If there's one thing to take away from being a beauty junkie is that it's one expensive hobby! Dull I know, but so very true.
With even drugstore prices now being questionable from time to time!
But thankfully the internet is awash with superb dupe recommendations, meaning that you don't always have to spend to use effective quality products or cave and buy that £30 highlighter!
Although it seems like only yesterday I shared three of my most favourite makeup dupes I thought it was time for a few more with dupes new and old - I hope you find a few bargains here.
L'Oreal Infallible Merry Metals Highlighting Glam Drops (£9.99) vs. Iconic London Illuminator (£32.99)
SAVE £23 BY BUYING THE DUPE!
For the past 6 months, the Iconic London Illuminator drops in 'Shine' have been my go-to when I want to apply liquid highlight.
From a silky high metallic formula that blends a dream to the obvious glow, these drops impress me every time. However, for some, the price may be a little too much so ever since I've loved these I've been picking up and comparing cheaper alternatives. Nothing has compared on formula and high shine, until now that is, with the recently launched limited edition (for Christmas 2018) L'Oreal Infallible Merry Metals Highlighting Glam Drops.
With a saving of over £20 and the fact your receive 1.5ml more product this is a pretty epic dupe. As you can see this isn't a shade dupe however as the lightest shade of the Iconic drops is for paler skin the L'Oreal version will also work just as well and do look very similar when blended over the skin to give that high-shine/glow to the cheekbones.
The biggest similarity here are the formulas, both silky yet not too oily to apply and both blending seamlessly and stays put all day!
I'm thrilled L'Oreal has come out with their own liquid illuminator and have a feeling this launch is going to be one of their best sellers over the festive party period!
Freedom Pro Studio Priming Water (£6) vs. Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water (£22)
SAVE £16 BY BUYING THE DUPE!
Next, a product I picked up a few months back due to the sheer amount of amazing reviews I'd seem of it that often compared it to the Smashbox Primer Water.
Much like the Smashbox primer, this can be used as a primer before makeup as well as a setting spray without being tacky or too heavy for oily skin types. Perfectly light and making liquid foundation apply without as signs of caking around the nose and much smoother over the entire face this is a really nice option over silicone based primers that can often block pores.
Used as a setting spray, this is where you will notice a difference in how better your makeup will wear throughout the day with foundation staying put and not separating or wiping off (if you're an oily gal!).
I sadly can't compare this to the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water but it really does seem to do a very similar job and I couldn't be more pleased with this affordable priming water.
Primark PS Pro Mini Blenders (£2.50) vs. Beautyblender Micro Mini Duo (£14.50)
SAVE £12 BY BUYING THE DUPE!
If beauty blenders are your thing then you may want to give mini ones for under eye concealer, setting powder or even liquid highlighter a go.
But who really wants to spend £14.50 on two miniature sponged? I know I don't!
So thankfully Primark have come to the rescue with their own version for only £2.50. Receiving around 4 or 5 sponges per pack this is incredible value for money and unlike very cheap full-size makeup sponges which can be too firm these are much softer when wet and do grow in size, perfect for use under the eyes to apply product.
The only downside to these, well micro blenders in general, is they do seem to get lost easily and go to the magical land where hair ties and single socks live! However, if you can manage to keep these from bouncing off your desk then I think most people will love them - so handy for setting the under eye with translucent powder.
NYX Slide-On Pencil (£5.50) vs. Urbay Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil (£15.50)
SAVE £10 BY BUYING THE DUPE!
Ever since I got into makeup I've been a fan of the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils, slowly collecting a stash of miniatures and full-size pencils over the years.
The reason for my love - super long lasting creamy kohls in the prettiest gilded and matte shades. But at over £15 per pencil, they aren't cheap so I've always secretly hoped I would find a cheaper brand that did a similar range of creamy metallic kohl liners. And finally after years, I have!
With a slightly more limited range of 17 shades the NYX Slide-on Pencils couldn't impress me more. Being drawn to the metallic finish shades I had to pick up Glitzy Gold (dupe for UD Goldmine) and Golden Bronze (dupe for UD Scorch) which as you can see are two stunning highly pigmented eyeliners that importantly apply creamy yet don't budge when set and last all day.
The best dupes I've found of the Urban Decay 24/7 Eye Pencils and with so many similar crossover shades in both matte and metallic finishes.
You can find a few more makeup dupes of Benefit and Too Faced products here.
If you have any amazing dupes you've come across this year please share them in the comments!
Fee xo.
