In the world of flawless red carpets and high-definition beauty shots, we often assume celebrities only wear products with jaw-dropping price tags. But here’s a secret: many celebrity makeup artists don’t just rely on luxury brands. They also swear by affordable dupes that perform just as well — sometimes even better.
From drugstore gems to under-the-radar steals, we’ve rounded up the top $20-and-under makeup dupes used by the pros. This isn’t just a list — it’s your backstage pass into Hollywood’s beauty bag.
✨ What Are Makeup Dupes & Why Do Celebs Use Them?
A dupe, short for duplicate, is a product that mimics a higher-end product in color, texture, finish, or performance — but comes at a fraction of the price.
And while celebs may have access to the best of the best, their makeup artists are focused on results, not labels. They’re on a mission to make skin glow, lips pop, and features sculpt — all while staying practical and kit-efficient.
💄 Top Celebrity-Approved Dupes Under $20
1. E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter vs. Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter
- Price: $14 vs. $49
- Why Artists Love It: Gives the same radiant, soft-focus finish. Great for layering under foundation or wearing solo.
- Who Uses It: TikTok MUAs and influencers have confirmed using this in red carpet prep.
- Pro Tip: Mix it with your moisturizer for a natural glow or dab it over cheekbones for a lit-from-within highlight.
2. Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation vs. NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation
- Price: $11 vs. $52
- Why It Works: Milani’s formula offers full coverage, a natural finish, and long-lasting wear.
- MUA Insight: Works beautifully on oily to combo skin. Artists say it doesn’t cake under studio lights.
3. Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder vs. Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
- Price: $8 vs. $43
- Why It’s a Game-Changer: Blurs, sets, and mattifies without flashback — a must-have for red carpet moments.
- Makeup Artist Tip: Use a damp puff to press it into the T-zone. Instant airbrushed look.
4. NYX Butter Gloss in ‘Praline’ vs. Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb
- Price: $6 vs. $21
- Why Artists Love It: Non-sticky, hydrating, and has that same shiny, juicy finish celebs love.
- Fun Fact: NYX is often seen on-set in music videos — it photographs well and doesn’t break the budget.
5. L’Oréal Telescopic Mascara vs. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
- Price: $11 vs. $29
- Why It’s Loved: Defines every lash with no clumps. Gives drama and length — a red carpet must.
- Pro Hack: Use it as a first coat, then layer a volumizing mascara over it for show-stopping lashes.
🎯 Why These Dupes Work (According to Celebrity MUAs)
Celebrity makeup artists need:
- Long-lasting performance under harsh lighting and long events
- Reliable formulas that won’t separate, crease, or flake
- Products that work on all skin tones and textures
Many affordable brands are now innovating faster than ever, offering comparable formulas to their luxury competitors — with minimal packaging and less markup. It’s performance over price tag.
👛 How to Use These Dupes Like a Pro
- Focus on Prep
Dupes shine when your skincare game is strong. Hydrated, well-primed skin will make even a $6 product look like a million bucks. - Layer Strategically
Combine textures — matte base + dewy highlighter + setting mist = luxury look. - Use Tools That Elevate
Try a damp beauty sponge or a pro brush set. Good tools transform drugstore products.
🔐 Bonus: The Power Combo Kits
Want to build a full face under $100 that rivals a $500 look?
Try this power combo:
- Primer: E.l.f. Power Grip Primer – $10
- Foundation: Milani Conceal + Perfect – $11
- Concealer: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind – $9
- Powder: Fit Me Loose Powder – $8
- Blush: e.l.f. Primer-Infused Blush – $7
- Lip: NYX Butter Gloss – $6
- Mascara: L’Oréal Telescopic – $11
- Setting Spray: Milani Make It Last – $9
- Highlighter: Wet n Wild Megaglo – $6
Total: ~$77
Value: Red carpet ready ✨
📌 Save This for Your Next Glow-Up
This isn’t just a list — it’s a beauty blueprint. These products are:
- Makeup artist tested
- Celebrity approved
- Wallet-friendly
So whether you’re a student, a new mom, or a woman building her empire, you don’t need to spend a fortune to look and feel luxurious.