Beauty on a Budget: Affordable Alternatives to High-End Products   

Written by: Alayah and Mason  

 

 It’s no secret that makeup can be incredibly expensive. In fact, the global cosmetics industry is estimated to be worth billions of dollars. However, products in this industry often have some of the highest markups, with retail prices far exceeding production costs. This means that what it costs to make the product is much lower than what companies charge consumers. 

The internet is flooded with dupes for high-end makeup products. Some drugstore makeup brands even create entire lines replicating the look and formula of expensive products. Often, these more affordable versions are just as good—if not better—than high-end alter2natives. The team at Godefroy Beauty has compiled a list of our favorite dupes to make it easier for you to find quality products at a more affordable price. Let's get into it!  

 

Makeup Dupes: Affordable Alternatives to High-End Makeup Products Foundations: A good foundation is essential for creating a solid base, setting the groundwork for the rest of your makeup. Glowy, natural skin has dominated makeup trends over the past few years. Here are our top suggestions for achieving a radiant foundation look. 

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation ($49): 

Pros: 

• Glowy, natural finish 

• High quality applicator 

• Long-lasting 

Cons: 

• Sheer coverage  

 

e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter ($14)- 

Pros:  

• More coverage than Charlotte Tilbury 

• Glowy finish  

Cons:  

• More shiny than illuminous 

• Small shade range 

 

@rebecaglam Elf Halo glow VS Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter (4 Medium) ... Elf •More coverage •Darker •Very shiny •Cheaper. … CT •Natural finish •Better applicator (gets product out evenly) •Longlasting #charlottetilbury #elf #haloglow #haloglowliquidfilter #hollywoodflawlessfilter #makeup #glam ♬ OUT NOW Enzo Smooth Operator - Enzo is Burning

 

Concealer: Much like foundation, concealer has shifted from super full-coverage and matte finishes to more natural and illuminating options. With a growing focus on skincare and non-comedogenic ingredients, many cosmetic products are now formulated to meet both beauty and skincare needs. Consumers want products that provide coverage while also supporting skin health. These concealer serums are enriched with skincare ingredients to not only correct and conceal but also hydrate your skin. 

Tower 28 Beauty Swipe All-Over Hydrating Serum Concealer ($22)- 

Pros:  

• Medium to full coverage 

• Hydrating formula 

• Good for skin 

Cons:  

• Sets and dries fast 

 

Nyx Bear with Me Concealer Serum ($12)- 

Pros:  

• Natural hydrating finish 

• Buildable coverage  

• Doesn’t crease  

Cons:  

• Not as much coverage as Tower 28 

• Can be too luminous for oily skin types 

 

Eyeshadow Palettes

Arguably, eyeshadow is one of the hardest products to find quality dupes for. In our experience, there’s a noticeable difference between high-quality and low-quality eyeshadows. Nothing is worse than a sheer, unbendable powder! However, there are many affordable eyeshadows that perform just as well as high-end versions.  

Urban Decay Naked Eyeshadow Pallet ($59)-  

Pros:  

• Blend-able formula 

• Works well on all skin tones  

• Perfect basic nude 

Cons:  

• Is often sold out 

• Glitters are subtle 

 

Color Pop That’s Taupe Pressed Powder ($14)-  

Pros:  

• Blends well  

• Basic nudes  

• Fine shimmers  

Cons: 

• Not as many shades as Urban Decay  

 

Mascara and Eyeliner 

Mascara: Your choice in mascara is as personal as your fashion style. Some people prefer more volume, while others prioritize length. Some like a lot of product on the wand, while others prefer something more buildable. Below are two mascaras that deliver both length and volume, but with a significant difference in price. 

Dior Diorshow Mascara ($33)- 

Pros:  

• Large applicator wand  

• Volumizing and lengthening 

Cons:  

• Can be clumpy  

 

L'Oréal Voluminous Mascara ($9)- 

Pros: 

• Volumizing and lengthening 

Cons:  

• Smaller wand  

• Can be clumpy  

Eyeliner: Eyeliner can be a tricky step to master, often requiring practice and a bit of trial and error. We’ve found that felt-tip liners offer the most control, making it easier to apply eyeliner skillfully. Below are two long-wear, felt-tip liners with similar formulas. 

KVD Tatoo Eyeliner ($25):  

Pros:  

• Precise felt tip 

• Longlisting  

• Very pigmented  

Cons: 

• Not very forgiving if you mess up  

 

NYX Epic Ink Vegan Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner ($10):  

Pros:  

• Long lasting  

• Flake resistant  

• precise 

Cons:  

• Smaller tube than KVD 

 

Eyebrows  
Framing the face is a pivotal step in one’s makeup routine, so it’s no surprise that women are willing to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars every year on beauty every year. The average woman spends nearly $3000 a month on beauty products, excluding aesthetic procedures. Eyebrow maintenance is one of the more repetitive and costly beautification efforts, with people spending anywhere from $10 to $200. Skip the salon and try eyebrow grooming from home to cut down cost of maintenance. For a safe, cheap eyebrow tinting alternative, try the Godefroy Beauty Instant Eyebrow Tint.  
 

 

Cleansers 
Keeping your face clean is the best way to achieve a healthy glow that even the best makeup products can’t recreate. However, finding an inexpensive cleanser can be a hassle. Pricey face washes from leading luxury beauty brands may seem like the only options, but affordable clean skin can be closer than you think. Try swapping your pricey face wash for a natural bar soap. This will cut down cost by allowing you to use less product, while gently cleansing your skin with all-natural ingredients. We recommend an oatmeal-based soap due to its inflammation and antioxidant properties.  

Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser ($39): 

Pros- 

• Good lather  

• Hydrating 

• Clean ingredients 

Cons-  

• Some dislike the smell  

• Some had issue with the packaging  

Eco Roots Shea Oatmeal Facial Wash ($12): 

• Gentle and calming ingredients 

• Sustainable packaging 

Cons-  

• Can be difficult to store away 

Moisturizers: 
 
The skin is the largest organ, so taking care of it is a key component to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It can be easy to get sucked into the luxury skincare rabbit hole or 12-step K-beauty routines, and the skincare industry making $24.35 billion dollars in revenue this year is proof enough. Keeping the skin moisturized can be preventative for skin diseases and conditions, as well as concealing other blemishes. It’s important to remember that whatever products you choose to purchase should be focused on maintaining moisture, not overcomplicating your routine. 

 

Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane ($67)- 

Pros:

• Deeply Hydrating 

• A little goes a long way  

Cons:

• Not suitable for oily skin  

• Some with sensitive skin reported irritation  

 

Cerave Skin Renewing Night Creme ($17)-  

Pros:

• Repairing hydration 

• Restores skin barrier 

Cons:

• Can be heavy on the skin  

 

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It’s important to remember that beauty doesn’t come with a price tag. We live in a fast-paced, consumer-driven economy that heavily encourages overconsumption and spending, but this doesn’t mean that we have to participate. An inexpensive product doesn’t have to equate as low-quality, and shifting this way of thinking can open one up to a plethora of overlooked, great quality products. Why let beauty break the bank? Thanks for reading!