Okay so I stayed up way too late scrolling through Met Gala beauty looks and I'm literally obsessed.

Like.

The GLOW on these people.

And of course my brain immediately went to: what products did they use? Can I recreate this? Do I need to sell a kidney?

Spoiler alert - you don't.

I did some serious detective work (aka stalked every makeup artist's Instagram) and found out exactly what products were used backstage. Then I found dupes that actually work.

Let me break it down.

The Base That Made Everyone Look Like Actual Porcelain

So apparently half the celebrities were wearing Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. It's $69 and honestly? Worth it if you're splurging.

But here's what I learned from celebrity makeup artist drugstore secrets - the L'Oréal True Match Lumi is basically the same formula. Like, scary similar.

I've been using it for three weeks now and people keep asking if I got a facial.

No bestie, I just spent $15 instead of $69.

The Actual Products:

Met Gala: Armani Luminous Silk Foundation ($69)
Dupe: L'Oréal True Match Lumi ($15.99)

Met Gala: La Mer The Concealer ($90)
Dupe: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind ($8.99)

The Maybelline concealer is literally in every makeup artist's kit. I'm not even exaggerating.

That Glazed Donut Glow Everyone's Talking About

You know that dewy, glowy, just-stepped-out-of-a-spa look?

Yeah.

Multiple artists used Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter. It's $49 and it IS magical, not gonna lie.

But if you're trying to recreate Hailey Bieber glazed donut skin on a budget, the e.l.f. Halo Glow is literally $14 and gives you the same wet-looking glow.

I mix it with my foundation and it's *chef's kiss*.

Actually scratch that - I use it as highlighter too. And sometimes just alone on no-makeup days.

Versatile queen.

The Glow Products:

Met Gala: Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter ($49)
Dupe: e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter ($14)

Met Gala: Pat McGrath Skin Fetish Divine Powder ($68)
Dupe: Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder ($5.99)

Wait.

The Wet n Wild highlighter is SIX DOLLARS and it's been sitting at Target this whole time while I've been contemplating the $68 one?

I'm actually mad at myself.

The Lips That Looked Expensive AF

Here's where it gets interesting.

Most of the nude lip looks used Tom Ford Lip Colors (around $60) or Chanel Rouge Allure ($45).

But you know what I discovered? The Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink in shades like "Voyager" and "Seductress" are basically identical.

Like I did a side-by-side comparison and couldn't tell the difference.

Plus they last through literally everything. Coffee, lunch, making out with your situationship, whatever.

Lip Product Breakdown:

Met Gala: Tom Ford Lip Color ($60)
Dupe: Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink ($9.99)

Met Gala: Chanel Rouge Allure ($45)
Dupe: NYX Powder Puff Lippie ($8)

The NYX one has this beautiful blurred effect that looks SO expensive. I've gotten so many compliments wearing it.

Lashes That Could Literally Take Flight

Okay this one blew my mind.

Several makeup artists used Ardell Wispies (like $5 at any drugstore) mixed with individual lashes from Velour ($29).

But honestly? Just the Ardell Wispies alone are *everything*.

I've tried so many lash brands and these are the ones I always come back to. They look natural but still dramatic, you know?

And speaking of best mascara under 10, the L'Oréal Lash Paradise was used as backup for touch-ups all night.

It's basically Better Than Sex mascara but costs $11 instead of $29.

Lash Products:

Met Gala: Ardell Wispies + Velour individuals ($34 total)
Dupe: Just Ardell Wispies + L'Oréal Lash Paradise ($16 total)

Saving you $18 right there.

The Skin Prep That Made Everything Look Flawless

This is where I got really nerdy.

Most of the makeup artists started with Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream ($175 for the big one, I know, I KNOW).

But.

The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (the one in the tub) is literally $16 and has ceramides just like the expensive stuff.

I've been using it for months and my skin has never looked better. Plus dermatologists actually recommend it.

For that glass skin effect, some artists used Tatcha The Water Cream ($69). The dupe? Neutrogena Hydro Boost ($17.99).

Same hyaluronic acid. Same bouncy texture. Way less money.

Skincare Dupes:

Met Gala: Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream ($175)
Dupe: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream ($16.99)

Met Gala: Tatcha The Water Cream ($69)
Dupe: Neutrogena Hydro Boost ($17.99)

If you want more Korean glass skin Target products, the Neutrogena one is literally step one.

Setting Spray That Lasted Through Hours of Photos

Urban Decay All Nighter ($35) was everywhere backstage.

And yes, it works. But so does the NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray ($8).

I've tested both and honestly can't tell the difference. My makeup stays put all day with the NYX one.

Even through crying at romantic comedies. Not that I do that.

Often.

Setting Spray:

Met Gala: Urban Decay All Nighter ($35)
Dupe: NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray ($8)

The Contouring Products That Created Actual Bone Structure

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow ($75) was used on SO many faces.

But the Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer ($10.99) is literally the same warm, buttery formula.

I use it every single day. It blends like a dream and doesn't look orange or muddy.

For highlighting, the Fenty Beauty Killawatt ($36) is gorgeous but the Milani Strobelight Instant Glow Powder ($9.99) is basically identical.

Contour/Highlight:

Met Gala: Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow ($75)
Dupe: Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer + Milani Strobelight ($20.98 total)

That's $54 saved right there.

Eyeshadow That Lasted Through Everything

Natasha Denona palettes ($129-$239) were everywhere.

They're beautiful. I'm not gonna lie.

But the ColourPop palettes ($12-$18) have the same pigmentation and staying power. Makeup artists literally use them professionally.

I have like six ColourPop palettes and they're all amazing. The shimmers are especially insane.

Eyeshadow:

Met Gala: Natasha Denona Palettes ($129+)
Dupe: ColourPop Palettes ($12-18)

The Primers That Made Everything Stick

Tatcha The Silk Canvas ($52) was used under a lot of makeup.

The dupe? NYX Pore Filler ($16).

Both blur pores. Both make your makeup last. One costs way less.

I actually prefer the NYX one because it's not as thick. It feels lighter on my skin.

Primer:

Met Gala: Tatcha The Silk Canvas ($52)
Dupe: NYX Pore Filler ($16)

Okay But Here's What Actually Matters

Look.

These expensive products are beautiful. I'm not saying they're not worth it if you can afford them.

But the difference between a $70 foundation and a $15 one? It's like 10% better. Maybe.

The real secret is under eye concealer technique and proper blending. That's what makes the difference.

Professional makeup artists know this. That's why they'll mix drugstore and high-end products.

So.

If you want to recreate Met Gala looks without selling your car, here's the total cost breakdown:

Full Met Gala face with luxury products: $891
Same look with dupes: $168

That's $723 saved.

You could literally buy like... a really nice dinner. Or save it. Or buy more makeup because we both know that's what's happening.

My Actual Routine Using These Dupes

I've been using this combo for special events and honestly get so many compliments:

1. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream as base
2. NYX Pore Filler on my t-zone
3. L'Oréal True Match Lumi foundation
4. Maybelline Age Rewind concealer
5. Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer
6. e.l.f. Halo Glow on high points
7. ColourPop eyeshadow
8. Ardell Wispies
9. Maybelline SuperStay lip
10. NYX Setting Spray

Total cost: $112

Total compliments: too many to count

Real talk - I feel just as glam as any Met Gala attendee when I do this full face.

Maybe more glam because I'm not stressed about the cost.

The Bottom Line

You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars to look expensive.

You just need to know what actually works. And now you do.

These dupes are literally sitting at your local drugstore or Target right now. No waiting for Sephora shipping. No spending your entire paycheck.

Just good products that work.

Will I still lust after that Tom Ford lipstick? Absolutely.
Will I buy it? Probably not when the $10 version is right there.

Save your money for the things that actually matter. Like concert tickets. Or tacos. Or drugstore beauty products 2025 hauls that won't make you cry when you check your bank account.

Your makeup will look just as good.

Trust me.