Let’s be honest—luxury makeup is a whole experience. The weight of the compact, the way the lipstick clicks shut, the soft scent of money every time you reapply. We love our Charlotte Tilburys and Diors because they make us feel extra.
But here’s the secret: you don’t have to spend a fortune to get that same flawless, expensive look. Some brands deliver high-performance products that rival luxury makeup—without the designer price tag. So, if you love the look of high-end but want to be smart with your beauty budget, here are eight luxury swaps that give you the same effect—without the unnecessary markup.
1. Charlotte Tilbury vs. Lisa Eldridge
Luxury: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation (£39)
Alternative: Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin Foundation (£44)
Charlotte Tilbury’s foundation is known for its blurring, airbrushed finish, but Lisa Eldridge’s version is just as flawless—only more natural-looking. Bonus? Lisa Eldridge’s shade range is far more inclusive, and the formula wears beautifully all day without the occasional cakiness.
2. Dior vs. Huda Beauty
Luxury: Dior Addict Lip Glow (£34)
Alternative: Huda Beauty Lip Blush Balm (£25)
Dior’s Lip Glow is the ultimate “your lips but better” tinted balm. But if you want the same hydrating, sheer tint with better longevity, Huda’s Lip Blush Balm is a dream. It’s got that soft matte tint effect that makes lips look naturally flushed, while still keeping them nourished.
3. Lancôme vs. Natasha Denona
Luxury: Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara (£27)
Alternative: Natasha Denona Macro Tech Mascara (£28)
Lancôme’s Lash Idôle is famous for its lightweight, fluttery volume, but Natasha Denona’s version takes it to another level. It gives that wide-eyed, lifted effect while gripping each lash for better hold and intensity.
4. YSL vs. Hourglass
YSL’s Touche Éclat is a classic brightening pen, but if you need actual coverage while keeping that luminous glow, Hourglass’s concealer wins. It blurs fine lines, never creases, and has better staying power—without losing that lightweight, silky texture.
Luxury: YSL Touche Éclat Radiant Concealer (£28)
Alternative: Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer (£36)
5. Pat McGrath vs. Viseart
Luxury: Pat McGrath Mothership Eyeshadow Palettes (£116)
Alternative: Viseart Grande Pro Palettes (£85)
Pat McGrath’s shadows are legendary, but Viseart’s palettes are a makeup artist’s best-kept secret. The pigment? Rich and smooth. The blendability? Unmatched. And unlike Pat’s ultra-metallic formulas, Viseart’s mattes and shimmers are more user-friendly for everyday glam.
6. Estée Lauder vs. Armani Beauty
Luxury: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation (£38)
Alternative: Armani Luminous Silk Foundation (£45)
Estée Lauder Double Wear is famous for its long-wearing, transfer-proof finish, but Armani’s Luminous Silk gives you the same durability with a more natural, glowing finish. It blends easier, never looks heavy, and photographs beautifully—which is why celebrity makeup artists swear by it.
7. Hourglass vs. Westman Atelier
Luxury: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder (£50)
Alternative: Westman Atelier Vital Pressed Skincare Powder (£48)
Hourglass powders are known for their soft-focus glow, but Westman Atelier’s version is even more refined—with skincare benefits included. It’s completely invisible on the skin, never cakey, and gives the perfect amount of radiance.
8. Tom Ford vs. Victoria Beckham Beauty
Luxury: Tom Ford Soleil Glow Bronzer (£70)
Alternative: Victoria Beckham Matte Bronzing Brick (£58)
Tom Ford’s bronzer is a staple for the ultra-glowy look, but Victoria Beckham’s duo gives the same sun-kissed warmth, only with a more buildable and modern matte finish. It looks effortlessly expensive without being too shimmery.
Final Thoughts: Spend Wisely, Look Expensive
Listen, there’s nothing wrong with splurging on luxury beauty—we all love a good designer lipstick moment. But when alternative brands are offering the same (if not better) performance, why not be strategic?
Looking high-end isn’t about how much you spend—it’s about choosing the right products that perform like luxury, whether they’re designer or not. So, which ones are making it to your makeup bag next?