Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen
“I’d like to think of myself as a no-frills kind of beauty person, but I’m currently sitting here at my desk wearing 500 pounds of liquid blush, so…nevermind. But what is no-frills is this texture-changing cleanser that easily removes said blush and more in seconds. It’s fragrance-free, safe for sensitive skin (and formulated with moisture-locking glycerin for a little extra hydration), and has a pump top for mess-free cleansing. I like to use about two pumps on dry skin (though you can wet your face first), then gently massage it into my hours-old makeup and watch it all melt off. Then I’ll add in a little water to get a lather going, making sure anything extra-caked-on dissolves away. It may not be fancy, but it’s hardworking—and that’s the vibe I need in 2026.” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director
Written by Elizabeth Siegel
How does Allure choose the best drugstore beauty products for Best of Beauty?
We test affordable products from mass-market retailers across skin care, hair, makeup, nails, and tools. Editors judge based on performance, wearability, ingredient quality, and value, not price alone. Every winner must deliver results that rival prestige products.
Are drugstore beauty products really as good as high-end ones?
Yes, many of the products in this list outperform or match the results of luxury counterparts. From longwear foundations to dermatologist-recommended cleansers, drugstore winners prove that high performance doesn’t require a high price tag.
What types of products are included in the Steals category?
This category can include cleansers, serums, moisturizers, mascaras, lipsticks, nail polishes, tools, and more, all available at national retailers or pharmacies. We cover a wide range of beauty needs, including acne solutions, volumizing shampoos, waterproof eyeliners, and glow-boosting skin care.
Are there fragrance-free or sensitive-skin-friendly options among the winners?
Absolutely. Many drugstore winners are non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free. We include formulas designed for sensitive skin, reactive eyes, or breakout-prone areas, with clear labels and ingredient transparency.
Where can I buy the Steals Best of Beauty winners?
All products in this category are available at major retailers like Target, Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Amazon, or directly from brand websites. Each product listing includes a buy link to make shopping quick and easy.
Like what you see from Allure‘s Best of Beauty Awards?
Discover more 2026 Best of Beauty Winners:
