the bargain finds that stand up against their pricier rivals

One of the things I love most in my job is finding the perfect, affordable matches – sometimes called “dupes” – for the high-end products we all love, especially when it comes to make-up. Because beauty, as with life, is all about balance, right?

Let’s start with eyeshadow palettes; at any price point look for richly pigmented hues in a range of finishes. An all-time favourite is Urban Decay Naked 3 Eyeshadow Palette ($95), which offers 12 richly pigmented, rose-tinted shades in a mix of matte, pearl and metallic finishes to take you from day to night. At a more accessible price point is Maybelline’s Nudes of New York Palette ($17), which has 16 super-wearable shades including matte and metallic neutrals, nudes, pinks and bronzes.

Foundation can often be a case of getting what you pay for. At the higher end, La Prairie’s Skin Caviar Concealer Foundation ($430) incorporates the brand’s world-famous caviar extract and is a great winter staple as it’s long-lasting, with seamless coverage. At the lower end, Maybelline Fit Me Foundation ($13) offers lighter coverage but it’s buildable, looks luxe and comes in 40 shades. Can’t find a perfect match? At this price, you could simply blend two shades.

For blush addicts, it’s tough to go past Nars Blush in Orgasm ($56), even if only for the name. This cult favourite is the perfect peachy blend and can be worn on cheeks and eyes as well as over the bridge of the nose. Still, if you need a more affordable option, then Milani Baked Blush in Dolce Pink ($22) runs a close second.

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For a go-to natural lip colour, YSL Loveshine Wet Shine Lipstick in Rosy Sand ($72) is a delightful nude-beige that glides on like a dream. It is a staple of “no-mirror make-up”, meaning you can apply it easily, even in the dark. For a perfect dupe, try Maybelline Color Sensational The Creams Lipstick in Nearly There ($21).

For those who prefer red-hot lipsticks, we love M.A.C’s Macxmil Silky Matte Lipstick in Russian Red ($40) as much as Revlon Colorstay Suede Ink Lipcolour in Bread Winner ($15) – both brilliant brick reds for statement lips.

For pressed-powder fanatics, Too Faced Born This Way Soft Blur Setting Powder ($66) is the gold standard – smooth, lightweight and translucent, it’s great for setting foundation and
keeping shine at bay. A less extravagant alternative is Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder ($8).

When it comes to splurge versus steal, mascaras are often a talking point because it’s recommended they be replaced every two months. My choice on the luxe front is Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara in Midnight ($46), which has a clever dual-sided wand that lifts and separates lashes. Or, you could try L’Oréal Voluminous Mascara in Black ($11.50) to add volume without clumping.