25 Beauty Dupes That Look Expensive but Cost Under $10
If you’ve ever stood in the beauty aisle clutching a $45 highlighter wondering if it’s really worth it, you’re not alone. Luxury makeup and skincare products are glamorous, but their price tags? Not so much. The truth is, you don’t always need to splurge to look like you did. Some of the best beauty products on the market have affordable drugstore or Amazon dupes that deliver the same luxe results for under $10.
In this guide, we’re diving into 25 beauty dupes that look expensive but cost less than $10. These budget-friendly finds will help you save money without sacrificing quality, performance, or that “treat yourself” feeling. Whether you’re after glowing skin, perfect brows, or a flawless pout, you’ll find a dupe that does the job for a fraction of the cost.
Let’s get into the list of beauty swaps that will keep both your face and your wallet glowing.
1. Foundation Dupe: Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless
Luxury comparison: Estée Lauder Double Wear ($48)
This drugstore classic is lightweight, buildable, and leaves your skin with a natural matte finish. It’s a go-to for oily or combination skin and rivals higher-end formulas in longevity and coverage.
2. Concealer Dupe: e.l.f. 16HR Camo Concealer
Luxury comparison: Tarte Shape Tape ($31)
If you love a full-coverage concealer that hides dark circles and blemishes without creasing, this e.l.f. formula is unbeatable. Plus, it costs less than a latte.
3. Setting Powder Dupe: Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder
Luxury comparison: Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder ($48)
This powder has been around for decades for a reason. It sets makeup, smooths skin, and keeps shine away—all without the luxury price.
4. Blush Dupe: Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso
Luxury comparison: NARS Orgasm Blush ($34)
Warm, peachy-pink with a subtle shimmer, this blush is practically identical to its high-end counterpart. It gives skin a radiant, healthy flush that works on almost every skin tone.
5. Highlighter Dupe: Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder
Luxury comparison: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector ($42)
This pressed powder highlighter delivers a blinding glow that looks anything but cheap. It blends beautifully and comes in shades that flatter all skin tones.
6. Bronzer Dupe: Rimmel Natural Bronzer
Luxury comparison: Benefit Hoola Bronzer ($36)
Buildable and natural-looking, this bronzer warms up your complexion without looking muddy or orange.
7. Eyebrow Pencil Dupe: NYX Micro Brow Pencil
Luxury comparison: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz ($25)
A fine-tip pencil that lets you create hair-like strokes, making brows look full and natural.
8. Brow Gel Dupe: e.l.f. Wow Brow Gel
Luxury comparison: Glossier Boy Brow ($20)
This tinted brow gel thickens and tames brows for an effortlessly groomed look that stays put.
9. Mascara Dupe: Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect
Luxury comparison: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara ($28)
A cult-favorite for a reason. It lengthens, volumizes, and lifts lashes—without clumping or flaking.
10. Eyeliner Dupe: Wet n Wild Breakup-Proof Liquid Eyeliner
Luxury comparison: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Eyeliner ($24)
Long-lasting, smudge-proof, and super precise. It glides on smoothly and stays all day.
11. Eyeshadow Palette Dupe: Profusion Cosmetics 10-Shade Palette
Luxury comparison: Urban Decay Naked Palette ($54)
Neutral shades with great pigmentation that blend like butter. Perfect for everyday glam.
12. Lip Liner Dupe: NYX Slim Lip Pencil
Luxury comparison: MAC Lip Pencil ($24)
Creamy, long-lasting, and available in endless shades, this pencil makes lips look defined without tugging.
13. Lipstick Dupe: Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte
Luxury comparison: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution ($35)
Moisturizing and richly pigmented, these lipsticks rival high-end favorites.
14. Lip Gloss Dupe: NYX Butter Gloss
Luxury comparison: Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb ($20)
Sheer, glossy, and never sticky. This gloss is a budget must-have for luscious lips.
15. Makeup Sponge Dupe: Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge
Luxury comparison: Beautyblender ($20)
Soft, bouncy, and perfect for blending foundation flawlessly. Bonus: it’s under $10 for a two-pack.
16. Makeup Brushes Dupe: Wet n Wild Brush Set
Luxury comparison: Sigma Brushes ($25+ each)
Soft, durable, and versatile brushes that make application effortless.
17. Primer Dupe: e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer
Luxury comparison: Tatcha Silk Canvas Primer ($54)
This primer smooths pores and grips makeup for a flawless base.
18. Setting Spray Dupe: Milani Make It Last
Luxury comparison: Urban Decay All Nighter ($36)
Lock in your makeup for up to 16 hours with this drugstore setting spray.
19. Cleanser Dupe: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Luxury comparison: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser ($38)
Dermatologist-recommended and perfect for sensitive skin, this cleanser gets the job done without stripping.
20. Micellar Water Dupe: Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water
Luxury comparison: Bioderma Sensibio H2O ($18)
Removes makeup, dirt, and oil without irritation. A staple in every routine.
21. Exfoliator Dupe: St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub
Luxury comparison: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant ($65)
Leaves skin refreshed and smooth at a fraction of the cost.
22. Face Mask Dupe: Freeman Feeling Beautiful Clay Mask
Luxury comparison: GlamGlow Supermud Mask ($69)
Purifies skin and tightens pores with effective, budget-friendly ingredients.
23. Serum Dupe: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Luxury comparison: Skinceuticals Blemish + Age Defense ($92)
A powerhouse for reducing breakouts and minimizing pores.
24. Moisturizer Dupe: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Luxury comparison: Clinique Moisture Surge ($42)
Lightweight, hydrating, and perfect for oily or combo skin.
25. Sunscreen Dupe: Coppertone Glow Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion
Luxury comparison: Supergoop! Glow Screen ($38)
Provides SPF protection while leaving a radiant glow on the skin.
Quick Comparison: Luxury vs. Beauty Dupes Under $10
| Category | Luxury Product (Price) | Dupe (Price) | Why the Dupe Wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation | Estée Lauder Double Wear ($48) | Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless ($7) | Lightweight, buildable, long-lasting finish |
| Concealer | Tarte Shape Tape ($31) | e.l.f. 16HR Camo Concealer ($7) | Full coverage without creasing |
| Setting Powder | Laura Mercier Translucent ($48) | Coty Airspun Loose Powder ($6) | Smooths skin, controls shine |
| Blush | NARS Orgasm ($34) | Milani Baked Blush Luminoso ($9) | Nearly identical peachy-pink glow |
| Highlighter | Becca Shimmering Perfector ($42) | Wet n Wild MegaGlo ($6) | Blends beautifully, radiant glow |
| Bronzer | Benefit Hoola ($36) | Rimmel Natural Bronzer ($7) | Natural warmth without orange tones |
| Brow Pencil | ABH Brow Wiz ($25) | NYX Micro Brow Pencil ($9) | Precise, hair-like strokes |
| Brow Gel | Glossier Boy Brow ($20) | e.l.f. Wow Brow ($5) | Tints, thickens, and tames brows |
| Mascara | Too Faced Better Than Sex ($28) | Essence Lash Princess ($5) | Dramatic length & volume |
| Eyeliner | Stila Stay All Day ($24) | Wet n Wild Breakup-Proof ($6) | Smudge-proof, precise tip |
| Eyeshadow Palette | Urban Decay Naked ($54) | Profusion 10-Shade Palette ($7) | Neutral shades, great pigmentation |
| Lip Liner | MAC Lip Pencil ($24) | NYX Slim Lip Pencil ($5) | Creamy, long-lasting, affordable |
| Lipstick | Charlotte Tilbury Matte ($35) | Maybelline Creamy Matte ($7) | Rich color, comfortable wear |
| Lip Gloss | Fenty Gloss Bomb ($20) | NYX Butter Gloss ($6) | Non-sticky, shiny finish |
| Sponge | Beautyblender ($20) | Real Techniques Sponge ($6) | Flawless blending for less |
| Brushes | Sigma Brushes ($25+) | Wet n Wild Brush Set ($8) | Soft, durable, budget-friendly |
| Primer | Tatcha Silk Canvas ($54) | e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer ($9) | Smooths pores, grips makeup |
| Setting Spray | UD All Nighter ($36) | Milani Make It Last ($8) | Locks makeup up to 16 hours |
| Cleanser | Fresh Soy Cleanser ($38) | Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser ($9) | Dermatologist-recommended & gentle |
| Micellar Water | Bioderma Sensibio ($18) | Garnier Micellar Water ($7) | Removes makeup, dirt, oil |
| Exfoliator | Dermalogica Microfoliant ($65) | St. Ives Apricot Scrub ($5) | Smooths skin affordably |
| Face Mask | GlamGlow Supermud ($69) | Freeman Clay Mask ($6) | Purifies skin & tightens pores |
| Serum | Skinceuticals Blemish + Age ($92) | The Ordinary Niacinamide ($7) | Minimizes pores & breakouts |
| Moisturizer | Clinique Moisture Surge ($42) | Neutrogena Hydro Boost ($9) | Hydrating gel for all skin types |
| Sunscreen | Supergoop! Glow Screen ($38) | Coppertone Glow Lotion ($8) | SPF + radiant finish |
Amazon Beauty Finds Under $10
Here are some of the best beauty dupes you can grab right now on Amazon:
A flawless matte finish that feels lightweight but lasts all day—without the $40 price tag.
Your new go-to full-coverage concealer for tired eyes and surprise blemishes.
A cult-favorite mascara that gives you dramatic lashes for less than $5.
Glowy, radiant skin on a budget—this highlighter is a total steal.
Keep your makeup looking fresh all day with this affordable setting spray.
Tips for Making the Most of Beauty Dupes
- Test shades in natural lighting to make sure they match your skin tone.
- Don’t be afraid to mix high-end with drugstore products—many pros do it!
- Always check ingredient lists if you have sensitive skin.
- Buy travel sizes first to test before committing to full-sized versions.
FAQs About Beauty Dupes
Are beauty dupes as good as luxury products?
Many are. While packaging and fragrance may differ, formulas often perform the same—or close enough that most people won’t notice a difference.
Is it safe to buy dupes online?
Yes, as long as you’re buying from trusted retailers like Amazon or direct brand websites. Always avoid suspiciously cheap third-party sellers.
Why are dupes so much cheaper?
Drugstore brands save money on packaging, marketing, and brand prestige, which means the product itself can still be great quality at a lower price.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to spend hundreds to look like a million bucks. These 25 beauty dupes that look expensive but cost under $10 prove that drugstore and Amazon gems can rival luxury brands in quality, finish, and performance. Whether you’re building a beauty routine from scratch or just want to stretch your budget, these affordable swaps let you look fabulous without the splurge.
Next time you’re tempted by a $50 lipstick, remember: there’s probably a $7 version waiting in your Amazon cart that looks just as chic.