Beauty Bar: Duane Reade Beauty Aisle

What’s the difference bewteen Midtown Manhattan and Harlem NYC? Great powder colors for us. Midtown mass stores like Duane Reade (recently renovated I might add) versus the store on 125th Street don’t have a great range of foundation products that match our various skin tones. Luckily I live in Harlem so I took a stroll to check out the new look of Duane Reade in my neck of the woods on Saturday. On my way to the drugstore, I marveled at the level of vendor activity on the streets and just plain ol’ folks hanging out on an absolutely glorious day. To live in New York City. What a joy.

I finally arrive at Duane Reade and I’m taken aback by how sleek the store finally looks with its wider aisles making it easier for folks like me to really peruse the beauty aisles. My dreams have finally come true … I can finally shop without getting sideswiped by a grocery cart. It’s the small things that make me happy.

… and back to my beauty product expedition at Duane Reade. I immediately walked over to the beauty section where I take a deep breath and dive right in where I’m hold up for at least an hour. Who does that you ask? I’m proud to say without hesitation, me! And you’ll be happy to know that during my visit, I found a slew of new mineral foundation products that won’t break the bank, but before you get too excited, I am sad to report that the Duane Reade site isn’t equipped for online ordering, so you’ll need to purchase these products in-store. Sorry.

So enough chit chatter already and have a look-see at my pro mineral foundation picks:

Black Radiance Perfect Blend Mineral Foundation: Provides natural, flawless looking skin. This gentle, mineral foundation is oil-free, talc-free and fragrance free; won’t clog pores or irritate skin. Kit contains two shades to ensure a perfect match for your skin tone. The convenient ultra-soft kabuki brush provides an effortless professional application. Comes ni three shades: light, medium or dark. $7.00

Iman Second to None Cover Cream and Semi Loose Powder Value Set Enriched with Minerals: This ingenious mineral infused semi-loose powder with its oil-reducing core, blended with corn silk and silk powder will keep your complexion shine-free, fresh and flawless all day +plusFlawless-finish concealer which camouflages under-eye circles, blemishes and skin tone imperfections. $19.99

Prestige Skin Loving Gentle Finish Mineral Powder: Creates a gentle finish for your face that’s flawless and smoothe. $9.95

N.Y.C. New York Color Smoothe Mineral Loose Foundation Powder with SPF 12: Evens and brightens skin tone for a naturally healthy complexion, with light-reflecting mica to minimize the look of fine lines. Gentle to skin – no talc, oil or fragrance, and irritant-free. SPF 12 helps shield delicate skin from damaging UV rays. Fluffy Kabuki Brush provides smooth application. $6.99

Wet ‘N Wild Beauty Benefits Mineral Foundation: Powerful Age Prevention. Brightens Complexion. Conceals Imperfections & Camouflages Discoloration. 100% Pure Beauty Benefits Minerals – ideal for Sensitive Skin. Weightless Formula Minimizes the Look of Lines and Pores. Water-Resistant Color Stays True All Day. Dermatologist Approved. Hypoallergenic.