8 Cheaper Drugstore Makeup Alternatives ...

By Lauren

8 Cheaper Drugstore Makeup Alternatives ...

When it comes to makeup, something being more expensive doesn't necessarily mean it's always better than cheaper drugstore makeup alternatives! If you switched to each of these drugstore alternatives I'm about to list instead of their name brand counterparts, you would save over $100! So save some cash and still look gorgeous by buying these 8 cheaper drugstore makeup alternatives instead of your normal name brand cosmetics.

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1

Urban Decay Vs. Elf Eye Primer

This is the cheapest item on this list of drugstore makeup alternatives! Urban Decay’s Primer Potion for your eyes retails for $20, whereas ELF's primer is only $1! You may think that a price difference that steep has its reasons but in reality, ELF's primer is good enough for pretty much all of your needs. ELF’s primer is not quite as thick as Urban Decay's and it is just slightly less effective at preventing creasing, but the difference is so marginal that it's basically nonexistent. So, for the $19 price difference, there’s really not much of a reason to splurge on the name brand option.

2

Urban Decay Naked Vs Elf Eye Shadow

Urban Decay's Naked eye shadow palette has become somewhat of a cult favorite lately, but at $50 it's pretty pricey! However, ELF's beauty book is an obvious copy of the super popular Urban Decay Naked eye shadow palette and is only $5! The only downside is that you need to swipe ELF's lighter colors a few times in order to build up the color enough to match the Naked palette. However, the darker shades are almost the exact same colors!

3

Urban Decay Vs. NYX Pencil Eye Liners

Urban Decay has an amazing lineup of vibrant colored pencil eye liners, but at $19 each, they can cause a serious hole in your wallet. Instead, try NYX's slide-on colored pencil eye liners at your local drugstore for only $8 each! Compared to Urban Decay's eye liners, they last just as long but may take a few extra minutes to dry when applying. They also have just as many color variations with a total of 18 to choose from.

4

L'Oreal Vs. Stila Liquid Eye Liner

Stila's Stay All Day Waterproof liquid liner is a great eye liner as it never dries out and it is one of the easiest liquid liners to apply. However, at $20 it seems like there should be a much cheaper alternative that's just as good. The best alternative to Stila is L’Oreal's Lineur Intense Felt Tip Liquid eye liner for only $8 at your local drugstore. It’s important to have a liquid liner with a felt tip for easy and smooth application. These two liquid liners are so similar that it feels sort of silly to spend the extra money for a brand name when both last just as long and are just as easy to apply.

5

Dior Vs. Maybelline Mascara

Mascara is one of the most useful beauty products you can use because it draws focus to your eyes. But what if you don’t want to spend over $20 on one tube of mascara? Dior's Best In Show Mascara will run you a whopping $25 for one tube! Although voted one of the best mascaras on Sephora's website, is it really worth all the dough? If you want a great drugstore alternative, try Maybelline's mascara line, especially their Colossal Volum' mascara for only $6. That saves you almost $20 and will keep your lashes looking long and full!

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6

MAC Vs. CoverGirl Lipstick

MAC's Cremesheen Lipstick will run you about $14.50, whereas CoverGirl Lip Perfection Lipstick will only cost you half that at $7! Their color lineup is almost identical and they both have about the same lasting power! MAC's lipstick seems to have a bit more of a glossier finish and feels more moisturizing, but is that worth $7.50 more? So if you can go without the brand name and fancy finish, save some money and go with CoverGirl.

7

Make up for Ever Vs. Hard Candy Concealer

This is another makeup alternative that has a steep price difference, with Make Up For Ever's concealer selling for $32 and Hard Candy Glamoflauge concealer selling for only $6 at most drugstores. The one downside of the Hard Candy Glamoflauge Concealer is that is only comes in 3 shades whereas Make Up For Ever comes in 12 shades. However, both of these concealers will give you great full coverage and both of them can be used to hide dark bags under your eyes or problem areas on your face. If one of Hard Candy's three concealer shades fits your skin type, I would highly suggest saving money by buying this cheaper alternative.

8

NARS Vs. Rimmel London Bronzer

Although many people say that NARS Laguna Bronzer is "completely worth it" at $34, I disagree. Especially when there is a close alternative by Rimmel London at only $5! Rimmel London Natural Bronzer creates a great, natural-looking glow without emptying your wallet, which makes it even better. Rimmel bronzer has a great contouring powder because it's matte, buildable, and blends easily. So maybe try the cheaper alternative to save yourself the money while still looking tan! Keep in mind though that either is better (and healthier) than going tanning!

If you're looking to save a little extra money, trading in your beloved name brand's for cheaper (just as good) alternatives is the easiest way. Don't just put down cheaper makeup products without trying them out first! You may be shocked at how similar they are to your regular brand name cosmetics. What is your favorite cheaper drugstore makeup alternative?

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

@Heather Jensen no problem thanks for the great post :-)

Any suggestions for a cheaper foundation? I love makeup forever but it is about $40 a bottle. Going to try your other suggestions to save on my concealer and bronzer! Thanks!

Elf liquid liner is only a $1.99 and is amazing, it's better then Clinique and stays on just as long and vibrantly as Estée Lauder double wear liquid. You should try it!

In a pinch the elf products will do, but it pays to spend more. The urban decay naked 1,2,

No joke I am known for extremely bright eyeshadows. I spend money on makeup yes, but 99% of the time I simply use concealer and la colors from the dollar store

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