I’m a sucker for tossing in that last minute nail polish at the drugstore. I get what I need and then I start wandering down the beauty aisle and all of a sudden my basket is filled to the brim. And with the options at CVS Pharmacy getting better and better, it just gets more tempting every time I go. Did you know they have some amazing European brands, a great selection of natural products, and some that are exclusive to CVS? They also have made some in-store enhancements that have really improved the shopping experience. It’s no longer just a place to pick up prescriptions, it’s my go-to for drugstore beauty. After many drugstore beauty hauls, I’ve narrowed down my selection to some go-to products I always snag at my local CVS. A mix of makeup, skin care, and more all make the list.
1. St. Ives Apricot Scrub
I’ve always been a huge fan of St. Ives products. Their Apricot Scrub is a classic that I always have in stock. The smell is amazing, and the texture exfoliates my skin just right.
2. Covergirl Lashblast Mascara
I’ve been using this stuff since high school. Literally. It’s my favorite mascara for a more natural look. It keeps your lashes delicate and long, without clumping or looking too dramatic. It’s great for everyday or even to wear to the gym or the beach when you want to look like you’re not wearing anything!
3. Essie Nail Color
I was SO happy when CVS Pharmacy started carrying Essie a few years ago. It’s my favorite nail brand by far! My go to colors are Blanc, Meet Me at Sunset, and High Class Affair (featured here).
4. Milani Prep + Set + Go Transparent Face Powder
You all know my love for a good transparent face powder. It’s the perfect way to set your foundation or to decrease shine throughout the day. After finding this affordable and effective option at CVS, I won’t be going back to the pricey alternatives!
5. Beauty 360 Deep Cleansing Charcoal Pore Strips
I love a good pore strip every few weeks to get a good deep clean, and these charcoal ones are my absolute favorite! Beauty 360 is actually a brand exclusive to CVS and it’s one of my go-tos for brushes, makeup remover, and these pore strips.
6. L’Oréal Infallible Pro Matte Gloss
I can’t even describe to you how good this stuff is. It applies like a gloss and dries like a matte lipstick. It’s super saturated like a lipstick, but easier to apply like a gloss. I can’t get enough! I’ve been using the “Bare Attraction” shade for that perfect nude pink.
7. L’Oréal Voluminous Liner Noir
It can be tricky to find a good liquid liner that’s easy to apply. L’Oréal Voluminous Liner Noir has the perfect brush that’s sturdy yet flexible. The product glides on easily, making it a breeze to create that perfect cat eye.
Do you have any favorite drugstore beauty products? Please share!!
// Thank you to CVS Pharmacy for sponsoring this post. All opinions are of course my own.
L♥ebe was ist Says
great selection Amanda!
I love Essie nail poshies too :)
with the cooler weather during winter here in europe my go to is “Chocolate Cakes”, a lovely dark, dark red!
❤ Tina
Rebecca Says
I love the St Ives scrub. I have the face one and I will always buy this scrub over any other one!
Petra Says
I like your tips of affordable drugstore brands – thanks! I also need that rug – where is it from? I think you’ve mentioned it but I forgot…
Sarah Says
I have the covergirl lashblast mascara sitting in my makeup draw unopened (I have a few mascaras opened already). I’m hoping I enjoy it as much as you do. I find the Essie Nail Polishes chip very quickly. Which is such a shame since they have a large and beautiful range. I wouldn’t mind as much if they weren’t so expensive here. Thankyou for sharing. Always love a bargain product that works well.
Sarah’s Abode -xx
Phyllis Says
Wow! The products identified are new to me like the Transparent Powder, the L’Oreal Voluminous Eye Liner, and the Beauty 360 Deep Cleansing pads! Thank you for providing this information!
With the large volume of products on the market, this blog is so helpful! I absolutwly love Essie nail polishes but will be looking into the Color Therapy polishes soon.
Katelyn Says
This article is really helpful! Thank you! As a cosmetologist, I truly appreciate the tips on finding the hidden gems in drugstore brands. I’ll definitely be trying the Milani Prep + Set + Go Transparent Face Powder soon. If you were wondering what brands have the best contour and blush sets, you should check out Simple Beauty’s post. It really correlates well with this post!
Katelyn Says
Here is the url if you’re interested: https://simplebeautynyc.wordpress.com/2017/03/23/splurge-or-save-blush-bronzer-highlighter/#more-417