Skip to main content
Emma Stone at the Annual Actor Awards event.
Salma Hayek in a lavender gown at the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony.
Collagen-boosting superfoods for glowing summer skin.

Beauty

We Found A Dupe For MAC's Bare Study Paint Pot & It's $12 Cheaper

June 26, 2013 by Katelyn Holland
shefinds | Beauty
house unit img
Women Are Swapping Their Boring Water For This Ice Pop Electrolyte Mix!

I bought the MAC Bare Study Paint Pot ($18.50) because it’s a staple for any makeup collection. The beige cream shadow has a soft, pearly finish that works for nearly every skin tone. It instantly makes your eyes look brighter and more awake. It works as a great primer for eyeshadow, but on days I’m feeling lazy, I usually wear it by itself. If I only got to pick 5 makeup products to use for the rest of my life, Bare Study would definitely make the list.

If you are looking for a dupe for MAC’s Bare Study, I suggest the Maybelline Color Tattoo ($5.94) in the shade Barely Branded. I picked it up at the drugstore because I was drawn to the color, and when I opened it up, I realized it looked identical to Bare Study (which is probably why I liked it so much). The Maybelline Color Tattoo is also a cream shadow with a light-reflecting, pearl finish. The major difference between the 2 products is the texture: Barely Branded is much thicker and has a heavier application. It has more of a color payoff, which is a plus or a minus depending on the look you want to achieve. Bare Study also has gold undertones, while Barely Branded is more pink.

Image from SHEfindsImage from SHEfinds

I’ve had both these products for a few months, and I think it’s worth noting that the texture of Bare Study is as creamy and soft as it was the day I opened it. Barely Branded, on the other hand, has gotten a little clumpy.

Image from SHEfinds

Mayebelline Color Tattoo in Barely Branded (left); MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study (right)

I prefer MAC’s Bare Study because it’s lighter and more subtle, but it really depends on your personally preference and skin type. I find that Bare Study doesn’t have to blended in as much and gives a light wash of color, which I prefer. My sister likes Barely Branded better because she has oily eyelids and finds that Bare Study creases on her. Have you tried out these 2 products? Which one is your favorite?

For more beauty, don’t forget to check out butter LONDON’s neon nail polishes for fall,  Avon’s Mega Effects Mascara and the dupe for Benefit’s Hoola bronzer.

Author:

Woman applying concealer for a flawless makeup finish.
Common beauty habits causing skin inflammation revealed.
Older woman performing a skincare routine for healthy skin.
Enjoying spearmint tea for potential skin benefits.
Hair mistakes that could be aging you, according to stylists.
Anti-aging skincare tips from Arielle Lorre and Dr. Youn.
Foundations for mature skin to minimize fine lines.
Trendy butterfly haircut showcased on Instagram.
Fresh haircut styles women are choosing for a modern look.
Pouring shampoo into hand for application.
Everyday habits speeding up collagen breakdown explained.
Shutterstock image showcasing beauty and skincare trends.
Best summer scents and fragrances of 2026 curated by editors.
Makeup tips from Nikol Johnson for a polished look.
Common skincare mistakes for women over 40.
Hairstyles that subtly lift and distract from jowls.
Pouring vitamin D into palm for health.
Hailey Bieber's haircuts for thicker fine hair.
Chiffon nails designed by Instagram user @iramshelton.
Doctor discussing treatment for vertical lip lines.
Image from SHEfinds