Summer Beauty doesn’t have to cost a pretty penny! We scoured the shelves of our local drugstores and mass market stores like Walmart and Walgreens for budget beauty finds to keep you shining all summer long.
Nails
Sally Hansen Crackle. Everyone’s doing it! The crackled, edgy look has become the new staple of nail art. It takes some practice but at $6.99 each, these polishes make experimentation fun. If you’re in a rush and don’t have time to wait for nails to dry, try Sally’s Salon Effects. Just peel and stick these nail polish strips onto nails for fingers or toes embellished with bold hues, funky patterns and metallics. The mini kits are $9 and come with 16 strips, a cuticle stick, mini file and buffer. More at sallyhansen.com.
Kiss Nail Artist 3D Tip & Toe Art Stickers. When your mood calls for nail art, check out these easy-to-apply stickers from Kiss. For just $5.29, you get 200 tiny peel-and-stick roses, hearts, stars, flowers and butterflies. More at kissusa.com.
Hair
Clairol Root Touch-up. A no mess, no fuss way to cover roots and grays, this permanent hair color comes in a range of hues and extends your color in between salon visits, $6.99. More at clairol.com.
Herbal Essences shampoos, conditioners and styling products. Offering targeted care for every hair type, Herbal Essences also comes with a sweet price tag. Try Long Term Relationship for maintaining long locks or Hello Hydration Moisturizing Shampoo Condition 2-in-1 for a surge of moisture in a one-step formula, $3.99 and up. More at herbalessences.com.
Tip: Skip a day of washing and blow drying your hair by working a dry shampoo or powder through your roots and scalp to absorb oil and freshen up the smell. Try Pssssst! Instant Dry Shampoo, $5.99 at drugstores or baby powder.
Skin
Olay Wet Cleansing Cloths in Normal and Sensitive. Whisk away dirt, sweat and even waterproof mascara easily with these on-the-go facial wipes. Great for popping in your gym bag or carry-on when you’re traveling, $4.99. More at olay.com.
Olay Complete Defense Daily UV Moisturizer SPF 30, Sensitive Skin. Use this little non-greasy wonder for daily UVA and UVB protection against sun damage, $12-$15. More at olay.com.
Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti Aging Daily Moisturizer Plus Cooling Hydration. A lightweight, oil-free formula with cooling mint extract and protective antioxidants, $21.99. More at olay.com
Body
Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub. Rid skin of dry patches and prep it for easier absorption of sunscreens, self-tanners or body moisturizers with this inexpensive, aromatic sugar scrub. Comes in Hawaiian Kukui, Almond Honey, Coconut Lime and Brazilian Nut formulations, $6-$8. More at treehutshea.com.
Bodycology Hydrating Body Wash and Body Lotion. Formulated with aloe and vitamin E, this duo locks in moisture and keeps skin hydrated for a full 24 hours, $3-$5. More at bodycology.com.
Venus Bikini Kit. It’s the new way to shave, ladies. The kit comes with one Embrace Refillable Razor, one Bikini Trimmer and an Olay Bikini Lotion, $12.99.
Secret Smooth Effects. A new tool in the battle against underarm sweat, this new conditioning solid will also reduce the appearance of hair with continued use, $4.99. More at gillettevenus.com.
Aveeno Natural Protection Mineralblock SPF 30. An extra gentle formula fortified with minerals to form a long-lasting barrier against the sun’s rays, $10.99.
Tip: Flip-flops are a staple in the summer so when you’re slathering on the sunscreen, don’t forget those tootsies!
Makeup
Wet n Wild Beauty Bag. These limited-edition kits are perfect for grabbing before your summer getaway. Comes in classic or dramatic shades and each kit includes an eyeshadow trio, eyeliner, lip gloss and mascara tucked in a handy travel bag, $4.99 ($10 value). More at wnwbeauty.com.
Ecotools brush sets. These earth-friendly makeup brush sets won’t stress out your pocketbook. Brushes come with bamboo handles and 100% cruelty free, super soft bristles. Individual brushes start at $3.99 and sets at $8.49. More at ecotools.com.
Covergirl & Olay Simply Ageless Foundation. Ideal for the girl-on-the-go, this anti-aging foundation covers and improves the look of skin while protecting with SPF 22, $13.99. More at covergirl.com.
Maybelline The Falsies Waterproof Mascara. It’s a Spa Girl fave for good reason. This mascara builds long thick lashes without our pocketbooks taking a lashing at $5-$7. More at maybelline.com.
Sephora Set for Summer. A 10-piece collection of the summer’s greatest hits and all you need for a weekend getaway! Packaged in Sephora signature makeup bag, the kit is $39 ($135 value) and comes with travel-sized summer shades for eyes, lips, nail and face. More summer beauty at sephora.com.
