One thing about us, we’re going to find a dupe because there’s nothing wrong with balling on a budget. But believe us, the process of finding a good dupe can take HOURS. Don’t worry though, we’re here to help you take at least some of the guesswork out of it. Let’s get started.
First Things First, What Is a Dupe?
A dupe is a product that looks and performs like a high-end item but is sold at a fraction of the price. For example, a high-end foundation may cost upwards of $50 or more, but a dupe of the same shade and a similar formula may only cost $10 – $15 max. In short, dupes save you a lot of money, but give you the same experience as the real (expensive) deal.
How to Spot a Dupe
Finding dupes can be tricky but we have a few tricks up our sleeves to make things a little easier.
Do Your Research
Don’t forget you have the world at your fingertips. Do your research and read product descriptions, and product reviews, and seek out forums or groups that are dedicated to finding dupes. While everyone’s experience with a product will be different, knowing what brands to search for or which drugstores to shop at will save you a ton of time and be a huge step in the right direction.
Quality Check
A really good dupe is going to use durable, quality materials that replicate the original item detail. So as you are shopping for dupes, specifically shoes, clothing, or jewelry make sure to read what textiles are being used, check reviews for photos, do a deep dive into the details, and read what people are saying about the quality specifically. Even though you’re opting for a more affordable version, it should still last you quite a while without visible wear or anything breaking.
Compare the Ingredients
When it comes to fragrances, beauty products, or hair products, most of the time these dupes are made from at least most of the same ingredients as their high-end counterparts. So as you’re searching, take a few minutes to compare the ingredients and we promise you, this will save you from major disappointment.
Snap a Pic
Apps like Google Lens and even Amazon allow you to upload a photo of a high-end product, then do the work for you and show you products or items that are similar. From there, you can start sifting through reviews and photos of those that have already made a purchase and reading ingredient labels to start comparing.
Don’t Sleep on Drugstore Brands
It’s not at all uncommon for drugstore brands to create their own dupes of high-end products, so keep your eyes peeled for similar packaging and/or color schemes that may resemble those brands. From here, a quick Google search or search in the drugstore app will tell you everything you need to know. Major bonus, when you’re shopping in real time you can actually look at, touch, and smell these products.