Written by The Strategy

Let’s just get right to the point: Makeup is expensive. Especially when you want the best of the best. While Tom Ford does make a mean lipstick, the price tag can cause a bit of stress. If you need a break from your luxury product but can’t bear to say goodbye just yet, or if you’re caught in a pinch and need a replacement stat, it’s good sense to keep a mental list of a cheaper alternative.

We’ve rounded up some of our go-to high end beauty products along with a sister from another brand, if you will.

Highlighter

Real Deal: Benefit Cosmetics Watt’s Up!, $36

Dupe: Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight, $24

While the Benefit highlighter make us glow and shine in all the right places, we can’t ignore Clinique’s equally as beautiful effect. Also, the $10 or so price drop.

Concealer

Real Deal: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, $35

Dupe: Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer, $8

NARS will always be our #1, and there’s no contest when it comes to shade variety. However, Rimmel puts up a fight. They both boast “radiant” full coverage, and what Rimmel lacks in colours it makes up for in cost.

Mascara

Real Deal: Dior Diorshow, $32

Dupe: L’Oreal Paris Original Voluminous Lashes, $7

I know I’m stepping on hallowed ground with duping Diorshow. My defence is that in case of emergencies, you always need to know your options. L’Oreal Voluminous is your option.

Bronzer

Real Deal: Esteé Lauder Bronze Goddess, $41

Dupe: Rimmel Natural Bronzer, $7

The problem with most drugstore brand bronzers is that they’re too orange or don’t have enough pigment, but this Rimmel one is a stand out. It’s a solid duplicate for Bronze Goddess if you feel like giving your wallet a break. Or if you’re travelling and don’t want to chance losing a $41 bronzer.

Written by Katrina Garofalo