Times are tight for many of us at the moment, with the cost of everything going up. If you are a makeup lover, you may be looking at ways to cut back on your expenditure. I've personally found that Tiktok, Instagram and YouTube are great sources of information on the best beauty products out there and there are many money-saving guides too. Let's look at some of the viral makeup dupes that can save you money today. 

Makeup dupes are beauty products that are marketed as affordable and effective alternatives to high-end, expensive makeup products. The word 'dupes' stand for duplicates that mimic other products. These dupes have gained popularity on social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, where beauty influencers and makeup enthusiasts share their favourite affordable drugstore makeup products that mimic the formula and shades of luxury makeup brands. If the popularity of the post is high it can go viral often leading to an increase in sales of the drugstore makeup dupe.

Viral makeup dupes can be anything from lipsticks that have the same colour and texture as a high-end brand to affordable eyeshadow palettes that mimic the shades and pigmentation of luxury makeup products. Many makeup enthusiasts and influencers create side-by-side comparisons of the original high-end product and the dupe, showing how similar they are in terms of colour, texture, and application.

Using viral makeup dupes is a great way to achieve the same look as high-end makeup products without breaking the bank. If you use the best makeup brushes you can afford, then this can help with the application of makeup. However, it's important to note that not all dupes are created equal, and some may not perform as well as the original product. It's always best to do your own research and read reviews before purchasing a viral makeup dupe. 

Examples of viral makeup dupes

Here are some popular viral makeup dupes.

L'Oreal True Match Pumping Tinted Skin Serum (£14.99) Vs Charlotte Tilbury Wonder Foundation (£39) 

L'Oreal is the world's largest makeup company known for its affordable makeup up found in supermarkets, pharmacies, and chemists ( or drugstores as they are known in the US). Charlotte Tilbury makeup is popular for high-quality formulas long lasting coverage, unique gold packaging and celebrity endorsements. Both of these products above care for your skin as well as provide light coverage. Why not try the cheaper version to save money? 

Makeup Revolution Ultimate Cream Bronzer (£6) Vs Nars Laguna Bronzing Cream (£32.50)

Makeup Revolution is a very affordable budget brand found in drugstores such as Superdrug in the UK, while Nars is a luxury makeup brand known for its high pigmentation and quality ingredients available in makeup counters at department stores.  These cream contours are very similar in colour and are great to shape and add a golden colour to your face. I've used Makeup Revolution products in the past and find that these products aren't as long-lasting or pigmented as some but are good if you are really watching the pennies.

e.l.f. Hydrating Core Lip Shine (£6) Vs Clinique Almost Lipstick (£21) 

e.l.f. makeup is known as an affordable makeup brand which is Vegan and cruelty-free, and it has a wide range of products perfect for experimenting with if you are trying out a new look.  Clinique is known for its high-quality products that are allergy-tested, fragrance-free, and dermatologist-developed. I went to a blogger event of Clinique in Cardiff a few years ago and I must say I do rate this brand highly. Both of these products mentioned above give your lips a wash of flattering colour without the heaviness of lipstick. Personally, I like the e.l.f. eyeliner so why not give that a try if you use a more expensive product?