Beauty Report: The Best Makeup Dupes

We all think it’s silly to buy expensive makeup when you can go to a drug store and buy nearly the same product, right?

But, then you get a free sample of that expensive makeup and your life is changed – you wonder how you’ve managed to gone so long without it.

The downside to this life-changing find? The price. As a college student, money is usually tight. But you’re in luck – Grand Central is here to give you the best dupes to emulate some of your favorite high-end makeup brands.

Foundation

Maestro Giorgio Armani foundation comes in many shades and gives the coverage everyone is looking for. The downside? It’s $64. Luckily, L’Oreal owns Giorgio Armani Beauty and made a very similar foundation for just $12.99.

Powder

As for powder, it seems like everyone gravitates towards MAC Studio Fix Powder. For about $10 cheaper, you can get a very similar powder from NYX. While MAC has a bigger variety of shades, NYX Stay Matte Powder is sure to cover blemishes on most skin.

Blush

The infamous Nars Orgasm blush has been all the rage for years. This shimmery blush is great for highlighting cheekbones, but so is Milani’s Baked Blush in Luminoso. For about $20 cheaper, you can achieve a very similar look.

Mascara

Mascara is nearly everyone’s beauty staple. Not only is it hygienic to go through tubes quickly (you don’t want to catch an eye infection!), but it’s probably the makeup product we go through most.

On days when you’re in a rush, this is usually the beauty product of choice to throw on as you’re leaving the house. Benefit’s: They’re Real mascara has been a favorite among many. Next time you go to pick up another tube of it, save yourself over $15 and pick up Maybelline’s Volum’ Express The Rocket mascara. Big lashes for a small price is all a girl ever needs, right?

Lipstick

MAC is known for their amazing lipsticks. A classic, red lip is very much in style this year, which means MAC’s Ruby Woo lipstick will be flying off shelves. Before you spend next week’s grocery money on this lipstick, try Wet ‘n’ Wild’s Spotlight Red for only $1.99. You’ll be sure to turn heads with this color.