I love finding exceptional products at my local drugstore, don’t you? I feel like I’m beating the system and bingo! saving money without compromising on quality. Yet, how the heck are we supposed to avoid the painful and expensive trial-and-error process? Getting insider tips for hidden-gem drugstore beauty products from hair and makeup experts whose client history includes celebrities and influencers will save loads of time (one-stop shopping, right?!) and money. Just in time for Academy Awards season, these celebrity experts offer nine products that — let’s be honest — deserve recognition.
Dove Volume and Fullness Dry Shampoo
Mark Townsend is a celebrity hairstylist whose A-list clientele includes Gen Xers Gwyneth Paltrow, Rachel Weisz, Elizabeth Banks and Rachel McAdams. This product is his “most-used” and hardest to keep around because his clients love it — and leave with it, he says. “The high level of powders and starches in this dry shampoo is what makes it so great; they absorb oils, sebum and leftover hair products very quickly, leaving you with a refreshed scalp and hair.” Townsend’s tip is to spray on roots and backcomb for long-lasting volume. (Available at Target and other drugstores for about $7)
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara
Elizabeth Cestrone of One Whit Artistry in Alexandria, Virginia, caters to the who’s-who of the greater Washington, D.C., area, including various news-shapers, policy influencers and business owners. “This mascara gives instant volume and length, and your third coat will go on as smoothly as your first,” says the veteran esthetician and cosmologist. Bonus: Waterproof isn’t necessary — even for those with oily lids — as this mascara is long-wearing. (Available at Walmart and other drugstores for about $9)
Scünci No Damage Hair Elastics
Townsend’s hairstyle of choice is a good ponytail, a go-to hairstyle for red-carpet events on celebrities like Dakota Johnson for the Oscars, and Ashley Olsen for the Met Gala. Make a ponytail red-carpet ready, he says, by using two Scünci elastics so it won’t slip. If you’d like a topknot, he says to create your tight, well-positioned ponytail first. Next, pin ponytail around the base to create your topknot, securing hairpins into your elastics. (Available at Rite Aid and other drugstores for about $5–$7)
Pretty Comy Mascara Wands
The small details matter so your ponytail doesn’t look like you just left the gym, Townsend points out. Use mascara wands to create a tightly “snatched” ponytail or updo. Secure your ponytail or topknot and then — using wands that have been sprayed with extra-hold hairspray — comb and smooth pesky flyaway hairs around the ears and nape of the neck that didn’t make it into the ponytail. (Available at Walmart $7)
Maui Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner
Bridal hair and makeup professional Maria Licari of New York City uses both this shampoo and conditioner herself and recommends them to her clients. Licari, whose extensive history in the hair and makeup industry includes an illustrious clientele list that includes Salma Hayek and Hugh Jackman, says that the products are great for the cold winter months, as they have beneficial hydrating agents to help keep dandruff at bay. Maui Moisture also has many other types of shampoos and conditioners, she says, making it easy to match the season with any hair type. (Available at CVS and other drugstores starting at about $7–$10 each)
Dove Intensive Repair Conditioner
This conditioner is Townsend’s favorite. It’s lightweight enough to use daily or can be used as a treatment one time a week by leaving it on for 20–30 minutes. He recalls that when Mary-Kate Olsen “got serious” about growing her hair long, she started using this conditioner and has been a fan since. If you have long hair, Townsend suggests putting this conditioner on the bottom 4 inches to 6 inches before getting in the shower to protect ends from the natural drying effects of water and shampoo. Spoiler alert: Good conditioner doesn’t have to be expensive, so don’t be duped. “[Y]ou don’t need to spend a fortune to find a great one!” he says. (Available at Rite Aid and other drugstores for about $7)
Covergirl TruBlend Undercover Concealer
If you want a concealer that acts “high-end” but costs less than $10, Cestrone recommends this one from Covergirl. “I like to mix it with the smallest drop of illuminating oil or moisturizer to give it a skin-like sheen and apply with a small, fluffy brush.” (Available at Walgreens and other drugstores for $8)
St. Moriz Professional Self Tanner
Licari vouches for this self-tanner, saying it’s one of the best long-lasting tanners she has come across. Admittedly, some tanners have a funny smell on your skin, she says, but St. Moriz does not. Plus, she points out that it’s infused with olive milk and vitamin E, moisturizing the skin while also tanning. (Available at Target and other drugstores starting at $10)
TRESemme Dry Texture Finishing Spray
If you love a great-but-reasonable hairspray, Townsend points us in the direction of TRESemme Dry Texture Finishing Spray. “I’m obsessed with this weightless volume spray. It gives the hair that amazing second-day hair texture that everyone is craving.” Yes, pa-lease! (Available at CVS and other drugstores starting at $5–$7)
Photo credits: portraits: Getty Images (3); drugstore: Alamy
The Girlfriend Staff
