Best Drugstore Dupes for Viral Luxury Foundations

Because sometimes you want the glow, without the price tag.

Let’s just get one thing out of the way…in my opinion, most drugstore dupes are like the budget version of that designer bag you really love. From afar, they look the same, but up close….the stitching’s different, the weight’s off, and the details never fully match up.

That said…there are some pretty impressive drugstore formulas now. Enough that you can definitely get the vibe of your favourite high-end foundation without spending $$$. So here are the closest matches I’d recommend. Keep in mind…they’re not identical twins, but more like close cousins who went to different schools. Some differences are expected, but the finish and feel are surprisingly close.

MAC Studio Radiance Serum Powered Foundation

Dupe: L'Oréal True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum

This is probably the dupe I’m most impressed with. MAC’s Studio Radiance is all about that skincare-infused glow…think hydration, soft blur, and that slightly dewy veil of coverage.

Why it's close:
L'Oréal’s version also leans into the skin-tint-meets-skincare trend. It's got hyaluronic acid, similar glow payoff, and feels super lightweight on the skin.

Pros of the dupe:

• Really hydrating and glowy

• Light-medium coverage that blends beautifully

• Dropper packaging is convenient

Cons:

• Slightly less longevity than MAC

• Can cling a little to dry patches after a few hours

• Limited shade range compared to MAC

Still, for a daily base that feels weightless and looks fresh? Not bad at all.