I’ve always been a Glossier fan — their minimal packaging, the “your-skin-but-better” ethos, and those iconic products that made makeup feel friendlier. But as someone who loves both a good beauty experiment and a thrifty approach to shopping, I’m constantly on the hunt for budget-friendly dupes that actually pass the test. Over the years I’ve tried, compared and kept the ones that deliver similar results without the sticker shock. Below I share the dupes I reach for again and again, what to expect from each swap, and a few tips to help you tell a good dupe from a disappointment.

What makes a dupe worth trying?

For me, a dupe isn’t about an exact copy — it’s about getting comparable performance or finish for a fraction of the price. That can mean the same texture, similar shade range, or the same effect on skin (dewy glow, blurring, sheer pigment). When I test a dupe, I pay attention to:

  • Finish — does it look like the original on skin?
  • Longevity — does it hold up through a workday or coffee run?
  • Application experience — is it easy to blend, apply, or layer?
  • Skin feel — is it comfortable or does it pill, flake, or irritate?

    • If a dupe meets most of these and saves money, I consider it a win. Below are my tried-and-true budget swaps for some of Glossier’s all-time favourites.

    Glossier Boy Brow — Dupe: Essence Make Me Brow

    Boy Brow is the product that introduced many people to tinted brow gels that actually hold and add subtle volume. The Essence Make Me Brow is a drugstore staple and one I keep in my kit. The wand is similar, the hold is reliable, and the tinted fibers give a believable fuller brow look.

  • Price comparison: Glossier Boy Brow usually retails significantly higher than Essence, which you can find for a few pounds/euros/dollars.
  • What to expect: Essence’s shades run slightly cooler but are buildable. If you have very fair hair, you may need to look at shade swatches before buying.

    • Glossier Cloud Paint — Dupe: NYX Professional Makeup Strobe of Genius Cream Blush

    Cloud Paint popularised bouncy, blendable cream color. I adore it for its sheeny, skin-like finish. The NYX cream formula (and other affordable cream blushes from brands like Milani or e.l.f.) can achieve a similar dewy flush — often with a slightly thicker texture, but equally natural when patted in with fingers or a sponge.

  • Price comparison: Cloud Paint is a mid-range indie price; NYX and Milani are frequently on sale and much cheaper.
  • What to expect: You may need a touch more blending with the dupe, but the payoff is similar — wearable, buildable color.

    • Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser — Dupe: Simple Kind to Skin Moisturizing Facial Wash

    The Milky Jelly Cleanser is beloved for its gentle, non-stripping formula that removes makeup without squeaky tight skin. Simple’s moisturizing facial wash is a quiet hero that does almost the same thing; it’s mild, hydrating, and easy to rinse off. I use this as a morning cleanse when I want something fuss-free.

  • Price comparison: Simple is a drugstore staple and much more wallet-friendly.
  • What to expect: Both are gentle on sensitive skin, though Cloud Jelly has a cult following for its texture and packaging — the dupe nails the function more than the indulgent experience.

    • Glossier Balm Dotcom — Dupe: Vaseline Lip Therapy or Country Comfort Coconut Lip Balm

    Balm Dotcom’s salve-like texture is perfect for dry lips and multi-purpose use on cuticles or dry patches. Vaseline Lip Therapy and other petrolatum-based balms replicate that occlusive effect brilliantly and at a fraction of the cost. If you prefer a natural or scented option, brands like Nivea or Carmex have affordable lip salves that work well too.

  • Price comparison: A little goes a long way with petrolatum balms, so these dupes are a major savings.
  • What to expect: The texture will be similar — thick and protective — but the packaging and luxe factor are part of what you pay for with Balm Dotcom.

    • Glossier Haloscope — Dupe: Maybelline Master Strobing Stick or ColourPop Super Shock Highlighter

    For that lit-from-within glow, Haloscope’s balm-highlighter is a dream. I’ve found similar effects from creamy drugstore sticks and single-pan highlighters from ColourPop that impart a natural sheen without glitter. The finish depends on the exact formula — some dupes give a slightly more noticeable shimmer — but blended well they read like skin.

  • Price comparison: ColourPop and Maybelline are far more affordable and often have multiple shades to choose from.
  • What to expect: Haloscope’s texture is very soft and melts into skin; choose a creamy dupe and warm it up on the back of your hand before applying.

    • Glossier Stretch Concealer — Dupe: Maybelline Fit Me Concealer

    The Stretch Concealer is lightweight with decent coverage and a natural finish. I’ve used Maybelline Fit Me and other affordable concealers that mimic this look: thin but buildable coverage, dewy finish, and no cake. If you have very dry under-eyes, opt for a hydrating primer or cream to avoid creasing.

  • Price comparison: Fit Me costs a fraction of the Stretch Concealer.
  • What to expect: Color-match carefully: Glossier often has a more curated shade system, while drugstore ranges are improving but can vary by region.

    • My quick test routine for comparing products

    When I’m trialling a dupe, I do a little routine to see if it really measures up:

  • Wear test: Apply in the morning and check at lunch and evening for fade/crease.
  • Layer check: Put it over and under other products to see if it pills or clumps.
  • Photograph: Take a natural-light photo to compare finish (good shortcut to spot subtle differences).
  • Multiple uses: Use product for a week — immediate love can fade once routine gets real.

    • Where to shop and when to splurge

    Drugstores, fast-beauty retailers and indie brands are goldmines for dupes. I look on sites like Boots, Superdrug, Target, Ulta, or direct-to-consumer shops during sales. That said, there are a few situations where I still splurge on Glossier:

  • If the product’s texture or formula is unique to the brand and drastically changes how it feels on skin (e.g., a cult balm or serum).
  • If I love the packaging and display; sometimes the joy of a ritual is worth the extra cost.
  • When color-matching is crucial and the higher-end product offers a specific shade range that works for me.

    • Final shopping tips (aka how to avoid dupe disappointment)

    A few practical rules I use to avoid wasting money:

  • Patch test new skincare dupes for a few days to rule out irritation.
  • Always compare ingredient lists for allergies or obvious differences — sometimes the cheaper option uses different emollients that change the finish.
  • Check return policies. If a shade or texture is off, it’s nice to be able to swap.
  • Read multiple reviews — especially from people with skin or hair types similar to yours.

    • I love that the beauty world offers both splurge-worthy pleasures and terrific budget finds. Dupes aren’t about replacing things you love — they’re about making choices that suit your life, wallet, and values. If you’d like, I can put together swatches or a wear-test photo gallery next — tell me which Glossier hero you most want a dupe for and I’ll try my favourite budget match on camera.