11 drugstore beauty products every woman needs

Chances are this isn’t the first post you’ve come across praising drugstore beauty products. They’re affordable, effective, and right under your nose. With so many grails and dupes, where do you even start? WITH THIS LIST, THAT’S WHERE!

Aquaphor

This multi-use ointment is like a much more serious version of Vaseline, (and it has the same consistency, so be forewarned.) I discovered this after a tattoo artist suggested using it to heal a piece he was touching up for me and soon realized it has TONS of benefits.

Dry skin loves this stuff. I like to put globs of it on my feet, slide on some socks, and in the morning I have the softest heels EVER. I have the most sensitive eyes and sometimes even my go-to eye creams cause irritation. Not Aquaphor, though. I put a tiny bit under my eyes with no problem at all. Although Aquaphor makes a lip treatment, it’s pretty similar to the original formula in the tube so I use it on my lips as well. It’s not as matte as Chapstick, but I like that. It’s got a nice sheen that really finishes off a natural makeup look. Find it here for $4.99.

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes

For a long time I thought all makeup wipes were created equal — WRONG. I won’t name names, but I have bought some that were dry AF, too small to work with, and overly scented, not to mention the ones that take about three to four to get the job done.

With so many beauty bloggers praising the Neutrogena wipes, I’m not sure why I didn’t try them first. They’re gentle and have plenty of cleaning solution in each wipe to get off most of your makeup in one try. (I still like to use two, but I wear a lot of mascara and liquid liner which can be a bit stubborn.)

I still wash my face after using a wipe which is crucial. Someone told me it would be like doing laundry without the rinse cycle. You still need to wash away the dirt, oil, makeup, and cleansing solution that’s just chilling on your face after using a wipe. You can grab a pack here for $4.49.

Dial Gold Bar Soap

Meet your new Beauty Blender cleaner. It’s antibacterial and one bar will last you for MONTHS. I clean all of my brushes with this — all it takes is a few swipes on the bar under warm water to work up a good lather. You can get a 12-pack here for $5.99.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen

Trying to find a sunscreen that doesn’t leave a horrible white film is no easy task, especially if you have brown skin. This is the sheerest sunscreen I’ve found yet and if you rub it in completely, it’s nearly sheer. Only $7.19 at Target.

Nair Face Cream

You probably haven’t seen or heard from Nair since middle school — but spoiler alert, the scent hasn’t improved much. I was told my peach fuzz was too fine for laser and the risks of electrolysis turned me off, so I was back to the drawing board. A friend of mine uses Nair on her entire face, so I decided to give it a shot. I apply it like a mask on my entire face, even on my sideburns. Whatever you do, do not exceed the time limit on the box and try to give yourself a day or two off from makeup afterwards. I feel like my skin is especially sensitive post-Nair, so I make sure to have fresh, clean pillowcases too. Buy it for $3.69 here.

Freeman Feeling Beautiful Clay Mask Mint & Lemon

You should probably just buy every single Freeman mask. Really, just use your arm to clothesline the whole shelf directly into your cart. They’re cheap and they work, end of story.

If you can only get one, get the Mint and Lemon mask. It helps dry out pimples and control excess oil. It’s not meant to be used as an overnight spot treatment, but I absolutely use it as an overnight spot treatment. Works like a charm. Find it here for only $3.99.

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream

Anything Cetaphil makes is legit. Trust me, every time I’ve visited a dermatologist, even the fancy shmancy Beverly Hills ones, they name drop Cetaphil. The face wash can be a bit drying, but paired with this cream, you’re all good.

If you have dry skin you KNOW how good it feels to put on a heavy cream. This one is non-comedogenic so you don’t have to worry about breakouts and it feels just heavenly. You can use it on your whole body and the jar is so huge, it lasts and lasts and lasts. Only $11.39 here.

Essie Good to Go Top Coat

Even after I splurge on a manicure, I go home and add a few more layers of a topcoat. Why? Because I’m insane. I like shiny nails and I know the nail technicians would look at me sideways if I were to ask for four coats of clear polish, which is usually the perfect, perfect amount.

The shiniest topcoat I’ve found with the most long-lasting shine is Essie Good to Go. Also, if you’re giving yourself an at-home mani, this topcoat is nice and thick, and can hide and flatten any mistakes. Find it here for $8.97.

Ardell Demi Wispies

Ardell lashes were the first lashes I ever bought and I’ve stayed loyal to them over all these years. I don’t like reusing lashes so I prefer to just buy a few pairs when I have a special occasion. (Don’t blame me, blame my sensitive eyes.)

They aren’t as thick as more expensive brands so I grab at least two pair and stack them. Tip: put the two lashes together, apply your glue, then place both the lashes on your eye at once. Trying to apply one strip then the other on top can get messy. Buy a pair here for $3.89.

Iman Luxury Pressed Powder

I’ll never stop using this powder. NEVER! I get one in a slightly warmer shade for natural contouring and to use as an eyeshadow. The Iman brand is so slept on, but they have an amazing range of shades and Rihanna was caught with their translucent powder. If that’s not enough of a selling point, I dunno what is. Grab this treasure here for $12.79.

Amlactin

This isn’t exactly the most sensual lotion you’ll ever use but it works. If you have those weird bumps on your elbows or the back of your legs, this stuff gets rid of them. I applied it in the morning and at night and saw results in two weeks.

It exfoliates skin with alpha hydroxy acids and you can really feel the difference. Since my skin is sooo dry I still like to use an oil on top for glow-y Beyoncé legs. Warning— the scent is really strong and medicinal. It fades, but yeah. It’s something you’ll have to get used to. Grab a bottle for $13.97 here.