How I Test Dupes
By Viktoria @vioda.makeup · · Updated April 14, 2026
Every dupe on vioda.makeup is tested in person. Here's how I compare formulas, shades, and wear so you know what you're getting.
My process for comparing luxury products to affordable alternatives so you can trust the recommendations.
Why Testing Matters
The internet is full of "dupe" lists that are based on shade swatches alone. A swatch on your hand under ring lights can look identical—but how a product wears on your face over eight hours is a completely different story. That's why I test every dupe in real conditions before it goes on the site.
I wear each product for a full day: through meals, through sweat, through a commute. I compare how they feel at hour one versus hour six. If a dupe can't hold up to normal life, it doesn't make the cut—no matter how cheap it is.
Step 1: Shade Matching
I swatch the original and the dupe side by side on my arm and on my face in natural daylight. Indoor lighting and ring lights can be misleading, so I always step outside or sit by a window. I photograph both products on bare skin and on a white background so you can see the true color.
For lip products, I apply the original on one side and the dupe on the other. For blush and eyeshadow, I do half-face comparisons. This way, the comparison is as fair as possible—same skin, same conditions, same lighting.
Step 2: Formula and Texture
Color is only half the story. A lipstick dupe might match the shade perfectly but feel like sandpaper. I pay attention to how the product applies: is it smooth, patchy, streaky, or creamy? Does the eyeshadow blend easily or does it crumble? Does the blush sit on top of the skin or melt in?
I also note the finish—matte, satin, shimmer, or dewy—because even a slight difference in finish can change how a product reads on the face. If the original is a satin and the dupe is a matte, that matters.
Step 3: Wear Testing
This is where most dupes either prove themselves or fall apart. I apply both products at the same time and check in at two hours, four hours, and six-plus hours. I note fading, creasing, transferring, and oxidation.
For setting sprays and primers, I do a full-face wear test with and without the product. For mascaras, I look at smudging and flaking throughout the day. I take photos at each checkpoint so you can see exactly how the product holds up.
Step 4: The Verdict
After testing, I assign a match score out of 100 based on shade accuracy, formula similarity, and wear time. A score above 85 means the dupe is a genuine alternative. Between 70 and 85 means it's a solid option with some trade-offs. Below 70 and it doesn't make the site.
I also note who each dupe is best for—dry lips, oily skin, budget shoppers, everyday wear—because the "best" dupe depends on your needs, not just the shade match.
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