Not All Dupes Are Created Equal: A Makeup Artist's Honest Thoughts

As a bridal makeup artist in North Wales and Cheshire, I'm always testing products — from luxury favourites to budget-friendly buys. One of the most common things I get asked about by clients and fellow artists alike is dupes. Are they worth it? Are they really the same? Let's break it down.

What Is a Dupe?

A dupe (short for duplicate) is meant to be a more affordable version of a high-end product. And on paper, it sounds amazing. Who doesn't love a bargain? But here's the truth: just because a product looks similar, doesn't mean it performs the same — especially when it comes to bridal makeup that has to last all day, look flawless in photography, and stand up to everything from heat to happy tears.

The Rise of the High-Street Dupe

Some of the biggest players in the dupe game are e.l.f. Cosmetics and, surprisingly, Aldi. If you've walked past the middle aisle and spotted something that looks suspiciously like a designer product, you're not alone. The packaging might be almost identical, but here's where things get tricky — what's inside is rarely the same.

A great example of this is Charlotte Tilbury's Hollywood Flawless Filter — a product I absolutely love and regularly use on my bridal clients across North Wales and Cheshire. It's versatile, glowing, and elevates any base, whether used alone, as a primer, or mixed into foundation.

The e.l.f. Halo Glow Debate

Enter the much-hyped e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter. It looks almost identical to the Hollywood Flawless Filter. Same glass bottle, same chunky doe-foot applicator, even similar shade names. But in my experience? It's not the same.

Halo Glow has a more metallic finish, which can end up sitting on the skin in a less flattering way — especially in natural daylight or wedding photography. The Charlotte Tilbury version gives that lit-from-within dewiness, which is why it's a staple in my kit. The shade range from Charlotte Tilbury is also more refined and skin-like, whereas Halo Glow's can lean a bit artificial.

This is why, as a professional bridal makeup artist working across North Wales and Cheshire, I always tell clients not to rely on packaging alone. The ingredients matter — a lot.

Ingredients: The Real Test

A good rule of thumb? Look at the ingredients list. The items at the top are the ones that make up most of the product. Compare a so-called dupe with the original, and you'll often see very different things listed. This affects how it sits on the skin, wears over time, and interacts with other products.

It's not about being snobby. Some affordable options are brilliant! But they're not always a true substitute. Some products marketed as dupes are great in their own right — and don't need to ride the coattails of luxury branding to prove their worth.

So, Are Dupes Bad?

Not at all. I'm not here to bash budget beauty. In fact, some of the best mascaras and brow gels I've tried haven't cost the earth. But when it comes to special occasions — particularly weddings — I'm selective. Your skin deserves the best on your big day, and I need products that perform under pressure.

So next time you're tempted by a TikTok trend or a too-good-to-be-true Aldi dupe, take a minute. Ask yourself: is this a true equivalent, or just clever marketing?

And if you're ever unsure, ask a pro — preferably a makeup artist who's spent years working with brides in all seasons, all lighting conditions, and all skin types... like me.

Because trust me: not all dupes are created equal.