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The 15 Best e.l.f. Products That Work as Well (or Better) Than The High-End Stuff

From bronzing drops to gripping primers and juicy lip oils, these TikTok viral e.l.f. products are all under $15.

By Marenah Dobin, Alexa Vazquez, Marenah Dobin Jun 18, 2024 12:00 AMTags
Shop - e.l.f. dupes - Hero ImageE! Illustration/ Courtesy of e.l.f.

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Dupes. Lookalikes. Alternatives. These are really all just words to describe a drugstore product that performs as well (or better in some cases) than their more expensive high-end counterparts, especially in the beauty space. In most cases, these "alternatives," which are usually loosely inspired by a popular item from a luxury brand, are more affordable than the products they seem to resemble. And in today's economy, it's no wonder everyone is trying to find cheaper versions of their favorite high-end products because let's face, no one actually wants to spend $70 on a foundation (although there's nothing wrong with that). When it comes to creating affordable beauty products that look, feel, and perform like high-end products, no one in the game is acing it quite like e.l.f.

Although the drugstore brand has been around for a decade, they've really stepped up their product offerings in the last few years to give people what they really want: cheap makeup that are extremely similar to those you'd find at say, Sephora or Nordstrom. And they've gone viral for it. However, it's gotten to the point where e.l.f. has a cult-following all its own, and not just because of their "dupes," but rather because they sell affordable products with top-notch performance.

From bronzing drops to gripping primers and juicy lip oils, we rounded up a list of the best e.l.f. products that work just as well (or better) than the the pricey high-end stuff and are all under $15.

e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter

You know her, you love her, it's the Halo Glow Liquid Filter. The viral alternative to Charlotte Tilbury's Hollywood Flawless Filter. Whether you wear it on its own or beneath foundation, it leaves behind a radiant glow and a flawless, blurred effect. Choose from 12 shades.

Rave Review: "I always get compliments when I use it. My face looks fresh and glowing. I even got a compliment from a Sephora employee. They thought it's the Charlotte Tilbury one!"

e.l.f. Camo Color Corrector

Enhance your natural beauty effortlessly with this lightweight, skin-perfecting essential that evens out discoloration. Yellow camouflages dullness in fair-to-medium skin tones, while the green covers redness, blemishes, and rosy cheeks in all skin tones. Additionally, the peach masks spots and darkness under the eyes for fair to medium skin tones, and orange does the same for tan to rich skin tones. Lastly, the blue mixes seamlessly with your foundation and concealer to offset overly warm tones.

Rave Review: "I have invested in every brand to try to hide the genetic dark circles under my eyes and to provide a good base prior to applying concealer. I've used Becca, Huda Beauty, Tarte, etc. this seems to work better."

e.l.f. SKIN Suntouchable Invisible SPF 35

An alternative for Supergoop's beloved Unseen Sunscreen, this one has SPF 35 (only a little less than Supergoop's) and has a similar lightweight feel and blurring effect that make it a great makeup primer.

Rave Review: "I can't afford the super goop sunscreen, but I really like the invisible and primer-like finish, so this is a great alternative (TJ is another one). It works well, does not irritate skin, and looks good with the slight blurring and glowing effect."

e.l.f. Clear Brow & Lash Mascara

Achieve polished brows and luscious lashes effortlessly with this dual-purpose clear gel. Perfect for grooming and setting eyebrows into place, it also enhances natural lashes with a lightweight, flake-free formula.

Rave Review: "Way better than Benefit's $26 brow fluff wax. I'm shocked, this is sooooo much better. I should've switched to this product 6 months ago. Holds WAY better and is actually clear. A new must have for me.

e.l.f. Power Grip Primer

The Power Grip Primer needs no introduction, but we'll give you one anyway. Comparable to Milk's Hydro Grip Primer, this one has a similar gel formula with a tacky consistency that reviewers say keeps their makeup intact for hours. That's probably why it has 16,200+ 5-star ratings.

Rave Review: "This primer really does live up to the hype- I am a redhead with very sensitive, acne-prone skin, and this formula didn't break me out. The product lathers on the skin in a smooth, cooling gel, and dries very tacky (in a sensible way). I've used Milk Hydro Grip primer, and I didn't notice any difference in my finished makeup looks."

This primer has been recommended by Lisa Rinna, Paige DeSorbo, and Nita Danielle.

e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream

Experience ultimate hydration and nourishment with this fragrance-free face cream, designed to replenish and soothe sensitive skin. Its lightweight formula absorbs quickly, leaving a smooth and radiant complexion.

Rave Review: "So hydrating. The best dupe for Tatcha Water Cream if you're on a budget! It doesn't smell as good, but it'll make your skin feel so smooth and hydrated."

e.l.f. Monochromatic Multi Stick

Elevate your makeup routine with this versatile multi-stick, offering a blendable formula that adds a natural flush to cheeks, lips, and eyes. Available in a range of flattering shades, it effortlessly enhances your features with a creamy, long-lasting finish. Embrace simplicity and elegance in your beauty regimen with this essential for creating coordinated monochromatic looks

Rave Review: "This might be better than the milk I've been searching for. Love using it as a quick blush and lipgloss on the go."

Real Housewives of Atlanta alum Kandi Burruss has recommended this multi-tasking product.

e.l.f. Halo Glow Contour Beauty Wand

Another Charlotte Tilbury alternative, these contour wands with a user-friendly cushion tip applicator boasts a buildable formula that effortlessly blends into the skin. The e.l.f. version has less shimmer, which can be a good thing for many. Plus, it comes in five shades as opposed to just two.

Rave Review: "Has all of the upsides of the Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand—easily blendable, rich in pigment, long-lasting—without any of the downfalls. What makes this better than Charlotte Tilbury is the diverse shade ranges, the fact that it's easy to blend but does not blend away, and it has an amazing price point."

e.l.f. Complexion Duo Brush

Rather than spend $50 on the IT Cosmetics Complexion Perfection Brush, get this e.l.f. one instead. It's also dual-ended with a large fluffy brush to buff out foundation and a smaller precise brush to spot conceal. The bristles on both brushes are made from synthetic fibers. 

Rave review: "Wow, this brush is amazing! So soft, dense but not too dense, and handle is great quality. It ranks up there with my favorite foundation brush from IT Cosmetics, which is 4x the price."

read
The 5 Charlotte Tilbury Products Every Woman Should Own for the Maximum Glow Up With Minimal Effort

e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer

If you love the way the Tatcha Silk Canvas Protective Primer or the Tarte Smoothing Primer minimize the appearance of pores and smooths fine lines, but don't love the price, go for the Poreless Putty Primer instead. The velvety texture creates a flawless base for makeup application, which is probably why it has 26,700+ 5-star ratings.

Rave Review: "I am pleasantly surprised with this product. I have been a longtime user of Tatcha, but heard that this is a great dupe. Got it, tested it, loved it. This is an excellent dupe for Tatcha and great for my wallet"

e.l.f. Cosmetics Brow Lift

The Anastasia Beverly Hills' Brow Freeze is a legendary product, but this extra-strength brow gel is just as good (if not better, according to reviewers). It's perfect for taming unruly brows and achieving that fluffy, laminated look that's all the rage right now.

Rave Review: "After trying the ABH brow freeze I gave up on high end and decided to try a drug store product and I have NEVER been more SATISFIED with a product. Application is easy, my brows stay put all day, and the price is amazing. 10/10 ranking, and I am now loyal to this product"

e.l.f. 16HR Camo Concealer

Comparable to the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer, this concealer provides just as much coverage and the same matte finish. It's also creamy and blendable, which is why people love Shape Tape. It comes in 14 shades and has 26,400+ 5-star ratings.

Rave Review: "This stuff is practically an exact Shape Tape dupe. I bought this because it had such rave reviews and I am totally impressed. It covers and blends just as well as Shape Tape. It also works well as an eyeshadow base. I like this product so much that I immediately bought another one. Btw, dark circles are totally covered!"

e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil

Tired about hearing people hype up Dior's $40 lip oil? Us too, which is why we were thrilled to find this alternative from e.l.f. It leaves behind a sheer, glossy wash of color and is infused with hydrating ingredients, too, including avocado oil, jojoba oil and pomegranate oil. It comes in seven gorgeous shades.

Rave Review: "The glow reviver lip oil can easily hold up against Dior, Haus Labs, etc. other sorts of high end lip oils. It's hydrating, it's pretty… not very opaque in colour at all but it feels great and is [long]lasting"

e.l.f. Camo Liquid Blush

This liquid blush is ultra-pigmented, so a little goes a long way just like Rare Beauty's famous Soft Pinch Liquid Blushes. Reviewers love how easy it is to blend and that it's a buildable formula. Choose from nine shades.

Rave Review: "Have been using Rare Beauty in Joy and loved it, but decided to try this new product. Got Gorg Orange which is exactly the same as the Rare Beauty. The ELF is at a MUCH better price. One drop provides all the blush for your entire face and it lasts all day"

e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm

Effortlessly remove makeup and impurities with this luxurious cleansing balm, leaving your skin feeling nourished and hydrated. Its gentle formula transforms from a solid balm into a silky oil upon application, melting away even stubborn waterproof makeup.

Rave Review: "AMAZING DUPE for expensive cleansing balms I am OBSESSED with the Elemis cleansing balm. However, to get a decent sized bottle you pay over $100 bucks. This ELF cleaning balm is comparable in creamy silky texture and a fraction of the price & does everything the Elemis balm does. Everyone's skin is different but I am sensitive and prone to breakouts and I have no issues with this."

Olivia Culpo recommended this cleansing balm to E! shoppers.

e.l.f. Bronzing Drops

A new addition to e.l.f.'s lineup, these bronzing drops are extremely similar to the D-Bronzi Sunshine Drops from Drunk Elephant, but at a fraction of the cost, of course. It gives your skin a bronzy wash of color and radiant finish. It comes in three shades compared to Drunk Elephant's singular shade.

Rave Review: "I've tried a lot of bronzing drops and these are top tier. Great shade range, blends easily, gives a great bronze to the skin. I mix mine into foundation and it's perfect!"

Still shopping? You'll wish you bought these 45 TikTok viral beauty products sooner.

—Originally published May 2, 2024 at 3:30 AM PT.