I Tested Every e.l.f Dupe vs. High-End Product

There are some things it is best to learn about me. One, I really like sporting make-up; two, I’ve been a Rouge-level Sephora buyer for the final six years; and three, I can’t hold spending cash like this. My Sephora spending has gotten so out of hand that I’ve needed to give myself a strict month-to-month cosmetics allowance to rein in my spending on this class. The place earlier than I might wander into Sephora on any given afternoon and depart with fairly just a few purchases, this new spending restrict has saved me in verify and looking for inexpensive options to my favourite merchandise.

That is the place e.l.f. is available in. Through the years, I’ve tried drugstore merchandise solely to seek out that they simply don’t evaluate to my tried-and-trues. However a few years in the past, e.l.f. dupes began gracing my For You web page with make-up artists claiming they had been simply nearly as good as—and even higher—than a few of my favourite merchandise. Notably, e.l.f.’s Dior lip oil dupe, Charlotte Tilbury flawless filter dupe, and Uncommon Magnificence blush dupe have made waves within the magnificence neighborhood. I’ve since tried my fair proportion of e.l.f. magnificence merchandise and have cherished them sufficient to make them a part of my common routine (after all, this has made sticking to my month-to-month cosmetics allowance approach simpler, too).

At first, I figured e.l.f. was merely a extremely nice drugstore model. Nevertheless, with every new launch, it’s grow to be abundantly clear that e.l.f. dupes are now not merely a coincidence, they’re mainly the corporate’s whole model. With high-end merchandise getting pricier and pricier (thanks, inflation), e.l.f. is fixing an issue for make-up girlies in every single place. However do these dupes really evaluate to their high-end counterparts? I attempted a full face of e.l.f. make-up merchandise and in contrast them to the high-end merchandise they dupe. Right here’s the place I believe it is best to save and splurge:

Primer

I’ve mixture, blemish-prone pores and skin, and when researching primers with this in thoughts, the Milk Hydro Grip primer gave the impression to be the clear selection. However I actually couldn’t fathom spending that a lot cash on a primer and rapidly began in search of a dupe. The e.l.f. Energy Grip Primer is actually glorious. I’ve repurchased it numerous occasions and at all times return to it after testing a brand new one. It has a hydrating, barely thicker, cheesy end that creates a barrier between my pores and skin and the remainder of my make-up. That is essential for somebody susceptible to dry patches like me; with this primer, my make-up sits so properly on prime of my pores and skin and doesn’t latch onto any dry, flaky bits.

I’ve a extremely onerous time justifying the price of a product that doesn’t have any seen impact. So, whereas this primer is by all accounts glorious, I’ll most likely follow the e.l.f. model in order that I can put more cash in the direction of merchandise that I can really see, like blush or lip merchandise. That mentioned, the Milk primer will get the sting over the e.l.f. when it comes to the way it feels on the face. It’s ever-so-slightly extra hydrating, simpler to work with, and has a cooling impact that feels good on my infected and indignant pores and skin—however these issues, for my part, don’t make it value the associated fee when the e.l.f. different is correct there.

Glow Filters

That is one other e.l.f. product I already use and love. Once more, I didn’t wish to pay the $49 for the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter (are you sensing a theme but?), so I ran to do this as quickly because it dropped. It has the smallest quantity of protection, so I really like utilizing it on no-makeup-makeup days paired with a concealer so as to add protection to downside areas. As a glow product, as a result of it has somewhat extra protection to supply, it might probably really feel heavy on the face when paired with one other basis or pores and skin tint. So, I sometimes put on this by itself.

I vividly bear in mind everybody shedding their minds over this product a few years again, and after attempting it for the primary time, I’ve to say, I actually don’t get the hype. If I had flawless pores and skin with no blemishes, I might see this being an amazing product for no-makeup-makeup days, however as a result of that’s positively not what I’m working with, I can’t use it with out layering one other base product on prime. And after that occurs, the glowy end type of disappears beneath the tint, bronzer, and blush I take advantage of. In a future the place I’ve good pores and skin (fingers crossed!), I could revisit this, however for now, it actually isn’t value the additional money.

CC Cream

I’m not a full-coverage girlie, and as this was the primary time I used this product, it was a shock to my system. I rapidly realized I used approach an excessive amount of product right here, however as soon as it lastly blended out, it left me with a pleasant sufficient end, nevertheless it did really feel very thick on my pores and skin. I additionally want the colour vary on this was higher—even my finest shade wasn’t an ideal match. For that reason, I really assume going the high-end route is the most suitable choice right here. You need your base product to be actually good as the inspiration for the remainder of your make-up, and I don’t assume that is it.

I used to be pleasantly stunned by this. I actually don’t love feeling like I’ve an excessive amount of make-up sitting on my face, however regardless of being full protection, the IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream has a very nice, skin-like end. The place the thick texture of the e.l.f. CC cream makes it troublesome to mix out, the IT Cosmetics one blends like a dream. The truth that it additionally has SPF 50+ makes it the clear winner right here.

Concealer

I’m going to be sincere—I’ve but to discover a concealer that actually WOWS me. This was a pleasant, full-coverage concealer that brightened my under-eyes and added somewhat further protection to my blemishes. It’s , low-cost possibility that blends effectively, however the shade vary is so poor I can’t comfortably suggest it.

Once more, I’ve but to discover a concealer that sits amongst my different Holy Grail magnificence merchandise, however this was an honest possibility, and I can see why it’s one of many unique viral magnificence merchandise. With nearly double the quantity of shade choices that the e.l.f. concealer has, that is the clear winner for me if the formulation suits effectively together with your pores and skin. I wanted somewhat bit of additional hydration underneath my eyes after I used this, which resulted in it separating somewhat bit underneath my eyes because the day went on.

Bronzer

And right here we’ve got the primary product to truly make its approach into my common routine. I used to be actually so stunned by how this regarded on. Regardless of being a liquid product (which might be so tough to mix), this actually melted into my pores and skin and offered essentially the most stunning glow. The applicator, nonetheless, is so messy, and I don’t know if it “closes” the best way the Charlotte Tilbury one does, which could make it a hazard to retailer. That mentioned, at $7 and with a method that made me do a double-take, I’ll dwell with the messy packaging. I additionally love that this product is available in six shades, whereas the Charlotte Tilbury model solely is available in two.

That is one match-up that I actually couldn’t inform the distinction between. Each the method and the best way the Charlotte Tilbury contour wand blends are basically the identical because the e.l.f. dupe, however the e.l.f. Halo Glow Contour Wand will get the sting due to its worth and having barely extra shade choices.

Blush

Holy PIGMENT. I’m not new to extremely pigmented liquid blushes (I’ve been utilizing the Uncommon Magnificence and Saie ones for years), however the pigment on this blush actually stunned me. I wouldn’t suggest putting it instantly in your face. As a substitute, I place somewhat bit on my hand and decide up the product with a brush. That’s the way it’s blended one of the best for me whereas nonetheless offering a whole lot of shade. I’ll say—this product is almost an identical to the Uncommon Magnificence blushes, even coming in a whole lot of the identical shades the Uncommon Magnificence one is available in. Due to that, and the worth right here, the e.l.f. Camo Liquid Blush is the clear winner for me. I’ll positively be choosing up just a few extra shades.

When the Uncommon Magnificence Smooth Pinch Liquid Blush dropped, lives had been modified. I bear in mind instantly buying two shades after which, additionally instantly struggling to work with them. Over time, I’ve discovered learn how to make the product work effectively for me, however even to at the present time, I generally discover myself desperately attempting to mute somewhat little bit of the pigment with a moist magnificence blender, the comb I used for my basis, concealer… actually something which may make my cheeks look barely much less scary. I do know folks love these blushes, and I sometimes do, too! However I do discover they will separate on my pores and skin and look patchy if I’ve any dry spots, which I didn’t discover with the e.l.f. Camo Liquid Blush, in order that’s why it bought my vote. Nevertheless, in the event that they be just right for you, I do assume the $23 price ticket is value it since you’ll have that blush in your magnificence bag for many years.

Setting Powder

I don’t want an excellent matte look, however I additionally are likely to get oily because the day goes on, so a extremely good setting powder is important. I would like it to mattify my downside areas whereas additionally not accentuating each single pore I’ve on my face. Sadly, this powder had just a few issues. It’s very heavy, making my face seem cakey whereas additionally not really staying in place all through the day. So not solely was the end instantly not nice, nevertheless it didn’t have the lasting energy that I really want from my setting powders.

I actually do assume among the high-end merchandise on this record are definitely worth the worth (IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream, I’m taking a look at you), however whereas I believe that is the higher of the 2 setting powders, the worth actually throws me off. On the one hand, setting powders normally lasts an extended whereas, so the funding could also be value it. Greater than that, for me, this product simply carried out higher throughout. It eliminated extra shine from my T-zone with out settling into my advantageous strains and pores and really saved my make-up in place all through the day. That mentioned, I gained’t be giving up my favourite setting powder any time quickly (Kosas Cloud Set, for the inquiring minds).

Eyebrow Gel

I’m lucky sufficient to have thick eyebrows that don’t want any filling in. That mentioned, I really like a clear, lifted look and have discovered that typical forehead gels don’t actually obtain what I’m going for. I picked up the e.l.f. Forehead Elevate after seeing it on TikTok (after all), and have actually favored utilizing it. Nevertheless, when you’re not cautious with the product or use an excessive amount of, it might probably grow to be flaky all through the day. I’ve discovered that spritzing it with the tiniest quantity of water earlier than moving into with my brush yields one of the best outcome. For the worth alone, this can be a staple in my make-up drawer.

To be sincere, that is just about the very same product because the e.l.f. Forehead Elevate, however 4 occasions the associated fee. For that purpose alone, I’ve to provide this matchup to e.l.f. I seen the identical issues with the e.l.f. Forehead Elevate with the Forehead Freeze. When you’re not cautious and use an excessive amount of, it’ll get flaky all through the day. I additionally seen this one felt somewhat thick on my face, which I didn’t love and didn’t discover as a lot with the e.l.f. Forehead Elevate.

Mascara

That is the product that satisfied me to go on this complete journey within the first place. As quickly as I noticed the turquoise packaging (which instantly jogged my memory of the cult-favorite Thrive Causmetics Liquid Lash Extensions mascara), I knew I couldn’t go on any longer with out actually investigating e.l.f.’s merchandise. This mascara is somewhat drier, making it tough to work with and layer. Nevertheless, it offers good size and separation. It simply doesn’t wow me.

Oh, I get the love for this mascara now. I’ve wished to do this for ages, however the truth that you’ll be able to solely get it on-line instantly from the model has stopped me from buying it (please come to Sephora, Thrive!). Nevertheless, that is actually my good mascara. It offers glorious size and stellar quantity, and I can layer it to my coronary heart’s content material. The one disadvantage is that it offers a lot size that I discovered it will switch to my eyelids throughout utility if I went somewhat overboard. Regardless of that, I can see myself repurchasing this mascara repeatedly and once more.

Lip Oil

I really like a enjoyable lip second, and apart from blush, it’s the class I are likely to overspend in essentially the most. The e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil has just about all the pieces I might need in a lip oil. It’s bought sufficient pigment to indicate up however not be overbearing, has a good looking, hydrated end, and is barely $8 a pop. I’ll purchase each single shade this is available in with out batting a watch. Truthfully, I cherished it greater than the Dior one, which makes not spending $40 on a single product a lot sweeter.

This was the one product my teen sister wished from me for Christmas, and I fortunately bought it for her (she deserves the world!). But when I might return in time, I’d purchase her the total set of the e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oils as an alternative. Regardless of buying the identical shade in each the e.l.f. lip oil, and the Dior one, the e.l.f. one had a lot extra pigment, whereas the Dior one was simply barely extra pink than clear. Please, save your cash and purchase the e.l.f. ones as an alternative, you gained’t be dissatisfied.

Setting Spray

I’ve a love-hate relationship with this setting spray. I first began utilizing it after I might now not bear to spend $35 on the City Decay All-Nighter spray, and I’ve been utilizing it for years. It does its job effectively (it holds my make-up all day and combats oil manufacturing), however the packaging is extremely annoying. The spray radius isn’t nice, and never a ton of product comes out, so I really feel like I’ve to spray a BUNCH to get what I would like. Much more, I’ve now had two nozzles fully break on me. For ease of use alone, I believe I’ll be going again to City Decay.

It’s been years since I’ve used this setting spray, and though my purpose for switching remains to be one (the e.l.f. Keep All Night time setting spray is a lot extra wallet-friendly), I’ll be switching again to the City Decay All-Nighter setting spray. The packaging makes it 10 occasions simpler to make use of, and it performs simply in addition to I bear in mind. Welcome again to the lineup, City Decay.

Closing Ideas

I actually really feel like I’m e.l.f.’s #1 fan, however even I can admit that generally, the e.l.f. dupes simply don’t evaluate. Whereas my verdicts above are what labored finest for me, I like to recommend evaluating your present make-up routine and pinpointing areas you’re comfy spending extra (like a basis that actually gels together with your pores and skin) and which areas you wish to in the reduction of (like a primer that has no seen payoff), and choosing e.l.f. dupes (or one other drugstore model!) as an alternative. In the long run, I actually have handy it to e.l.f. for making merchandise which might be extra financially accessible, and I’ve my notifications ON for his or her subsequent drop.