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We compare 9 popular but expensive beauty products to their low-cost counterparts, just to see if the splurge is really worth it. You might be hesitant to buy a dress or shoe knock-off, but as far as makeup goes, no one will ever know the difference. And in some cases, the cheaper version is actually identical or better.

Maybelline The Falsies Mascara vs Lancome Hypnose Mascara

Ingredient List Comparison: The ingredients in both mascaras are very similar. Both contain silicones, PEG's, hyodrogenated jojoba oil and palm oil. The Maybelline, however, contains an ingredient called Acrylates Copolymer which is what makes these things waterproof (thought this mascara was not labeled waterproof).

Main Difference: BuzzFeed graphic designer Chris Ritter sampled the two products. "The Lancome goes on much smoother and less clumpy. I like the shape of the brush. You can tell the Maybelline mascara is trying to duplicate it, but it feels much cheaper. I applied two coats of the Lancome, since the formula was smoother and thinner. The Maybelline just felt like a thick clumpy mess."

The Verdict: The end result is pretty similar, so it's up to you if you want to splurge for a more luxurious application.

Left: Maybelline The Falsies mascara; Right: Lancome Hypnose Full Drama Mascara

L'Oreal Lineur Intense vs. Lancome Artliner Liquid Eyeliner Pen

Ingredient List Comparison: The ingredients are almost exactly the same. Both contain parabens.

Main Difference: The L'oreal eyeliner is actually a thicker, darker formula. The brush is stiffer and therefore easier to apply. The Lancome tip is more like a paintbrush, and feels like you're applying a watercolor because of it's liquidy texture. Both liners have a little ball inside so you can shake up the liquid. Both have good, non-smudging staying power.

Winner: The L'oreal is actually TOTALLY AWESOME and my new holy grail eyeliner. The packaging of these two eyeliners is almost identical, so I don't see any point in buying the Lancome.

Left: L'Oreal Lineur Intense; Right: Lancome Artliner

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