Health & beauty

10 Best Natural Beauty Buys at the Drugstore

Natural beauty products can be spendy. Here are the best ones you can buy on the cheap

April 18, 2012 | by Sharon J. Yi | 48 COMMENTS

Self-tanner: Lavera Faces Summer Glow Sunless Tan for the Face, $23.50 Most self-tanners are usually brown or orange in color -- that's a 100 percent dye, says O'Connor. And they almost always use synthetic fragrances to make them smell like coconut or "beachy," which is an absolute deal breaker when it comes to greening your beauty routine. Consider "fragrance" another word for "chemical."

However, the Lavera cream is clear, void of chemicals, and doesn't have any synthetic fragrances. The fragrance is derived from essential oils, and it's non-irritating, says O'Connor. Plus, with aloe vera and jojoba oil, the self-tanner soothes and moisturizes skin. After just three days of use, Spunt says she sees a beautiful, natural-looking glow.

SEE NEXT PAGE: Foundation: Almay Wake-Up Hydrating Makeup SPF 13, $12.99

8 of 11

products mentioned

Physicians Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin...

9.3

Aubrey Organics Blue Camomile Hydrating Shampoo

9.6

Giovanni Smooth As Silk Deep Moisture Conditioner

7.9

Dr. Bronner's Classic Fair Trade Bar Soap

9.4

Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm

8.1

Dr. Bronner's Organic Shaving Gel

0.0

Lavera Faces Summer Glow Sunless Tan for the Face

6.0

OPI Nail Lacquer

9.1

100% Pure Argan Oil Hydration Facial Moisturizer SPF 30

8.0

leave a comment

View old comments

Very good, practical advice. I'm a huge fan of the Burt's Bees tinted lip balms -- I currently own 4 colors. They're good alone, or to wear under other less-than-moisturizing lip products. The Lavera self-tanner looks like a product I might be able to use without my usual itchy reaction.

by purple9a Monday, April 22, 2013 at 07:03PM Report as inappropriate

Good tips about how to find actually natural makeup and what to not get fooled by. I also like that they added application tips, too.

by lemonjello Monday, April 22, 2013 at 04:46PM Report as inappropriate

I really need to try those tinted lip balms!

by eatinglipstick Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 04:50PM Report as inappropriate

new stuff to add to my "must try" list!

by rayshaviolet Thursday, January 10, 2013 at 01:54PM Report as inappropriate

Dr. Bronner's products are amazing! The soaps really cleanses and is slick enough to use to shave. I might just try the shampoo and conditioner.

by Sari Friday, January 4, 2013 at 08:07AM Report as inappropriate

I love these products

by LittleBunny Friday, January 4, 2013 at 07:30AM Report as inappropriate

Like the tinted lip balm

by EricaF123 Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 06:56AM Report as inappropriate

love these

by aishak55 Friday, December 21, 2012 at 06:37PM Report as inappropriate

lolve natural products

by LittleBunny Sunday, December 2, 2012 at 08:38AM Report as inappropriate

Eh. Thanks.

by BlackFleur145 Thursday, November 22, 2012 at 10:27AM Report as inappropriate

OPI is great, but I never buy cosmetics at the drugstore.

by robyne00 Wednesday, October 31, 2012 at 04:42PM Report as inappropriate

I wanna try the gionanni line.

by nicky22 Monday, October 8, 2012 at 10:55AM Report as inappropriate

I love OPI Nail Polish!

by amcn93 Monday, October 8, 2012 at 04:14AM Report as inappropriate

The Burts Bees tinted lip balm is great! I just don't like the way it smells so much.

by Chris213 Sunday, September 30, 2012 at 11:52AM Report as inappropriate

Thanks for the tip about OPI!

by schien Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 12:27PM Report as inappropriate

Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm was the biggest waste of money. It smelled and looked like Cherry Chapstick. Eight bucks for that?

by LipglossandSpandex Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at 02:06PM Report as inappropriate

I wish Almay would come out with more products.

by Taylerbootz Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at 06:49PM Report as inappropriate

I've actually heard that the Almay Wakeup is really bad.

by MeeganCheerChic Friday, July 13, 2012 at 12:14PM Report as inappropriate

Good to know, especially about OPI :)

by VV001 Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 08:26PM Report as inappropriate

Ive always been curious about the 100% Pure brand products but Ive heard so many mixed reviews....

by Alisunshine Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 08:23AM Report as inappropriate

I am unsure of the conditioner. The first and last organic one I used made my hair look and feel like a head full of hay

by Only1KimmieD Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at 12:09PM Report as inappropriate

Any first time customer in iHerb who uses my Code VIZ916 will receive $5.00 off their first order. iHerb has quality products at affordable prices. Thank you for your interest!

by oberuza_viz Thursday, May 10, 2012 at 10:46AM Report as inappropriate

I love Bert's Bees products. I have the lip balm as well as a few other products of this line. Never a complaint or let down. The lemon cuticle softener is awesome.

by michelle_yvette_taylor_spilman Thursday, May 3, 2012 at 10:56AM Report as inappropriate

I learned about some new products to try out! Will look into Dr. Bronner's!

by StanziMozart Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at 06:04PM Report as inappropriate

Natural products are usually more pricey vs. their chemically laden counterparts, and often do not work as well. I want the best product, natural or not. High prices do not always equate to the best products either. Unfortunately, I have had little to no success with drugstore beauty buys, natural or chemically conceived. I will stick to my high end choices, regardless of their composition for now.

by robyne00 Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at 04:41PM Report as inappropriate

Fantastic! Great prices on natural products, love it!!!

by alictasia Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at 03:19PM Report as inappropriate

Burt's Bees lip balm is horribe! I have very chapped lips and not only does this last about 2 minutes it makes my lips even drier. I had to get out a different balm to use after it to fix the cracks. Total waste.

by jubemma Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at 05:02PM Report as inappropriate

the shaving cream comments were eye-opening - thanks for the helpful suggestions!

by jenstar313 Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at 02:04PM Report as inappropriate

Great natural beautiful buys! :)

by MissXu Monday, April 30, 2012 at 07:24PM Report as inappropriate

Argan Oil is great for your hair as well. I put a few drops in the palm of my hand and rub my hands together then put it through my hair. It leaves it nive and shiney all day!!

by brendalea Monday, April 30, 2012 at 04:21PM Report as inappropriate

Wow! I had no idea that nail polish could be so harmful! Formaldehyde? Thts crazy! Will def be buying OPI Thanks for the info!!

by brendalea Monday, April 30, 2012 at 04:16PM Report as inappropriate

I have been mixing my Mineral makeup with my day cream. It works great, no lines or smudges!

by brendalea Monday, April 30, 2012 at 04:10PM Report as inappropriate

I use Bert's Bees lip balm. It is wonderful!

by brendalea Monday, April 30, 2012 at 04:00PM Report as inappropriate

Never heard of Aubrey Organics or Giovani before but I will def pik up a bottle of he conditioner! Sounds great~~

by brendalea Monday, April 30, 2012 at 03:50PM Report as inappropriate

great

by Nicole2814 Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 04:37AM Report as inappropriate

Did not know Almay had a natural foundation. Very excited to try some of those products.

by Sari Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 10:39AM Report as inappropriate

Love their products!

by Janice9 Monday, April 23, 2012 at 12:44AM Report as inappropriate

I had never heard of a few of these brands! Can't wait to try them out!

by Karica4 Sunday, April 22, 2012 at 09:27PM Report as inappropriate

I was wondering why OPI nail polish was on the list. But it's nice to know that it's a more natural option than other nail polishes. Too bad I lost the one OPI bottle I had! :(

by MissXu Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 10:04AM Report as inappropriate

I love Physicians Formula, especially their organic line! I'd really like to try the Burt's Bees Lip Balm, since I love Burt's Bees anyway. Great article! Wish there was most drugstore products, though.

by lanigaga Friday, April 20, 2012 at 06:43PM Report as inappropriate

this was pretty cool. the nail polish fact was pretty interesting.

by cuteAsAbutton Friday, April 20, 2012 at 11:22AM Report as inappropriate

Hey Jenn8779! It's true, some organic products will be priced higher but it may be worth the extra couple dollars in the long run! As for 100% Pure, the drugstores that carry them are limited but I know CVS carries them in NY!

by Sharon_Yi Friday, April 20, 2012 at 11:22AM Report as inappropriate

This was an excellent article. I use the Burt's Bees tinted balms and also the Almay wakeup makeup (LOVE it! Read my review on this site!). One question I DO have though is what drug store do these authors go to that carries 100% Pure products??!! LOL It sure ain't in NJ, let me tell you that! Also, while a lot of these products are reasonably priced, I find that most "all natural or organic" products are STILL way over priced for most of us....including a few on this list.

by jenn8779 Friday, April 20, 2012 at 10:46AM Report as inappropriate

This article made it easy to spot the products to look for in the future. Some I was aware of, but others not so. I did realize nail polish had those ingredients, but did not realize so many claims were false. It is something I take note of.

by evet Friday, April 20, 2012 at 08:50AM Report as inappropriate

Interesting about the nail polishes!!

by volta Friday, April 20, 2012 at 02:54AM Report as inappropriate

I love physician's formula. It's one of the the greenest brands in my opinion.

by yestfl Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 09:02PM Report as inappropriate

I love the Burts Bee's tinted lip balm and will definitely be try a few of these other products!

by sportimonki13 Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 06:28PM Report as inappropriate

Hmm.. crushed beetles in Burt Bee's is not very appealing. That being said, I really do love those tinted lip balms.

by MssDani Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 09:50AM Report as inappropriate

Home » Beauty Tips » Health & beauty » Beauty products » 10 Best Natural Beauty Buys at the Drugstore