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5 Makeup Products That Are "Undupable," Beauty Expert Says: "Actually Worth Your Money"

Sometimes the $25 eyelash curler is worth it!

A TikToker holding up a beauty product
Copyright @salonijain31402 /TikTok

The product recommendations in this post are recommendations by the writer and/or expert(s) interviewed and do not contain affiliate links. Meaning: If you use these links to buy something, we will not earn a commission.

For every high-end beauty product, there are several dupes. The formula might not be flawless, and the application may need some fine-tuning, but the discrepancy in pricing often balances out the drawbacks. However, when it comes to certain luxury beauty products, sometimes the splurge is worth it if it means the product is better suited for your skin or hair type. Playing with makeup consists of a lot of trial and error, so when you find a product that *just works* it could be a sign to take the plunge. Beauty expert and TikToker Solani (@salonijain31402) agrees. In a video, the former L'Oréal employee shared five “undupable” makeup products that are “actually worth your money.”

RELATED: Dermatologist Reveals Her 7 Favorite Dollar Tree Skincare Products for Anti-Aging.


1| Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wands

A TikToker holding up a tube of Charlotte Tilbury Light Wands

Copyright @salonijain31402 /TikTok

According to Saloni, it’s “just so hard” to find a dupe that measures up to the Charlotte Tilbury Light Wands. The liquid highlighter comes in 10 shades, of which Spotlight and Pinkgasm are the most popular. It retails for $42 online.

“When I tell you that I have tried at least six different dupes of this product and have never found something quite the same—that’s quite as blendable, that shimmer is fine, that has the same balance of pigment and glow,” she told followers.

2 | Shiseido Eyelash Curler

A TikToker holding up a Shiseido Eyelash Curler

Copyright @salonijain31402 /TikTok

A fan favorite among celebrities, the Shiseido Eyelash Curler “keeps a curl all day” and “doesn’t break off eyelashes,” reported Saloni. That’s because the curler has an “edge-free design” that prevents pinching and pulling, and the clamps are equipped with silicone rubber padding, which is gentler than other standard metal curlers.

“It’s last me forever,” said Saloni, who has had hers for nearly a decade. The Shiseido Eyelash Curler costs $25 at Ulta.

3 | Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder

A TikToker holding up Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder

Copyright @salonijain31402 /TikTok

If you have oily skin, then you might want to invest in the Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder. The formula contains upsalite, which “balances and absorbs sebum and sweat,” hyaluronic acid to boost hydration levels, and olive-derived vegan squalane, which “protects skin from dryness and dehydration,” according to the website.

“This is the best oil-sucking prime/powder, it can function as both,” explained Saloni, adding, “I’ve never had my skin stay so matte.”

The product comes in 15 different shades, but Saloni’s favorite is Universal Colorless/Translucent. It retails for $36 online.

RELATED: Shopping Pro Shares 7 Ulta Makeup Dupes for $192 Cheaper.

4 | Ouai Leave-In Conditioner

A TikToker holding up Ouai Leave-In Conditioner

Copyright @salonijain31402 /TikTok

The Ouai Leave-In Conditioner works to detangle, hydrate, and fight frizz; a 4.7-ounce bottle goes for $30 a pop. Based on personal experience, Saloni said the leave-in conditioner is “a lifesaver” for fine hair.

“It doesn’t weigh it down. It makes it feel so soft,” she said after trying the product. She hasn’t had any luck finding a dupe that leaves her hair as shiny and voluminous.

“I have yet to find a drugstore leave-in conditioner that I love, but this one just does the trick. It has a built-in heat protectant and leaves it feeling soft every wash,” she added.

5 | K18 Molecular Repair Hair Mask

A TikToker holding up K18 Molecular Repair Hair Mask

Copyright @salonijain31402 /TikTok

If you’re on BeautyTok, you may have heard about K18’s Molecular Repair Hair Mask—it’s racked up more than 20 billion TikTok views. The four-minute mask has a clinically-tested formula that repairs hair damage caused by coloring, bleaching, heat, and other chemical services, per the website. It promotes strength, softness, and volume.

“No other bond-building system has been able to repair peptide bonds,” said Saloni. “This is a secret.”

The hair mask is available in two sizes, the smallest of which costs $29.