54 Drugstore Beauty Products You Need Right Now

Chic on the cheap.

By Emily Gaynor, Sue Williamson, and Tina FerraroPhotography by Corey Olsen

February 18, 2016

There are thousands of beauty products in drugstores today (with new ones rolling in every week), so it can be tough to choose what’s right for you. But the fact of the matter is — drugstore products are often just as, or even more, effective than their higher-end counterparts. There are plenty of awesome (and, yes, cheap) nail polishes, skin solutions, and genius hair care items right inside your local store — it’s just a matter of finding the one.

A mascara that lengthens, volumizes, and doesn’t break the bank? A game-changing conditioner? They’re all just a shopping trip away. Luckily for you, we tried them all out, and found out what really, truly works. From an eyeshadow that stays on all day, to the latest in curly hair care, here are the best new products on the market today. Consider this your ultimate guide to spring beauty shopping.

Photographed by Corey Olsen, Prop Styling by Maya Laner

Photo: Corey Olsen
1/9
Clockwise from top left:
1. eos Hand Lotion in Berry Blossom, $2.
It’s pink, it’s portable, it’s incredibly moisturizing — this purse-friendly lotion does it all!
2. CoverGirl Colorlicious Oh Sugar! Lip Balm in Sprinkle, $9.
Can you ever have too many lip balms? This one packs a one-two punch with hydrating oils and a pretty sheer tint.
3. [Hello Kitty by OPI Nail Lacquer in Let’s Be Friends!] (http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod13481057), $10.
Two coats is all you’ll need of this pale pink shade.
4. Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Mascara, $7.
The patented bristles on this mascara brush will help you get the longest-looking lashes from root to tip.
5. Essence Eyeshadow in Rosie Flamingo, $2.
Who says eyeshadow is just for eyes? This shimmery pink works as a highlighter, too.
6. Maybelline New York Color Tattoo Concentrated Crayon in Pink Parfait, $7.
This eye pencil is easy to apply and it stays on all day.
7. Sally Hansen Complete Care 7-in-1 Nail Treatment, $13.
Multitasking has never been easier than with this all-in-one base coat, top coat, growth promoter, strengthener, ridge-filler, brightener, and moisturizer. (Try saying that five times fast.)
8. NYX Color Correcting Liquid Primer in Pink, $14.
The pink tint in this skin-perfecting primer cancels out any redness.
Photo: Corey Olsen
2/9
1. Tresemme Beauty-Full Volume Pre-Wash Conditioner, $5.
Tresemmé is changing the game with this reverse system. Conditioner can weigh hair down after shampooing, but by using this one pre-wash (then cleasing after with the brand’s step 2), your hair can be silky soft, clean, and full of volume, too.
2. Hello Kitty by OPI Nail Lacquer in My Pal Joey, $10.
Nothing makes a statement quite like royal blue nails.
3. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel with SPF 15, $19.
This oil-free gel moisturizer hydrates without clogging pores. Plus, it protects with SPF 15.
4. Biore Baking Soda Cleansing Scrub, $10.
Prepare to rethink the way you cleanse with this new baking soda scrub. Don’t let its powder formula scare you. Simply add water to turn it into a foam cleanser, and let the natural baking soda gently remove dirt and oil.
5. OGX Anti-Gravity + Hydration O2 Conditioner, $8.
You don’t have to choose between moisturized or voluminous hair with this conditioner.
6. Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Waterproof Makeup Remover and Cleanser, $9.
Your most stubborn waterproof makeup finally meets its match with this super remover. Featuring micelle cleansing molecules, this special water pulls oil and dirt out of skin on contact — without harsh scrubbing needed.
7. Physicians Formula Mineral Wear All-in-1 ABC Cushion Foundation SPF 50, $17.
This cute cushion compact delivers flawless application, covers up blemishes, and provides protection with SPF 50 broad spectrum sunscreen.

Photo: Corey Olsen
3/9
1. Garnier Fructis Triple Nourish Curl Nourish Conditioner, $4.
Infuse your curls with silky softness with this sulfate-free conditioner (a Garnier first!). Defining and ultra-hydrating, it won’t leave curls crunchy or dry to the touch.
2. Dove Regenerative Nourishment Serum-in-Oil, $6.
Consider this your split ends’ saving grace. Lighter than a serum, and less slippery than an oil, this clever two-in-one strengthens weak strands and prevents ends from splitting even further.
3. ChapStick Total Hydration Lip Balm in Fresh Citrus, $3.
Your favorite lip balm brand is tackling dry, cracked lips head-on. Packed with argan oil and avocado butters, this lip balm locks in moisture for a significantly softer and undeniably smoother pout.
4. NYX Color Correcting Liquid Primer in Peach, $14.
Get even! Airbrushed makeup starts with your base — and this glossy liquid primer guarantees a clean slate.
5. Lumene Bright Now Vitamin C Hyaluronic Essence, $26.
Formulated with a healthy concoction of Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, this essence plumps and brightens tired-looking skin. Use it before applying your go-to moisturizer for added hydration.
Photo: Corey Olsen
4/9
1. Garnier Fructis Curl Renew Reactivating Milk Spray, $5.
Don’t let your curls dry out this spring. Just a few spritzes of this coconut oil-infused serum is all it takes to renew your strands.
2. Rimmel London Wonderful Wonderlash Lift Me Up Mascara, $9.
Say “bye bye” to crunchy lashes when you switch over to this formula. Made with argan oil, it keeps your lashes looking — and feeling — amazing all day long.
3. Garnier Fructis 48H Sheer Set Extreme Hold Breathable Hairspray, $6.
Looking for a hairspray that holds without the crunch? Look no further. Just in time for prom, this new formula will keep your style intact (and humidity free) all night long.
4. OGX Strength + Body Bamboo Fiber-Full Thickening Fiber Cream, $8.
Channel your inner Brigitte Bardot with this root booster. You’ll have plumper, thicker hair in an instant!
5. NYX Color Correcting Liquid Primer in Green, $14.
Tone down redness and discoloration with this green-tinted primer. It’s the easiest way to prep your skin this season.
6. Vaseline Lip Therapy Lip Balm Tin in Aloe Vera, $5.
Consider yourself warned: This cocoa butter update on classic vaseline is about to be your new favorite lip balm.

Photo: Corey Olsen
5/9
1. OGX Anti-Hair Fallout Niacin3 & Caffeine Conditioner, $8.
Tired of unclogging your drain after every shower? Now you can eliminate excessive hair shedding from your routine with this scalp-detoxifying conditioner.
2. HASK Bamboo Oil Strengthening Shampoo, $6.
Grow hair longer, faster, stronger with this fortifying shampoo. Each time you lather up, strands are reinforced with biotin and collagen, so you’re completely covered against breakage.
3. Maybelline New York Brow Drama Pomade Crayon, $10.
Never worry about a bad brow day again. This one-of-a-kind crayon tames any flyaway hairs as it adds a hint of tint to your arches.
4. Yes To Coconuts Ultra Hydrating Melting Cleanser, $10.
Combine this creamy cleanser with water (or don’t!), then watch as makeup, dirt, and oil simply melt off thanks to the pure coconut oil it’s packed with.
5. John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Visibly Deeper Colour Deepening Treatment, $9.
Whether you’re constantly scheduling trips to the salon or you’d never once let your strands come into contact with dye, use this hue-deepening treatment to give dull hair a boost of radiance. Plus, it only takes five minutes.
6. Revlon Colorstay 2-in-1 Compact Makeup & Concealer, $14.
Hit snooze one too many times? No problem! Ideal for a girl on the go, this two-in-one compact comes equipped with a creamy concealer and matching foundation that blend together to create a flawless, semi-matte finish.
7. Vaseline Lip Therapy Lip Balm Tin in Cocoa Butter, $5.
All the healing benefits of old-school Vaseline jelly, packed into one tiny tin. And lip hydration that lasts longer than a few minutes? You bet.
8. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Head Bang, $10.
Nothing looks more delicious on your tips than a rich toffee color. Disclaimer: Well-manicured nails are a must for this shade!
Photo: Corey Olsen
6/9
1. Essence Sheer & Shine Lipstick in Like a Princess, $3.
Never underestimate the power of a really good lipstick. With a super lightweight formula and a sheer, shimmery effect, you can get all the confidence-boosting effects of a pretty pout without the fuss.
2. Hello Kitty by OPI Nail Lacuqer in Starry-Eyes for Dear Daniel, $10.
Is there anything more fun than a hot pink glitter nail polish? Wear this limited-edition shade over pink lacquer for an all-over shine, or just add one coat to bare nails for a low-key look.
3. Redken Pillow Proof Blow Dry Express Treatment Primer, $24.
Everyone knows a good heat protector is essential for healthy hair. This express treatment makes protecting your locks easier than ever by reducing blow-dry time, hydrating, and saving your hair from breakage.
4. Maybelline Master Precise Skinny Gel Pencil, $8.
If you’re feeling the waterline eyeliner trend this season, this is an essential tool for you. With a 1.8 mm micro tip, it doesn’t get more precise than this.
5. L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Summer Wash-Off Face Bronzer Cream, $10.
The only thing worse than messing up your self tanner is having to live with it while it fades for a week. Save yourself from sunless disasters and reach for this wash-off formula instead.
6. Revlon Ultra Volume Mascara, $6.
Aside from its perfectly pink packaging, this new mascara delivers serious volume without clumps. What more could you want?
7. CoverGirl TruBlend Blush in Medium Rose, $10.
Get a multi-dimensional glow with this multi-toned blush. It blends better than ever with skin tones, and it’s even oil free!

Photo: Corey Olsen
7/9
1. Physicians Formula Argan Wear Ultra-Nourishing Argan Oil Mascara, $10.
In case you needed another reason to love this nourishing, clump-free, smudge-free mascara (with an amazing volumizing brush), you should know that it’s also scented. (Score!)
2. L’Oreal Paris Advanced Haircare Extraordinary Oil Curls Re-Nourish Mask, $6.
Curly hair is by no means low-maintenance, but with this nourishing oil mask, you can cut your daily product needs in half.
3. Pantene Pro-V Style Series Alcohol-Free Airspray, $6.
A lot of hairsprays claim they offer brushable hold. This Pantene spray actually delivers.
4. Physicians Formula Argan Wear Ultra-Nourishing Argan Oil Face Powder, $15.
Instantly upgrade your makeup application with this super pretty subtle glow.
5. Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Extreme Shimmer Disco Glam Kajal + Liquid Liner, $13 for trio.
If this isn’t the ultimate prom makeup product, we don’t know what is. One side is a liquid liner, the other is a pencil, and both are as sparkly as can be.
6. John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Visibly Brighter In-Shower Lightening Treatment, $9.
If you want to go just a little lighter and you’re short on time, try out this new in-shower treatment. Coat your hair (or just your roots) with the hydrogen peroxide-containing lightener, leave on for five minutes, and rinse for a noticeably brighter shade.
7. Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Extreme Shimmer Shadow and Liner, $12.
Everybody loves a good palette! These nude tones have the perfect amount of shimmer that makes it easy to go from day to night.
Photo: Corey Olsen
8/9
1. Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Cushion Liquid Liner + Serum, $12.
The latest makeup to arrive in cushion form: liner. This genius formula packs the staying power of a gel but glides on as effortlessly as a liquid, so a perfect cat eye (or any bold eye, for that matter) is easier than ever to achieve.
2. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Scarlet Starlet, $10.
Not your basic cherry red, this bright nail color has hints of tangerine, giving your tips a bold touch.
3. CoverGirl LashBlash Plumpify BlastPro Mascara, $12.
Fake thick, fuller looking lashes with this revolutionary plumping mascara — the shape and direction of the bristles guarantee fat, clump-free fringe.
4. Neutrogena SkinClearing Complexion Perfector, $10.
Not only does this skin perfector create an even complexion with the sweep of a brush, but it also fights acne with salicylic acid while you’re wearing it.
5. Weleda Cuticle Softener Pen, $17.
Your face and body aren’t the only parts that require a dose of moisture daily. Soften dry, rough cuticles with this aromatic blend of essential oils.
6. Maybelline New York Vivid Matte Liquid Lip Color in Orange Shot, $8.
Mattifying liquid lipsticks shouldn’t leave you high and dry. These pretty liquid lipsticks are surprisingly creamy and super hydrating, so you won’t ever have to deal with cracked color again.