What is a makeup dupe?

A makeup dupe is a product that mimics the effects of a more expensive item, often at a lower price. Dupes are popular among consumers looking to save money while still achieving similar looks or results. They can be found in various categories, including foundations, concealers, and eyeshadows. Many beauty enthusiasts enjoy comparing high-end products with their affordable counterparts to determine if the cheaper options deliver comparable quality. The concept of dupes has gained traction on social media platforms, where users share their findings and recommendations, making it easier for others to find budget-friendly alternatives.

How do I choose the right foundation?

Choosing the right foundation involves several key factors, including skin type, coverage preference, and undertone. First, identify your skin type—whether it's oily, dry, combination, or sensitive—as this will influence the formula you select. For oily skin, a matte foundation may be best, while dry skin often benefits from hydrating formulas. Next, consider the level of coverage you desire: sheer, medium, or full. Testing shades on your jawline in natural light can help you find the right undertone, which is crucial for a seamless match. Additionally, reading reviews and watching tutorials can provide insights into how different foundations perform on various skin types, helping you make an informed decision.

What are the benefits of using primer?

Primer serves as a preparatory step in makeup application, offering several benefits that enhance the overall look and longevity of your makeup. It creates a smooth canvas by filling in fine lines and pores, which helps foundation apply more evenly and adhere better to the skin. Additionally, primers can control oil and shine, making them particularly beneficial for those with oily skin. Some primers also provide hydration, which is essential for dry skin types. By using a primer, you can improve the wear time of your makeup, ensuring it looks fresh throughout the day. Overall, incorporating a primer into your routine can significantly elevate your makeup application and finish.

What is the purpose of setting powder?

Setting powder is used to lock makeup in place and reduce shine, ensuring a long-lasting finish. It is typically applied after foundation and concealer to absorb excess oil and prevent creasing, particularly in areas prone to movement, such as under the eyes and around the nose. There are two main types of setting powders: translucent and tinted. Translucent powders are colorless and work on all skin tones, while tinted powders can provide additional coverage and help even out skin tone. By using setting powder, you can achieve a matte look and enhance the durability of your makeup, making it an essential step for many makeup enthusiasts.

How can I make my makeup last longer?

To make your makeup last longer, start with a good skincare routine that includes cleansing, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen. Using a primer before foundation can create a smooth base and improve adherence. Opt for long-wear or waterproof formulas for foundation, concealer, and eyeliner, as these are designed to withstand the elements. Setting your makeup with a translucent powder can help absorb oil and prevent shine, while a setting spray can provide an additional layer of protection against fading. Additionally, avoid touching your face throughout the day, as this can transfer oils and disrupt your makeup. Following these tips can significantly enhance the longevity of your makeup look.

Viral Products vs. ELF Dupes!

James Charles・4 minutes read

James Charles compares viral makeup products with their e.l.f. dupes in a video while discussing his recent single "Call Me Back," highlighting the substantial price differences and effectiveness of e.l.f. items that often outperform higher-end brands. He encourages viewers to consider affordability in beauty products, emphasizing that while some e.l.f. products excel, others fall short, ultimately advocating for unique branding and creativity in product choices.

Insights

James Charles shares his journey of overcoming doubts in his music career, revealing that his recent single "Call Me Back" was a therapeutic project that resonated with fans, motivating him to continue creating despite past ridicule.
In his video, James emphasizes the affordability of e.l.f. makeup products compared to high-end brands, showcasing how e.l.f. dupes often deliver similar or superior performance at a fraction of the cost, encouraging viewers to consider budget-friendly options without compromising on quality.

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Recent questions

What is a makeup dupe?
A makeup dupe is a product that mimics the effects of a more expensive item, often at a lower price. Dupes are popular among consumers looking to save money while still achieving similar looks or results. They can be found in various categories, including foundations, concealers, and eyeshadows. Many beauty enthusiasts enjoy comparing high-end products with their affordable counterparts to determine if the cheaper options deliver comparable quality. The concept of dupes has gained traction on social media platforms, where users share their findings and recommendations, making it easier for others to find budget-friendly alternatives.
How do I choose the right foundation?
Choosing the right foundation involves several key factors, including skin type, coverage preference, and undertone. First, identify your skin type—whether it's oily, dry, combination, or sensitive—as this will influence the formula you select. For oily skin, a matte foundation may be best, while dry skin often benefits from hydrating formulas. Next, consider the level of coverage you desire: sheer, medium, or full. Testing shades on your jawline in natural light can help you find the right undertone, which is crucial for a seamless match. Additionally, reading reviews and watching tutorials can provide insights into how different foundations perform on various skin types, helping you make an informed decision.
What are the benefits of using primer?
Primer serves as a preparatory step in makeup application, offering several benefits that enhance the overall look and longevity of your makeup. It creates a smooth canvas by filling in fine lines and pores, which helps foundation apply more evenly and adhere better to the skin. Additionally, primers can control oil and shine, making them particularly beneficial for those with oily skin. Some primers also provide hydration, which is essential for dry skin types. By using a primer, you can improve the wear time of your makeup, ensuring it looks fresh throughout the day. Overall, incorporating a primer into your routine can significantly elevate your makeup application and finish.
What is the purpose of setting powder?
Setting powder is used to lock makeup in place and reduce shine, ensuring a long-lasting finish. It is typically applied after foundation and concealer to absorb excess oil and prevent creasing, particularly in areas prone to movement, such as under the eyes and around the nose. There are two main types of setting powders: translucent and tinted. Translucent powders are colorless and work on all skin tones, while tinted powders can provide additional coverage and help even out skin tone. By using setting powder, you can achieve a matte look and enhance the durability of your makeup, making it an essential step for many makeup enthusiasts.
How can I make my makeup last longer?
To make your makeup last longer, start with a good skincare routine that includes cleansing, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen. Using a primer before foundation can create a smooth base and improve adherence. Opt for long-wear or waterproof formulas for foundation, concealer, and eyeliner, as these are designed to withstand the elements. Setting your makeup with a translucent powder can help absorb oil and prevent shine, while a setting spray can provide an additional layer of protection against fading. Additionally, avoid touching your face throughout the day, as this can transfer oils and disrupt your makeup. Following these tips can significantly enhance the longevity of your makeup look.

Summary

00:00

James Charles Compares Viral Makeup and Dupes

James Charles introduces a video comparing viral makeup products with their e.l.f. dupes while on a ski trip, expressing gratitude for the support on his single "Call Me Back," released last week.
"Call Me Back" is available on platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music, and was created over a year as a therapeutic project for James.
James mentions feeling uncertain about his music career due to past ridicule but found encouragement from fans who related to his song, motivating him to continue.
The video features a side-by-side comparison of viral products and their e.l.f. counterparts, inspired by a TikTok video from Ali J showcasing similar dupes.
For primer, James uses Milk Hydro Grip Primer ($38) on one side and e.l.f. Power Grip Primer ($10) on the other, noting the e.l.f. version is stickier and more affordable.
The next comparison is between Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter ($49) and e.l.f. Halo Glow ($4), with James preferring the Charlotte product for its superior glow despite the price difference.
For foundation, James compares Nars Soft Matte Foundation ($42) with e.l.f. Flawless Satin Foundation ($6), finding the e.l.f. version surprisingly good and better suited to his skin tone.
James tests Tarte Shape Tape Concealer ($32) against e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer ($7), noting both have similar coverage and blendability, with a final verdict pending.
He uses Charlotte Tilbury Contour Wand ($42) and e.l.f. Halo Glow Beauty Wand for contouring, expressing skepticism about the effectiveness of beauty wands in general.
Throughout the video, James emphasizes the significant price differences between high-end products and their e.l.f. dupes, encouraging viewers to consider affordability without sacrificing quality.

10:44

Affordable Beauty Products: Worth the Investment?

The e.l.f. Halo Glow Beauty Contour Wand is a matte formula, priced at $9, contrasting with Charlotte Tilbury's $42 product, which shears out for a natural contour look.
The e.l.f. contour offers a warmer tone compared to Charlotte's neutral cool brown, providing more coverage and better blending, making it a preferred choice for some users.
Huda Beauty's translucent setting powder is used after applying the contour, as no dupe was found, ensuring a mattified finish for the makeup routine.
The Mac Studio Fix Foundation Powder, priced at $42, is favored for under-eye brightening, while the e.l.f. Camo Foundation Powder, at $11, is compared for effectiveness.
The e.l.f. Camo Foundation Powder shows patchiness and fallout, leading to a preference for the Mac powder due to its superior application and finish.
Rare Beauty's blush, costing $23, is compared to e.l.f.'s $7 Camo Liquid Blush, with the former providing better blending and a more radiant finish.
The e.l.f. blush performs well when applied over set foundation, but the Rare Beauty blush is noted for its overall superior appearance and blendability.
Anastasia Brow Freeze, priced at $26, is compared to e.l.f.'s Brow Lift, which is $20 cheaper; the former is preferred for its better hold and finish.
Stila Liquid Metals, costing $25, are compared to e.l.f.'s $6 metallic liquid shadow, with the Stila product recommended for its superior quality and pigmentation.
The review emphasizes that while some e.l.f. products are effective, others, like the e.l.f. liquid shadow, do not meet expectations, suggesting investing in higher-quality alternatives.

21:31

Affordable Alternatives Outperform High-End Brands

The reviewed mascara retails for $29, featuring a tiny brush for detailed application, but the reviewer feels it underperformed compared to past experiences.
The ELF Lash and Roll mascara is compared to Benefit’s Roller Lash, with criticism directed at ELF for not altering the packaging or branding enough to differentiate their product.
The ELF Glow Reviver Lip Oil, priced at $8, is favored over the $40 Dior Lip Oil, with the reviewer noting better comfort and performance from the ELF product.
A scorecard reveals that ELF products generally outperformed viral products, with ELF winning 6 categories compared to 5 for the competitors, highlighting price differences.
The total cost for original products was $388, while ELF products totaled $90, showcasing a significant price disparity of nearly 4.5 times more for brand-name items.
The reviewer encourages creativity in product duplication, advocating for unique branding and packaging rather than direct copies, while expressing support for affordable alternatives that perform well.