Makeup's Hottest Beauty Dupes

In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a dupe is defined as “one that is easily deceived or cheated,” but it has taken a new meaning through TikTok. Dupe is shorthand for duplicate and often describes inexpensive alternatives to popular beauty and fashion items on the platform. 

Below are some of the most viral makeup dupes on the market. 

Milk Hydro Grip Primer → E.L.F. Power Grip Primer

As seen all over TikTok, the Milk Hydro Grip Primer has definitely been a hit since the product’s launch on March 8, 2019. It currently has a 4.1 star rating on Sephora’s website and has also found a spot on its bestseller list. This lightweight gel formula is silicone-free with hyaluronic acid that helps to hold makeup in place for up to 12 hours while also hydrating the skin. 

However, the standard-size bottle containing 1.52 ounces of product retails for $38 . As many of us college students are operating on a budget, a $38 primer with less than 2 ounces of product is expensive. 

E.L.F. has got our backs. Their Power Grip Primer retails for only $10 and includes many of the same ingredients as the Milk primer such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and glycerin. 

Two other standout ingredients in the E.L.F. Power Grip Primer are rosemary leaf extract (for soothing) and lemon balm (for pore tightening). 

The Power Grip Primer has a 4.6 star rating on Ulta’s website, offering an affordable yet quality alternative to the Hydro Grip Primer. 

Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter → E.L.F. Halo Glow Liquid Filter

Heavy foundations are out; lightweight skin tints are in. In Charlotte Tilbury’s defense, the Flawless Filter has gone TikTok viral for a reason. This complexion-boosting product works to blur, smooth and illuminate the face while also providing a tint. 

To add to the benefits of the Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter, it can be used in a multitude of different ways. It can be used alone. It can be used under foundation. It can be mixed with foundation. It can be used to highlight on top of the foundation. With a 4.3 star rating on Sephora’s website, this versatile product is often out of stock. Also, the standard size of 1 fluid ounce retails for $49.

For those who cannot get their hands on the product or it is just way too expensive, E.L.F. has created a dupe to save the day. 

The E.L.F. Halo Glow Liquid Filter can also be used in the same ways as the Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter: alone, over or under makeup, mixed with foundation, or as a highlighter. 

Yet, it is a fraction of the price. The standard size of 1.06 ounces retails for only $14.

For even more reassurance that the E.L.F dupe is the perfect alternative to the Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter, it has a 4.6 star rating on Ulta’s website. 

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand → Tarte Sculpt Tape Contour Wand

When Charlotte Tilbury released their Hollywood Contour Wand in 2017, it quickly became one of their bestsellers. This award-winning liquid contour product has been noted for its easy applicator and flexible formula. Lightweight, blendable and buildable, this wand can shape out cheekbones as dramatically or subtly as desired. On Sephora’s website, it has a 3.6 star rating, and the standard size of 0.4 ounces retails for $42. 

In early 2023, Tarte released a dupe called the Sculpt Tape Contour Wand that took off on TikTok when some of the most popular influencers were seen using this product. Alix Earle, Kennedy Eurich, Brianna Chickenfry and more posted videos raving about the Sculpt Tape Contour Wand while on extravagant Tarte brand trips. 

The Sculpt Tape Contour Wand includes all clean ingredients and has a 4.1 star rating on Ulta’s website.

With almost identical packaging and the same amount of product in each, it would be logical to assume that these products would be the same price. However, the Tarte Sculpt Tape Contour Wand retails for $35 while giving almost an identical finish. 

Dior Rosy Glow Blush → ColourPop Pressed Powder Blush 

The Dior Rosy Glow Blush in the shade 001 Pink went viral on TikTok when it initially launched in Dior’s Spring 2020 collection — even though there were only two shades of the Rosy Glow Blushes. This bubblegum-pink blush became so popular that Dior launched four new shades in the summer of 2023!

However, the 001 Pink shade was the original viral shade. On Sephora’s website, the Rosy Glow Blush has a 4.3 star rating. 

While there are a total of six different Rosy Glow Blush shades, each product is infused with color-reviver technology. This means that the product adapts to the moisture levels on the face to provide a unique blushing effect for every user. 

Dior is a luxury brand. Therefore, the Rosy Glow Blushes retail at $40 for the standard size of 0.15 ounces. 

ColourPop’s Pressed Powder Blush in the shade Prairie Air is an almost identical shade match to the Dior 001 Pink Blush. Though this blush does not have color-reviver technology, its formula is buildable. This allows for an extreme or light blush look for whatever is desired. 

The ColourPop blush is without the Dior price tag. Retailing at $12 for the standard size of 0.21 ounces, this blush carries more product for less. With a 4.6 star rating on Ulta’s website, this is a dupe that cannot be beaten. 

If you try out any of these products, tag @theedgemag with your review!