Beauty Boy: Cosmetic dupes and don'ts

Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: JOSHUA R. WALLER
Buying expensive, high-end makeup products can be too much for the wallet of a student, luckily there are cheap alternatives that provide relatively the same wear.

Every girl’s (and some boys) dream is to have the most decked out, glamourous makeup collection but in reality, this stuff can be really expensive. Designer mascaras can range up to $50, foundations can range up to $250 and some skin care products can even range up to $1,000. If you are living the student life, chances are you can’t afford to purchase any of these expensive products, which are going to run out in three months’ time anyways.

However, there is hope. There are tons of cosmetic dupes (inexpensive products that are similar in colour, textures, etc. to highend, designer products) out there that are affordable and still fairly decent quality. Somethings to keep in mind though when purchasing a product dupe: you get what you pay for, don’t expect fancy packaging, indestructible powders or beautiful scents. Product dupes are affordable and get the job done, that’s it.

One of the greatest mascaras of all time is Dior Show; it has the fluffiest brush that has been specifically designed for Dior and it provides a ton of volume and depth to your lashes. This mascara is also $36. For an excellent product dupe, try L’Oréal’s original Voluminous Mascara. It has a big fluffy brush (similar to Dior’s) and it provides great amounts of volume as well as a great price at $10.99.

The number one selling blush, Nars Orgasm, looks phenomenal on all skin tones and gives a stunning flush of pinks and corals, with a flex of gold. While this product is a must have, and lasts quite a long time, it still costs $38. An awesome alternative is Quo Baked Blush in Flush. It still provides that radiant shimmer and perfect tone that works on all skin complexions but is more than half the price of Nars.

Another insanely popular cosmetic is MAC’s lipstick in Ruby Woo. It is a basic yet beautiful shade of red that has a perfect matte finish. For those who go through lipstick like crazy, spending $21 each time may be a bit much. Luckily, there is Rimmel Kate Matte lipstick called Kiss of Life. The colour is basically identical and when compared to MAC, little to no one can tell the difference. The only big difference between these two lipsticks is that Rimmel is slightly more hydrating and less matte.

Even though buying all highend, designer makeup may not be feasible right now, there are tons of excellent products out there that will have the same function and look, but be considerably less expensive. Don’t have grandiose expectations, and you can be frugal and still happy with these dupe purchases.
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