In the past year, we’ve been considering a return to drugstore beauty. Whenever we think about how we can scale back our spending, one of the easiest ways is to spend less on haircare, skincare and makeup. For example, getting gel manicures is one of the first things to go—opting for doing our nails at home with the Essie Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish instead.
As ones who love salon-quality haircare, science-backed skincare and luxury makeup, we’ve been hesitant to give drugstore beauty another chance—until recently, when it saw a major resurgence on TikTok. Beauty influencer Abbey Yung has been raving about it for a while, and just as we were debating whether or not we’d been influenced, Pantene shampoo went viral after Alix Earle posted vouching for it. Since then, there are countless videos about switching back to drugstore haircare, and we’ve noticed a similar shift toward drugstore skincare and makeup as well.
Though we thought we’d left this era behind in high school, we’ve spent the last month revisiting it. If you’re tired of splurging $44 on Kérastase shampoo or $46 on Yves Saint Laurent skin tint, here are some of our favorites from the drugstore.
Haircare
OGX Nourishing + Coconut Oil Weightless Hydrating Oil Hair Mist
Yung talks about the benefits of saturating the ends of your hair in coconut oil 30 minutes before washing your hair to protect it from damage while you shower. It helps with breakage by keeping your hair safe when it’s wet and most fragile.
Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo
When we use this, our hair feels the cleanest it’s ever felt. It strips any build-up and resets it. Experts say to use a salicylic acid treatment or shampoo once or twice a week, so that’s how we use this.
Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with 1% Ketoconazole
Ketoconazole is the best active ingredient for hair density, or separately if you struggle with dandruff. We use this a couple times a week.
L’Oréal Paris EverPure Bond Repair Shampoo & Conditioner
People swear by L’Oréal’s EverPure line, especially the bond repair shampoo and conditioner. We recently learned that L’Oréal owns Redken, so there’s a lot of similarity between many of their products.
If you have fine hair or want a clarifying option, this is a popular shampoo. This was our first drugstore beauty purchase since getting back into it.
Dove Scalp+ Hair Therapy Density Boost Hydrating Conditioner
Pair the Pantene with this conditioner. It’s hydrating but lightweight, so it won’t weight your hair down.
Dove Intensive Repair Shampoo & Conditioner
If you’re looking for something with even more hydration, a beloved line is Dove’s Intensive Repair. Perfect for damaged hair.
Dove Bond Strength 10-in-1 Serum Mask
Another viral TikTok product. People swear by this mask.
L’Oréal Paris EverPure Glossing 5-Minute Lamination Mask
We’re clearly fans of the EverPure line, but that’s because it’s so reliable. This hair gloss went viral on TikTok recently and gives the shiniest hair.
L’Oréal Paris EverPure 21-in-1 Leave-In Conditioner
Okay, we promise this is the last EverPure product: a dupe for the Pureology 21-in-1 leave-in. It’s safe for color treated hair and has heat protectant.
TRESemmé Protecting Heat Spray
We remember using this heat protectant in high school. It’s a staple.
OGX Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco Penetrating Hair Oil
This is the best drugstore argan oil. We like to put this on the ends of our hair before bed to strengthen and soften.
Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Activating Mousse
To air dry your hair, we like the Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Mousse. It helps add definition to waves or curls while having a soft, touchable hold.
Skincare
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water

For a double cleanse, use Bioderma’s micellar water before your regular cleanser. We like having their body washes on hand in the winter for dry skin, too.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
Our favorite brand that you can find at the drugstore is French skincare by La Roche-Posay. We love their Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser, the Toleraine Double Repair Face Moisturizer and the viral Cicaplast Balm hacks (if you’re dry, use it all over; if you have sebaceous filaments, only use it on your nose and chin).
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Whenever our skin freaks out, typically transitioning into winter, we always find ourselves returning to Vanicream’s cleanser and moisturizer. They’re non-comedogenic, no frills and dermatologist approved.
De La Cruz 10% Sulfur Ointment
We’ve all heard that it smells like rotten eggs, but this ointment is highly coveted for clogged pores and is often used as a spot treatment or mask. Joesoef’s Sulfur Soap is another option in face wash form.

Looking for something similar to Rhode’s iconic Glazing Milk? Try the Byoma Hydrating Milky Toner.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Face Moisturizer
If you like gel moisturizers, this one is for you. If you’re acne-prone, be sure you’re getting the Water Gel version, not the Gel Cream. They even have one with SPF.
Makeup
L’Oréal Paris True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum Foundation
This lightweight tinted serum foundation won’t clog your pores. We found out about this from a TikTok on makeup that doesn’t have pore-cloggers.
L’Oréal Paris Makeup Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream Tinted Moisturizer
We randomly tried this product when we were in a pinch not expecting much and ended up loving it. This BB cream helps to reduce any redness for an even complexion with a bare skin finish.
NYX Longwear Slim Lip Pencil in Natural
NYX is the go-to for lip liners. They have so many shades to choose from.
Colorstay Lip Stain in Natural Blush
One of the best hacks is to use lip in place of lip liner. A favorite lip liner of ours is Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk in Medium, so we wanted to find a lip stain equivalent: COVERGIRL Outlast Lipstain in Natural Blush. Brazen Raisin and Sugey Girl are great shades too.
Revlon Super Lustrous Glass Shine Balm in Rum Raisin
Deemed one of the best 90s lipstick shades, we love this Revlon lipstick in Rum Raisin.
L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick in Cinnamon Toast
We’ve worn this exact shade for years. It’s a classic.
CoverGirl Clean Fresh Tinted Lip Balm in Bliss You Berry
This is similar to Clinique’s cult-favorite Black Honey Almost Lipstick, as is the e.l.f. cosmetics Sheer Slick Lipstick in Black Cherry. It’s the ideal natural-looking lip.