Identical makeup dupes that you can’t tell apart. Chapter 3

makeup identical dupes part 3
Last updated on March 20, 2025

Lately, I have come across a very strange situation. While I was checking for dupes for the products that I already have and love, I found many products recommended online did not match at all the original product. I was surprised I saw many users swearing by the same products. I have come to the conclusion that many brands have changed the formula of their products, even for more popular products that are holy grails for the makeup world. This comes as consumers and law demand for safer ingredients(just check the talc scandal and how it shaped the production of makeup), for vegan and cruelty free products. So if you happen to buy a product recommended by me, be sure that I tested it before, I published it as a dupe, but you see a difference, then the formula of the product changed and together with it, also the way it translates on the skin. 

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. “Nude truffle” lip liner by Nyx is supposed to be a dupe for “Stripdown” from Mac. But the brand changed the factory from Germany to Mexico and now the new pencil has a different undertone. Another example that really disappointed me, because it is a must have product in every makeup artist kit, is the “Orgasm” blush by Nars. After the formula changed, it’s hard to pick up the famous pigment from the pan and deposit it on the skin and it doesn’t match anymore any of the OG known dupes like Milani “Luminous”, “Petal primavera” or The balm. But lets see the new dupe  finds and show them out until it’s not too late.

Urban Decay eyeshadow primer potion vs. Nyx HD eyeshadow base concentrated eye primer

urban decay eyeshadow primer potion duped by nyx eyeshadow base concentrated eye primer
urban decay eyeshadow primer potion duped by nyx eyeshadow base concentrated eye primer

My oily lids people…this is for you. If you love the light, thin layer, smooth coverage, and the longevity of the eyeshadow on the lid the OG primer potion provides, you will love to spend less on this next drugstore identical dupe. The UD nude primer is a holy grail for so many of us and has multiple awards as it is a customer favorite for doing it’s job properly. The eyeshadow stays vibrant and the lid will be crease-free all day. It is formulated with polymer technology and makes the perfect foundation for eyeshadow and eyeliner, filling in any surface imperfection and prepping lids for long wear. It is vegan, cruelty-free and paraben free. On a side note, I am keeping an old version that comes in a “magic pot” like packaging, because it is that cute. 

Nyx HD eyeshadow base concentrated eye primer-buy here

I found the dupe of UD primer potion in a drugstore product, the Nyx HD eyeshadow base concentrated eye primer. It does the exact same job and has the same effect and costs four times less! Also lightweight, makes the skin appear smoother, more even and ensures lasting eye makeup. With the same type of applicator, a doe foot one, it is also fragrance free just like the UD one. Containing talc and not being vegan(but still cruelty-free), the Nyx HD eyeshadow primer will probably be formulated soon according the the changes happening on the market and this current version will disappear. So for now, get a couple extra  ones, because you can’t know with the new version if it will be an identical dupe to the UD primer potion.

Urban Decay Space Cowboy vs. elf Champagne Showers

elf champagne showers dupe of urban decay space cowboy eyeshadow topper
elf champagne showers dupe of urban decay space cowboy eyeshadow topper swatches

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