The Best Drugstore Beauty Products, According to Editors

I would buy any and all Versed products (and usually do). They are high-quality, cruelty-free and non-toxic, and look great on your bathroom counter. Since the brand became popular on Instagram, my Target trips have been a lot more fun. In particular, this cleansing balm is highest on my list of can’t-live-without products. It effortlessly melts away even the most stubborn of makeup without stripping skin moisture.

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 from more naturally derived ingredients that other variations. I also like that the exfoliating ingredient comes from groundpeach stone (#natural), instead of tiny beads that are harmful for the environment and 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.

The best thing? 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

I found this on a random CVS trip that boosts serotonin. This foundation is magic, y’all.

This product has a light-to medium coverage and a natural, radiant finish. My skin looks as if I just got out of a red carpet facial at golden hour. It’s not blinding, it’s just my skin, but 847237x better. I have combination skin so this foundation passes my test for any skin type. This might be the best foundation I’ve used in years—drugstore or high-end.

— Beth Gillette, Beauty Content Manager

This concealer was introduced to my makeup routine in the same time as the pink-and-green Great Lash mascara. But unlike the mascara, it is here to stay. It’s perfect for dark undereyes or any blemishes that I want to cover. The coverage is also buildable so I can use it on days when I need more. This will always be a staple of my collection at only $10

— 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. Perfect Finish HD Powder performs exceptionally well as a pressed setting powder. 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 was introduced before the market was overrun with a million products. It still holds up to the test of time. This serum blush is extremely lightweight and buildable. The perfect blush pink I can wear throughout the year is “Bubbly”. If pigmented blushes scare you, try this one—it’s perfect for beginners and cream blush veterans alike.

— Beth Gillette, Beauty Content Manager

I was disappointed to discover that the Charlotte Tilbury blush wand was out of stock after I watched Madison Beer x Vogue’s makeup tutorial. 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 every type of liquid liner I could find, this is the one I love. The brush is very fine and thin, making it easy to apply and perfect your winged look. I love that this brush does not include a pen. I find that liquid pens dry quicker and fade faster as the day goes by.

— Andi Wynter, Social Media Coordinator

As much as I try not to love this mascara, I can’t. I’ve tried many mascaras but I always go back to the Covergirl Clump Cracker. It has mixed reviews but I have always loved it. It builds volume quickly and doesn’t clump any of my eyelashes.

— 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, which gives my lashes beautiful length without being too clumpy. This mascara is worth every penny, especially considering its affordable price.

— 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 manages to lengthen, give volume and make my eyelashes look fuller. It truly is the best mascara I’ve ever used at any price point, ever. It’s my go-to mascara and I have never been disappointed.

— Maddie Galassi, Fashion Editor

I had seen this mascara on TikTok for a while, before I tried it myself in our drugstore mascara reviews. 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 thin silicone wand and lots of short bristles which make it look natural. 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 bought this Milani brow gel on a random Target trip one day and have repurchased it numerous times since. 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 fan favorite, and with good reason. I always buy a new color every time I go to CVS. OnlyI use lip gloss. My most used lip glosses are Fortune Cookie, Praline, and Tiramisu. I also have the black one that is my Halloween go-to. I am obsessed and you will too.

— Jessica Jones, Social Media Editor

I don’t remember to use lip liner until I need it. But these NYX lipliners have been a lifesaver for years. These are my favorite base for any lipstick, stain, gloss, or other lip color. They have a wide range of colors and a creamy, comfortable consistency. They’re easy to find and you can pick up a new or stock up on your favorite shade at any CVS.

— Bella Gil, Editorial Intern

This is the best product I’ve ever purchased. This is the product for you if you don’t feel like wearing any lipstick on your lips, but still want a subtle color. It’s super moisturizer and looks natural, but still makes a huge difference. It smells great! 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

This lip gloss is a favorite of all my friends. 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 who has alotBecause I have very curly hair, I use products like a full-time job. I can’t afford $30 for a tube of gel, especially when I run out in three weeks. As I Am Curling Jelly was the perfect solution to 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 amazing. I have been buying it in bulk, and I am worried about it being discontinued.

— Garri Chaverst, Managing Editor

This has been my favorite hair cream for my curly-haired daughters for years. It conditions your hair, gets rid of frizz, and gives your curls a new 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 the frizzy-haired girls? This product is perfect for curly or frizzy hair. This shampoo has left my hair silky and defined. It is gentle on the hair and doesn’t dry it out. 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. Even though my hair is short and thin, the gel gives it so much body. I run a dime-sized amount through my hair before blow drying. This gel holds my style for hours without the need to use hairspray. I won’t curl my hair again without this.

— 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 at least twice per week. I use the mask instead of conditioner. I then treat myself to an in-home blowout to make my hair last until my next wash. This hair mask makes my hair soft, smooth, healthy, and shiny. I also love how it smells and the fact that it’s plant-based and cruelty-free.

— Jess Welsh, Associate Editor

Three products stood out in my full review of Kristin Ess’ curl line and became staples in mine: the shampoo, conditioner and Ultra Hydrating Curl Repair Mask. These three products make for an extraordinary wash day experience. Even if you use the mask alone, it is truly amazing. My hair feels softened, shinier and more bouncier after just a few minutes of use. 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. Beth recommended this brand to me, and I knew that I had found my favorite. Brunette gals, listen up: This actually works without leaving even a tiny bit of white residue—not even a speck. The best part? 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 of all, the Manuka honey smell is divine! This hair mask is a great once-a month treatment that helps to repair heat damage and prevents hair loss. This has been a lifesaver to me, as it has helped keep my hair moisturized and nourished.

— 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. This product leaves your hair looking slick. The best thing about this product is that it only takes a small amount to make it last me for six months. That’s a lot considering how often I do my hair.

— Alex Pizarro, Editorial Assistant

TikTok convinced me to buy so many products over the past year. While there have been some losses and wins, this product has changed my life. 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? I love the way my skin feels after using this scrub. Every other week, I make it a point to deep cleanse/scrub, and it’s truly a treat-myself night.

— Alex Pizarro, Editorial Assistant

I don’t mean to say that this body wash smells more delicious than the one I use. 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 swear that I will never use self-tanner again. YearsI assumed it wouldn’t look natural on my olive skin. I decided to buy a self-tanner before I went on a weekend trip. I was able to make a brilliant decision and convince everyone in my family that this self-tanner, which costs less than $20, is the best. This bottle is magical, I swear. I have tried streaking (for science) and still managed to get an even tan. It gives me some color if my skin is very light/medium in winter. I also get extra glowy if I have a summer tan. I am sorry, but I don’t plan to purchase another self-tanner if this one is so cheap.

— Beth Gillette, Beauty Content Manager