While splurging on luxury makeup is arguably our favorite way to treat ourselves, there’s something to be said for finding killer products that don’t break the bank. Gone are the days when great eyeshadow palettes were synonymous with hefty price tags. Here, we’re sharing the best drugstore eyeshadow palettes that you can snag for under $20.
This palette is a great option if you’re looking to take your makeup from day to night. The combination of light, medium and deep neutral tones make it an easy all-in-one palette for on-the-go makeup. Plus, the formula is ultra creamy and blendable.
If you’re someone who likes to have options, this NYX eyeshadow palette comes in a variety of colorways. From smokey and vivid hues, there’s sure to be a variation you’ll love. Not only are these palettes some of our favorites in terms of versatility, but the pigmentation top notch, too.
There’s no denying that the juicy fruit scent of this palette makes it special, but it’s not the only thing we love about it. It combines a variety of warm nude shades in with shimmering and matte finishes that make for the perfect, natural makeup look. And the shadows are smooth and creamy which ensure they’re easy to blend.
If you’re into bold makeup and metallic eyeshadows, this is the palette for you. It comes with six gorgeous, impactful shades that are perfect for adding the finishing touch to a look or swiping all over your lids for a simple, yet striking wash of color.
Whether you’re looking to create an everyday makeup look or amp up your eyeshadow and make it more glam, this palette, which can be found in the affordable section at Ulta has something for you. The combination of neutrals and colorful shades, mattes, and metallics makes it incredibly versatile. Plus, it has lots of depth, meaning it will be ultra-flattering on tons of different skin tones.
Truth be told, the price tag of this eyeshadow palette is nearly impossible to beat. But, don’t be fooled by the affordability of these shadows — they’re anything but lacking when it comes to pigmentation and blend-ability. This palette also comes in a wide range of colors—from deep red berry shades to earthy greens and everything in between, you’re bound to find an option to suit your preferences.
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Keys Soulcare, Alicia Keys’ beauty line, landed in our lives at the perfect moment. Created by the musician as skincare with self-care at its core, Keys Soulcare launched in 2020 (a year when we needed an awful lot of self-care) and started with a range of 10 facial and lifestyle products, from moisturizers to a scented candle. Now, Keys is adding body care to the mix: a hand and body wash, body cream, and body oil, all bearing that same philosophy of taking time for yourself.
“While working closely with Alicia on the facial skincare, we wanted to also infuse many of the ancient and nourishing ingredients into our body offerings,” says board-certified dermatologist Renee Snyder, who co-created Keys Soulcare along with Keys. “It is so important to take care of ourselves, and the body is another moment where we can focus on self-care.” To add to the ritual of it all, the products also come with a corresponding affirmation meant to be spoken with each use. “Alicia and the team develop each affirmation based on the action and feeling you will experience with the offering,” explains Snyder.
Because Keys is known for her radiance—in addition, of course, to her legendary voice—I was intrigued to try her latest products to see if I could capture a bit of her glow. Keep reading for a full breakdown on the new products courtesy of Snyder, and for my honest reviews to find out if I’m fallin’ for them (sorry, couldn’t help myself).
Courtesy of Keys Soulcare
All About Keys Soulcare, According to the Derm Who Co-Created It
The benefit of being developed by a dermatologist? Each ingredient has a purpose. The formulations are also cruelty-free and made without things like parabens or sulfates. What you’ll find instead? Loads of moisturizers, all of which are intended to strengthen the skin barrier. “The skin performs many important functions for us; from helping us eliminate toxins to temperature regulation, but most importantly it acts as a protective barrier,” explains Snyder. “When your skin is hydrated, it is resilient and plump.”
So while the Renewing Body and Hand Wash may be a cleanser, it still puts nourishment first. Think skin-loving Manuka honey, shea butter, and cocoa butter. Meanwhile, the sage and oat milk scent (Alicia’s fave!) helps promote “comfort, clarity, and balance,” according to the derm.
The body cream, as you’d expect, is also chock full of hydrating ingredients. “Sunflower seed oil is extremely high in vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from harmful UV rays and other environmental stressors,” explains Snyder. But that’s not all: “Ceramides, along with shea and cocoa butter, promote the infusion of hydration into the skin.” Topping it off is the rose of Jericho, which “can spring back to life at the first drop of water, imparting one’s skin with the feeling of a renewed vitality,” according to Snyder.
Keeping with the theme of protecting the skin, one of the key ingredients in the Sacred Body Oil is baobab oil, which “is known for its regenerative abilities,” according to Snyder. “It is excellent for softening the skin and aids in healing due to the levels of vitamins A, B, and C, along with omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids,” she explains. The formula also contains marula oil, “which is purported to contain 60% more antioxidants than most other oils, packing a powerful punch to the skin,” adds Snyder.
I’m not particularly picky when it comes to soap and body wash, but I’m a sucker for a good scent. My skin can also get dry, so I was excited to see if this formula is as hydrating as it claims. Right off the bat, I loved the fragrance—it reminded me of expensive perfume, without being overwhelming. The texture of the body wash is gel-like, and it lathers up fairly well (especially considering it’s sulfate-free). As I used it, I remembered about the affirmation part of the deal, luckily, they’re printed right on the packaging. For the body wash, the affirmation is “I love myself as I am.” I repeated it a few times until I admittedly felt a little silly. But I tried!
Immediately after toweling off, I could tell my skin felt softer and more hydrated than with my usual body wash, but the true test, in my opinion, would be how it held up post-shower. The next day, I’m pleased to report, my skin was just as soft. I also smelled amazing (if I do say so myself). The product has been a mainstay in my shower since the first use so I haven’t been using it as a hand soap, but the pretty bottle would look great on the sink, too.
I love a good body cream, so this was probably the product I was most excited to try. I would say it’s almost like body butter, both in texture and color (picture Kiehl’s Creme de Corps). Let’s just say she’s thick. A little goes a long way, which is something I learned after I overdid it on leg number one. It’s not scented, which I appreciated, especially because I was still in the throes of the body wash. It didn’t feel greasy after applying, but I let it sink in for a few minutes for good measure. All in all, it’s a solid, super-moisturizing formula, but if you’re looking for something lightweight, you may want a more traditional lotion
While I love a good body cream, I don’t often use body oils, but I was there for the full Keys experience. First off, I was a fan of the dropper bottle, which is super convenient to use. It also has the same fragrance as the body wash, but again, isn’t overpowering. As instructed, I warmed the pale golden oil between my hands first, and it applied like a dream—not greasy at all, and just enough slip. It’s recommended to use this right after showering, but I found myself reaching for the bottle to moisturize my elbows and cuticles, all times of the day. Consider me a body oil convert!
Containing both physical (Hojicha powder, oats, and mung beans) and chemical (lactic acid) exfoliants, this gentle scrub can be used once or twice a week.
Rich and hydrating, this moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides to moisturize, and bakuchiol to reduce the appearance of fine lines. Bonus: It also comes in a fragrance-free version.
Keys and Snyder smartly packaged the line’s signature scent in candle form for maximum relaxation vibes.
Have you tried Keys Soulcare products yet? If so, which is your favorite? Let me know down in the comments what you think about the products mentioned above. xo
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Chapped lips can make it difficult to get a flawless lipstick application. For a soft, smooth canvas, a lip scrub is a must-have. To find out just how and why to incorporate lip scrubs into your lip routine, we talked to Sara Happ, lip expert and founder of the eponymous brand. Read on for her tips so you can start swiping on the hottest summer lip colors with ease.
The Benefits of Using a Lip Scrub
“Using a lip scrub gives you smooth lips that make a great base for lipstick to adhere to,” Happ says. A scrub is especially key if you’re wearing a matte liquid lipstick, like the L’Oréal Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Lipstick, which can emphasize texture if you don’t exfoliate.
To ensure safe use, you want to make sure you’re scrubbing your lips with products that are built to smooth and moisturize your pout. “Avoid using scrubs with ingredients that could hurt your lips — such as bits of almonds or other sharp materials,” Happ says. Look for nourishing oils, like jojoba and almond, with sugar to exfoliate, like the Sara Happ The Lip Scrub in Pink Grapefruit.
How to Use a Lip Scrub
To properly use a lip scrub, massage the product onto dry lips with your fingers, then wipe away flakes with a tissue. Follow up with a moisturizing lip balm to prevent lips from drying out.
Happ recommends using a scrub every day to help “maintain healthy, smooth lips even throughout harsh weather or travel.” It’s important to note, however, that you should be mindful of avoiding irritation. “Don’t scrub cracked or bleeding lips,” Happ notes. Instead, use a product like The Lip Slip Gloss to help rehydrate. “Once they’re healthy again, start scrubbing every day,” she explains. Scrubbing cracked lips will make them worse, which is why it’s important to make sure they are moisturized beforehand.
There are several things you can do to achieve glowing skin. Exfoliation can help get rid of dead skin cells and reveal a smoother, newer layer. Using tools like a gua sha can help with circulation. Applying a vitamin C serum can brighten your complexion and even out the skin tone. And just making sure your lifestyle habits are in check can help, too, like getting enough sleep and drinking enough water.
You can’t forget the crucial step of hydrating and moisturizing your skin, though. That is key to radiant, glowy, and plump skin. But it can also be tough, especially if your skin is prone to dryness or if you’re exposed to weather or environmental factors that could dry out your skin. That’s why having the right body lotion is essential here. When you find one that works with your skin, it can work wonders for you—leaving you with smooth, glowy, and radiant skin.
If you need help choosing the right one, below are some of our favorite body lotions for that otherworldly glow.
Sol de Janeiro’s body cream contains fruit alpha-hydroxy acids and vitamin C to reveal brighter and smoother skin. It’s also formulated with cupuaçu butter to provide intense moisture.
2. Summer Fridays Summer Skin Nourishing Body Lotion
The key glowy ingredient in this body lotion is royal jelly, which is a nourishing, light-reflecting mineral. Your skin will be left radiant and softer.
Nécessaire’s body lotion is an editor favorite. The fast-absorbing formula contains niacinamide, vitamins A, B3, C, and E, omegas 6 and 9, and antioxidants. It’s also fragrance-free, which is a bonus if you are allergic to scents.
Glossier’s popular Body Hero contains tiny light-reflecting particles and brightening plant extracts for a glowy finish. It also doesn’t leave an annoying greasy feel.
8. Vaseline Intensive Care Body Lotion, Cocoa Radiant
This ultra-moisturizing body lotion is infused with 100% cocoa and shea butters to boost radiance. And even though it’s a rich formula that doesn’t mean it’s greasy or super heavy.
Glytone’s body lotion has 17.5% glycolic acid for exfoliation benefits, meaning you’ll see improved skin texture and smoother, radiant skin. It also contains vitamin E for antioxidant protection.
10. SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Shimmering Body Lotion
This body lotion will give you that sun-kissed glow that we all dream about. It’s infused with organic raw shea butter to moisturize; coconut oil and coconut milk to condition the skin; and acacia Senegal to lock in moisture.
11. Love Beauty and Planet Delicious Glow Body Lotion
With a name like Delicious Glow, this product is bound to deliver. The formula contains murumuru butter and rose to soften the skin and leave it glowing.
Alpha Skin Care’s Renewal Body Lotion is always a bestseller with our readers. It’s formulated with 12% glycolic acid to gently remove dead skin cells, encourage collagen production, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
13. Farmacy Honey Glow Body 12% AHA/BHA Resurfacing Body Serum
This body resurfacing serum is formulated with 12% AHAs and BHAs to exfoliate to reveal smoother and brighter skin. Other ingredients include a proprietary honey blend and shea butter which act as humectants (aka they draw water in).
Drunk Elephant’s body lotion is just packed with amazing nourishing ingredients: marula butter, a five-ceramide blend, and shea butter. Your skin will be hydrated and softer.
15. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Dream Body Cream
Glow Recipe’s body cream is lightweight and has a delicious watermelon scent, so it’s so soothing and refreshing. The hibiscus AHA in the formula smooths and exfoliates to reveal glowy skin.
I’m already obsessed with Supergoop’s Glowscreen face sunscreen so this one is on my wishlist. It gives you the same sun protection and shimmery glow all over your body.
Goop’s body luminizer is formulated with light-reflecting minerals for a radiant finish. Other ingredients include Australian kakadu plum (which is rich in vitamin C), hyaluronic acid, and squalane.
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