Save or Splurge: Makeup Basics- Sephora Dupes

Heyyyyy savvy babes! As always- thanks for visiting! Today’ were talking some makeup “saves vs. splurge”. I remember growing up these were always one of my favorite things in the fashion and beauty magazines, and y’all seem to like these when I’ve posted in the past so here we go!

Today I’m sharing with you several products I’ve been able to try recently- where the store brand is just as good- if not better than the “brand” name.

Let’s talk about brands. We all have our favorites- right? I know I certainly do- whether it’s clothing, shoes, grocery items or makeup: in general we like to “stick” with the products we know and that are in our comfort zone.

That being said- I’m a huge fan of trying out different products to see what works for me, and if I can find a dupe at a better price, I AM HERE FOR THAT! That’s why I’m sharing today’s products with y’all!

Today I’m sharing the following “Save Vs Splurges” with you:

• Sephora Matte Foundation Powder ($20) VS Dior Forever Perfect Matte Powder Foundation ($54)
• Sephora Collection Brow Gel, clear ($12) VS MILK Makeup KUSH Clear Brow Gel ($18)
• Sephora Collection Long Last 12 Hour Eyeliner ($12) VS Benefit Roller Liner Liquid Eye Liner ($22)
• Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick, Color: Always Red ($14) VS Dior Rouge Dior Liquid ($54) Color: 999-Matte Red

First up the Sephora Matte Foundation Powder ($20) VS Dior Forever Perfect Matte Powder Foundation ($54) .

Yall- I have to say I’m a fan of the Sephora Collection on this one- FOR SURE! First of all, the compact is smaller and easier to fit in my purse. I always have a pressed powder for daily touch ups in my makeup bag, and this Dior compact, while pretty and more on the “luxe” side of things, is just too big for lugging around on a daily basis! (I need to save room for the rest of the goods in my makeup bag). Besides the price tag ($20)- the Sephora collection powders have a whopping 35 colors/shades to choose from while the Dior ($54) only has 12 shades. Sephora collection you win this one hands down! (Shop these items in the carousel below)

Next up, the Sephora Collection Brow Gel, clear ($12) VS MILK Makeup KUSH Clear Brow Gel ($18)

I’ve been using the Sephora Collection brow gel for over a year now, it’s clear and easy to use. So when I had the chance to try out Milk’s version (a new line to Sephora) I jumped on board. Honestly- the only difference I can tell between the two is the brush on each one, and because the Sephora version has more bristles and is slightly longer, this one wins my vote, too! To me the formula seems very similar and yields the same results. See the difference in the brushes below.

You can shop these items in the carousel below.

Third, we’re talking Sephora Collection Long Last 12 Hour Eyeliner ($12) VS Benefit Roller Liner Liquid Eye Liner ($22) .

This was a tough one for me- I’ve used the Sephora Collection liner in the past and while the shape of the pot seems to keep the liquid in an actual liquid state longer than most eyeliner’s in the “marker” shape (which I’ve found tend to dry up a little sooner) , I found I liked the tip on the Benefit Roller liner a little better it’s longer and just a little thicker, and I think that the liner itself goes on in a more consistent and intense application. However, the Roller Liner only comes in two colors: black and brown. The Sephora collection comes in 5 colors: including blue, purple and green. If you’re not wearing a liquid liner on a daily basis and it’s more of a special occasion thing for you- go for the Sephora brand. If you’re a cat-eye connoisseur- go for the Roller Liner. (Shop these liners in the carousel below).

Last but not least I’m comparing the Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick, Color: Always Red ($14) VS Dior Rouge Dior Liquid ($54) Color: 999-Matte Red.

Guys- on this one I have to say that the Sephora collection wins this one no contest, for me. I don’t know what it is about the Dior brand, but I think it smells funny: almost like I remember my grandma’s makeup smelling when I was little? I also just liked the Sephora lippie color better- it had more orange undertones where the Dior had more blue undertones and was more of a classic red. Don’t get me wrong- Dior cosmetics definitely have a cult following- it’s one of those well known brands that if you’ve been using it for years, it’s your “go-to”. But for me, and for the price ($14)- I’ll stick with my Sephora Collection lippie and they come in 78 matte shades and 12 metallic shades, too- so many to choose from!

I hope y’all found this helpful- I know sometimes it can be overwhelming to have so many products that claim to do the same thing in one store to choose from. I tried to choose some basic makeup products that I thought most everyone would try at some point or another, and also show you that you can achieve the same look by using the store collection brand versus a “designer” brand. What do you gals want to see next? Comment below!