A number of perks come with being a longtime beauty editor, namely the privilege of trying just about everything—from ridiculously expensive moisturizers with weird ingredients to some pretty far-out-there skincare treatments. But, even after years of slathering my mug with luxurious lotions and potions, I always find myself coming back to certain drugstore staples. Even though I will always love my higher-end, holy grail skincare, I truly believe that good beauty products don’t have to cost half the cost of LA rent, and some of the best formulas are waiting for you right underneath the bright, glorious, fluorescent lights of your local Walmart.
Now that I’m in my 40s, my outlook has shifted when it comes to beauty (and everything else, NGL): Hydration is a serious non-negotiable, a dewy base is much better than the tried-and-true matte foundations of my past, and nothing beats a multi-purpose balm. Don’t get me wrong, I still love a good splurge, but I’m also all about those affordable, effective gems that perform just as well (if not better) than their expensive counterparts. It’s all about balance, baby! (I am a Libra.)
So, consider this my love letter to the drugstore finds that have earned permanent real estate in my beauty arsenal. Keep reading to find out my faves for a long-wearing lipstick that doesn’t budge after a four-course meal, an ultra-hydrating snail jelly mask, or a gourmand perfume that smells way more expensive than it actually is.
Peach Slices
Snail Rescue Intensive Wash-Off Jelly Face Mask
I remember when snail mucin used to be harder to find (yes, I’ve been in the game that long), so I love that you can now get it at a drugstore prices. This mask might be the MVP of Peach & Lily’s sister line. It floods my skin with hydration, making it look plump and bouncy—like I just had an expensive facial, but I was really at home watching Girls5eva.
Maybelline New York
Superstay Matte Ink Lip Color
As always, I like to talk about my lipstick obsession and how I have tons of tubes in my collection, from fancy Chanel shades to smaller indie brands. But a good drugstore lippie is unparalleled. I can’t tell you how often I reach for Superstay; it literally stays put for hours, through decadent meals, sipping smoothies, gossiping sessions…everything!
L’Oreal Paris
True Match Super-Blendable Foundation
This is the OG of drugstore foundations for a reason. The shade range is impressive and the formula blends like a dream without ever looking cakey. (It rivals one of my favorite luxury foundations that rhymes with… “Ma Bare.”)
Dwell212
Citrus Body Wash
One of the greatest debates in the world of personal hygiene is whether morning or evening showers are better. I personally like both! A shower before bed gets me into sleepytime mode while showering first thing in the morning (if I’m not hitting the gym beforehand) helps me feel ready to start the day. That being said, if I’m having a morning shower, a body wash that helps wake me up is VITAL. This Dwell212 Citrus Body Wash is perfect. It smells amazing, and has vitamin E, shea butter, and aloe to keep my skin soft and hydrated!
Aquaphor
Advanced Therapy Healing Ointment
My multipurpose hero!!! I always have Aquaphor around to keep my cuticles from looking crusty, heal dry patches (especially during winter), and to help speed up healing on fresh tattoos. It does it all!
Neutrogena
Healthy Skin Invisibly Radiant SPF 30 Face Primer
I’m all about primers; it’s a seriously underrated step that makes all the difference. This one smooths everything out, helping foundation last longer, and blurs pores while providing SPF 30 protection. Plus, it doesn’t make me look like a ghost!
NYX Professional Makeup
Buttermelt Powder Blush
I love this blush! It’s creamy, blendable, and gives the prettiest, most natural flush. It’s made with shea, mango, and almond butters to keep my cheeks soft and nourished.
e.l.f. Cosmetics
Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
This makeup remover gets rid every last trace of my waterproof mascara and heavy eyeliner without hurting my eyes or stripping my skin. It’s enriched with the dream three: hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides so my skin is plumped with moisture.
Burt’s Bees
Nourishing Cleansing Oil With Coconut and Argan Oils
Another cleanser I’m loving is this one from Burt’s Bees. It’s a dream for dry skin and breaks down every bit of dirt, oil, and makeup while leaving my skin feeling blessed and moisturized!
I picked this up a few weeks ago on a spontaneous drugstore shopping run and am so pleased. The ceramides keep my under-eyes looking fresh, even on days when I’ve only slept for five hours. (This week.)
Bubble Skincare
Over Night Hydrating Sleep Mask
This lightweight mask does a lot more than you’d think. It’s not just a hydrator, it also protects, brightens, and even exfoliates thanks to mandelic and kojic acid. Plus, it has a unique ingredient—maple sap that defends the skin barrier.
Suave
Daily Clarifying & Cleansing Shampoo
Listen…do not sleep on this Suave shampoo! It gets rid of buildup without making my strands feel like straw, proving that you really don’t need to spend a ton of money on hair care. Hi, it’s $2!
Native
Dunkin’ Deodorant in Blueberry Cobbler
True story: I wear nothing but Native. I know natural deodorant is still something that people side-eye, but these deodorants keep me fresh without any weird residue, and the scents are incredible. I do reapply throughout the day (a rule of natural deodorants), but it’s no biggie.
Sweet Tooth by Sabrina Carpenter
Caramel Dream Eau De Parfum
As a gourmand gal, I have all of Ms. Sabrina Carpenter’s dessert-themed perfumes and love them all. This one is the ultimate cozy-girl fragrance. Think almond milk, chocolate, vanilla, and citrus scents wrapped up in a perfume. Delicious!
