Woman applying concealer (Photo by George Milton on Pexels)
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E.l.f., which stands for “eyes, lips, face,” is a brand established in 2004 that primarily sells beauty essentials like makeup brushes and other cosmetics at drugstore prices. The brand fills a gap in the beauty market for affordable, higher-quality cosmetic items. e.l.f grew initially by placing their products in key accessible retailers such as Target and Walmart. As their line of products expanded and social media started to play a bigger role in influencing the products that shoppers choose, e.l.f became known as the viral “dupe” brand. E.l.f became an expert at creating their version of popular beauty products, producing a remarkably similar product for a much more accessible price. But what are the best e.lf. dupes that will save you some cash?
Everyone loves saving money, and StudyFinds is here to help! We found the best e.l.f. dupes that mimic popular pricey brands so you know which ones are worth adding to your shopping cart. We compiled this list by reviewing the most recommended suggestions from 10 beauty experts. Whether you’re looking for a new lipstick or want to try a new concealer, this list has you covered with a wide range of products. Leave a review of your favorite e.l.f. dupes in the comments below!
The List
1. e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter
Dupe for: Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter
The Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter costs $49 and is a serum that is used to achieve a glowy skin look. You can wear it by itself, as a highlighter, or mixed into foundation. HerCampus says that the e.l.f. dupe costs less than half the price and performs better, along with the shade range being more inclusive for different skin tones.
Another great thing about dupes is the fact that you can almost always purchase them even when the original product is usually out of stock. Elle mentions that e.l.f.’s Halo Glow Liquid Filter is viral on Tiktok and other social media platforms after several beauty influencers have mentioned its similar effect.
Both products have a light and creamy formula that blends into the skin easily and deliver a seamless, glowy finish. According to Chirpyest, the e.l.f dupe is easy to blend for a flawless filter-like effect, and it is hard to spot the difference between the two products when applied.
2. e.l.f Brow Lift
Dupe for: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze
If you’re a fan of the feathered or laminated brow look, you’ve definitely heard of the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze, which locks every hair in place all day. Unfortunately, it’s also $23 and consistently sold out. According to Huda Beauty, the e.l.f. version is still able to tame, freeze, and hold hairs with the same longevity and clear finish.
Did we mention the e.l.f. version is way cheaper? At such a low investment, it’s worth the cost if you’re looking to try the “soap brow” trend. Pop XO says that e.l.f.’s version “stands toe-to-toe” with Anastasia’s product. When paired with an eyebrow brush or spoolie, it’s easy to brush every hair into place.
Though some reviewers argue that e.l.f’s product is not as clear, The Aesthetic Edge still recommends the e.l.f. Brow Lift as a decent dupe to try, since eyebrow products are often used daily and run out quickly, and the price is quite the difference for virtually the same product.
3. e.l.f. Camo Concealer
Dupe for: Tarte Shape Tape
Tarte’s shape tape concealer is famous for being able to cover under-eye bags without creasing, and e.l.f.’s camo concealer reportedly does the same. According to The Krazy Coupon Lady, the dupe is just as as creamy and blendable as Tarte’s. E.l.f.’s line is also more readily available in common stores, so it should be easier to find and compare shades.
Chirpyest mentions that even if the two concealers perform similarly, it’s hard to ignore the $24 price difference between the two products. The e.l.f. Tube is slightly smaller, but costs $7 for the same level of coverage vs $31. The hydrating version of the camo concealer has the closest resemblance to Tarte’s crease-free finish.
Besides being budget friendly, The List says that e.l.f. ‘s line is nearly an exact replica of Tarte’s concealer. Some reviewers even report that the concealer can withstand sweaty gym sessions without creasing or can be blended easily enough to be worn as foundation, so it all depends on how you plan to use the product.
4. e.l.f. Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow
Dupe for: Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow
There’s nothing better than a little glitter added to your eye makeup, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion on a night out or just want to add a little pop of sparkle. The e.l.f. Liquid Glitter eyeshadow is the perfect dupe compared to Stila’s. The Aesthetic Edge finds that the packaging and applicators even mirror each other, and it is hard to ever use a full tube of the product before it dries out.
Opting for liquid eyeshadow is a great way to ensure there is no fallout of pigment on the face, and is easy to blend with a brush or just a fingertip. Tales of Belle explains that both the e.l.f. and Stila versions are quick-drying and long-lasting, and can be used alone or over a base eye shadow.
Some reviewers mention that the Stila version has a smoother laydown and is a bit more of a blendable formula compared to e.l.f. but the difference in price between the two products is enough to overlook it. Elle notes that the e.l.f. formula is just as long-wearing as Stila’s.
5. e.l.f. Power Grip Primer
Dupe for: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer
The Milk makeup primer went viral for how well it made makeup adhere without budging, but the product is way more expensive than e.l.f.’s dupe. HerCampus says that both products create a hydrated, dewy finish and an amazing base that grips makeup and makes sure it doesn’t budge.
The Mik primer does contain hyaluronic acid, which hydrates by pulling moisture into the skin. The e.l.f. primer does not include this ingredient, and some reviewers say this makes the e.l.f. version feel more sticky than hydrating. However, reviewers at Elle notes that the product generally applies the same and has the same effect.
The List mentions that the Power Grip primer is a great option for those who weren’t a fan of the cooling effect of the Mint Melt Cooling Primer. The primer dries clear and works on all skin types, and is non comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores or cause acne.
6. e.l.f. Putty Primer
Dupe for: Tatcha The Silk Canvas
The Tatcha Silk Canvas went viral for its pore-filling and blurring effects when used as a base under makeup. No one attempted a dupe for the silicone based primer until e.l.f. When they released a version that was so much cheaper, it’s no wonder it went viral immediately. Glam mentions the formula works in much the same way, with a putty you warm between your fingers and let sink into your skin.
The e.l.f. primer uses squalane, a hydrating ingredient, that helps to smooth and blur the skin. Beauty blogger Lauren Erro writes that e.l.f.’s putty primer will still give you the same silky smooth results as the Tatcha primer, and even comes in a liquid version if you prefer one that’s easier to smooth into the skin.
Elle says that e.l.f.’s putty primer is “eerily similar” to Tatcha’s and is an essential for every makeup lover. Another benefit to using the dupe is that it comes in different updated versions– the original, luminous, matte, and acne fighting according to your skin needs.
7. e.l.f. Sheer Slick Lipstick
Dupe for: Clinique Black Honey Lipstick
The Clinique Black Honey Lipstick is legendary in the beauty world for being the most versatile, natural shade that looks good on everyone. However, besides a single tube costing $20, the lipstick itself is often sold out due to its popularity. A reviewer at The Aesthetic Edge mentions they have worn both the original and the dupe and can’t find that much difference between the two besides the price!
Elle comments on the popularity of both the original and the dupe, due to the products going viral on platforms like TikTok. Both have sheer and buildable formulas, and you can’t beat the e.l.f. price if you want to try a new lip color without breaking the bank.
The List agrees that e.l.f.’s Black Cherry shade of the Sheer Slick Lipstick is an almost exact dupe of the Black Honey, and though it looks dark in the tube, the shade goes on flawlessly sheer but can be layered for more color.
Sources used to make this consensus list
- Chirpyest
- HerCampus
- Elle
- The Aesthetic Edge
- Pop XO
- Huda Beauty
- The List
- The Krazy Coupon Lady
- Tales of Belle
- Lauren Erro
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article contains affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.