Sometimes you don't want to splurge for the department store make up when there is a perfectly good dupe on the market. there are about 20 million posts on Pintrest on this subject and a lot of it is nonsense (just because a color matches does not make the products equal) so here are my favorites that I'll stand by any day.
Maybelline The Falsies $7 for
Benefit They're Real Mascara $24
Both provide a nice lengthened and curled eyelash but aren't clumpy or overly fake looking. The Benefit is will last longer and is less likely to leave a rim after a long day but $17 less the Maybelline is a really good option.
NYX Pore Filler $14 for
Benefit The Porefessional $31
I don't even use the benefit any more I actually think the NYX works better. the Benefit is a tad bit smoother but I think it doesn't fill as well and other then that there is no difference.
e.l.f. Cosmetics Studio Mineral Infused Face Primer $6 for
Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer $39
I'm really not a huge fan of Smashbox's primer it's just hemorrhoid gel and I find foundation doesn't stick to it very well. However, the green primer to cover redness is something everyone should have in their makeup box and the Smashbox definitely fights off the red but the e.l.f. is way cheaper and feels almost exactly the same. This is a great buy.
NYX HD Foundation $18 for
Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation $43
Warning, you need to be careful with HD formulas they are thick and liquidy and need loads of blending but if you do it right there is no beating their appearance under HD photography. These formulas are almost identical and you can't beat the price difference. Go for the NYX!
NYX Tame and Frame Brow Pomade $7 for
Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade $18
I love NYX Cosmetics. They make hit after hit and this is no exception. It's a little wetter then the Anastasia but I think it is a little easier to use. I should note that I prefer the Anastasia pencil it's easier to be precise with.
e.l.f. Shimmering Facial Whip $1!!! for
Benefit Cosmetics High Beam $26
Not all e.l.f. was created equally but this highlighter will work perfectly in place of High Beam. It's a little thicker but frankly the tube makes it easier to use.
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream $6 for
Tarte Tarteist Creamy Matte Lip Paint $20
I love all NYX lip creams but this one is a perfect dupe for the Tarte and also the Kylie (which I don't know why anyone would ever buy) and the Kat Von D. It goes on evenly and lasts as long as more expensive formulas.
Sephora Collection Matte Perfection Powder Foundation $20 for
MAC Studio Fix Plus Foundation $27
I'm not a big fan of MAC virtually nothing they make you can't get better and cheaper elsewhere and their sales people really don't know what they are doing. There was a time when it was the best makeup you could get and I used to use this powdered foundation but now Sephora clearly has the superior product value.
NYX Hot Singles Eye Shadow $4.50 for
MAC Eye Shadow $16
I used to love these MAC Shadows till I discovered NYX makes a dupe for virtually every color and they are just as good and 1/4 the price. (Note this picture is way out of date but it's not hard to compare the colors)
There you go. You're welcome!