50 Iconic Drugstore Favorites Absolutely Everyone Needs to Try

Every editorial product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission.

Drugstore brands are the reason we got into beauty. Our love of skin care started with Neutrogena in our preteens, our adoration for makeup began with Wet n Wild red lipstick, and Sally Hansen Hard as Nails will forever have a place in our manicure kits. No matter how many luxury products we discover, some things are better found at the local Walgreens or Rite Aid. To this day, we'll take a stroll through the aisles just to discover new launches and remember old favorites. These iconic drugstore buys are the ones we grew up using (and in some cases our mothers grew up using them, too). Somehow after all these years, they still manage to be the best — and most affordable — products on the market.

Maybelline Great Lash Washable Mascara

Maybelline Great Lash Washable Mascara

Although the mass brand has debuted numerous mascaras since 1971, Maybelline Great Lash ($6) is still the most well-known tube in the drugstore aisles. The pink and black bottle has become an iconic first for teenage girls everywhere.

Ardell Duo Eyelash Adhesive

Ardell Duo Eyelash Adhesive

Ardell Duo Eyelash Adhesive ($7) is the gold standard when it comes to falsie application. Specifically, the black formula helps make lashes look darker and thicker at the root. Plus, you won't have to draw over it with eyeliner.

Neutrogena Facial Bar

Neutrogena Facial Bar

Almost every tween we know grew up with the Neutrogena Facial Bar, Acne-Prone Formula Soap ($3) in her skin care regimen. This classic orange bar is the first step to fighting off breakouts, whether you're 10 years old or pushing 50.

CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara

CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara

The compact rubber bristles on the CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara ($7) make it the best at separating each individual lash without spider-like results.

Sally Hansen Hard as Nails

Sally Hansen Hard as Nails

Before gel nails became a trend, Sally Hansen Hard as Nails ($4) was our go-to topcoat. The clear lacquer hardens and strengthens, so your tips can grow to their fullest potential.

Simple Cleansing Micellar Water

Simple Cleansing Micellar Water

Technically the Simple Cleansing Micellar Water ($7) is one of the Simple Skin Care's newer launches for 2015, but it's such a groundbreaking drugstore launch it's already on its way to icon status! The micellar water trend is popular in French pharmacies already, but the cleansing product is just now making waves stateside.

Tweezerman Slant Tweezers

Tweezerman Slant Tweezers

When it comes to brow grooming essentials, you'll find Tweezerman Slant Tweezers ($23) in all the pro makeup artist kits. Over time, the brand has expanded its offerings with makeup brushes and nail care tools, too. But we've still got a few Tweezerman tweezers in our arsenal.

Pantene Pro-V Smooth & Sleek Shampoo

Pantene Pro-V Smooth & Sleek Shampoo

Frizz? Ain't nobody got time for that. The Pantene Pro-V Smooth & Sleek Shampoo With Argan Oil ($6) combats flyaways with hydrating oils. Humidity be damned!

Carmex Original Lip Balm

We can remember using this classic lip balm out of the jar when we were young beauty junkies. Nothing is better than Carmex Original ($4) at soothing chapped lips, which is why this yellow tube has become a runway-model beauty essential.

Cutex Nail Polish Remover

Cutex Nail Polish Remover

Cutex Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover ($3) gets rid of polish with just a few swipes, and it won't dry out the cuticles like acetone. It even takes off glitter; just let a saturated cotton pad sit on the nail bed for a few minutes.

L'Oréal Paris Elnett Hairspray

L'Oréal Paris Elnett Hairspray

L'Oréal Paris Elnett Hairspray ($15) is the backstage essential top hairstylists use to hold flyaways in place on the high-fashion catwalks. It's been around since the 1960s, but it's still the industry standard when it comes to hair spray.

Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

Often women with sensitive skin can't stand the harsh ingredients in antiaging skin care buys, so Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion ($12) remains the old standby for dry skin, rosacea, and eczema.

Gillette Venus Divine Women's Razor

Gillette Venus Divine Women's Razor

"I'm your Venus. I'm your fire! Your desire . . . " OK, so the theme song has nothing to do with the efficiency of the Gillette Venus Divine Sensitive Women's Razor ($10). But the Venus range of razors gives the closest shave we've ever had with minimal knicks, and that's worth singing about.

Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo

Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo

Dandruff isn't a sexy subject, but Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo ($13) has been erasing flakes for decades. Now the pyrithione-zinc-based product line has scalp spray, conditioner, and the men's favorite — a two-in-one cleanser.

Avène Thermal Spring Water

Avène Thermal Spring Water

The Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray ($13) may just be fancy water in a spray can, but it's the most efficient way to moisturize skin midday without ruining your makeup. The minerals in this imported spring water help to minimize skin irritation.

Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Facial Towelettes

Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Facial Towelettes

Makeup wipes have become a bedside essential because we don't always have enough willpower to actually make it to the sink. These Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Facial Towelettes ($3) are among our favorites because they are superrefreshing. That must be why Sophia Bush loves them, too.

Nair Lotion Hair Remover

Nair Lotion Hair Remover

Waxing wimps and razor rejects typically turn to Nair Lotion Hair Remover ($9). The depilatory cream melts away hair in less than 10 minutes. Plus, we still love that "who wears short shorts" jingle from the classic commercials.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment

Aquaphor Healing Ointment

When the cold weather hits, the Aquaphor Healing Ointment ($14) comes out of the bathroom cupboard. The thick salve penetrates dry cuticles and cracked heels. It's also a mother-approved product for young kids with itchy eczema or psoriasis.

Eos Smooth Lip Balm

Eos Smooth Lip Balm

We can't get on the bus or a plane or even the subway without seeing the Eos Smooth Lip Balm ($3). It's in everyone's bag for a reason! The sphere shape makes it easy to apply, and the ingredients are 95 percent natural.

Nivea Skin Creme

Nivea Skin Creme

The white cream in the blue jar has been around for over 100 years. Nivea Skin Creme ($7) is a thick moisturizer that erases ashy elbows and knees for good.

Garnier Skin Renew BB Cream

Garnier Skin Renew BB Cream

Garnier was one of the first mass-market brands to bring the Asian BB cream craze to the US (at an affordable price). The Skin Renew BB Cream ($13) acts as a light-coverage foundation and a daily SPF with major skin care benefits.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter

Palmer's Cocoa Butter

Before cocoa butter became the mainstream moisturizer it is today, Palmer's had the market exclusive on it. The classic Cocoa Butter Formula ($10) hydrates dry skin and smells like a cocktail you'd sip by the beach.

Elf HD Blush

Elf HD Blush

When it comes to affordable makeup, Elf Cosmetics is the most budget-friendly range we own, with some products ringing in at just $1. The HD Blush ($3) gives cheeks a subtle color, but it's also good as a lip stain. We'd put this makeup up against our most expensive blush any day.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sunscreen Milk

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sunscreen Milk

La Roche-Posay started out in a French hospital and morphed into an international skin care favorite. All of the products are safe for sensitive skin thanks to the brand's roots in burn care. Our top pick is the Anthelios Sunscreen Milk SPF 60 ($36), a lightweight formula that melts into the skin without leaving a white cast.

St. Ives Apricot Scrub

St. Ives Apricot Scrub

The day we discovered exfoliating was an essential skin care step (somewhere around the age of 13), we ran to the closest drugstore to get the St. Ives Apricot Scrub ($4). The scrubbing particles are a natural alternative to microbeads, which can be harmful to the environment.

John Frieda Beach Blonde Salt Spray

John Frieda Beach Blonde Salt Spray

John Frieda Beach Blonde Sea Waves Salt Spray ($10) recently made a comeback from the discontinued-product graveyard. Even superstraight hair can get texture with this formula without the crunchy finish. It helps that this spritz smells like swimming in the ocean.

Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips

Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips

Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips ($7) have been the source of much gross fascination in our bathrooms. Something about seeing the proof of clean pores gives us extra satisfaction. Blackheads, begone!

Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser

Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser

Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser ($8) may be the face wash your grandmother used, but it's still a drugstore staple to this day (that is what we call longevity). The formula melts away the most stubborn waterproof makeup without leaving an oily mess around your bathroom sink.

Wet n Wild Megalast Lipstick

Wet n Wild Megalast Lipstick

We love a long-wear lipstick formula for girls' night out. Wet n Wild Megalast Lipstick ($4) is a drugstore haul favorite because it has a high color payoff and hour-long wearability without the typical drying effects.

L'Oréal Paris True Match Makeup

L'Oréal Paris True Match Makeup

What makes L'Oréal Paris True Match Makeup ($11) one of the best is that it comes in a wide range of shades — 33, to be exact. The system also takes undertones into consideration, so the tone never comes out too red or yellow.

Klorane Dry Shampoo With Oat Milk

Klorane Dry Shampoo With Oat Milk

When it comes to dry shampoo, Klorane Dry Shampoo With Oat Milk ($20) is one of our favorites. The light spray works to absorb oil at the scalp without leaving a white residue. It even comes in a tinted version for brunettes!

Almay Intense I-Color Eyeshadow

Almay Intense I-Color Eyeshadow

We just want to take this moment to thank Almay for taking the guesswork out of eye shadow. The preselected shades in the Intense I-Color Eyeshadow ($7) cater to your eye color, and the packaging clearly shows where each shade is supposed to be applied. It's like eye makeup 101 for dummies.

Jolen Creme Bleach

Jolen Creme Bleach

Jolen Creme Bleach ($9) has been the dirty little secret in our family for years. If you don't want to wax or laser off facial hair, you can color it with this mild bleaching agent. This product is the first line of defense against dark chin hair and mustaches.

Aveeno Daily Moisturizer With SPF 15

Aveeno Daily Moisturizer With SPF 15

The Aveeno Daily Moisturizer With SPF 15 ($17) takes the inconvenience out of wearing sunscreen every day. The moisturizer is packed with natural ingredients (like soy) to smooth out spots and moisturize. Plus, we know Jennifer Aniston approves as she's the face of the brand.

Dove Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash

Dove Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash

While the men in our home are devoted to the classic Dove Body Bar, we've graduated to the Dove Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash ($7). The creamy formula creates an amazing lather on the loofah without leaving skin dried out. Plus, the brand is known for creating tear-jerking commercial campaigns with real women, which we absolutely support!

Physicians Formula Bronze Booster Airbrushing Veil

Physicians Formula Bronze Booster Airbrushing Veil

The Physicians Formula brand has become known for the best drugstore bronzers. The Bronze Booster Airbrushing Veil ($16) has just the right amount of shimmer without being highlighter bright. There's also a depth in color that provides a natural-looking glow.

Olay ProX Advanced Cleansing System

Olay ProX Advanced Cleansing System

Dermatologists agree that when it comes to antiaging products, Olay ProX can compete with some of the most high-end treatments. The Advanced Cleansing System ($40) is the perfect combination of products to start once you spot that first wrinkle in your mid-30s.

EcoTools Retractable Kabuki Brush

EcoTools Retractable Kabuki Brush

EcoTools Retractable Kabuki ($8) is your happy-hour essential in addition to tequila, of course. It's perfect for reapplying blush and pressed power after 5 o'clock comes and goes. The compact size makes it the ideal fit for your fashion-forward (tiny) clutch.

Conair You Big Waves Curling Iron

Conair You Big Waves Curling Iron

You don't have to spend a month's salary on your hot tools. This Conair You Big Waves ($45) curling wand has interchangeable barrels, so you can fake your best Lauren Conrad hair.

Burt's Bees Lip Balm

Burt's Bees Lip Balm

Some lip balms can actually dry out your lips, but Burt's Bees Lip Balm ($4) contains — you guessed it! — beeswax to lock in moisture. Plus, we've found that it doesn't melt in your pocket during balmy Summer days.

Boots No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced Serum

Boots No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced Serum

Boots No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced Serum ($25) gradually tightens skin for a firming effect, but instantly your face will feel more moisturized. We may have started using it places other than our face . . .

Degree Antiperspirant Deodorant

Degree Antiperspirant Deodorant

Degree Antiperspirant Deodorant ($7) is LBD safe and white tee approved. The formula goes on sheer and protects all day without leaving a sticky residue under your arms.

NYX Cosmetics Intense Butter Gloss

NYX Cosmetics Intense Butter Gloss

This liquid lipstick goes on opaque with a glossy finish, but the best part about the NYX Cosmetics Intense Butter Gloss ($6) is the delicious scent — it smells like a caramel waffle.

Herbal Essences Naked Dry Shampoo

Herbal Essences Naked Dry Shampoo

Herbal Essences is a hair care classic, and the Naked Dry Shampoo ($6) is our new favorite from the brand. The spray actually comes out clear, so you don't have to worry about brushing out white flakes afterward. You can create that tousled volume you saw on the runway with just your hands.

Queen Helene Mint Julep Natural Facial Scrub

Queen Helene Mint Julep Natural Facial Scrub

Before buzzwords like hyaluronic acid and collagen hit the beauty aisle, Queen Helene Refreshing Mint Julep Natural Facial Scrub ($3) was the best beauty treatment around. Our mothers still swear by this dead-skin-blasting exfoliant.

SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie

SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie

Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie ($12) is an Afro hair essential. The coconut oil adds moisture to dry curls and creates definition where there was only frizz before.

Rimmel London ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner

Rimmel London ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner

Accentuating the waterline is the easiest way to get bedroom eyes in seconds. Rimmel London ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner ($4) won't run, which makes it perfect for weddings, music festivals, and other sweaty situations.