Save Yourself Some $$$ With These Under $20 Drugstore Dupes
Dump anything that isn’t kind to your skin! That includes any beauty tools you’ve been using (and reusing) for too long. If you can’t stand the idea of letting go of your everyday essentials (read: buying new tools in this economy), we’re here to show you the budget-friendly route. After years of trying beauty products, we’ve found some drugstore dupes that rival expensive beauty tools but are WAYYY cheaper – in fact, they’ll save you $121. You’re welcome.
1. Eye Makeup Essentials:
The Splurge: Sigma Beauty Basics Eye Kit, $77
The Drugstore Dupe: Real Techniques Everyday Eye Essentials Makeup Brush Set, $20
Savings: $57
This is the best $20 you’ll ever spend. The vegan eight-piece brush set delivers pro-worthy precision for every eye look imaginable. If the vibe’s a smokey eye, experiment with any of the flat, round, angled, and precision synthetic brushes – they feel ultra-soft on the skin and blend like a dream. Or, if you’re going for the classic “no-makeup, makeup” vibe, sweep your brows up for a feathered look with the metal spoolie.
2. Base Perfectors:
The Splurge: beautyblender ORIGINAL BEAUTYBLENDER Makeup Sponge, $20
The Drugstore Dupe: Real Techniques Sponge+ Miracle Complexion Sponge, $6
Savings: $12
Everyone knows that the beautyblender is the OG beauty sponge… But you may not be familiar with its dupe. Real Techniques’ version is a latex-free sponge with three sides designed to easily fit the contours of your face, and let us tell you. She’s a star student who works with all kinds of formulas – liquid, cream, and powder – blending each to perfection.
3. Pampering Jade Rollers:
The Splurge: Herbivore Jade De-Puffing Face Roller, $32
The Drugstore Dupe: Revlon Implements Jade Stone Facial Roller, $10
Savings: $22
Like this Herbivore jade roller, Revlon’s dual-sided roller helps reduce AM puffiness, especially when chilled overnight in the fridge. It perks up your complexion for an instant glow while supporting lymphatic drainage. Use the smaller end to maneuver around your eyes, mouth, and chin and the larger side to rev up blood circulation on your cheeks and forehead.
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4. Lash Lifters:
The Splurge: Tweezerman ProCurl Eyelash Curler, $24
The Drugstore Dupe: e.l.f. Cosmetics Pro Eyelash Curler, $12
Savings: $12
In terms of the assignment, both options will curl your lashes up to the heavens. If you look closely, the similarities include a rounded top bar and a wide opening, which gently squeezes your lashes for a dramatic lift. But it bottles down to what you’re willing to sacrifice – e.l.f.’s cushioned handle prioritizes comfort while Tweezerman’s steel version offers more grip and precision. However, the dupe gets bonus points for including an additional rubber lash pad to replace the original, whenever it wears out.
5. Precise Pluckers:
The Splurge: Anastasia Beverly Hills Precision Tweezers, $28
The Drugstore Dupe: Revlon Slant Tip Micro Fine Tweezer, $10
Savings: $18
If $28 is too much for a pair of tweezers, try Revlon’s affordable pluckers instead. Like its spenny alternative, it has a sharp, slanted tip making it easier to pluck out any itty-bitty strands growing between brow appointments. The ergonomic shape makes it easier to grip, while the body is made with stainless steel, so it’s bound to last you a lifetime.
Congratulations, you just saved $121. We won’t tell if you spend it on these TikTok-approved drugstore products.
Disclaimer: Every product we review has been independently selected and tested without bias by our editorial team. Although some brands allow affiliate links, we never take payment to review products, so we may earn a commission if you purchase a product by clicking on one of our links.
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