Welcome to Drugstore Heroes, a monthly series in which we spotlight the often-overlooked and under-hyped drugstore beauty products that industry experts count on. From editors to content creators and even celebs, we’re asking tastemakers to share their top recommendations for affordable, yet effective products. Get ready to see the best of drugstore beauty, period.
(Image credit: Original collage by Audrey Hedlund)
Andrew Fitzsimons is a celebrity hairstylist and the creator of his namesake line of hair products. His A-list clientele includes Megan Fox, J.Lo, Madonna, and multiple members of the Kardashian-Jenner family. So, yeah, the man knows a thing or two about the best products for flawless, glossy, and expensive-looking hair.
Expensive-looking is the key phrase there. You might think he relies exclusively on high-end (and high-cost) items to create his iconic hairstyles, but you’d be wrong. Fitzsimons says he uses affordable, drugstore items on his celeb clients all the time. It doesn’t matter if he’s styling their hair for TV, a red carpet, or a magazine cover—he trusts certain low-cost items to get the job done. And not only for his clients. Fitzsimons uses drugstore products in his own routine, too. Below, he shares his eight all-time favorite affordable items.
(Image credit: Andrew Fitzsimons)
How often do you use drugstore hair products on your celeb clients and would you say they’re staples in your kit?
Absolutely! I use affordable, drugstore hair products on my celebrity clients all the time. It’s not about the price tag—it’s about performance. I’ve always believed that everyone deserves access to high-quality haircare, which is why I created my own line to deliver salon-level results without the luxury markup. My kit is a mix of everything, but my go-to staples are products that nourish, protect, and style the hair effortlessly, whether I’m working on a red carpet look or an everyday glam moment. Great hair shouldn’t be exclusive—it should be accessible to everyone.
What would you say to someone who thinks only expensive hair products are effective?
I’d say, let the results speak for themselves! Expensive doesn’t always mean better. It’s all about the ingredients and formulation, not the price tag. I’ve worked with every kind of product throughout my career, and I can tell you firsthand that affordable haircare can deliver just as much—if not more—than luxury brands. Great hair comes from using the right products for your hair type and needs, not just the most expensive ones on the shelf.
(Image credit: Andrew Fitzsimons)
Any tips or tricks for finding effective hair products at the drugstore? There are so many options.
Shopping for hair products at the drugstore can feel overwhelming, but the key is knowing what to look for. First, focus on ingredients—hydrating oils like argan or coconut, strengthening proteins like keratin, and moisture-locking humectants like glycerin are all great signs of an effective formula. Second, think about your hair’s specific needs. If your hair is dry, go for something deeply nourishing; if it’s fine, look for lightweight, volumizing options. And don’t be afraid to mix and match! Some of my favorite routines combine different products to get the perfect balance of hydration, hold, and shine. Drugstore haircare can be just as powerful as luxury brands—you just need to find the right fit for you!
Fitzsimon’s All-Time Favorite Drugstore Products
The Ordinary
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
What It Is: A serum that clears and prevents breakouts
Why He Recommends It: “I have acne on my cheeks and the middle of my face, so I apply this only to those areas. It helps target breakouts without drying out the rest of my skin.”
CeraVe
Facial Moisturizing Lotion With Broad Spectrum SPF 30
What It Is: A daily moisturizer with sunscreen
Why He Recommends It: “It’s thick enough to feel ultra-moisturizing, but it doesn’t leave my skin oily during the day. Plus, it has SPF for sun protection.”
Crest
3D Professional White Whitestrips With Light
What It Is: A teeth-whitening treatment kit
Why He Recommends It: “These are really strong, and the LED light gives an extra boost to whitening. The whole process only takes an hour, which is great when I’m in a rush.”
Dove
Men+care Sensitive Shield Deodorant
What It Is: A long-lasting deodorant and antiperspirant
Why He Recommends It: “Reliable and gentle on my skin while keeping me fresh all day.”
Got 2b
Glued Brow & Edge Gel
What It Is: A strong-hold brow and edge gel
Why He Recommends It: “This is super strong, so I keep it in my kit for slicked-back ponytails, taming baby hairs, and shaping my brows.”
Andrew Fitzsimons
Après Sexe Texture Spray
What It Is: A volumizing texture spray
Why He Recommends It: “I like that it gives my hair texture and volume without making it feel stiff. It keeps my style looking effortless but still holds.”
Editor’s Note: This is one of my favorite texture sprays. It gives my roots some much-needed volume without feeling stiff, crunchy, or making my fine hair look greasy.
What It Is: An acne-clearing cleanser
Why He Recommends It: “I love its creamy formula because it’s gentle on my skin while still clearing up breakouts better than a lot of expensive brands.”
Touchland
Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer
What It Is: Hand sanitizer
Why He Recommends It: “Since I work with my hands and am in close contact with people, I love that it protects both me and my clients from germs. Plus, the scents are amazing—I have one in every fragrance and switch them up based on my mood.”
(Image credit: Original graphic by Audrey Hedlund)
Fitzsimon’s drugstore shopping cart comes through at a cool $140. That’s impressive, considering it contains eight effective products (acne-clearing, teeth-whitening, and hair-perfecting ones included).
