I think we should all remember being 15years old and looking longingly at makeup you could never afford. If I was that age now I would weep with joy at the alter ego one. In the current climate in the UK people are losing their jobs by the 1000s. People are scared to spend large amounts on makeup. So I think that these palettes have a place, only when the original is way out of your reach cost wise. That said All mine are Natasha Denona, the joys of being a grown up.
Sometimes I can’t even afford to buy Froot Loops so I buy off-brand. Kind of the same thing cause you know someone also did the food tech for the name brand thing.
I would rather teens buy dupes than counterfeit. If you can afford the real deal, you will just buy it. If no, this is better. Low key kind of interested to compare at least one of these palettes to ND. Just to justify to myself
I think if you're in a position to buy the luxury brand you're most likely going to buy it and vice versa. If you can't justify spending that much you're not going to. The target markets are different and it's not really taking away from the higher end sales. As for the creativity aspect ,it's shady to snag the exact set up and color story...at least make it your own in some little way. Just my opinion.
This is how I feel also. I have a bunch of ND shadows, because I’ve had extra money - now, I am looking to buy a couple of the alter egos ubtil I can afford to purchase the real deal. Also, because I’m interested in how they perform.
It's great there is a cheaper option. I would never spend $129 for an eye shadow palette. It is what it is, I'm pretty sure ND is rolling in the dough, so I'm not worried about her at all. It looks almost exactly the same on the eye. Close enough for me. Thanks for sharing. ❤️
You were so thoughtful and considerate in your handling of this topic. Wonderful job. I have been on both financial sides of the question. A few years ago I could barely afford drug store makeup let alone luxury, and I lived paycheck to paycheck just paying basic bills. It was a very anxiety ridden time. Now I’m at a stage of my life when I don’t bat an eyelash at dropping money on luxury items, and money is not a stress at all. Everyone has the right to feel beautiful, and I believe that quality, affordable products should be available. In the past few years drug stores have majorly upped their game in producing amazing quality products at a fair price point. Elf, Milani, Revlon and others are just knocking it out of the park while still being creatively independent. Even when I was living in poverty, I never purchased copy cats. A blatant copy of a product just seems unethical to me. Creative rights should be respected, and so much time and effort goes into product development. Trends in makeup come and go, and if a color story really appeals to you, chances are many brands are jumping on that trend at the same time while putting their own twists on it. Take the cool toned eyeshadow trend that we are seeing this winter. Natasha came out with her glam palette, and Colorpop came out with Stone Cold Fox. They both have comparable color stories, but Stone Cold Fox is by no means a copy of Glam. They both represent the same trend but have their own creative way of presenting it. Both brands have fantastic formulas. Color pop is just far more accessible. My personal view is that There is a difference between staying on top of current trends and trying to piggyback on someone else’s success. Brand like makeup revolution and alter ego will never appeal to me for this reason, and they never have. Thank you for being thoughtful and kind in your presentation of the copy cat industry, as well as your honesty.
i want to give you a million times thumbs up.👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻💜
AMEN. Completely relate. I've been poor, and my way of dealing with that was not to intentionally buy dupes. Dupe brands are predatory and ultimately undermine creativity in the makeup industry.
Well said and I can totally relate. For 4 years I didn't buy new makeup because I couldn't afford it. Now, I have mostly luxury makeup. So I can definitely see both sides of the coin.
The reason I prefer Natasha Denona shadows is because of the performance. I bought the 28 pan palettes almost 4 years ago and they are still as good as new.
This is true, my brown green still performs beautifully. She removed parabens from the newer versions, so the present day 28 pan palettes might not be as long lasting 😔
You might want to throw it away if you notice mold or different consistency or change in performance. No eyeshadow pallete is worth a stye or in ugly eye infection that could lead to blindness or eye damage... 😬
@@melr1287 the reason they expire is more the pigments can lose color not be as bright and most powders do not hold the bad stuff like creams worry more for things like mascara then eyeshadow
I work with my local orphanage, at risk teens and women’s shelters and I purchase these palettes for them…I don’t understand why ‘dupes’ in the beauty industry is frowned on when as consumers we purchase ‘generic’ Rx, Tylenol/ Motrin, cereals….etc- I’m looking at duping luxury makeup as an introduction to those who cannot afford the name brands but wish to have the ‘current’ looks’. Anyone who cannot afford a Natasha eyeshadow palette can look up any tutorial of her eyeshadow palettes and follow with Alter Ego…also as Morgan mentioned, she can and does have the name brand palettes, I too have almost all her palettes and yet I know that many cannot. These are good quality and at a price point that many can afford….Morgan did a great job explaining why 50% are OK with Alter Ego.
I think you covered this perfectly Morgan! Its always tough covering something that people feel so strongly about on both sides of the argument but you presented all the arguments very fairly and thoroughly 🥰🥰🥰
I purchased the Alter Ego Goddess palette since I couldn’t afford ND at the time. I wanted to see if the shades would work for me and honestly it’s one of my favorite palettes. Then a year later I got the ND Gold palette during a Sephora Rouge sale and LOVE it. I think for me it helped to get the dupe and see if I liked it before splurging on the real deal. Everyone just needs to do what they’re comfortable with when it comes to dupes. But your point about duping small indie brands (like Manny MUA) is 100% valid, I don’t think that should be done at all.
At the end of the day I don't think people should get upset at you. As a consumer, if you can afford Natasha and you want to support her as an artist, do it. If you can't afford it and you love the color story then go for the dupe. I do feel that sometimes dupe brands are doing the exact same design and that's wrong. I think it would be better to be "inspired " but not copy it exactly.
Personally, I will not spend my hard earned money on higher end things that expire, go out of style (makeup, clothes, jewelry)... especially when there are items that are less expensive and just as good. Now, I spend money on all these, I just am not spending $128 on a palette when I can get equal results with a palette that is $22 . I spend more money on family vacations, furniture for the home, presents for loved ones...things that carry on long after the money is spent. MEMORIES make it for me. Thank God for Alter Ego for ppl like me. Great comparison.
That was probably the most interesting dupe comparison video I've ever seen, with Morgan's expertise it's really comforting that she knows what she's talking about. I personally would never purchase from Alter Ego as of now, because I have been focusing my purchases on quality of ingredients and the quality of life that the company provides for their workers. Granted, we don't know for sure how those factories are in Italy, but their laws are much more strict than China's, and the same goes for ingredient quality. I have purchased dupe makeup when I was younger and didn't have the money to be buying just makeup made in Italy, the U.S. and such, and I'd never judge someone who buys it, but I prefer to encourage the brands that, while charging more, are able to pay better salaries for their workers, even if at the end of the day I end up buying less makeup, it ends up being good for sustainability purposes too I think!
I love and own 3 Alter Ego eyeshadow pallets and I can't see a problem with this, because I will never be able to afford a Natasha Denona pallet. I love being able to follow along with looks at a price I can afford 🙌😗😍. Everyone has to do what they feel is right for them. Thank you for doing this video 😗 You are amazing and so genuine not to skip over how absolutely stunning you are 🙌😗😍
I've bought Natasha Denona eye products and Alter Ego and they're both very good, I prefer the Natasha Denona but it's still not completely worth it to me
At the end of the day, high end brands (even tho ND is technically indie) are not hurting for money. That’s like not wanting to take generic medication bc it’s copying. Some chemist’s time and hard work went into making that medication. And they made millions from it. But I’m still not against buying the generic bc it’s cheaper.
But they also spent millions making and perfecting that thing like with medication they have to come up with a drug then design it to help the test it go though the government to approve of it before they make a dime which can lead to millions before one pill was ever sold then after all that work some guy makes a generic dupe causing the company to not be able to make a new product because in the end they can not afford
Thank you for doing this comparison. With respect to the actual AE brand, I avoid eyeshadow made in China, on the basis that there is less governmental control in China to ensure that cosmetic products are free of toxic ingredients - for example, when talc is mined, it contains arsenic. Most countries only allow the importation of purified talc for the manufacturing of cosmetic products - i.e. talc from which arsenic has been removed. In China, there is no control over the use of purified vs contaminated talc for cosmetics, so brands can use arsenic-contaminated talc to manufacture cosmetics. Though the amount of arsenic may be small, I personally do not want any arsenic in my eye shadow. By the way, is it possible that you got more fallout from the ND palette because it is a bit older than the AE palette? My recently expired or soon-to-be expired PML eyeshadows are bit dry now so I am getting more fallout than usual.
Coming back to this video as I just purchased the Alter Ego Artemis and Goddess. I appreciate your discussion and comparisons. I've lusted after the Natasha Denona Gold and Metropolis since they each came out. I've tried for years to justify spending $170 (🇨🇦) on one palette, but I just cannot. Knowing I've wanted the color stories for years, I'm happy they are enroute finally and I can rewatchand follow all the tutorialsI drooled over for so long lol. I feel like dupe brands don't have the same market audience. I have Natasha's minis, regular 5 pans, and one midi size and love her formula so much. I'm happy to hear the Alter Ego ones are close enough that I'll be happy with them 🥰
Business wise, Alter Ego is a *hugely* successful money maker. They don't have to hire a creative director to come up with color stories. They just hand over a popular eye shadow palette to a manufacturer and say, "I want you to recreate all of these colors, formulas and finishes as close as possible to this palette." They save on not paying someone else to design creative packaging for them. They already know their products will sell based off of the sales of the palette they're knocking off. They don't have to pay a makeup artist to create looks for a campaign when there are tons of looks on social media created from that popular eye shadow palette---especially the ones created by Natasha Denona herself. Yup, they got her years of experience in the industry for free. Not only her experience, but the money ND paid herself to the models she used in her campaigns for each eyeshadow palette launch. Also, Alter Ego knows if they send PR to beauty influencers (who gave raving reviews to the eye shadow palette they're knocking off), those influencers will automatically do a compare and contrast between their knock off product and the original released product, hence, giving them free advertising. 😉 Alter Ego has done the least amount of work, yet benefits the most. 😂 Personally, I buy directly from ND and PML because I love both of their makeup artistry. I respect that they're artistry comes from years of experience in the fashion/editorial industry. It takes a lot of talent and harwork to make it big as a freelance makeup artist. And I love that they both stepped up in becoming entrepreneurs and launched their own brands. 🥰 It's inspiring. Even though I personally would not buy from Alter Ego, I would never look down on anyone who does. Everyone has their own priorities and budgets to take care of.
Love this review! I tried the Natasha denona retro palette, idk if I’m really all that in love with the formula, but love the color story!! So knowing that there’s a way cheaper alternative is kinda amazing! Thank you!! ♥️♥️♥️
If it makes you feel any better... I bought metropolis and then returned it because all the browns ended up melding perfectly with my skin so I didn’t have any crease colors. The greens are beautiful but you can easily get dupes as singles for those 3-4 shadows of equal if not better quality. Keep in mind I’m a ND lover and have most of her palettes including the original 28 pan ones and I never return makeup... I did buy Artemis as a consolation prize, like if I wanted to stare at the color story, I had it available 😆
I completely understand the hesitation to buy duped palettes and makeup. But in total honesty, if a dupe has the same or similar quality, color story/shade as the luxury brand, I'll lean towards the dupe. Story time: A couple years my boyfriend complimented me on my red lipstick one day. He said, " I like your lipstick. Is that Maybelline?" I looked at him, and said" No, it's Chanel" 🙄😑. That incident made an impact, and I changed my buying habits after that day. I realized the average person wouldn't know a luxury $40 lipstick from a drugstore $6 one. The only person who'll know how much I spent is me.
Thanks Morgan, I feel this video has opened up some interesting discussions I have not yet seen on UA-cam, which I really appreciate and find thought provoking. I also stand on a neutral point as everyone has different needs and considerations. I especially agree with what you said about creative fashion ideas from designer brands being duped everywhere, and mass consumers usually buy into it without being conscious. Concluding, it may not be a bad thing that we as consumers are offered with so many options, and we are able to make individual decisions based on our circumstances.
I like your comparison to fashion. Brand name vs generic dupe is what I think it boils down to. At least there is an offering that suits everyone’s budget.
Great video Morgan! I don’t agree with duping someone else’s work but I also don’t agree with sticking a high price tag on something because of a name. It happens all of the time. I’m sure the ingredients are different of course but come on that price difference is outrageous. Anyway to each their own! 🥰
First of all I applaud you from being courageous enough to do this video!!! My opinion: I don't feel like Alter Ego is hurting Natasha Denona at all by having these dupe palettes on the market --- but simply allowing people who can't afford ND but want to create the looks by having a palette with the same color story. To me is all about choices, priorities and budget constraints. Natasha Denona will always have her public regardless of how many dupes come on the market. I have a lot of Natasha's palettes by choice and for being fortunate to afford them. Also I want to say to you that it doesn't matter if you are using a US$16 or a US$129 palette you create the most fabulous looks!!! Kudos to you by showing your followers that you can create fabulous looks regardless of your budget. You have my respect and admiration! Keep up the good work. xoxo
I agree. And also, after some nonsense Natasha denona pulled on her website for Black Friday, I don’t know if I’ll be supporting the brand anymore. So this could be a perfect option in the future if there is a color story I really like but I don’t want to give my money to her. I already own the ND versions of these palettes though.
I appreciate some of the dupes where the pigment formulations are different. I'm really allergic to carmine which most top end brands still use, so I have to skip on most of their releases (that or only be able to use 50% of the shades in the palette). I'm very grateful to be able to purchase the alternative and enjoy the colour the stories I previously have had to miss out on, though, I would probably purchase the high end brand version if they offered carmine free alternatives. Great video - I appreciated the neutral stand point and balanced discussion. 💜
I have a carmine allergy but I LOVE Natasha Denona’s formula and undertones. I still buy certain ND palettes but her oranges, reds, pinks and blues irritate my eyes so I love the option of picking up the color story. I actually bought the sunrise palette and the alter ego version, popped out the ND shades I was allergic to and now my mom and I each have a “sunrise” palette.
I am not a beauty influencer or a makeup artist and cannot justify spending $129 (or anywhere close to it) for an eyeshadow palette!! Most average people can’t or won’t! You see dupes in all aspects of consumerism (fake Louis Vuitton purses, dupe IKEA Alex drawers, generic food) so you should expect to see them in the beauty and see them be successful. I will gladly buy a dupe if the quality is good (I’m not buying fakes from Wish or Ali express). Alter Ego is a reputable company who makes products that are safe.
Well myself as not rich myself still thinks it's wrong to steal someone's work. I myself save up for what I want. And it's her formula that is what I go for not just colors
Like so many others, I’m torn on the subject. For Alter Ego to use someone else’s creative concepts to make money is unethical and shouldn’t be supported. However, many Alter Ego buyers (esp. teens) wouldn’t purchase from Natasha anyway. So what has ND lost? I wish original creators & dupe companies worked together. Maybe the dupe company agrees not to release the dupe for at least 1 year and to pay a %age to the creator. That might be more of a win-win for everyone and then we wouldn’t feel so conflicted 😐
I'd LOVE if the dupe companies paid money to the original and it wasn't that big a deal. But then nobody owns a color story and that's what stop it from happening.
@@Cynni393 If you come up with a colour story or a specific arrangement of colours, you own it. ND can actually enforce it's intellectual property rights against AlterEgo, it just chooses not to. Also, the fear of enforcement of these legal rights is one of other reasons why 'companies/brands' like AlterEgo stay in the shadows/have sketchy operations instead of establishing themselves as full fledged legal entities that can sue and be sued.
I hate copycat brands! Makes me feel gross to even think of buying from a brand that ripped off someone else's hard work, especially so blatantly like alter ego.
Wow. This is exactly what i was looking for. Thank you for comparing. I'm going to try the alter ego one! and if I like the formula, I'll buy them all. 💞
To speak of my experience with Alter Ego, I bought the Temptress palette thinking that the ABH Sultry would never come back (I missed the first opportunity). I loved the quality and I use it as an everyday palette for days i want to wear cool tones. I was very happy that ABH came back with the special re-release of Sultry palette and ended up getting it anyway. But I would say that not only are these dupes a good way to get palettes that are no longer available but also are not within the price point for those who want them.
I agree that it's great for people who can't afford ND. Also, I have a few alter ego palettes for color stories that I'm only semi - interested in and would never pay the ND price for. Like I own Artemis because I was sort of curious but would have NEVER paid $129 even though I can afford it since it's not really my color story. So it's a good way to branch out without killing your budget.
Omg I am so glad you’re making this video to create this discussion. Being on the side to protect and support creativity I actually have considered almost dropping influencers who have reviewed this but your thoughtful neutral position was very interesting...and I so appreciate your thoughts. And i still love your green eye tutorial.
I think everyone should do what’s right for them. I don’t own any dupe palettes. I do like to buy the name brand, but if it’s not feasible for someone to get the name brand but they can afford the dupe I think that’s what they should do. Like you said we all buy dupes every day, we call them generics. 😉
A fair comparison between a brand that is putting in time and research for color stories and formulas, and a brand that is profiting off of their experimentation, is not a fair comparison. Putting them at the same level to compare them elevates Alter Ego and gives them more prestige than they deserve. This is a brand built off copying -- they did not gain a following through their own formulas and color stories first. If you really love a Natasha Denona color story and cannot afford the palette, buy drugstore singles and build it yourself. Don't let these copycat brands prosper, and don't give them a platform.
The quality of these products is really good, I dont understand why they need to obviously copy existing makeup. It is so disrespectful for all the work done by the brands for creating the original pallet. They could create their own pallets with their great formula, but obviously they could not sell them for this little money because the creativity and the art needed to come out with a pallet cost a lot of money! It's like they let other brands invest money and time into creation and then simply copy. I just can't... ND is putting so much effort into costomer relations management, for exemple with the smaller pan paletts. Thank you for your video, you are amazing as always ❤ love from France
Makeup Revolution has been doing it for a really long time and people just got tired of talking about it. A few years ago, the conversation around MR (and NYX) was a lot more vocal.
@@electrictwilight I remember when Makeup Revolution duped absolutely everything from Too Faced and Kat Von D but maybe Alter Ego gets more clap back cuz they dupe the luxury brands? Don’t they do Pat McGrath too?
Just my opinion, people like myself, who can’t afford Natasha Denona, are not shopping her anyways so in my mind Alter Ego isn’t taking away a customer of hers.
I think it's funny when we think people have 'rights' over color stories or themes (Kind of like Anish Kapoor and his monopoly on Vanta Black). The original will always be the original. But nothing under the sun is new. ND has made her name known not by color story but formula/pigmentation/textures... and how she arranges her palettes. No one can take that away from the brand. And, tbh, her formulas can be inconsistent... which I cannot tolerate at that pricepoint. I have palettes from her that I adore... and then I had a few that I would have much preferred to buy the 'dupe'. Brands like Alter Ego have their own formula and work mainly with the color story. It's even rearranged so the creator's 'palette design' is still respected. And usually their formulas are never as good as the original. Also, there have been times that I've bought a dupe palette and loved it so much that I went and bought the original. There is a place in the market for both companies... making beauty accessible to all.
Thanks for doing this. I have been wondering and I value you opinion and appreciate your very detailed reviews. Have watched some other you tuber’s comparisons, but value your opinion a bit more given your love for Natasha. Had my eye on the Sahara (Biba dupe) but it’s been sold out on their website forever. And I was a tad conflicted for the same reasons you mentioned. In the meantime, I have the Natasha glam palette on its way, since that seemed very universally loved by all. It’s my first Natasha.
I'm SUPER excited about this review!!! Not everyone can afford the real Natosha Denona palettes. I bet Natosha Denona herself wouldn't begrudge anyone who couldn't afford them the Alter Ego palettes. Thanks for doing this, Morgan! I mean it!
Honestly I'm not interested to get alter ego palettes. I mean I understand ND is really expensive and I probably won't be able to buy their palettes at all but I rather to save money until I can buy it cuz it's what your getting is the hole experience your buying, the formula, the packaging the brand. If just were for the colourstory I'm pretty sure I have similar colours in other palettes where I can recreate those looks... That's my humble opinion
As time progressed I have moved on to more expensive eyeshadows and I can’t go back. Natasha denona is my favorite. The gold palette is my favorite. I just love the different textured shimmers they are so special and the mattes blend so beautifully. Two years ago I couldn’t afford it and really wanted the Alter ego one but they don’t ship to my country
I am sure that Natasha Denona and Pat McGrath eye palettes are exceptional, but I am not about to drop that kind of money on an eye palette. So I am glad for myself and others that there are dupes available. That said I can see why brands are annoyed when others copy their work. The only dupe brand that appeals to me however is Alter Ego. I do have my eyes on one or two of their palettes, still thinking about it. Ultimately I would like to just build my own palette with singles from Sydney Grace then accumulate a bunch of palettes but that's just me. Nice video.
I completely agree with you Morgan! I cannot support a brand that completely steals someone else ideas, visions and art. I think many people justify Alter Ego because Natasha Denona is so expensive and to them must feel like a sort of “revenge” seeing Alter Ego steal her work. It’s like you said: if Alter Ego’s formula is so good why don’t they come out with their ideas, products and color stories? If you cannot afford Natasha Denona simply do not buy it: your life will go on no matter what i.e. I cannot afford a Gucci bag: this does not mean I am going to buy a rip-off because it want be the freaking same!!! Thank you Morgan for this video and, as an Italian, for always underlining the excellence that made in Italy products bring to the table. Lots of love 💗
I like being able to purchase the great value products that perform like the high end brand that r quite a bit more expensive & I love makeup, especially eyeshadows so I'm glad to be able to buy the 'dupes'.
I buy Natasha Denona only because I can afford it BUT I don’t think it’s bad to have duped versions for those people who can’t afford high end cosmetics. I would surely buy less expensive stuff if I can’t afford it, even though it’s a dupe but it should be a good duped.
The pallet by Natasha is a little bad at showing up on camera it’s really pretty in person on camera it looks more dull but in real life it’s way more vibrant and glowy
Loved your editing on this one, you’re so funny! I think you made really good points on both sides of the argument but what tips the scale for me is putting myself in the shoes of the creator who is being duped. I would be so hurt if it was MY palette being copied and so I just can’t justify it!
I think I just want to throw it out there that we shouldn't really give consumers flak for not being able to afford something, and I'm uncomfortable with the sentiment of "then just don't buy it" because it feels like we're gatekeeping people from participating in the beauty world. There's a very classist tone to it which is sad considering the beauty industry's shift towards inclusivity. Inclusivity shouldn't be limited to color or gender; we need intersectional inclusivity that can help cover the entire market as much as possible. And to say that people don't need makeup...it's true but does that mean we should discourage people from treating themselves to something that makes them happy? If we're going to tackle this, I personally think we should just focus on the brands that make this. We should discuss the ways they go about addressing the wants of the market, but not be harsh on the market itself.
I can't afford the expensive stuff , so I all for saving money on makeup especially as hard as times are now. Most ppl can't pay for rent or food, let alone makeup. Absolutely if you can afford it by all means get it. I absolutely think that it's nothing new duping makeup, clothes, shoes or any other high end product. Thanks for sharing and blessings from east tn .💗💗💗💗💗
I never tried Natasha Denona nor have I tried the dupe. I tried Pat McGrath Bronze Seduction and was so impressed that I purchased a second. After watching your video I mau try Natashas gold palette. Luv your videos.💝💝💝
I have Natasha Denona and Pat McGrath palettes but there are times like with the Metropolis palette where I’m not going to get my money’s worth because I can’t wear too much color for work. I feel like moments like that I would probably get the dupe palette. But their quality is pretty good too, I remember back then there was a similar brand called Bad Habit and they created their own palette and it was gorgeous.
I feel like this is like whether or not you'd ever buy knock-off luxury goods. No judgement on the consumer either way, but there's a world of difference in experience - whether or not it's worth the exhorbitant price tag is up to individual judgement. As someone who's never stopped wanting an original good after buying a comparable substitute, I've learned that for me, it's less a waste of money to just not buy the knock-off even if I can't justify buying the thing I actually want. As for the companies that do this - it's something I can understand but not something I respect.
I agree, I love my Natasha pallets but her prices are robbery 😂 and I have no issues with finding amazing dupes for those who can't spend the money on it
I love how you handle the issue. I like to treat myself with the ND, but yes we get dupes on other stuff all the time without even knowing it! But I also knows it in my heart when I am treating myself verses buying a dupe...
love that you stayed neutral and honest on both ends i have only two natasha denona palettes id agree on your views about the quality and where your really spendding your money when purchasing a natasha denona palette because i have tried some eyeshadow palettes not highend where i didnt like them because my brain and expectation is already looking for the pigment and quality but it never hurts to try something out and give it a chance you may be surprised!!!!!!!
I personally don’t like dupes or dupe brands in general. When I used to buy dupes it would make me want the original product even more. I would spend more money this way by purchasing both. I just save my money and buy what I really want.
I like how you addressed the topic, and I feel similarly conflicted! I do think the target audiences for both brands are different and someone who buys an Alter Ego palette is probably not taking sales away from Natasha Denona because they wouldn’t have bought it anyway. I haven’t yet been able to justify to myself spending $129 on the big ND palettes, but I can justify the $125 for Pat McGrath! Lol
I can't afford a natasha denona palette. And even if I could I can't justify the price tag. But also I hate the idea of copying. Maybe it took ND a lot of hardwork to put together a specific story and a specific formula. AE took them 5 seconds to decide if they are going to copy it or no. My opinion is that I don't have to buy an exact color story to create the exact looks. There is a lot of affordable makeup brands that have unique ideas and amazing formulas that I can support (colourpop, juvia's place,...), And I'm sure that I can dupe any look created from using an ND palette with eyeshadows from any of those brands. Btw Morgan I love you and love your videos😍😍😍😍❤️❤️❤️❤️
It’s a tricky dilemma. I do think Alter Ego is a great option for those that can’t afford the ND palettes. We can never know individual people’s circumstance and therefore we shouldn’t judge unless we understand being there. I agree with all the points that you raised during your discussion. As with everything you pay for what you get. Therefore the dupes will never be upto the quality of the palettes that are copied. You most certainly covered this topic with thoughtful consideration
I personally won’t buy either pallets if I can’t afford it but if I can afford buying a pallets I would go with the original creator many people think it’s crazy to spend so much money on a pallet but I don’t really trust things that are made in China and I feel like they can go around so many things and just put cheaper ingredients into the pallets possibly causing future problems, I just don’t know I would love to see a video on these dupes comparing the amount of product you receive per shade, the ingredients that are used in each pallets also a wear test and shelf life.... probably put the shadows threw rain, heat and humidity to see how they would perform and to conclude what eyeshadow pallets is worth it at the end
I've never bought a Natasha palette (mostly because of pricing and not feeling I'd use it enough to justify the price tag), but I would if I wanted a color story of hers. I wouldn't buy from Alter Ego. I think if ND came out with a color story I HAD to have for $65 in the medium size palettes, I would snatch it up immediately. The $129 not so much. Regardless, if it's truly the color story that intrigues me but I'm not stable enough financially to buy the original, maybe I would buy single shadows from an indie brand to find a few "dupes." I would never buy a whole dupe palette--it seems unfair, since ND put so much work into crafting a unique color story, palette experience, and formulation.
I don't like copy cat palettes/brands. I wonder how people genuinely don't think they're doing something wrong. Why rip off someone's idea? It doesn't matter that it's for a cheaper price, ripping off somebody's brainchild, somebody's work is never a noble thing.
Flip the situation, if a large company took an artist’s painting and copied it almost exactly then sold it for less, would that be ok? People are so quick to write this off because Natasha Denona is more expensive. She uses better factories and better ingredients. She came up with these palettes in these color stories. If these brands have a good formula they should create their own concepts
What do we know about the Alter Ego company? Do they have a spokesperson or information on their company? Who owns it? I went to their website because I was curious but there’s nothing about the company itself. It felt oddly shady to me because of that.
I am so torn here. I have to be smart with my makeup budget, but love great quality. I understand the need to purchase the more economical dupe, but, as an artisan myself I have had others copy my designs without crediting me. And I have to admit I get a little salty. Just my thoughts.
I agree - duping small indie brands wrong. I don't have as big of an issue with this because while I enjoy the ND color stories I'm NOT a fan of the ND formula. I don't want to buy a bunch od singles to dupe the palette myself so I'd rather buy what's available. Honestly, the fact that Alter Ego has a good formula unlike MR makes this a real conversation. If it was only similar packaging and colored chalk like MR people wouldn't be as upset. And what makes this different from any other duoe like Tacha vs Elf or Chanel vs Shein?
Agreeing with you about having the dupes in a single palette as opposed to having to search through singles or different palettes just to dupe a color story that you love, especially if you don't have much products to begin the duping process. Making something accessible to more people is the very niche of the copy cat brands. Yes, it's disagreeable to have a shade-for-shade copy of a color story but the point of the brands is to be an alternative, not to be an original. IDK like can you even sue someone for having a similar color story? Cause if yes we would've had lawsuit wars between drugstore brands decades ago.
I purchased two alter ego palettes. One was a ND palette and another one was a Huda dupe. Needless to say, I decluttered them both. I love my Natasha Denona palettes, Metropolis is my absolute favorite.
I love Alter Ego products. Three times I have gone on to buy the actual original Natasha Denona palette (Sunset, Gold, Biba). I am seriously looking at getting Metropolis after the Artemis, but I’m not a huge fan of the ND cream shadows, and most of the mattes are that formula. The thing I like about them is they let me try out the color story and see if I actually like them enough to pick up the real thing. Then I take the Alter Ego if I go traveling so my expensive palettes don’t get damaged.
Times are tough and a lot of people don't have disposable income at the moment. So I appreciate alter ego coming out with dupes for those less fortunate.
I feel like people shouldn't treat high end and indie differently on this issue. It's never okay to copy someone else original work without consent. Duping a shade is different from duping a whole palette (whether If its the same package). For most of makeup lovers, we can find most of the shades of any new releases in our own collection. For the shades missing, we can always buy singles from indie brand. I understand it might be more expensive and doesn't make sense to dupe it. However, If we all turns to copycat, who is gonna come out with beautiful color stories for copycat to copy. I just hope most of us don't turn to copycat.
Still cannot justify people purchasing this kind of "copy cat brands" at all. To me, they are more like a thief than a copy cat as there are profits involved. (I think it will be ok for most of the people if they do copy without making money out of it) If you are not able to afford the authentic products or genuinely do not think they worth the price, then just save up or do not buy them at all. Ideas are priceless and people should get paid for having great and creative ideas. Natasha Denona puts efforts to design every palette not just the formula and packaging cost you money. But people behind Alter Ego does not. That is one of the reasons why they are able to make their palettes cheaper. When it comes to the case which you can definitely tell the idea is originated by somebody else, making money out of it is definitely stealing. Make up products are not that necessary for most people after all. People who buy from these companies simply want to take advantage of the stealing and justify themselves ignoring (intentionally or unintentionally) the value of original ideas. Welcome any rational comments.
I have almost every Pat McGrath palette and about 7-8 natasha denona palettes. I barely reach for my ND. Quality is good but there is a lot of inconsistency. When I need to make sure my shadow will look good, I go for my Pat Mcgrath. Easy application as well. If AE dups the trio chrome palette, I might try it.
I have to say I don’t like companies like alter ego, this is literally plagiarism. I also like ND’s formula and I do understand that not everyone can or want to spend as much as we do on ND, but I think they can dupe ND, without looking exactly like her palettes. As for the formula, I’ve seen many of these videos but I can always spot the ND side very easily, and as you said it’s very dimensional and rich, as opposed to the Alter Ego ones, which is exactly why I love the ND formula. I think it’s one of the best formula on the market and I’ve had no bad experiences with her formula to date, and I own nearly all of her palettes.
I’m allergic to Natasha Denona shadows which breaks my heart honestly. Maybe I should try AE. I am curious though, isn’t there a big risk of being sued by ND ?
Luxury dupes I don't mind. Small indie brands getting dubbed no from me. Dupes also prevent couunfeits which is the real danger.
I think we should all remember being 15years old and looking longingly at makeup you could never afford. If I was that age now I would weep with joy at the alter ego one. In the current climate in the UK people are losing their jobs by the 1000s. People are scared to spend large amounts on makeup. So I think that these palettes have a place, only when the original is way out of your reach cost wise. That said All mine are Natasha Denona, the joys of being a grown up.
Same thing I considered. I remember wanting the expensive perfumes I would try in the department stores. Then I started to buying the knock-offs.
@@EarthymoonPhotos I did as well.
Sometimes I can’t even afford to buy Froot Loops so I buy off-brand. Kind of the same thing cause you know someone also did the food tech for the name brand thing.
I would rather teens buy dupes than counterfeit. If you can afford the real deal, you will just buy it. If no, this is better. Low key kind of interested to compare at least one of these palettes to ND. Just to justify to myself
I have a few ND palettes and several dupes that I like better than the original
I think if you're in a position to buy the luxury brand you're most likely going to buy it and vice versa. If you can't justify spending that much you're not going to. The target markets are different and it's not really taking away from the higher end sales. As for the creativity aspect ,it's shady to snag the exact set up and color story...at least make it your own in some little way. Just my opinion.
This is how I feel also. I have a bunch of ND shadows, because I’ve had extra money - now, I am looking to buy a couple of the alter egos ubtil I can afford to purchase the real deal. Also, because I’m interested in how they perform.
It's great there is a cheaper option. I would never spend $129 for an eye shadow palette. It is what it is, I'm pretty sure ND is rolling in the dough, so I'm not worried about her at all. It looks almost exactly the same on the eye. Close enough for me. Thanks for sharing. ❤️
You were so thoughtful and considerate in your handling of this topic. Wonderful job. I have been on both financial sides of the question. A few years ago I could barely afford drug store makeup let alone luxury, and I lived paycheck to paycheck just paying basic bills. It was a very anxiety ridden time. Now I’m at a stage of my life when I don’t bat an eyelash at dropping money on luxury items, and money is not a stress at all.
Everyone has the right to feel beautiful, and I believe that quality, affordable products should be available. In the past few years drug stores have majorly upped their game in producing amazing quality products at a fair price point. Elf, Milani, Revlon and others are just knocking it out of the park while still being creatively independent.
Even when I was living in poverty, I never purchased copy cats. A blatant copy of a product just seems unethical to me. Creative rights should be respected, and so much time and effort goes into product development.
Trends in makeup come and go, and if a color story really appeals to you, chances are many brands are jumping on that trend at the same time while putting their own twists on it. Take the cool toned eyeshadow trend that we are seeing this winter. Natasha came out with her glam palette, and Colorpop came out with Stone Cold Fox. They both have comparable color stories, but Stone Cold Fox is by no means a copy of Glam. They both represent the same trend but have their own creative way of presenting it. Both brands have fantastic formulas. Color pop is just far more accessible. My personal view is that There is a difference between staying on top of current trends and trying to piggyback on someone else’s success. Brand like makeup revolution and alter ego will never appeal to me for this reason, and they never have.
Thank you for being thoughtful and kind in your presentation of the copy cat industry, as well as your honesty.
i want to give you a million times thumbs up.👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻💜
AMEN. Completely relate. I've been poor, and my way of dealing with that was not to intentionally buy dupes. Dupe brands are predatory and ultimately undermine creativity in the makeup industry.
Well said and I can totally relate. For 4 years I didn't buy new makeup because I couldn't afford it. Now, I have mostly luxury makeup. So I can definitely see both sides of the coin.
I completely agree with you. Also, this is the one of the most eloquently delivered opinions on this subject I've read.
I personally love alter ego shadows..They are truly some of my favorite shadows and I have many many palettes -a fellow makeup hoarder
I bought 2 palettes and I've had no luck. I dont get it
The reason I prefer Natasha Denona shadows is because of the performance. I bought the 28 pan palettes almost 4 years ago and they are still as good as new.
This is true, my brown green still performs beautifully. She removed parabens from the newer versions, so the present day 28 pan palettes might not be as long lasting 😔
You might want to throw it away if you notice mold or different consistency or change in performance. No eyeshadow pallete is worth a stye or in ugly eye infection that could lead to blindness or eye damage... 😬
@@melr1287 the reason they expire is more the pigments can lose color not be as bright and most powders do not hold the bad stuff like creams worry more for things like mascara then eyeshadow
@@rachelcrawford1977 🎯👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
I work with my local orphanage, at risk teens and women’s shelters and I purchase these palettes for them…I don’t understand why ‘dupes’ in the beauty industry is frowned on when as consumers we purchase ‘generic’ Rx, Tylenol/ Motrin, cereals….etc- I’m looking at duping luxury makeup as an introduction to those who cannot afford the name brands but wish to have the ‘current’ looks’. Anyone who cannot afford a Natasha eyeshadow palette can look up any tutorial of her eyeshadow palettes and follow with Alter Ego…also as Morgan mentioned, she can and does have the name brand palettes, I too have almost all her palettes and yet I know that many cannot. These are good quality and at a price point that many can afford….Morgan did a great job explaining why 50% are OK with Alter Ego.
I think you covered this perfectly Morgan! Its always tough covering something that people feel so strongly about on both sides of the argument but you presented all the arguments very fairly and thoroughly 🥰🥰🥰
I purchased the Alter Ego Goddess palette since I couldn’t afford ND at the time. I wanted to see if the shades would work for me and honestly it’s one of my favorite palettes. Then a year later I got the ND Gold palette during a Sephora Rouge sale and LOVE it. I think for me it helped to get the dupe and see if I liked it before splurging on the real deal. Everyone just needs to do what they’re comfortable with when it comes to dupes. But your point about duping small indie brands (like Manny MUA) is 100% valid, I don’t think that should be done at all.
At the end of the day I don't think people should get upset at you. As a consumer, if you can afford Natasha and you want to support her as an artist, do it. If you can't afford it and you love the color story then go for the dupe. I do feel that sometimes dupe brands are doing the exact same design and that's wrong. I think it would be better to be "inspired " but not copy it exactly.
Yes!
Agree it really sucks when you want something special and you can't afford it. It can be hard to pay to support yourself and your family.
Personally, I will not spend my hard earned money on higher end things that expire, go out of style (makeup, clothes, jewelry)... especially when there are items that are less expensive and just as good. Now, I spend money on all these, I just am not spending $128 on a palette when I can get equal results with a palette that is $22 . I spend more money on family vacations, furniture for the home, presents for loved ones...things that carry on long after the money is spent. MEMORIES make it for me. Thank God for Alter Ego for ppl like me. Great comparison.
That was probably the most interesting dupe comparison video I've ever seen, with Morgan's expertise it's really comforting that she knows what she's talking about. I personally would never purchase from Alter Ego as of now, because I have been focusing my purchases on quality of ingredients and the quality of life that the company provides for their workers. Granted, we don't know for sure how those factories are in Italy, but their laws are much more strict than China's, and the same goes for ingredient quality. I have purchased dupe makeup when I was younger and didn't have the money to be buying just makeup made in Italy, the U.S. and such, and I'd never judge someone who buys it, but I prefer to encourage the brands that, while charging more, are able to pay better salaries for their workers, even if at the end of the day I end up buying less makeup, it ends up being good for sustainability purposes too I think!
I love and own 3 Alter Ego eyeshadow pallets and I can't see a problem with this, because I will never be able to afford a Natasha Denona pallet. I love being able to follow along with looks at a price I can afford 🙌😗😍. Everyone has to do what they feel is right for them. Thank you for doing this video 😗 You are amazing and so genuine not to skip over how absolutely stunning you are 🙌😗😍
I've bought Natasha Denona eye products and Alter Ego and they're both very good, I prefer the Natasha Denona but it's still not completely worth it to me
At the end of the day, high end brands (even tho ND is technically indie) are not hurting for money. That’s like not wanting to take generic medication bc it’s copying. Some chemist’s time and hard work went into making that medication. And they made millions from it. But I’m still not against buying the generic bc it’s cheaper.
But they also spent millions making and perfecting that thing like with medication they have to come up with a drug then design it to help the test it go though the government to approve of it before they make a dime which can lead to millions before one pill was ever sold then after all that work some guy makes a generic dupe causing the company to not be able to make a new product because in the end they can not afford
Still isn't right to clone someone's work
Thank you for doing this comparison. With respect to the actual AE brand, I avoid eyeshadow made in China, on the basis that there is less governmental control in China to ensure that cosmetic products are free of toxic ingredients - for example, when talc is mined, it contains arsenic. Most countries only allow the importation of purified talc for the manufacturing of cosmetic products - i.e. talc from which arsenic has been removed. In China, there is no control over the use of purified vs contaminated talc for cosmetics, so brands can use arsenic-contaminated talc to manufacture cosmetics. Though the amount of arsenic may be small, I personally do not want any arsenic in my eye shadow. By the way, is it possible that you got more fallout from the ND palette because it is a bit older than the AE palette? My recently expired or soon-to-be expired PML eyeshadows are bit dry now so I am getting more fallout than usual.
Coming back to this video as I just purchased the Alter Ego Artemis and Goddess. I appreciate your discussion and comparisons. I've lusted after the Natasha Denona Gold and Metropolis since they each came out. I've tried for years to justify spending $170 (🇨🇦) on one palette, but I just cannot. Knowing I've wanted the color stories for years, I'm happy they are enroute finally and I can rewatchand follow all the tutorialsI drooled over for so long lol. I feel like dupe brands don't have the same market audience. I have Natasha's minis, regular 5 pans, and one midi size and love her formula so much. I'm happy to hear the Alter Ego ones are close enough that I'll be happy with them 🥰
Business wise, Alter Ego is a *hugely* successful money maker.
They don't have to hire a creative director to come up with color stories. They just hand over a popular eye shadow palette to a manufacturer and say, "I want you to recreate all of these colors, formulas and finishes as close as possible to this palette."
They save on not paying someone else to design creative packaging for them. They already know their products will sell based off of the sales of the palette they're knocking off.
They don't have to pay a makeup artist to create looks for a campaign when there are tons of looks on social media created from that popular eye shadow palette---especially the ones created by Natasha Denona herself. Yup, they got her years of experience in the industry for free. Not only her experience, but the money ND paid herself to the models she used in her campaigns for each eyeshadow palette launch.
Also, Alter Ego knows if they send PR to beauty influencers (who gave raving reviews to the eye shadow palette they're knocking off), those influencers will automatically do a compare and contrast between their knock off product and the original released product, hence, giving them free advertising. 😉
Alter Ego has done the least amount of work, yet benefits the most. 😂
Personally, I buy directly from ND and PML because I love both of their makeup artistry. I respect that they're artistry comes from years of experience in the fashion/editorial industry. It takes a lot of talent and harwork to make it big as a freelance makeup artist. And I love that they both stepped up in becoming entrepreneurs and launched their own brands. 🥰 It's inspiring.
Even though I personally would not buy from Alter Ego, I would never look down on anyone who does. Everyone has their own priorities and budgets to take care of.
I appreciate your honesty. You’re absolutely respectful to all parties ! Thank you.
Love this review! I tried the Natasha denona retro palette, idk if I’m really all that in love with the formula, but love the color story!! So knowing that there’s a way cheaper alternative is kinda amazing! Thank you!! ♥️♥️♥️
Sigh this just made me want Natasha’s palettes even more god help me. The green makes your eyes look so beautiful ☺️
If it makes you feel any better... I bought metropolis and then returned it because all the browns ended up melding perfectly with my skin so I didn’t have any crease colors. The greens are beautiful but you can easily get dupes as singles for those 3-4 shadows of equal if not better quality. Keep in mind I’m a ND lover and have most of her palettes including the original 28 pan ones and I never return makeup... I did buy Artemis as a consolation prize, like if I wanted to stare at the color story, I had it available 😆
I completely understand the hesitation to buy duped palettes and makeup. But in total honesty, if a dupe has the same or similar quality, color story/shade as the luxury brand, I'll lean towards the dupe. Story time: A couple years my boyfriend complimented me on my red lipstick one day. He said, " I like your lipstick. Is that Maybelline?" I looked at him, and said" No, it's Chanel" 🙄😑. That incident made an impact, and I changed my buying habits after that day. I realized the average person wouldn't know a luxury $40 lipstick from a drugstore $6 one. The only person who'll know how much I spent is me.
Did you say that your husband is editing your videos now? I am living for the little roasts 😂 *TRIGGERED**
Thanks Morgan, I feel this video has opened up some interesting discussions I have not yet seen on UA-cam, which I really appreciate and find thought provoking. I also stand on a neutral point as everyone has different needs and considerations. I especially agree with what you said about creative fashion ideas from designer brands being duped everywhere, and mass consumers usually buy into it without being conscious. Concluding, it may not be a bad thing that we as consumers are offered with so many options, and we are able to make individual decisions based on our circumstances.
I like your comparison to fashion. Brand name vs generic dupe is what I think it boils down to. At least there is an offering that suits everyone’s budget.
I'd be interested in a comparison of the ingredients and which would be better or "cleaner" I guess.
Great video Morgan! I don’t agree with duping someone else’s work but I also don’t agree with sticking a high price tag on something because of a name. It happens all of the time. I’m sure the ingredients are different of course but come on that price difference is outrageous. Anyway to each their own! 🥰
First of all I applaud you from being courageous enough to do this video!!! My opinion: I don't feel like Alter Ego is hurting Natasha Denona at all by having these dupe palettes on the market --- but simply allowing people who can't afford ND but want to create the looks by having a palette with the same color story. To me is all about choices, priorities and budget constraints. Natasha Denona will always have her public regardless of how many dupes come on the market. I have a lot of Natasha's palettes by choice and for being fortunate to afford them. Also I want to say to you that it doesn't matter if you are using a US$16 or a US$129 palette you create the most fabulous looks!!! Kudos to you by showing your followers that you can create fabulous looks regardless of your budget. You have my respect and admiration! Keep up the good work. xoxo
I agree. And also, after some nonsense Natasha denona pulled on her website for Black Friday, I don’t know if I’ll be supporting the brand anymore. So this could be a perfect option in the future if there is a color story I really like but I don’t want to give my money to her. I already own the ND versions of these palettes though.
@@cassandraweishaar1929 what happened?
I appreciate some of the dupes where the pigment formulations are different. I'm really allergic to carmine which most top end brands still use, so I have to skip on most of their releases (that or only be able to use 50% of the shades in the palette). I'm very grateful to be able to purchase the alternative and enjoy the colour the stories I previously have had to miss out on, though, I would probably purchase the high end brand version if they offered carmine free alternatives. Great video - I appreciated the neutral stand point and balanced discussion. 💜
I have a carmine allergy but I LOVE Natasha Denona’s formula and undertones. I still buy certain ND palettes but her oranges, reds, pinks and blues irritate my eyes so I love the option of picking up the color story. I actually bought the sunrise palette and the alter ego version, popped out the ND shades I was allergic to and now my mom and I each have a “sunrise” palette.
I am not a beauty influencer or a makeup artist and cannot justify spending $129 (or anywhere close to it) for an eyeshadow palette!! Most average people can’t or won’t! You see dupes in all aspects of consumerism (fake Louis Vuitton purses, dupe IKEA Alex drawers, generic food) so you should expect to see them in the beauty and see them be successful. I will gladly buy a dupe if the quality is good (I’m not buying fakes from Wish or Ali express). Alter Ego is a reputable company who makes products that are safe.
Well myself as not rich myself still thinks it's wrong to steal someone's work. I myself save up for what I want. And it's her formula that is what I go for not just colors
Totally agree. Yes.
Yes, agree.
Do you buy off brand food?
Like so many others, I’m torn on the subject. For Alter Ego to use someone else’s creative concepts to make money is unethical and shouldn’t be supported. However, many Alter Ego buyers (esp. teens) wouldn’t purchase from Natasha anyway. So what has ND lost? I wish original creators & dupe companies worked together. Maybe the dupe company agrees not to release the dupe for at least 1 year and to pay a %age to the creator. That might be more of a win-win for everyone and then we wouldn’t feel so conflicted 😐
I'd LOVE if the dupe companies paid money to the original and it wasn't that big a deal. But then nobody owns a color story and that's what stop it from happening.
@@Cynni393 If you come up with a colour story or a specific arrangement of colours, you own it. ND can actually enforce it's intellectual property rights against AlterEgo, it just chooses not to. Also, the fear of enforcement of these legal rights is one of other reasons why 'companies/brands' like AlterEgo stay in the shadows/have sketchy operations instead of establishing themselves as full fledged legal entities that can sue and be sued.
I hate copycat brands! Makes me feel gross to even think of buying from a brand that ripped off someone else's hard work, especially so blatantly like alter ego.
Wow. This is exactly what i was looking for. Thank you for comparing. I'm going to try the alter ego one! and if I like the formula, I'll buy them all. 💞
To speak of my experience with Alter Ego, I bought the Temptress palette thinking that the ABH Sultry would never come back (I missed the first opportunity). I loved the quality and I use it as an everyday palette for days i want to wear cool tones.
I was very happy that ABH came back with the special re-release of Sultry palette and ended up getting it anyway. But I would say that not only are these dupes a good way to get palettes that are no longer available but also are not within the price point for those who want them.
I can really tell this was your honest opinion even with you qualms on the dupe topic. Really appreciate that!
I agree that it's great for people who can't afford ND. Also, I have a few alter ego palettes for color stories that I'm only semi - interested in and would never pay the ND price for. Like I own Artemis because I was sort of curious but would have NEVER paid $129 even though I can afford it since it's not really my color story. So it's a good way to branch out without killing your budget.
Omg I am so glad you’re making this video to create this discussion. Being on the side to protect and support creativity I actually have considered almost dropping influencers who have reviewed this but your thoughtful neutral position was very interesting...and I so appreciate your thoughts. And i still love your green eye tutorial.
I think everyone should do what’s right for them. I don’t own any dupe palettes. I do like to buy the name brand, but if it’s not feasible for someone to get the name brand but they can afford the dupe I think that’s what they should do. Like you said we all buy dupes every day, we call them generics. 😉
A fair comparison between a brand that is putting in time and research for color stories and formulas, and a brand that is profiting off of their experimentation, is not a fair comparison.
Putting them at the same level to compare them elevates Alter Ego and gives them more prestige than they deserve. This is a brand built off copying -- they did not gain a following through their own formulas and color stories first. If you really love a Natasha Denona color story and cannot afford the palette, buy drugstore singles and build it yourself. Don't let these copycat brands prosper, and don't give them a platform.
The quality of these products is really good, I dont understand why they need to obviously copy existing makeup. It is so disrespectful for all the work done by the brands for creating the original pallet. They could create their own pallets with their great formula, but obviously they could not sell them for this little money because the creativity and the art needed to come out with a pallet cost a lot of money! It's like they let other brands invest money and time into creation and then simply copy. I just can't... ND is putting so much effort into costomer relations management, for exemple with the smaller pan paletts.
Thank you for your video, you are amazing as always ❤ love from France
Makeup Revolution does the same thing but seems to receive less flack for it. I find this interesting.
Makeup Revolution has been doing it for a really long time and people just got tired of talking about it. A few years ago, the conversation around MR (and NYX) was a lot more vocal.
@@electrictwilight I remember when Makeup Revolution duped absolutely everything from Too Faced and Kat Von D but maybe Alter Ego gets more clap back cuz they dupe the luxury brands? Don’t they do Pat McGrath too?
This is a great review! I was thinking of buying an alter ego palette but have never tried them yet
I think MUR tweak their dupes a little sometimes.
Just my opinion, people like myself, who can’t afford Natasha Denona, are not shopping her anyways so in my mind Alter Ego isn’t taking away a customer of hers.
The editing of this video is so good! I found myself giggling the whole way through!
I think it's funny when we think people have 'rights' over color stories or themes (Kind of like Anish Kapoor and his monopoly on Vanta Black). The original will always be the original. But nothing under the sun is new.
ND has made her name known not by color story but formula/pigmentation/textures... and how she arranges her palettes. No one can take that away from the brand. And, tbh, her formulas can be inconsistent... which I cannot tolerate at that pricepoint. I have palettes from her that I adore... and then I had a few that I would have much preferred to buy the 'dupe'.
Brands like Alter Ego have their own formula and work mainly with the color story. It's even rearranged so the creator's 'palette design' is still respected. And usually their formulas are never as good as the original.
Also, there have been times that I've bought a dupe palette and loved it so much that I went and bought the original.
There is a place in the market for both companies... making beauty accessible to all.
Morgan you MURDERED that LOOK! 🤩🤩🤩
I LOVED THIS VIDEO!! Thank you so much for your honest thoughts!!!!
Thanks for doing this. I have been wondering and I value you opinion and appreciate your very detailed reviews. Have watched some other you tuber’s comparisons, but value your opinion a bit more given your love for Natasha. Had my eye on the Sahara (Biba dupe) but it’s been sold out on their website forever. And I was a tad conflicted for the same reasons you mentioned. In the meantime, I have the Natasha glam palette on its way, since that seemed very universally loved by all. It’s my first Natasha.
I'm SUPER excited about this review!!! Not everyone can afford the real Natosha Denona palettes. I bet Natosha Denona herself wouldn't begrudge anyone who couldn't afford them the Alter Ego palettes. Thanks for doing this, Morgan! I mean it!
Thank you so much for this video! You handled all aspects of it with care and tact
I love that you made this video, knowing the formulas like you do. Thank you!
Honestly I'm not interested to get alter ego palettes. I mean I understand ND is really expensive and I probably won't be able to buy their palettes at all but I rather to save money until I can buy it cuz it's what your getting is the hole experience your buying, the formula, the packaging the brand. If just were for the colourstory I'm pretty sure I have similar colours in other palettes where I can recreate those looks... That's my humble opinion
As time progressed I have moved on to more expensive eyeshadows and I can’t go back. Natasha denona is my favorite. The gold palette is my favorite. I just love the different textured shimmers they are so special and the mattes blend so beautifully. Two years ago I couldn’t afford it and really wanted the Alter ego one but they don’t ship to my country
I am sure that Natasha Denona and Pat McGrath eye palettes are exceptional, but I am not about to drop that kind of money on an eye palette. So I am glad for myself and others that there are dupes available. That said I can see why brands are annoyed when others copy their work. The only dupe brand that appeals to me however is Alter Ego. I do have my eyes on one or two of their palettes, still thinking about it. Ultimately I would like to just build my own palette with singles from Sydney Grace then accumulate a bunch of palettes but that's just me. Nice video.
I completely agree with you Morgan! I cannot support a brand that completely steals someone else ideas, visions and art. I think many people justify Alter Ego because Natasha Denona is so expensive and to them must feel like a sort of “revenge” seeing Alter Ego steal her work. It’s like you said: if Alter Ego’s formula is so good why don’t they come out with their ideas, products and color stories? If you cannot afford Natasha Denona simply do not buy it: your life will go on no matter what i.e. I cannot afford a Gucci bag: this does not mean I am going to buy a rip-off because it want be the freaking same!!! Thank you Morgan for this video and, as an Italian, for always underlining the excellence that made in Italy products bring to the table.
Lots of love 💗
I like being able to purchase the great value products that perform like the high end brand that r quite a bit more expensive & I love makeup, especially eyeshadows so I'm glad to be able to buy the 'dupes'.
I buy Natasha Denona only because I can afford it BUT I don’t think it’s bad to have duped versions for those people who can’t afford high end cosmetics. I would surely buy less expensive stuff if I can’t afford it, even though it’s a dupe but it should be a good duped.
Cannot stand copycat brands. I think it's so incredibly wrong to make money off of someone else's hard work.
Impressively the AE looks alot more beautiful than the ND in my humble opinion!
The pallet by Natasha is a little bad at showing up on camera it’s really pretty in person on camera it looks more dull but in real life it’s way more vibrant and glowy
Thanks for your honest review, will you be creating any looks using the other two Alter Ego palettes?
Loved your editing on this one, you’re so funny! I think you made really good points on both sides of the argument but what tips the scale for me is putting myself in the shoes of the creator who is being duped. I would be so hurt if it was MY palette being copied and so I just can’t justify it!
I think I just want to throw it out there that we shouldn't really give consumers flak for not being able to afford something, and I'm uncomfortable with the sentiment of "then just don't buy it" because it feels like we're gatekeeping people from participating in the beauty world. There's a very classist tone to it which is sad considering the beauty industry's shift towards inclusivity. Inclusivity shouldn't be limited to color or gender; we need intersectional inclusivity that can help cover the entire market as much as possible. And to say that people don't need makeup...it's true but does that mean we should discourage people from treating themselves to something that makes them happy?
If we're going to tackle this, I personally think we should just focus on the brands that make this. We should discuss the ways they go about addressing the wants of the market, but not be harsh on the market itself.
I can't afford the expensive stuff , so I all for saving money on makeup especially as hard as times are now. Most ppl can't pay for rent or food, let alone makeup. Absolutely if you can afford it by all means get it. I absolutely think that it's nothing new duping makeup, clothes, shoes or any other high end product. Thanks for sharing and blessings from east tn .💗💗💗💗💗
I never tried Natasha Denona nor have I tried the dupe. I tried Pat McGrath Bronze Seduction and was so impressed that I purchased a second. After watching your video I mau try Natashas gold palette. Luv your videos.💝💝💝
Dear Morgan thank you so much for this video I thoroughly enjoyed your sincere view on the palettes 💕 Stay safe dear and keep up the good work 😊
Can we talk about how glowy and perfect your complexion is in this video?! Gorgeous 💫💫💫
I have Natasha Denona and Pat McGrath palettes but there are times like with the Metropolis palette where I’m not going to get my money’s worth because I can’t wear too much color for work. I feel like moments like that I would probably get the dupe palette. But their quality is pretty good too, I remember back then there was a similar brand called Bad Habit and they created their own palette and it was gorgeous.
I feel like this is like whether or not you'd ever buy knock-off luxury goods. No judgement on the consumer either way, but there's a world of difference in experience - whether or not it's worth the exhorbitant price tag is up to individual judgement.
As someone who's never stopped wanting an original good after buying a comparable substitute, I've learned that for me, it's less a waste of money to just not buy the knock-off even if I can't justify buying the thing I actually want.
As for the companies that do this - it's something I can understand but not something I respect.
I agree, I love my Natasha pallets but her prices are robbery 😂 and I have no issues with finding amazing dupes for those who can't spend the money on it
New camera? This quality is amazing!
I love how you handle the issue. I like to treat myself with the ND, but yes we get dupes on other stuff all the time without even knowing it! But I also knows it in my heart when I am treating myself verses buying a dupe...
I love ND.. great video and looking beautiful as always xox
Appreciate your fair and balanced perspective. I like Alter Ego, and will buy ND during Sephora spring sale.
love that you stayed neutral and honest on both ends i have only two natasha denona palettes id agree on your views about the quality and where your really spendding your money when purchasing a natasha denona palette because i have tried some eyeshadow palettes not highend where i didnt like them because my brain and expectation is already looking for the pigment and quality but it never hurts to try something out and give it a chance you may be surprised!!!!!!!
I personally don’t like dupes or dupe brands in general. When I used to buy dupes it would make me want the original product even more. I would spend more money this way by purchasing both. I just save my money and buy what I really want.
I like how you addressed the topic, and I feel similarly conflicted! I do think the target audiences for both brands are different and someone who buys an Alter Ego palette is probably not taking sales away from Natasha Denona because they wouldn’t have bought it anyway. I haven’t yet been able to justify to myself spending $129 on the big ND palettes, but I can justify the $125 for Pat McGrath! Lol
I just bought the metropolis two days ago for my birthday (with gift cards) after lusting after it for a year. Hoping you say it is worth my monies.
I can't afford a natasha denona palette. And even if I could I can't justify the price tag. But also I hate the idea of copying. Maybe it took ND a lot of hardwork to put together a specific story and a specific formula. AE took them 5 seconds to decide if they are going to copy it or no. My opinion is that I don't have to buy an exact color story to create the exact looks. There is a lot of affordable makeup brands that have unique ideas and amazing formulas that I can support (colourpop, juvia's place,...), And I'm sure that I can dupe any look created from using an ND palette with eyeshadows from any of those brands.
Btw Morgan I love you and love your videos😍😍😍😍❤️❤️❤️❤️
It’s a tricky dilemma. I do think Alter Ego is a great option for those that can’t afford the ND palettes. We can never know individual people’s circumstance and therefore we shouldn’t judge unless we understand being there.
I agree with all the points that you raised during your discussion. As with everything you pay for what you get. Therefore the dupes will never be upto the quality of the palettes that are copied.
You most certainly covered this topic with thoughtful consideration
I personally won’t buy either pallets if I can’t afford it but if I can afford buying a pallets I would go with the original creator many people think it’s crazy to spend so much money on a pallet but I don’t really trust things that are made in China and I feel like they can go around so many things and just put cheaper ingredients into the pallets possibly causing future problems, I just don’t know
I would love to see a video on these dupes comparing the amount of product you receive per shade, the ingredients that are used in each pallets also a wear test and shelf life.... probably put the shadows threw rain, heat and humidity to see how they would perform and to conclude what eyeshadow pallets is worth it at the end
I've never bought a Natasha palette (mostly because of pricing and not feeling I'd use it enough to justify the price tag), but I would if I wanted a color story of hers. I wouldn't buy from Alter Ego. I think if ND came out with a color story I HAD to have for $65 in the medium size palettes, I would snatch it up immediately. The $129 not so much. Regardless, if it's truly the color story that intrigues me but I'm not stable enough financially to buy the original, maybe I would buy single shadows from an indie brand to find a few "dupes." I would never buy a whole dupe palette--it seems unfair, since ND put so much work into crafting a unique color story, palette experience, and formulation.
I don't like copy cat palettes/brands. I wonder how people genuinely don't think they're doing something wrong. Why rip off someone's idea? It doesn't matter that it's for a cheaper price, ripping off somebody's brainchild, somebody's work is never a noble thing.
Flip the situation, if a large company took an artist’s painting and copied it almost exactly then sold it for less, would that be ok? People are so quick to write this off because Natasha Denona is more expensive. She uses better factories and better ingredients. She came up with these palettes in these color stories. If these brands have a good formula they should create their own concepts
What do we know about the Alter Ego company? Do they have a spokesperson or information on their company? Who owns it? I went to their website because I was curious but there’s nothing about the company itself. It felt oddly shady to me because of that.
They used to be Bad Habit, so they've been around a while.
I just know I thought 3 palettes and not one of tr hem delivered. It really upset me. I've tried it a few times to see if I was wrong. Nope.
I am so torn here. I have to be smart with my makeup budget, but love great quality. I understand the need to purchase the more economical dupe, but, as an artisan myself I have had others copy my designs without crediting me. And I have to admit I get a little salty. Just my thoughts.
Here for the comments and damn, people got some strong opinions. Morgan you fairly discussed a reality in the makeup world. Enjoyed the video.
I agree - duping small indie brands wrong. I don't have as big of an issue with this because while I enjoy the ND color stories I'm NOT a fan of the ND formula. I don't want to buy a bunch od singles to dupe the palette myself so I'd rather buy what's available. Honestly, the fact that Alter Ego has a good formula unlike MR makes this a real conversation. If it was only similar packaging and colored chalk like MR people wouldn't be as upset. And what makes this different from any other duoe like Tacha vs Elf or Chanel vs Shein?
Agreeing with you about having the dupes in a single palette as opposed to having to search through singles or different palettes just to dupe a color story that you love, especially if you don't have much products to begin the duping process. Making something accessible to more people is the very niche of the copy cat brands. Yes, it's disagreeable to have a shade-for-shade copy of a color story but the point of the brands is to be an alternative, not to be an original. IDK like can you even sue someone for having a similar color story? Cause if yes we would've had lawsuit wars between drugstore brands decades ago.
I purchased two alter ego palettes. One was a ND palette and another one was a Huda dupe. Needless to say, I decluttered them both. I love my Natasha Denona palettes, Metropolis is my absolute favorite.
I love Alter Ego products. Three times I have gone on to buy the actual original Natasha Denona palette (Sunset, Gold, Biba). I am seriously looking at getting Metropolis after the Artemis, but I’m not a huge fan of the ND cream shadows, and most of the mattes are that formula. The thing I like about them is they let me try out the color story and see if I actually like them enough to pick up the real thing. Then I take the Alter Ego if I go traveling so my expensive palettes don’t get damaged.
Times are tough and a lot of people don't have disposable income at the moment. So I appreciate alter ego coming out with dupes for those less fortunate.
You need to try the SHEIN, Glitz Wiz palette! It's also a dupe for the ND and the shades and textures are incredibly spot on. 💚
I feel like people shouldn't treat high end and indie differently on this issue. It's never okay to copy someone else original work without consent. Duping a shade is different from duping a whole palette (whether If its the same package). For most of makeup lovers, we can find most of the shades of any new releases in our own collection. For the shades missing, we can always buy singles from indie brand. I understand it might be more expensive and doesn't make sense to dupe it. However, If we all turns to copycat, who is gonna come out with beautiful color stories for copycat to copy. I just hope most of us don't turn to copycat.
I will support ae if they can come out with their original design and color story. For the price, it can't be beat.
Still cannot justify people purchasing this kind of "copy cat brands" at all.
To me, they are more like a thief than a copy cat as there are profits involved.
(I think it will be ok for most of the people if they do copy without making money out of it)
If you are not able to afford the authentic products or genuinely do not think they worth the price, then just save up or do not buy them at all.
Ideas are priceless and people should get paid for having great and creative ideas.
Natasha Denona puts efforts to design every palette not just the formula and packaging cost you money. But people behind Alter Ego does not. That is one of the reasons why they are able to make their palettes cheaper.
When it comes to the case which you can definitely tell the idea is originated by somebody else, making money out of it is definitely stealing.
Make up products are not that necessary for most people after all. People who buy from these companies simply want to take advantage of the stealing and justify themselves ignoring (intentionally or unintentionally) the value of original ideas.
Welcome any rational comments.
I have almost every Pat McGrath palette and about 7-8 natasha denona palettes. I barely reach for my ND. Quality is good but there is a lot of inconsistency. When I need to make sure my shadow will look good, I go for my Pat Mcgrath. Easy application as well.
If AE dups the trio chrome palette, I might try it.
I have to say I don’t like companies like alter ego, this is literally plagiarism.
I also like ND’s formula and I do understand that not everyone can or want to spend as much as we do on ND, but I think they can dupe ND, without looking exactly like her palettes.
As for the formula, I’ve seen many of these videos but I can always spot the ND side very easily, and as you said it’s very dimensional and rich, as opposed to the Alter Ego ones, which is exactly why I love the ND formula. I think it’s one of the best formula on the market and I’ve had no bad experiences with her formula to date, and I own nearly all of her palettes.
Your eye look is so bomb! 👏🏾🔥💣
I’m allergic to Natasha Denona shadows which breaks my heart honestly. Maybe I should try AE. I am curious though, isn’t there a big risk of being sued by ND ?
Thanks for doing an honest, NOT SPONSORED, comparison. Also, ND and other luxury brands make a massive profit margin off their products.