The Luxe-to-Less Beauty Edit

When it comes to beauty, keeping up with the latest trends can sometimes feel like a game of catch-up, especially when you’re on the other side of the world, battling the twin forces of geography and currency exchange. Here in Asia, we're often left scrolling through our favourite influencers' feeds, coveting products we can't find anywhere near us. And when we do manage to get our hands on them, the price tag can feel like an extra punch in the gut—hello, taxes! And, even when we do manage to track down that coveted product online, it doesn’t always match our skin tone or undertone. So, what’s a beauty lover to do? Simple: we don’t give up on the trend. Instead, we look for a dupe. 

Dupes have long been the beauty industry’s best-kept secret, offering a perfect blend of affordability, accessibility, and practicality. So, whether you're trying to save a bit or simply want to try something with the same level of glow, Masala has rounded up some of the best dupes to keep you in the beauty loop.

They say a good base is like a good relationship; it should be nourishing, supportive, and make you feel like your best self. But does it need to cost as much as a romantic weekend getaway? Absolutely not. Instead of splurging on the Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base (THB 4,700), let Judy Doll’s Nourishing Makeup Base (THB 439) do the heavy lifting, found at Konvy and Beautrium. Speaking of foundation, the Dior Forever Cushion is undoubtedly chic, but with cases (THB 1,340) and refills (THB 1,900) sold separately, it’s a love affair that comes at a price. Enter TIRTIR’s Mask Fit Red Cushion (THB 790), available in 40 shades (yes, 40), delivering that same radiant, long-wearing coverage–available at Eveandboy.

And let’s talk about that final, invisible yet crucial step: the setting powder. The Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder (THB 1,700) is a classic, but if you want the same flawless, soft-focus finish without the guilt, Y.O.U’s Cloud Touch Invisible Setting Powder (THB 370) is your girl. Find it at Konvy and Watsons. 

A well-sculpted brow can change everything: your face, your mood, and possibly even your day. While Benefit’s Precisely, My Brow Pencil (THB 1,200) gives you the precision of a pro, the 4U2 Basic Extra Slim Brow Pencil (THB 199) delivers the same definition for a fraction of the price. Find it at Beautrium and Watsons. 

Nothing says “I’m thriving” quite like a perfectly flushed and glowing cheek. But the Rare Beauty Liquid Blush hype train comes with a high-ticket fare. Enter 2P’s Oh My Blush Dot (THB 559), a creamy, pigmented dupe that blends like a dream. Find it at Konvy, Beautrium, and Watsons.

For that ethereal, lit-from-within glow, the Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand (THB 1,800) is a cult favourite, but what if I told you that Naree’s Happy Cheek Liquid Blush (THB 399) offers the same luminous magic? Find it at Beautrium, and let that healthy glow shine without the financial heartbreak.

Some people collect love letters. I collect lip products. And while the YSL Love Shine (THB 1,700) is undeniably luxurious, Kate’s Lip Monster (THB 490) delivers the same glossy, hydrating shine. Find it at Beautrium, Eveandboy, Shopee, and TSURUHA.