Dreaming of high-quality makeup without breaking the bank? Discover how Chinese beauty brands are crafting stunning dupes that perform just as well as luxury names like Bobbi Brown, Fenty Beauty, and Urban Decay. Dive into our guide to find budget-friendly alternatives for all your makeup essentials!
1. All-Day Wear Foundations
RedEarth Foundation vs. Bobbi Brown Foundation
Price: $18 (128 RMB) vs. $97 (690 RMB)
- Herbal skincare benefits
- Creamy texture with natural glow
- Acne-prone skin friendly
Why Choose Red Earth? This foundation offers medium coverage with a silky finish. After 8 hours, it remains fresh with a subtle glow – just like Bobbi Brown’s version. At 1/5th the price, it’s a steal! Plus, its shades better suit Asian skin tones.
Best for: Dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin
2. Multi-Use Face Products
Girlcult Highlighter vs. Fenty Beauty Diamond Bomb
Price: $10 (73 RMB) vs. $52 (368 RMB)
- Dual-color design (champagne gold + shimmer white)
- Inspired by Chinese mythology
- Suitable for daily and party looks
Why Choose Girlcult? The shimmer effect is as refined as Fenty Beauty’s, but the packaging and dual-color design make it more appealing. Under half the price!
Best for: Highlighter lovers and Chinese aesthetics fans
Judydoll 7-Color Palette vs. Urban Decay Naked Heat
Price: $11 (79.8 RMB) vs. $59 (420 RMB)
- All-in-one palette (eyeshadow, blush, highlighter, contour)
- Warm caramel-milk tones
- Beginner-friendly
Why Choose Judydoll? Perfect for quick daily makeup. Urban Decay’s shades are more intense, while Judydoll’s are softer and easier to blend, plus more affordable.
Best for: Students, beginners, and minimalists
Gellas Highlight Stick vs. Mao Geping Highlighter
Price: $2.70 (18.9 RMB) vs. $42 (300 RMB)
- Brightens dark circles and laugh lines
- Easy to use (no special skills needed)
- Radiant natural glow
Why Choose Gellas? Maogeping’s highlighter requires skill, but Gellas offers similar results with a creamy, blendable formula at a fraction of the cost!
Best for: Makeup newbies and budget-conscious shoppers
Perfect Diary Denim Palette vs. 3CE Blue-White Palette
Price: $12.50 (89 RMB) vs. $28 (199 RMB)
- Cool-toned pink and brown shades
- Suitable for natural and bold looks
- Highly pigmented yet blendable
Why Choose Perfect Diary? 3CE’s palette is vibrant but prone to smudging. Perfect Diary’s version is smoother, more versatile, and cheaper.
Best for: Practical users and cool-toned makeup lovers
3. Eye & Lip Essentials
INTO YOU Lip Mud vs. Armani Lip Maestro
Price: $7 (49 RMB) vs. $56 (400 RMB)
- Matte but not drying
- Warm terracotta tones
- Long-lasting color
Why Choose INTO YOU? Lightweight formula stays put even after eating. The shade matches Armani’s #206 closely, but costs much less.
Best for: Medium to deep skin tones and matte lipstick fans
Marie Dalgar Eyeliner vs. Kiss Me Heroine Eyeliner
Price: $7.70 (55 RMB) vs. $15 (108 RMB)
- Waterproof and smudge-proof
- Flexible brush tip for easy application
- Oily eyelid friendly
Why Choose Marie Dalgar? Stays put all day, even in humidity. More product for less money compared to Kiss Me.
Best for: Oily skin and hot climates
Aomusi Brushes vs. Make Up For Ever Brushes
Price: $12.50 (89 RMB) vs. $45 (320 RMB)/brush
- Synthetic bristles (soft and durable)
- Full face and eye set
- Portable travel case
Why Choose Aomusi? Make Up For Ever brushes are luxurious but pricey. Aomusi delivers similar quality at a lower price – perfect for beginners or budget shoppers.
Best for: Those needing affordable, high-quality brushes
Final Thoughts
These Chinese makeup brands prove you don’t need to splurge for great products. From foundation to lipstick, nearly every high-end item has a quality, budget-friendly counterpart. Have you tried these alternatives? Share your favorites in the comments below!
*Note: Prices are approximate based on exchange rates at the time of writing.
