When I transitioned from a regular, casual user to the makeup MONSTER that I am now, I relished in the idea of a makeup dupe. As YouTube videos continued to demonstrated the purpose of new makeup categories such as #bronzer and #highlighter, my makeup spending increased dramatically and in order to stay in my budget, I started exploring dupes. The problem is that purchasing dupes to save money can be counterproductive. Often (though not always,) the product that costs more is going to be of better quality. I find that especially the case with complexion products, such as foundation, concealer, and powder. So while you may have spent less when purchasing the dupe, the look is diminished and may take longer for a similar result. And when it comes to searching for color cosmetic dupes, the effort to find that identical shade and formula can often double your spending. Last winter, in my quest for a suitable dupe for @FentyBeauty’s #stunnalippaint in Unveil ($24,) I purchased three drugstore lippies plus a liquid lipstick from @sephoracollection. Almost double the cost — and I still don’t have the #fentyunveil color that I originally wanted. Don’t be duped by the dupe. ___ Where the mirror meets the soul. Follow @BeautyBodyPearl for makeup photography, skincare reviews, and melanin beauty tips. Remember to swipe left on every photo, because I do swatch them all! ___ My skintype: Oily most of the year, but leans normal/combination during the winter months. Never sensitive, but susceptible to hormonal acne scarring. ___ My skintone: Tan/medium deep with neutral undertones. @Sephora ID: #1y11 Foundation Shades: MAC #NC45 / NC44.5 / Fenty360 / Fenty370 / NARSHuahine / Maybelline330 / Estee Lauder DoubleWear 5n1 / Too Faced Born This Way Mocha / Smashbox Studio Skin 3.35 (at Sephora Corporate Headquarters) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzvoIbkl8Wm/?igshid=drx59yv71at4
