Beauty product dupes: massive success despite less experience and quality

Want to keep your beauty bill down without giving up the pleasure of a good make-up routine? Dupes promise results close to those of expensive products, while lightening your shopping basket. However, experience and quality can differ from product to product and brand to brand.

Why dupes are so seductive

Pressure on the wallet, viral advice, express comparisons: the context favors these alternatives. Dupes spread quickly thanks to short formats and shared opinions. Everyone hopes to find a similar shade, texture or finish. What’s more, the offer has become more professionalized, with brands that are highly agile when it comes to launches.

Benefit – Bronzing powder. Dummies are circulating for this category, boasting an easy sun-kissed tint and a soft halo on the skin.

The downside is that not all consumers have the same experience. Even if the packaging is reminiscent of a best-seller, the formula may play out differently. Also, hold, scent and grain fineness vary according to packaging and stability. Some equivalents may be priced at 50% off, but the brush feel differs.

“Not the same experience, not the same quality”.

Quality, safety and ethical purchasing around the dupes

A dupe is not a counterfeit, and the law makes a clear distinction between the two. The illegal copy usurps brand and identity, while the dupe remains an inspired “alternative”. What’s more, dermatologists and chemists remind us that tolerance varies according to skin type. So check the INCI list and possible allergens before making up your mind.

Kiko – Lip Pencil. Dupes are reported for this format, with promises of clean contour and long-lasting comfort.

• Compare the promised rendering with the actual opinions on dupes.
• Analyze texture by hand test: glide, deposit, transfer.
• Check shade in daylight to avoid drift.
• Look at price per gram and useful volume.
• Keep a return period to change your mind without stress.

The legal framework and the risk of confusing dupes

The dupe plays on the proximity of rendering, not on brand identity. The risk is visual confusion with similar color codes, formats or names. For example, “highly inspired” packaging can be misleading at first glance. On the other hand, distribution and labelling must remain clear and consistent.

Beyond the law, the technical promise remains key. Historic brands invest in stability testing, batch control and sensorial comfort. They also test hold, oxidation, shine and blending according to specific protocols. Some dupes come close, but the discrepancy is often visible on combination skin or in hot weather.

Benefit – Lip Pencil. Many boast a precise line and modern nude palette, with a light feel over time.

Where to place the cursor: budget versus perceived value

Arbitration can be based on actual use and cost per application. For example, a powder used every day deserves a focus on tolerance. Similarly, a lip pencil that’s used a lot will require a regular lead and easy sharpening. Consequently, the best choice combines comfort, price and the right shade, without excessive compromise.

Kiko – Bronzing powder. The comparisons evoke an even veil and rapid melting, ideal for streak-free structuring.

Practical tips for a more thoughtful beauty basket

Before buying, we define 3 non-negotiable criteria: color, comfort and fit. In this way, you can prioritize where you save and where you invest. Also, an in-store trial or travel size avoids costly mistakes. As a result, impulse buying based on packaging alone is limited.

We follow designers who test under real conditions, with natural light and prolonged wear. In this way, we can detect oxidation, drying or migration on creases. What’s more, we keep in mind that some dupes shine on dry skin, others less so on oily skin. So, relevance always depends on the terrain.

The sustainable angle counts, because we choose better and throw away less. That’s why we look out for refills, sober formats and stable compositions. In addition, we alternate safe values and reasoned novelties to keep the pleasure. As a result, a smart basket remains consistent with your skin, your style and your rhythm.

• Dupes