High End Dupes

Walking through the high end displays at Sephora and Ulta is one of my favorite things to do when shopping.  I'm always drawn in by Benefit and Nars and MAC, and every once in a while I'll bring myself to splurge on something pretty.  (My favorite mascara is Benefit's They're Real!, and it's got to be my favorite high end purchase to this day!)

But let's be real, we can't always spend $30, $40, or $50+ on makeup and skincare.  Whether you want to find a drugstore product that works just as well as the high end brand, or you're one of those who likes to try before you buy, there are the classic drugstore dupes!

I've compiled three of my favorite dupes for high end products, all great quality and a great, quick buy if you've got a couple of bucks to spare!

Benefit's High Beam vs. elf's Shimmering Facial Whip (shade- 'lavender whip')

Left: elf Shimmering Facial Whip in Lavender Whip ($1, Target)
Right: Benefit High Beam mini [not for indiv. sale] Full Size ($26, Ulta, Sephora)

Both products are shimmering cream highlighters for your cheekbones, browbones, lips, etc.

Top: elf Shimmering Facial Whip
Bottom: Benefit High Beam

Before being blended, the elf facial whip is a touch more pink than High Beam, although it gives the same shimmer.

Top: elf Shimmering Facial Whip
Bottom: Benefit High Beam

Once blended, the difference between the two is much more subtle.  elf's has a soft, pinky sheen to it, whereas Benefit's is a paler cream shade.  A great highlighter dupe!

MAC's Diva vs. Wet 'n Wild's Dark Wine

Left: MAC Diva ($16, maccosmetics.com, MAC Counters)
Right: Wet 'n Wild Dark Wine ($1.89, Walgreens, Target, Walmart)

Both lipsticks are deep burgundy wine shades.

Top: Wet 'n Wild Dark Wine

Bottom: MAC Diva 

Wet 'n Wild's shade is a bit more glossy than matte, but if you're one who wants to try out a dark shade of lipstick before splurging, this is the one for you!

elf's Contouring Blush & Bronzer in St. Lucia vs. NARS Duo in Orgasm & Laguna

elf Blush & Bronzer in St. Lucia ($3, Target)

elf Blush & Bronzer in St. Lucia

NARS Duo in Orgasm and Laguna, ($41, Sephora)

*NOTE: I do not personally own the NARS duo, but have used it before.  Swatches above via peaceloveandglitter.com.

The elf duo is a touch more peachy than NARS's, but if you are searching for a blush/bronzer combo to test out the waters before breaking the bank, I recommend this dupe!

There are hundreds of dupes for all your favorite high end products on the market, and I am a huge advocate of the try-before-you-buy ideal!  Hope some of these swatches help you in the search for the perfect palette.