11 Beauty Dupes for Your Favourite Cult Products, According to AB Staff & Customers
Sadaf Razi is Adore Beauty's Senior Beauty Editor.
She's a former fashion editor (who worked at various glossy mags) and stylist-turned digital beauty and lifestyle writer. She has been in the lifestyle/media industry for over 10 years and her work has also been featured on international covers like Elle France and Vanity Fair Mexico.
Some of her fave Adore Beauty products include Cicaplast B5, CeraVe Cleansing Oil and Lancôme Renergie Triple Serum.
One of the most thrilling words you hear in beauty is ‘dupe’.
Because unless you’re rolling in dollah dollah bills like a Kardashian, it's always a good idea to have a more affordable option of an expensive product you love.
Everyone loves a beauty dupe (probably even the Kardashians), but that word is also thrown around a lot.
What actually makes a product a dupe?
Dupes aren't necessarily 'better' than an original bougie product. Rather, they're similar and deliver similar results, and often at a lower price point.
Finding a dupe of your favourite expensive products is awesome for when you're saving your hard earned moolah, or don't want to run out of your bougie products as quickly.
But beware: True beauty aficionados will tell you to take common dupes for products like Baccarat Rouge 540 and the Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara with a grain of salt.
Again, dupes of your fave cult buys are similar, but not always exactly the same.
To quench your bargain buy thirst, we've rounded up a list of dupes for some of the most iconic (and exxy) beauty products, according to AB customer and staff reviews...
1. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara Dupes.
Cult fave Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara is loved by many around the world thanks to its hourglass-shaped wand and promise of volume, curl and length.
Luckily for us, there are a few dupes floating around you can try.
- Price: $24.95.
- A volumising mascara that lifts, thickens, and lengthens lashes from root to tip.
- Has a double curved brush to grab and lift every lash.
- Has a fibre-infused formula for adding thickness and volume.
- Is ophthalmologist-tested, suited for those with sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
Our AB reviewer says:
"I used to stan the Too Faced mascara but since hearing the girls talk about this on the Beauty IQ Uncensored podcast a while back, I tried it out and haven't looked back!" - Sarah.
- Price: $24.95.
- Whipped formula mascara that promises intense volume and dramatic lash length.
- Is enriched with castor oil to nourish lashes and keep them healthy
- No flaking or clumping.
- Comes with a gentle, feather-soft wavy brush applicator to ensure comfort around sensitive eyes.
Our AB reviewer says:
"This is my HG mascara. It gives me thick and full lashes and is a good dupe for Too Faced Better than Sex. If you build it up, it can be slightly clumpy, but in a good way - like, a sexy intense lashes kind of way. I love it!" - Jobi
This mascara also made Adore Beauty Senior Editor Amy’s lashes look so good when she reviewed it for her Difference Between These Affordable Cult Mascaras Under $27.
“The formula is silky smooth and glides onto the lashes so effortlessly, making it really quick and easy to get a full, fluttery lash look in just a few swipes," she said.
And if it's Amy-approved, then you know it's going to be great.
2. Nars Orgasm Blush Dupe.
There's no denying the Nars Orgasm Powder Blush is a favourite thanks to its peachy pink pigment that delivers a healthy-looking flush.
If you're an everyday blush wearer though, you may want something a little more affordable so you're not going through your $45 Nars one so quickly.
Dupe: theBalm Hot Mama
- Price: $27.97.
- A cruelty-free all-in-one blush, eye shadow, highlighter and light reflecting lip finisher.
- Has a pinky/peachy shade that suits all skin tones just like the Nars Orgasm powder blush.
- According to our resident makeup artist Megan, this multi-use blush compliments bronzer, suits all skin types (especially those with oily skin) and its luminescent pigments give skin an effortless glow that lasts all day!
Our AB reviewers say:
"Very pigmented and pretty blush! I don't find the formula to be dry - but it's just pressed enough that you don't pick up too much powder easily. Definitely a warm peachy tone with gold shimmer (like NARS orgasm). Great dupe and bargain!" - Sylvia
"This is such a lovely affordable blush with great colour pay-off! I have tan skin and this gives a really nice glow without being too shimmery." - Mia.
3. Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer Dupe.
This creamy coverage concealer is widely loved by makeup artists and works to brighten, correct and perfect.
But at $45, you're definitely going to want a budget option.
Personally, I always like to have a budget concealer on standby for daily touch ups.
- Price: $15.95.
- Comes in 10 shades and is free of any oils or waxes.
- Promises to cover imperfections and dark circles with a breathable, natural finish.
- Has a translucent base and lightweight pigments to allow skin's natural highs and lows to show through.
Our AB reviewer says:
"This concealer is amazing for the price and I cannot complain! I honestly do not see much difference with the fit me and the Nars Radiant Concealer if you do the same prep and setting." - Bri.
Content creator and regular AB contributor Ruchi Page also road-tested this affordable concealer in shade '30 Honey'.
She said, "The creamy liquid formula looks quite natural and brightening. Even though the coverage is sheer, I see a big difference when I apply. Plus, it really does look like skin."
4. Sunday Riley Luna Oil Dupes.
Sunday Riley Luna Oil is an evening retinol treatment that checks a lot of boxes.
It promises to plump skin, boost skin luminosity, address fine lines and wrinkles and correct damage caused by environmental aggressors.
It also comes with a steep $157 price tag.
If you're after some options that will address these same concerns but won't break the bank, try one of these options...
- Price: $44.95.
- Just like the Luna Oil, this plant-based facial oil includes Vitamin A, stimulates cell renewal, fights free radical damage and reduces premature ageing.
- Is infused with jojoba, argan, rosehip and seabuckthorn seed oils to nourish and replenish skin.
- Works to improve skin elasticity, boost moisture and promote a healthy, radiant complexion with consistent use.
- Is suitable for all skin types, is vegan and also cruelty-free.
Our AB reviewer says:
"This reminds me of Sunday Riley's Luna Oil. When I use Luna at night, I can see a significant difference in the morning... when I use this Mermaid Oil, it's not as significant, but I still do definitely see a difference in the morning. I will be purchasing & using forever." - Gia.
- Price: $62.
- A nighttime oil that (similarly to Luna oil) encourages skin regeneration/promotes cellular renewal while you sleep.
- Key ingredients include 0.5% retinyl (a more gentle and pure form of Vitamin A), rosehip seed oil (improves skin elasticity) and frankincense (calms skin).
- Improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reduces pore size and boosts skin radiance.
- Is suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
- Is vegan and also cruelty-free.
Our AB reviewer says:
After reviewing the Disciple range and this calming oil, Adore's Senior Editor Amy says:
"If you love the feeling of the Sunday Riley Luna Oil, you will love this Disciple one."
5. Baccarat Rouge 540 Dupe.
There are a lot products that claim to be a dupe for this globally-popular fragrance.
While true fans says a Baccarat Rouge 540 dupe doesn't exist (yet), these ones come pretty close...
- Price: $179.
- Like Baccarat Rouge 540, this intoxicating scent has notes of cedar, ambergris, jasmine and saffron.
- Australian personality Em Rusciano also thinks it smells a lot like cult scent Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540... but without the $360 price tag.
- Is a gender-neutral fragrance, and I can personally attest to it lingering on the skin all day!
Our AB reviewer says:
"Bought my husband the discovery set for V day. He put this on and immediately I thought it was baccarat rouge 540! It lasted all day on him, so strong and very unisex like most of their scents. Fraction of the price too!" - T.
- Price: $99.95.
- A chypre fragrance that features the same notes of ambergris, cedar and jasmine.
- Is gender-neutral and has been described as warm, elegant, spicy and sweet.
Our AB reviewer says:
When Amy reviewed the Glasshouse fragrances, she noted this more floral, citrus and rose-forward one as her fave of the four.
Did she think it smelled like Baccarat Rouge?
"You'll still get a whiff of the sweet warmth Baccarat Rouge is known for once it settles. And honestly, for a fraction of the price, you've gotta be happy with that."
6. Nars Sheer Glow Foundation Dupe.
Lightweight and buildable, NARS Sheer Glow is a complexion-enhancing foundation with a luxe price point of $70 bucks.
Perhaps this dupe is just as glowy, but with a substantially lower price tag...
- Price: $19.99.
- A medium to full coverage foundation that creates a naturally luminous complexion.
- Evens out skin texture and tone and promises to last all day.
- Is infused with hydrating and antioxidant ingredients, and suitable for all skin types, especially dry and sensitive skin.
- Comes in 12 shades, is cruelty-free and vegan.
Our AB reviewer says:
"I find it hard to find a good foundation with dry skin, and I was devoted to Nars Sheer Glow for ages - but as this one is so similar, I now use this every day. It's very glowy and so much cheaper, and the colour actually suits me even better for my very pale white skin (Nars is a bit too orange). I've recommended it to multiple people!" - Katarina.
7. Le Labo Santal 33 Dupe.
Le Labo fragrances are unique. Santal 33 is a smokey unisex fragrance you may be saving up for considering it's at the $400 mark.
If you're on the hunt for a similar scent, the popular who is elijah HIS | HER was a major crowd-pleaser when it launched and is a more affordable option.
- Price: $159.
- Shares the same notes of violet, musk and cardamom with Santal 33.
- Is Australian made, cruelty free and vegan.
- Is described as possessing a sweet, spicy and fresh scent.
Our AB reviewer says:
"I’ve always loved the smell of Le Labo’s Santal 33 on others but on me one of the ingredients just stayed sharp and wasn’t pleasant. Enter His Her. It's the Softer sister of Santal 33. Everything I love about Santal without the bite. Lovely!" - Elle H.
Adore's Senior Editor also wrote a whole article on this scent, describing it as "a little bit sultry and sensual, but still very clean, fresh and woodsy."
"Every time I've worn who is elijah His | Her, someone has come up to me and asked if I'm wearing Le Labo Santal 33."
8. Laura Mercier Brow Definer Pot Dupe.
There's nothing more disappointing than finding out one of your fave beauty products has been discontinued.
The Laura Mercier Brow Definer Pot was loved by many, but luckily, Adore stocks a $9 brow wax that is just as good.
I'm allowed to say that because I use it myself every day!
Dupe:elf Eyebrow Kit
- Price: $9.
- Is made from a pigmented wax and comes with a complementing setting powder.
- Defines and shapes brows giving it a natural finish.
- Is cruelty free and vegan.
Our AB reviewer says:
In my article The $9 Brow Wax That's a Bargain Dupe for My Old Discontinued Favourite, I wrote:
"Controversial opinion: I actually like this more than the Laura Mercier Brow Definer Pot."
"I love this kit because it perfectly matches my actual eyebrow colour and looks natural while still giving them some definition."
9. Beauty Blender Dupe.
Look, nothing really beats that iconic pink sponge. But also, a sponge is a sponge no?
- Price: $18.99.
- Created by pro makeup artists and YouTube celebrity sisters Sam & Nic Chapman.
- Its shape is designed for three uses: Blending foundation, covering imperfections and contouring.
- Cushiony synthetic fibres promise a flawless base.
Our AB reviewer says:
"Dupe for beauty blender! Love this sponge, have bought it many times, it's great value and does an amazing job of blending out products!" - Kelsey.
10. Chanel Rouge Noir Nail Polish Dupe.
The stunning deep red wine Chanel shade has made appearances in iconic films like Pulp Fiction.
There's no denying it's probably one of the chicest and most beautiful nail polish shades.
Thankfully, there's a $15 version with a deep red hue that looks almost identical.
- Price: $14.95.
- A deep red wine colour with a glossy finish.
- Has a toluene and formaldehyde free formula is also vegan and cruelty-free.
Our AB reviewer says:
"Bordeaux is such a gorgeous and classic shade - great for the colder months but I find myself wearing it all year round. It's a dupe for the famous Chanel Rouge Noir nail polish, however I actually prefer Essie as I find it easier to apply with the consistency of the lacquer and the nail brush." - Elle.
11. Tatcha Silk Canvas Primer Dupe.
If you want to dish out $78 for the Tatcha primer balm, I won't judge! It has some great features.
In my humble opinion, your $$ would be put to better use on a Tatcha moisturiser.
PSA: You can get a similar primer at Adore for $63 less.
- Price: $17.
- A velvety primer that minimises pores and is infused with squalane to lock in hydration.
- Has a blurring finish that's still radiant, not too matte or dull.
- Vegan and cruelty-free.
Our AB reviewer says:
When Amy was reviewing new makeup products under $25, she said:
"Some people reckon this affordable brand's primers are dupes for other exxy products (*cough* Tatcha The Silk Canvas Protective Primer *cough*). I'd have to agree."
"It effectively blurs the appearance of pores and smooths over fine lines for a seamless base, but it's not too matte or silicone-y. Your skin still looks like healthy skin underneath, rather than a sheet of paper."
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