By Vinod Ram 
Let’s be honest: luxury makeup feels amazing, but those price tags? Not so much. The good news is that you don’t need to drain your bank account to achieve that high-end makeup look. Drugstore brands have seriously stepped up their game, creating affordable makeup alternatives that rival their designer counterparts at a fraction of the cost.
We’ve tested, compared, and vetted the best budget beauty dupes that actually deliver on their promises. Here are ten designer makeup dupes you can find at your local CVS, Walgreens, or Target that will save you hundreds of dollars without compromising on quality.
1. e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer vs. Tatcha The Silk Canvas
Price Difference: $10 vs. $52
If you love the smooth, blurring effect of Tatcha’s cult-favorite primer, e.l.f.’s Poreless Putty Primer is your new best friend. Both have that signature silky, putty-like texture that fills in pores and creates a flawless base for makeup. The e.l.f. primer dupe contains squalane for hydration and creates the same velvety finish that makes your foundation glide on effortlessly. At just $10, you’re saving $42 while getting nearly identical results.
This silicone-based primer is perfect for creating that Instagram-worthy, airbrushed look without the luxury price tag.
Where to Find It: Target, Ulta, CVS, Walgreens
2. Maybelline Sky High Mascara vs. Dior Show Iconic Overcurl
Price Difference: $11.98 vs. $32
Maybelline’s Sky High Mascara became a viral sensation for good reason. It delivers the same lengthening, volumizing, and curling effects as Dior’s luxury mascara. The flexible brush captures every lash, and the buildable formula creates that wide-eyed, dramatic look without clumping. Beauty editors and makeup artists have praised this best drugstore mascara repeatedly, and the staying power is impressive for both day and night wear.
The bamboo extract and fibers in the formula provide lash extensions-like volume, making it one of the top cheap makeup finds of recent years.
Where to Find It: Any drugstore, Target, Walmart, Ulta
3. NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation vs. Estée Lauder Double Wear
Price Difference: $16 vs. $52
For those who swear by Double Wear’s legendary staying power, NYX’s Can’t Stop Won’t Stop is the drugstore answer to your prayers. Both offer full coverage foundation, matte finish, and genuinely last all day without fading or oxidizing. The NYX version comes in an impressive shade range and has the same transfer-resistant formula that keeps your makeup intact through heat, humidity, and long workdays.
This long-lasting foundation is ideal for oily skin types and anyone looking for waterproof makeup that won’t budge.
Where to Find It: Ulta, CVS, Target, select drugstores
4. Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder vs. BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector
Price Difference: $5.99 vs. $38
The Wet n Wild highlighter in “Precious Petals” is the holy grail dupe for BECCA’s iconic “Champagne Pop” highlighter. The buttery texture, intense pigmentation, and blinding glow are remarkably similar. This affordable highlighter blends seamlessly, doesn’t emphasize texture, and gives you that lit-from-within radiance that makes people ask about your skincare routine.
At under $6, this is hands-down one of the best makeup dupes under $10 you’ll ever find.
Where to Find It: Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Target
5. L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara vs. Too Faced Better Than Sex
Price Difference: $10.99 vs. $29
This dupe comparison has been debated across beauty forums on Reddit for years, and for good reason—they’re incredibly similar. Both feature hourglass-shaped brushes that grab every lash, deliver intense volume and length, and create that coveted feathery effect. The L’Oréal mascara dupe has slightly less fallout and is easier to remove at the end of the day, making it arguably better than the original.
This is consistently ranked among the best drugstore makeup products and is a makeup artist favorite for both editorial and bridal work.
Where to Find It: Any drugstore, Target, Walmart
6. Milani Baked Blush in “Luminoso” vs. NARS Blush in “Orgasm”
Price Difference: $9.99 vs. $32
Milani’s “Luminoso” is the peachy-pink blush with golden shimmer that beautifully mimics NARS’ most famous shade. The baked blush formula is silky smooth, blends like a dream, and gives cheeks that natural, radiant flush. The color payoff is buildable, and it flatters a wide range of skin tones. This NARS dupe has been a makeup artist favorite for over a decade.
The Italian baked formula creates a seamless, natural glow that’s perfect for everyday makeup looks.
Where to Find It: CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart
7. Flower Beauty Light Illusion Foundation vs. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk
Price Difference: $14.98 vs. $69
Created by Drew Barrymore, Flower Beauty’s foundation delivers the same luminous, skin-like finish as Armani’s luxury formula. Both provide light-to-medium buildable coverage with a natural glow that doesn’t look greasy. The formula is hydrating, wears beautifully throughout the day, and photographs like a dream. This is the best foundation dupe for those who want their skin to look like skin—just better.
This dewy foundation is infused with hyaluronic acid and lotus extract, making it ideal for dry and normal skin types seeking that coveted glowy makeup look.
Where to Find It: Walmart, select CVS locations
8. Essence Lash Princess False Lash Mascara vs. Lancôme Hypnôse
Price Difference: $4.99 vs. $32
At under five dollars, this mascara under $5 is an absolute steal. The green tube version creates dramatic volume and length that rivals Lancôme’s high-end formula. The brush separates lashes beautifully while adding serious drama. It’s no wonder beauty influencers on TikTok and YouTube consistently rank this as one of the best budget mascaras on the market.
The fiber-infused formula and conic brush shape create a false lash effect without the need for extensions or individual lashes.
Where to Find It: Ulta, select Target locations, CVS
9. Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer vs. Too Faced Chocolate Soleil
Price Difference: $14.95 vs. $32
The Butter Bronzer has a cult following for its creamy texture and foolproof formula. Like the Too Faced bronzer, it smells amazing (tropical vibes), blends effortlessly, and provides natural-looking warmth without any orange undertones. The light-as-air texture makes it perfect for both contouring and all-over bronzing, and it works beautifully on various skin tones.
Infused with murumuru butter from the Amazon, this drugstore bronzer is dermatologist-approved and hypoallergenic, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
Where to Find It: Any drugstore, Target, Ulta
10. Revlon ColorStay Lip Liner vs. MAC Lip Pencil
Price Difference: $8.99 vs. $21
Revlon’s lip liners offer the same precision, pigmentation, and longevity as MAC’s iconic pencils at less than half the price. The creamy formula glides on smoothly without tugging, and the staying power is impressive. Available in a range of shades that complement most long-wear lipstick colors, these liners prevent feathering and extend the wear of your lip color throughout the day.
The built-in sharpener makes this affordable lip liner travel-friendly and perfect for on-the-go touch-ups.
Where to Find It: Any drugstore, Target, Walmart, Ulta
Smart Beauty Shopping
You don’t need to spend a fortune to build a high-quality makeup collection. These drugstore makeup dupes prove that luxury results are accessible at budget-friendly prices. By choosing these alternatives, you could save over $200 while achieving the same gorgeous looks.
The key is knowing what to look for and being willing to try products that might surprise you. Many drugstore brands now invest heavily in research and development, creating formulas that compete with—and sometimes surpass—their high-end counterparts.
Pro Tips for Shopping Drugstore Dupes
Keep your receipts. Most drugstores have generous return policies if a product doesn’t work for you. CVS Beauty Guarantee and Walgreens offer full refunds on beauty products.
Check store apps for digital coupons. Use apps like Ibotta and Rakuten for cash back on beauty purchases. Many drugstores offer additional discounts and rewards programs like CVS ExtraCare and Walgreens myWalgreens.
Follow beauty influencers who regularly test dupes. Check out beauty content on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube where creators like Tati Westbrook and NikkieTutorials provide side-by-side comparisons that can guide your purchases.
Don’t be afraid to ask beauty advisors. Stores like Ulta and Target have knowledgeable staff who can recommend makeup alternatives based on your favorite high-end products.
Join beauty communities. Subreddits like r/drugstoreMUA and r/MakeupAddiction are goldmines for dupe recommendations and honest reviews.
Related Reading: More Ways to Save on Beauty
Looking for more affordable beauty products? Check out resources like Temptalia’s Dupe List for comprehensive comparisons, or browse Allure’s Best of Beauty Awards which often feature drugstore winners alongside prestige products.
For cruelty-free makeup dupes, visit Cruelty-Free Kitty to ensure your budget-friendly choices align with ethical shopping values.
Frequently Asked Questions About Makeup Dupes
Are drugstore makeup dupes as good as high-end products? In many cases, yes! Drugstore brands often use similar ingredients and formulations. The main differences usually come down to packaging, brand prestige, and sometimes fragrance.
Where can I find the best makeup dupes? Target, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and Ulta are the best places to shop for affordable makeup alternatives in the USA. Online retailers like Amazon also carry these products with user reviews to guide your choices.
How do I know if a dupe will work for me? Look for products with similar ingredient lists, textures, and finishes to your favorite high-end items. Reading reviews on Influenster and watching YouTube comparison videos can help you make informed decisions.
Remember, expensive doesn’t always mean better. These ten best makeup dupes prove that with a little research and willingness to explore, you can achieve luxury makeup looks without the luxury price tag. Your wallet will thank you, and your makeup collection will look just as stunning.
Whether you’re building your first makeup kit or looking to save money on your beauty routine, these drugstore beauty products deliver professional-quality results. Start with one or two dupes, see how they work for your skin type and preferences, and gradually build your collection of budget-friendly makeup that performs like the luxury versions.
Happy shopping, beauty lovers! Your perfect affordable makeup look is waiting at your nearest drugstore.
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