Affordable Beauty Buys Rival Luxury Skincare and Makeup, Tester Reports

Luxury beauty products are not always superior, according to a commerce journalist who has tested numerous products and found effective alternatives under $25. These budget-friendly options can match the performance and experience of pricier counterparts, potentially saving consumers hundreds of dollars.

Victoria McDonnell, a commerce journalist and content strategist for the New York Post, has spent over five years evaluating beauty items. She emphasizes that ingredients, texture, and performance are more critical than brand names. Many affordable products, particularly in makeup and skincare, can deliver results comparable to luxury brands.

"Not to mention, you can save $388 by switching to my affordable beauty favorites below and saying goodbye to the high-end version," McDonnell stated. She noted that a higher price tag does not guarantee a better formula.

McDonnell highlighted several specific product swaps:

• NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner is recommended as a dupe for Benefit Cosmetics Roller Liner, offering a similar deep black payoff and precise application for creating various eyeliner looks.
• e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Liquid Filter is presented as an alternative to Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter, providing a radiant, lit-from-within glow without appearing glittery.
• e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer aims to replicate the makeup-gripping, tacky texture of Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer, helping makeup last longer without feeling heavy.
• Maybelline’s Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara is suggested as a more affordable option for achieving dramatic lash length and definition, similar to Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara.
• e.l.f. Cosmetics Camo Concealer offers full coverage comparable to Tarte’s Shape Tape Concealer, effectively concealing blemishes and dark circles with good longevity.
• Milani’s Baked Blush in "Luminoso" provides a peachy glow and subtle shimmer akin to NARS “Orgasm” Blush.
• Essence Pure Nude Highlighter creates a soft, candlelit glow reminiscent of Hourglass Ambient Lighting Finishing Powder, blending seamlessly without accentuating skin texture.
• L’Oréal Paris True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum delivers lightweight coverage and a natural, skin-like finish similar to ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40.
• e.l.f. Cosmetics Brow Lift is recommended for achieving fluffy, well-styled brows like Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze, without stiffness or flaking.
• Revolution Beauty’s Superdewy Liquid Blush offers a fresh, healthy flush comparable to Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, with a little product going a long way.
• CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream is noted for its hydrating and barrier-supporting formula, providing a nourished feel similar to the much more expensive SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2.

McDonnell, who has a certification in beauty industry essentials from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides since 2021 and has previously worked with Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.