"If there’s one good thing that came out of 2020 for me, it’s my newfound passion for skincare. While staying at home this year, I’ve become slightly obsessed with watching TikToks and Youtube videos describing the best skincare products and practices—and which ones to avoid at all costs (I’m looking at you, apricot scrubs!).
One of my favorite content creators, @skincarebyhyram on TikTok, has over 5.9 million followers and has made a name for himself by reacting to celebs’ skincare routines and calling out brands with harmful ingredients. After bingeing his videos (he also has a Youtube channel) and doing my own research, I overhauled my skincare routine to include only the best ingredients and realized that taking care of your skin really does not have to expensive!
I have also really enjoyed trying new makeup and hair products while staying at home, especially when they come at an affordable price. I’ve always appreciated drugstore beauty, but in recent months I’ve realized that there are endless amounts of great affordable products out there that people simply swear by.
Here are 23 drugstore beauty products that have tens of thousands of five-star reviews and a huge fanbase:
Skincare
All of CeraVe's cleansers are extremely popular, but this relatively new one is gaining traction quickly. It's specifically formulated for problem skin and aims to smooth any unwanted texture.
If you have sensitive skin or any sort of skin condition, this is the lotion for you. It's incredibly moisturizing, without being too greasy or heavy.
Micellar water is the most gentle (yet still effective) way to remove makeup, and I won't use anything else. Also, this plus reusable cotton pads are a much more environmentally-friendly alternative to makeup wipes!
This clarifying mask is awesome for when your skin needs a little extra love. The value is amazing, because this tub is huge—so you get tons of uses!
The Ordinary made a name for itself with affordability, transparency, and effectiveness. I would say this product is the one I see the most in skincare routines and favorites videos.
This once-weekly peel is perfect for combatting breakouts (no more mask-ne, please)! Read the extensive review here.
I know so many people who swear by this cleanser and won't use anything else. As the name implies, it's gentle and great for sensitive skin.
This feminine wash is plant-derived and all-natural, as opposed to other options on the market that may have harmful ingredients. In addition, it has thousands of glowing reviews on Target's website!
Makeup
This dupe for Too Faced's Better Than Sex mascara is all over the internet and loved by the masses!
I believe there is a consensus in the online beauty community that this is one of the the best drugstore highlighters out there. Every shade is beautiful, and this gives me just as much glow as my high-end highlighters.
It seems as though every Youtube beauty guru agrees that this is the best drugstore bronzer on the market. Plus, how cute is this packaging?!
I have used this powder for years. I always try others, then end up going back to this one. It's perfect on no-liquid-foundation days for a little extra coverage, and you can get it for the shockingly low price of $4.
There's a reason this concealer has been so popular for so long—it's known as one of the best options for covering up under-eye circles.
Our beauty editor Beth swears by Juvia's Place, so it must be amazing. Their products are known for high pigmentation and being long-lasting.
Beauty gurus across the internet are constantly using this handy concealer/foundation duo in drugstore tutorials and reviews. The consensus seems to be that it's an amazing option when it comes to affordable foundation!
Hair Products
This one is a true classic. People everywhere—from your 12-year-old cousin to your 25-year-old coworker—are obsessed with this dry shampoo.
The haircare line from Kristin Ess brings salon products to the drugstore. While tons of her products are extremely popular, the texture spray stands out as one of the best.
I see this product ALL OVER TikTok. Women with natural curls are obsessed—and based on the before and after videos that I've seen—for a very good reason.
This is another favorite for women with curly hair. It hydrates and smoothes, without being too harsh.
I don't think I'll ever use another brush again. The Wet Brush is gentle and great at detangling—even my hairdresser (who has always hated brushes) uses these now!
Everyone I've ever known who owns one of these raves about it. What are you waiting for?!