What do we all want? Beautiful, glowing skin. But with the stress of life comes a lack of sleep, exposure to harsh elements, and lax skincare, all of which can contribute to dull skin. There are loads of expensive beauty products to choose from that promise to create an instant glow, whether by exfoliating, moisturizing, or highlighting, but the keyword there is expensive.
Luckily, drugstore beauty products are better than ever, and thanks to options like Amazon and Target, getting them is easier than ever (i.e., you don’t even have to actually go to a drugstore). I did my research and read lots of reviews and recommendations, and these 14 products for glowing skin came out on top. Some get to the root of the dull-skin problem with chemical exfoliants and vitamin C, while others serve as a shimmering final touch to your makeup routine.
Keep scrolling to shop 14 drugstore finds that promise glowing skin for far less than a facial.
One of Versed’s newest launches, this hybrid product is good for day or night, but if you really want to take advantage of the glow, wear it in the morning in place of moisturizer. It works for all skin types and is never greasy, only glowy.
If a dewy glow is your goal and you don’t want to disturb your makeup in the process, this product is for you. Simply spritz it over makeup or on bare skin, and you’re left with that coveted healthy glow thanks to coconut water, hyaluronic acid, and argan oil.
If you’re into drugstore products, you’ve probably at least heard of this wildly popular toner. It gently exfoliates sans alcohol, and reviews claim that it helps to clear up acne significantly. Seems worth the $15 to me.
As you likely know, a vitamin C serum is a crucial part of any skincare routine, and price points for them vary drastically. At the low end of the price-point spectrum is this RoC serum, which combines vitamin C and nonapeptides to glow, brighten, and tighten.
This illuminating lotion is at the top of the heap when it comes to drugstore highlighters. It comes in four shades to complement every skin tone and hydrates all day. Reviewers rave about how natural-looking it is.
Aveeno’s moisturizing glow serum is a great option if you have dry skin, as it also hydrates with soy. You can use it alone or add it to your moisturizer, and reviewers say that it’s lightweight and leaves skin with a luminous—not oily—glow.
One of my personal favorites on this list, this peel provides a noticeable glow each morning. It’s gentle enough to use frequently (sometimes I just layer a little moisturizer on top) and conditions skin with allantoin, rose hip, and vitamin E. It’s one of the few peels I’ve used that don’t cause redness.
If you want the look of a high-end highlighter for a low-end price, this powder option from Maybelline is as good as you can get. Reviewers rave about the high quality and how beautiful each of the four shades is. Add this to your cart if you like a bold glow.
This (glow) baby has five stars from lots of happy reviewers, so you’re in good hands if you opt to try it. It combines vitamin C and glycolic acid—the ultimate brightening combination—and multiple reviews say that it smells great.
Glycolic acid serums are key if you want an even skin tone and a lit-from-within glow. This serum features a high concentration, but it’s balanced by soothing aloe vera.
Nearly five stars and 4000 ratings on Amazon prove that this is one of the best drugstore highlighters money can buy. It’s intense, so a little goes a long way (making the $8 that it costs even more impressive).
One of Target’s most popular serums, this contains niacinamide and vitamin E to banish dullness, with the addition of hyaluronic acid for extra hydration. Reviewers claim that their skin texture has improved since they started using it.
This clean beauty brand’s glow oil was made for oily and combination skin. It absorbs quickly and leaves your skin soft, smooth, and hydrated (and yes, bright and dewy). Plus, the packaging is hard to resist.
This easy-to-apply serum stick is made to glide over the skin post-cleansing. The description reads, “Potent hydration that leaves skin brighter-looking and revitalized, giving you that gorgeous glow you’re going for.” It sounds perfect for summer travel, which we’ll hopefully be able to do this year.
