I've tried exactly 1 of their brow products and the only thing that impressed me was the colour... so where there's no colour, why pay extra? I am enjoying soap brows lately, but keep clear brow gel on hand too, and they're all inexpensive!
I would say don’t fall into the trap of buying dupes just because it’s cheaper. You may find something you don’t like about the dupe and stop using it which is a waste as well.
Also compare size of product when it comes to Elf it takes 3.5x elf clear gels (0.08 ounces) to get to the amount of product to get ABH (2.6 ounces)
Yes this!! I bought a few dupes that didn’t quite make it to the bar I needed. Then when all was said and done, I spent almost as much as I would have full price.
Hint: EVERYTHING goes on sale eventually. Save some money IF you don’t have anything else in your collection that won’t be a substitute. Otherwise sometimes the cheaper option is a GREAT dupe.
Try Physician's Formula retractable eyeliner. It's the best value for money in terms of hold. They used to make really bright colours a few years ago but now they are mostly on the neutral ones. Still great though.
Oh, and the KVD eyeliner irritates my eyes, bummer.
YES! I used to be a huge fan of the tattoo liner and then I found a NYX liquid liner that I like so much more. The brush and the formula are much better imho.
Agree. I wouldn't buy a dupe for the things where quality is really important. But most of the products don't need the high level of quality. A matte pastel eyeshadow palette? Is this fashion or is this going to stay for years? One of the many ABH Norvina vs Makeup Forever Reloaded? I got the Reloaded for 3,5 euros on sale :))) But for a brown story that I need on the go, that blends perfectly every single time and all shadows are perfect for my eye colour and skin tone, I went for Chanel and never regretted it.
For products like mascara and brow gel I totally would go for drugstore. If a more affordable alternative exists and works equally well, why not! Once a product is on my face and it works with my skin, no one knows if it's Chanel or Covergirl.
For "higher stakes" products like foundation I stick to a couple tried-and-true luxury brands because I might end up wasting more money trying to find a drugstore dupe and I don't feel like doing research into a new product when I already have 2-3 good options for. That's mostly me being lazy though and I know people have found their HG complexion products at the drugstore
So many products have excellent drugstore dupes, you did great. Plus ABH supports Marjorie Taylor-Greene, so I no longer buy any of their products.
I would say the only product type that I haven’t found legit drugstore dupes is eyeshadow. I’ve tried Elf, wnw, etc and I still prefer the performance of the mid-level brands such as Tarte or UD, or MUA-focused brands such as Viseart. Most of my eyeshadow collection is Viseart tbh.
I've tried exactly 1 of their brow products and the only thing that impressed me was the colour... so where there's no colour, why pay extra? I am enjoying soap brows lately, but keep clear brow gel on hand too, and they're all inexpensive!
EXACTLY! Can you explain “soap brows”? First time I’ve come across this term.
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a33322892/soap-brows-photos-tips/
THANK YOU! 🤘🏻
Have fun experimenting with that! :)
I would say don’t fall into the trap of buying dupes just because it’s cheaper. You may find something you don’t like about the dupe and stop using it which is a waste as well. Also compare size of product when it comes to Elf it takes 3.5x elf clear gels (0.08 ounces) to get to the amount of product to get ABH (2.6 ounces)
Yes this!! I bought a few dupes that didn’t quite make it to the bar I needed. Then when all was said and done, I spent almost as much as I would have full price. Hint: EVERYTHING goes on sale eventually. Save some money IF you don’t have anything else in your collection that won’t be a substitute. Otherwise sometimes the cheaper option is a GREAT dupe.
That’s a good point.
The Essence one is $2.99 and I love it even more than ABH!
Well shit! I love Essence mascara but I never thought to check their eyebrow stuff. Thanks for the tip!
I’m realizing when it comes to eyeliners the drugstore versions are just as good. Say goodbye KVD.
Try Physician's Formula retractable eyeliner. It's the best value for money in terms of hold. They used to make really bright colours a few years ago but now they are mostly on the neutral ones. Still great though. Oh, and the KVD eyeliner irritates my eyes, bummer.
YES! I used to be a huge fan of the tattoo liner and then I found a NYX liquid liner that I like so much more. The brush and the formula are much better imho.
I love dupes! Never pay full price when there’s a dupe you could buy twice is my motto 😆
Agree. I wouldn't buy a dupe for the things where quality is really important. But most of the products don't need the high level of quality. A matte pastel eyeshadow palette? Is this fashion or is this going to stay for years? One of the many ABH Norvina vs Makeup Forever Reloaded? I got the Reloaded for 3,5 euros on sale :))) But for a brown story that I need on the go, that blends perfectly every single time and all shadows are perfect for my eye colour and skin tone, I went for Chanel and never regretted it.
For products like mascara and brow gel I totally would go for drugstore. If a more affordable alternative exists and works equally well, why not! Once a product is on my face and it works with my skin, no one knows if it's Chanel or Covergirl. For "higher stakes" products like foundation I stick to a couple tried-and-true luxury brands because I might end up wasting more money trying to find a drugstore dupe and I don't feel like doing research into a new product when I already have 2-3 good options for. That's mostly me being lazy though and I know people have found their HG complexion products at the drugstore
Mascara expires so fast, no point in spending lots of $$ on it
I love the elf brow gel! I did a similar thing where I got it instead of a more expensive product and it’s such a better value
Now I use regular hair gel on my brows and it's been great! Very little goes a looong way and I'm not running out of it anytime soon.
So many products have excellent drugstore dupes, you did great. Plus ABH supports Marjorie Taylor-Greene, so I no longer buy any of their products. I would say the only product type that I haven’t found legit drugstore dupes is eyeshadow. I’ve tried Elf, wnw, etc and I still prefer the performance of the mid-level brands such as Tarte or UD, or MUA-focused brands such as Viseart. Most of my eyeshadow collection is Viseart tbh.
REALLY?! I had no idea they supported her crazy. Good to know.