STYLE

Wait... Trader Joe's sells beauty products?

We adore TJ's as a grocery store (those Cheddar Rocket Crackers are the best snack around), but their skincare and hair products are the best-kept secret of the beauty world.

These lovelies have amazing quality for a store that's known for food, not beauty. And they're just as good as (if not better than!) some high-end products from luxury brands—but at a hugely reduced cost. Best of all, Trader Joe's beauty products are cruelty-free and free from sulfates, parabens and cheap chemicals.

There's a world of affordable Trader Joe's beauty products to explore, but here are our fave five that you need to try out. Like, right now.

Daily Facial Sunscreen

Trader Joe's Daily Facial Sunscreen, $9

I'm not kidding when I say that Trader Joe's Daily Facial Sunscreen is the best sunscreen I've tried.

As a committed sunscreen wearer, I've tried a range of products, including many that are greasy or oily, leave a white cast or make my face shiny. Trader Joe's facial sunscreen goes on as a clear gel instead of a white liquid, which means it dries matte and absorbs quickly.

A little goes a long way, which means your cute orange tube will last longer than you think. It's a fabulous dupe for trendy sunscreens with similar gel formulas like Supergoop! Unseen.

Ultra Hydrating Gel Moisturizer

Trader Joe's Ultra Hydrating Gel Moisturizer, $9

Moisturizing every night is one of the best things you can do to keep your face dewy and glowy, and Trader Joe's water-based Ultra Hydrating Gel Moisturizer ($9) has a smooth, light consistency that hydrates your skin without feeling too rich or heavy. It also uses soothing ingredients like aloe leaf juice, green tea and milk thistle to calm your skin, and it's fragrance-free (good for the sensitive skin girlies!).

@matea_that_skincare_girl Neutrogena hydro boost moisturizer but make it cruelty free and half the price #neutrogenaskincare #neutrogenahydroboost #crueltyfreedupes #gelmoisturizer #traderjoesskincare #traderjoesfinds ♬ original sound - matea_that_skincare_girl

Rose Water Facial Toner

Trader Joe's Rose Water Facial Toner, $4

I didn't become a facial toner girl until recently, but I've spent years hearing about the benefits of using toner on your face after cleansing with face wash to refresh your skin. It's as easy as misting the toner onto a cotton pad and patting it on.

Trader Joe's Rose Water Facial Toner ($4) smells divine, and some say it's a dupe of the Mario Badescu Witch Hazel & Rosewater Toner. Even better, the botanical ingredients like Damask rose oil and witch hazel will balance, clean and moisturize your skin to make it look like you're seeing it through rose-colored glasses.

@champagneheidy @Trader Joe’s ♬ Aesthetic - Tollan Kim

Supreme Hydrating Eye Cream

Trader Joe's Supreme Hydrating Eye Cream, $6

It's v. important to moisturize the thin, delicate skin around your eyes, and Trader Joe's Supreme Hydrating Eye Cream ($6) is light, soft and hydrating courtesy of ingredients like collagen, Manuka honey and hibiscus extract.

Even regular facial moisturizer can be too intense for the skin around the eyes, so try out this eye cream if you're looking for something gentle that won't irritate your skin. 

@styledbykurry Trader Joes eye cream? #eyecreamreview #skincarereviewers ♬ original sound - Styledbykurry

Shea Butter & Coconut Oil Hair Serum

Trader Joe's Shea Butter & Coconut Oil Hair Serum, $5

Trader Joe's Shea Butter & Coconut Oil Hair Serum ($5) is infused with argan oil and black currant, açai and macadamia seed extracts. If you smooth it onto damp hair when you get out of the shower (just a little dab is great!), it will hydrate your hair and make it silky and soft.

You can also use the serum on dry hair (again, a little goes a long way), and it can add a layer of protection before heat styling with a curling iron or straightener.

Best of all, the hair serum has the most glorious scent with notes of coconut and vanilla that will make you feel like you're on a tropical vacay.

(Trader Joe's also makes a Shea Butter & Coconut Oil Hair Mask, which you can use in place of conditioner if you fall in love with the smell.)

What Trader Joe's beauty products have you tried? Tag us in your hauls on IG @girlslifemag!

Looking for more beauty product recs? We've got you covered!
☀️ The best K-beauty sunscreens you *need* to try
🏖️ 5 waterproof makeup products you need to try this summer
💄 The viral TikTok makeup dupes you should *actually* buy

Slider image: @traderjoes
Top image: @traderjoes

by Ava Slocum | 9/6/2023