The 9 Best High Street Beauty Swaps
BLUSHER
There’s a reason NARS’ Orgasm blush is a definitive cult classic: it’s incredibly flattering and instantly livens up a dull complexion. But that doesn’t mean you can’t replicate its pretty flush on a budget. Morphe’s buildable palette allows you to amp up the intensity with a trio of shades that suit all skin tones and seasons. It’s ideal for on-the-go too, thanks to the handy mirror that allows for touch-ups and extra sculpting.
SPLURGE: NARS Orgasm Blush, £25
SAVE: Morphe Blushing Babes, £12
BRONZER
There’s a reason NARS’ Orgasm blush is a definitive cult classic: it’s incredibly flattering and instantly livens up a dull complexion. But that doesn’t mean you can’t replicate its pretty flush on a budget. Morphe’s buildable palette allows you to amp up the intensity with a trio of shades that suit all skin tones and seasons. It’s ideal for on-the-go too, thanks to the handy mirror that allows for touch-ups and extra sculpting.
SPLURGE: Charlotte Tilbury Glowgasm Face Palette, £60
SAVE: e.l.f Bronzer – Warm, £5
BROWS
Looking to bulk up your brows? NYX’s latest offering uses its dinky wand to tint, thicken and tidy unruly brows in an instant. Comb it through and let it set – we promise it won’t budge or flake off until you remove it. It’s a strong contender against similar iterations from the likes of Hourglass.
SPLURGE: Hourglass Arch Brow Volumising Fiber Gel, £25
SAVE: NYX Tinted Brow Mascara, £6.50
BRUSHES
When we’re asked for recommendations for affordable brushes, Real Techniques is our go-to. With densely packed hairs, their brushes seamlessly blend liquids, powders and cream foundations, just like some of the more expensive offerings on the market. We defy you not to be impressed.
SPLURGE: iT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush #7, £35
SAVE: Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, £9.99
FOUNDATION
It’s always been hard to find a rival for Estee Lauder’s infamous Double Wear, but The Ordinary’s sell-out base is certainly a worthy opponent. Known for its spreadable formula, it gives your skin believable coverage that’s both radiant and semi-matte – but never cakey. The addition of SPF15 is a real bonus too.
SPLURGE: Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation, £32.50
SAVE: The Ordinary Coverage Foundation, £5.90
HIGHLIGHTER
One of our favourite unsung high-street heroes is Barry M, and their strobe cream is no exception. Just like BECCA’s cult Skin Perfector, it delivers a subtle glow that can be layered or used in little accents to enhance bone structure. Try sweeping it over your cheekbones, lids and cupids bow and blend with your finger for an enviable sheen.
SPLURGE: BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector In Rose Gold, £30
SAVE: Barry M Illuminating Strobe Cream, £4.49
MASCARA
High-street mascaras have been leading the way for a long time now. Our favourite? Pixi’s Large Lash Mascara. It adds depth and inky definition with a single sweep, and the oversized brush coats every part of your lashes, so you never have to worry about any sparse areas.
SPLURGE: YSL Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils, £26
SAVE: Pixi Large Lash Mascara, £14
PALETTES
Urban Decay will always be the holy grail of nude palettes, but there’s no denying that there are some impressive dupes on the market now. Namely from Max Factor, a go-to brand among make-up artists and serious beauty insiders alike. Thanks to its ultra-pigmented, long-wearing formulas, this sultry eye palette has become a bestseller with satin, shimmer and matte shades that we reach for time and time again.
SPLURGE: Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette, £42
SAVE: Max Factor Masterpiece Nude Palette Contouring Eyeshadows, £14.99
LIPSTICK
Now we’re coming into summer, it’s a perfect time to experiment with corals and reds on the lips. If you’re a MAC Lady Danger kinda gal, but want to switch things up, look to Revlon’s Lustrous Lipstick in Certainly Red. With a creamy consistency and super flattering satin finish, it’s easy to see why this has frequent rave reviews. Just make sure you have a lip balm to hand, or put a slick of one on underneath, as the formula can leave lips feeling a little dry.
SPLURGE: MAC Matte Lipstick in Lady Danger, £17.50
SAVE: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Certainly Red, £7.49
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