I love expensive makeup, but sometimes my wallet doesn't allow for such things -- especially when I'm attempting to save. Dupes for basics come in handy for the girl on a budget. For today's exercise I've shopped my own makeup stash and came up with a few cost-saving alternatives; I firmly believe in having options ;)

Chanel's Illusion D'Ombre in Mirifique versus Essence Stay All Day Long Lasting Eyeshadow in Rock Chic

The only thing I can really afford from Chanel is their makeup and even this particular love affair comes at a major cost. Chanel's Illusion D'Ombre in Mirifique retails for $48.00 AUS / $36.00 USD; the formula has a tendency to incite drooling, a gaping jaw and squeals of delight. Then there's the realisation that you have to fork over dollars upon dollars you might not be willing to part with -- this is when budget beauty brand Essence saves the day. Rock Chic sells for $5.50 AUS and passes for Mirifique's doppelgänger. Both are creamy, black eyeshadows with silver glitter and no one will be the wiser.

NARS' Eyeliner Stylo in Koala (gray) versus Essence Superfine Eyeliner Pen in black

While it's not a dupe in terms of colour (Carpates would suffice), both felt tip pens are pliable, lay down colour upon touching the skin, however one of these is not like the other. NARS' Eyeliner Stylo costs $44.00 AUS / $27.00 USD, whereas Essence's Superfine Eyeliner Pen is available for as little as $4.95 AUS. My only concern with the cheaper formula is the feathering as seen in the swatch to the right, some clean-up might be required post-application.

YSL's Mascara Volume Effect Faux Cils no. 1 versus Covergirl's Clump Crusher by Lashblast in Very Black

YSL's Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils was a bit of a bummer for me -- raccoon eyes aren't cute. Here's hoping Covergirl's Clump Crusher by Lashblast (say that three times fast!) saves the day. The former is available for $52.00 USD / $30.00 USD and the latter was purchased on sale for $10.00 AUS and maxes out in price for $6.99 in the States.

Urban Decay's Naked versus Covergirl's Eye Enhancers 4-Kit Shadows in Country Woods

Nude/bare is a thing and it's an easy eye look to pull off during the day. Urban Decay's Naked palette has been selling like hotcakes, but if the 12-pan palette overwhelms you in the variety or price department, a quainter quad should do the trick. Covergirl's Eye Enhancers 4-Kit Shadows in Country Woods is a petite imposter -- instead of paying $50.00 USD for UD's Naked, try shelling out 9.76 AUS / $4.84 USD for Covergirl's Country Woods. Virgin, Sin, Naked and Sidecar would blush from embarrassment.

Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-On Pencil in Zero versus Rimmel's Scandaleyes in Black

A lot of women who've had the pleasure of using Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil certainly know one is not enough; 24 shades round out this offering -- at $19.00 USD a pop, your wallet will certainly shed a few tears. Kate over at La Beaute et le Blogueur sold me on trying Rimmel's Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal (15 shades to tempt you with), that's code for super soft eyeliner with high colour pay off! I purchased Scandaleyes on sale for $7.46 AUS / $4.49 USD. Btw, can you tell which swatch is which?

Let's see how much you can save...