We Asked 22 Industry Professionals to Share Their Favourite Drugstore Beauty Products

"Real Techniques Makeup Brushes ($20) are affordable, quality brushes that have been my go-to for eyes, lips, and face. The synthetic bristles stand the test of time, are vegan and cruelty-free. They give me better results than some of my pricier and natural hair brushes." — Allan Avendaño, celebrity makeup artist

"My favourite drugstore beauty product is TRESemmé Tres Two Extra Hold Aerosol Hairspray ($3). It's a classic hairspray that provides amazing hold. I love that the can use huge and lasts forever." — Justine Marjain, celebrity hairstylist

"The Batiste Clean & Classic Original Dry Shampoo ($6) is perfect for many things. I use it to get that day-old bed-head, messy look. After I curl my hair, I spray a few sprays of the dry shampoo, shake my hair upside, and I'm done. You can also use this product on your hair if it's oily and don't have time for a shampoo — just spray on your roots and it will absorb the oil. It's also great for bangs. Bangs can get oily fast because the hair is touching your face so this product is a must-have. It also comes in different colours so if you haven't gotten your colour touched up, this spray can hold you over a few more days." — Nafisah Carter, celebrity hairstylist

"The Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum ($7) is my absolute fave. You can apply on wet or dry hair. It's very lightweight so it will not weigh your hair down. It gives so much shine, helps keep your hair straight, and is a great moisturising product for your hair. It has amazing oils like moroccan and argon. It works wonders on hair extensions, too." — Nafisah Carter, celebrity hairstylist

"Sebastian Shaper Plus Extra Hold Hairspray ($20) is one of my favourite hairsprays. You can use it while curling your hair or after to spray your style. It provides 24-hour control and really holds curls longer than most hairsprays. It's great with blocking humidity, as well. This spray is not sticky or stiff at all so you can still have that bouncy, free-flowing look as if there isn't any spray on your hair at all. It comes in travel sizes so you can take it everywhere you go — in your bag, on the plane, literally everywhere." — Nafisah Carter, celebrity hairstylist

"I love to keep Dove Beauty Refresh + Care Detox Purify Dry Shampoo ($5) in my styling kit at all times. It instantly absorbs excess oil without the dreaded white dusty finish other dry shampoos leave you with. An added bonus is the volume it gives and the scent is fresh but not overpowering." - David Lopez, celebrity hairstylist

"I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Maybelline New York Brow Tattoo Longlasting Tint ($17) actually worked and was not a gimmick. It's a great way to achieve a full and powdery brow. It's definitely my top brow drugstore pick." — René de la Garza, celebrity brow artist and facialist

"L'Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Longwear Foundation ($11) is my favourite drugstore product because it's a buildable foundation with full coverage. It's affordable and works for every skin type. They also offer a full range of colours, great for all complexions and shades. Since I work with a lot of women of colour, I especially love the range of shades with a yellow undertone which looks great on their skin because it creates an amazing brightening effect." — David Velasquez, celebrity makeup artist

"The NYX Professional Makeup Vinyl Liquid Liner ($5) is my little cheat to creating an illusion of sparkling eyes due to the liner's high gloss finish. I start with a regular liner but always go over it with the NYX to get that shine on the eyes. It photographs beautifully, too." — Joy Adenuga, professional makeup artist

"Essie can be found at your drugstore and it's an affordable and classic choice for quality nail care. Essie started (in the 80's) by only being carried in fine salons so it has everything one needs to provide at home nail care. The Speed Setter Top Coat ($11) is the fastest and shiniest quick dry high shine top coat on the market." — Michelle Saunders, celebrity nail artist

"My favourite drugstore retinol is Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% ($15). It not only works wonders for acne, but for anti-ageing, too. Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, encourages cell turnover and has been scientifically proven to stimulate collagen and elastin, improve the appearance of wrinkles, and diminish brown spots. Be careful not to use too often when you first include it in your skin-care routine. Use it one to two times a week at night and slowly use more frequently over a couple of weeks. If you use too much too soon, you can dry and irritate your skin, making acne worse." — Sarah Akram, celebrity aesthetician

"CeraVe is known for its skin barrier-protecting ceramides (keeping the skin healthy and hydrated) and affordable price point. My favourite cleanser is the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser ($15). This cleanser is fragrance-free, includes hyaluronic acid and ceramides in the ingredients list, and has a silky smooth texture." — Sarah Akram, celebrity aesthetician

"My hands-down favourite drug-store product is Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Lightweight Sunscreen Spray ($9) — in any concentration is fine. I love it not for the sun protection properties (although that is a bonus) but for the shine it leaves on the skin. No matter if I'm working with a client for a major red carpet, music video, or live performance it's a great way to give exposed skin an expensive sheen without leaving a mess on their gorgeous outfits and the stylists love me for it. You don't have to be on the red carpet to take advantage of this major hack." — AJ Crimson, celebrity makeup artist and founder of AJ Crimson Beauty

"My favourite drugstore product would have be CND SolarOil ($9). With a blend of sweet almond oil, jojoba, rice bran oil, and vitamin E, it's the perfect tried-and-true rehydration for your cuticles and nails." — Tom Bachik, celebrity nail artist

"One of my all-time favourite drugstore beauty products by far is L'Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray ($12). As a rising editorial stylist, I first discovered this product when I was the new girl on the job working with the seasoned vets in the industry. They swore by it and it was literally in everyone's case no matter what set I was on. When I tried to call my professional sale reps to order it, I was floored to learn that it's only available in the drugstore. After my first time using it I quickly realised why it's a favourite for professionals. It provides great hold, yet leaves the hair brushable with amazing shine." — Michelle Cleveland, professional hairstylist

"My favourite drugstore product has to be the Got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Hairspray ($5). It is my ultimate go-to product and the only spray I use on my brides. With years in the business and trying multiple brands and hairsprays, Got2B is the one that I find holds and sets the hair best for longer periods of time. It also works on all different hair types, which is a plus. This is the number one hairspray to hold the hair in place." — Senada Ceka , professional hairstylist

"Tigi Bed Head After Party Smoothing Cream ($18) is one of my favourite anti-frizz products. Just use a pump or two and distribute into your hair when it's wet. It doesn't matter what texture you have, it will leave your hair frizz-free, shiny, and instantly cashmere soft." — Andrew Fitzsimons, celebrity hairstylist

"The L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Waterproof Mascara ($7) is an amazing drugstore product that I use on my brides, photoshoot models, and celebrity clientele. It is waterproof and will not transfer on to the face or eyelids due to tears, humidity, sweat, or heat from intense lighting. It's a great affordable, long-wearing, waterproof mascara." — Lauren D'Amelio, celebrity makeup artist

"No7 Laboratories CICA Rescue Skin Paste ($23) is an overnight treatment formulated to help improve skin barrier function, boost recovery, and reduce the appearance of redness and irritation. This is a perfect pick moving into colder months and for anyone who enjoys winter sports. Used like a sleep-mask, this product is applied as a final step in a nighttime routine, and locks in moisture delivered from any serums or creams applied prior." — Candace Marino, celebrity aesthetician

"Ardell Demi Wispies Faux Mink Lashes ($6) are a must-have in my makeup kit. They are extremely versatile, affordable, and comfortable on the eye. They can be used for a soft glam look or you can double them up for a more dramatic look." — Lauren D'Amelio, celebrity makeup artist

"I use the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water ($9) to take off makeup but also to nuance it. For instance, if I'm doing a winged liner I will dip a pointed cotton bud into the cleansing liquid and use it to reshape and clean up the wing. I also use it for lip liner, eyebrows — anywhere I want clean lines. Seriously, I can't do perfected makeup without it." — Erin Parsons, celebrity makeup artist

"The Hard Candy Brows Now! Precision Tip Brow Ink ($6) is good for people who are looking to define their brows with fine hair link strokes. With this kind of felt tip ink pen it allows you to create a really precise definition." — Joey Healy, celebrity brow stylist

"If you want to lighten your brows at home, the Jolen Creme Bleach Set ($8) is a cool way to do that. You just have to be really careful — it's a facial bleach lightener so people use it on like their mustaches — but if you want to take your brows from black to dark brown, just knock back the severity, its a good product." — Joey Healy, celebrity brow stylist

"To tint your brows at home, Just For Men Mustache and Beard Beard Colour ($9) has a mustache and beard dye in different shades of medium brown, jet black, and light brown. This is a liquidy foam and it's meant for mens facial hair, but it can be great to tint your brows when you're in a pinch at home." — Joey Healy, celebrity brow stylist

3. Also

"My current drugstore obsession is the Schmidt's Aluminium Free Natural Deodourant ($6). I've always tried going natural but have never had luck. I tried Schmidt's and it kept me dry and fresh all day. I, for sure, recommend giving it a try." — Daniel Chinchilla, celebrity makeup artist

"Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder ($5) are amongst my favourites. They blend easily and give you a beautiful glow. They're a must-have, affordable highlighter. I love using them as eyeshadow as well." — Daniel Chinchilla, celebrity makeup artist