Share your best "dupe"

[Nicpem1982]

I've recently replaced all of my make up and have made the switch from high end to cheaper brands I used to buy lancome, Clinique, ysl, dior, mac, benefit and urban decay however when everything needed replacing I didn't feel I could justify 400 pounds plus so now switched to a couple of cheaper brands

The best switches I've made are

Elf primer instead of soft box saving 20.00

Make up revolution eyeshadow pallet instead of urban decay naked pallet saving 33.00

I literally can not tell the difference between high end and cheap and cheerful so what are your best dupes/switches?

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Hello, this thread is a little old and the links are out of date. Take a look at this handy page for a round-up of Mumsnetters' favourite beauty dupes.

[Partypopper123]

I love the revolution eye shadows, I do agree that powder drops a bit, particularly on the sparkly ones, but £4!! Come on! It's a massive saving.

[McDougal]

I second the revolution eyeshadows and freedom pomade. Both are fantastic and stay put (as long as I've used a primer for the eyeshadows).

I've only just ordered the new concealer from MUR and I've got high hopes it'll save me £15 compared to Mac

I'm yet to find a cheaper foundation that doesn't slide off my face though. I go between DW and Mac Pro Longwear as nothing shifts them.

[WhiskyChick]

I have the maybelline 24 hour lippy! It's amazing, I love that it stays all day and even all night without reapplication.

I'm watching this thread with interest, I'm looking for more cheap eye shadow palettes. I like the Sleek ones from Superdrug... I'm currently trying to improve my eye shadow application

[Nicpem1982]

Mcdougal - I have the new Mur concealer its very good I've previously used benefit boing and touché éclait

[CharizMa]

an american you tuber said that boots no7 beautifully light matt make up is a dupe for chanel les beige foundation. No it aint. I wore it today and it was matt alright but the coverage wasn't as good and it made my skin feel very dry.

[CharizMa]

I think I'm going to buy cheap everything else but expensive foundation

[Nicpem1982]

Chariz- I think it's a case of finding something that works for your skin

[redfragglebiker]

Revlon colourstay foundation is a near dupe for Estee Lauder doublewear

[Nicpem1982]

I didn't get on with no 7 but do get on with nyx

[domesticslattern]

I found Number 7 foundations outperformed my Laura Mercier/ Nars/ Bobbi Brown/ Lancome at a fraction of the price.
I am prepared to believe it was luck that I got a good colour match and that the formula happens to really suit my skin. Worth a look though as they colour match you very quickly with one of those machines- much quicker than at other beauty counters.

[McDougal]

That sounds promising, Nic. I'd love to not skint myself every time I need to restock.

I'll definitely check revlon out too, red. It's the shade that I can't get right with the cheaper brands but I'll persevere in the name of a bargain

[Nicpem1982]

Mcdougal I've found that it works well when I'm having a particularly bad skin day I use a green colour corrector underneath and that gives me full coverage all day

I've also found that because I've found a cheaper alternative I'm happy to experiment too I've recently tried banana powder and I like it I wouldn't have of I'd has to fork out 28 pounds first

[SukiTheDog]

No7 Foundation and tinted moisturiser are great for me.

[thethoughtfox]

Moppet, I enjoyed your war time banter!

[boobsradley]

I have “for best” Dior Star foundation, and use Rimmel Wake Me Up foundation during the week. It got a good pixiwoos review a while ago so I thought I’d try it and it’s really good.

[Scoose]

I used to swear by lancome la base primer now I use the L'Oréal one and there's really no difference it's a third of the price too

[Scoose]

Also the L'Oréal setting spray is great and just as good as urban decay all nighter

[fadingfast]

I am very far from an expert and wear minimal make up but I love No 7 lift and luminate foundation (not exactly cheap but I think as good if not better than some more expensive ones I've tried). I rarely wear eye shadow so prefer not to spend too much and the MUA pallette is really good for the money. Nivea Q10 moisturiser is one of the best I've tried and I often stock up when it's on offer. Also agree with perfume parlour perfumes, some of those have been really lovely, very cheap and available in small sizes to try.

[arrrrghhwinehelpswithteens]

Just discovered NYX makeup. I’m 48 and it’s fantastic on my skin. Even got my daughter (aged 16) into it - covers her teenage breakout beautifully without being caked and doesn’t dry my skin.

Not really make up but I swear by Aldi’s Lacura Q10 moisturiser - feels great and their serum works just as well as No7.

[OttoTheOnly]

I use the ELF colour corrector primer - less than half the price of the Smashbox one I used to buy and just as good.
I have a couple of MUA eyeshadow palettes, but almost always reach for my Mac or Tarte shadows rather than them, so may give them away.
I really rate the Nyx matte cream liquid lipsticks. I got a box with thirty in at Christmas time, and have been trying a new one each day. The colours are really intense and have good staying power.
I used to buy Estee Lauder bronzed goddess bronzer, but got a cheap one from Superdrug when I accidently smashed it, and it's just as good. I think it is from Sleek. I think something like bronzer it's really not worth paying a huge amount for.

[AdidasGirl]

For skincare I've switched my high end brands for The Ordinary.

My skin hasn't looked so good in years.

[QueenOfTheAndals]

It's worth remembering that Loreal and Estée Lauder own most big cosmetics brands and quite often will replicate a product across the brands and charge different prices for each. Lancôme may sell a certain mascara for £20 but you'll find the identical formula going for under a tenner in Loreal or Maybelline.

I think it's worth spending on foundation, powder, blusher and eyeshadow (the Urban Decay palettes are pricey but not so much when you think about a cost per shade price and the pigmentation and formula is excellent) but for things like lipstick, pencils and mascara there isn't much difference between high end and high street. Apart from Benefit's They're Real mascara - it's the only I'd spend £££ on!

[witchofzog]

La Toleriene Teint from Roche Posay is amazing foundation. Better than eldw and only £16 . It's available at Boots

[LastNightMyWifeHooveredMyHead]

I switched Double Wear for Maybelline perfect skin and haven't looked back.

[Dontsayyouloveme]

NYX eye pencils are better then urban decay, Charlotte tilbury and only £4.50! I’ve tried one of their single eyeshadows too and it’s fantastic, better than MAC!