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.Â
You can check HERE the first part of the dupe series and HERE the second part.
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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
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.Â
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
There is a way to achieve a wet look effect on the lid without the creasing problem of a gloss. And for this reason “Space cowboy” went skyrocketing viral and out of stock constantly since the launch. A pioneer for creativity and innovation, Urban Decay hit the jackpot with this product. It became instantly a hit. The cruelty-free sparkle eyeshadow made for glittery looks has micro-fine particles that give a wet-look effect silky texture and vibrant shine. It is long-wear, applies easily, it is buildable and highly reflective. The holy grail “Space Cowboy” shade is a light champagne with silver sparkle and my favorite way of applying it is with the fingertip, as the natural oils of the finger grab that pigment in an effective way. For hygienic reasons, I recommend every time scrapping a thin layer from top with a tissue that is not so soft. The method also helps preserving the the whole elements together, so you don’t get more color than glitter.
The fact that the elf glitter eyeshadow is a dupe comes as not a surprise. Even the packaging resembles the OG topper from UD, with an outside transparent case. Marketed directly as a long lasting sheer sparkle eyeshadow topper, it is exactly what it says it is. Minus a few bucks. Well not a few, maybe more than a few bucks. This is a great replacement for when the UD “Space cowboy” is out of stock or for when you jut want the same effect, but costing less. The product can be worn alone for a subtle shimmer or on top of eyeshadows the amp up the glitz. The product is lightweight, pigmented, effective, easy to apply, buildable, versatile, and vegan, certified by Leaping Bunny and Peta. The micro-fine glitter particles won’t get your eyes irritated, although the fallout is minimal. A great find. I recommend trying other shades also.
Benefit 24hr Brow Setter vs. Maybelline Super Lock Brow Glue
Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara vs. Wet n wild Mega Protein Mascara
Bobbi Brown Face Base vs. Missha Super Aqua Balm Cream
