Let’s face it, we all need to save money right now. We told you before how makeup dupes (short for duplicates) from the drugstore will help you save money. We tested even more products from every price range to bring you the winner between high end favourites and drugstore loves. Every product that we tried was good – some just had a slight edge while other were tied. Products were, once again, tested for performance, lasting power and overall quality. Remember, that with makeup, everyone has different skin types and textures which can affect how makeup performs.
Concealers
The Competitors – Tarte Shape Tape 10ml $35 at tartecosmetics.com VS. Catrice Liquid Camouflage High Coverage Concealer 5ml $7.99 at Shoppers Drug Mart
Concealers cover everything from dark circles to broken vessels, acne and melasma. Some, including the two that we tried are so full coverage, that you can use them instead of wearing foundation. Tarte Shape Tape was the favoured concealer by many Influencers. The challenge is that it’s not available in Canada. You either have to order it from Tarte’s or Ulta’s website. It is an excellent concealer. Shape Tape is crease-proof and long lasting. Catrice Liquid Camouflage High Coverage Concealer is also long lasting. It is a high-quality concealer with the same benefits as Shape Tape.
To do a true test, I wore both concealers on my face – one on either side. By the end of the day, neither had creased and both provided beautiful coverage. If you have very dry skin, full coverage concealers may not be right for you, but if you are oily or combination skin, they work really well.
What You Are Missing Out On By Buying The Makeup Dupe:
The biggest difference between the two, other than size and packaging, is the size of the doe-foot applicator. Shape Tape’s is much larger than Catrice’s Liquid Camouflage High Coverage Concealer.
The Winner:
Catrice’s Liquid Camouflage High Coverage Concealer. They both did an equally good job at covering up imperfections. I did like the more precise application that I was able to get with Catrice’s Liquid Camouflage High Coverage Concealer. It is also better for immediate gratification since you can get it easily in Canada.
Foundations
The Competitors – Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Hydrating Foundation $48 at Sephora VS. Catrice HD Liquid Coverage Foundation $13.99 at Shoppers Drug Mart
Catrice HD Liquid Coverage Foundation is touted as a dupe for Fenty Beauty’s Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation by YouTubers like Stephanie Nicole who pay attention to ingredients. In fact, if you compare the top ingredients for both foundations, they are identical. Unfortunately, I’ve never tried Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation. While the Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Hydrating Foundation isn’t the same, it is long-wearing which is similar to Catrice’s foundation.
What You Are Missing Out On By Buying The Makeup Dupe:
Both foundations are long-lasting. Smashbox’s is more hydrating and a thicker formula. It also has a pump. Catrice’s HD Liquid Coverage Foundation is a thinner formula that comes with a dropper applicator. Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Hydrating Foundation is not as full coverage. It is more forgiving if you over apply it. With Catrice’s foundation, less is more. Start out with a small amount and build it up to the finish that you want.
The Winner:
It’s a tie. It depends on your skin care needs and the type of finish that you want. Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Hydrating Foundation is better for dry skin and a more natural finish. If you have oily or combination skin, Catrice’s HD Liquid Coverage Foundation is the way to go. I was really impressed with this product. If you have tried Fenty Beauty’s Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, and want to save money, this is an excellent option. It dries down to a beautiful finish and you don’t even feel like you have foundation on, even though it is full coverage.
Mascara
The Competitors – Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara $32 at Sephora VS. L’Oréal Paris Mascara Voluminous Lash Paradise $14.49 at Shoppers Drug Mart
Both mascaras are volumizing which means that your lashes will look thicker. L’Oréal Paris also claims that Lash Paradise will lengthen your lashes. Both feature a natural bristle wand with an hourglass shape that helps lift lashes and explains the popularity of both mascaras. Too Faced did it first though.
What You Are Missing Out On By Buying The Makeup Dupe:
Absolutely nothing. From the pink tube down to the hourglass wand, L’Oréal Paris Mascara Voluminous Lash Paradise is identical. Our recommendation – wait for Lash Paradise to go on sale – it is often a flyer item to save even more money. L’Oréal Paris’s formula is a little thinner but you need to be careful not to over-apply either mascara or you will have clumpy lashes. Two coats is usually enough with both.
The Winner:
L’Oréal Paris Mascara Voluminous Lash Paradise for the win. It’s less than half of the price and the mascara is less flakey.
Eyeliner
The Competitors – KVD Vegan Beauty Tattoo Liner $27.50 at Sephora VS. Physicians Formula Eye Booster Lash 2-in-1 Eyeliner and Serum $15.99 at Shoppers Drug Mart
KVD Vegan Beauty Tattoo Liner in is a cult favourite for a reason. It is a long-wearing, brush tip eyeliner. This eyeliner lasts all day and never flakes off. The brush tip makes application easier and it doesn’t tug on your eyes. Physicians Formula Eye Booster Lash 2-in-1 Eyeliner and Serum is a great dupe. Buy the Ultra Black though – the black is actually more of a gray. It actually does boost your lashes while you use it. It’s a small change but I did notice that my lashes were longer.
What You Are Missing Out On By Buying The Makeup Dupe:
KVD Vegan Beauty Tattoo Liner lasts just a little bit longer and Physicians Formula has the unique lash boosting feature. The application was identical with both of these products.
The Winner:
It’s a toss-up. It really depends on what you are looking for. If you already have lush lashes, go with KVD Vegan Beauty Tattoo Liner. If you would like a lash boost, and to save a little, pick up Physicians Formula Eye Booster Lash 2-in-1 Eyeliner and Serum. Just remember to get the Ultra Black.
