M.A.C Makeup Dupes – Cheap Alternative MAC Makeup Products

Girls grow up instinctively knowing two things, when pumpkin spice lattes will be back at Starbucks and where the nearest MAC store is located. MAC is undoubtedly one of the most recognized makeup brands and is one of the most sought-after. Originally made for theatre and film artists, MAC does a great job of making your skin look flawless.

While MAC is great for your skin, it’s bad for your bank. Easily one of the most expensive makeup products on the market.

When you buy all the products needed for one day’s worth of makeup coverage, you’re looking at a couple of hundred dollars. Ouch. Give your wallet a break and try one of these MAC makeup alternatives.

Here are our favorite MAC dupes to check out in 2021.

Alternative MAC Concealer – Revlon PhotoReady Concealer

Compare to MAC’s studio finish concealer. 

Revlon Photoready Concealer is going to be a stick, vs. MAC’s is a compact. Personal preference on how you like to put it on will ultimately decide if you like this MAC alternative vs. the real thing.

Photoready concealer won’t cover you up in one application, so I suggest doing a few coats, which can be done without looking caked on. Also, this concealer isn’t cover terrible pigmentation problems or scars, but it will help diminish them.

Application tip: Glide on and smooth it out with a beauty blender. Finish your application with a setting powder.

Alternative MAC Lipstick – Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid Lip

Compare to Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour 

While this is technically considered a matte lipstick, I wouldn’t call this a true matte.

The liquid lip is a MAC makeup alternative that is more of an in-between, which I prefer. I have dry skin, and when I used a true matte, it can sometimes get stuck in my dry cracks, making me look like I desperately need to drink water. Maybelline Matte Lipstick gives you a matte look while still giving you some moisture to keep your lips looking kissable. 

Vivid matte lipstick comes in neutral shades and fun, vibrant colors. The lipstick itself is a cream base.

Some people have complained they don’t like the fragrance in this lipstick, but I didn’t really notice a difference. Most lipsticks have some scent to me.

Application Tip: Use a lip primer. What is a lip primer? Lip primer moisturizes and evens out your lip’s tone, thus making your lipstick last longer. It will also give your lip color more vibrancy and helps keep it on your lips without wasting time on a lipliner. Basically, lip primer gives your lips the perfect starting canvas. 

Alternative MAC Eyeshadow –  NYX Cosmic Metals Shadow Palette

Compare to MAC’s Shiny Pretty Eyeshadow 

This palette gives you a metallic shine without the little girl glitter look. Each color is very pigmented, so what you see on the palette is what transfers to your eyes.

I suggest using a makeup brush to apply this eyeshadow, but if you’re in a rush, your finger can work too. Again, common sense, but if you’re using a finger, make sure you wash it first. You don’t want eyeshadow being mixed with a dirty finger, bacteria city.

A great palette that works well for any eye color because of its neutral shades and purples. If you’re not a fan of this palette, NYX makes tons of eyeshadow palettes that are affordable and will last all day. What’s great about NYX is you can buy multiple color palettes or individual eyeshadow colors.

Alternative MAC Foundation – L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup

Compare to MAC’s Studio Fix Foundation 

L’Oreal foundation actually helps clear your skin because it contains Anti-oxidants, Vitamin C plus E, and SPF 20. In addition, its base contains water to help hydrate your skin throughout the day. I love using this during the winter to help keep my dry skin hydrated. Winter in Wisconsin is rough AF on the skin. 

When looking for the correct shade for your skin, remember W is warm and has a yellowish undertone, N is neutral with no undertone, and C is cool with a pinkish undertone.

Application Tip: No matter what MAC alternative foundation you choose, it is important to use a foundation brush or sponge.

Alternative Mac Mascara – Maybelline Makeup Volum’ Express The Colossal

Compare to MAC’s InstaCurl Lash Mascara 

MAC’S of instacurl mascara has a brush that provides you with a dramatic look thanks to its brush that provides you with volume and length. If instacrul had a twin, that twin would be Maybelline’s Colossal!

Maybelline’s Colossal Mascara mimics MAC’s mascara brush to a T. Both brushes provide space in-between the bristles to give you that dramatic volume look, as well as long bristles to provide your lashes with length. 

What I love about this mascara is its no-clump formula. Nothing is worse than trying to get that falses look and having big old clumps stick out on your lashes. You can purchase this mascara in many different colors, including a waterproof formula! 

Alternative MAC LIP GLOSS – Glitter Shimmer Lip Gloss 

Compare To MAC’S Dazzleglass Lip Gloss – Macs Dupes Lipstick 

Can’t pick a color? No worries, this set comes with 6 different glitter lip gloss colors.

Glitter lip gloss colors include a variation of:

• Blues
• Pinks
• Reds
• Purples

Each shimmer lip gloss is waterproof and non-stick. Great to wear out to dinner or a coffee date. Each lip gloss comes in a long tube with a sleep silver top.

Application Tip: If you have dry, cracked lips, use a lip balm before applying the glitter gloss. Apply ONE LAYER of lip gloss, let dry for two minutes and then put your lips together.

If you want each glitter lip gloss to have more pow, I suggest applying a solid lipstick underneath. You can use shimmer lipstick, but the glitter on top will pop more if you use a matte color.