You always remember your first love. And for us beauty junkies, it was CVS: a go-to for product pick-me-ups when we were ballin' on our parents' budgets. But there's a reason we're still hitting it today. CVS is a reliable hub for affordable, practical, and cutting-edge products. It's where we first locked lashes with Maybelline's Great Lash mascara and where we discovered the allure of all things Wet n Wild.
The retailer's haul is always impressive, but lately it has been beefing up its beauty selection with newer, cooler, and more modern finds. Think Essie's gel polishes, Nyx's color-correcting palette, and Katy Perry's new CoverGirl collection. We've tapped the drugstore to give us the dish on all of the latest and greatest beauty loot coming in hot this summer. Already giddy with excitement? We haven't even told you the best part yet! Every single find is under $20. (Okay, one is $40 but it's really good.) Happy summer, from us to you — and your wallet.
Can't be bothered to apply lotion post-shower in the summer? We hear you. Curél's latest innovation is the best solution. It's activated by water, so you can apply it while your skin is still shower-damp for an immediate quench and not a bit of mess.
Curél Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer, $12.99, available in August at CVS.
Katy Perry teamed up with CoverGirl to design a supe r-impressive makeup line. This matte lipstick, available in 13 shades, is one of the more exciting gems. It's infused with shea butter and won't leave your lips chapped or peeling — so you can be ready to kiss a girl, or anyone you please.
CoverGirl Katy Kat Matte Lipstick, $8.99, available in July at CVS.
Another standout from the lineup: this highly pigmented, periwinkle-blue mascara. Black mascara is so last year, y'all.
CoverGirl Katy Kat Mascara, $8.99, available in July at CVS.
Sunscreen that offers impressive protection, is sweat- and water-resistant, and will leave a matte finish? Sign us up, please and thank you.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen, $19.99, available in July at CVS.
This primer conceals imperfections with the subtlest tint, but it's also infused with SPF so you're killing two beauty birds with one stone.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Anti-Aging Tinted Primer with Sunscreen, $39.99, available in July at CVS.
And because we'll buy anything La Roche-Posay launches: These oil-free wipes remove excess oil and every last bit of your waterproof makeup. They're wet enough to get your entire face, and not sickly-sweet-scented like some cheesier packs.
L a Roche-Posay Effaclar Cleansing Wipes, $9.99, available in July at CVS.
If you're a Frizz-Ease devotee, life just got a little easier. Pop on this baby before showering and you'll be left with frizz-free, smooth, manageable hair for 10 days post-treatment.
John Frieda 10 Day Tamer Pre-Shower Treatment, $12.99, available in July at CVS.
Essie's nail polishes got a dope makeover recently. The result: futuristic bottles in 42 shades, plus a long-wearing gel-like formula that doesn't require a basecoat or a UV lamp. Watch for them on CVS shelves next month.
Essie Gel Couture, $11.50, available in July at CVS.
If you regularly read our website (thanks!), you might be getting a little tired of hearing about the importance of daily exfoliation with a gentle glycolic cleanser. We'll let this product put the conversation to rest.
L'Oréal Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Daily Scrub Cleanser with Glycolic, $19.99, available in July at CVS.
Exfoliation over-achievers, pay attention: These gentle pads yield an even more radiant complexion.
L'Oréal Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Peel Pads, $19.99, available in July at CVS.
Infused with hot ingredient du jour red-algae extract, this new clay mask from L'Oréal exfoliates, rejuvenates, and unclogs your skin.
L'Oréal Clay Mask Red Algae Exfoliate & Refine Pores Mask, $12.99, available in July at CVS.
If you haven't heard, color-correcting is trending. Mix and match with Nyx's palette for custom coverage that's unique to your needs. Trouble spots? Redness? Brightening needs? This palette's got you covered.
Nyx Color Correcting Palette, $11.99, available in July at CVS.
This ombré blush is almost too pretty to use, but we advise that you play with the pretty product to your heart's content. It's buildable, finely milled, and leaves behind a multidimensional flush. (Not babydoll-style circles.)
Nyx Ombre Blush, $9.99, available in July at CVS.
Nyx's dual-sided brow and highlight pencil is great for filling in sparse hairs while allowing you to bring attention to your arch area. Also? Please examine the price, and know you could spend a lot more on products that are pretty much exactly the same.
Nyx Sculpt & Highlight Brow Contour, $9.99, available in July at CVS.
Everything's coming up roses — including our underarms — with this creamy and gentle roll-on deodorant from Dr. Hauschka.
Dr. Hauschka Rose Deodorant, $24, available in July at CVS.
Compress pads are perfect for late nights and early mornings alike. The soothing botanical blend moisturizes even the tiredest, most hungover eyes.
Borghese Eye Compress Pads, $9.99, available in July at CVS.
Rimmel's new mascara coats each and every lash with a temporary tint — instead of just a lacquer of paint — while working overtime to plump and elongate.
Rimmel Volume Colourist Mascara, $9.49, available in July at CVS.
A couple of spritzes of this dry shampoo will leave your roots cleansed, purified, and oil-free. No, really: It's not white or chalky, and even the dark-haired among us can use it liberally.
Dove Detox and Purify Dry Shampoo, $5.29, available in July at CVS.
This duo of lip shades — a muted rose and a mellow brick — is perfect for day or night.
Makeup Academy Semi-Matte Lipstick Duo, $8, available in July at CVS.
Never be without your bold Cara Delevingne brows again.
Makeup Academy Travel Brow Kit, $8, available in July at CVS.
This tiny baby is the size of your credit card, so it's both portable and functional. (Nope, it's not using the chip yet.)
Makeup Academy Nude Eye Shadow Palette, $8, available in July at CVS.
Like this post? There's more. Get tons of beauty tips, tutorials, and news on the Refinery29 Beauty Facebook page. Like us on Facebook — we'll see you there!
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
THIS Is How You Should Be Applying Your Eyeshadow