28 drugstore beauty products our editors always keep on deck

I get the occasional breakout, especially when it’s that time of the month or I haven’t been sleeping well, which is why I keep a stock of pimple patches at home. I discovered Starface when I was based in London pre-pandemic, and I’m so happy that I can now get them at Walgreens (and other stores). I find them very effective at soothing angry zits, and they add an element of fun. People always compliment me when I’m wearing them in public (and I absolutely wear them in public!) — Michelle Rae Uy, testing and updates writer

This lotion has been my holy grail for months! Not only is it super-hydrating, but it also smells like a dream. I always get so many compliments when I put this on. It is only $10, but still comes in a giant tube. This seriously will last you forever. This brand is also cruelty-free and vegan, which are two things that are super important to me when it comes to my skin care. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator

I like that this SPF feels more like skin care than sunscreen. It doesn't leave a white cast and contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides. However, I've noticed that it will pill under makeup, so I prefer this formula on no-makeup days. — Sophie Shaw, beauty and fashion editor

Don’t get me wrong, I love an oil cleanser to remove my makeup. But I've had back luck in the past choosing the wrong oil that breaks my skin out in just a few washes. When I need something safe, reliable and that I can grab on a quick trip to Target, I go for this Ponds Cold Cream. Ponds is a brand your grandma probably used, but it’s been around so long for a reason. This cream takes my makeup off without stripping or breaking out my skin and for just $8, there’s really not much more you could ask for. — Jillian Tracy, associate editor

My skin has abruptly changed and I’m finding my usual favorite moisturizers are making me even oilier and drier throughout the day. After reading extensive reviews on this moisturizer, I can confirm that it keeps me moisturized while not adding more oil and shine to my skin. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

Since I use retinol on my face, it makes sense to use it on my body too. After all, why let the smoothing and brightening benefits of the ingredient stop at my neck? I love the creamy texture of this body lotion and that it's unscented too. It sinks right in and doesn't feel greasy. While retinol products can be pretty pricey, this one isn't, and a tube usually lasts me a few months. — Sophie Shaw, beauty and fashion editor

I’ve always bought my daily face washes from the drugstore and CeraVe has been my ride or die brand for at least the last five years. I use a combo of its Hydrating face cleanser and CeraVe Acne Foaming Face Cleanser that works amazingly for my dry and sometimes sensitive skin. It does exactly what I want my cleanser to do; it leaves my face feeling clean and hydrated without stripping or stinging. Plus, the 4% benzoyl peroxide cleanser helps to keep my face clear of breakouts too. — Jillian Tracy, associate editor

In typical guy fashion, I didn’t invest any time or money into a skin care routine for myself until I hit my 30s. When Harry’s — a brand whose razors and blades I had already been using for years — released a line of men’s skin care products, I decided to finally start caring about my face. This toner has been a great, refreshing way to start and end my days, and my skin feels much better as a result. — Daniel Toy, section editor, copy chief 

I’m very obsessed with this lotion and have been for the last 10 years, if not more. There is always a bottle in my bathroom cabinet and a travel size one to take on vacation. Not only does it hydrate my super dry skin, but it gives me a sun-kissed glow without looking like I have self-tanner on, and it doesn’t smell weird like a lot of these tinted lotions do. — Rachel Quigley, managing editor 

When I Slacked Underscored’s former lifestyle editor a few years ago for face cleanser recommendations for sensitive skin, she immediately said Cetaphil, citing it as a favorite of Michelle Obama’s as well — and I’m not lying when I say it has changed my life. In my teens, I tried several acne-treatment products that resulted in even worse blemishes and oiliness; I’ve been hesitant to use anything on my face since. Now I can’t go a day not using Cetaphil without my face feeling oily and gross. (Though the OG facial cleanser works wonders for me, there’s also a variation specifically tailored to sensitive, combination to oily skin.) — Daniel Toy, section editor, copy chief

I’ve been using Garnier’s micellar water for years, and I keep coming back to it because it’s so cheap yet so effective. This version is great for taking off heavy makeup at the end of the day (even waterproof mascara!), but I also use the hydrating rose water version in the morning when my skin feels super dry. — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor

This lip gloss is infused with chili oil, so unlike other plumping lip glosses that have a stingy sensation, this one feels more like you just ate some spicy food. It literally brings the heat — along with a juicy, glossy finish — and I find it so satisfying. I was convinced to try it after an Underscored contributor wrote her praises about it, and I instantly fell in love too. — Sophie Shaw, beauty and fashion editor

As someone with short and wispy lashes, I rely on mascara to give me much-needed volume. I recently tested drugstore mascaras and instantly loved this waterproof pick from Wet N Wild. It lifted and lengthened my lashes in one fell swoop, plus, it’s only $4! — Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer 

Before you keep reading, yes, this blush actually smells like strawberries! Plus, it not only smells great but also looks fantastic. I love the details of the packaging and how pigmented the product is. It's definitely a great one to add to your cart ASAP! — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator

I love that this primer contains SPF on top of its magical mattifying properties. As someone who has extra-oily skin, this is the first drugstore primer I’ve used that actually reduces shine while being a great base before makeup. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

This liquid blush is super pigmented! It’s lightweight and comes in six colors — my favorite is Suave Mauve. This was the first liquid blush I’ve used and it’s so easy to apply. I use the e.l.f Cosmetics Liquid Blush Brush that has a slight angle, designed to be used with its liquid blush. It’s simple to build up and very blendable. Since it’s so pigmented, I only apply one small dot on each side and that’s more than enough. Bonus: it’ll last you a long time. — Stephanie Luna, editorial coordinator

I was always anti-waterproof mascara because I hated that it was so hard to fully remove. But after lots of frustration with my go-to tubing mascara leaving black flakes under my eyes, I realized I needed to give waterproof mascara another try. I ended up going for this one from L’Oréal after reading tons of reviews, and I’m so happy I did. It stays on even through sweat and tears! (And it turns out, the key to removing it was switching to the version of my favorite micellar water that’s designed to remove waterproof makeup.) — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor

I’ve been using this concealer since it came out (can’t even count the repurchases) and will use it for the indefinite future. It has great coverage, applies easily with a sponge or a brush and doesn’t dry out my under-eye area. One tube lasts me a couple months, and thanks to the affordable price point, it’s no biggie when I have to grab a new one. — Ellen McAlpine, writer, updates

Finding a quality eye shadow at a reasonable price is never an easy task. When I used e.l.f's glitter eye shadow, I knew it was going to be one of my favorites. It is super pigmented and goes on really easily. I love the wide array of colors, and you can't beat $6! It’s the perfect glittery shadow for a night out, and e.l.f just released a Spotify album ‘GRWM’ to go along with your makeup routine. Add this product to your Target cart ASAP! — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator

My lashes have never looked (or felt) better! This mascara has been my secret weapon recently. In just a singular swipe, it takes my lashes from boring to booming. I love how much volume it gives me while not looking clumpy. It works just as well as my high-end mascaras but at a way better price point. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator

I used to swear by Anastasia Beverly Hills' Clear Brow Gel, but it was getting expensive for something so small. I find that this $3 e.l.f. version works exactly the same and, in my experience, is less crunchy. I’ve been using e.l.f. products for nearly 20 years and the brand really does hold up compared to premium brands. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

This leave-in conditioner from It’s a 10 has been a go-to of mine for years — I even have a travel-size version that permanently lives in my toiletry bag. The formulation is hydrating and nourishing for my often-dry curls, but it’s lightweight so it won’t weigh down my style and never leaves my hair feeling greasy. Equally as important, it also smells really good. — Chelsea Stone, editorial director

The Hair Edit makes luxe-looking hair accessories that are actually quite affordable. This metal claw clip feels super sturdy and secure in my hair. It has a brushed gold finish that adds an elegant touch anytime I want to clip my hair up. — Sophie Shaw, beauty and fashion editor

Getting a mani and pedi from the now-defunct Olive & June salon in LA cost about $250 pre-pandemic. Luckily, I can just easily grab their nail polish at many drugstores. I love how easy they are to apply, especially with the brand’s own applicator. And they come in fun seasonal colors too. — Michelle Rae Uy, testing and updates writer

Whether I need my nails glammed up in a pinch for a special event or just want to feel a bit more polished with my day to day looks, I’ll throw on a pair of these Chillhouse press-ons. Press-on nails have had somewhat of a renaissance lately, and these Chill Tips are one of the best I’ve tried. They come in a mix of fun and classic designs and you can re-wear them again and again which saves me a trip to the salon or the painstaking task of painting my nails at home. — Jillian Tracy, associate editor

I love growing my nails out, but unfortunately my nails are quite weak and often break before they get to their desired length. In conjunction with a nourishing oil, I’ll dress my nails with this Sally Hansen Strengthener. It helps give my nails an extra barrier of protection that helps prevent tears, cracks and chips, plus it adds a nice natural shine to my nails that dries down in just a few minutes. — Jillian Tracy, associate editor

Getting a fragrance from a drugstore might sound like rolling the dice, but Fine’ry’s line of scents tries to offer quality fragrances at a fraction of designer costs. This Without a Trace scent is my go-to running errands scent. It’s a light, layerable and unoffensive scent that works in any season with notes of suede musk, cedarwood and neroli blossom. If you want a decent scent or are looking to try something new without spending a fortune, head down to Target and give some Fine’ry scents a sniff. — Jillian Tracy, associate editor