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As a beauty industry expert of over 10 years, the drugstore is my bread and butter when it comes to shopping for beauty products. I specifically stock up on affordable finds at CVS that consistently outperform products that cost triple the price. Between the affordable prices, reputable brands and weekly beauty offers, it’s a treasure trove of goodies for beauty gurus like me.
Not only does the retailer carry some of the best affordable brands in the business, but it doubles as a place to grab everyday essentials on the same trip (at heavily discounted prices, might I add). As someone who tests beauty products for a living, these are the CVS finds I keep on rotation.
Affordable Beauty Staples I Always Restock at CVS
1. Customizable Skin Tint: What I love about this under-$20 skin tint from Maybelline is its versatility. Layer it on for a more full glam moment, or sheer it out with just a few drops.
2. Sun-Kissed Glow: If a bronzer can warm up your complexion without turning you orange, it’s a winner in my book. This super blendable pick from Physician’s Choice does just that.
3. Baked Blush Staple: Milani baked blush formula never appears chalky, and it instantly enhances the texture of your skin — all for just $13! Plus, there are eight gorgeous shades to choose from.
4. Hydrating Facial Spray: My dry skin drinks this glycerin-infused spray right up. Great for throwing in your gym bag, beach tote or car for on-the-go hydration!
5. Gentle Face Wash: Sensitive skin, rejoice! La Roche Posay’s creamy cleanser removes makeup, oil and grime, prepping it for whatever skincare you put on top.
6. Dazzle and Glow: Highlight powders are a quick way to add luminosity to your complexion. This incredibly soft formula has a silky texture that melts in for a second-skin finish.
7. Under-$6 Concealer: I’m a huge fan of the brush-tip applicator on this lightweight concealer — it allows the product to go on evenly without running the risk of over-application.
8. Tint-Highlighter Hybrid: On days I’m feeling extra dry, this luminous skin tint is what I reach for — it has coverage, gives my skin a dew and can even be applied to just the tops of the cheekbones for a natural-looking highlight.
9. Frizz Tamer: Right out of the shower, this frizz-defying spray gets spritzed in my hair. The result: soft, shiny and smooth strands no matter what style I go for.
10. Va Va Volume: Red carpet hair, but make it drugstore. For a hairspray that locks in my style without the crunch, this volume-boosting formula is it.
11. Makeup Remover: This micellar water has served as my first step of a double cleansing routine for decades. The reason? It doesn’t dry my skin out.
12. Plumping Moisturizer: What hydrates deeply, looks good under makeup and protects from harsh UV rays? This $14 moisturizer.
13. Acne Saviors: I like these invisible pimple patches because they’re discreet, gentle and absorb acne-causing gunk overnight.
