Under-The-Radar Drugstore Beauty Brands That Deserve G.O.A.T. Status
via Giphy
That – exactly that – is our mini dance for whenever someone introduces us to a bomb new beauty brand. Well, pump up the music and join us on the dance floor because we’re about to introduce you to some BOMB affordable brands that cater to everyone’s beauty needs. All we’re saying is, this list will rescue your wallet when gifting season rolls around…
1. For Makeup: Black Opal
View this post on Instagram
The deets: Black Opal has been slaying the game for years. The trailblazing team dedicated company hours to formulating award-winning, high-quality makeup and skincare formulas for melanated skin long before other brands decided to hop on board. Though it’s been 28 years since their inception, their products remain easy on the purse and gorgeous on the skin… As it was on day one.
What to shop: Their long-wear TRUE COLOR Skin Perfecting Stick Foundation SPF 15, $12, is a multitasking babe that contours, conceals, and evens your complexion with a full-coverage, velvety finish. Did we mention that there are 24 pigmented shades up for grabs?
2. For Skincare: Sweet Chef Skincare
View this post on Instagram
The deets: Introducing the yummiest, juiciest, skin-loving brand ever: Sweet Chef. Brought to you by the geniuses at Glow Recipe, this drugstore vegan line is inspired by glow-boosting skincare rituals loved and adored in Korea, its hometown. On that note, each bottle is a detoxifying shot of freshly pressed greens mixed and matched to give your skin a from-within glow. Even their packaging matches their “go-green” energy and is 100% recyclable.
What to shop: Looking for a daily moisturizer? We’re obsessed with the oil-free Sweet Chef Ginger + Vitamin C Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer, $17, as it’s powered by antioxidant-rich turmeric and ginger to revive and hydrate dull, dry skin. It’s the ultimate pick-me-up.
Posts You'll Love:
3. For Haircare: Not Your Mother’s
View this post on Instagram
The deets: The assignment wasn’t easy: bring the salon home. Well, they checked it off while using clean, vegan ingredients and keeping their prices crazy affordable. Apart from the fact that their shampoos, conditioners, and mousses will upgrade your haircare game, you’ll find comfort in knowing that the team is big on supporting the communities where they live, work, and play. We like a brand that practices what they preach…
What to shop: Not Your Mother’s Naturals Superior Strength Shampoo Rice Water and Himalayan Moringa, $8, is a rice-water formula that adds a surge of proteins – AKA what hair is made of – for a shiny, healthier mane.
4. For Body: Alaffia
View this post on Instagram
The deets: Alaffia may mean “a state of peace, health, and wellbeing” by definition, but it’s so much more. In a nutshell, the budget-friendly, clean beauty brand is devoted to keeping African ancestral beauty traditions and remedies alive. That includes ethically sourcing traditional ingredients like shea butter and African black soap from West Africa and mixing them into their body, skin, and hair goodies for the world to enjoy.
What to shop: Add Allafia’s Authentic African Black Soap All-in-One Eucalyptus Tea Tree Cleanser, $15, to your cart, and you’ll have a multitasking face wash, body wash, and shaving soap. And you’ll be glad to know a portion of your $$$ is directly donated toward sustaining the West African Togolese community.
Want more? Got you: here are some more affordable beauty brands to shop from if you’re ballin’ on a budget.
Disclaimer: Every product we review has been independently selected and tested without bias by our editorial team. Although some brands allow affiliate links, we never take payment to review products, so we may earn a commission if you purchase a product by clicking on one of our links.
Leave a comment