Unfortunately for me, only in my dreams would my makeup bag be filled to the brim with the most expensive and high end products a girl could ever want. And I am guessing most people are in the same boat as I. While it's fun to splurge every so often and pick up that pricey palette, blush or eyeshadow you've been eyeing from afar, my guess is it isn't exactly a weekly occurrence. 

When I do feel like trying out something new, picking up something fun or just giving myself a little treat, I head to the drugstore instead. Makeup and skincare products sold at the drugstore sometimes have a bit of a stigma surrounding them, but I am not really sure why. While they may not carry the same desirability of a high end brand, many drugstore brands are actually pretty comparable. Often times, they use the same active ingredient and if you've seen both mine and Miranda's $20 makeup challenges, you'll know that the cheap thrills can look very similar to the expensive stuff. 

If you aren't totally sure what 'dupes' are, I'll clue you in. They are very similar products that come at a lower price point. The shades, formulas or finishes might be slightly different but they do a pretty good imitation and can help save you a lot of money. Here are 6 dupe products I recommend:

Dupe #1: BB Creams 
 

BB Creams have clearly been the hottest thing since sliced bread this year and they are definitely worth an investigation if you haven't already tried one. For the most part, all BB creams promise to do a few key things: lighten, cover, prime and protect. I've used a lot of BB creams and I can say from my experience that a less expensive BB cream is interchangeable with a more expensive one. As long as the BB creams are boasting the same benefits, I think it's safe to try a less expensive one before breaking the bank. My current top picks are Gosh BB Cream (C$22.00) and for more money, Dr.Jart+ Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm (C$36.00).
 
Dupe #2: Highlighter/Concealer Combos
 

Yves Saint Laurent's Touche Eclat is a cult fave and it is easy to see why. It's an illuminating pen that both lightens, brightens and conceals. However, with it's price point at C$50.00, I am not so much a fan. Instead, try L'Oreal True Match Touche Magique Concealer (C$11.99). It also makes for an easy product to travel with and use on the go. 

Dupe #3: Lipstick/Lipstain Crayons 
 

Tarte's LipSurgence Matte Lip Tint (C$31.00) and LipSurgence Lip Lusters (C$31.00) are handy 'on the go', easy to apply crayons that give lots of pigement to your lips. At C$31.00 though, they aren't the type of product you can go crazy with and buy in every colour. Enter in Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain which also give gloss and colour while at the same time moisturizing. At (C$9.49) you can totally afford to pick up a couple to play around with!

Dupe #4: Mascara 
 

I've mentioned this before, but when it comes to mascara, don't spend all that hard earned cash in one place. Most mascaras are so similar that it isn't worth spending an extra $20 or more on something that looks and feels like a $10 product. The trick is to find the right mascara for you (pssstt...check out mascara reviews here!). When it comes to specialty mascaras like Urban Decay Lush Lash Mascara (C$24.00), which thickens and grows your lashes, rather try out a drugstore dupe at half the price. I like Revlon's Grow Luscious Mascara (C$8.99). If the product isn't for you, you'll be glad you didn't spend too much.

Dupe #5: Multi-Purpose Highlighter  
 

I love a good highlighter and I especially love any product that I can repurpose and use in a few different ways. Which is why I was so happy to pick up Nars The Multiple (C$46.00) a little while back. Only, now that I have it, I don't use it nearly as much as I thought I would and getting my money's worth is proving difficult. I wish I would have snagged a few of e.l.f.'s All Over Color Sticks first. At (US$1.00) you can get one in every colour! They have a similar glowy finish with a bit of shimmer and come in colours for any skintone. While they may not have Nars' staying power, at $1 you can buy a few and keep them in your purse for reapplying. 
 
What dupe products can you think of? What are your money saving beauty tips?