If you’re on TikTok, you may or may not know about the recent hype around beauty product dupes. If you didn’t already know, a dupe is a product that functions similarly to a high end product, for a more affordable price. A lot of us may be asking ourselves where this sudden urge for these dupe products came from.
Let’s take it back to the recession in 2008, when Barefoot Boots (dupe for Ugg Boots) sales were at an all time high. Notice any similarities? Right now, the U.S. is heading for a similar route of the 2008 recession. Although, some may even argue that we’re already in one. With prices in products rapidly increasing, consumers are eager to get their hands on cheaper products. With that being said, let’s jump into 2023’s dupe comparisons that are sending beauty gurus into a spiral.
Let’s start with the base of makeup, e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter, which retails for $14 (AKA, the dupe for Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter which retails for $46.) These products are both designed to blur any imperfections such as pores or fine lines, and leave a glowing finish on your skin. Makeup influencer Sarah Wolak (@sarah_wolak on TikTok) claims that the Charlotte Tilbury product leaves her with her pores looking more noticeable, which is the opposite of its purpose. She also claims that the e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter works better, even at its whopping $32 price difference. So if you’re looking for a more affordable version of Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter, then go run over to your local Target before the e.l.f. stock is cleared out (it probably already is.)
While we’re on the topic of e.l.f., let’s talk about one of their next viral dupes, the Power Grip Primer, which retails for $10. This product is a dupe for the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer, retailing at $36. That $26 difference has people on TikTok going berserk. Both of these products are formulated to grip onto your makeup and moisturize your skin. If you tell me a product can do both of those for under $15, sign me up!
Next on my list would have to be the dupe for the Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi drops, which would be L’Oréals True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer. As the days are getting colder, and our skin is getting pastier, people are looking for a quick fix without having to spend the money on spray tans or endure the risks of sun beds. With both of these bronzing products, the purpose is to create a shimmery summer glow, with or without the addition of more makeup. As soon as these Drunk Elephant drops blew up on TikTok, the dupe fanatics went into investigation to find the best dupe out there. Thus, L’Oréals True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer was brought out of its cage and into the spotlight.
At the end of the day, most of us, especially college students, are looking for the cheaper option of a good product. With the recent price surges, dupes are the best way we can all stay looking our best, at an affordable price.