If you’re familiar with makeup, you must have heard of brands like NARS, Lancôme, Tarte cosmetics, etc and if you’re not at least you’ve heard of MAC and you know how expensive these brands are, I’m talking 10k-25k (In Naira).
Being a makeup junkie, I get to play around with different brands, it’s a huge deal for me when I get a product that performs as well as its high-end counterpart at an affordable price. I cannot afford to splurge yet, so I’m taking a pass on them.
If you want the perfect foundation that will proudly rub elbows with those high-end brands on your wishlist, look no further. The list here will take you from 0-10 with 6k or less.
In case you’re wondering what this is all about, DUPE is a short word for “Duplicate” used to describe cheaper products that can be compared to a more expensive product.
Let’s dig in!
1. MILANI CONCEAL + PERFECT 2-IN-1 FOUNDATION
PRICE: N5,000
Dupe for
- Kat Von D Foundation – N20,000
- TARTE Cosmetics Tube Shape Foundation – N18,000
- Too Faced Born This Way Foundation – N15,000-N20,000
- Black-Up Mattifying foundation – N18,00
Shout out to my favorite make up vendor @softtouches_ for introducing this brand to me. My mom loves this one so much, nothing else works for her. This foundation is a 2 in 1 formula which gives you an added advantage of concealer too.
Fun Fact: you can ditch concealing, saves you time and energy.
2. MARY KAY TIME WISE FOUNDATION
PRICE: N6,000
Dupe for
- MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation SPF 15 – N15,00
This has to be one of my favorite products, amazing for combination to oily skin. I recently heard that there’s a new product in place of this one called (Marykay Timewise 3D foundation). I’ve not seen this in Nigeria yet.
I love this one because it has the perfect shade for me, I don’t need to mix foundations to get my shade. It provides a seamless match to my skin tone while leaving a natural-looking finish and helps reduce shine.
Fun Fact: Feels comfortable on the skin and does not feel drying.
3. L’ORÉAL PARIS INFALLIBLE PRO-MATTE 24HR FOUNDATION
PRICE: N5,500
Dupe for
- NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation – N23,000
- TARTE Cosmetics Tube Shape Foundation – N18,000
- Lancôme Teint Idole Foundation – N17,000
- Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation – N20,000
This is one of the best foundations for oily skin, boasts of lasting for 24hrs. I call this one “I do what I say”. A lightweight foundation that gives no shine, no grease just a perfect pore-less finish to last all day and night long. This will not separate or budge no matter how oily you get throughout the day.
Fun Fact: It blends with the naturals oils on your skin to create a seamless airbrushed finish.
4. REVLON COLORSTAY 24HR FOUNDATION
PRICE: N5,500
Dupe for
- Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation – N20,000
- MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation SPF 15 – N15,000
One of my very first purchases and I love it because it’s available in two variants: normal to dry skin and second combination to oily skin. Win-win for everyone. It gives a medium to full coverage and a matte finish.
Fun Fact: The additional SPF 15 provides adequate sun protection.
Read Here: Best waterproof foundations
5. NYX TOTAL CONTROL DROP FOUNDATION
PRICE: N5,500
Dupe for
- FENTY Beauty Foundation – N15,000-N18,000
- Cover FX Custom Cover Drops Foundation – N11,000
If you’re a fan of drop foundations then this is for you. It’s suitable for: Sensitive Skin, Oily Skin, Light Skin. Gives a matte finish.
6. NYX CAN’T STOP WON’T STOP FULL COVERAGE FOUNDATION
PRICE: N5,500
Dupe for
- Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation – N20,000
- Black-Up Mattifying foundation – N18,00
This foundation is DA BOMB, It’s a long-wearing waterproof foundation. It’s suitable for all skin types. Glides on smoothly on the skin and it gives a matte finish.
Fun Fact: This is the best out there for my sensitive skin sisters who struggle with finding a full coverage foundation
7. LA GIRL PRO COVERAGE HD ILLUMINATING FOUNDATION
PRICE: N5,500
Dupe for
- Makeup Forever Ultra HD – N22,000
If you want a soft and suede-like finish, then this is the foundation for you. The only downside here is that it’s not suited for oily skin.
Fun Fact: the darker shades are amazing, I’m not a huge fan of the light shades.
8. MUA PRO / BASE LONG WEAR MATTE FINISH FOUNDATION
PRICE: N4,500
Dupe for
- FENTY Beauty Foundation – N15,000-N18,000
An award-winning, full-coverage, long-wear foundation with a matte finish which is not so common in the Nigerian market. I first saw this recommendation on AnitaBrows page and I’ve been stuck since then.
Fun Facts: It’s better on a caramel – dark skin than on very light skin.
9. MAYBELLINE FIT ME MATTE + PORELESS FOUNDATION
PRICE: N4,000
Dupe for
- FENTY Beauty Foundation – N15,000-N18,000
- NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation – N23,000
- Lancôme Teint Idole Foundation – N17,000
- Too Faced Born This Way Foundation – N15,000-N20,000
A natural coverage foundation that leaves skin the way it was meant to be – fresh, and flawless”. I think this is more medium coverage than full coverage. The downside of this foundation is that it tends to oxidize (darkens the face) after a while.
10. MAYBELLINE SUPER STAY 24HR FOUNDATION
PRICE: N5,500
Dupe for
- HUDA Beauty Faux Filter Foundation – N20,000
- All the high-end brands mentioned previously.
Saving the best for last. Wondering what your favorite makeup artists in Nigeria use to archive that skin-like finish? This checks a lot of boxes and is all you need for a flawless makeup that lasts all day.
Fun Fact: The best drugstore foundation for oily skin.
Play around with any of the listed foundations till you find the one that suits you perfectly and if you already have one, it doesn’t hurt to try a new product.
You’ve stayed to the end of this post. WELDONE !!!!!. Here’s your free list of where to shop for makeup products. I WANT!
If I missed any foundation, feel free to drop a recommendation in the comment section.