Affordable Dupes for Luxury Makeup Products!

Let’s be real, luxury makeup is absolutely beautiful, but not everyone wants or can afford to spend AED 200+ on a single blush. Whether you're just starting out with makeup or you just love a beauty bargain, finding a solid drugstore dupe is a total win.

After 15+ years as a makeup artist and teaching over 4,000 students, I’ve tested both ends of the spectrum. And today, I'm giving you a list of affordable dupes that deliver just as much glow, pigment, and performance as their high-end counterparts.

1. Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter

Dupe: L'Oréal True Match Lumi Glotion

If you're after that soft-focus, candlelit glow that the CT filter gives but don’t want to spend over AED 200 this L'Oréal Glotion is it. Lightweight, dewy, and perfect under foundation or on its own. It has a similar glow, hydrating texture, and is incredibly easy to blend into your skin.

2. Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush

Dupe: NYX Buttermelt Blush 

This NYX blush is buttery, highly pigmented, and blends beautifully. The shade match of the NYX blush in 'Acai' shade to Dior’s iconic pink is close enough to have you making the swap. A swipe of this blush will have you understanding the hype.

 3. Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

Dupe: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer

Tarte’s coverage is great for pigmentation and covering those under eye bags but it can be a bit heavy and is definitely on the pricier side. Maybelline’s cult favorite concealer is lighter, more forgiving on fine lines, and super beginner friendly.

4. Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand (Highlight Blush)

Dupe: Maybelline Liquid Glow Blush

If you love a glowy blush highlight that melts into the skin like the Charlotte Tilbury wand but without the price tag, this Maybelline liquid blush gives almost the same soft radiance, with just a hint of color and no harsh shimmer. Dab some of it on before setting your base for a fresh, glowy finish.

 5. Rhode Skin Blush

Dupe: Rare Beauty Liquid Blush

Rhode’s blushes are trendy and minimal, but Rare Beauty’s OG liquid blush delivers more pigment, better color variety, and that same juicy, radiant look at a fraction of the luxury price. Rare Beauty products are also way more accessible and a little bit of product goes a long way, making it so much more worth it!

6. Makeup by Mario Blush Stick

Dupe: Sheglam Color Bloom Liquid Blush

Sheglam’s viral blushes are creamy, pigmented, and blend like a dream. They have that same natural flush Mario’s stick gives but in liquid form and for a tiny fraction of the cost. The price difference is almost AED 200 which is honestly shocking!

7. Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Blush

Dupe: ELF Camo Liquid Blush

ELF’s Camo liquid blush drop has gotten a lot of attention and for good reason. The texture, color payoff, and lasting power really do rival Rare Beauty’s OG blush. This drugstore dupe is worth it for the price difference and an additional benefit of ELF is the great shade range options for all skin tones.

8. Rhode Skin Blush

Dupe: Milani Cheek Kiss Blush

Another great alternative to the minimalist Rhode blush is Milani's Cheek Kiss. The formula is buildable, dewy, and perfect for no-makeup makeup days. This is one of those blushes that is perfect for beginner's wanting to experiment with cream blushes due to the ease of blending and the affordable price tag!