Let’s be real, nobody wants to drop serious cash on makeup if they don’t have to. And let’s also be real, sometimes the hunt for a dupe is almost as fun as the product itself. Almost.
I’ve been doing some digging (and by digging, I mean spending way too much time online, lol), and I’ve seen some promising things popping up. We’re talking about finding those hidden gems that give you that similar glossy, hydrating, “I just ate a bowl of berries” look without emptying your bank account.
First things first, I saw some stuff mentioning dupes for specific shades like “Expose Me Rose” and “Devour Me Plum” (which, by the way, sounds kinda delicious). I’m thinking if you’re specifically after one of those, maybe hunt around for swatches. That’s where the real magic happens, seeing how the colors compare side-by-side. I’ve found some articles that say “Find lipstick dupes and match similar lipstick shades across brands,” which sounds like a good place to start.
Then there’s that quest for a dupe of the “Candy Glow Butter Balm in 5B Nude Crush.” OMG, sheer cherry brown? That sounds like *exactly* what I need in my life right now. And if there’s a budget-friendly version out there, you know I’m all over it. Seriously, I’m obsessed with a good lip balm, so this is high on my list.
But honestly, finding a *perfect* dupe can be tough. Sometimes it’s more about finding something that captures the *vibe*, you know? Like, the same level of shine, the same kind of color payoff, maybe even the same…je ne sais quoi.
And okay, confession time: I’m kinda skeptical about some dupes. I mean, can a $5 lip gloss really *feel* as luxurious as a YSL one? Maybe not. But hey, if it looks good and doesn’t dry out my lips, I’m willing to give it a shot! Plus, sometimes the thrill of the hunt for that perfect dupe is half the battle!
Also, keep in mind that everyone’s lips are different! What looks amazing on one person might look totally meh on another. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for *you*. Maybe start with a few drugstore brands that are known for their good lip products (I’ve heard good things about NYX and Milani, personally).
