7 Must-Have Luxury Makeup Products & Their Budget-Friendly Dupes

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Since TikTok's inception, a vibrant array of makeup trends have taken over social media. From the radiant allure of the dewy douyin look to the vibrant colours of the e-girl aesthetic, the beauty landscape is now a space that welcomes every creative regardless of their background and identity.

One of the most popular trends at the moment is the angry girl makeup, a look that features siren eyeshadow (heavy and dark eye makeup), thick eyeliner, strategically placed blush and contour, and different shades of brown lipstick.

If you find it difficult to find the right product to use, SAYS is here to help you navigate the vast selection of cosmetics currently on the market, so that you can express your creativity through the power of makeup.

We'll also be featuring both high-end makeup and dupes to help you look your best no matter what your budget is.

This visionary product not only revolutionised the industry when it was first introduced, but it also emerged as the quintessential standard for beauty inclusivity, carrying an extensive range of 50 shades within its foundation line.

But what makes the foundation so popular is its quality. The matte finish covers up blemishes smoothly, and the product can last throughout the entire day.

The texture of the foundation is almost similar to a balm and it doesn't dry out the skin, which is perfect if you have a combination skin type.

Price:
RM200

Buy it here.

A drugstore classic loved by many, the Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation is amazing for its price point.

The product is also mattifying, covering up any blemishes seamlessly, and there are currently 25 available shades.

However, unlike its high-end counterpart, we find that this foundation oxidises more and is a little dryer on the skin.

Price:
RM56.90

Purchase it here.

The lush creaminess of this concealer will definitely leave you in awe of its flawlessly natural finish, simultaneously concealing any blemishes on the skin.

Its high price is somewhat justified because you don't need much of it to cover your eyebags or lift your cheekbones, a little goes a long way!

However, despite its claims, we found that the concealer creased a little bit after a whole day at the office, so be sure to lightly powder over it.

Price:
RM129

Get the concealer here.

One of the most popular drugstore concealers in the US, Revolution offers a wide range of shades for their Conceal & Define Concealer.

This concealer is an excellent dupe to its high-end counterpart because it is also creamy, lightweight, and long-lasting.

Price:
RM35

Buy it here.

Elevating the realm of powdered blushes, the Benefit Cosmetics Starlaa Rosy Bronze Blush stands as an unparalleled gem in the market due to its outstanding colour payoff.

The warm and natural appearance of this blush allows you to skip the bronzer and apply it directly to your cheeks.

Benefit Cosmetics also has other beautiful shades, ranging from orange to brick red, but our current favourite that we've purchased multiple times is the Starlaa Rosy Bronze Blush.

Price:
RM155

Purchase the blush here.

Fans of this blush have raved about its remarkable pigmentation, claiming that you don't need to use much of the product to achieve the desired rosy cheeks.

The blush also leaves a nice glowy finish that will keep you looking fresh all day. There are four available shades that you can choose from, including Mellow Wine, Pearlescent Pink, Nudist Society, and Pinch Me Pink.

Price:
RM27.00

Add the blush to your cart here.

This lipstick line has a very creamy formula that glides smoothly onto the lips without being patchy. The colours are also highly pigmented and have a long wear time.

Their peach and brown shades are designed to be worn on a daily basis, so a single lipstick shade will make you look ready for both day and nighttime occasions.

We recommend getting the shade Soft Brown if you have golden tan skin, and if you want to intensify the lip colour, get their lip liner in the shade Parchment.

Price:
RM115

Get the lipstick here.

Similar to the Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte & Satin Velvet Lipstick, this locally made lipstick line is creamy and has a satin feel to it.

It glides on smoothly and Velvet Vanity claims that the lipstick comes with lip care benefits. However, you may find the need to reapply it once or twice throughout the day.

You can also get several of the brand's lipstick shades in a six-piece set for only RM209!

Price:
RM39.90

Add the lipstick to your cart here.

For those who have tried this setting powder, you probably find it difficult to go back to previously used brands.

This setting powder beautifully locks in your makeup for a flawless and smooth finish, while also making blemishes and pores less visible.

If you want to look like a walking TikTok filter, we definitely recommend getting the Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Setting Powder!

Writer's tip: To achieve the TikTok filter look, buy two different shades of this setting powder, one lighter and one matching your skin tone, and set the lighter powder under your eyes while applying the latter to the rest of your face.

Price:
RM180

Buy the setting powder here.

This setting and baking powder is highly recommended by the beauty community on TikTok, and we understand why.

While we previously praised its high-end counterpart, wet n wild Photo Focus Loose Setting & Baking Powder is equally as good.

The product sets your makeup throughout the day and also minimises the appearance of pores, textures, and blemishes on the face.

Price:
RM45

Buy the setting and baking powder here.

The formula for this setting spray feels like water, and it's also not sticky, unlike some of its competitors. Due to this reason, it's perfect for combination and dry skin.

What sets this product apart from the rest, however, is its ability to lock in your makeup for the entire day while also enhancing its natural appearance as the day progresses.

Price:
RM138

Buy the setting spray here.

This setting spray has a mattifying finish and delays the shine that people with oily skin typically see after wearing powdered makeup for a few hours.

You don't need to spray the product in a large amount for it to last the whole day, making it even more wallet-friendly!

Price:
RM57.90

Add the setting spray to your cart here.

The Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter is our go-to for a charming date night or turning heads at a lively party with our friends. It's the perfect product that will make you shine in any social setting! 

This highlighter isn't chunky and feels smooth to the touch, making it simple to apply with your fingers. It also blends in easily with the rest of your makeup.

While the product is buildable, we recommend using a small amount due to the high pigment payoff.

Price:
RM195

Get the highlighter here.

Don't be fooled by this product's price tag, as it shines just as brightly as the other high-end highlighters.

The Milani Strobelight Instant Glow Powder Highlight is another product that has received a flood of positive reviews online.

This highlighter stays true to its name, and you will find it flashing beautifully while you bust out your favourite moves on the dance floor.

Price:
RM39.90

Buy the highlighter here.