Lately, I’ve encountered a very strange situation. While checking for dupes of products I already have and love, I found that many online-recommended products didn’t match the originals at all. I was surprised to see many users swearing by these same products. I’ve come to the conclusion that many brands have changed their product formulas, even for popular, holy-grail products in the makeup world. This shift is likely to consumer demands and law requiring safer ingredients (just check the talc scandal and how it shaped the production of makeup). The demand for vegan and cruelty-free products has also driven the change. So if you happen to purchase a product I’ve recommended and notice a difference, it’s likely because the formula has changed, affecting how it looks on the skin. Please note that I test the products before recommending them as dupes and I take pictures for most of them.
You can check HERE the first part of the dupe series and HERE the second part.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through links. I will only recommend products that I have personally used! Learn more on my Private Policy page.
Just to give some examples. The “Nude truffle” lip liner by Nyx is supposed to be a dupe for “Stripdown” from Mac. However, the brand changed its manufacturing location from Germany to Mexico and now the new pencil has a different undertone. Another example that really disappointed me is the “Orgasm” blush by Nars, a must-have in every makeup artist’s kit. After the formula change, it’s become challenging to pick up the famous pigment from the pan and deposit it onto the skin. Consequently, it no longer matches any of the OG known dupes, such as Milani’s “Luminoso”, “Petal primavera” or The balm. Let’s take a look at these new dupe discoveries before they become outdated.
Urban Decay eyeshadow primer potion vs. Nyx HD eyeshadow base concentrated eye primer
My oily lids people…this one is for you! If you love the light, thin layer, smooth coverage, and longevity of the eyeshadow on your lid that the OG Primer Potion provides, you’ll be thrilled to spend less on this next identical drugstore dupe. The UD nude primer is a holy grail for so of us, with multiple awards to its name as a customer favorite for doing its job flawlessly. Your eyeshadow will stay vibrant, and your lid remain crease-free all day. Formulated with polymer technology, it creates the perfect foundation for eyeshadow and eyeliner, filling in surface imperfections and prepping your lids for long-lasting wear. Plus, it’s vegan, cruelty-free and paraben-free. On a side note, I’m holding onto an old version that comes in an adorable “magic pot” packaging- it’s just that cute!Â
Nyx HD eyeshadow base concentrated eye primer-buy here
I’ve found the dupe for UD Primer Potion in a drugstore product: the Nyx HD Eyeshadow Base Concentrated Eye Primer. It does the exact same job, has the same effect, and costs four times less! This primer is also lightweight, making your skin appear smoother and more even, while ensuring your eye makeup lasts. It features the same type of applicator- a doe-foot one- and it’s fragrance-free, just like the UD one. Containing talc and not being vegan(but still cruelty-free), I predict the Nyx HD eyeshadow primer will probably be formulated soon according the the changes happening on the market. This means the current version will likely disappear. So, for now, grab a couple of extras while you can, because we can’t be sure if the new version will be an identical dupe to the UD Primer Potion.
Urban Decay Space Cowboy vs. elf Champagne Showers
There’s a way to achieve a wet look effect on your lid without the creasing problem that comes with gloss. That’s why “Space cowboy” went viral and has been constantly out of stock since its launch. Urban Decay, a pioneer in creativity and innovation, hit the jackpot with this product. It became an instant hit! The cruelty-free sparkle eyeshadow, designed for glittery looks, features micro-fine particles that give a wet-look effect, silky texture, and vibrant shine. It’s long-wear, easy to apply, buildable, and highly reflective. The holy grail “Space Cowboy” shade is a light champagne with silver sparkle. My favorite way of applying it is with my fingertip, as the natural oils in my finger help grab that pigment in an effectively. For hygienic reasons, I recommend scrapping off a thin layer from the top with a tissue that’s not so soft every time you use it. The method also helps preserve the balance of elements, so you don’t end up with more color than glitter.
The fact that the elf Glitter eyeshadow is a dupe for UD doesn’t come as a surprise. Even the packaging resembles the OG topper from UD, with a transparent outer case. Marketed directly as a long-lasting sheer sparkle eyeshadow topper, it’s exactly what it claims to be- minus the hefty price tag. Well, not just a few bucks less- we’re talking significantly cheaper! This is a great alternative for when the UD “Space cowboy” is out of stock or when you want the same effect without breaking the bank. You can wear the product alone for a subtle shimmer or layer it on top of eyeshadows to amplify the glitz. This eyeshadow is lightweight, pigmented, effective, easy to apply, buildable, versatile, and vegan- certified by Leaping Bunny and Peta. The micro-fine glitter particles won’t irritate your eyes, although there is a minimal fallout. What a great find! I recommend trying other shades too.
Benefit 24hr Brow Setter vs. Maybelline Super Lock Brow Glue
I’m the most proud of my next find. It’s a product that has proven its efficiency over time. You’ll find it in my 2024 favorite beauty products post, and for good reason. For the best in beauty 2024, click HERE. To put it simply, the Benefit 24hr Brow Setter is a transparent, clear brow gel that shapes and tames eyebrows. It does this by being flexible, flake-free, and having a strong hold with an invisible finish. You can create three different looks for your brows: natural (my favorite), feathered, or laminated. The styling lasts all day and tames even the most stubborn hairs. It holds well in heat and humidity conditions. Is it worth the hype? 100%! Do you want to spend less on a product that creates an identical effect? Absolutely!Â
I’ve been searching for a while for an affordable, drugstore clear brow gel that’s long-lasting and flake-free. The Maybelline Super Lock Brow Glue surprised me- it wasn’t viral yet, and I stumbled upon it by accident. But the moment I tried it, I knew instantly that I’ve found an identical dupe for my holy grail Benefit 24hr Brow setter and ordered backups. The Maybelline gel is flake-free, lightweight, and transparent, with long-lasting wear (up to 24hr, just like the high-end product). It’s also sweat-resistant and transfer-proof. I don’t mind the simple brush applicator; it’s enough for coating my brow hairs, which I then arrange using the wooden part of a makeup brush in an upward and outward direction for an instant eye-lift. Hurry up and grab yours while you still can! Good job, Maybelline- you’re truly my favorite drugstore brand for putting out quality products at reasonable prices.
Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara vs. Wet n wild Mega Protein Mascara
A holy grail for many, this mascara doesn’t need an introduction. I wore it on my wedding day, and it gives the effect I love most in mascara: volumized, separated lashes that don’t look clumpy and spider-ish. It’s a long-lasting formula that is not waterproof but resists flaking, smudging, sweat, and humidity. The lashes look perfectly bold but not artificially so. This mascara gets me the most compliments. The lashes appear fanned out, and although the wand doesn’t look special, the comb grabs even the small, hard-to-reach lashes and distributes the product evenly from roots to ends. My only wish? A brown version of this amazing mascara!
This is a great dupe for achieving the same lash effect as the “Smokey eye” Mascara. Like all products from the Wet n Wild products, it’s much more affordable. If you’re looking for a clean, natural, defined look for your lashes, this product is a very good choice. Before I go on, I have to mention that this mascara is very thin and wet but I’ve found a trick to work around it. You need to leave the tube open(yes, you read that right) for a few hours to let it dry. This prevents dots of mascara forming above and beneath your lashes. The brush is very similar to the Bobbi Brown one and coats the lashes evenly with no clumps. It’s extremely cheap and makes for a great everyday mascara, but you HAVE TO DRY IT BEFORE.
Bobbi Brown Face Base vs. Missha Super Aqua Balm Cream
Another high-end Bobbi Brown product favorite that’s a staple in my kit! The Vitamin Enriched Face Base Hydrating Primer works great as a layer between skincare and makeup or as a luxurious moisturizer. Initially, it looks heavy, but it emulsifies with the heat of the fingers, and a little goes a long way. I use it as a primer for very dry, dry, and normal skin. However, for sensitive skin, I recommend caution due to its fragrant ingredients, despite being 100% naturally sourced. For suitable skin types, it nourishes and plumps with a blend of vitamins B,C, and E. Plus, it contains Hyaluronic Acid, Squalene, and Shea Butter. It is pricey, but trust me, it is an indulgence. Everybody loves it when I apply it to their face, and it makes for a fantastic makeup primer.
I’m daring to include this product, marketed as a deep hydrating cream, as I’ve found it has the same effect as the Bobbi Brown face base cream. I can use it as a primer for very dry, dry and normal skin. Specially formulated with 10 different sizes of hyaluronic acid molecules, it’s designed to penetrate and hydrate every layer of the skin, improving texture and radiance. It also contains Niacinamide to help brighten and even out skin tone, and natural oils (Macadamia, Jojoba, and Olive) to nourish the skin. The Betaglucan acts as a moisture-protective shield, strengthening the skin barrier. The texture is rich and dense, but it emulsifies just like the Face Base. The strangest thing is that my cream has a fresh citric smell, whereas online it’s presented as non-scented. It must be due to different formulations for the US market. This K-beauty product find is a miracle for dry skin, especially in the winter, and a perfect dupe for the Bobbi Brown primer.
Have you had a chance to try any of these makeup products? I’d love to hear your feedback and thoughts on any of these and their identical dupes.