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Drugstore beauty — it’s exciting, it’s overwhelming, and it’s fraught with disappointing colour ranges. It’s also a place where you can discover some pretty solid dupes for your much-loved high-end products, or your TikTok favourites that are unavailable in Australia. Because these beauty bargains are almost constantly on sale, we have included a link to the best price of each product at the time of writing, and have also listed their other stockists, so you can price compare at any time.
The Maybelline Fit Me, Matte + Poreless Range
Maybelline’s Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation is one of the most frequently mentioned premium foundation dupes.
Maybelline’s Fit Me Matte + Poreless (currently $14 via Amazon) is considered a dupe for MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation ($55), Tarte, Face Tape Matte Foundation ($60), and Too Faced, Born This Way Foundation, ($60), to name a few.
The foundation contains micro-powders that blur skin texture and absorb oil throughout the day. It’s medium coverage, with a soft-matte finish — perfect for oily babes with a bit of texture they’d like to wave bye-bye to.
Meanwhile, Maybelline’s Fit Me, Dewy + Smooth (currently $11 via Amazon) is perfect for normal to dry skin types. It’s been touted as a dupe for Giorgio Armani, Luminous Silk Foundation ($105) and Nars, Sheer Glow ($70). Reviewers love its skin-like finish, medium coverage and skin blurring abilities.
Available via Adore Beauty, Amazon, Chemist Warehouse, Priceline, Woolworths.
L’Oréal Paris, True Match Super-Blendable Foundation
Need a high coverage, natural finish foundation that won’t dry and cake throughout the day? L’Oréal Paris, True Match Super-Blendable Foundation, (currently $24.09 via Amazon) is your best match. Because of its medium-to-full buildable coverage and skin-like finish, True Match is often considered a dupe for Giorgio Armani’s famous Luminous Silk Foundation ($105).
With hyaluronic acid, True Match keeps your complexion fresh and dewy, while offering buildable coverage and a satin finish. Available in 38 shades and warm, neutral and cool undertones, you’re likely to find your perfect match.
Available via Amazon, Adore Beauty, Priceline, Chemist Warehouse and Woolworths.
Maybelline HyperSharp Wing Liner
My favourite ever liquid liner is from under-the-radar makeup brand Surrat’s Auto-Graphique Liquid Liner ($63). Why?
Instead of a felt tip, the liner has an elegant, calligraphy tip that’s made up of individual hairs, allowing for maximum flexibility and precision. The brush moulds to the shape of your eye as you swipe, rather than imposing its own line.
Until recently, I hadn’t come across any drugstore liners that had this kind of tip. Imagine my delight when I discovered Maybelline, Hypersharp Wing Liner, ($8.52). This liner does have a precision calligraphy tip and a jet-black formula. Create a 0.01mm line on the inner corner, or between your lashes, then turn the tip for up to 2mm wing thickness and get ready to slay.
Available via Amazon, Priceline, Chemist Warehouse and Woolworths.
NYX Ultimate Eye Shadow Palette, Brights
You never know you need a bright eyeshadow until you REALLY need one. Halloween, themed parties and viral trends can all throw a curve ball at your collection of practical, nude eyeshadow palettes. However, bright eyeshadows can be hard to find at a reasonable price point.
It’s why brands like Natasha Denona and Anastasia Beverly Hills do a roaring trade in colourful palettes. While I adore their silky, pigmented primary yellows, greens and blues, non-makeup artists might not want to spend $100+ on something they’ll wear twice a year.
If you sit in this camp, NYX’s Ultimate Eye Shadow Palette in “Brights” (currently $25.34 via Amazon) is a fabulous option. There are 16 pigmented primary colours here for creating stunning ombre eye looks, Halloween makeup, or, as one reviewer said, regular cosplays. Hell, they may even inspire you to have more fun with your office looks.
Available via Amazon, Priceline.
Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink, Liquid Lipstick
Maybelline’s Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipsticks (currently $10.32 via Amazon) are an exceptional alternative to classic liquid lipsticks like KVD Beauty’s Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks ($32).
Available in 29 shades, they cover classic bright pops of colour, Kardashian-approved nudes and experimental grey, lavender and navy. With 4.5 stars across 57,785 reviews, consider this your opportunity to mix up your lip look.
Available via Amazon, Priceline, Chemist Warehouse, Adore Beauty and Woolworths.
NYX, Butter Gloss
Pigmented and hydrating, NYX, Butter Gloss (currently $6.71) is a luscious all-rounder. Available in 10 shades, including their Charlotte Tilbury, “Pillow Talk” ($35) dupe “Madeleine“, this juicy gloss will give you the pout you’ve been looking for. Layer over lipliner for maximum longevity and pigment, or wear on its own. Luxe lips for less.
Available via Amazon and Priceline.
Maybelline, Lash Sensational Full-Fan Effect Mascara
Maybelline, Lash Sensational Mascara (currently $12.75 via Amazon) gives a fluttery, voluminous, jet-black lash at a price point that will keep your wallet happy. The secret is in its curved wand, with ten layers of bristles that minimise clumping while building volume. If you’re a fan of mascaras like Benefit, Roller Lash ($44) and Lancôme, Hypnôse ($58), you’ll love this.
Available via Amazon, Adore Beauty, Priceline, Chemist Warehouse, and Woolworths.
