Testing 7 Beauty Dupes to Save on Luxury Products

Beauty enthusiasts are increasingly turning to dupes—affordable alternatives that replicate high-end products without the hefty price tag. This trend has gained momentum, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok, where users proudly showcase their budget-friendly finds. The rise of dupes reflects a broader shift in consumer behavior, influenced by economic pressures and a desire for accessible luxury.

Brands such as MCoBeauty, known for its “luxe for less” approach, have emerged as significant players in this space. The Australian brand recently expanded to the UK market, offering a wide range of products available at Superdrug and online. With offerings that closely resemble those from renowned brands like Charlotte Tilbury and Drunk Elephant, MCoBeauty is catering to savvy shoppers looking to save money.

Amidst the growing popularity of these dupes, some critics raise concerns about their impact on the original brands. The originality and innovation that go into creating luxury products come with significant costs, and many argue that dupes undermine these investments. Earlier this year, Charlotte Tilbury launched its “Legendary. For a Reason” campaign to remind consumers of its heritage and quality, illustrating the tension between luxury brands and their more affordable counterparts.

Understanding how dupes function legally is also important. Amanda McDowall, a legal expert from Lee & Thompson, explained that while brands can take steps to protect their products, the process is often complex and expensive. As a result, dupe manufacturers often navigate these legal waters by replicating successful products as closely as possible without crossing legal lines.

To explore the efficacy of these dupes, we tested seven products from MCoBeauty against their luxury counterparts. Here’s how they compare:

Fragrance Mists

The MCoBeauty No.1 Black Plum & Vanilla Fragrance Mist (90ml, £11) was compared to the Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 40 Perfume Mist (90ml, £24). Both scents initially appeared similar, but the MCoBeauty version developed a distinct peppery note that diverged from the original’s profile. While the price difference is notable, the MCoBeauty scent did not hold up as well, leading to an overall rating of “could maybe pass if you had a cold.”

Bronzing Drops

Next, we examined the MCoBeauty Super Glow Bronzing Drops (£12, 30ml) versus the Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops (£35, 30ml). While both products claim to enhance skin quality, the MCoBeauty version applied patchily and resulted in a more metallic finish. The price difference of £23 made the original a more favorable option, leading to a rating of “could pass in the dark.”

The MCoBeauty Cheek & Lip Stain (£6.50, 5ml) was tested against Benefit’s BeneTint (£18, 6ml). In a blind test, users found it difficult to distinguish between the two. Despite its budget packaging, the formulation provided a similar effect, earning a rating of “close copy.”

Lip Treatments and Primers

The MCoBeauty Peptide Lip Treatment (£8, 15g) and Rhode Peptide Lip Tint (£20, 10ml) also showed promising similarities. Although the MCo product contained less peptide, both options produced a similar look when applied. The price difference of £12 reflected a “close copy” rating.

When comparing the MCoBeauty Flawless Glow (£15, 30ml) with Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter (£39), the former’s performance was satisfactory but less subtle than the original. It earned a rating of “could pass in the dark,” showcasing the challenges of replicating luxury formulas.

Finally, we looked at the MCoBeauty All-In-One Colour Correcting Primer (£12) versus the Stila One Step Correcting & Brightening Primer (£28). The MCoBeauty version lacked the same level of color correction and even application, resulting in a rating of “cheap fake” due to its inferior performance.

Overall, while many dupes present reasonable alternatives for consumers seeking budget-friendly beauty options, those familiar with the originals are likely to notice differences in quality and formulation. Most dupes deliver satisfactory results for first-time users, but for those who prioritize refinement and subtlety, the luxury products remain the better investment.