Source: @Narsissist

For skin tone reference, I am a young east African woman living in the UK and have a ‘chai latte’ complexion (Nc35 colour in Mac FYI). I have hypersensitive skin so I tend to avoid Mac products which have caused me to breakout. For my oily/combination skin I use matte foundations; I’ve realised the dewy look is not for me.

As the seasons change my skin tone varies too, I’m literally 50 shades! Ranging from a ‘golden caramel’ in summer to less of a tanned complexion by winter. I normally find it hard to identify my exact colour and hate having to spend money on all these different shades. So my first reccomendation is The Body Shop’s lightening/darkening drops help me resolve my complexion struggles.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer vs E.L.F Poreless Face Primer

Smashbox is an oil-free primer which helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores, with a flawless velvet finish. The E.L.F. primer is infused with tea tree and vitamins A&E for anti-ageing and restorative benefits.

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Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Setting Spray vs Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe Herbs and Rose Water

Believe the hype for this cult classic. The Urban decay all nighter setting spray keeps make-up lasting all day and has great lasting power. The Mario Badescu mist lightly refreshes skin and is suitable for all skin types. It won’t keep your makeup on as long as the Urban Decay but it does make it last longer and sinks your makeup into your skin.

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Nars Creamy Radiance Concealer (Shade: Biscuit & Ginger (for Highlighting) Vs LA Pro Girl Concealer (Shade: Fawn & Creamy Beige (for highlighter)

The NARS creamy radiance concealer has a lovely thick consistency and a little goes a long way (without creasing). The only thing I would change about this is the fact that the applicator doesn’t get right to the bottom, so it can feel like you don’t completely finish the product. In the L.A. Pro Girl Concealer, I use the shades Fawn (which is my absolute skin shade), Creamy Beige (for highlighter), Chestnut (for contouring). The brand also does an orange colour corrector which I use for my dark circles. You can’t really go wrong for £5.

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NARS All day Luminous Weightless Foundation (Shade: Cadiz) Vs L’Oreal Paris True Match Blendable foundation (In Shade: Golden Cappuccino)

Both foundations have a lightweight and buildable consistency. I find my favourite way of building it up is when I apply it with a damp beauty blender. NARS foundation offers full coverage with a matte finish and stays true to colour all day. The L’oreal True match has more of a dewy finish but is still matte.

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Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Vs Ben Nye LUXURY Loose Powder (In Shade: Banana)

The Laura Mercier translucent powder ‘Best in beauty’ cult-favourite bestseller and Go-To. It is soft and silky-light with a modern matte finish. Ben Nye Banana powder is a luxury fine micro milled fine powder that works great on warmer skin tones and has a slightly brightening effect.

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Morphe 35O 35 Colour Nature Glow Palette Vs Makeup Revolution Palette Pro HD Amplified 35 (Warm)

Morphe 350 is an eyeshadow palette that caused a big hype for creating striking nude and warm toned looks. The Makeup Revolution palette is a warm toned all mattes eyeshadow palette, fantastic for summer looks and only £14.99. Makeup Revolution are known for making great dupes and their pigmentation is always impressive.

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Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment vs The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask

GlamGlow Supermud Clearing supports skins natural oil balance. But Wow. I’ve never been so impressed by The Bodyshop. The purifying clay mask refines and revives your skin with Himalayan charcoal. The glamglow is £39 and The BodyShop is £15. This is probably my best dupe, just look at the price difference.

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Nabila

My Favourite Beauty Dupes for Deeper Skintones