Let's be brutally honest with both ourselves and brands, some products are vastly overpriced for what they are. This is probably why dupe is one of the most searched for terms on my blog and I'm sure others too. If you can find a product that does exactly the same job as the pricey alternative on a budget then why not? Ah if only it was the easy...
Like most I like to save money but I'm also King of "Treat yo'self fool!", as someone who doesn't wear a lot of bright lipsticks or make-up in general this is the area I am most tempted to seek out a dupe - skincare, foundation and fragrance not so much. Why? I tend to make more considered purchases in such fields and don't pick anything I am not confident I will get a lot of use from and general value for my money. Lipsticks, blushes and eyeshadows - they are fair game and not always to save a few pennies, sometimes I call on a dupe search to replace a limited edition product (MAC Ripe Peach anyone?).
With several blogs and of course the likes of Pinterest offering up all sorts of information and sources to find a duplicate product of your choosing, you'd think it would be plain sailing. Oh no, far from it. How many times have you bought a dupe only to be disappointed with the end colour, texture or formula? I'm guessing on more than one occasion. If you are anything like me you will end up purchasing several products in the hope of duping one item. Far from ideal and of course an overall pricey experiment, in which I often question if I would have been better off with the expensive product to begin with?
For every one product I manage to successfully dupe (in terms of make-up there are few better moments), I fail miserable with ten more. The problem is I somewhat enjoy the chase, I doubt I'll ever give up on the process altogether and in the instance of limited edition items there really is no other way.
Am I simply impatient and/or expecting too much from "dupes" or does the above ring true with your experiences. On another note I'd love to know your favourite duplicate find - for me it is Essence Heat Wave Blush as an alternative to MAC Ripe Peach.
It's great when you discover a dupe that is the same type of formula, gives the same benefits etc, but so often I see products labelled 'dupes' just because the packaging is similar!!
ReplyDeleteJosie xoxo | Fashion Mumblr
I used to think Collection concealer was a dupe for NARS but it's so much thicker like paint - great for high-coverage but NARS is a lot more bendable. My perfect dupe as been Revlon Sultry ColourBurst Matte Balm against NARS Bahama Matte Pencil
ReplyDeleteLauren x
Britton Loves | Lifestyle Food Beauty
I'm with you on this! There's nothing worse that a disappointing 'dupe' - I'd rather just spend the money on the proper thing the first time.
ReplyDeleteStephanie xxx
https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/hope-freedom-love-3436251
I've been the same as you and me than likely end up spending more on a dupe product trying to find it and would be better off spending the money on the original item. I was told not long ago that the makeup revolution palettes were a dupe to the naked palettes and although I agree they're great value for money, they're simply not the same to me. The makeup revolution is much more chalky and not as pigmented.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've successfully found a dupe that I can say I've been proud of. I'd rather just save the pennies and buy the more expensive one. "Treat yourself fool!"
Chloe Mary Davis | www.lovefromlucky.com
I definitely have tried to dupe products in the past only to be disappointed and buy the real thing in the end, which really is just a waste. I think sometimes dupes can be incredible though, and I only tend to dupe if I hear a rave review. The Rimmel Lipliner/CT Pillowtalk dupe for example is a great one and I definitely wasn't disappointed, but it definitely was raved about.
ReplyDeletenueyork.blogspot.com
I think the 'chasing' process is just exciting and so much rewarding when you do find a great dupe but in general if I want something particular from a brand no dupe will satisfy me. But if I'm not too fussed about a product I don't mind to buy the 'dupe' version and save myself some money. x
ReplyDeleteMummy’s Beauty Corner
I've used a lot of dupes before but I find that it's sometimes to find a dupe of something else that works exactly the same way - I guess that's why the price tag of the originals are so hefty, but I think it's worth the investment if it is what it says!
ReplyDeletewww.angerawrs.co.uk
I to have tried many 'dupes' only to go and buy the original. I have decided its really not worth it to me to get the 'dupe' as i know i will be going out and getting the original anyway so its a waste of money in the long run.
ReplyDeleteI'd rather go for all the original products, but as some products are really too expensive I'm always interested in discovering dupes for high end products. However I never buy dupes when I'm not sure they'll be good - for example I'd rather get the Naked Palette than one of its numerous but low quality dupes. I hope that makes sense!
ReplyDeleteJulia xx
Check out my last post here: http://juliaspeaksbeauty.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/best-of-british-beauty.html
I like to see doupes as testers more than "instead ofs" I see them as a step to see if I like the idea, then if I do ill make a splash and buy the real deal. I talk about this in my most recent blog post which you can view here:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.makeerinover.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/junes-wish-list.html
Finding dupes can be so exciting, especially if it's a trend I'm not sure I want to fully commit to, but I do find the formulas usually less than stellar. If it's something I know I like or am going to use a lot I definitely would rather have the real thing.
ReplyDeletexo, Liz
http://lipstickandconfetti.com
I know where your coming from with this one! Sometimes it can cost you the same price as it would to buy the real thing whilst trying out product after product to find a good dupe x
ReplyDeleteBlushhx
I love dupes but they are extremely difficult to find, I agree!
ReplyDeletehttp://lxdia.blogspot.co.uk/
To be honest, when it comes to lipsticks I am guilty of buying a colour I'm unsure on and if I like it buying the original.
ReplyDeleteLike yourself, I won't attempt to dupe skin care or foundation. I just am so scared how my sensitive skin will react!
♥ Fran - www.frannymac.com xx
I feel like I tend to get dupes but then I always cave and buy the high-end version! xx
ReplyDeleteJasmine Talks Beauty
I actually enjoy trying to find a dupe, I´ve had a few successful stories! One of my favourite dupes is MUA´s lipstick in the shade 3, it is the perfect alternative for Viva Glam Miley Cyrus lipstick!
ReplyDeleteMarieta A. | Head of Roses
The word dupe is far too overused in my opinion. I like to promote alternatives but always describe how they differ.
ReplyDeleteBeauty Wanderer
I think dupes are only really relevant in some ways to bloggers, to provide cheap/high end/location specific alternatives of products. In most cases I would imagine the every day make up wearer wouldn't need two versions of a product. Obviously they come into their own for limited editions especially and then I guess it's where things get down to the nitty gritty of things.
ReplyDeleteI own a lot of 'dupes' but as I only own one or the other in most cases its the product itself I like as opposed to it being a dupe.
Victoria
FlorenceandMary.com
What is that pallet on your cover photo?! I can't fathom spending $80 on the MAC one and that one looks like it could be a dupe!!
ReplyDeleteI'm always looking out for dupes but in the corner of my eye I tend to have the original product on my mind.
ReplyDeleteI'm in love for dupes! my favorite are Makeup Revolution Iconic palettes as dupes for Naked palettes from Urban Decay
ReplyDeleteCary ♥
Hmm, I agree. Buy cheap, buy twice tends to be my motto. Although it doesn't stop me buying them.
ReplyDeleteTiffany Tales – A British Beauty & Lifestyle Blog
You really took beautiful photos! I love it!
ReplyDeleteA Beauty Bella