Every year Allure publishes a list of their readers’ absolute favourite beauty products. Here are some of the drugstore products that made the cut!
Lipstick
L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick in Mica
This shimmery formula looks dark in the tube, but it softens to a gentle plum on lips.
Lip Gloss
Cover Girl WetSlicks Fruit Spritzers in Guava Splash
A super-shiny formula in a baby pink hue that looks almost good enough to eat—and the flavor is even sweeter.
Blush
Cover Girl Cheekers Blush in Natural Twinkle
The year-after-year favorite has just a hint of shimmer for a natural tawny flush.
Eye Shadow
Revlon ColorStay 12 Hour Eyeshadow Quad in Coffee Bean
The four easily blendable shades, ranging from cappuccino to espresso, have the eye-brightening effect of a venti latte (with a few extra shots).
Eyeliner
Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner in Black
This 16-hour eyeliner takes its cue from the 18-hour bra—it was made for endless nights.
Mascara
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara
Every 1.6 seconds, a tube of this classic mascara is sold. And with good reason.
Concealer
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector
Use the highlighter end of this double-sided wand to illuminate dark circles, then flip to the thicker concealer to mask blemishes.
Foundation
L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Makeup
Find a shade close to your skin tone and the formula adjusts to match it. Plus, the lightweight texture resists settling into fine lines and pores.
Body Scrub
Neutrogena Body Clear Body Scrub
Loaded with salicylic acid, this foaming exfoliator battles pimples everywhere but the face.
Body Lotion
Olay Quench Body Lotion
The formula gradually builds up moisture levels in the skin so that the more you use it, the less you’ll need it. Plus, it’s slightly (and tastefully) iridescent.
Self-Tanner
Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer
The first gradual self-tanner on the market (in 2005), its three formulas—fair, medium, and medium/tan
—still blow away the competition, depositing a small amount of color that builds up each time you apply.
Facial Scrub
St. Ives Apricot Scrub Blemish & Blackhead Control
Two percent salicylic acid eradicates blackheads; grainy exfoliants slough off dead skin.
Anti-Aging Product
Olay Regenerist Microsculpting Cream
This thick whip is the culmination of more than 50 years of research—and its firmness effects (though subtle) confirm it. Rich in peptides, it builds collagen in the skin for a tighter, more lifted look.
Facial Moisturizer
Olay Regenerist Microsculpting Cream
A winner in two categories, this heavy-duty cream really takes home the gold. It drenches skin with hydrating powerhouses sodium hyaluronate and glycerin.
Shampoo
John Frieda Collection Shampoo in Sheer Blonde, Brilliant Brunette, and Radiant Red
Each tube is packed with light reflectors—and the three formulas guarantee that no woman is left behind.
Conditioner
Pantene Pro-V Always Smooth Conditioner
The creamy yet lightweight formula is the Old Faithful of the drugstore for a reason.
Defrizzer
John Frieda Collection Frizz- Ease Hair Serum Original Formula
Packed with silk proteins, this beloved serum glides over damp hair for a smooth, glossy finish when hair dries.
Home Hair Colour
Tie: Clairol Natural Instincts and L’Oréal Paris Féria
The 36 shades of Clairol are ammonia-free, last through 28 washes, and—shocker!—promise healthier hair with repeated use. It comes with a hair gloss that creates a more intense gleam.
In one step, each of the 41 shades in this L’Oréal collection mimics the way a professional colorist works by depositing a blend of multiple tones—which means no one has to know that your color came from a box.
Natural-Looking Polish
Sally Hansen No Chip 10 Day Nail Color in Infinite Natural
The Energizer Bunny of nail polish, this pinky nude truly stays chip-free for ten days.
New Fragrance
Tie: Intimately Beckham Women and L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani
This mix of vanilla, sandalwood, and orange blossom is a best-seller—and proves that the Beckhams truly have taken over the world.
Violet leaves, peach skin, and sweet pea—if it isn’t innovative, it isn’t Gwen Stefani.
Men’s Fragrance
Old Spice
Old Spice’s potent blend of anise, citrus, and vanilla has been making men smell like he-men since 1938. Even Jackie Moon is a fan (at least of the deodorant).
The mineral makeup craze has proven that it has staying-power! This trend isn’t going anywhere for a long, long time. Last year the cosmetic industry jumped on the band wagon and mass produced mineral makeup products at every price point. Mineral makeup had existed for years in the prestige market, but for the first time, were finally being offered at more affordable prices.
