Updated on August 7th, 2026
AD – Sponsored | Makeup dupes have become popular over the years, with people looking to save money on high-end products. In this post, I wanted to share 8 makeup dupes from the affordable brand elf cosmetics.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through my links, but there is no extra cost to you.
What is elf?
e.l.f. cosmetics (short for eyes. lips. face.) is an American drugstore makeup brand that focuses on quality makeup at affordable prices. Their makeup is 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and free from phthalates, parabens, nonylphenol ethoxylates, triclosan, triclocarban, and hydroquinone. Since elf is an affordable makeup brand, they are one of the first makeup brands I have used, and I still use their products today. elf is also known for having dupe products from high-end brands, including several of their products that made it on the list of TikTok makeup dupes for 2023.
What are Makeup Dupes?
Makeup dupes are the less expensive versions of a high-end makeup product. An affordable cosmetics brand like elf will create a makeup product that has a similar formula, quality, and benefits as an expensive product, but the affordable version is a fraction of the price of the high-end counterpart. With that said, I will share 8 makeup dupes from elf that I currently use. I will compare the products and the prices, including the price per ounce, to further prove that the elf makeup products have a better value for a similar quality product.
8 elf Makeup Dupes
elf Poreless Putty Face Primer ($11)
Dupe for: Tatcha Silk Canvas Primer ($55)
One of the first steps in applying makeup is to use a primer, as it gives the face a smooth base and helps the makeup last all day. Along with these benefits, the elf Putty Primer also includes squalane to protect the skin from moisture loss, and it is perfect for all skin types. The Tatcha Silk Canvas Primer also includes squalane, and it has the same benefits as the elf Putty Primer, but you save $44 by using the elf primer instead. Furthermore, the elf Putty Primer is $14.86 per ounce versus $78.57 per ounce for the Tatcha primer.
$11 at elf
elf Instant Lift Brow Pencil ($4)
Dupe for: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz ($26)
If you regularly do your brows, you can look into the elf Instant Lift Brow Pencil. The brow pencil is double-ended with the eyebrow pencil on one side and the spoolie brush on the other to help you shape and define your brows. Also, the eyebrow pencil has a fine tip for precision, and the formula is smudge-proof. In comparison, the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz has the same double-ended pencil with a fine pencil tip and smudge-proof formula, but it is $22 more than the elf brow pencil. Also, the elf Instant Life Brow Pencil is $666.67 per ounce compared to $8,666.67 per ounce for the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brows Wiz.
$4 at elf
elf No Budge Retractable Eyeliner ($6)
Dupe for: Hourglass Mechanical Gel Eye Liner ($22)
The elf eyeliner is retractable and waterproof, and you can use it on your lashline, waterline, and on your lid. The eyeliner is also creamy and pigmented, whereas the Hourglass eye liner is mechanical, waterproof, and has a similar creamy formula, but is $16 more expensive. Furthermore, the elf eyeliner is $750 per ounce compared to $11,000 per ounce for the Hourglass eye liner.
$6 at elf
elf Liquid Eyeshadow ($7)
Dupe for: Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow ($25)
The elf Liquid Eyeshadow, as the name suggests, is a liquid eyeshadow that is pigmented and long-lasting. The liquid eyeshadow is also quick-drying and nonsticky, and there is minimal fallout on the face. You can use the liquid eyeshadow alone, with other liquid eyeshadows, or as a topper for regular powder eyeshadow looks. In comparison, the Stila Liquid Eyeshadow has the same long-lasting, quick-drying, and pigmented benefits, but the Stila Liquid Eyeshadow is 4 times the price of elf’s Liquid Eyeshadow. Also, the elf Liquid Eyeshadow is $70 per ounce versus $163.40 per ounce for the Stila Liquid Eyeshadow.
$7 at elf
elf Bite-Size Eyeshadow Palette ($4)
Dupe for: Hourglass Curator Eyeshadow Palette ($68)
The elf Bite-Size Eyeshadow Palettes are mini palettes with 4 shades for a price of $1 per shade. The palettes have a mix of matte and shimmer shades, and they are pigmented and apply and blend easily on the eyelids with minimal fallout. On the other hand, the Hourglass Curator Eyeshadow Palettes have 4 shades for a price of $13.60 per shade. The Hourglass Palettes do come with a mirror, but if you are looking for an affordable palette to bring on the go, the elf bite-size palettes are the way to go. Also, the elf Bite-Size Eyeshadow Palette is $33.33 per ounce compared to $566.67 per ounce for the Hourglass Curator Palettes.
$4 at elf
elf Lip Lacquer ($4)
Dupe for: Glossier Lip Gloss ($18)
The elf lip lacquers are lip glosses with a non-sticky formula. The lip glosses are hydrating with the addition of vitamins A and E, and they can be worn alone for a subtle hint of color or over other lipsticks for a glossy finish. The Glossier Lip Gloss is also a non-sticky and moisturizing gloss with vitamin E and jojoba oil, but it is more than 4 times the price of elf’s lip lacquer. Furthermore, Elf’s Lip Lacquer is $50 per ounce compared to $128.57 per ounce for Glosser’s Lip Glosses.
$4 at elf
elf Squeeze Me Lip Balm ($5)
Dupe for: Glossier Balm Dotcom ($16)
The elf Squeeze Me Lip Balm is a dupe for another one of Glossier’s products. The elf Lip Balm is thicker than the Lip Lacquer, and it hydrates dry lips while also being tinted and scented. In comparison, the Glossier Balm Dotcom is also hydrating, nourishes dry lips, and is tinted and scented, but Glossier’s lip balm is $11 more than elf’s. Also, the Squeeze Me Lip Balm is $23.81 per ounce compared to $32 per ounce for the Glossier Balm Dotcom.
$5 at elf
elf Makeup Mist and Set Spray ($9)
Dupe for: MAC Fix+ Setting Spray ($34)
The last dupe I want to recommend is the elf Makeup Mist and Set Spray. The last step in a makeup routine is usually a setting spray, as it locks the makeup in place and helps it last throughout the day. The elf setting spray also includes aloe, green tea, cucumber, and vitamins A, C, and E to hydrate the skin, and it is perfect for all skin types. The MAC Fix+ Setting Spray is also used to improve the wear of makeup, and it also contains green tea, cucumber, and vitamins to set and refresh makeup, but MAC’s setting spray is $25 more than elf’s. Also, the elf Makeup Mist and Set Spray is $2.20 per ounce, whereas the MAC Fix+ Setting Spray is $10 per ounce, so you are definitely getting a better deal with elf.
$9 at elf
I love Elf so much. They are such great dupes and the low cost makes them so attractive.
I agree! Especially in Denmark where everything has a 25% tax, Elf is an affordable alternative to high-end brands.
I have not tried Elf products before but need to try them. Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome! I do recommend trying Elf because their products are affordable and good quality!
I would rather buy the real deal especially if its within my budget. However, dupe for me is usefully for outfits not really make up.
I am not good at makeup and I feel quality makeup masks my flaws. My opinion though
I have bought and also received as gifts a fair share of high-end makeup. However, nowadays most high-end makeup isn’t within my budget especially because there is a 25% tax on everything in Denmark so the $22 MAC lipstick is $28 here. So I personally prefer buying dupes, but I understand others can prefer their high-end counterpart.
I just got back from London. During my vacation there I bought an Elf lipstick and I love it a lot. I should have brought home more. Oh how I wish Elf is available in Malaysia.
I hope you had a great time in London! That’s great you love the Elf lipstick! Hopefully Elf will be available sometime soon in Malaysia! Elf is available in Denmark, but the selection is very small compared to what you can find in the US and UK.
I’ve not tried anything from elf before. And I’m not big on eyeshadow, but the one thing that really jumps out to me is the glitter eyeshadow. I’ve not tried anything in this sort of format before, but it looks so easy!
Claire.x
http://www.clairemac.co.uk
Years ago I bought a set of Stila glitter eyeshadows, and they were easy to use, but they’re expensive! The elf glitter eyeshadow is just like the Stila ones, and they are so easy to use but they’re a fraction of the price!
Yes to fantastic dupes! I’m all for it. although I typically find myself drawn to the fancy packaging of the expensive original… Dupes are a great addition to the makeup game!
I agree the packaging is usually more luxurious for high-end products, whereas elf’s packaging does look on the cheaper side, but if their products have similiar ingredients and benefits, why not go for a dupe!
I love a good dupe, so will have to check these ones out! Hate paying more for something that you know you can get cheaper, so dupes are perfect haha1
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
You’re welcome and I agree! A lot of the dupe products have the same or similiar ingredients and benefits, so why spend more just for the brand name?
I do make-up so in-frequently, this post is actually super helpful! I don’t ever feel the need to spend a lot of money on products, so I love all of the alternatives you provide! Heading to Target now!
For me, it is nice to splurge every now and then on makeup, but when you can find similiar products for a fraction of the price, why not go with the dupe! Thanks!
Elf products have always been my good to products to use. You will be amazed how well these products work compared to the more expensive brands.
That’s fantastic to hear! Yes the elf products are great quality and they work as well as their high end counterpart!
I don’t wear a lot of make up and never on a daily bases so it’s not important for me to keep down cost, but it is important for me to support eco friendly and decent brands, so dupes are important for that reason. If that makes sense.
Like a long time ago when limecrime had all those controversies because of their founder, their products, their history etc, I loved one of their orange lipsticks but didn’t want to support that brand so I got NYX orange soda lipstick, and it was similar.
There are a few brands I would choose dupes for today like Jeffree Star, and Kat Von D come to mind right now. I love dupes, but I can’t say I prefer them if I have never tried the counterpart, but I would like to thing I would. 🙂
I don’t wear makeup on a daily basis either, but in Denmark, there’s an automatic 25% tax on pretty much everything (for example the MAC lipstick is $22 in the US but here it’s $28), so it’s good to look for affordable alternatives when I do need new makeup.
I completely agree with you! I never bought anything from limecrime because of all the controversies, and I only have 1 of their lipsticks that came in a makeup calendar with all different brands. It’s good to know the NYX lipsticks are a good dupe!
I’ve never tried Elf makeup before, but these look like great dupes! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
If you ever need new makeup, I would recommend trying them out because their makeup is affordable and good quality!
These are interesting products and affordable as well. Ok, tbh, I didn’t know elf is for that. Great suggestions!
Their products are affordable and thanks!
I absolutely love e.l.f. products and they pretty much make up most of my make-up; I’ve been impressed with all of it and would highly recommend their products. I love the brow pencils, primers and eye shadows (their skincare products are also really good)!
That’s fantastic you love elf and you recommend their products too!
I’ve only used their face cream, but it was nice!
ELF was one of the first makeup brands that I completely fell in love with to this day I still have some of their makeup brushes.
I feel ELF is a bit underrated drugstore brand they are basically the first cruelty-free makeup drugstore brand.
That’s wonderful to hear you love ELF! I use their makeup brushes too!
I feel that they’re underrated too, but they have good quality, affordable makeup and it’s great that they are cruelty-free!
I’ve never tried any elf make up but I can’t believe how affordable it is! Some really nice looking products here, especially the primer.
I love the primer! elf is a great makeup brand because they are so affordable and their makeup is good quality. I regularly use their makeup brushes too!
Wow, these are amazing prices. Are other brands so expensive because we’re paying for the brand name?
Yes that is often the case because for example, MAC is a well-known makeup brand, so they can charge more for a lipstick and people will buy it because it’s MAC. However, if you compare the ingredients, benefits, and even the products themselves (I have a MAC lipstick I compared to the elf ones), they’re pretty much the same quality.
I love Elf products but I had no idea they had dupes of other products! Finding dupes always makes me happy because the price point is considerably lower haha, love a good bargain! I need to try the liquid glitter Eyeshadow, it looks gorgeous.
Elf does have a lot of dupe products because they can make similiar products with the same ingredients, but you’re not paying for the brand name so it’s a lot more affordable.
I bought a set of the Stila liquid eyeshadows a few years ago, and the elf liquid glitter eyeshadow is just like those but a fraction of the price!