MAC Dupes

L-R: Whipped Caviar, Brave, Rebel, Pink So Chic

I do love a good MAC product but I am also all about finding cheaper alternatives to my favorites. There is something so satisfying about stumbling upon a fab dupe of your favorite lippy and when that dupe is even better than the original – well I couldn’t be happier really! And the good news is that today we chat about the better and cheaper versions of some of my fave products. We have some fab MAC dupes on our hands, so if you fancy saving some pennies, keep on reading…

If you’re regular round these parts you are probably aware that MAC Rebel (here / review) is my all time favorite lipstick. From the formula to the stunning color – it’s bloomin’ marvelous and I am now on my third tube, which tells you something. When I was introduced to the Maybelline Color Drama Pencil in Pink So Chic (here) though I was smitten by the similarity of the two shades. Yes, Rebel is a tad lighter but when on the lips they are virtually the same gorgeous fuchsia berry color with lovely velvet finish. What’s more, the Maybelline offering is only a fraction of the price but I find the formula to actually be *wait for it* - a lot better. The pencil is more pigmented, the color goes on rich and more even and it doesn’t accentuate dry patches - score. Both lippies feel rather comfortable and creamy on the lips but what makes Pink So Chic a total winner is the longevity. Oh boy – this baby stays on. I managed to chomp my way though an entire three-course meal this weekend and it stayed in tact. It honestly stays put from dusk till dawn and there is no fading or awkward bleeding – mind-blowing!

What? You still can’t get hold of Brave (here / review)? I hear ya! It took me absolute ages to find this beauty – how is it always out of stock?! Crazy. The good news though is that if you’re fan of the whole 90s lip trend NYX Whipped Caviar (review) is your guy. It’s the closest dupe to MAC Brave I’ve seen and even though the NYX offering is a touch pinker, on the lips they are almost unrecognizable. Whipped Caviar has incredible hydration formula, the same beautiful semi-matte finish and it’s just a fraction of the price, which makes it a total winner in my books. Definitely go give it a swatch ladies, it’s a good’un.

Back in the day I was all about the MAC brushes and no one could have convinced me that the more affordable offerings are worth my attention. Fast forward a couple of years though and here I am sweeping my drugstore brushes across my face on a daily basis and having my MAC babes collecting dust on the shelf. My beloved MAC 217 (here) was no exception and the Zoeva 227 Luxe Soft Definer (here) definitely put it to shame, let me tell you! It’s not only much more budget-friendly but it’s also much softer (I’ve always found the 217 a bit harsh on the skin), more fluffy and blends both cream and powder eyeshadows like a dream. The Luxe Soft Definer is the perfect crease brush and I love how well and gently it packs and blends out the product – love. See ya later harsh lines!

Have you tried any of these products before? Have you discovered any MAC dupes recently?

Lots of love,

Andrea