5 Cult Beauty Classics & Their Dupes by Kim O’Sullivan

21 February

When something is recommended again and again, it becomes something of a ‘cult classic’.

We all have our personal beauty faves, and many of us have a few secret weapons in common. ?Regardless of our skin type or personal style, we all have a few of these popular products in common – products that will most likely never be discontinued because frankly, they’re just that good. ?They do what they promise and are totally trend resistant.

Here are my top 5 favourites. Bearing in minds they do have a high price point, I’ve found almost identical dupes that are a fraction of the cost and are surprisingly superb.

Cult Beauty Classic: YSL Touche Éclat Radiant Touch – €35

The world’s no. 1 selling beauty product, with one sold every 10 seconds around the world. It is indeed the king of ‘cult classics’.

It claims to capture 8 hours of sleep with the click of a pen. With a few strategic strokes of this award-winning complexion highlighter—dark circles, fine lines and signs of fatigue virtually disappear. It instantly illuminates, so you look refreshed. It’s the one beauty essential no woman should ever be without. There are 9 shades available

Dupe: Maybelline Dream Touch Lumi Concealer – €6.49

I was genuinely impressed. ?Not only did it illuminate but it had more coverage than the YSL, which is NOT a concealer. It also cancelled out any imperfections in my complexion, which the YSL could not. It comes in 6 shades. I will most definitely purchase this again. And at such a good price I could buy 5 versus 1 YSL Touche Éclat.

Cult Beauty Classic: ?Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation – €43.50

This super silky, lightweight fluid foundation is my go-to for dewy, glowing skin. ?It’s an oil-free hydrating fluid with Micro-fil technology, allowing you to build for added coverage if you want without the worry of it looking cakey or patchy. ?You’ll find this in every single makeup artist’s kit and I promise once you’ve experienced this liquid magic you’ll totally understand why. ?For years I’ve tried other alternatives and always resorted back to my beloved Armani.

Dupe: L’Oréal True Match Foundation – €12.99

Having worked for Armani Cosmetics for over 11 years, I know a good dupe the moment I touch it. And L’Oréal True Match is the closest and best alternative I’ve ever tried… In fact, I adore it so much so that I’ve started using it during the week.

Cult Beauty Classic: Nars ‘Orgasm’ blush – €29

Orgasm is the world’s most in demand blusher shade. This peachy colour gives the most perfect ‘pinched pop of colour’, which enhances the complexion at the stroke of a brush.

Dupe: NYX ‘pinched’ blush – €4.49

This blush is an uncanny replica of the NARS shade. It even boasts the shimmering pigments that give the skin the glow that Nars ‘Orgasm’ is famed for. And at €4.49, we salute you NYX. I’m sold.

Cult Beauty Classic: MAC Ruby Woo – €19

This magic matte lippie is a staple in most ladies’ makeup bags and one many makeup artists will have at the top of their kit. It’s a modern take on the classic red lip – funky, edgy and instantly recognisable. It’s the most striking shade that will instantly transform even the simplest make up look.

Dupe: Kate Moss ‘Kiss of Life’ for Rimmel €6.89

I’ve found Ruby Woo’s twin sister and it’s a third of the price. These show-stopping bright crimson colours are almost identical right down to their intensity and blue undertones. Although both lipsticks are matte, Ruby Woo is particularly more so, while the Rimmel does feel fabulously creamy on the lips.

Cult Beauty Classic: Urban Decay Naked Palette ?- €43

This is without a doubt THE palette that revolutionised our neutrals forever – and for this very reason, it’s a seasoned cult classic. ?It’s loaded with 12 bronze-hued shadows in an insane range of textures —including matte, satin, shimmer and sparkle. ?Whether you’re going for laid-back soft glam or black-tie drama, this is all you’ll need in your makeup collection.

Dupe: Wet ‘N’ Wild ‘Nude Awakening’ Palette – €6.49

I’ve found an equally versatile palette, which a quite simply a splendid steal. ?With amazing staying power, a velvety, suede-like smoothness and blendability, this definitely stands up to the Naked Palette.