Dupes for MLM Products
My distaste for MLMs is fairly well documented. I don't agree with the practice of network marketing, or "reverse funnel" systems, or however you want it to be. If you're not familiar, multi-level marketing is a marketing strategy to sell things. The salespeople, often called consultants or distributors, aren't paid in the traditional sense, but instead, earn a commission based on a pyramid shape, so everyone all the way up the pyramid gets a cut. It's awesome if you're at the top of the pyramid, but most consultants are not. In fact, 99% of participants in network marketing schemes do not make any money or lose money.
Still, I know that there's a lot of peer pressure from friends and family to support them in their business-owning boss babe dreams. It's even harder if you have already bought some products and are now working to find dupes for things you love, but don't want to support a toxic sales system.
Hair and Makeup
Monat
I've heard some real horror stories about what Monat has done to some people's hair, but I know it also has some serious fans. Their flagship product is the three-piece set of the Renew Shampoo, Restore Leave-In Conditioner, and Replenish Hair Masque. If you buy all three together, these will run you $99. Buying them separate is a little more pricey, at $118. Like many MLMs, if you're a distributor, there's a discount involved.
A good dupe in a slightly similar price range (but let's get real $100 for hair stuff is getting crazzzy) is the Christophe Robin Regeneration Set. This has similar products and sizes and claims. I can also personally vouch for Christophe Robin's hair set. If you're interested in something at a slightly lower price point the Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo is also a miracle worker and has a whole line of matching products.
Younique
Let's talk about the three products that I see advertised from Younique the most...Moodstruck Splash Liquid Lipstick, Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes, and Touch Mineral Liquid Foundation.
The lipstick is advertised as entirely kissproof and will last all day. As a dupe for this, I would recommend the Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipsticks. The Younique lipsticks are $27, Stila is $22. Save the five bucks and grab a latte on your way out of the store. The 3D Fiber Lashes are a little harder to dupe because there is such a dramatic difference. I personally hate the way it looks, and for $29. A good dupe for these can actually be found at the drugstore. The Physicians Formula Eye Booster Mascara has the same two-step process and a very similar result for $15. The Touch Mineral Liquid Foundation is billed as being completely full coverage. It is also $39. For something similar and still full coverage, I recommend the Kat Von D ock-It Foundation. It's also available in a wider shade range.
Lipsense
Uggggh...Lipsense is the BANE of my existence. Lipgloss should not cause your lips to burn. No, that is not normal. It's because you're using an alcohol-based paint on your lips. That's why it doesn't wash off, and why it burns. If that is seriously what you want then Ben Nye makes some great alcohol activated paints that will do the job. If you don't want that, and just want a lipstick that lasts forever, see above where I talked about Stila. It's seriously life-proof. It's also $22 compared to the $55 you need to pay for Lipsense.
Skincare
Rodan + Fields
Skincare is tricky. I'll focus on their #1 bestselling product -- the Soothe Sensitive Skin Treatment for $84. If you're looking for something for your sensitive skin, I recommend the Murad Sensitive Skin Soothing Serum. It's $57, has the same active ingredients, and is also doctor developed and dermatologist tested.
Arbonne
Like R+F, I don't have a ton of recommendations for skincare. Do what works best for you. However, Arbonne's #1 selling product is their smoothing facial cleanser. For $44, this cleanser promises to foam up, wash away all our impurities, and leave you with a smooth, hydrated canvas. Nice and trendy, a great dupe is the Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser for only $18. It's a gentle foaming face wash that smooths and cleans up all of your makeup and grime.
Supplements
Okay, one more. Isagenix. Isagenix is hugely popular in my town. The IsaLean PRO Shake mix is $66. Yikes! It's mostly a protein shake, mixed with some Metamucil to stop you from getting hungry as fast. GNC has a product with a nearly-identical ingredients list for only $55, and they're almost always going on sale for 50% off.
Your turn! What MLM dupes have you found?
