On Nov 5, 2024, beauty lovers were introduced to the world of drugstore makeup dupes through a detailed youtube video by Andréa Matillano that compares affordable products to their high-end counterparts. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can achieve a luxury look without the hefty price tag, this long form blog will answer your questions and guide you toward budget-friendly beauty solutions.

In this post, we’ll break down & summarize Andrea Matillano’s Youtube video into key insights, comparisons, and actionable tips, helping you elevate your makeup game without emptying your wallet.

Honestly…these drugstore makeup dupes are BETTER than high end 🫢

Time Interval: 00:00 – 31:41

Summary

• 🎨 Excitement for Dupes: The creator introduces the video with enthusiasm about showcasing drugstore makeup dupes that often outperform high-end products in terms of quality, color, and finish.
• 👓 Pair Eyewear Partnership: An overview of the sponsor, Pair Eyewear, highlights customizable and stylish glasses with magnetic top frames, making them functional and fashionable.
• 💄 Dupe Comparison – Eyeshadows: The Revolution Beauty palette is highlighted as a strong dupe for the Patrick Ta Major Dimension 2, praised for its better blendability and metallic intensity.
• ✨ Elf Glitter Eyeshadows: Though not exact dupes for Urban Decay’s Moondust, the elf glitter eyeshadows offer versatility and affordability, standing out as great alternatives.
• 🧴 Cheek Products Standouts: Milani’s cream bronzer is compared to Say’s Sun Melt bronzer, with Milani delivering better pigmentation and staying power.
• 💋 Lip Product Favorites: Hard Candy lip melts are recommended over Makeup by Mario plumping lip serums for their similar glossy feel and performance at a fraction of the price.
• 📋 General Dupes Philosophy: The importance of clear distinctions between “dupes” and “alternatives” is emphasized to help viewers make informed purchasing decisions.

Why Drugstore Dupes Are Gaining Popularity

The beauty industry is evolving, and drugstore brands are leveling up their game. With advancements in formulation and packaging, products like Revolution Beauty’s True Icon palette and Milani’s cream bronzer prove that you don’t need to splurge to achieve premium-quality makeup.

Here’s why drugstore dupes are taking over:

• Affordability: Drugstore products often cost a fraction of high-end brands.
• Accessibility: Easily found in local stores or online.
• Comparable Quality: Many dupes deliver similar or even better performance than their luxury counterparts.

The Best Drugstore Makeup Dupes to Elevate Your Routine

1. Revolution Beauty True Icon Palette vs. Patrick Ta Major Dimension 2

Looking for a versatile eyeshadow palette? Revolution Beauty’s True Icon is a standout. At just $12, it mimics Patrick Ta’s $70 Major Dimension 2 in color story and texture. With blendable mattes and vibrant metallics, this palette is a steal.

2. Milani Cream Bronzer vs. SE Sun Melt Natural Cream Bronzer

Milani’s cream bronzer ($10) outshines SE’s pricier Sun Melt in pigment and staying power. While SE offers a more luminous finish, Milani’s satin-matte texture works wonders for all-day wear.

3. Hard Candy InstaPout Lip Melt vs. Makeup by Mario Plumping Lip Serum

For a glossy finish that rivals Mario’s $24 Plumping Lip Serum, Hard Candy’s InstaPout delivers at a fraction of the cost. The texture, longevity, and shine make it a must-have.

4. Elf Glitter Eyeshadows vs. Urban Decay Moondust Shadows

Although not an exact match, elf glitter shadows offer versatile options for achieving the sparkle synonymous with Urban Decay’s cult-favorite Moondust line.

Conclusion diagram summarizing the key insights about drugstore makeup dupes versus high-end products:

 

Key Insights from the Comparison

• Cost Savings: Revolution Beauty and Hard Candy deliver professional-grade results at drugstore prices.
• Versatile Applications: From vibrant lip melts to blendable bronzers, drugstore alternatives cater to diverse skin tones and preferences.
• Sustainability: Products like Milani bronzer offer compact sizes, reducing waste and promoting practicality.

Key Timestamps with Relevant Information

1. Introduction to Dupes: Overview of the video’s focus on drugstore dupes outperforming high-end products.
2. Sponsor Highlight: Pair Eyewear: Details on customizable and stylish eyewear options.
3. Patrick Ta vs. Revolution Beauty True Icon Palette: Side-by-side comparison of the eyeshadow palettes.
4. Elf Glitter Eyeshadows vs. Urban Decay Moondust: Discussion of glitter eyeshadows and their versatility.
5. Milani Cream Bronzer vs. SE Sun Melt: Explanation of the differences and advantages.
6. Hard Candy InstaPout Lip Melt vs. Makeup by Mario Lip Serum: Detailed review of the lip products.
7. Overall Philosophy on Dupes vs. Alternatives: Emphasis on the importance of clear distinctions.
8. Discussion on Longevity of Cream Products: Insight into product longevity and usage tips.
9. Revolution Palette’s Value: Why Revolution’s product stands out as a dupe.
10. Closing Remarks: Final thoughts and call to action for viewers to share their favorite drugstore dupes.

Click the timestamps to watch the relevant sections and dive deeper into the comparisons and insights shared in the video!

Makeup Dupes and Alternatives Table

High-End Product	Drugstore Dupe/Alternative	Comparison Highlights	Price Difference
Patrick Ta Major Dimension 2	Revolution Beauty True Icon Palette	Similar color story; Revolution has softer metallics and better blendability.	$70 vs. $12
Urban Decay Moondust Shadows	e.l.f. White Hot Glitter Shadow	Comparable wet-look shimmer; e.l.f. offers more versatility with slight texture differences.	$24 vs. $5
SE Sun Melt Bronzer	Milani Chi Kiss Cream Bronzer	Milani has higher pigmentation, longer wear, and a satin-matte finish.	$30 vs. $10
Buxom Powerline Lip Liners	Hard Candy Lip Liners	Hard Candy is creamier, more blendable, and longer-wearing.	$18 vs. $5
Fenty Poutsicle Lip Stains	Milani Color Fetish Hydrating Lip Stains	Both offer a glossy, lightweight stain; Milani matches in quality and comfort.	$25 vs. $10
Milk Hydro Grip Primer	Essence Jelly Grip Primer	Essence is less sticky, feels lighter, and provides similar makeup-locking benefits.	$36 vs. $8
About Face Matte Fluid Paints	Hard Candy Liquid Shadows	Comparable color payoff and long-lasting wear for a fraction of the price.	$16 vs. $4
Patrick Ta Blush Duos	Catrice Cream & Powder Blush Duos	Catrice offers stronger pigmentation and versatility, ideal for building intensity.	$38 vs. $8
Makeup by Mario Lip Serums	Hard Candy Insta Pout Lip Melts	Similar glossy finish and texture; Hard Candy is slightly more sheer but better priced for daily use.	$24 vs. $8
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb	ColourPop Luxe Gloss	Similar glossy shine and comfortable wear; ColourPop offers a slightly less pigmented but equally hydrating alternative.	$20 vs. $8

This table summarizes the key comparisons, emphasizing affordability without compromising quality.

Explanatory Q&A

Q1. What does the video say about how the Milani bronzer compares in texture to Say’s Sun Melt bronzer?

The Milani bronzer is highlighted for its natural satin finish with a texture that leans toward matte. It applies smoothly, melts into the skin, and stays in place well, particularly suitable for people with oily skin or those wanting their bronzer to hold up in humid conditions. It provides more pigment compared to Say’s Sun Melt bronzer, making it easier to build up for a bolder look.

In contrast, the Say Sun Melt bronzer is described as more subtle and natural, with less pigment. Initially, the Say bronzer may feel dry to apply and could lift foundation or appear streaky, especially in earlier uses. However, the texture improves with use, offering a more luminous and dewy finish compared to Milani’s semi-matte appearance.

Key Differences:

• Pigmentation: Milani offers more buildable pigment, whereas Say is more subtle.
• Finish: Milani provides a satin-matte look; Say leans dewier.
• Texture: Say may initially feel dry and requires more effort to apply evenly.

Overall, Milani is recommended for those who prioritize pigmentation, ease of application, and longevity, while Say may appeal to those preferring a more understated and natural look.

Q2. What does the video say about what makes Revolution Beauty’s palette stand out as a Patrick Ta dupe?

The Revolution Beauty palette, specifically the True Icon palette, is identified as a strong dupe for Patrick Ta’s Major Dimension 2 palette. Here’s why it stands out:

1. Price Point: At $12, the Revolution Beauty palette is a budget-friendly alternative to the $70 Patrick Ta palette.
2. Color Story: The shades and layout are nearly identical, offering a similar range of warm, versatile tones.
3. Texture and Blendability: Revolution’s matte shadows are praised for being more blendable than Patrick Ta’s, and their metallic formula is described as softer and more vibrant.
4. Cream Shadows: Both palettes feature cream shadows, and the video notes that Revolution’s creams perform as well as Patrick Ta’s, making them excellent dupes in this category.
5. Performance: While the Patrick Ta metallic shades may have dried out slightly over time, Revolution’s formulas maintain their creamy consistency and metallic intensity.

Why It’s a Better Choice for Some:

• The affordability of the Revolution Beauty palette makes it accessible to a broader audience.
• Its formula is user-friendly, particularly for beginners or those who prefer easily blendable shadows.
• While the Patrick Ta palette has its reputation, the Revolution Beauty palette offers comparable quality without the high-end price tag.

The video concludes that Revolution Beauty is a superior dupe, particularly for those seeking a high-performance palette at a fraction of the cost.

Q3. What does the video say about the significant disadvantages of the drugstore dupes mentioned?

While drugstore dupes are praised for their affordability and impressive performance, the video highlights a few notable disadvantages and considerations:

1. Formula Variability:
   • Some drugstore products, like the elf glitter eyeshadows, have inconsistent formulas across shades. Certain shades perform better than others, which can lead to a less reliable experience.
2. Longevity Concerns:
   • Drugstore products, like the Milani cream bronzer, may come in smaller quantities, requiring more frequent repurchases compared to high-end products like the SE bronzer that offer more product volume per unit.
3. Texture Differences:
   • Dupes like the Hard Candy lip melts or Revolution palettes often differ slightly in texture. While they perform well, the feel may not entirely match high-end counterparts, which could be a dealbreaker for users accustomed to luxury finishes.
4. Packaging and Additional Features:
   • Drugstore dupes may not offer the same premium packaging or extra features (e.g., applicators or brushes) as high-end brands, such as the brush included in Buxom lip liners.
5. Limited Shade Ranges:
   • Some drugstore dupes, like the Hard Candy lip liners, have fewer shades available compared to high-end brands, which could limit options for users seeking specific colors.

Closing Thoughts: Affordable Beauty Is Within Your Reach

“Quality doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.” By embracing drugstore makeup dupes, you can look your best while saving money. Whether you’re drawn to Revolution Beauty’s eyeshadow palettes or Milani’s bronzer, the options are endless.

Ready to transform your makeup game? Explore these dupes today and redefine beauty without compromise. Share your favorite affordable finds in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe to Mellano for more expert reviews!

Start saving and slaying today—because affordable beauty is always in style.

*Disclaimer: This summary/ long form blog was created with the assistance of AI language model ChatGPT by OpenAI.