Recession Concession: 5 Drugstore Dupes Makeup Artists Praise

OK, let’s be real for a second—as much as Beauty Wonkette loves and fixates over our makeup products, there’s no denying that this beauty obsession is the enemy to our bank accounts. Like, as much as we want to purchase every luxury or cult-favorite release from Sephora or Barneys New York, or our favorite internet site, our dwindling account balance (not to mention Mr. Beauty Wonkette) always seems to scream at us to rein it in. So when Beauty Wonkette came across a list of makeup-artist-approved makeup dupes on Reddit’s MakeupAddiction, Beauty Wonkette decided to share.

THE SPLURGE

Benefit Gimme Brow Volumizing Eyebrow Gel, $24; at Benefit

THE DUPE

“It's pretty much the same product yet it's a fraction of the price, and it's amazing.” -Squashthatmelon

Essence Make Me Brow Eyebrow Gel Mascara, $2.99; at Ulta

THE SPLURGE

Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella, $27; at Nars

THE DUPE

“Maybelline Color Blur in Partner In Crimson is a perfect dupe for NARS Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella.”-Whenthereisfire

Maybelline Lip Studio Color Blur in Partner in Crimson, $8.99; at Maybelline

THE SPLURGE

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Camouflage Concealer, $31; at Sephora

THE DUPE

"Same tube style, same consistency, same coverage. Would highly recommend the like $4 option, obviously."-Karrialice

Wet n Wild Come Correct Celebrity Concealer, $4.99; at Wet n Wild

THE SPLURGE

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Outlaw, $20; at Sephora

THE DUPE

“CP Creeper is identical color wise to KVD Outlaw.”-Erikaa37

Colour Pop Ultra Matte Lip in Creeper, $6; at Colour Pop

THE SPLURGE

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup, $39.50; at Estee Lauder

THE DUPE

“L'Oréal Infallible Pro-Matte for Estee Lauder Double Wear (I use the palest shade).” -Ishtar_Tiger

L'Oréal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation, $12.99; at L'Oréal

Nurturing Force Blot Out Offensive Primer

At one time or another, every blogger and just about every beauty / fashion rag I've ever read runs a "products that make up artists love" piece. Nars Orgasm blush, one Maybelline or L'Oreal mascara or another, Shu Uemura eyelash curler, yada yada yada.  Beauty Wonkette doesn't mean to imply that these aren't great items, because they are!  But, by now, we KNOW about them.  Well, Beauty Wonkette bets you can chalk this one up as a product we've never seen before. Makeup Artist Merrell Hollis swears by this all-natural primer for ensuring that his celebrity clients never, ever look shiny — even under bright, hot lights on set. 

Blot Out Offensive Shine + Oil Control cream absorbs quickly providing an instant matte canvas, HD Primer / Barrier, with anti-shine results without blocking pores. It controls oil secretions throughout the day, while supplying skin with needed moisture. Provides excellent adhesion for Airbrushed, Liquids, Powders, Creams Makeup + Body Art. Unlike many gel or silicone anti-shine products, you apply our cream with fingers, sponge or foundation brush, and can apply makeup instantly without waiting.  No tackiness, irritated dryness or sealed sensation to the skin.  Good stuff.

$24 at Le Cosmetique (a site you should definitely check out.....lots of good stuff)