Woman sick of spending £20 on Refy lip liner finds the perfect dupe for just £1.80 – and it lasts ALL day

In the dynamic world of beauty, the quest for high-quality products that deliver exceptional results without breaking the bank is a constant pursuit for many. Recently, one woman’s discovery of an affordable alternative to a popular high-end lip liner has captured significant attention, promising a long-lasting wear for a fraction of the cost.

The £20 Lip Liner Dilemma

Many beauty enthusiasts are familiar with the appeal of premium products, often drawn in by their reputation for superior performance and luxurious feel. For Amelia Kate, a Refy lip liner was her go-to for achieving a perfectly defined pout that endured throughout the day. Refy’s Blur Lip Liner, for instance, is priced around £16.00 to £18.00 in the UK. However, the recurring expense of a premium product could add up, prompting a search for a more budget-friendly solution.

An Unexpected Find: The £1.80 Dupe

Amelia’s serendipitous discovery occurred during a trip to Primark, where she picked up an Essence 8h Matte Comfort Lipliner in the shade ‘Because It’s Iconic’. Priced as low as £1.44 in some stores and typically around £1.80, this product presented a stark contrast to her usual high-cost choice. What started as a casual purchase quickly transformed into a revelation.

According to Amelia, the budget-friendly lip liner demonstrated remarkable staying power. She reported applying the liner at 6 AM, and despite consuming food and drinks throughout the day, it remained impeccably in place without the need for touch-ups. Essence itself states that the 8h Matte Comfort Lipliner offers an intense colour payoff that lasts for up to eight hours and is waterproof. This exceptional longevity positions the Essence lipliner as a compelling alternative for those seeking a durable lip definition.

Why This Dupe Stands Out

The Essence 8h Matte Comfort Lipliner offers several key features that contribute to its effectiveness as a dupe. Its formula is described as waterproof, designed to provide perfect contoured lips with an intense colour payoff that lasts up to 8 hours. The “Because It’s Iconic” shade is a versatile nude-beige, suitable for a variety of skin tones and makeup looks, making it an everyday staple. The texture is noted for being gliding and super soft, ensuring precise and comfortable application on the lips. These attributes collectively deliver a performance comparable to higher-priced counterparts, making the £1.80 price point particularly appealing.

Social Media Reaction and Broader Implications

Amelia Kate shared her experience on TikTok under the handle @ameliaks_x, where her video quickly gained viral traction, accumulating over 128,000 views and 15,000 likes. The comments section was flooded with gratitude from users eager to try the affordable find. Many expressed their appreciation for the “god’s work” of sharing such a valuable beauty hack, particularly those who, like Amelia, found Refy liners to be their only effective option previously.

However, the viral nature of such discoveries also sparked a playful concern among some long-time users of the Essence lipliner, who jokingly lamented that their “gatekept” secret might now lead to stock shortages. This reaction underscores the significant impact that individual testimonials can have in the beauty community, especially when identifying effective and economical product alternatives.

The phenomenon of beauty dupes highlights a broader trend in consumer behaviour, where value, performance, and accessibility are increasingly prioritized. As consumers become more discerning and financially conscious, the demand for high-quality, affordable alternatives continues to grow, driving brands to innovate and individuals to share their discoveries.

Conclusion

Amelia Kate’s discovery of the Essence 8h Matte Comfort Lipliner as a formidable dupe for a £20 Refy lip liner offers a compelling example of how accessible beauty products can rival the performance of their luxury counterparts. For just £1.80, this long-lasting, comfortable, and precisely applicable lip liner provides an excellent solution for anyone looking to achieve a defined lip look that stays put all day without a significant financial outlay. This viral sensation not only saves money but also empowers consumers with choices that align with both their beauty aspirations and their budgets.