Achieving summer beauty can be tricky because the combination of heat and humidity can mess up your usual routine. As a result, your skin turns greasy while your base doesn’t last. What most people don’t realize is that drugstore beauty products can handle these meltdowns, as many formulas actually offer the same long-wear performance found in high-end formulas. This article highlights the best drugstore beauty picks to help you
get through summer without constant touch-ups.
Summer-Proof Drugstore Beauty Products You Can Count On
Some products claim they’re long-lasting, but not all make it past the first hour of heat. These drugstore beauty products below can last through long sunny days.
1. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
CeraVe gel cleanser is ideal for summer because it cleans your face without stripping off natural oils. If you’re sweating more than usual or reapplying sunscreen a few times a day, a hydrating cleanser helps you avoid that tight, squeaky feeling. Dermatologist-recommended and fragrance-free, CeraVe is also a good pick for sensitive skin. For best results, use it morning and night.
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 60
A lightweight facial sunscreen that blends in quickly is non-negotiable in summer, and La Roche SPF checks every box. It layers well under makeup and leaves no white cast. If you’ve ever skipped SPF because it felt greasy or chalky, La Roche is a good one to try. Plus, SPF 60 offers a higher level of protection especially when you’re spending more time outside.
3. Neutrogena Deep Clean Clay Mask/Cleanser
Neutrogena two-in-one can serve as a daily cleanser or a weekly mask, which is helpful if your skin gets oily in the summer. The clay formula removes excess oil while salicylic acid helps clear pores. Neutrogena deep clean also rinses your face clean without leaving a film. Use it in the shower once or twice a week to keep pore congestion in check.
4. OGX 8-in-1 Replenishing Water Drops
Hair tends to fall flat or frizz out in summer, and OGX hydrating mist helps with both. It’s lightweight enough for fine hair but moisturizing enough to calm frizz and flyaways. OGX mist also smells clean and fruity without being overpowering. When you’re skipping a wash, it works well as a lightweight refresher to revive second- or third-day hair.
5. NYX Buttermelt Blush in “My Butta Half”
NYX creamy blush has a smooth whipped texture that melts into skin without sitting on top of it. The pigment is buildable, which makes it great for creating that sun-kissed flush. Additionally, NYX Buttermelt tends to wear better in the summer heat because it stays put all day. Just dab it on your cheeks using your fingers or a sponge.
6. Essence Lash Princess Mascara
Finding a budget-friendly mascara that doesn’t smudge in the heat seems impossible, but thankfully, we now have Essence mascara that lives up to the hype. The formula is lightweight and long-wearing without the crunchy or stiff feeling. Essence mascara also gives solid volume and length to your lashes and doesn’t flake off halfway through the day. It’s also one of those rare under-$6 products that people consistently repurchase.
7. Revlon Kiss Cushion Lip Tint in “High End Coral”
Revlon lip tint offers a soft pop of color that lasts through iced coffees and rooftop dinners. It comes with a cushion applicator that’s easy to swipe on the lips. Meanwhile, the formula leaves behind a natural stain that wears down evenly. Revlon cushion lip tint also doubles as a cream blush in a pinch, which makes it especially useful if you’re packing light for a trip.
8. Wet n Wild Retractable Brow Pencil
Wet n wild brow pencil is proof that you don’t need to spend $25 to achieve good brows. It has a triangular tip, which makes it easy to shape and fill your brows. Additionally, the formula isn’t overly waxy or stiff and applies smoothly without tugging. If you usually use a prestige pencil, Wet n Wild retractable brow is a solid backup to keep in your summer bag.
9. Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel
Fruit of the Earth aloe vera gel is one of those multi-use products that’s been around forever but still earns a spot in a modern beauty kit. It soothes sunburns and cools down irritated skin. You can even use this gel to tame flyaways or calm razor burn. Fruit of the Earth aloe vera also sinks in quickly and doesn’t leave that sticky residue some gels do.
Drugstore Beauty Picks: Keep the Look, Skip the Markup
Good summer beauty doesn’t have to be high-maintenance or high-budget. Drugstore finds like these can help you build a routine that works with the heat. So next time you browse the aisles at Target or CVS, keep this list handy.
✅ 10 FAQs About Drugstore Beauty Favorites
- What drugstore makeup holds up best in hot weather?
Look for long-wear, waterproof, or oil-free formulas. Mascaras like Essence Lash Princess and setting powders like Wet n Wild Photo Focus are great for heat and humidity.
- Are drugstore sunscreens effective for daily use?
Yes! Brands like La Roche-Posay and Neutrogena offer dermatologist-approved sunscreens that are lightweight, blendable, and high in SPF.
- What’s the best drugstore blush for a natural summer glow?
Creamy formulas like NYX Buttermelt Blush give a dewy finish that mimics a natural flush and hold up better in heat than powders.
- Can I use aloe vera gel as a moisturizer?
Definitely. Aloe vera gel is cooling, hydrating, and especially useful after sun exposure. It also works as a light body lotion or even a hair smoother.
- Which drugstore brow pencil is the most beginner-friendly?
Wet n Wild’s retractable brow pencil has a foolproof angled tip and spoolie, making it easy for anyone to fill and shape brows.
