The 11 Holy Grail Drugstore Products That Are Better Than The Expensive Stuff
by The Candidly Team
There’s really nothing better than a drugstore gem.
Wait, yes there is.
When the drugstore product is even more effective than their expensive, department store counterparts.
Like these 11 holy grail products. All magic. And all easily acquired and under $20.
1. Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra Rich Cream
If your skin is so deeply dry that even layers and pounds of serums still leave it rough and tight, there is a strong temptation to slather on the most luxurious, expensive, moisturizer in sight. But how lovely that Weleda’s Skin Food Ultra-Rich Cream is intensely moisturizing, works beautifully in the winter months, is a dream base for makeup, and feels like a big drink of water for the skin.
Find out more about why we love it here.
Price: $19
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2. Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm
We are having a full blown love affair with Versed, mostly because they make lovely, clean, effective products for a f r a c t i o n of the price of their competitors.
And their cleansing balm is no different. It removes makeup like a champ, and it’s also bursting with Vitamin E, which means your skin never feels stripped or tight.
Find out more about why we love it here.
Price: $18
3. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer
Any good concealer, regardless of price, has to be able to cover things perfectly, while never looking makeupy, cakey, creasy, crepey, or said more succinctly, gross.
This, friends, does just that. The color range is pretty darn good, the undertones are legit, and while the soft-sponge applicator seems slightly off-putting, it’s actually a dream to use.
Find out more about why we love it here.
Price: $11
4. Covergirl Clean Fresh Skin Milk Foundation
We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves here but it’s safe to say we’ve tried maybe, oh, 45 different foundations just this year alone. And regardless of price, this $12 foundation stands out to us as one of the best. If not THE best.
Find out more about why we love it here.
Price: $12
5. Sun Bum Revitalizing 3-in-1 Leave-in Hair Conditioner Spray
This leave-in spray detangles even the most snarled of snarls, leaves your hair soft and shiny, prevents frizz, and smells like the perfumed air of Hawaii.
Find out more about why we love it here.
Price: $17
6. Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel
This clinical, would-remove-from-our-bathroom-cabinet-if-taking-a-bathrom-cabinet-shelfie-cuz-it’s-so-hideous gel is truly the best product we’ve ever used for combating inner thigh chafing.
It disappears into the skin, provides a lovely soft barrier, and has an almost silky slip to the finish. Zero fragrance means no grotesque “powdery” scent competing with your signature perfume, and it will never stain your clothes.
Find out more about why we love it here.
Price: $8
7. Bioderma Sébium H2O Micellar Water
Bioderma removes make-up seamlessly, without any of the vigorous rubbing that comes with a make-up wipe. And their Sébium formula is specifically made for oily skin, so it gently cleanses and purifies without stripping your face or leaving it an oil slick.
Plain and simple— it’s just The Best micellar water in existence. Probably because it was the original.
Find out more about why we love it here.
Price: $13
8. Versed Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream
Dew point has a soothing, jelly-like texture, and leaves your skin plump and hydrated. It’s merely a BONUS that it’s non-toxic, cruelty-free, vegan, and pregnancy safe.
Find out more about why we love it here.
Price: $20
9. Flower Beauty Ultimate 3-In-1 Blending Sponge, $10
Honestly, you must try this sponge.
It’s supremely soft, and once wet, blends foundation like a dream. Its unique shape allows you to use it for essentially all your cream products, including concealer, and cream bronzer, even.
Find out more about why we love it here.
Price: $14
10. Fanola No Yellow Shampoo
Most of us have tried some variant of purpley goo shampoo, and yet we’ve never noticed a shred of change.
But, Fanola’s No Yellow Shampoo is the best for removing brass. Especially if you love that buttery, beigey, or platinum blonde. A bonus that it actually cleans your hair without drying it out.
Find out more about why we love it here.
Price: $14
11. Schmidt's Rose + Vanilla Aluminum-Free Natural Deodorant Stick
Big news: this “clean,” aluminum-free deodorant works just as well as the heavy duty stuff. There, we said it.
Its powerful, light, and lovely formula has odor-fighting magnesium and essential oils. So the scent is glorious, too.
Find out more about why we love it here.
Price: $10
At The Candidly, we try a lot of stuff so you don’t have to. We only recommend things we truly love, and that we think you’ll love, too. All products are chosen independently by our creative team, and all details reflect the price and availability of products at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to, The Candidly may earn a commission.
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