The Best Drugstore Beauty Products, According to Editors

I would literally buy anything and everything Versed releases (and typically do TBH). The products are high-quality, non-toxic, cruelty-free, incredibly affordable, and look cute on your bathroom counter (AKA it checks every box). My Target trips have become wildly more exciting since they started selling this Instagram-favorite brand. In particular, this cleansing balm is highest on my list of can’t-live-without products. It seamlessly melts away even the toughest of makeup without stripping away moisture from the skin.

I also love it because I’m a big fan of double cleansing (especially when I do wear makeup), but an oil cleanser can be harder to travel with and control the amount you’re using. Since this is a balm, it won’t spill all over your suitcase, but when you rub a little bit between your fingers, it melts into a creamy, milky, oily consistency that hydrates the skin while melting off makeup and cleansing pores.

— Josie Santi, Wellness Editor

I’m a huge fan of chemical exfoliants (I indulge in toners, peels, and treatments), but sometimes there’s nothing more satisfying than a physical scrub to slough off (what feels like) a layer of dead skin and leave your complexion incredibly soft. This one is made with more naturally derived ingredients than other variations, and I like that the exfoliating element comes from ground peach stone (#natural) instead of those little beads that are bad for the environment and for your skin. It also contains willow bark, which is a natural source of salicylic acid, so you’re getting both physical and acid exfoliation without being too harsh on the skin.

But the best part? It’s under $8 and lasts for months since you only need to use it once every one to two weeks.

— Josie Santi, Wellness Editor

On a random serotonin-boost CVS trip, I picked this up on a complete whim, not having heard anything about it. Y’all, this foundation is magic.

This has a light-to-medium coverage with a perfect radiant, natural finish. My skin looks like I just stepped out of a red-carpet facial appointment at golden hour. The glow isn’t blinding; it’s my skin but 847237 times better. I have combo skin and have no issues with this clinging to dry patches or getting oily, so it passes the test for pretty much every skin type. This might be the best foundation I’ve used in years—drugstore or high-end.

— Beth Gillette, Beauty Content Manager

This concealer became part of my makeup routine around the same time as the pink and green Great Lash mascara, but unlike the mascara, this concealer is here to stay. It is perfect for dark undereyes and any blemishes I want to cover, and the coverage is buildable for days where I can use a little extra help. Plus at only $10, this will always be a staple in my collection.

— Jessica Jones, Social Media Editor

I don’t have too much to say about this stuff other than the fact that I’ve re-bought it maybe three times now. As far as pressed setting powders go, this Perfect Finish HD Powder performs super well. It helps me control shine without making me look cakey and doesn’t flash back in photos, and for that reason, I simply don’t see the need to venture out to find any higher-end options.

— Ashley Selleke, Branded Content Editor

This cream blush dropped on the scene before the market was saturated with a million products, but it still stands the test of time. This is a serum blush, so it’s incredibly lightweight and buildable. The shade “Bubbly” is the perfect blushy pink that I can wear all year long. If pigmented blushes scare you, try this one—it’s perfect for beginners and cream blush veterans alike.

— Beth Gillette, Beauty Content Manager

After I first watched the Madison Beer x Vogue makeup tutorial where she used the Charlotte Tilbury blush wand, I (like the rest of the world) was disappointed to find that it was sold out everywhere. I bought this cream blush in the meantime to hold me over, and while I wouldn’t consider it a direct dupe (it performs with a more matte finish), I absolutely love using this stuff. It’s super pigmented, stays all day, and boasts a doe-foot applicator that makes application clean and easy.

— Ashley Selleke, Branded Content Editor

Anyone who knows me knows that a subtle winged eye is my signature, so as you can imagine, I’ve had to make my way through a lot of liquid eyeliners before I found the one. After trying just about every liquid liner ever, I have decided that this one is my absolute favorite. The brush is extremely fine and thin, allowing for an easy application and easy way to perfect your winged look. I love that this is not a pen, as I find the color from liquid pens dry out quicker and fades as the day goes on.

— Andi Wynter, Social Media Coordinator

As much as I try not to love this mascara, I can’t. I have tried many mascaras, and every time I buy a new one, I always revert back to the Covergirl Clump Crusher. I know it has mixed reviews, but I personally have always loved it because it builds volume easily while not clumping any of my eyelashes together.

— Kirra Bento, Graphic Designer

I’ve tried almost all of the most-loved mascaras out there, and this one is still probably my favorite. I love the full-fan effect and gorgeous length it gives my lashes without being clumpy and over the top. For the affordable price, this is a mascara you should definitely pick up next.

— Keely Geist, Sr. Social Media Editor

I am a mascara connoisseur, and unfortunately, I’ve shelled out a lot of money on high-end mascaras—and this one truly beats them all. It somehow manages to lengthen, give volume, and make my eyelashes look fluffy, all at once. It truly is the best mascara I’ve ever used at any price point, ever. I use it every single day and have never been disappointed.

— Maddie Galassi, Fashion Editor

I had seen this mascara all over TikTok for a while before I tried it for myself in our drugstore mascara review. It earned the #1 spot, and I’ve been using it religiously ever since. I love it because it’s one of the only mascaras I’ve ever tried that provides both volume and length without getting clumpy or heavy on my lashes. It also does not transfer under my eyes at all (even after wearing it all day), which is something I’ve always really struggled with. It has a skinny silicone wand with lots of short bristles, which makes for super easy, natural-looking application. I do have to say, however, that the waterproof version of this mascara is not great—definitely go with the washable!

— Jess Welsh, Associate Editor

Clear brow gel is one of my absolute must-have makeup products because on those days when I don’t really want to wear makeup, a swipe of brow gel and a quick curl of the lashes can make me feel a little more alive. I picked up this Milani one on a random trip to Target one day, and I have since repurchased it multiple times. It provides all-day hold without being too sticky or tacky, and I would say it holds up even better than some of the high-end brow gels I’ve tried.

— Jess Welsh, Associate Editor

NYX Butter Gloss is a cult favorite and for good reason. Every time I go into a CVS, I buy a new color, and it is quite honestly the only lip gloss I use. Tiramisu, Fortune Cookie, and Praline are my most used, but I even have the black one that I break out every Halloween. I am truly obsessed, and I promise you will be too.

— Jessica Jones, Social Media Editor

For some reason, I forget about lip liner until I actually need it, but these NYX lip liners have come in handy for years now. With a wide color range and a creamy and comfortable consistency, I know that these are the best base for any other lipstick, stain, or gloss. I also love that they’re so easy to find and that I can pop into any CVS to pick a new color or stock up on my fave shade.

— Bella Gil, Editorial Intern

This is the best product I have ever purchased. For the days you don’t feel like wearing anything on your lips but still need a subtle color, this is the one. It’s super moisturizing and looks natural yet still makes all the difference. It also smells so good—it kind of reminds me of a grown-up LipSmacker of some sorts (without glitter flecks and with a tint that actually lasts).

— Bella Gil, Editorial Intern

I am not kidding when I tell you that every single one of my friends and I are absolutely obsessed with this lip gloss. It’s made with hyaluronic acid, so it instantly hydrates, smooths, and plumps your lips, and it has a large applicator that makes putting it on super easy and fast. All I’m saying is that people better watch out when I’m wearing this because it gives me an instant confidence boost that no other lip product can.

— Jess Welsh, Associate Editor

As someone with alot of very curly hair, I go through products as if it is my full-time job. I absolutely cannot afford to spend $30 on a bottle of gel when I inevitably run out in three weeks. The As I Am Curling Jelly turned out to be the perfect solution to all my styling woes. It has a strong hold, so my curls stay perfectly defined for days, and it’s half the cost of salon-tier alternatives. This stuff is so good, I buy it in bulk and seriously fear the possibility it may one day be discontinued.

— Garri Chaverst, Managing Editor

For my curly-haired girls, this has been my go-to hair cream for years. It conditions your hair and gets rid of frizz while giving your curls a fresh bounce. I’ve introduced it to both of my siblings who now also love it for their curls.

— Keely Geist, Sr. Social Media Editor

Where are all my frizzy-haired girls at? If you struggle with frizzy or curly hair that seems to turn into a rat’s nest the second it is dry, then this product is for you. This is the only shampoo that has made my hair feel super clean while not drying it out and leaves it silky and defined. I exclusively let my hair air dry, and this product helps ensure the air drying method doesn’t frizz out my hair.

— Kirra Bento, Graphic Designer

My fine, ultra-soft hair cannot hold a style to save its life and has absolutely zero bounce, body, or texture—which sounds like the opposite hair type this is intended for. However, even on my fine, thin, short hair, this gel gives me so much body and hold. I apply a dime-sized amount through my hair before blow drying, and it holds my style all day long without hairspray. I don’t plan to curl my hair without using this beforehand ever again.

— Beth Gillette, Beauty Content Manager

If the glowing reviews of this product aren’t enough for you, I’ll give you another. I’ve been using this for a little over a year, and it has truly transformed my hair. I wash my hair about twice per week, and in one of those washes, I use this mask in place of conditioner. Then, I usually treat myself to an at-home blowout so my hair lasts until my next wash, and this hair mask makes all the difference in keeping my hair smooth, healthy, and soft. I also love how it smells and the fact that it’s plant-based and cruelty-free.

— Jess Welsh, Associate Editor

When I did a full review of the Kristin Ess curl line, three products stood out to me and immediately became staples in my routine: the shampoo, conditioner, and the Ultra Hydrating Curl Repair Mask. Used together, the three make for an ultra-luxurious wash day experience. But even on its own, the mask is honestly astounding. After using it for just a few minutes in the shower, my hair is noticeably softer, shinier, and bouncier. And if I do the full works and leave it in for 30 minutes to an hour, I look like I’ve just stepped off the set of a hair commercial.

— Garri Chaverst, Managing Editor

I’ve searched high and low for a drugstore dry shampoo that I love throughout the year—and honestly, I have not had much success. I’ve tried all of the popular brands and some of them are OK, but they often leave me disappointed. Then, Beth recommended this one to me, and as soon as I started using it, I knew I had found my new favorite. Brunette gals, listen up: This actually works without leaving even a tiny bit of white residue—not even a speck. And the best part of it all? It’s only $6.

— Jess Welsh, Associate Editor

I can confidently say that I don’t plan to stop using this product any time soon. First off, the smell of the Manuka honey is heavenly! This hair mask is the perfect once-a-month treatment for my hair and helps repair breakage from heat damage. As someone who has a dry scalp, this has been a life saver for keeping my hair nourished and moisturized.

— Andi Wynter, Social Media Coordinator

The only hairstyle you will find me going out in is a sleek, middle-part pony, and it took me quite a while to find the right product to use to achieve what I’m looking for—but listen up, I have found it and I’m not going back. Not only do I use this for my hair, but instead of paying $25 to $30 for a brow gel, this does this trick, so it’s truly a 2-in-1. Brows and hair on fleek through and through. The best part is that a little goes a long way, so I can imagine this bottle lasting me well over six months, and that says a lot considering how much I do my hair.

— Alex Pizarro, Editorial Assistant

In the last year, TikTok has convinced me to purchase so many products and there have been some wins and some bad losses, but this product has changed the game. I had never really used a scrub before, but there was so much hype that I had to give it a try—and it’s only $8, so why not? All in all, I absolutely love how my skin feels after using this product. Every other week, I make it a point to deep cleanse/scrub, and it’s truly a treat-myself night.

— Alex Pizarro, Editorial Assistant

When I say that nothing smells as delightful as this body wash, I mean nothing! I think this is technically a men’s body wash, but it smells so good and works so well without drying out my (very) dry skin that I can’t stop buying it. I have to warn you: If you test it out, you probably won’t ever go back.

— Kirra Bento, Graphic Designer

I swore off using self-tanner for years, assuming it would never look natural on my olive skin. But desperate times call for throwing away your principles, and I bought a bottle of this self-tanner before a weekend trip a few summers ago. My momentary lapse of judgment turned into a genius decision that has led me to convince everyone in my life that this under-$20 self-tanner is the best there is. I literally think there is magic inside this bottle. I have tried to make streaks (for science) and still come out with an even tan. When my skin is light/medium in the winter, it gives me some color, and when I have a summer tan, it makes me look extra glowy. I’m sorry, but I don’t intend to ever purchase another self-tanner when this cheap one exists.

— Beth Gillette, Beauty Content Manager