27 Fabulous Beauty Drugstore Finds for Women of Color
Ever since we were teens, we would love going to the local Walgreens, CVS, Target, and other drugstores and discount stores for inexpensive yet amazing beauty products
Photo: Unsplash/@kimberly123
Ever since we were teens, we would love going to the local Walgreens, CVS, Target, and other drugstores and discount stores for inexpensive yet amazing beauty products. We would load up on the trendiest lipsticks, nourishing hair products, blushes to give our face some pop, eyeshadows in all sorts of fun colors, and more. And don’t get me wrong, we still love the feeling of getting great cosmetics and beauty items at an equally great price.
So, while you may see a ton of articles about luxurious and splurge-worthy makeup, hair and beauty products, we wanna’ make it a point to shout out those affordable must-haves. Get ready, we’re sharing a whopping 27 amazing drugstore buys that just happen to also be super affordable.
wp_*postsCOVERGIRL Queen Natural Hue Collection Mineral Bronzer
We don’t need to say it, but we will—there is a lack of beauty products for women with darker skin. That’s why we rejoice when we see amazing collections like COVERGIRL’s Queen Collection (created by Queen Latifah) hit the stores. One of their standout faves is their mineral bronzer; although it looks like the collection has been discontinued, this product (and others) appear to be back.
“Best bronzer for darker skin hands down!! It last all day. It gives my face the perfect bronze that I need without being too dark. It is buildable coverage. The only thing that is I dislike and it’s not a reflection on the product is the fact that I can’t find this in any stores, you have to order it online. But I highly recommend this for my brown skin beauties out there!!,” said one review on Walmart.
COVERGIRL Queen Natural Hue Collection Mineral Bronzer, $20.66, walmart.com
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Juvia’s Place The Saharan Vol. I Blush Palette
Why have one great blush when you can have several? This is definitely the case with Juvia’s Place’s The Saharan Vol. I Blush Palette. You get a variety of beautiful, pigmented colors that really pop.
“The orange blush looks great on really deep skin tones and the darker shade is an amazing contour shade for deep skin tones. Worth every penny!,” an Ulta review said.
Juvia’s Place The Saharan Vol. I Blush Palette, $18, ulta.com
wp_*postsColoured Raine Glowlighter
https://www.instagram.com/p/B0Gxk6PnySR/
Coloured Raine is a beauty brand created for women of color and available at Target. The entire line looks great, but we wanted to shout out their fabulous Glowlighter highlighter, which comes in four fabulous colors.
“I have really enjoyed using the Coloured Raine glow lighter every morning. The Selfie color looks so pretty and natural on my fair skin. I used a cheek brush to apply the glow lighter and a little bit of product goes a long way. Selfie adds sparkle and shine to my face without looking over-done. Once applied, the shine lasts all day. I love that Coloured Raine products are vegan and made in the U.S. I look forward to trying other Coloured Raine products soon,” a Target review said.
Coloured Raine Glowlighter, $19.99, target.com
wp_*postsReina Rebelde Bold Lip Color Stick
We’ve written before about how rad Latina-owned beauty brand Reina Rebelde is. So it’s no surprise that their Bold Lip Color Stick, now available at Target, made this drugstore beauty shopping list. It’s a vegan and cruelty-free formula, that won’t feather or bleed, and comes in rich shades with Latinx names like Brava and Rosa Salvaje.
“These lipsticks are EVERYTHING! I’ve been using this brand for a while and I’m so excited to see them now at Target. I just got my Brava lipstick today and it’s by far one of the best reds. It’s so pigmented, long-wearing, satiny and non-drying. I also love the Xicana color. I highly recommend these Bold Lip Color Sticks,” a Target review said.
Reina Rebelde Bold Lip Color Stick, $12.99-$13.99, target.com
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NYX Cosmetics Candy Slick Glowy Lip Color in Jawbreaker
NYX is always coming through with the dizzying array of beautiful, wearable lip colors. Jawbreaker is a fun, glossy red, for those who don’t want to go super serious. Added bonus? It smells super sweet. This beauty product needs to go in your shopping cart ASAP.
“A delight to wear in color and comfort. NYX offers a wide variety of shades from the shy spring to the springy dingy! Really cute newly designed look for the lip color tubes so we can spot them quickly in the bottom of our show off spring bags!,” an Ulta review said.
NYX Cosmetics Lipstick in Jawbreaker, $4.55, Available at nyxcosmetics.com
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Milani Cosmetics Baked Blush, in Luminoso
Not all top blushes have to be on the pricey side. Just take Milani’s Baked Blush for example–it retails for under $8. There are four colors to choose from, but a favorite is the warm Luminoso.
“I decided to try this because I had heard wonderful things about it and that Luminoso is a dupe for NARS Orgasm. It is beautifully pigmented and would be pretty on any skin tone. I own the NARS, and I would say that Luminoso is a bit more peachy. I actually like it more! (And if you’ve looked at the price tag on the NARS, it is definitely worth a try!) It doesn’t take much to get the look you’re going for, but at the same time, it’s not a blush that is so heavily pigmented that it’s easy to go heavy handed. Very nice, and the price is unbeatable,” an Ulta review said.
Milani Cosmetics Baked Blush, in Luminoso, $8, ulta.com
wp_*postsViolet Voss Best Life Eyeshadow & Glitter Palette
Violet Voss is another dope WOC makeup brand available at Target, and Sephora. Their beauty products look so amazing, and you’ll have trouble deciding which of their palettes you’ll want to snatch up first. A good place to start is the Best Life Eyeshadow & Glitter Palette, a great balance of warm and cool colors, neutrals and pops of color, as well as various finishes.
“Oh wow is all I can say about this palette. The mattes are buttery smooth, creamy, highly pigmented, the shimmers are blinding! The glitter shadows apply effortlessly and I am no fan of glitters! This is by far their best palette in months. I have all of VV palettes and this one is a keeper for sure!! The quality is that of palettes far pricier, and am very happy with my purchase. The shades are perfect for summer and beyond!,” one Sephora review said.
Violet Voss Best Life Eyeshadow & Glitter Palette, $49, sephora.com
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Maybelline Fit Me! Matte + Poreless Foundation
https://www.instagram.com/p/BxiKE0pBkUD/
With over 3,000 Amazon reviews, and several beauty writers calling this a must-have, Maybelline’s Fit Me! Matte + Poreless Foundation is a beauty product you need to invest in now. The oil-free formulation offers medium coverage while refining the pores, and is available in over 40 fabulous shades.
“This is one of the most natural-looking foundations I’ve owned. I usually have trouble finding a good match because I have olive tones but this one is darn close to my natural color. I love to wear it with a setting powder and brows for a natural, minimalist look. It gives me light coverage on my undereye circles and generally evens out my skin. It’s also easy to layer other products over it and it blends out beautifully with fingers or a sponge. I would say it’s light to medium coverage. I bought the color 228 Soft Tan,” an Amazon review said.
Maybelline Fit Me! Matte + Poreless Foundation, $6, amazon.com
wp_*postsColoured Raine Satin Lipstick in Empathy
https://www.instagram.com/p/BzTSFG7n0GR/
Another Coloured Raine product we can’t wait to check out is their Satin Lipstick in Empathy. It’s a beautiful peachy-nude color that will look great on a variety of skin tones.
“The perfect nude lipstick! This is my all-time favorite nude lipstick. I always get compliments when I wear it,” a Coloured Raine review said.
Coloured Raine Satin Lipstick in Empathy, $17, colouredraine.com
wp_*postsCOVERGIRL Queen Collection CC + Care Cream
We found another fab COVERGIRL product from the Queen Collection. Its CC + Care Cream is one of those beauty products that do double duty. It helps even out your skin tone, while also providing natural, lightweight coverage.
“I absolutely love this cc cream for an everyday look. It’s very lightweight, does not clog my pores and easy to remove. I love that it is oil-free, I use a primer underneath and the queen collection mattifying pressed powder makes my flawless all day. Thank you CoverGirl!,” wrote on Walmart reviewer.
COVERGIRL Queen Collection CC + Care Cream, $6.82, walmart.com
wp_*postsJuvia’s Place The Warrior Eyeshadow Palette
Juvia’s Place is another WOC brand that makes the best palettes and beauty products ever. One that we had to recommend in this roundup is their The Warrior Eyeshadow Palette. It is made up of nine beautiful warm colors that you’ll definitely want to incorporate in your next makeup lewk.
“I have lots of different eyeshadow palettes. But this one takes the cake. It’s so universal it’s perfect. I hate traveling with big palettes but this is the only one I ever travel with. The color story is genius and the texture of the shadows are incredible. If Juvias place is doing one thing right, it’s this,” said one Ulta review.
Juvia’s Place The Warrior Eyeshadow Palette, $20, ulta.com
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Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Blush, in Toasted Cinnamon
https://www.instagram.com/p/BuuA1whgfyn/
It’s always great to find makeup that works great and is also natural. Burt’s Bees has a celebrated 100% Natural Blush that also contains Vitamin E. Their Toasted Cinnamon is a “tawny brown ideal for tan or dark skin tones.”
“Love this blush!! Was weary at first because of the kickback on the pan~ but something about it is just Perfection! It blends effortlessly on top of my foundation and smooths out my skin too. It’s not a matte blush and does have a sheen…but nothing insane. Perfect sun-kissed glow,” said an Ulta review.
Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Blush, in Toasted Cinnamon, $10, ulta.com
wp_*postsCamile Rose Naturals Curls Maker
Of course, we weren’t going to leave out some of the amazing hair products you can get at local stores for a great price. Our Deputy Editor, Johanna, has sung high praises for the Camile Rose Naturals’ Curls Maker, a marshmallow and agave leaf extract curling jelly that hydrates the hair, defines curl, and eliminates frizz.
“Camille Rose is my favorite natural hair care product line. Long-lasting, good smelling, organic, natural, and my 4c hair LOVES it,” said on Target review.
Camile Rose Naturals Curls Maker, $21.99, target.com
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L’Oréal True Match Liquid Foundation
https://www.instagram.com/p/BxSs8ngDMMN/
L’Oréal True Match Super-Blendable Foundation Makeup is another drugstore-priced beauty product that works like magic. You would think it was a luxurious beauty product. There are a whopping 45 shades to choose from, and the blendable, moisturizing formula has made a fan of thousands of reviewers.
“I use the product on average every day. I wear it to work, on dates, and for photoshoots. I love true match for many many reasons but here are just a few: Whether I’m tanned due to our hot summers or lighter during the winter. I have a shade that fits my skin tone perfectly(soft Sable winter, nut-brown summer). Another reason why I love this product is its blend-ability. I apply it with a blush brush (I love the area of the brush), and when I blend it in its so smooth and leaves a barely-there appearance for a more natural look. This is the ONLY foundation I use!,” reads one Ulta review.
L’Oréal True Match Super-Blendable Foundation Makeup, $11, ulta.com
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Revlon Lipstick in Cherries in the Snow
A lot of the most fabulous red lipsticks are classic hits that have been making women glam for decades. That’s the case with Revlon’s Cherries in the Snow, which debuted in 1953. The red shade is fun and different, as it has more of a pink/berry/fuschia/magenta color to it. It’ll have you looking like a timeless beauty.
“I love this brand, their lipsticks are amazing. They consist of great colors as well as being long last and has always been one of my favorites,” reads one Walgreens review.
Revlon Lipstick in Cherries in the Snow, prices vary, Available at Revlon.com
wp_*postsViolet Voss Hashtag PRO Eyeshadow Palette
Remember when we told you that Violet Voss has some amazing, need-that-right-now palettes? Well, we have another great one to recommend. Their Hashtag Palette features 20 beautiful warm/cranberry colors that will help you create endless eye looks.
“I have them all. Sephora Pro, Natasha Denona, urban decay, Kat von D. You name it. I’ve bought it, but this palette whoops their asparagus! The golds are incredible! Every color works well, blends well. This line is awesome. Holy grail is next on my list, when it comes back in stock. Worth the money. The packaging is kind of cheap, but who cares. The shadow slay. Buy this,” reads one Sephora review.
Violet Voss Hashtag PRO Eyeshadow Palette, $45, sephora.com
wp_*postsThe Lip Bar Fresh Glow Bronzer + Blush Duo
Several of their products are available at Target, but in order to get The Lip Bar’s lauded Fresh Glow Bronzer + Blush Duo, you’ll have to go directly to their site. The two-in-one beauty wonder gives you a bronzer and a blush that together will give you a sunny glow–with natural ingredients. What more could you ask for from a beauty product?
“Texture and color is amazing and for the price, you are really getting more than what you pay for so happy!,” a The Lip Bar review said.
The Lip Bar Fresh Glow Bronzer + Blush Duo, $20, thelipbar.com
wp_*postsNYX Professional Makeup Sweet Cheeks Blush Palette
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bk3HVQhhB4L/
NYX’s Sweet Cheeks Blush Palette features eight highly-pigments shades “that flawlessly suit any skin tone.” And it’s only $20. We’re not joking.
“I needed a palette so I was not lugging around a ton of single blushes! This one works wonderfully I like to choose a blush color to compliment my eyes and lips instead of always using the same old color. These blushes are great quality as with all other NYX blushes I’ve used. Super pigmented, smooth texture, and impeccable blend-ability,” one NYX Cosmetics review said.
NYX Professional Makeup Sweet Cheeks Blush Palette, $20, nyxcosmetics.com
wp_*postsThe Lip Bar Straight No Chaser Lipliner
One of The Lip Bar’s best sellers that we can’t wait to check out is their Straight No Chaser lipliner. Made with nourishing jojoba oil and aloe vera, the deep, matte purple color will look great with so many different lipsticks, making it a great buy (for only $10!). We need this beauty product in our arsenal now.
The Lip Bar review said, “By far one of the best lip liners. Goes on smooth and lasts all day!”
The Lip Bar Straight No Chaser Lipliner, $10, thelipbar.com
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NYX Professional Makeup High Definition Blush, in Taupe
If you want a bit of color on your cheeks, but nothing too warm or too cool, or with an obvious color (especially when you are wearing neutral colors on your eyes and/or lips), NYX’s Taupe blush could be your go-to. The best-selling product comes in a variety of shades and also wins for an amazing price of less than $7.
“I bought Taupe as a backup/dupe for a discontinued product in my collection, and it is exactly the same! Good crease shade and contour for fair, neutral-cool skin like my own. A lot of contour shades on the market today are one-size-fits-all, medium warm tan colors that will not work for everyone. I know this is listed as a blush but you can use it anywhere, haha. So glad I got this. Blends out nicely, and you only have to tap your brush in the pan once or twice to get plenty of pigment,” said one NYX review.
NYX Professional Makeup High Definition Blush, in Taupe, $7, nyxcosmetics.com
wp_*postsSheaMoisture Gotu Kola & Red Raspberry Oil Pre-Swim Leave-In Protection
It’s summer, which means you’ll probably make it to the beach and/or take a dip in the pool, so you’ll definitely want to protect that luscious hair of yours. That’s why we are recommending SheaMoisture’s Gotu Kola & Red Raspberry Oil Pre-Swim Leave-In Protection, which comes with a UV absorber.
“I was hesitant to buy this just because it felt a little extra and I assumed it wouldn’t be much different from my daily leave-in conditioners. Wrong! This stuff is super thick and made my hair feel amazing even after a swim. I really hope it makes its way to Ulta and other retailers soon because this is a must-have!,” said one Amazon reviewer.
SheaMoisture Gotu Kola & Red Raspberry Oil Pre-Swim Leave-In Protection, $10.97, walmart.com
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Rimmel by Kate in 01
When supermodel Kate Moss collaborated with cosmetics brand Rimmel London, a lot of great lipsticks were created. One of these is 001, a boldly-colored lipstick, with a creamy finish which makes it a very wearable red.
“Saw this on another site with pictures of different people with this brand/color on their lips, every single person looked great in this color so I thought I’d give this one a shot. If you’re looking for a nice shade of red this won’t disappoint and looks good on different skin tones. I like the color. My only slight gripe is it could be a little more moisturizing. It’s not dry but I like my lipstick super moist so I added a little balm with it. Other than that, good brand/good color,” reads an Amazon reviews.
Rimmel London Lasting Lipstick by Kate Lipstick in 001, $5.21, Available at amazon.com
wp_*postsMakeup Geek Beautifully Bare Face Palette
Makeup Geek has a new Beautifully Bare Face Palette, that includes a highlighter, a blush, and a bronzer. Even better, it’s available in three different shades–light, medium, and deep–so everyone can get that glow.
Makeup Geek Beautifully Bare Face Palette, $24.99, makeupgeek.com
wp_*postsBlack Opal True Color Perfecting Stick Foundation
It’s hard enough finding a great stick foundation but it’s even harder to find one that works for deeper skin tones. Thankfully, Black Opal’s best-selling True Color Matching Stick Foundation comes in 16 beautiful colors, from Kalahari Sand to Ebony Brown. S/O to beauty products that are inclusive!
“I love this product along with your concealer. These products help mimic a flawless complexion without the “cakey” look and it doesn’t clog my pores. I get compliments all the time now that switched from MAC cosmetics to Black Opal cosmetics. Thank you so much for creating this product and keep up the good work,” writes one reviewer on Black Opal.
Black Opal True Color Matching Stick Foundation, $1o, blackopalbeauty.com
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Pixi by Petra Sheer Cheek Tint, in Natural
Sometimes you want your blush to look, well, natural. Pixi by Petra’s Sheer Cheek Gel just so happens to have a fabulous color by the same name. This blush pops up on several lists of the best drugstore blushes out there.
“I am in love with this Pixi Gel Blush! It lasts all day and it comes in such beautiful colors. I definitely need to try more of the colors,” reads one Target review.
Pixi by Petra Sheer Cheek Tint, in Natural, $21, target.com
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Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer
https://www.instagram.com/p/BxDibIagf3U/
Don’t be surprised that there are multiple Maybelline products on this roundup of drugstore must-haves. Come on, they’ve been making timeless beauty products for over a century. Lately, we’re obsessed with their amazing Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer. With almost 5,000 Amazon reviews, it’s safe to say that the product works at lessening dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines.
“I am a makeup snob. I have stupidly high standards for cosmetic performance, and drugstore brands have let me down every single time I’ve given them a shot. So when I graduated from Covergirl to Sephora after college, I never looked back. My kit is full of Dior and YSL foundation, Armani concealer, Benefit brighteners, etc,” reads one Amazon review.
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer, $7, amazon.com
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Becca Cosmetics Shimmering Skin Perfector Luminous Blush, in Blushed Copper
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvzsYj0l_vF/
Another blush that appears on best-blushes lists is Becca Cosmetics’ Shimmering Skin Perfector Luminous Blush. Their Blushed Copper color looks so pretty, natural, and summery on different skin tones.
“I’ve read the reviews and don’t see any on the blushed copper shade. I purchased this a while ago and I love it so much! I am a medium complexion. All I do is lightly tap my brush into the pan and sweep it across my cheeks, a little goes a long way. It looks intimidating and dark in the picture but it’s a beautiful peachy/bronze color! It’s a perfect everyday summer blush especially when you have a little tan going on,” reads one Ulta review.
Becca Cosmetics Shimmering Skin Perfector Luminous Blush, in Blushed Copper, $34, ulta.com
