'I compared Primark make-up dupes to high-end staples - one was near-identical'

31 August 2023 , 10:52

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I wanted to see why they have become so viral so I compared them to the original products

I am a self-confessed make-up addict, and I love trying new products. Even though I'm at the point where my make-up bag won't zip up, I simply couldn't ignore the itch to head down to my local Primark to try the coveted make-up dupes I have seen constantly all over TikTok. The similarities always seem impressive on the surface, but how do they really perform on the skin?

I'll admit, I'm a bit of a make-up snob and very rarely purchase budget options, albeit a few brilliant Elf Cosmetics items - also influenced by TikTok. As much as my bank account hates it I often find myself returning to the likes of Charlotte Tilbury, NARS and Laura Mercier, so I was definitely intrigued to see if the Primark dupes were worth the hype.

I was excited to try the dupes

The contour and blush wands are supposed dupes of Charlotte Tilbury and only £4.50 compared to £30

I hardly ever visit the make-up section in Primark, only ever to buy cotton wool pads or a make-up bag, so I felt like a newbie in a whole new world. However, it wasn't long until I started to spot inspired packaging I recognised. As I tend to keep on top of make-up trends, it was quite easy for me to decipher which the dupes were, and I was shocked at how many had hit the shelves.

I was also floored by the prices. I could see foundation for £5, £3 mascaras and £1 lip liners. It was magical, and I was excited to start routing the shelves for my new bits. I first noticed a dupe of my Bobbi Brown face base moisturiser. I was shocked when this one, which appeared to be incredibly similar, was just £4.50 compared to an eyewatering £52.

The shelves were full of high end dupes (Niamh Kirk)

My Primark haul cost cost just £31.50 and I was impressed

After circling the make-up section for a good half an hour, I was armed with my dupes of products I already own and ready to give them a whirl. I picked up a foundation, a translucent loose powder, a priming moisturiser, a cream contour wand and creamy blush wand, a brow product, mascara and lip gloss, costing me just £31.50, and I walked out feeling very smug - but still sceptical.

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When I reluctantly worked out how much I had paid for the high-end original versions of these products, it came to a staggering £260. In order to give all the cosmetics a true test, I drew a line on my face to show one side for Primark and the other for the expensive versions of the products to really see the comparison.

Primark Prep and Perfect primer - £5

Dupe of Bobbi Brown Face Base (£52)

It gave my skin a glow thanks to the creamy, luxury texture

I couldn't tell much difference between both creams (Niamh Kirk)

Niamh Kirk