A woman went viral on TikTok after issuing a public service announcement claiming that Dollar Tree sells name-brand makeup—just not in traditional packaging.
While user Tiffany (@tiffanytonimua) regularly posts hacks at the value chain, she claims in this clip that name brands like L’Oreal Paris are secretly sold there. She records the makeup section, pointing out a brand of lipgloss.
“Whenever you see packaging like this, just plain black and white, pay attention because it’s actually a name-brand product,” Tiffany says as she flips the lipgloss to the side, revealing its brand which is L’Oreal Paris. She then shows that the lipgloss is regularly priced at $12.99, while it is priced at Dollar Tree for $1.25.
Tiffany reinforces this hack in the caption, writing, “Dollar Tree tip! For those who don’t know. Check those black and white packaged products.”
@tiffanytonimua Dollar Tree tip! For those who don’t know. Check those black and white packaged products. They’re actually name brands #fyp #makeuphacks #dollartree #dollartreehacks #loreal #lorealparis #makeuptrick #makeuptricks #makeuplovers #makeuplover #freemakeup #freemakeuphacks #viralmakeup #blackfriday #blackfridaydeals ♬ original sound – TiffanyTonMUA
The video racked up over 510,000 views as of Tuesday where viewers shared the makeup products they’ve discovered at Dollar Tree.
“I’ve bought Elf at Dollar Tree,” one viewer shared.
“I get elf,covergirl, Milano, nyx, la girl(some there makeup real good) and L’Oréal at my dollar tree,” a second said.
“Currently my DT has Milani, NYX, L’Oréal, and even Maybelline rn. DT gets dead stock from stores so check surrounding DTs too if yours has nothing,” a third claimed.
Some revealed other beauty products they recommend from Dollar Tree.
“THAT SHIMMER CONCEALER IS THE BEST $1 EVER SPENT OMG,” one praised.
“I get my eyelashes there and they’re amazing. Also the shiny ‘color corrector’ is an amazing inner eye highlighter,” a second stated.
“i bought the most amazing lashes at dollar tree one time so ik you’re telling the truth,” a third said.
However, others were more hesitant about the tip, speculating reasons as to why Dollar Tree may be selling name-brand products.
“I never knew this. Why is it given to the dollar store to sell? Close to expiration?” one person asked.
“Just be careful when buying these. there’s a good chance they’re expired. likely won’t harm you but be cautious anyways,” a second advised.
“Usually a color goof on a huge batch that they can’t save,” a third commented.
The Daily Dot reached out to Tiffany for comment via email and TikTok comment.
Update 3:27pm CT November 23: In an email interview with the Daily Dot, Tiffany explained that she has become more active on social media after battling breast cancer for over a year, deciding to share helpful makeup and shopping tips on TikTok. She noted that Dollar Tree carries ELF, Cargo, Maybelline, NYX, L’oreal, and Hard Candy makeup products, among others.
“I discovered the hack when I noticed a very recognizable product by NYX (Matte Lip Cream) in the generic packaging. I recognized the bottle immediately! This was a year ago,” she said. “Ever since then, I always look for those generic packaged products, and sure enough, the day I was recording, they had L’oreal. Since I am becoming more active on social media again, after battling breast cancer the last year and half, I decided to record this “tip”.
As a professional makeup artist of over 11 years and self-described “avid discount queen,” Tiffany says she regularly uses products from well-known brands she’s found at Dollar Tree.
“I use these products on myself all the time and I have never experienced any issues,” she wrote. “This is an excellent way for anyone who wants to be a baddie on a budget, build their personal makeup collection, or build their pro makeup kits without breaking the bank.”
She also addressed some concerns viewers expressed in the comments. To her knowledge, the products are not expired and have no abnormalities.
“The products are not expired, they have no abnormal smell, and the color payoff is excellent!” she said. “If I put the products next to the same one purchased at a drugstore or online, you literally wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. The products at the Dollar Tree perform wonderfully for only a fraction of the cost.”
