Last updated: March 2026
What Is Dupe?
An affordable makeup or skincare product that closely replicates the shade, formula, or performance of a more expensive original—short for 'duplicate.'
The term 'dupe' has become central to beauty culture. A true dupe matches the original in shade and function, not just packaging or marketing. The best dupes come within 85–95% of the original's performance at a fraction of the cost. Dupe culture exploded with social media, where side-by-side comparisons and wear tests make it easy to verify whether an affordable alternative genuinely holds up. Not all cheap products are dupes—a dupe specifically aims to replicate a particular luxury product, not just exist in the same category.
Tips
- A true dupe matches shade and performance, not just color in the tube—always check wear tests and reviews.
- Drugstore brands owned by the same parent company as luxury brands sometimes share formulations—e.g., L'Oréal owns both Lancôme and L'Oréal Paris.
- Test dupes before committing to the luxury original—you might discover the affordable version is all you need.