7 Must-Have Drugstore Beauty Products to Save Money and Look Amazing

7 Must-Have Drugstore Beauty Products to Save Money and Look Amazing
By Eliza • Oct 30, 2013 MD

I’m about to share a list of top beauty products to buy at the drugstore. If you’re skeptical, stay with me here for a couple of minutes. The drugstore might not carry every single high-end, pricey formula you find at boutique department stores, but that certainly doesn’t mean they’re low quality. In fact, I buy most of my daily beauty products at the drugstore, and I stand by them as an affordable way to look great without breaking the bank. From skincare staples to budget-friendly makeup, here are some essential beauty products to buy at the drugstore that will save you money while keeping you looking fantastic!

1. Lotion

Lotion There’s no reason why store brand body lotion won’t do the exact same job that far more expensive boutique products do. Hydrating body lotion is one of the ultimate beauty products to buy at the drugstore that will save you big dollars. Read the ingredients list on your favorite prestige brand, then compare them to dermatologist-approved drugstore options like CeraVe or store-brand generics, and you’ll likely be surprised to see that the formulations are remarkably similar. So go ahead, save your hard-earned money, grab your moisturizer at the drugstore, and spend the extra savings on a fantastic new pair of shoes!

  • Look for key hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
  • Choose fragrance-free formulas for sensitive skin types.

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2. Lipstick

Lipstick Lip color can get ridiculously expensive, but it really doesn’t have to be. Unless you have highly specific skin care sensitivities, inexpensive drugstore lipstick delivers rich pigment and comfortable wear. Iconic brands like L'Oréal Paris offer shades like the Color Riche collection, giving you endless color options at your fingertips to highlight your fabulous facial features. Before picking out your shade, make sure your lips are prepped with a hydrating lotion or lip balm for a flawless finish.

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3. Foundation

Foundation I always wear foundation because it effortlessly evens out my skin tone, and my favorite drugstore formulas even include broad-spectrum sunscreen for daily UV protection. Thanks to modern advances in cosmetics, top-rated options from Maybelline offer seamless coverage without the department store price tag. I also stock up on application tools like blending sponges and foam wedges at the drugstore for a budget-friendly airbrushed finish.

| Product Category | Key Benefit | Top Feature | | --- | --- | --- | | Body Lotion | Deep Hydration | Ceramides & Hyaluronic Acid | | Satin Lipstick | Rich Pigment | Hydrating Formula | | Liquid Foundation | Even Coverage | Sunscreen SPF 15+ |

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4. Hair Care

Hair Care Sometimes the price tag on salon shampoo, conditioner, and styling products gives me a major case of sticker shock. That is why I buy almost all my hair care products at the drugstore, including shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, mousse, and essential tools like wide-tooth combs, paddle brushes, and ceramic flat irons. Why spend extra when these items perform beautifully for a fraction of the cost? Unless you have specific scalp conditions, affordable hair products get the job done brilliantly. If you plan to experiment with at-home hair dye, maintaining nourished strands with proper drugstore care is essential.

  • Sulfate-free shampoos help protect color-treated hair.
  • Deep conditioning masks boost weekly shine and hydration.

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If you're in the relentless hunt for the perfect mascara, that not only volumizes but also gives your lashes the much-needed lift, then you should absolutely give the dior show mascara a try. It's undeniably one of the best mascaras that guarantees both length and volume while leaving no clumps behind.

5. Deodorant

Please don’t skip deodorant, no matter what! However, don’t feel like you need to spend big bucks on luxury formulas either. Often, the exact same name-brand antiperspirants you find everywhere are noticeably cheaper when on sale at your local drugstore. You can stick with your favorite reliable brand while saving enough cash for your morning coffee! Many drugstores also stock store-brand generic deodorants with active ingredients identical to name brands, so you won't miss out on freshness or protection.

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6. Hair Dye

Hair Dye If you want to refresh your hair color, the drugstore aisle is packed with fantastic options. From subtle highlighting kits to rich root touch-ups and full color transformations, there is something for every hair type. Trusted beauty brands like Revlon offer affordable at-home coloring kits with vibrant, long-lasting results. If you don’t have much experience coloring your own hair, be sure to read the instructions carefully before getting started. Pair your fresh look with a complementary lipstick for a complete makeup style!

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7. Nail Polish

Nail Polish I love to paint my nails and rarely leave home without a fresh coat of polish. If you share this passion, salon manicures can add up quickly, making drugstore nail polish the perfect alternative. You can easily indulge in trending seasonal shades, gel-like top coats, and quick-dry formulas without spending a fortune. What more could anyone ask for?

If you usually skip the beauty aisles at your local pharmacy, take a closer look on your next visit to see how much you can save. Which drugstore beauty product is your personal favorite to budget on?

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

  • Brenda

    2013-10-30T22:19:20.000Z

    Drugstore shampoos are full of fillers, conditioners too. As a hairdresser for 42, I could tell you nightmare stories of people who have tried coloring their own hair. We have updated educational class's all the time about colouring and trust me, sometimes it IS rocket science!
  • Hanna

    2013-10-30T13:11:52.000Z

    Are you serious, foundation/skincare at a drugstore?
  • Eleanor

    2013-10-30T11:31:34.000Z

    In hair and skin care I notice a huge difference between professional/hig quality products and drugstore ones!I can spend 25$ in a shampoo if it really brings my hair back to life..
  • Tifyane

    2013-10-30T15:33:29.000Z

    I use two of the brands listed here! The toms deodorant and toothpaste and I use the Kate lipstick! The Kate lipstick is FAB and stays on forever!
  • Stacey

    2013-11-02T00:05:19.000Z

    I buy my products from the drugstore! I almost never pay more than £20 for anything like that. I find all of it works fine and just don't have a budget for lots of expensive make up
  • Farin

    2013-10-30T18:05:23.000Z

    Agreed.. Drugstore products are cost effective and work just as well. I do say to get an expensive foundation for special occasions though.
  • Whitney

    2013-10-30T17:25:01.000Z

    Sorry about all the typos, I was just typing passionately because I wanted to be able to save someone else's hair if I could
  • Eliza

    2013-11-02T01:02:14.000Z

    I have and always will use Maybelline foundation. It has SPF and my dermatologist tells me I have skin that is way younger than my years. Yes, if you have special hair or skin needs, drugstore brands might not be for you, but just because something is less expensive doesn't mean it isn't good! I have always used the products I talk about and have never had hair, skin, nail, etc. issues ever!
  • Kathy

    2013-11-23T16:14:53.000Z

    @ Tamira yeah really!!!! Some drugstore foundations are better then the expensive ones. Try revlon , l'oreal. You may be surprised.
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