nearly as impressive as they should be. I’ve even had their packaging fall apart on me while trying to use a product! NYX’s brow pen is a much more reliable product that will last you for months, even if you use it daily. Confession: in a rush, I’ve also used it as a substitute for gel eyeliner before, but don’t tell my optometrist.
8. Instead of Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 ($38), try Naturium UV Reflect Antioxidant SPF 50 ($26)
Supergoop’s completely clear sunscreen primer is definitely revolutionary. But are 1.7 fluid ounces worth spending almost $40 for? If you don’t think so, Naturium’s more affordable alternative still has everything you could ask for from your sunscreen. It’s invisible on all skin tones, has a watery consistency that absorbs into the skin easily, and also dries down with a slightly tacky feel that’s perfect for keeping any makeup you apply in place. It even boasts a UV protection of SPF 50, which is 10 points higher than the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen.
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