Monday, April 14, 2025

30 Budget-Friendly e.l.f. & NYX Dupes for High-End Makeup (Tested & Travel-Approved!)

 




The Photo was taken at the NYX store in Mall of America

Hey Beautiful Explorer Friends,


It’s The Flight Attendant Nextdoor here — sharing a little travel-tested beauty wisdom from the skies! Whether you're jetting off to paradise or squeezing in some self-care between layovers, we all want that fresh, polished look without spending a small fortune.

I’ve spent years chasing quality makeup that holds up through jet lag, tropical heat, and long-haul flights. And guess what? Some of my favorite go-to products aren’t the luxury brands... they're affordable, reliable dupes from e.l.f. and NYX!

So if you’ve been searching for high-performance makeup without the high price tag — you're in the right place. Here are 30 affordable makeup dupes that deliver first-class results, whether you’re flying standby or first.


Why Dupes Are a Jetsetter’s Best Friend

  • Travel-tested: These hold up in dry cabins and humid runways.

  • Compact & TSA-friendly: Many of these come in travel sizes or are easy to depot.

  • Affordable: So you can splurge on experiences instead of your makeup bag.

  • Accessible: Find these at drugstores, Target, Ulta, or online — almost anywhere you land!



Best Makeup Dupes by Category (Flight Attendant Approved)

1. Primers That Grip Through Takeoff & Touchdown

DupeHigh-End Equivalent
e.l.f. Power Grip PrimerMilk Hydro Grip Primer
NYX Marshmellow PrimerToo Faced Hangover RX
e.l.f. Poreless Putty PrimerTatcha The Silk Canvas
NYX Plump Right Back Primer + SerumSmashbox Primerizer

2. Flight-Ready Foundations for Any Climate

DupeHigh-End Equivalent
e.l.f. Flawless Satin FoundationNARS Sheer Glow
NYX Born to Glow FoundationGiorgio Armani Luminous Silk
e.l.f. Camo CC CreamIT Cosmetics CC+ Cream
NYX Can’t Stop Won’t StopFenty Beauty Pro Filt’r

3. Concealers That Cover Jet Lag Instantly

DupeHigh-End Equivalent
e.l.f. Hydrating Camo ConcealerTarte Shape Tape
NYX HD Photogenic ConcealerNARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
e.l.f. 16HR Camo ConcealerToo Faced Born This Way

4. Powders That Keep You Photo-Ready at 35,000 Feet

DupeHigh-End Equivalent
e.l.f. Halo Glow Setting PowderLaura Mercier Translucent
NYX HD Finishing PowderMake Up For Ever Ultra HD

5. Blushes That Bring the Glow Back After Red-Eyes

DupeHigh-End Equivalent
e.l.f. Putty BlushFenty Cheeks Out Cream Blush
NYX Sweet Cheeks BlushNARS Orgasm Blush
e.l.f. Monochromatic Multi StickMilk Lip + Cheek Stick

6. Bronzers & Contours for a Vacation Glow

DupeHigh-End Equivalent
e.l.f. Putty BronzerChanel Les Beiges Cream Bronzer
NYX Wonder StickKKW Beauty Contour Stick
e.l.f. Contour PaletteKat Von D Shade + Light Palette

7. Highlighters That Light Up Every Destination

DupeHigh-End Equivalent
e.l.f. Baked Highlighter in “Moonlight Pearls”Becca “Moonstone”
NYX Born to Glow Liquid IlluminatorCharlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter

Travel Tips From The Flight Attendant Nextdoor

  • Pack smart: Stick with multitasking products like the e.l.f. Multi Stick or NYX Wonder Stick to save space.

  • Hydrate first: Even the best makeup sits better on skin that’s moisturized. Cabin air is dry — never skip prep!

  • Use setting spray: Lock everything in with a mist (e.l.f. Setting Spray is a great one!) before takeoff.


Final Boarding Call: Beauty That Goes the Distance

You don’t need to spend hundreds to get glowing, photo-ready skin for every adventure. These affordable e.l.f. and NYX dupes prove that drugstore beauty can absolutely go head-to-head with prestige brands — especially when you're on the go.

From gate to glam, these products are my carry-on must-haves.
Have a favorite dupe or want more travel-tested beauty finds? Drop a comment or send me a DM on Instagram @TheFlightAttendantNextdoor

See you in the sky,


Marlisa
The Flight Attendant Nextdoor



T

ags:

drugstore makeup dupes, affordable beauty for travel, e.l.f. makeup dupe list, NYX high end dupes, flight attendant beauty hacks, travel makeup tips 2025, best budget makeup 2025, TSA-approved beauty, long-wear makeup for flights, The Flight Attendant Nextdoor beauty



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