41 Drugstore Beauty Products Worth the Hype

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OGX
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Even as beauty editors, no matter how many fancy new lipsticks we add to our collection and luxury serums we test, at the end of the day, there will always be a special place in our hearts for our tried-and-true drugstore beauty products. Sure, the world of prestige beauty is exploding with options, but there's something so satisfying about discovering an affordable skin-care or makeup find that is so perfect, it feels like it was plucked straight from your dreams.

Whether it's a cult-favorite treasure that was recommended to us by a friend or a budget-friendly impulse buy turned beloved go-to, we can't take a trip to our local Target, Walgreens, or CVS without grabbing at least one — actually, make it two — refills. From mascaras for lashes a mile long to moisturizers that keep dry patches at bay and shampoo and conditioner duos that really pack the shine, the aisles of the drugstore are bursting with possibilities.

There are so many affordable brands out there that deliver high-quality cosmetics without draining your wallet. Don't get us wrong, we love a good treat-yourself moment as much as the next person but for everyday staples, there's no need to shell out a ton of cash if you'd prefer not to. If you need further proof of the magic of drugstore beauty products, just look at all of these celebrity favorites and do a quick scroll of #drugstoremusthaves on TikTok with 29.1 million views — you'll be overwhelmed with options.

Keep scrolling to see the best drugstore beauty products of all time per our editors' recommendations. Prepare to see an array of foundations, hair masks, eyeliners, cleansers, and so much more.

Best Drugstore Hand Lotion
walgreens.com

Best Drugstore Hand Lotion

Vaseline Radiant X Deep Nourishment Hand Butter ($6)

If you're a fan of hand creams but don't like the greasy feel that they can sometimes leave behind, this one from Vaseline is for you. It deeply nourishes with ingredients like glycerin and shea butter, but there is no sticky film left on your hands when you're done applying it.

Best Drugstore Primer
amazon.com

Best Drugstore Primer

E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer ($10)

This primer is an editor favorite and has gone viral on TikTok countless times. The formula gives you poreless, matte skin, allowing your products to go on smoothly. It'll help your makeup stay put for hours (and hours, and hours). It also comes in a luminous option if that's more your style.

Best Drugstore Concealer
amazon.com

Best Drugstore Concealer

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer ($5, originally $11)

This undereye concealer is a cult classic. The sponge applicator makes it instantly recognizable, and the formula never disappoints. If you have bags under your eyes, this is your answer. It lasts all day and has excellent coverage. It comes in 16 shades. Read a full review of the Maybelline concealer here.

Best Drugstore Volumizing Mascara
target.com

Best Drugstore Volumizing Mascara

CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara ($11)

Dramatic eyes are easy to create with this volumizing mascara. The brush holds lots of formula, so your lashes get well-covered with its pigment. We like the Very Black shade because the inky hue makes any eye color pop. You'll look like you're wearing falsies after a few swipes of this mascara.

Best Drugstore Foundation
amazon.com

Best Drugstore Foundation

Essence Pretty Natural Hydrating Foundation ($10)

There's a lot to love about the Essence Pretty Natural Hydrating Foundation. It comes in 31 shades, offers buildable coverage, feels weightless on the skin, and boasts hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera. We love how natural looking it is.

Best Drugstore Pencil Eyeliner
amazon.com

Best Drugstore Pencil Eyeliner

Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner Pencil ($7, originally $10)

The drugstore is loaded with great eyeliner pencils, but the Revlon Colorstay Pencil is the best of the best. It's waterproof, smudgeproof, and longwearing, so you don't have to worry about getting raccoon eyes when wearing it. We love the fine tip for applying a sharp wing and that it comes with a built-in smudger on the other end for creating a smoky look.

Best Drugstore Blush
target.com

Best Drugstore Blush

Pixi by Petra On-the-Glow Blush ($20)

This cream blush stick is super travel friendly and can easily be blended into your skin with your fingers. It's hydrating but not sticky and gives your cheeks a natural-looking wash of color. It comes in three beautiful shades.

Best Drugstore Powder
amazon.com

Best Drugstore Powder

Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Pressed Face Powder ($9)

A good setting powder is a must — especially in the heat, on a long day, or if you're wearing a mask. This pressed powder gives your makeup a matte, poreless finish, almost as if you're walking around with a filter on your face 24/7.

Best Drugstore Brow Gel
amazon.com

Best Drugstore Brow Gel

NYX Professional Makeup The Brow Glue ($9)

Faking the look of laminated brows is easy with the NYX Professional Makeup The Brow Glue. Simply brush the hair in your brows up with the tiny build-in spoolie then comb them down. It'll lock in your desired look without making them feel stiff or leaving behind any white residue as some brow gels do. Read a full NYX Professional Makeup The Brow Glue review here.

Covergirl Clean Fresh Yummy Lip Gloss
target.com

Covergirl Clean Fresh Yummy Lip Gloss

Covergirl Clean Fresh Yummy Lip Gloss ($10)

Not only does this lip gloss taste like candy but it coats your lips in a glass-like shine that almost makes them look wet. It's not the least bit sticky and comes in 10 wearable shades. You'll also find that it has a slight tingling effect to give your mouth a pouty look.

Best Drugstore Lipstick
amazon.com

Best Drugstore Lipstick

NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream ($7)

The wide variety of colors and long-staying formula make this NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream a fan favorite. Ringing in at less than a fancy coffee at Starbucks, you really can't beat the price. There are so many shades to choose from, everyone will find their perfect match.

Editor Quote: "I've been using it since I was in high school. To this day, I still have ample matte lip creams on hand, and whenever I'm looking for a quick lip color to throw on, I reach for one." — Jessica Harrington, Editor, Beauty

Best Drugstore Waterproof Mascara
ulta.com

Best Drugstore Waterproof Mascara

L'Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara ($13)

Behold, the L'Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara, the holy grail of drugstore mascaras. It lengthens, it thickens, and it's waterproof, so you can wear it in the summer, to the pool, at a wedding — the possibilities are endless. The brush grabs each individual eyelash, coating it in product and lifting it up. Read a full review of the Lash Paradise mascara.

Best Drugstore Bronzer
amazon.com

Best Drugstore Bronzer

Rimmel Natural Bronzer ($4, originally $10)

As far as drugstore bronzers go, this one by Rimmel London is amazing. It gives your skin a sun-kissed glow without leaving behind harsh lines or streaks. It'll have you looking like you just spent the day beachside — without the sun damage, that is.

Best Drugstore Brow Pencil
target.com

Best Drugstore Brow Pencil

NYX Professional Makeup Microbrow Pencil ($11) Sparse brows will be a thing of the past once you get your hands on the NYX Professional Makeup Microbrow Pencil. It allows you to shape and define your eyebrows with the ultrafine tip and brush hair into place with the spoolie on the other end. It comes in a variety of colors so you can find your perfect match.

Editor Quote: "I don't often use tiny brow pencils, but I love this. I bought it on a whim recently because I really needed a new brow product, and once I used it, I was instantly obsessed with how inexpensive it is and how flawless and natural it makes my brows look. It doesn't make my brows feel waxy and heavy, and it really does stay in place all day." — Danielle Jackson, Former Assistant Editor, Beauty

Best Drugstore Liquid Eyeliner
target.com

Best Drugstore Liquid Eyeliner

Wet N Wild Megaliner Liquid Eyeliner ($5)

Create the sharpest cat eye of your life with the Wet N Wild Megaliner Liquid Eyeliner. The liquid liner has a tapered, fine tip that allows you to draw on a wing with expert precision. The pigment dries quickly, keeping it from smudging and lasts all day long without fading.

Editor Quote: "For me, pen-tip applicators and pots with angle brushes don't give me the razor-sharp line I'm looking for. Only this provides me with that smooth edge. The formula itself is smooth and matte. All it takes is one coat to get a pleasing inky black effect. Every time I wear this eyeliner in particular, friends ask me what it is." — Macy Williams, former Editor, Must Have

Best Drugstore Exfoliating Cleanser
target.com

Best Drugstore Exfoliating Cleanser

CeraVe Renewing SA Face Cleanser ($13)

CeraVe's hydrating cleanser gets a lot of praise, but we'd like to make a case for the Renewing SA Face Cleanser, too. The exfoliating formula contains salicylic acid to clear pores, removing excess oil and dirt from the surface of your skin. It also contains hyaluronic acid for hydration, niacinamide to brighten, and vitamin D for inflammation.

Editor Quote: "If I could only use one face wash for the rest of my life — even if budget was no object — I would choose the CeraVe Renewing SA Face Cleanser ($14). It's the only (and I mean only) formula that contains pore-purging salicylic acid but doesn't spur flare-ups or dryness with my sensitive skin, which makes it a national treasure in my opinion. Plus, it costs me less than my sad salad come lunchtime — and yields way more compliments, too." — Kelsey Castañon, Director, Beauty

Best Drugstore Retinol
target.com

Best Drugstore Retinol

Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment ($16)

Whether you're looking to fight early signs of aging, banish breakouts, fade dark spots, or boost the radiance of your complexion, this Differin Adapalene Gel will do the trick. The product is simple and straightforward, but it really works. Read our full Differin Acne Treatment review.

Editor Quote: "The gel has helped brighten and even out my complexion to the point that you can hardly tell I ever experienced hormonal breakouts to begin with." — Jessica Harrington, Editor, Beauty

Best Drugstore Micellar Water
walmart.com

Best Drugstore Micellar Water

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Jelly Water ($9)

Every vanity needs a Garnier micellar water, but the All-in-1 Purifying Jelly Water is a POPSUGAR Beauty Award winner for a reason — it does more than just remove stubborn mascara. Charcoal in the formula also helps absorb excess oil from the skin's surface. After a few swipes of this, your skin will feel clean but not tight or uncomfortable.

Best Drugstore Face Sunscreen
target.com

Best Drugstore Face Sunscreen

Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($16)

Wearing sunscreen every day is important, but if you're having trouble finding a formula that you enjoy applying, we suggest grabbing a tube of the Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30. It provides SPF 30 UVA/UVB protection and contains hydrating ingredients like avocado and jojoba oil, which help it blend nicely. It was formulated with dark skin tones in mind, guaranteeing no white cast.

Best Drugstore Moisturizer
amazon.com

Best Drugstore Moisturizer

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream ($24)

This oil-free and fast-absorbing gel-cream moisturizer works on all skin types. The star ingredient in the formula is hyaluronic acid, which coats your skin in long-lasting hydration. Using this will help nourish your skin's barrier and banish dry patches. We love how lightweight and refreshing it feels.

Best Drugstore Gentle Cleanser
target.com

Best Drugstore Gentle Cleanser

Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser ($12)

It doesn't matter what skin type you have — dry, normal, oily, or even sensitive — you'll love the Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser. It removes dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin while also restoring the skin's barrier and balancing oil production. Glycerin, vitamin B5, and niacinamide are a few of the stand-out ingredients in it.

Best Drugstore Face Wipes
amazon.com

Best Drugstore Face Wipes

Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes ($15, originally $17)

Makeup wipes can be hit or miss, but the Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes are top-notch. Designed to be suitable for even sensitive skin types, these wipes quickly remove makeup (even waterproof products) and leave your skin feeling clean and hydrated.

Editor Quote: "I can't think of anyone who doesn't love these. I always use one to remove my makeup before washing my face and they leave my skin feeling fresh, clean, and hydrated." — Krista Jones, Former Associate Editor, Must Have

Best Drugstore Eye Cream
amazon.com

Best Drugstore Eye Cream

Olay Ultimate Eye Cream for Dark Circles ($20, originally 30)

With over 11,000 reviews on Amazon and a 4.3 out of 5 star rating, you can trust that the Olay Ultimate Eye Cream for Dark Circles is a winner. The all-in-one product addresses dark circles, puffiness, and wrinkles. It's also fragrance-free and has a touch of pigment to it to help further disguise discoloration around the eyes.

Best Drugstore Vitamin C Serum
target.com

Best Drugstore Vitamin C Serum

Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Brightening Serum ($29)

Vitamin C is a morning skin-care routine staple. For your daily, try the Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Brightening Serum. It contains clinical-grade vitamin C and peptides to brighten skin tone and boost elasticity.

Best Drugstore Toner
target.com

Best Drugstore Toner

Thayers Witch Hazel Rose Alcohol-Free Toner ($12)

Thayers is known for its witch hazel toners, providing options for every skin type and concern. We love the rose petal formula for balancing the skin and ensuring all traces of makeup are gone. Apply some to a cotton pad (bonus points if they're the reusable kind) and swipe over your skin or simply spray it onto your face after cleansing and before your serums.

Editor Quote: "The first toner I ever truly become obsessed with was the Thayers Witch Hazel Rose Alcohol-Free Toner and although I incorporate new ones into my routine every now and then to test, I always come back to this one. It leaves my skin feeling balanced and clean without stripping it of moisture. At the end of a long day, a spritz of this feels like the most refreshing thing in the world." — Jessica Harrington, Editor, Beauty

Best Drugstore Hyaluronic Acid Serum
amazon.com

Best Drugstore Hyaluronic Acid Serum

L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($19, originally $33)

You don't need to spend upward of $100 to get a good hyaluronic acid serum. This option from L'Oréal feels luxe, but it won't break the bank. A little bit of this thick, bouncy serum goes a long way in hydrating and plumping your skin. Read our full L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum review.

Editor Quote: "My skin drinks up this serum like a tall glass of water. Because of that, it has become a staple in my nighttime skin-care routine. The smooth liquid consistency layers well with my other products and makes me skin feel instantly soothed and hydrated. I've tried other (more expensive) alternatives but this will always be one of my favorites." — JH

Best Drugstore Lip Treatment
amazon.com

Best Drugstore Lip Treatment

Aquaphor Lip Repair ($4, originally $5)

The Aquaphor Lip Repair is a lifesaver for dry, cracked lips, year-round. The formula coats lips in hydration without leaving behind any sticky, tacky feeling. It's also fragrance free and contains shea butter.

Best Drugstore Rich Cream
target.com

Best Drugstore Rich Cream

Nivea Creme Body, Face and Hand Moisturizing Cream ($11)

This multi-use thick, moisturizing cream can be used all over — your hands, face, and body. A little bit goes a very long way in treating dry, rough skin and protecting against cracks and irritation. We love how travel-friendly it is.

Best Drugstore Dry Shampoo
target.com

Best Drugstore Dry Shampoo

Batiste Dry Shampoo ($13)

To preserve your blowout, rescue your hair after a sweaty workout, or just give your style a quick refresh, you need a bottle of Batiste's Dry Shampoo. It targets grease, oil, and dirt at your roots to leave hair feeling and looking clean. The original scent smells of citrus, rose, and musk.

Best Drugstore Leave-In Treatment
amazon.com

Best Drugstore Leave-In Treatment

It's a 10 Haircare Miracle Leave-In ($26)

The It's a 10 Haircare Miracle Leave-In does it all — hydrates dry ends, detangles, smooths frizz, adds shine, and protects against heat damage and color fading. It's formulated with green tea leaf extract and silk amino acids to nourish and repair damaged hair. Apply it to damp ends out of the shower and before styling.

Best Drugstore Hair Treatment
amazon.com

Best Drugstore Hair Treatment

L'Oréal Paris Elvive 8 Second Wonder Water Lamellar ($8, originally $11)

This hair treatment is truly magical. The rinse-out hair treatment works in just eight seconds to make hair shinier and silkier. It contains lamellar water technology that treats damage and seals your ends. Read our explainer on the technology for more information.

Best Drugstore Hairspray
amazon.com

Best Drugstore Hairspray

SexyHair Big Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray ($23)

Styling your hair takes time — lock the look in to ensure it lasts all day long with the SexyHair Big Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray. It provides workable, medium to high hold (depending on how much you apply) for 120 hours. It's great for all hair types and helps add volume.

Best Drugstore Hair Serum
target.com

Best Drugstore Hair Serum

John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Hair Serum ($10)

John Frieda Hair Care updated the formula of its iconic hair serum to make it suitable for wet and dry hair. Now, you can tame frizz before and after styling. The product also provides protection against heat damage and repels humidity to ensure your ends stay smooth and silky.

Best Drugstore Texturizing Spray
target.com

Best Drugstore Texturizing Spray

Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray ($5)

To add some grit and beachy texture to your hairstyle, reach for the Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray. It contains sea salt and dead sea kelp to add piece separation and a matte finish to your ends. It also boasts UV protection and has a light, tropical vanilla coconut scent.

Best Drugstore Heat Protectant
target.com

Best Drugstore Heat Protectant

Tresemme Heat Protection Hairspray ($7)

Keep your hair protected from heat damage when curling, blowdrying, and flat ironing with this spray. It helps your hot tools glide over hair and smooths frizz, adding shine in the process. It works on heat up to 450 degrees.

Best Drugstore Shampoo and Conditioner
amazon.com

Best Drugstore Shampoo and Conditioner

OGX Thick & Full Biotin & Collagen Shampoo ($7, originally $9) and OGX Thick & Full Biotin & Collagen Conditioner ($7, originally $9)

The OGX Thick & Full Biotin & Collagen Shampoo and Conditioner will make your hair sleek and strong. Wheat protein in the formula helps to make your ends appear thicker and fuller, while vitamin B7, biotin, and collagen help to maintain and improve hair health.

Best Drugstore Deep Conditioning Treatment
amazon.com

Best Drugstore Deep Conditioning Treatment

Cantu Shea Butter Deep Treatment Hair Masque ($7)

This deep conditioner works on a wide range of curl types and is super affordable. It's packed with rich ingredients like coconut, avocado, sweet almond, jojoba, olive, argan, neem, carrot, macadamia, and mango, plus honeysuckle, aloe leaf juice, nettle, and silk amino acids. It nourishes curls, providing deep hydration.

Best Drugstore Deodorant
target.com

Best Drugstore Deodorant

Degree Unlimited Invisible Solid 96-Hour Antiperspirant & Deodorant Stick ($9)

This antiperspirant is designed to adapt to what your body needs and provide the necessary protection against sweat from stress, heat, and movement. It's dermatologist tested and also shouldn't leave those pesky white marks on your clothes that we all hate.

Best Drugstore Body Sunscreen
amazon.com

Best Drugstore Body Sunscreen

Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray ($18)

There's a lot to love about the Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray, from the beachy scent to the SPF 50 UVA/UVB protection and the non-greasy feel. The spray bottle makes it easy to apply (and reapply throughout the day).

Best Drugstore Self-Tanner
amazon.com

Best Drugstore Self-Tanner

Jergens Natural Glow +Firming Self Tanner ($10, originally $12)

The Jergens Natural Glow +Firming Self Tanner is a great beginner self-tanner. It gives you natural-looking color while coating your skin in long-lasting moisture. This formula is also designed to help firm the skin and camouflage cellulite. You can apply this straight out of the shower on dry skin for a nice glow.

Best Drugstore Body Wash
target.com

Best Drugstore Body Wash

Dove Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash for Dry Skin ($7)

We'll put it plainly: the Dove Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash for Dry Skin is just really, really good. The simple formula gently cleanses skin while simultaneously providing it with deep moisture. After you get out of the shower you'll instantly notice how silky smooth your skin feels.

Editor Quote: "I find applying body lotion to be an annoying extra step. However, I can only skip it when I use this — otherwise my legs look truly reptilian. This classic body wash is more moisturizing than any other formula I've ever tried, and it's gentle and neutral so even my soap-only SO will use it." — Dawn Davis, Senior Editorial Director at Vox Media, Beauty