Nars: it’s one of those beauty brands that’s universally loved – and for very good reason.
My first memories of Nars are from my early twenties, when I was discovering the world of beauty. Nars was the gold standard, and I’d use my student loan (meant for books, bills and food, ofc) for as much of the stuff as I could afford.
First came Nars Sheer Glow; a foundation beloved by the YouTube crew of the moment. Next was the Laguna bronzer and Orgasm blusher, both of which I was told by a Space NK sales representative were essential buys.
Bank balance issues aside, this was my most successful beauty era when it came to trialing the most iconic products from the brand, but over the years I’ve also learned to love its newer Creamy Concealer, matte lip pencils and Audacious lipsticks.
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These days, it’s harder to ignore the weight of said bank balance, particularly in the case of treats like makeup. For these times, there are luckily plenty of affordable alternatives ready to step in – even if it’s just while you save up for your OG fave.
The best Nars dupes
From Sheer Glow to Laguna, check my faves out here.
Nars Orgasm Blusher dupe: Milani Baked Blush in 05 Luminoso, £11.75
Perhaps the most iconic Nars product of all time, you can’t not love an Orgasm (the blusher, ofc).
The pinky peach blush has a hint of shimmer and manages to suit a wide range of skin tones to add both a pop of colour and highlight in one.
Luckily, there’s a treasure trove of Nars Orgasm dupes out there, beginning with Milani’s Luminoso product, which has a very similar level of shimmer and a (very slightly more peachy) pink tone.
Also in the line up is L’Oreal Paris’ ‘Melon Dollar Baby’ shade, along with Sleek’s ‘Feelin Like A Snack’. All are brilliant options if you need a minute to save up for the real deal.
*Eliza may earn commission on sales from these product links
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation dupe: NYX Born To Glow, £10
Another OG product that likely led you into the brand (as it did me, as a young early 20-something just getting into beauty), Sheer Glow offers lightweight, buildable coverage, but with a gorgeous dewy finish for glow-lovers.
The foundation is beautiful but at £38, it’s definitely more of a treat.
For those in-between times, opt for NYX’s Born To Glow, which is a mainstay favourite of Eliza columnist Laura Capon. The formula offers a gorgeous natural radiance, while also giving a similar level of coverage.
Nars Laguna Bronzer Dupe: Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer, £14.29
Was Nars Laguna your first ‘fancy’ bronzer? Mine too. It lasted for ages and gave me that ideal level of glow I desired as I partied my early twenties away.
Although I’d argue the original is worth the extra spend for its size, you can also get some very similar options on the high street; namely the super blendable Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer, and e.l.f’s Primer-Infused Bronzer in ‘Forever Sunkissed’.
*Eliza may earn commission on sales from these product links
Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer dupe: Revolution Pro Ultimate Radiant Under Eye Concealer, £8
Nars’ big hitter of recent years, Radiant Creamy Concealer went through a phase of selling out in certain shades – *constantly*.
There’s good reason for this: the formula is ultra-creamy, blends well and hides every imperfection going.
If your shade is sold out, you could try the Revolution Pro Ultimate Radiant Under Eye Concealer, which is an excellent alternative for under the eyes, at a more affordable price point.
Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil dupe: Nudestix Intense Matte Lip & Cheek Pencil, £21
The Nars Matte Lip Pencils are some of the most long-lasting and pigmented out there. Seriously, these are ideal for party season thanks to their longevity – I especially love the red and berry hues.
Want a more pocket-friendly alternative? The Nudestix Intense Matte Lip and Cheek Pencil, £21, Beauty Bay, are here to save the day. These have more of a satin finish, which feels moisturising on the lips, but perhaps aren’t as long-lasting as their more expensive counterpart.
However, they still present a gorgeous, affordable option and come in some lovely shades. Try ‘Ally’ for a pretty, sheeny neutral.
Nars Brow Perfector dupe: Revolution So Fine Brow Pencil, £4
Unsurprisingly, Nars does brow products really, really well. But with the brand’s more premium price point, you may be put off from forking out for this one.
Luckily, there are more on the market you can try that’ll set you back a little less.
Perhaps the most important factor in finding a dupe of this is the ‘nib’ size; the smaller, the better, for ultra-precise application.
Revolution’s has a super-fine pencil and at £4, you can’t beat the price.
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