Drugstore Dupes

So... I have a confession to make... I am a bit of a dupe snob. I rarely can truly say that a drugstore product is an exact dupe for a high-end one. If they were than there wouldn't be much of a luxury beauty item market! Although the color may be spot on, quality is usually compromised. That's not to say I don't use drugstore products. I LOVE Revlon, Covergirl, L'oreal, Wet n Wild, and NYX, and a good majority of my collection is from the drugstore. BUT I am just really picky about calling a product a dupe, they have to be nearly identical - if not better! That is why I get really excited when I do find products that I can call dupes! I mean, come on let's be honest, who doesn't like to save money?? Below are three of my favorite (holy grail) products that happen to be dupes!
                             

I purchased the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge (left/orange) one day after hearing one of my favorite YouTubers Michele1218 rave about it, and call it a dupe for the Beauty Blender. At the time there was no way I was going to spend $20 on a sponge - I mean it's a sponge. But I was curious to try the much cheaper alternative, so I ordered it and was BLOWN AWAY. It applies make- up flawlessly, sheers out heavy concealer, and makes everything look natural and seamless. It became the only way I apply foundation and concealer. I ended up losing it one day and figured I would shell out the cash for the Beauty Blender. I was so excited to try the "real deal". Sadly I was disappointed. The Real Techniques sponge is softer, and the flat side allows for better application of foundation, meanwhile the Beauty Blender requires a lot of soaking and wringing out of water before it reaches its full size, and gives me a less natural look. The Real Techniques is not only a dupe, it takes the cake!

Both the NARS Sheer Glow Foundation and the Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup are great day to day foundations that give sheer to medium coverage, and leave the skin looking dewy, healthy and glowing - right up my alley! Although the NARS is a bit thicker with higher coverage, I am able to achieve the same look with both and get tons of compliments whenever I wear either of them! Another difference between the two is that the Neutrogena foundation contains SPF 20 and the NARS foundation doesn't. The lack of SPF in the NARS foundation can be good for events where a lot of flash photogaphy will be taken, but since I don't particularly frequent any such events... I prefer to protect my skin on a day to day basis - and save money honey!

I won't ramble on and on here,  I will just say that the Mary Kay Shy Blush is the exact same color as the peachy-pink, gold accented, cult favorite NARS Orgasm blush, AND it has high staying power at one third of the price ...it does have a somewhat more modest name, whether that is a pro or con is up to you ;) 

I wanted to throw in this last drugstore highlighter because I have not been able to find a high-end dupe for it! The ELF Golden Bronzer is an amazing multiple use product! It is a very subtle and natural highlight on the cheekbones, a perfect bronze eye shadow quad, the lightest shade serves as a great inner eye corner brightener, and sometimes I just swirl a fluffy blending brush in it and slap it on all over my eyelids for a glowy, wide awake effect! At just three dollars a pop - you can't go wrong!

I am curious... what are your drugstore dupes/ favorites? Thank you for reading, and don't forget to follow my blog! 

XOXO,