e.l.f. Camo Concealer delivers identical coverage to Fenty's Pro Filt'r Concealer for $5 versus $30
Maybelline Lifter Gloss went TikTok-viral as an $8 perfect match for Fenty's $20 Gloss Bomb
L.A. Colors $1 loose shadow creates the same blinding highlight as Fenty's $40 Trophy Wife
Strategic shopping timing can save an additional 20-30% when brands release promotional codes
Drugstore dupes often offer better value per ounce while delivering comparable performance
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna revolutionized the makeup industry with game-changing products like the 50-shade Pro Filt'r foundation range and viral glosses that dominated social media. While these innovations deserve their cult status, the premium price points can strain beauty budgets. The good news? Nearly every viral Fenty product has an affordable dupe that delivers comparable results for around 50% less.
SimplyCodes analyzed thousands of beauty purchases and promotional patterns to identify the most effective money-saving alternatives to Fenty's most coveted products. From foundation that matches Fenty's inclusive shade range to highlighters that create the same blinding glow, these strategic swaps help you achieve that Rihanna-approved look without the luxury price tag.
Want to maximize your beauty budget? Check out current Sephora promo codes and Ulta discount codes for additional savings.
Foundation and complexion: Flawless base for less
Fenty's complexion products set new standards for shade inclusivity and long-wearing formulas. These drugstore alternatives deliver similar coverage and staying power at a fraction of the cost.
Pro Filt'r foundation dupes
Fenty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation ($40 for 1.08 oz)
The gold standard for inclusive shade ranges and oil-free matte coverage, this foundation offers medium to full coverage with 50 available shades.
Top dupe: Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation ($8 for 1 oz)
Available at Target, Ulta, and drugstores nationwide, this cult-favorite foundation mirrors Fenty's lightweight, oil-free formula with buildable coverage. Both products control shine for 12+ hours while creating an airbrushed finish. The Fit Me line offers 40+ shades, ensuring most users can find a suitable match. Beauty enthusiasts consistently praise this as the closest drugstore alternative to Fenty's Pro Filt'r.
Alternative option: L'Oréal Infallible 24HR Fresh Wear ($13 for 1 oz)
For those seeking even more shade options, L'Oréal's Fresh Wear foundation provides 40+ shades with similar long-wearing, transfer-resistant coverage.
Pro Filt'r concealer alternatives
Fenty Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Concealer ($30 for 0.27 oz)
This full-coverage concealer became an instant favorite for its creamy yet long-wearing matte finish.
Top dupe: e.l.f. 16HR Camo Concealer ($6 for 0.203 oz)
Beauty influencers famously dubbed this the "$6 dupe for Rihanna's concealer," and the comparison is remarkably accurate. The e.l.f. Camo Concealer offers comparable pigmentation and a creamy-to-matte finish that covers dark circles and blemishes just like Fenty's formula. Available in 25+ shades, it dries down to the same lightweight finish that made Fenty's concealer a bestseller.
Budget-friendly backup: NYX Can't Stop Won't Stop Concealer ($7 for 0.11 oz)
Another excellent alternative with similar coverage and shade range for those seeking variety in their concealer arsenal.
Setting powder and primer swaps
Fenty Pro Filt'r Setting Powder ($36 for 0.99 oz)
This superfine loose powder creates an airbrushed effect while setting makeup for all-day wear.
Top dupe: Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder ($9 for 0.7 oz)
Both powders provide silky application and oil control without cakiness. The Maybelline powder offers the same "filtered" effect at less than one-third the price, making it an outstanding value for daily use.
The Trophy Wife phenomenon: Highlighter dupes
Fenty's Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter in "Trophy Wife" created a gold-highlight obsession that sparked countless dupe searches. Here are the most successful alternatives.
Viral $1 Trophy Wife dupe
Fenty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter in "Trophy Wife" ($40 for 0.28 oz)
This ultra-metallic 24k gold powder highlighter became legendary for its intense, blinding glow.
Shocking dupe: L.A. Colors Shimmering Loose Eyeshadow in Gold tones ($1)
This discovery went viral when beauty fans realized that L.A. Colors' finely milled loose shadow, applied as highlighter, creates nearly identical golden radiance to Trophy Wife. Available at Dollar Tree and select drugstores, this $1 pigment delivers the same ethereal glow that made Fenty's highlighter famous. The formula requires a dense brush for best application, but the payoff rivals the original.
Premium alternative: Milani Strobelight Instant Glow Powder ($9)
For those wanting a pressed powder format, Milani's "Afterglow" shade provides similar golden luminosity with easier application than loose pigments.
Lip perfection: Gloss Bomb and lipstick alternatives
Fenty's lip products consistently trend on social media, particularly the universally flattering Gloss Bomb collection and bold Stunna Lip Paint shades.
Gloss Bomb dupes that went viral
Fenty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer ($22 for 0.3 oz)
Available in shades like "Fenty Glow" and "Fu$$y," these high-shine, non-sticky glosses became Instagram essentials.
TikTok-famous dupe: Maybelline Lifter Gloss ($8 for 0.17 oz)
This drugstore gloss achieved viral status specifically as a Fenty Gloss Bomb dupe. Beauty creators documented near-identical results with specific shade matches: "Topaz" for Fenty Glow, "Petal" for Fu$$y, and "Crystal" for Hot Chocolit. The formula includes hyaluronic acid for hydration and features the same oversized doe-foot applicator that creates the plush application experience.
Color-specific matches:
Fenty "Fenty Glow" → Maybelline "Topaz"
Fenty "Fu$$y" → Maybelline "Petal"
Fenty "Hot Chocolit" → Maybelline "Crystal"
Bold lip color alternatives
Fenty Stunna Lip Paint in "Uncensored" ($25 for 0.13 oz)
This universally flattering true red liquid lipstick gained cult status for its bold pigment and all-day wear.
Perfect match: Wet n Wild MegaLast Liquid Catsuit in "Missy and Fierce" ($5 for 0.21 oz)
Beauty bloggers consistently identify this shade as nearly identical to Fenty's "Uncensored." Both feature the same blue-toned red pigment that flatters most skin tones, and both dry down to long-wearing, transfer-resistant finishes. At $5, this dupe costs one-fifth the price while offering more product per tube.
Eye-catching alternatives: Liner and mascara
Fenty's eye products focus on intensely pigmented, long-wearing formulas that photograph beautifully.
Flyliner liquid eyeliner dupe
Fenty Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner ($20)
This innovative flex-tip liner creates precise wings with intensely black, waterproof coverage.
Top alternative: NYX Epic Ink Liner ($9)
Both liners feature flexible brush tips that draw smooth, intensely pigmented lines without skipping. The NYX liner provides the same satin finish and longevity as Fenty's Flyliner, often earning preference from makeup artists for its easy handling and consistent performance.
Volume mascara comparisons
Fenty Full Frontal Volume, Lift & Curl Mascara ($24)
This mascara promises dramatic volume and length with curl-holding power.
Cult-favorite dupe: Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara ($5)
Side-by-side comparisons consistently show Lash Princess delivering comparable volume and length to high-end mascaras, including Fenty's Full Frontal. The formula builds without flaking and holds curl all day, making it a frequent feature on "TikTok made me buy it" lists.
Smart shopping strategies for maximum savings
Understanding promotional patterns helps maximize savings on both original products and their dupes.
Best times to shop for dupes
Based on SimplyCodes' promotional code tracking data from September 2023 to August 2025, certain brands offer significantly more savings opportunities than others:
Brand | Average monthly codes | Peak months | Shopping strategy |
8.5 | Sep-Dec (10-13 codes) | Most discount-friendly dupe source with consistent promotions | |
4.8 | May-Aug 2024 (10-12 codes) | Seasonal promotions, best deals during summer months | |
3.8 | Nov-Dec (4-7 codes) | Moderate promotion frequency, holiday season focus | |
1.2 | Dec-Jan (2 codes) | Limited promotions, focus on new product launches | |
12.6 | Nov-Jan (16-26 codes) | Highest promotion frequency for original Fenty products | |
3.3 | Nov-Dec (3-8 codes) | Moderate promotions, strong loyalty program benefits |
Key insights from the data:
e.l.f. Cosmetics emerges as the clear winner for dupe shoppers, releasing promotional codes more than twice as frequently as most competitors. Their fall promotion surge (September-December) coincides perfectly with holiday shopping season.
Sephora offers the most opportunities to save on original Fenty products, with peak promotion periods during holiday shopping (November-January) when you can stack store promotions with seasonal sales.
Strategic timing: Purchase e.l.f. dupes during their peak promotion months (September-December), and shop for original Fenty products during Sephora's major sales events when promotional code availability peaks.
Stacking savings techniques
Retailer loyalty programs: Ulta's point system and Sephora's Beauty Insider program provide additional value on both original products and dupes.
Cashback apps: Use apps like Rakuten when shopping at Target or CVS for additional percentage back on drugstore purchases.
Promotional timing: Purchase dupe products during brand-specific sales events rather than just when you run out.
Quality comparison: When dupes excel
Many drugstore alternatives not only match Fenty's performance but offer additional advantages:
Value propositions
Cost per ounce analysis:
Fenty Pro Filt'r Concealer: $111 per ounce
e.l.f. Camo Concealer: $30 per ounce
Shade range comparisons:
Fenty Pro Filt'r Foundation: 50 shades
Maybelline Fit Me Foundation: 40+ shades
L'Oréal Fresh Wear: 40+ shades
When to choose dupes over originals
Daily wear: Drugstore dupes excel for everyday makeup when you want great results without premium prices.
Color experimentation: Try bold shades or new techniques with affordable alternatives before investing in luxury versions.
Travel and backup: Keep inexpensive versions for travel or as backup products.
Volume usage: For products used frequently (concealer, powder), dupes provide better long-term value.
Building a complete Fenty-inspired routine for less
Create an entire Fenty-inspired look using strategic dupes:
Total Fenty routine cost: $184
Foundation ($40)
Concealer ($30)
Highlighter ($40)
Gloss ($20)
Eyeliner ($20)
Mascara ($24)
Setting Powder ($36)
Total dupe routine cost: $46
Maybelline Fit Me Foundation ($8)
e.l.f. Camo Concealer ($6)
L.A. Colors Loose Shadow ($1)
Maybelline Lifter Gloss ($8)
NYX Epic Ink Liner ($9)
Essence Lash Princess Mascara ($5)
Maybelline Loose Powder ($9)
Total savings: $138 (75% less than original)
This demonstrates how strategic dupe shopping can create the same overall aesthetic while preserving significant budget for other beauty investments or skincare.
The bottom line on Fenty dupes
Fenty Beauty deserves credit for revolutionizing inclusive beauty standards and creating genuinely innovative formulas. However, the democratization of beauty means excellent alternatives exist at every price point. These carefully researched dupes don't just save money—they often provide better value through larger sizes, frequent promotions, and comparable performance.
The key to successful dupe shopping lies in understanding your priorities: if you value the luxury experience and packaging, Fenty's originals may justify their cost. If you prioritize results and value, these drugstore alternatives deliver the same gorgeous outcomes for significantly less.
By combining strategic dupe selection with smart shopping timing—taking advantage of the frequent promotional codes from brands like e.l.f., Maybelline, and major retailers—you can maintain a high-quality makeup routine while allocating budget toward other beauty priorities or building a more extensive collection.
Ready to start saving on your beauty routine? Find current e.l.f. promo codes and discover more beauty deals with verified discount codes.