Is it truly worth it to spend hard-earned money on just the brand name or opt for a cheaper version? The name-brand item does have positives like improved quality, but dupes provide an affordable way for people to own a cheap version of higher-end products.
The name-brand item gets duped a lot, which declines the amount of sales they get. These dupes are cheaper for a variety of reasons, whether that be because they don’t have a high-end reputation or just produce these products quickly and not ethically sourced.
Some people care about the name of a product. It all comes down to the quality and brand for a lot of people, so having legitimate products does boost confidence. Walking around with an expensive product like an Essentials hoodie gives a sense of empowerment.
Freshman Kierstyn Joregensen says, “Walking around with real products just looks so clean. It’s easier to tell which products are the real thing and which aren’t. I think investing in a higher quality legit product is worth it, especially if you’re doing it for the style and the name.”
The authentic product for makeup and self-care is usually a hit or miss. Sometimes, dupes and genuine products are freakishly similar or have the same idea but aren’t executed the same way.
This past year, TikTok shop found a dupe of the $48 Sol De Janeiro Bum Bum Cream for $5 at 5Below, which “smells and feels the exact same as the real thing,” says sophomore, Reyna Kannan.
This Sol De Janeiro dupe shows the positive side of fakes, but in other instances, the real thing is the better option. E.L.F. duped the Charlotte Tilbury Contour wand, which turned out to be a low quality-cheaper alternative to this high-end product. This wand was patchy and muddy-looking compared to the high-end, smooth gliding, sculpting stick. Spending the extra money is well worth it if you desire a sculpted, fun way of putting on contour.
Luxury brand Van Cleef and Arpels, known for its iconic Alhambra collection, is often imitated by fast fashion retailers.
“Owning the iconic look of Van Cleef’s collection might be a dream for most, but brands offering similar designs make the elegance achievable,” comments Sarah Miller, a fashion blogger. “It’s not about faking luxury; it’s about democratizing style.”
In the beauty realm, the buzz around dupes is equally as strong. Affordable brands like E.L.F. and ColourPop consistently release products comparable to high-end staples. Take E.L.F.’s Halo Glow Liquid Filter, which many compare to Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter. “Why spend $49 when you can get a $14 product that performs nearly the same,” shares sophomore Juliette Escandel.
Beyond the cost, dupes allow experimentation. Beauty enthusiasts can test trends without committing to the hefty price tag of premium brands. “I tried the dupe for the Dior Lip Oil prior to investing into the real thing, but by buying the dupe, I realized it was worth the splurge in order to buy the product,” states freshman Divya George.
However, critics warn against sacrificing quality or authenticity. While dupes often deliver impressive results, some may lack the longevity or craftsmanship of their luxury counterparts. For many consumers, dupes strike the perfect balance between affordability and indulgence, proving that glamour doesn’t always have to come with a luxury price tag.
