AFFORDABLE OPTIONS for HIGH END MAKEUP!!!

[@SamanthaMarchxo]

I'm the same way with dupes, and it's a big reason I don't do those videos often! I feel like exact dupes are so challenging lol!

[@melthompson2856]

right!!! it's so hard for me to really think something is comparable, let a lone a dupe

[@nancyatorres209]

@@melthompson2856 i know. I hate it when dupethat says its a dupe and it clearly isn't. Smh. Thank you Mel

[@kat1york]

Hi Samantha. Glad to see you here. Mel knows her shit. Lol Anything I've picked up on her recommendations, hasn't let me down. Have a lovely evening beauty.

[@ashleymarie3107]

Mel Thompson I love your channel, I’ve been around for a while. I have to say, I’m excited to see “affordable options “ because being a broke mamma, I can’t go out and buy all the Mac and tatcha... ect. I sincerely hope you consider contributing more of your time to drugstore and affordable options.... maybe an “full face affordable Friday” there’s so many YT’bers on this platform.... but not as many as talented as you! (Ps. That “less expensive Sonja k brush....for ONLY $22” Equate at Walmart duped it for under $10. Look near the nail polish and tweezers section. White handle.)

[@lucindahernandez3779]

I 💯 percent agree with you on the Mac increasing prices on there merchandise like crazy, and it's on everything. With so much competition out there I would think they would keep prices the same or lower them a little. It's so frustrating.

[@tamarasparks8065]

Milani is cruelty free, too. So many luxury brands are not. Keeps me from spending too much. Thank you for great options.

[@k.popper2620]

I love Milani makeup

[@bettynap67]

I'm happy your doing this kind of video, most of can't afford a small fortune on a brush or powder.

[@rannveigkjpsnes9780]

What if you do half your face with the high end, and other half with drugstore?The products you show in this video It would be fun to see . Huuuuugs🤩🤩🤩

[@tnt8106]

I love this video! It's so nice to have cheaper options. When a girl loves makeup and is on a budget..well, the budget says you need to buy the cheaper version..and it's really nice when they perform like the higher end products.

[@Edemamii]

i’ve been waiting for this video for so long! i don’t trust anyone else w/ drugstore stuff cause you’re so picky i imagine if it was good enough to mention in ur video it’s a must buy

[@judyhickson9143]

Elf has a nice fluffy brush i love it

[@tamarasparks8065]

It is my go to for loose powder!

[@mishmash3968]

The newer powder brush do you mean? Everyone goes bonkers over that one, if it has the clear handle. The studio line I don’t think she’d like. The handles fall off and the bristles are essentially fishing line. Milani and Flower Beauty make the softest ones I’ve felt out of the drugstore options, Sonia Kashuk as well but some don’t consider those drugstore.

[@lorenap.5678]

I love the new elf with white handle the $2 super fluffy and the perfect density.

[@laurahelene9118]

Girl, great options video. I have a couple of those items bcz of your recommendations. I am watching and taken by the eyes every time you look down. I love that!

[@mishmash3968]

Laura Dean she really nails them.

[@tinajohnson619]

Great video Mel! I really like the Rimmel Magnif'eyes Spice Edition as an affordable option for Urban Decay Naked Heat. Another great Rimmel lip pencil color I love is 007 Rose Quartz. I'm finding it hard to find the Rimmel 049 Natural lip pencil at my Walmart also.

[@jacquifussell6956]

I do not know if you have shoppers Drug Mart in the US but they have a whack load here in Canada of the #49 Natural

[@Cara-39]

Armani is a L'Oreal brand and the True Match Lumi has 80% of the same ingredients as Luminous Silk so they are almost identical.

[@ivoryandgold88]

The original Loreal True Match is also fantastic, it gives me the most skin like finish of all the foundations I've ever tried and it's cheaper than the Lumi, only downside is no pump but I don't even mind bc it's so great. Can't say enough good things about it!

[@jewelnabq01]

'Wondering if anyone has used both and if the Lumi wears as well as the Armani Luminous Silk.

[@krissymc7085]

@@ivoryandgold88 I watch Hot & Flashy and the original true match foundation is one of her holy grail foundations for mature skin also!!! She puts foundations through alot of testing in her foundation Fridays💜

[@BlingyBea]

jewelnabq01 I have them both and I like them both, I have dry skin.

[@BlingyBea]

Krissy McGann Yes that’s right and Angie’s said it was a dupe for her Holy Grail Chanel. I have them both as well and they are excellent on my dry skin. I just took the pump I had on a foundation I had used up and it fit that glass bottle.

[@gretchengarrett7695]

Thanks for the "options"! As much as I love my high-end makeup, I love having affordable options for items I don't really want to throw down the big bucks for. I SO need to hit Boutique Tar-zhay for Pixi and Sonia Kashuk products.

[@blackathena1565]

This totally needs to be a series! I'll be looking for the Sonia Kashuk brush and the La Mer option on my next Target run

[@suecone2198]

I liked that you called them more affordable, because they are. Since I am no longer working the price does make a difference and it is great to know you can come close to the expensive product. Thanks 🙏

[@peachtea1890]

Omg I love you. Yes dupes are "duplicates" or identical to the thing it's being compared too. Hate dupe videos were things are "similar". Then it's not a dupe!!! Love you mel! Had to rant. Haha

[@Fayfit]

So glad Wayne Gross mentioned you in his video! I’m loving you channel, your genuineness and your tutorials

[@TRUECRIMEKEN]

I love your eye look today 😍😍

[@melthompson2856]

Thank you!!!

[@victoriamyst4742]

Kennedy Meyers TV yes, very much! Was thinking just the same. I want to recreate it:))) with a different palette, though 😉

[@cristinabarcenilla6670]

Kennedy Meyers TV I agree with you. It’s beautifiul, sultry. Simply Perfect.😍🥰😍🥰

[@theresad1904]

Same! Its STUNNING

[@jamieloftis8931]

Yas girl! Love that Sonya Kashuk brush for budding my bronzer in!

[@productjunkie8]

You're the first person I've heard say that about dupes and it's so refreshing because that's exactly how I feel! Makes me mad when people only say it's a dupe because of the color.

[@annesagendorphmoon]

i love using the word option! I also love it's my pleasure more than the huda one! and I end up liking the bad habit options for ABH better than ABH...they aren't as soft and i love the way they blend....thank you for all you do...i learn every time...i have the sonia kashuk and la mer brushes and sonia is really good!

[@Cut_Throat_Girl]

I hope that colourpop releases a green and blue palettes similar to the huda's because they're beautiful but for the price of one, i could get both CP ones lol

[@annesagendorphmoon]

@@Cut_Throat_Girl and you know that bad habit has the older ones that match the huda small palettes she did awhile ago...and frankly I like bad habit's palettes more than a lot of the originals...they are awesome.

[@Cut_Throat_Girl]

@@annesagendorphmoon Uh i didn't have an idea of such thing! I don't even know if i've ever seen stuff from that brand before. Anyways i like these huda ones because of the colors, the having "monocromatic" colorful palettes is so different from them and all around (cos when you want color, you either go for singles or have to stick with rainbow palettes)

[@Shoegal-qn6by]

I purchased The La Mer & was so bummed...bad chemical cheap smell. For $85 I expected better quality unless I got a lemon

[@jason7mendi]

I did it. I purchased the ColourPop It's My Pleasure palette. I was going to get the Huda one but for some reason I held off. I am glad I did and can't wait to start playing with this palette. I am a lover of all things purple, plum, amethyst and the list goes on. Thank you for the wonderful review of the palette and for this comparison video as well!

[@jacquifussell6956]

really appreciate these types of reviews on similarities, thank you and hope you will entertain more of these.

[@karincope3019]

Your eyes are just stunning . I am loving your channel and can see why Wayne recommenced you 100%, you both have the same lovely souls, look forward to what you have to come .

[@lisadippity]

Heritage brand rose water and glycerin formula replaced my fix +. Not only because of the cost, but the amount of product, and adds more benefits to my skin. Bought it on amazon and haven’t purchased fix + in three years. I love it by the price is outrageous for the amount of product you get now.

[@jennlecher5604]

The absolute best dupe for the Born To Run palette is the C Color Cosmetics Around The World palette. They have a beautiful dupe for the Soft Glam palette, too.

[@karenallen944]

Jenn Lecher do you happen to know the names of the CColor palettes for the Born to Run & Soft Glam? Thank you so much!

[@jennlecher5604]

Ya. The Born to Run dupe is called the Around the World palette and I think the Soft Glam dupe is the Prestige palette. They are on the website and I think they're on Amazon, too.

[@namelast3997]

My kind of learning about makeup and effects. I love so many of what you have spoken about !! This just confirms my favorite drugstore foundation lumi luminous foundation and colourpop 😍😍 palette ! !

[@thepopes4466]

SO glad you mentioned the price changes with MAC.

[@aphreyst4551]

I just re-purchased a new NYX no filter powder! I have almost used up my old one because I always use it to swirl all over my face after I've done everything else (bronzer/blush/highlight) and it seems to blend everything else together beautifully!

[@mrssnips1]

I love the options and would also love to see a side by side application and wear test.

[@lavendermystic]

Living for your eye look! I love that Pixi highlighter, it's one of my absolute favorites. A dupe I found for the Nars Orgasm blush is the much more pigmented and beautiful (IMHO) Milani baked blush in the shade Bella Bellini. I love the glow it gives the cheeks.

[@susanpeltier3333]

I wanted to thank you for the recommendations in your video on your top tools and such a while back. I just got the Simple Human mirror based on what you and Jen from Jen Luves reviews said about it and it has made a big difference. I am visually impaired and the mirror has changed my ability to do my eye make up....again thanks so much!

[@LaLaLonna]

I LOVE that milani powder. I tried it couldn't believe how much I liked it.

[@mishmash3968]

Finally, you’re understanding why savvy people buy drugstore instead of paying crazy amounts for high end products. Better dupe for the Armani Luminous Silk is the Freshwear by Loreal. Loreal owns a Armani, YSL, It Cosmetics and a ton of other brands. Maybelline and Loreal are brands to check out for high end dupes for this reason. Milani conceal and perfect powder also very similar to Mac’s.

[@A---7]

Drugstore recently upped their game so its not like she's been missing out that long. Also, which MAC powder are you referring to?

[@melthompson2856]

Ha ha, I understand it.... I had just never happened upon ones I agreed with lol. If that makes sense ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@mishmash3968]

Anastasia T mac studio fix powder. Sorry, should have said that! The Nyx stay matte but not flat another good one. I’ve heard Maybelline Superstay powder is a new dupe for the studio fix powder too, but I’ve not tried that one yet. Love your sharing similar options you’ve found Mel. A lot of beauty influencers put up dupe vidoes just because they get good views, but that are nothing like the color, formula, consistency, coverage, etc. All yours I doubt you’d be able to pick which is which, especially once on the skin.💕

[@A---7]

@@mishmash3968 Ok cool, thanx!

[@jenniferlynn120]

Mel Thompson your replies are always so kind. It always comes through that you are a good person, and I enjoy your personality so much. Sorry if this comment came across as weird I just wanted to tell you I always get the impression that you would be the best kind of friend to have- smart, kind, honest, loyal. 💜💜 your channel very much:)

[@LindseyTamRen]

I purchased the Sonia K. powder brush based on your recommendation a while back (love it). I'm glad you mentioned that the Loreal foundation is not luminous. I never purchased it for that reason. The thought and work you put into these videos are awesome. You continue to bring it and I am here for it!

[@marilyntidwell1817]

Omg I love this look! Your eyes and lip combo. It’s STUNNING!

[@AngelaKaySams]

Hi Mel! It is great to meet you! Wayne Goss said I should follow you so, here I am. I LOVE your Options video. Please do more. You are awesome!

[@aliciabrodie3494]

Your eye look is gorgeous and I love this video! I just wish it could go on and on and on....

[@cassiepathak]

I love how you explain everything!

[@amytrottier8836]

I'm so glad you gave the Milani Prep Set and Glow Illuminating powder a shout out! I love this powder. It makes my skin look natural and radiant, without looking heavy or chalky. They also have some beautiful blushes! They are comparable to some of my high end blushes, but at a fraction of the cost! Quality at a reasonable price, what more can a girl ask for?

[@toniabanuelos3542]

Love the eye look... the lipstick.... the person doing the video. You are so refreshing!

[@bywendywithlove9052]

Hi Mel, My favorite are the affordable options/dupe videos as well as the favorites videos. My favorite dupe for the Hourglass scattered light eyeshadow in “reflect” is the L’Oréal amber lights. So pretty!! I love your whole makeup look today!! xo Wendy NYC

[@noregrets4life]

I rarely do this with any other YTber but I always have to go look to see what you have listed is on your lips and eyes. You make everything look amazing!

[@melthompson2856]

awe! Thank you!!!

[@milky9832]

I just bought the Colourpop its my pleasure palette!! Im so excited, i have the norvina palette and i love it. Thank you for recommending these products!

[@susanpeltier3333]

So Mel I have the other Pixi gossamer duo called subtle sunrise and yes I'd consider the left side shade close in color and finish to the ABH amrezy. Just thought I'd share that. Great video, as always by the way!

[@heatherfield4338]

That eye look is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen 😍😍😍

[@melthompson2856]

Thank you!!!

[@QueenLiAnn]

I bought the Rimmel Liner based on your recommendation and I really like the texture, wear and color.

[@wendyrucker2995]

There was one rimmel 49 left at Walgreens for under $4 the other day and I always try n pick it up n it out I grabbed it n the line was so long I put it back n left n now I’m kicking myself in the ass soooo bad!!!

[@melthompson2856]

NOOOOOO!!!!!!

[@651LYS]

Mel, thank you SO MUCH for this. I’ve been eyeing a few of the high-end products you mentioned but now I’ll try the more economical options you mentioned. Thanks for so thoroughly and passionately researching makeup. I know that with your refined and discerning taste, if you endorse a product, it’s GOT to be good.

[@catherineruiz9782]

I love that La Mer brush! I bought it during one of the Sephora fall sales (it's how I justified it, lol) and have never looked back!

[@manderobinson8875]

My Walmart had the Rimmel lip liners discounted to $1/each. I bought every single one.

[@melthompson2856]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@kristabelle43]

That Sonia kashuk powder brush is life! I bought it and I’m so happy with it !

[@kristabelle43]

I have the tapered powder brush too from Sonia Kashuk the #107 and it’s perfect for setting under eyes or setting in general!

[@sheresadagley8502]

I love that lip line from Rimmel in East Side Snob. It’s such a pretty pink that’s neutral. Great on its own. I have repurchased several times. I’ll have to pick up the 1000 kisses!

[@liljan8539]

Best dupe for Mac Fix Plus is the Nivea Refreshing Toner.. there are a lot of videos and posts about it.. i tried it and agree 🤗🤗

[@eimearmorrissey7236]

What a great video!!! So helpful!! Would love if you did a version of this with your fav limited edition products too. The original La Mer powder and Tarte Aspyn Ovard spring to mind. I know you havent found exact dupes but "options" as you say are just as good x

[@sheilacrawford3623]

I wanted to tell you that I'm getting the color pop palette,! Thanks for options!💖👍

[@leslieh.3039]

I got the Rimmel pencil the other day and NYX Vanilla Sky is *really* close but it is a twist up. Love both!

[@LBDBeauty]

I immediately thought of the CP Perception palette when I first saw the Born to Run palette and that's why I didn't buy it. I've been trying to "be good" by not buying the CP It's My Pleasure palette, but every time I see you rave about it, I get closer and closer to caving in! I bought that Sonia Kashuk brush after seeing it in your videos so much and I do like it. I've been enjoying her small crease eye brush too. Thanks for the video.

[@noraramos3798]

Oh my gosh, Mel!!! Please tell me you have a tutorial for this look! You look flawless from top to bottom!!!! I could NOT stop looking at your eye makeup!!! I have so much love and respect for you and your skills! Thank you for all of your hard work and for inspiring me to play with my makeup every time I watch your videos💕

[@amandas3511]

This is my favorite kind of video that you do! You know the high end so well but I can't afford it so I love the inexpensive options.

[@barbarajacobs1197]

Wish u do this kind of video more often. Love u Mel

[@dabigheadboiz4938]

The flower brush is so similar to the la mer too

[@JenniferLynn_11]

Love the born to run palette!!! So good!

[@lauramiller5877]

Have just ordered the hourglass lip you are wearing in the video..beautiful 😍

[@syddharlequinmakeup]

i want to see a green themed palette from colourpop w/ the is my pleasure formula!

[@Leza1121]

This was such a great video Mel. Many, many thanks for doing it! 😘. 😘. . That ColourPop "It's My Pleasure" palette has stolen my heart!! 😍 😍 😍 .

[@melthompson2856]

Mine tooooo!!! I love it!!!

[@laurahelene9118]

Okay got a 3rd option for smoothing primer. Urban Decay Complexion primer smoothing. Ingredients very similar. Urban Decay's has some skin loving ingredients the L'Oreal does not. New to me and my favorite ever...think I've tried 50 primers. The Hard Candy BLUR primer! Amazing. I am not kidding. Helps lines too. And cheap! "Little Poet" reommended it and she is older too. I am 51, she is in her 60's. I am mentioning age bcz it matters for pore size. They get bigger. I thought the opposite would occur. Nope! Anyway, nothing gets rid of them completely and when the sun hits a certain way I just cannot hide. Ya know what I mean? But it's a good one.

[@laurahelene9118]

@@labradoriteatheart I have used that, not a great option for me. Thank you.

[@jesscastro4183]

Yay! Thanks for posting this! I have 4 of the huda obsessions palettes and the amethyst is my go to. I was just about to grab another one as a backup, glad I saw this first! Will be trying the colourpop one for sure ;)

[@nancicelenko3144]

L'oreal Lumi foundation looks VERY dewy on me, but I am oily also. Love your comparisons!!

[@MrsMelissaM]

Hi there Mel. Great video doll, I definitely took notes. Did you know that Milani discontinued their Prep Set & Glow? I was so bummed out! I think you can still get it on the Walmart website for some ridiculous amount, but dang! Why do companies always get rid of things that work for us? BooHiss...lol. Thanks for all your hard work here. I'm going to look for the Sonia Kashuk brush for sure! xo

[@jenniferlynn120]

I would love for you to do an affordable favorites video. I know how picky you are with products, and you don’t often use the phrase “good for the drugstore”. I love that! I’m sure there are other finds that don’t fall into a comparison category still worth the mention:)

[@CandaceThomas411]

Mel, this look is giving me anxiety, it's so freaking Georgous!!! Love, love it!!

[@melthompson2856]

You're so sweet! Thank you!!!

[@CandaceThomas411]

@@melthompson2856 you're most welcome! You are my favorite!!! If Mel don't approve, I'm not buying it. Lol!

[@damarissanchez9040]

Great idea for a video. Thank you for providing options that work! Love your makeup.

[@melg8475]

This was one of the best "dupe" type videos I've seen in a while! Thanks!😘

[@melthompson2856]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@tatchabeauty]

Loving this look you have today! That blush+highlight combination! 😍💜

[@michellecasherr2953]

Thank you for your tutorials they are awesome, you are the skincare and makeup professor.

[@susanlynn5159]

You knocked it out of the park with this! I use L’Oréal Lumi, Milani Prep+Set+Glow, and the NYX #NoFilter, I just didn’t know they were comparable to those specific products...... I just knew that I loved them!

[@melthompson2856]

Thanks!!!

[@brittfansler9541]

I have the huda obsessions amethyst palette and I MUST get the colourpop purple palette!! I’m so obsessed with purples shades that I’m ordering that one asap!!! I think some of the more mid toned matte shades in the colourpop look better that what came in huda. They’re both gorgeous and I have to get both lol. Ciate glitter storm came today and I’ve already played in it some. When I hear you say you love these purple or cool toned palettes I know I’ve got to get them!!!

[@nicolem1335]

Probably one of my favorite videos of yours. Thanks! Love this eye look on you! Beautiful!

[@melthompson2856]

Thank you!!!

[@mingshi7771]

I love this makeup look! It totally reminds me of Lunar New Year makeup! ❤️🧧

[@Camille_Anderson]

The NYX powder is sublime! Lost interest in Mac - fed up up of the disappointment. Shocked at how good the drugstore options nowadays. Just need primers that glides over wrinkles & I'm happy! New sub Mel, love it!

[@thehammah8039]

Love the wing eyeliner!

[@maxenglish2434]

I just ordered the colourpop purple palette because of your review.... can’t wait to get it

[@daniawhyte9632]

This eyelook is so beautiful! Thanks for this video, very helpful ❤️🇯🇲

[@jennifercrawford2630]

I love the Milani powder.. use it everyday. I'm gonna have to try that Loreal base to see if it will help my pores.

[@NK-yw5nl]

Wow, great helpful video of options!

[@EmilyOrriginal]

I love these types of videos so much! It’s a great feeling when you find something you love that’s also cheaper. If someone doesn’t have the money to splurge on MAC’s lip prep + prime, Ulta Beauty’s brand has a similar lip primer. It’s not quite as emollient as the Mac but it’s pretty damn close and share ingredients. Sonia Kashuk’s duo sharpener is made by the same company who makes Linda Hallberg’s Sharpe Diem sharpener! It works just the same and they’re fantastic sharpeners. Flower Beauty’s blush bomb color drops remind me of Glossier’s cloud paints as well.

[@Lora-Lynn]

Love your living coral look. The Maybelline 250 is spot on for Mac Double Gleam.

[@Nique3sixty5]

here for my mommy budget list im starting i looked at that sonia kashuk brush im definitely grabbing that

[@carriegnails]

Cool video! I just bought the Colourpop It's My Pleasure palette. I had the Huda Amethyst Obsessions in my Sephora cart, but I removed it and ordered the Colourpop instead after hearing you rave about it. It should be here in a few days. I'm excited to try it!

[@michellereneem7]

Your makeup is beautiful today. I'm so happy for this video today. I'm ready to re-up on some of my makeup & I'm going to take your advise with tyre products I need. Thanks beautiful. 💜💎🌻

[@melthompson2856]

Thank you!!!

[@valeriemorard8916]

Thank you so much for this!! Definitely gonna get that brush!! And prob many other things you mentioned 😆

[@nctr3791]

such a great video idea! I have wanted UD Born to Run for months, but kept talking myself out of it...I'll get the ColourPop one! I have Its My Pleasure and love it!

[@Majdon777]

Can’t say how much I love ur eye makeup..Tutorial plzzzzzzzz..😘

[@melthompson2856]

Thank you! I redid it in a demo with the wing glass brushes are use tomorrow ❤️❤️❤️

[@PaulinaAspljung]

Loved this video :D The pixi highlight dupe for the Amrezy highlight is the other one. It's in the shade subtile sunrise. I have both and I like the pixi one more than Amrezy :D

[@marialoredo5079]

Paulina Beauty is it the duo or how do I find it ?

[@soniapb7456]

Ooooh

[@melthompson2856]

Thank you ❤️ I mentioned that 😘😘😘

[@PaulinaAspljung]

Maria Loredo yes it’s a duo like the one Mel featured. But it’s lighter 😃

[@kat1york]

Hi, my Paulina. I love you.

[@janfromseattle]

Greetings from Seattle! I am new to your channel so this is the first video I’ve seen! I’m here because I watched Wayne Goss and he asked that we give you some love. Well he was right as you’re someone I can learn from and enjoy. Much success and I’ll keep watching! 🌷

[@Kathrynh246]

The rimmel liners are so amazing! The black kohl eye pencil is amazing too. The master chrome is so soft and buttery!!! I hated the catrice primer too!!! I’m gonna try the L’Oréal. This was so good Mel!!! Getting several of your options! Xoxoxo

[@tanhome7]

These are such good alternatives that you mentioned 👍🏼 I plan to give some of these a try. I totally agree with your MAC rant regarding their prices noticeably going up 🙄 Fix+ is not an affordable price anymore but I still splurge on it. Makes me frustrated as well Mel.

[@jackylandis2577]

I have found a blush that's affordable, mauvy, peachy, and wears beautifully. Great go to everyday, and wonder if you've heard of it. The company is Finding Ferdinand, and the blush color is Skinny Dip. Not powdery or streaky, and looks wonderful after 8-10 hours. BTW. great video on options. I love my Sonia K brush too!!!

[@ShellyHickenbottom1961]

Really loved this video. I need the Colour Pop palette It's my pleasure as I need more pinks and purples in my collection

[@natashagaines2082]

Thanks for this video!!! Love your makeup look!