You ladies asked for it. So here’s my second installment of the best DRUGSTORE DUPES for some of the most popular prestige products out right now! Here’s my original dupe post if you missed it. There are some good dupes in there! So today, I am Revealing the Best Makeup Dupes for Women Over 40.
The comment section made me SO happy on that first post and how excited you all were to read it! Clearly we can all agree that we like to have options for great makeup products depending on personal budgets.
As we continue to embrace our 40s and beyond, our skincare and makeup needs clearly must evolve. And with aging, comes wisdom, and comes the realization that splurging on every high-end beauty product isn't always necessary - especially when fantastic dupes are available at a fraction of the cost.
In today’s post I will be giving you my personal feedback from using every single one of these, so then you make your own informed decision on which one speaks to you and which ones you’d like to try on your pretty face!
Don’t forget, I’m wearing the dupes and the prestige products on each half of my face so you can see just how similar they all are - that’s the fun part! I think you’ll find my completed look is pretty darn cohesive to be wearing all these brands side by side!
Jennifer reveals the Best Makeup Dupes for Women Over 40
Jennifer's product recommendations are shoppable via text links and image widgets
Original: Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter, wearing shade 4.5, $49
Dupe: e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter, wearing shade 4 medium, $14
Why it's great: Both offer a lovely boost to the complexion that illuminates for a filter like appearance. You can use these alone, underneath or over foundation, or just to mix in with your liquid foundation. They have the same type of glass bottle and large doe foot applicator. I find the Charlotte Tilbury is a tad more sheer than the e.l.f. in terms of coverage and the glow is glow-ier in the e.l.f. (did I just make up a word - glow-ier?!).
*In this post just for reference, my finished look has only these filters on, with no foundation on top. I just added lots of concealer and powder (further down the post) on top and love the way it looks! I used the Anastasia Beverly Hills A30 Pro brush, $24, for blending these filters into the skin.
Prestige : Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream moisturizer, $40
Dupe : Neutrogena Hydro Boost gel to cream extra dry moisturizer, $23
Why it’s great : Both are meant for normal to super dry skin, with the focus mainly on the pro-aging ingredient - Hyaluronic Acid. HA is important because it is the key molecule involved in skin moisture. It has the ability to plump up and hydrate dry skin by retaining water. I’ve used both and prefer the faint fresh smell of the Laneige (the Neutrogena is fragrance free) because I am a fragrance girl and spa-like scents give me a euphoric feeling when I apply them. However, you get slightly more product per fluid ounce in the Neutrogena, and I believe it to feels more soothing and hydrating on the skin because of the gel-like formula that then turns creamy!
Original: Benefit Hoola Bronzer, $36
Dupe : Milani Silky Matte Bronzing Powder, in shade 02, $12
Why it's great: Benefit Hoola Bronzer is the OG-holy-grail bronzer that women know they can count on for a realistic warm glow that doesn’t go orange! And their Hoola Lite is the answer to every pale girl’s fear of bronzer - it’s perfection. But this Milani silky matte powder is giving original Hoola vibes, shade, and soft silky matte finish! But I just read that the Milani contains the anti-aging benefit of having argan oil included - who knew?!
Original: NARS Blush in “Orgasm,” $32
Dupe: Milani Baked Blush in “Luminoso,” $11
Why it's great: You can never go wrong with choosing to wear NARS “Orgasm” blush. It’s probably THE most iconic product in this list of originals. These blushes deliver a similar peachy-pink glow, providing a youthful flush to the cheeks with a hint of gold shimmer. I will say that the NARS goes a touch more pink compared to the Milani one that feels more coral when side by side.
So if you just can’t bear to spend over 30 bucks for the NARS definitely give the Milani one a try! You can see by the above photo how much love I’ve given to my old NARS one! These are the perfect blush shades for summertime too if you’re in the market.
Original : Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, $47.
Why it’s great: This is a big price difference huh?? I have used this Laura Mercier powder and repurchased it a gazillion times. It lives up to the hype. But guess what? The Wet n Wild is WILDLY close to performing like the famous Laura Mercier loose powder!! I couldn’t believe it when I put them side by side and swiped them on my skin. Finish and finely milled texture feel basically identical and oddly enough they both have that tinge of yellow to their translucent shade. They are both .7 ounces too.
Original: MAC Flat Out Fabulous matte lipstick, $23
Dupe: Revlon Colorstay Suede Ink Lipstick, “Tunnel Vision,” $12
Why it's great: These lipsticks offer a strikingly similar bold fuchsia shade with a comfortable matte finish. This is such a fun bold spring lip color and one reason I love wearing it is because it makes my teeth appear whiter! I think “Flat Out Fabulous” was launched back in 2013 and has been a staple in the MAC mattes collection ever since. In my opinion, the Revlon one actually has a bit longer staying power but they both really do stay put and almost stain your lips they’re so pigmented!
Original: Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray, $36
Why it's great: Both setting sprays lock makeup in place for extended wear, keeping your makeup looking fresh and flawless throughout the day into night. And they have the same top two ingredients of water and alcohol denat. I think they work the exact same and I prefer the spray pump on the Milani bc it sprays more evenly and wider at the pump! In this case, I think the dupe is better just because of the function of the spray! Curious how to use a makeup setting spray to the best of its ability? Check out this post on my method that will get your foundation to last all day.
There you have it - with these fantastic makeup dupes, you can achieve a flawless look without compromising on quality or draining your wallet. Or, go ahead and indulge in the original viral prestige products…whatever floats your boat!
My outfit details: My sherbet orange pointelle sweater, $34 is such a springy shade and super lightweight | Similar beaded multicolored earrings that would go with anything in your closet, $14 | did you notice my baby blue tipped fingernails? They’re courtesy of impress press on nails just in time for Easter and spring! | the cutest crop denim jeans by Free People, $98
Yesterday, Beth and Kelly shared a great spring appetizer and cocktail on Fridays with Oscar. Click the title or image below to read the article.
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Jennifer when a how do you add bronzer? This has always been a mystery to me how to use it. Thanks
Thank you again, Jennifer for part 2 of makeup dupes! You really do your homework for us! Happy Easter! 🐣
Jennifer thank you for sharing your makeup tips & dupes. I really enjoy your posts and have learned a lot! do you have any product recommendations for covering up spider veins on your legs? I’ve become very self conscious when I wear dresses & shorts in the spring & summer. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.