If there’s one thing beauty pros know it’s that not all of the best products come in large, expensive packages. In fact, some of the most long-lasting and high-quality items cost a fraction of their competitors while delivering twice the effectiveness. If your pricey go-to makeup or skin care staples are working for you, that’s cool, but it’s worth knowing that you can cut the cost of your beauty budget significantly with just a few swaps — and without sacrificing quality.
To help find out which products are worth the downgrade on price, we turned to some of the industry’s top celebrity makeup artists and hair stylists. Read on for their top 10 budget beauty picks.
[ Next: Waterproof (and Sweatproof) Makeup That Lasts ALL Day — Even in the Pool ]
This article originally appeared on TotalBeauty.com
10 Best Drugstore Beauty Products for Summer
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La Roche-Posay
Effaclar Clarifying Oil Free Cleansing Towelettes, $9.99 at Ulta
Quality face wipes are hard to come by, but their price point isn't the final determining factor. Ann Balaguera, national director of esthetics at Red Door Spa in Stamford, Connecticut, has been using these towelettes for years, which sell for just $10. "They're ideal for removing dirt and makeup morning and night without over stripping the skin," she says. "They leave my skin feeling clean and fresh and are especially convenient for summertime use since the weather is hot and humid."
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Jergens
Natural Glow Wet Skin Moisturizer, $8.64 at Walmart
Tan legs aren't only created at the beach. This in-shower moisturizer is a quick way to keep your skin hydrated and glowy without adding grease, which comes in handy on hot and humid days. "I love applying this moisturizer directly after I turn off the shower—it allows the water to stay on my skin and hydrate longer," says Heather Packer, senior stylist and national hairstyling educator. "I always wipe off the excess with a towel to avoid streaking."
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L'Oreal Paris
Advanced Hairstyle Lock It Weather Control Hairspray, $3.97 at Walmart
If there's one time of year where you'll need to be on frizz control 24/7, it's the now. When in need of smoothing and a seriously strong hold, Anita Sun, hairstylist at Eliut Salon in New York City, turns to this drugstore hairspray. "First off, it smells amazing but it also has anti-humidity properties that make it perfect for the hot weather," she says. "You can use it sparingly in blowouts to set the style and doesn't flake up when you shake out a style, and it holds all day."
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Aveeno
Soothing Bath Treatment, $6.97 at Walmart
We can thank sunburns and summer pests for the itchiness associated with summer. A good plan of defense is to use a naturally derived bath treatment that's dermatologist-recommended, like this one from Aveeno. Angelina Lucheux, award-winning esthetician and owner of Tailormade for You Skin & Body Care in Long Island City, New York, uses the stuff religiously. "It's a miracle product for any type of skin irritation and also works wonders on eczema," she says. "If you've had too much sun, soaking into a soothing, cool bath will help your skin relax and provide instant relief."
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Dove
Refresh + Care Fresh Coconut Dry Shampoo, $3.94 at Walmart
"If you're heading out on a really hot and muggy day, this will help save your style," says NYC master hair colorist Stephanie Brown. "Not only will this dry shampoo help absorb any moisture or sweat building up in your hair due to warm weather, but it's also great for bangs—it helps keep them from sticking to your forehead." She recommends spraying a little on your forehead to prevent any sweat from your forehead transferring to your bangs. "It's also great for grip, so when you want to braid your hair to keep your hair out of your face, it'll help keep the braid intact and tighter."
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It's a 10
Potion 10 Miracle Repair Hair Mask, $38.10 at It's a 10
Though on the pricier side for a drugstore-bought hair mask, this one is worth every penny, especially since it will last you the better part of summer. Brown leaves this mask in her hair while she's out in the sun for two reasons: to protect it from the sun's rays and to utilize the sun's heat to help open the cuticle, allowing the mask to penetrate throughout. The natural heat provides the same benefits as a heat lamp at your salon. "This mask will also protect you from salt water or harsh pool chemicals, so your hair won't dry out as much without that extra layer of protection," she says. "Moisture is so important for your hair in the summertime, so even if you don't want to use it through the day like I do, you can use masks as intended and leave on and then rinse it out."
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CeraVe
Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 50, $13.47 at Amazon
You know that sunscreen is an important staple in your summer routine (as well as year-round—even on cloudy days!) so you shouldn't take choosing the right brand and SPF level lightly. Sondriel, expert curly hair stylist and colorist, takes things one step further by selecting a sunscreen that's ideal for hair protection too. Her go-to is this lotion from CeraVe. "The key to using sunscreen to protect your hair is to choose a lightweight, oil-free, waterproof brand," she says. "Apply about a quarter size to your ends to help protect your hair from drying out and your color from fading while you're in and out of the pool." Tip: When you get out of the water, rinse your hair out with bottled water and reapply your daily conditioner and detangler.
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Neutrogena
The Anti-Residue Shampoo, $4.83 at Walmart
The key to choosing the right shampoo for summer is to find a brand that helps remove dulling residue caused by chlorine, saltwater and other hairstyling products containing chemicals, says Nelson Chan, celebrity hairstylist and owner of Nelson J Natural Salon in Beverly Hills. "This non-irritating, top-rated clarifying shampoo cleans your hair and instantly rinses away residue," he says. "It's made for all hair types and is specially formulated for once-a-week use to clear out residue that can build up, especially in summer." This product is also ideal for use before coloring or any deep conditioning treatment, he adds.
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Essie
Nail Polish in Mademoiselle, $9 at Target
There's no denying that baby pink is a great choice for summer, especially once you've acquired a little tan. "I absolutely love this color on my nails! When I have this nude pink on, I can't stress to you how many clients compliment my nails," says Julie Michaud, owner and founder of Prettyology in Boston. When she's not wearing Mademoiselle, she opts for a turquoise hue, like this one from Essie's new seaglass collection. "It's a light blue with purple and white iridescence to it—love it!"
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NYX
Total Control Drop Foundation, $19.50 at Ulta
When it comes to foundation, Michaud doesn't only shop department stores. However, since she has very oily skin, finding something less expensive that will last her the entire day is challenging. "NYX Total Control is my hero this summer because it allows me to have a sheer-full coverage throughout the day," she says. "I usually prefer Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, $45, but on warmer days, I prefer to wear something even lighter and, if I am going out, I can just add a little more and look like I have a fresh face!" She always recommends wearing SPF underneath but says a primer is not always a necessity.
