The Best Spring Drugstore Beauty Products to Shop Now
Unveil radiant spring looks with affordable, editor-curated drugstore beauty picks for 2018.
Spring is all about renewal—shedding winter’s dullness for a fresh, glowing complexion, bold hues, and simple, affordable upgrades to any beauty routine. Drugstore aisles are brimming with new hybrids and classics reimagined for the season. From skin-perfecting foundations to innovative mascaras and hydrating treatments, here’s a comprehensive guide to the best spring 2018 drugstore beauty products that deliver radiant results without breaking the bank.
Why Drugstore Beauty Matters
Affordable doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. Many of the most beloved beauty products today rival or outperform their prestige counterparts at just a fraction of the price. Drugstores offer accessibility, variety, and innovation, making it easy to experiment with trends and replenish your routine.
Top Drugstore Skincare Essentials
Winter can leave your skin parched, so spring is the perfect time to rehydrate, gently exfoliate, and restore luminosity. Editors and beauty aficionados consistently turn to these drugstore picks to keep their complexion in peak condition:
- Olay Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer: This lightweight, whipped formula delivers serious hydration and smooths skin texture without feeling greasy or heavy. Its featherlight consistency is ideal under makeup, especially as temperatures rise.
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel: Packed with hyaluronic acid, this gel-based moisturizer absorbs instantly, plumping and deeply moisturizing even the thirstiest skin.
- Simple Micellar Cleansing Water: A gentle, no-rinse cleanser that removes makeup and impurities while soothing skin, perfect for sensitive or acne-prone types.
- Garnier SkinActive The Super Hydrating Sheet Masks: Infused with plant-based serums, these sheet masks offer a quick glow boost before major spring events or after a long day.
- Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser: A perennial favorite, this cult classic cleanses without stripping essential moisture, suitable for daily morning and night routines.
Spring’s Must-Have Drugstore Makeup Launches
This season’s hottest makeup finds focus on glowing skin, fluttery lashes, bold color, and innovation in formulas and packaging. Whether you want a “no-makeup” skin-perfecting base or statement-making eyes and lips, these drugstore products are making editors’ favorites lists for spring 2018:
Complexion Perfection
- Maybelline SuperStay Full Coverage Foundation: Delivers flawless, budge-proof coverage that lasts up to 24 hours—ideal for long spring days and humid weather.
- L’Oréal True Match Lumi Glotion: An illuminating liquid highlighter that can be worn alone for a lit-from-within glow or mixed with foundation for subtle radiance all over.
- Covergirl Vitalist Healthy Concealer Pen: This lightweight, illuminating concealer brightens under-eyes and covers imperfections without settling into fine lines.
- e.l.f. Beautifully Bare Sheer Tint Finishing Powder: Sets makeup with a soft focus effect and keeps shine at bay, perfect for quick touch-ups on-the-go.
Cheeks & Glow
- Physicians Formula Butter Blush: Silky-soft texture and buildable pigmentation, perfect for adding a healthy spring flush to all skin tones.
- Revlon Powder Blush in Classy Coral: Lightweight, blendable, and universally flattering for a just-pinched appearance.
- Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso: Renowned for its peachy shimmer and luminous finish—an instant mood-lifter.
Eyes That Wow
- L’Oréal Brow Stylist Plumper Brow Gel Mascara: Tames, tints, and volumizes brows in a few swipes for a natural but finished look.
- Maybelline Total Temptation Mascara: Infused with coconut extract for softer lashes, this mascara adds impressive volume and separation without clumping.
- Rimmel Super Curler 24HR Mascara: Curls and lifts lashes in one step, holding shape all day—great for those who usually need a lash curler.
- NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner: Ultra-black, waterproof, and easy-to-control brush tip for precise cat eyes or graphic liner looks.
What others are reading
Lips
- Maybelline Color Sensational Matte Metallic Lipstick: Delivers high-impact color in on-trend metallic shades with a comfortable, non-drying finish.
- e.l.f. Moisturizing Lipstick—Rich Red: Highly pigmented color with nourishing ingredients, perfect for a bold spring statement that won’t dry out lips.
- Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Oil: Sheer wash of color and dewy shine in a nourishing oil formula for everyday wear.
Nail Innovations
- Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure: All-in-one formula that provides seven benefits (including base coat and top coat) for salon-quality nails at home.
- Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish: Long-wear, high-shine color available in trendy pastels and brights for spring.
- Sinful Colors #Pride Collection: Limited edition shades celebrating diversity and self-expression, perfect for statement nails.
Beauty Game-Changers: Hybrid & Unique Finds
Beyond the basics, spring’s drugstore launches feature smart hybrids and problem-solvers:
- Pond’s Cold Cream Cleansing Balm: A classic reimagined as a silky balm cleanser that melts away stubborn makeup while hydrating.
- L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Setting Spray: Locks in makeup and delivers a dewy, spring-ready finish for a healthier complexion.
- Garnier SkinActive Micellar Foaming Cleanser: Combines cleansing power with soothing micellar technology in a satisfying foam texture.
- OGX Coconut Miracle Oil Dry Shampoo: Instantly revitalizes hair, absorbs excess oil, and infuses it with a delectable coconut scent between washes.
- Schwarzkopf got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Spray: Holds even the most intricate hairstyles firmly in place—ideal for ambitious festival looks and humid spring days.
Editors’ Pro Tips for Maximizing Your Drugstore Products
- Look for multitasking formulas—think moisturizer with SPF, foundation with built-in primer, or hybrid cleansers.
- Experiment with color: Spring is the time for corals, pinks, and berry tones on lips and cheeks.
- Don’t overlook powerful skincare actives at the drugstore, like retinol, vitamin C, or hyaluronic acid.
- Layer lightweight products to achieve the glowing, bouncy effect trendsetting on both runways and social feeds.
- Read ingredient lists and user reviews—some of the biggest beauty breakthroughs debut at mass retailers first.
Comparison Table: Top Category Picks
| Category | Product | Key Benefits | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moisturizer | Olay Regenerist Whip | Lightweight hydration, smooths texture | $25-30 |
| Foundation | Maybelline SuperStay Full Coverage | All-day coverage, matte finish | $10-13 |
| Blush | Physicians Formula Butter Blush | Creamy texture, buildable color | $12-14 |
| Mascara | Maybelline Total Temptation | Length, volume, and nourishment | $7-11 |
| Body & Hair | OGX Coconut Miracle Oil Dry Shampoo | Refreshes, volumizes, adds scent | $8-12 |
Expert Insight: Why Editors Love Drugstore Finds
According to Cosmopolitan editors, drugstore beauty is no longer about compromise. “Many drugstore formulas now contain the same hero ingredients as luxury counterparts,” says a senior beauty editor. Additionally, wider shade ranges, innovative packaging, and constant newness make the drugstore aisle a treasure trove for beauty enthusiasts and beginners alike.
Shopping Tips for the Best Results
- Always check for in-store promotions and coupons—these can make top products even more affordable.
- Opt for smaller packaging for products you’ve never tried before, such as travel-sized lotions or deluxe sample mascaras.
- Keep an eye on expiration dates, especially for SPF and liquid items.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are drugstore beauty products as effective as high-end brands?
A: Yes. Many drugstore products use similar key ingredients and offer comparable efficacy to department store items, often at a much lower cost.
Q: What categories of drugstore products perform best?
A: Skincare essentials like cleansers, moisturizers, and SPF tend to have high performance and value. Additionally, many mascaras, blushes, and lip products outperform or equal professional brands.
Q: How often should I switch up my beauty routine for spring?
A: Consider adjusting your skincare and makeup routine as the weather warms: opt for lighter textures, switch to brighter colors, and increase your SPF.
Q: What trend is dominating spring 2018 drugstore beauty?
A: Multi-tasking hybrid formulas, dewy skin, bold lip and cheek colors, and enhanced brow products are taking center stage this season.
Final Thoughts
Spring is the perfect opportunity to refresh your beauty arsenal with high-performing, wallet-friendly finds. With new releases that prioritize both skin health and vibrant self-expression, this season’s drugstore collections embody the best of beauty innovation, accessibility, and fun. Next time you wander the aisles, keep these editor-approved picks in mind for a glowing, on-trend spring transformation.
References
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtRCeq_-DCI
- https://www.scribd.com/document/452439740/Cosmopolitan-USA-03-2018-downmagaz-com-pdf
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R.E.M._Beauty
- https://hannahcaddo.com/cosmo-approved-18-drugstore-skincare-products-our-editors-actually-use-and-love/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/g18726935/spring-2018-drugstore-beauty-products/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g12446309/spring-makeup-trends-2018/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/a19410267/beatbydavid-david-medina-makeup-removal-video/
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