Are Dupes Really Better Than the Real Thing?
- Sophie Simmons
- Feb 23, 2024
- 3 min read
It seems that nowadays, there is a dupe for everything. All of these luxury brands that are charging an arm and a leg have recently been facing duplicates of their products being made and sold for cheaper. In this economy, it is difficult to keep up with the latest trends. From makeup to clothing lines to hair products and everything in between, it seems there is a dupe for anything you can think of. What dupes are worth it, and when is it better to just buy the real thing?
One of the most popular websites to find dupes is Amazon. Not only do they have the quickest shipping and delivery offered with Prime but many of their items are direct dupes to expensive products. Because of platforms such as TikTok, it has been easier to find specific dupes. One of the most popular dupes to find on Amazon would be from the clothing brand Skims. Skims are considered shapewear, but their basics are also very popular. Since the price-point of the brand is considered high for basics, looking to Amazon is more affordable, and the quality is comparable.
Another product that has gained substantial popularity is the Dyson Airwrap, and rightfully so. The versatility of the hairstyles it can create are endless, but for what price? $600 for a hairdryer may seem absurd because it kinda is. While it is a great way to lower the use of heat on your hair and achieve the perfect blowout, it can be difficult to justify such a pricey purchase. The alternative to the Dyson Airwrap is the Shark Flexstyle. It comes with multiple attachments, similar to the Dyson, to achieve an array of hairstyles. While the Shark is still somewhat pricey, it is half the price of the Dyson. If you are looking to create bouncy blowouts that may normally be achieved with the Dyson, but for a lower price point, the Shark Flexstyle is a fantastic substitute.
The most popular type of dupe is definitely in makeup. For years, drugstore brands have been creating products similar to those sold in Sephora for a lower price. A brand that has capitalized on creating dupes is Elf. Elf has had a thorough rebrand over the past few years and has created products that are quality duplicates of higher-end makeup products. The best part is that they really aren’t discreet about the product they are trying to replicate; the packaging is nearly identical. Overall, E.l.f. products are definitely worth purchasing in place of their pricier counterparts.
The introduction of dupes has allowed many people to be able to keep up with the latest trends. Right now, I would say that dupes in itself are a trend. When something comes out, people are so quick to immediately find an affordable duplicate of any given product. So many companies providing an alternative to an expensive item gives many the opportunity to participate in a trend for a lower price. In most cases, I would say that purchasing dupes rather than the more expensive items is a great way to save money and try out products. And if you find yourself looking for a specific dupe, I can guarantee someone on TikTok has the perfect suggestion.
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