What I'm Wearing in the Video: NAILS: *Essie In the You-niverse, which is a pinky lavender (shop-links.co/ci4o818j9td) with Essie Feel the Fizzle on top which is NOT like the picture on the Ulta website, it's clear with duochrome glitter (shop-links.co/ci4o7Lr40jo). EYES: *Colourpop Of Quartz Palette - colourpop.sjv.io/GjPbMk The rest is linked in the description box and are things I talked about in the video...the Revlon Illuminance foundation, for blush I'm wearing Charlotte Tilbury Peachgasm on one side and Milani Luminoso on the other, and on my lips is the Flower Beauty Plump Up Gloss Stick in Toasty.
I did some research on makeup. I was curious as to why drugstore makeup was getting more expensive and this is what I found out. The actual product to make like let’s say eyeshadow is really, really cheap. It’s like $3.00 and that’s with the expensive brands too. It’s super cheap to make the actual makeup. The 1st price increase comes from the packaging (drugstore is using better packaging). The 2nd and the highest price that has gone up is for marketing the products. That’s for paying people to push the product (influencers) and adds and commercials. So while the makeup is cheap to make you are still getting the up charge for the marketing and packaging. Also I found out that when you buy luxury makeup you are not necessarily getting a better quality of makeup. You are paying extra for the “name”. I’m so happy that the drugstores are doing dupes. Now, if I see something that I want that is way out of my price range I’ll just wait on the dupe.
@HerGreyness correct. Which is why the original products are so much more expensive than the dupes that come out later. Either way I love dupes coz sometimes they're actually better than the original because they've taken the original formula and tweaked it according to customer feedback.
Occasionally the high ends have colors/shades i prefer and no matter how hard i search, some dupes don't come close enough in how i want the color to translate on my skin . So it depends on how much im willing to compromise. I usually choose drugstore for eyeliner, brow products , lip balms, mascara, and bronzers
Another factor in the price increases, particularly with brands like L'Oreal, Maybelline, Revlon and CoverGirl are that they're made in the US and they have to pay their workers a lot more. In many states minimum wage keeps going up (it's $15 in my state!). Not to mention it just costs more all around to manufacture here, not just labor but also electricity, rent, taxes, etc which is why many brands choose to manufacture in China.
@@JenPhelps glad you mentioned that, the location of where the products are produced, which brings me to the following conclusion. That you’re basically condoning the egregious human rights issues or plight of the Chinese people. They work 60 hours a week for $2.00 so yeah, their prices are low. Why would you endorse products from a country that’s known for brutalizing it’s own people in ways that we actually went to war over in WWII, concentration camps and all??? Or is cruelty free only for animals and humans don’t count?
Hi, Jen. I've been buying the NARS Audacious lipstick in the shade Barbara for many years. Each time I had to cough up the money to pay for it (it's gone up to $34 now), I cry just a little. Recently, I purchased the new e.l.f. O face lipstick in the shades dirty talk and effortless. I agree with you 100%. They are an exact dupe for the NARS lipstick. I'm so glad that I no longer have to spend so much money for my favorite lipstick!
So happy that drugstore makeup is finally getting better, and realizing that consumers want better for their money. I sometimes want the drugstore dupe to the high-end because that's what my budget allows. When I try the dupe and compare it to the high-end I sometimes like the drugstore packaging, formula or color more than the pricier brand. Thanks for always bringing us the best dupes.
I appreciate all the work, time and effort you girls do to make a video. Research, shopping, swatching, wearing, comparing, video taping, presenting and editing. Thank you.🌷
Jen, this is honestly the most organized and informative dupes video I have personally ever watched. You are the dupe Queen, and if anyone wonders why, I submit this as their answer! ❤️
I love the Elf lipsticks! Great color payoff. And I agree that they are much better than their other tube formula that I've tried. Plus, if you buy off the Elf site, you can get great discounts. Between this, the mascara dupe, and their skincare, Elf is killing it imo
OMG YES!! I have saved sooooo much money by using ELF dupes. I actually really like their skin care too! Thank goodness for ELF cause inflation has killed my make-up budget. I love their website so much! 😍
Jen I’ve been a subbie of yours for a while now but never commented but I just wanted to tell you that you have one of the best and professional channels out here I love visiting your channel it’s comfortable warm and friendly also trustworthy. Please never stop posting for us because we appreciate you and all your hard work. And I love my makeup dups. ❤🙏🏽😊
I totally agree with you about drugstore wanting to compare their pricing to high end products instead of their old pricing, especially elf since they have always had really low pricing. I love elf, I think they are really killing it. Their quality has increased dramatically and more thought and detail has went into their packaging as well. I haven't tried the sunscreen yet, but I've tried the halo glow, the lash and roll and the new lipsticks. They are all fabulous. The only high end counterpart I've tried is the roller lash and the elf is just as good imo. Always love the dupe videos!
I’ve been a life long drugstore makeup lover. The brands have definitely gotten better but imo they have always been really good. I do buy “high end” products but it’s rare. I’ll just wait for my favorite drugstore brands to come out with similar products. Thank you for another great video Jen. I know you will always be truthful when talking about a product. I absolutely appreciate you for that. ❤
Also a life long drugstore makeup wearer and lover. I just can't bring myself to pay the high price for essentially the same products. I do have some higher-end things I received as gifts, and I'm glad to have them, but for most of them, I have something in my drugstore stash that works just as well.
I use as many drugstore products as possible. I can usually find satisfactory products for mascara, blush, pencils, powder and brushes. (ELF and Sonia Kashuk at Target have great brushes.) I've looked at the Sephora store brand brushes, and they look good and feel soft, but I haven't actually used them. Foundation, concealer, unscented lipstick, and matte eye shadows are harder for me to find at a drugstore price point.
I love that drugstore has dupes. I have purchase the elf lipsticks. It does have such a better formula. I love the magnetic close too. I don’t mind paying a little bit more for a better product. I have tried the Revlon foundation and it is pretty. Recently I purchased the physician formula butter foundation. I fell back in love. The physician formula butter foundation and elf halo powder are a perfect combination. I just feel no one talks about old products anymore. It’s always onto the new. This yr I’m just purchasing drugstore products plus enjoying the makeup I have.
I agree with you about dupes flooding the market. I'm not sure if companies are don't themselves a favor in terms of branding/brand recognition/USP. I think some companies capitalizing on the trend and people hunting for dupes, e.g. elf pricing a lipstick at $9. I also think it's becoming less about the product, but in part about owning a 'luxury style' product. Hence the packaging. I love your in depth, honest and down to earth takes on products. So refreshing! ❤️
...with that being said, I do like the elf O face lipsticks 😊. I just can't help feeling that elf in particular, but also essence, are selling themselves short.
I’ve tried so many of these dupes from your recommendations Jen! Makeup Revolution has come out with a new contour wand that’s a total dupe for the CT one, I’m trying it out today but it looks IDENTICAL! Happy Sunday 💕 x
Elf OFace lipstick is absolutely worth $9 it’s way above and beyond any lipstick they have had in the past! I have them in every color and thoroughly enjoy them!
And to be fair, $9 isn't overpriced for a good drugstore lipstick. That's the price for many L'oreal, Revlon, and Maybelline lipsticks. A great Nars Audacious lipstick dupe with good packaging, sign me up! I hope Elf comes out with more colors.
Jen, thank u so much for the Dupes lol I’m all about the dupes just because why pay the HIGH PRICE when don’t have to 😊 I’m so Grateful for you doing the Work for us on the very things we want . Thank you so much for your Hard Work 😊
Like you said, the good thing about drugstore is that they always have promotions and coupons. Right now CVS had $3 off $9 on all ELF products, so you can try the lipstick for only $6 and if you have additional coupons you can use them too and end up paying like $3 for a lipstick that is originally $9 that performs just as well as a $30 lipstick, it’s heaven for me! I do not complain! Keep the dupes coming elf!
You are one of my favorite youtubers when it comes to makeup videos. Your reviews are so informative and helpful. Thanks so much for all the great content. 👍🏼
Last week elf was running a promotion for members at the top tier, for free shipping at $10 so I picked up two of the new lip lacquer shades (cherry bomb & Black cherry) as well as a mini of the whoa glow sunscreen primer. I am so impressed by the whoa glow! The lip lacquer on the other hand is very thick & sticky (not in a bad way- i just expected it to be more like a lip oil) & also dries my lips out when it wears off. It's too bad because it looks beautiful & does last. I can't really complain since they're $3 but I figured I'd comment in case anyone has been eyeing them.
@@TracyD2 they do promotions like this pretty often on their website if you're a member! Definitely worth signing up & I think the top tier is easily achievable. I'd have to check, but I don't think it's more than $100 spent to hit that tier? 💜
Warning: this is a way they liquidate old products. I spent $$ on a Black Friday sale, and every product except one (the Halo Glow powder) was expired. Two lip products, two putty products, two cheek duos, two shadow sticks were all unusable. I only buy Elf from Walmart now, so if it’s bad I can return it. Just be aware. 🤓
@@ambergerhelper7852 oh wow what a bummer! I only picked up product that is brand new so luckily no chance of it being expired, but I'll definitely keep that in mind for future, thx!
@@blendofdays No problem! I do love the Halo Glow powder. I’m glad I tried it. I also like the Wow Brow, but I bought it from Walmart. I try not to be negative, but the experience just sucked! 😬
The work and effort you put into your videos is incredible. Thank you for so much information, it is really helpful. I continue to enjoy your channel more and more.
I’ve been looking everywhere for it. I am not a huge fan of ordering makeup from Amazon… I see so many reviews where people get fake products or old stuff, but I might have to so I can try that mascara. Idk why milani doesn’t have a better in-store stock at most places! Seems like my Walgreens/Target/Ulta is always sorta bare when it comes to them.
@@swesttttt I ordered 4 of them online from the Milani website because I couldn't find them. I got a discount and free shipping. My daughter works at Ulta and they just got them in a couple of weeks ago.
Jen, I was so excited for this video all week when I saw your comment on Kelly Gooch’s dupe video that you had done a similar one for this weekend! Between the drugstore dupes and shopping your stash/ seeing what you already have that dupes new makeup, you are saving us so much money and reducing waste. Love it and appreciate all the work you’re putting into these videos! Thank you!!!
Hi there! This is my first time watching one of your videos. I enjoyed your thoughtful insights. It was also just fun to chat about the value of your makeup favs.
Thank you for always being there for those of us who want to save some money ❤️❤️❤️ Your videos stay the most informed, clear, down to earth and cozy ones out there!!! Appreciate ya!
Good morning Jen! Juvias Place also came out with some of the swirly lip gloss/balms that look like the Givanchy ones. (Candy shop collection, I think?) I haven't tried, but I'd love to know how they compare to the high end formula. I love your reviews, Jen. You're the best! ❤️❤️❤️
Hi Jen, this is one of the best dupes videos I've seen. Your reviews are always invaluable to me and I agree with you on the products you have shown in this video. Thank you so much Jen and yes I would pay $9 for ELF lipstick and I love the ELF mascara. Great job Jen and much appreciated.💐❤💞
Hi Jen, Great video and you look so pretty! I really like the Milani tubing mascara. Since it’s a wet formula, I went into it knowing that I had to be careful. I loved that it went on so easily. And when I messed up, I was able remove it easily with a spoolie. It is really easy to remove at the end of the day, which is such a joy. 😀
Hi Jen, great video as always. I got two of the ELF O Face lipsticks in Own It and No Regrets. I have to say, they are worth the $9. It goes on really smooth and with one swipe. They don't feel dry at all and it lasts quite awhile.
Jen your channel gets better and better. Thank you for all your hard work, it shows. It looks like that E. L. F. Sunscreen is exactly like the CeraVe tinted mineral one that I love. I'll have to try it. ☺️
The elf one isn't mineral sunscreen, unfortunately. It's chemical, same as the Supergoop. So far it hasn't caused any issues for me but I wanted to let you know!
The Cerave is mineral, very warm toned, and it's also very greasy and never really sets down. The Elf is chemical, has a bit of a soft metallic shimmer, dries down, and is more neutral looking.
My/OUR Dearest Jen... you “ALWAYS” make sense!! This is one of the reasons you have so many loyal followers!! We love, adore, & TRUST you!! You work hard to bring us all of the ways we can save our $$. Your thorough reviews and explanations can’t be beat! Thank you again for how much you have saved me since 1st subscribing to you in 2017. Now here you go again, and it’s only the beginning of February. Thank you fir all you do! It’s appreciated!!❤💕👍🏻🥰🙏🏻🙏🏻
The biggest issue I have with drugstore beauty is chemical or floral scents in the product. I really appreciate you mentioning that products have scents.
I'm very fragrance sensitive & tbh I found the higher end/ designer brand cosmetics to be bigger offenders for overly fragranced products. They have signature scents (Chanel, Dior, etc) & it's like putting perfume on your face. Same goes for TooFaced scented eyeshadow palettes & Tarte smelling like Playdoh. J & K beauty is also very scented, either sunscreen or floral-ugh. Only Covergirl was a problem with that strong Noxema scent. I was very disappointed in Physicians Formula adding fragrance. They were originally marketed as the scent free, sensitive skin brand & I exclusively bought from them, Almay & Neutrogena back in the 80s, 90s & early oughts.
I love the new elf sunscreen. I have alot of high end, popular, and very expensive sun screens and I love the new elf glow screen, and the tinted cerave sunscreen. They are my favorites 😍
I really loved the Elf primer/sunscreen, but has to return it because it broke me out. Like hives break out. I didn’t care for the elf mascara, but I’m not a fan of the Benefit one so not sure what I was expecting😂 I do love the Elf lip. I’m also a fan of the Nars formula and they are THE SAME! I also love the Flower beauty highlighter that is a dupe for the CT. I have been enjoying the Revlon color-stay foundation for dry skin. I read somewhere it is a dupe for NARS Reflecting light foundation and the Rare beauty foundation. Im not sure, but I do love the Revlon one. Great dupe video! I really appreciate how you explain why they are or aren’t dupes❤️
I did buy today the Cover Girl powder makeup you suggested, and I will try it tomorrow. Jen, your dupes and tips are the best of any other influencer!!!!!
Hi Jen, thanks for the video. Speaking from experience, when you start looking carefully at ingredients lists, you get LOTS of surprises. For example, fragrance in products labeled fragrance free, unscented, or hypoallergenic.
The ELF whoa glow is my favorite new beauty product. I have paired it with the Catrice true skin foundation. Looks amazing! Thanks again for another great video, our beloved dupe queen 👸 ❤️
Hey, Jen. Another great video. I just reviewed the Whoa Glow and LOVED it. I'm not much for glowy products considering I have oily, mature skin (glow can often emphasize texture), but this was great even on my skin. Worked great under makeup, didn't affect the wear time, didn't make me more oily by the end of the day. elf is crushing it lately.
Yess!!! A major dupe video! 🙌😀 I absolutely think your theory on drugstore products is 💯 spot on. I think they are also looking to be the next "viral tiktok sensation" thus better sales...dupes always go viral when people "discover" them 🤔 btw you look stunning here! 💖☺️
I love dupes! Even if they’re not exact dupes but good alternatives I’m usually happy. I also agree that there are just some products that can’t be duped imo. Most can, but sometimes nothing beats the original. Thank you for sharing this video! I have some of these dupes already and I want to try some of the others, like the ELF lash N roll. I’ve been hearing a lot of ppl rave about it. I already have the Revlon foundation to try 😊I did not buy the Make up by Mario one just bc of the price. Im hoping I love the Revlon one tho. Always looking forward to the next upload 🎉 take care of YOU and keep on shining! 💖💗💫🌟⭐️
Wow Jen, what an extensive & informative video!!! I have been eyeing some of these “dupes” for purchase, and I’m on a limited budget so it’s important to me that I will be getting a product I will be happy with. Your dedication and efforts each week amaze and delight while being educational as well. I realize it’s your job, but doesn’t everyone want to know they are doing their best at that job?? So my hats off to you Miss Jen for this great video-peace & love from SE Missouri 💋💄❤️👏🏻
THANK YOU SO MUCH! Your comparison of the Tarte, Milani and Flower contour wands is perfect. Just what I needed. Could you please do the same for the new blushes? CT and Tarte are both coming out with new wand blushes and I would love to hear your opinion. Thanks for all you do!
I’m love the milani mascara. I’m loving all the new tubing mascaras coming out. So much easier to get off and they don’t make me look like I have raccoon eyes.
I'm new to your channel & I just have to reach out. Thanks for all of the research ! I appreciate how you show us the products in action along w describing why it does/doesn't work for you. It's really helpful! I can actually make a purchase knowing I'll be happy that I spent my money & it won't get thrown in a drawer somewhere. All of your hard work is very much appreciated. I'll be binging on your videos for sure
Hallo Jen, loved this. Great information. I feel also on drugstore brands one needs to look at volume \amount in the product. All in all I do love makeup and find it fun comparing. Thank you 💜
