You don't always have to go high-end to get a good beauty product. Here are my 5 favorite drugstore beauty products!
Time for another Just 5 Things post! The last one was so much fun and I absolutely loved learning about your favorite US travel destinations. Must visit list = officially expanded.
Today I’m sharing my 5 favorite drugstore beauty products because, believe it or not, one of the most popular posts on IGE for years, which still gets quite a few hits today, is the one I wrote on The Best Skincare Advice I’ve Ever Received. What can I say, people like healthy happy skin almost as much as they like crock pot recipes. I totally get it! ?
While I still religiously follow the advice I was given to achieve smooth skin, I’ve changed the products I use up just a bit. That said, I still buy all of them from the drugstore. I think there’s something to be said for $100 bottles of ancient melon-infused anti-aging serum, and there are a few higher end/department store products I use, but there’s also something to be said for a product I can pick up at CVS for $10 that works well too. Ya feel me?
I also thought it’d be fun to share a couple of my favorite makeup products if you’re up for trying something new. Oh and hair – can’t forget about hair! If you have impossible, won’t-hold-a-curl-for-anything hair like I do, definitely pick up a bottle of the style-holding spray I swear by.
Do us a huge favor and leave your favorite drugstore beauty picks in the comments below!
1. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Towelettes
One of my weird quirks is refusing to wash my face at the sink – the dripping, the splashing…I can’t. That said, Neutrogena’s Makeup Remover Towelettes are my saving grace at night. No water needed, soft and gentle on my skin, plus they remove everything, including waterproof eyeliner and mascara. And while I do follow up with face lotion, the towelettes leave my skin feeling nice and silky as if I’ve also applied a light moisturizer. MUST HAVE.
2. Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner
Maybe she’s born with it – oh wait, nope, it’s definitely makeup. ? Although I never wear eyeshadow I MUST wear eyeliner. I’ll never forget the time in college when I came to class with no eyeliner on and my friend said to me, “oh! You’re not wearing eyeliner!” Like, Kristin without eyeliner is not Kristin. Good story, but seriously, Maybelline’s Unstoppable Eyeliner has been a staple of mine for over a decade. It goes on super, super smooth and stays PUT. I don’t know what I’ll do if it’s ever discontinued!
3. Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin
My facial skin is a huge PITA. It’s extremely sensitive, so no brushes, peels or masks, and also combination oily and dry. Major ?. That said, I’ve tried a ton of different moisturizers and they’re either too oily or too drying but, as Goldilocks would say, Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin is juuuuust right. I use this every morning and while it’s very hydrating, it’s not too heavy. The bottle seems to last forever, too.
4. Physician’s Formula Light Bronzer
I’ve been using this very natural-looking bronzer for years and years. Target stopped carrying it at one point and I about lost my mind – luckily it’s still readily available at CVS and Ulta (and I think maybe Sephora?) At any rate, I love this bronzer because it’s shimmer and sparkle-free. There’s a time and a place for both but not as an everyday look, right? You only need the teeniest, tiniest amount too, so the palette lasts for months and months.
5. Redken Iron Shape 11 Finishing Thermal Spray
My hair is stick straight and refuses to hold a curl for longer than 10 minutes. The stylist who did my hair for the last wedding I was in used 5 – yes, FIVE – kinds of hairspray and my ‘do was still a stringy mess by the end of the night. This Redken Thermal Spray is the only product I’ve ever tried that keeps a curl in my hair, plus it smells SO good! I pair it with my curling wand and the waves stay overnight. So, so happy I found this product after searching for something like it all my life.
Honorable mention – Candy Cane Chapstick
Another weird quirk alert (I’m full of ’em!) I hate having lipstick, lip stain, lip gloss, etc on my lips. First of all I don’t like the way it looks on me but more importantly the feeling of anything sticky or glossy is just bleeeeech. Give me chapstick or give me…chapstick! I’m never without a tube nearby and the Candy Cane flavor is my everything. Love that tingly feeling after applying, and fresh, minty scent!
What are your drugstore beauty product must-haves?!
Target had a special edition Burt’s Bee’s pumpkin spice lip balm in 2016… I stocked up. Also in the fall Trader Joe’s has a pumpkin body butter… and for under $5!! I also really like all things Aveeno (I still miss the blueberry and goji body lotion they used to have.) The lavender scented lotion and shower gels have a nice light scent without being chemical or overpowering.
I also like Bath and Body Works products (although mostly the older stuff…I especially like Plumeria) and when you can stock up at the sales it can be as inexpensive if not more so than the drugstore products.
I’m a sucker for anything lavender these days – the smell reminds me of my kids since that’s what we use for bath and bed time. I’ll check that product out!
Love these posts!! I think my favorite recent drugstore purchase is Garnier Micellar Water. I use it with a cotton round as my face wash in the morning + after washing my face at night. It leaves my skin feeling incredibly soft and clean and removes everything!
I’ve been so curious about the new “waters” that have hit the market recently – I will give this a try!!
Another vote for micellar water! The skin around my eyes gets dried out and irritated easily, so this has been great to take off makeup without any irritation.
Agree with the micellar water!
Another vote for Micellar water! I also use makeup removal cloths and use micellar water after, I’m shocked at how dirty my face still is! It’s super gentle and works so well. I buy Ganier and it lasts a long time.
DARN, literally just bought some heat protectant spray yesterday and wish I had seen this.. oh well, they all work the same, right-hah? I also use a retractable eyeliner, but I use Rimmel!
Next time!! ;)
OMG, SO with you on not washing your face at the sink. Biggest. Mess. Ever. Also, totally with ya on the chapstick v. lipstick thing. I ALWAYS have a tube of mint chapstick on hand. There have been a few discontinuation scares, but it’s still going strong (for now). My hair won’t hold a curl either- may have to try this product…. you spray onto curls after? Or is it something you use before curling?
You can use on wet or dry hair – I usually spray it on before drying though. My hair is also SUPER staticky in the winter time and it really helps with that too, even if I’m not curling my hair!
I love that Neutrogena moisturizer too! I decided to save money and buy the Target brand version of it recently, and it’s just not the same!
Totally agree! I used to buy the Target version too, and found it was worth it to spend a few extra bucks.
Is chapstick brand gluten free? I get so frusterated trying to find safe beauty products?
Yes! ??
1. Almay eye makeup remover pads; 2. Up & Up dual effects moisturizer with salicylic acid (notice this was one of your faves from your skin care post too); 3. Vaseline – for lips; 4. Mary Kay lip gloss in Pink Lustre; and 5. Coppertone Water Babies sunscreen. I used to use Clean & Clear cleanser but now that my skin is less oily (one benefit to aging), I use Dove soap for sensitive skin.
I am the same way about washing my face in the sink! I’ve actually been using the CVS brand makeup remover wipes for years. Just as good, if not better, than the brand names and cheaper.
Trader Joe’s Nourish Antioxidant Facial Serum – I apply this in the morning and at night before I moisturize and I swear I can see a difference!
Shea Moisture shampoo and conditioner (they also have a baby/kids line that I use on my son). My hair is so shiny after using this! And everything smells AMAZING.
It’s a 10 leave in conditioner!
I definitely agree with the ‘It’s a 10’ leave-in conditioner! That product totally changed my hair for the better. A must try.
HA that is so funny you mentioned the candy cane chapstick. That stuff is my absolute JAM- I buy tons of it every year at Christmas and have gotten all of my friends hooked. For some reason the formula is so much better than the other chapsticks. Ugh love.
I’ve tried all kinds of face wash towelettes and keep coming back to Pond’s Luminous Clean. They recently changed the “towel” though to a little less friction (a little less like an actual wash cloth feel) but still my favorite to use. Those with the smooth towel just glide across the face and I can’t stand that feeling or the feeling it doesn’t get my face clean. Blistex Medicated Lip Ointment has been my favorite and must have for everyday for many years. Alba Original Very Emollient Unscented Body Lotion is favorite lotion. And I use just a tad “organic extra virgin cold pressed coconut oil” on my face and neck (warm a smidgen in my palms to apply it liquid form to my skin). Dab off any excess not absorbed in a few minutes before applying make up, or leave as is over night for night treatment. I too have very sensitive skin and my face will break out pretty easily too with just about any products so I was surprised that the coconut oil does not do that and actually improved my skin. This type (organic and unprocessed) coconut oil is naturally antimicrobial. I’m going to try the Redken heat spray and peppermint chap stick! Love your blog!
I love Neutrogena face wipes too! I also love drugstore beauty blenders. Have you ever tried Lipsense? Its not like traditional lipstick or stain. It doesn’t have wax like chapstick so it hydrates your lips. It lasts 4-12 hours too. Its also gluten free! It is glossy, but once your lips are hydrated you wouldn’t need chapstick. It has a 100% money-back guarantee. I am a distributor of Lipsense and would be happy to answer any questions (linda.rae.schott@gmail.com).
My #1 drug store product right now is the Maybelline single shadow in Nude Glow. My favorite shadow was copper penny from Clinique (thanks mom!) and they discontinued it. I didn’t even know this until I was pretty much out of the one I had. Turns out Nude Glow is almost the exact match. It is a little more soft and a bit more pink than the Clinique one but it definitely packs on pigment and stays there all day!
Interesting! I always wondered why they made facial towelettes, and now I know!! That being said, I like to wash my face with the Target (Up & Up) brand of facial cleanser – Morning Burst. I have sensitive skin but it’s very gentle on it. Also, Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover is pretty awesome too.
I apply Aveeno facial moisturizer in the morning and at bedtime. I use Rimmel mascara.
Physicians Formula is the only ethical, cruelty-free company that does not test on animals. I’m personally unwilling to utilize a product that merely makes my life easier that harms an animal in the process.
I am soooooo with you on the chapstick thing!! I have one in every coat pocket, car, purse, kitchen counter, bathroom and any other place you can think of to keep one! My family thinks I’m crazy!
ELF under-eye setting powder…Ah-mazing as Sofia the First would say :)
I love Neutrogena products!! The oil free moistrizer is THE best!
Bonnie Bell Lip Smackers in Dr. Pepper flavor has been my all-time favorite since I was 14 (I’m 56 now)! I buy ’em by the handful – keep one in the purse, my work desk, the gym bag, in my supply stash at home. It has a great smell & flavor, gives a slight hint of color. I’ve tried other flavors & brands of lip gloss, color, stick & stain over the years, but this is the one constant for me.
Wow, I didn’t know Bonnie Bell was still being made! I used it as a teenager. Where do you buy it?
This has wheat in the formula! No Bonne Belle for my girls, sadly… ;-(
I’ve always had ultra-sensitive skin, and – unfortunately for my wallet – it fares better when I spend more on my makeup and skincare products, but 5 drugstore must have for me are:
1.) Crest White Strips
2.) Burts Bees grapefruit chapstick
3.) Almay oil-free eyemakeup remover pads
4.) Nyx Brow Mascara
5.) Heritage Store Rosewater
Dove dry shampoo is a lifesaver for my fine, limp hair.
Rude and uncalled for comment. Why don’t you share your name so we can all properly respond instead of hiding behind an “anonymous” screen name?
I guess you are having a bad day….
The blog you are reading is the evidence that she works really hard. I’m sure she is very appreciative of all she has and has alluded to it regularly. Also please note that she does live with a disease she will have forever, so maybe that will help you not resent her so much.
I use Simple Micellar Water morning and night on my face and neck. Makes my skin feel so good! I buy it at Target.
I agree Redken’s Iron Shape 11 Finishing Thermal Spray is the best. However please don’t buy professional hair care product at the drug store.
Over the last year, I’ve been trying to switch to cruelty-free brands and have luckily found some great products at the drugstore. Milani Eye Shadow Primer (it works better for me than any of the expensive ones like Urban Decay or Too Faced), Wet N Wild Max Volume Plus mascara, Pixi Glow Tonic (a fave among beauty gurus and since I’ve hit 40 I knew I needed to start using an exfoliant on the regular), and (not cruelty free but I haven’t found a good replacement yet) Aveeno Eczema Relief hand lotion (in the winter, I always got dry patches between my fingers on my right hand and since I’ve started using this I haven’t gotten them at all. It’s been a miracle worker).
Hello Kristin! I’m wondering if you’ve ever heard of the Environmental Working Group app Healthy Living? You can scan products in and/or search for them by name to review their safety ratings. It was very scary for me as a new mom a few years ago to realize companies we know and trust are knowingly allowed to use harmful chemicals… those tied to cancer, endocrine disruption, and even allergies in all products as the FDA has only banned 30. The European Union bans nearly 1300. And yes, I work for Beautycounter, which bans nearly 1500 chemicals in all products… but we are a B corp with equal interest in people, planet, and profit. Educating people on the safety of their products is a huge passion project of mine. Hopefully that app suggestion is helpful.
Kristin, I also use the Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture sensitive skin as my daily moisturizer. I use Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer as my “makeup.” I subscribe to the less is more on makeup. I use Burt’s Bees mango moisturizing lip balm, and wear their lipsticks when necessary.
[…] I use on a day-to-day basis that can be found at your local Walmart, Target or CVS. When I saw Kristen post about her five favorites, I was inspired to share my five drugstore beauty […]
I love posts like these, they are so helpful. I’ve been looking for a good bronzer with no glitter and face wipes, thanks for sharing! I’d love to see a post about what type of products you use for the boys, like laundry detergent, soap, etc.
Not only do I love all things crockpot but I am also a makeup junkie! The crockpot gives me more time to play around with makeup products, LOL! Drugstore makeup has come a long way in the last few years and can definitely compete with the higher end cosmetics.
Right now I am so loving the Wet n Wild Photo Focus foundation. It really is the bomb, which totally surprised me. It really doesn’t sink into my fine lines and wrinkles and just looks amazing plus it’s only $5.99 how can you beat that? They also have another product that I am really loving right now and it’s their Coloricon Bronzer in Reserve your Cabana. Although they say it’s a bronzer it is much more of a highlighter and is an almost exact dupe for the Ambient Hourglass Powder and just gives your skin that lit from within glow that everyone wants, plus it’s only something like $4.
On to hair, I really don’t like to put a whole lot of products in my hair so my newest find is by Loreal and it’s called Air Dry It. They have a few different products in the line but I use the Un-done Style Cream it gives my hair the lift and bounce that you usually need a blowdryer to get. Oh yeah, I almost forgot Dove dry shampoo is a must have for me, I have fine hair and it can often look limp so a little sprayed onto my root area just lifts my hair.
I hope this wasn’t too long and if you try anything that I mentioned I sure would love to hear what you think of it!
I use the Garnier Anti-Puff Eye Roller EVERY morning. I’ve also been trying the new line of Kristin Ess hair products at Target – the dry texture spray and the instant thickening spray. They’re all $10-14.
Facial wipes are everything! I’m a huge fan of Burt’s Bees wipes. I’m also infatuated with e.l.f. Poreless Face Primer. See ya, pores!
I love these new “5 favorites” posts! Keep ’em coming!
I am obsessed with CeraVe facial lotions!! I have adult acne and they are the only moisturizers that actually hydrate my skin, but don’t clog pores. And the price is great!! I used to be a Cetaphil girl, but my dermatologist recommended cerave and I’m hooked!
Same! I use their face wash in the shower!
I also live by the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Towelettes. My skin is super sensitive and Neutrogena is the one that my skin will tolerate.
Anyone have any tips for under eye? I’ve been using Physician’s Formula Under Eye Concealer, but am wondering if there is anything that will cover it up better.
I love reading these top 5 posts, and beauty is definitely welcome! :) My favorite drugstore products are:
1) Batiste dry shampoo
2) Rimmel argan oil mascara (copper tube) / just as good if not better than some expensive brands
3) NYX brand eyebrow powder, concealer (in the pot), and eyeshadow primer
Love these 5 things posts! I also use the Neutrogena face wipes at night! I really like St. Ives products – body wash, lotion, and the Green Tea facial scrub (its more gentle than the apricot scrub). I also really like the Eos lip balm and Physicians formula mascara, eye shadow, and eye liner.
Great post. I wish there was a good makeup remover that did not leave a wipe, cotton ball or anything behind…. If there is, I haven’t found it. Hate all that waste, but gotta remove the makeup somehow. Definitely my essential product is a moisturizer with sunscreen. Over the years, the one I tend to come back to over and over is Eucerin Daily Protection. I have sun spots from tanning when I was younger, and I regret it so much. My other essential (for the past 2 decades, and I’m only 35) is Mary Kay liquid foundation. Having found my perfect match, I’m not gonna change it!
Have you tried oil cleansing? My favorite oil to use is jojoba. I just massage it onto my dry skin, then rinse with warm water and follow up with a foaming cleanser. It’s super gentle and breaks down my makeup with minimal rubbing. No wipes or cotton balls needed :)
I love the sharing! Mine are:
1. Almay Eye Makeup Remover Pads
2. Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin
3. Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation
4. CoverGirl LastBlast Volume Mascara
5. Frizz Ease Beyond Smooth Frizz Immunity Primer
The Frizz Ease product, in particular, has been such a great discovery in the last year. I have fine, wavy hair, and I live in Georgia, so…frizz. I’ve tried all kinds of stuff over the years, including other Frizz Ease products, but nothing has worked as well as this one. I’m wearing my hair natural much more than straightening it now because it looks so good! All I do is wash, comb this through, air dry, and I have perfect beachy waves. No crunch. LOVE.
I wish I had read your original skincare post earlier. Ever since having a baby – and maybe because I’m in my late-30’s and hormones are shifting too – I’ve been frustrated by stubborn breakouts, mostly around my jawline. I had success with Proactiv Gentle Formula years ago and finally decided to go back. But I hate how expensive it is! We’ll see if it works again this time. I guess it will be worth it if it works. But, if not, I may give your regime a try!
My products are different than most of those listed because I’m older (61) and Canadian. As well, my son-in-law is from India so I try Indian beauty products as well.
My favourites are:
1. Real Henna (not compound henna, real henna contains only henna, nothing else and is red only. Compound henna contains chemicals and is bad for hair.) I’m a brunette who is about 1/2 grey naturally. I used to use hair dye but hated the way it dried out and damaged my hair (which has been oily most of my life). I mix the powdered henna with orange juice (the acid helps the colour develop), let sit for 1/2 hour to activate the colour, apply it to my hair in the bathtub with gloves and a henna brush (messy), cover it with a shower cap and then a toque (what you Americans call a beanie) and let it stay in 4 hours to completely cover the grey. I then rinse it out with lots of conditioner. It gives me a wonderful depth of colour with reddish highlights. As well, it makes my hair soft and shiny! I love it, FAR BETTER than commercial hair dye. The brand I like best is Jamila, it’s finely ground & sifted, available in south Asian groceries and is cheaper than hair dye (about $3 Canadian a box). Worth the mess and time. (I do it about every 6 weeks.)
2. Haman soap (Indian). I found this green soap is the best facial cleanser I’ve used. I have sensitive/oily skin (yes, it is possible to have oily skin as an older woman!) and a patch of eczema on my neck. I do not wash more than once a day. (When I was young, I washed frequently and used harsh products for oily skin. It got better when I stopped that treatment). If I have on makeup, I will use a makeup removal wipe for sensitive skin first.
3. Vatika (Indian) shampoos, conditioners and oils. (I only use a tiny bit of oil on the ends. As I’ve gotten older, my hair has gotten drier.) I also like coconut oil in the summer but it goes solid in colder temperatures so cannot be used in cool/cold weather.
4. I use Nivea Hydrocare lip balm for no colour (smoother than Chapstick IHMO.) If I want a bit of colour, I use L’Oreal Lip Balm – It provides a bit of colour and it is not sticky
5. I don’t wear makeup every day (too much bother but I do look better with a light application). When I do, I use the following products: -Maybelline Age Rewind Eraser (foundation). I love the roller applicator this foundation has, it makes it so easy to apply, roll and blend after applying (As I’ve gotten older, my skin tone has gotten more uneven although I avoid the sun as much as possible.) I also like the primer (helps prevent the foundation from settling into wrinkles and the concealer (I’ve always had dark under eye circles – hereditary). If I really want to cover those circles, I might add Revlon Colorstay Undereye concealer and/or L’Oreal True Match Touche Concealer.
-Blush: After 50, I found the creme blush looked better than powder. My favourite is NYX creme stick.
– Eye Shadow- As I’ve gotten older, I find cream ones also are better than powders. (They don’t flake into my sensitive eyes either.) My favourite is Annabelle Eyecolor Creme Quartet. The only powder eyeshadow I still use is L’Oreal Color Infallible. I only use neutral colours.
– Eye Brow pencil- Although I henna my brows too, I sometimes get white/grey hairs there. I have a stockpile of old Revlon Colorstay Eyebrow Wax Pencils I use. (They are less harsh looking than regular eyebrow pencils and don’t need sharpening.)
– Mascara & Eye Liner. I don’t use this products for 2 reasons. My eyes are small, deep set, hooded and sensitive so I’ve never used eye liner. I stopped using mascara many years ago after I caught pink eye from my son twice. I find I can’t tolerate mascara and it makes my eyes run.
I have a confession some of you may find surprising – I don’t ever use facial moisturizer. I’ve had sensitive skin all of my life and most of my life, it’s been oily (gotten some less oily with age). If I use any facial moisturizer, I get blackheads, whiteheads and break out. I tried many, many brands over the years (including light moisturizers for sensitive skin) but the end result is the same – so I stopped using them. I do use Flexitol Naturals Eczema and Psoriasis Cream on my eczema patch (although with the Haman soap, it is better.)
I wear a hat during the summer (I’m fair with some freckles and moles and have a family history of sun cancer) and I try to wear sunscreen with a high SPF (even though I hate it). I usually pick one by Neutrogena as they don’t make me break out. I also apply it to my arms and hands when driving as I’ve noticed I have more on the left side due to sun exposure when driving.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Cetaphil face wash and moisturizer. Totally agree with the Neutrogena cloths and I hate washing my face in the sink. I am the biggest fan of Loreal Voluminous Mascara in Black and may be buried with a tube of it! Surprisingly, my favorite gloss is from the Dollar Store LA Colors and my daughter, Brynn, and I have a tube stashed EVERYWHERE!
Your family is beautiful and keep up the great blogging!
Thanks for the Physician’ Formula bronzer recommendation. I have super pale skin, and this is just enough color to make me look “normal”! I have tried other more expensive bronzers and they have made my skin look weird. I always enjoy your recipes, too!
Not to scare you, but my twin daughters have Celiac and we have not been able to confirm that Chapstick is GF. So, after years of using it on their sensitive skin (the old black tube is GREAT for eczema spots overnight!) I have had to switch to EOS, which I appreciate for being labeled GF and readily available, but am annoyed that it just doesn’t work like Chapstick. If you have heard otherwise, please let me know!! :-)
LOVE to hear that Wet n Wild is GF – my childhood staple!!! I have only read that Chapstick IS gluten-free but I’m heading right now to do a little more research…
We have long, fine hair with SUPER-static in winter. I love Garnier (it is gluten free) Butter Cream leave-in treatment. It is a yellow tub with a squirt-top. Basically it is lotion for your static-hair and works great weighing it down, smelling great, and not being greasy! (Avoid your roots, of course). Also, in a pinch, a little of your favorite hand lotion does the same job, but may be more greasy.
Also an important and fun discovery recently for us GF girls in my house is that all Wet & Wild products are GF. Cheap and safe is a winning combo!