10 Of the Best Drugstore Beauty Products

Drugstores are a fantastic resource for college students with their wide variety of products, relatively low prices, rewards systems, and availability. As a college student I like to save money wherever I can, which is why I like to hunt for deals there. Here are some of the best drugstore beauty products I’ve found which work well without breaking the bank!

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Nails

1. Orly Bonder Rubberized Basecoat

The main purpose of this basecoat is that it helps preserve the polish while preventing chipping. This little guy helps minimize the damage done to my nails by ensuring that the color does not stain and that the polish comes off easily whenever I go to remove it. If you’re like me and paint your nails often, I highly recommend picking up a bottle and trying it for yourself.

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2. Cutex Advanced Revival Nail Polish Removal Pads

All nail polish remover pads work the same, so you can use any brand you like. I personally prefer the Cutex advanced revival pads because they strengthen your nails while removing the polish! One pad can usually clean all ten fingers (depending on how dark the polish is).

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Hair

3. Garnier Fructis “Sheer Set” Style Volumizing Hairspray

This hairspray is perfect for all occasions. It’s strong enough to secure your updo for that special event, yet gentle enough for breathable, everyday use. I spray it on my locks daily after styling and it holds my hair in place without weighing it down or becoming brittle. It has a pleasant scent that isn’t overbearing, and the spray adds a subtle shine to my heat-treated hair leaving it looking healthy and soft. If you’re someone who likes to style their hair often and are in the market for a good setting spray, consider giving Garnier a try!

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Skin

4. Biore Deep-Pore Charcoal Cleanser

This is the best drugstore acne wash I’ve ever used. I highly recommend this to anyone with mild skin troubles who’s in need of a good cleanser. Combined with my prescribed acne wash, I’ve found my skin to be less oily, my pores tighter, and less blemishes than I did before. This wash looks a bit scary with its tar-like consistency, but don’t be alarmed- it won’t stain your skin. You also don’t need to worry about it drying out your skin or causing you to peel if you wish to use it every day.

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5. Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque

I usually treat myself to a face mask once every two weeks (so as not to dry out my skin,) and this is one of my go-to favorites. When I’m stressed about an exam or feeling overloaded with assignments, I reach for this cooling mask to calm me down and sooth my mind and skin. I like it for its pleasant minty scent, traditional green hue, and the way it dries nicely on my skin to help remove toxins trapped deep in my pores. I leave it on for 10-15 minutes then remove it with a hot towel or by jumping into a steamy shower.

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6. Nivea “A Kiss of Smoothness” Hydrating Lip Care

This is the only lip balm I use and I’ve probably gone through ten or more of these little guys over the years. This stuff is great because it hydrates without causing my lips to feel greasy, or too dry out too soon after. The Nivea stick applicator is handy and less likely to spread germs or grease up my finger like some other lip balm.

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7. Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets

I don’t wear heavy makeup on a daily basis so I don’t worry about my face running down my blouse, but I do have slightly oily skin which is why I always have a pack of oil blotting sheets on hand. They are great in a pinch when you’re out and can’t wash your face, and are also better for your skin than simply packing on more powder. They’ll dull any shine without removing your makeup. Clean & Clear’s version of this product is small enough to fit in any sized purse, clutch, or pocket. You can just throw ‘em in your backpack and head to class with no fear.

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Makeup

8. Maybelline “Full ‘N Soft” Mascara

Hands down, this has to be the most natural looking mascara on the planet. (I am always sure that I have chosen the “very black” shade.) I’ve been using it since high school and have received multiple compliments on my lashes over the years. I love it because when I’m in a hurry to get ready for my early morning classes I can just sweep on a quick layer of this and be out the door in minutes. It’s easy to remove, too. I usually just use soap and water. Tip– make sure you replace it after at least three months, because like most other mascaras, it will dry out.

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9. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes

Any brand will do. Although I usually shop at Target, I have realized that the CVS-brand makeup remover wipes uses the same ingredients as the Neutrogena remover wipes for a cheaper price! These products are great because they are disposable and you can easily travel with them. Unlike liquid makeup remover which can be a great deal more expensive, these towelettes are cheaper and won’t cause a scene with TSA. Furthermore, you won’t have to go through a thousand Q-Tips. Though they’re tough on makeup, they’re all fairly gentle on the skin. I’ve never had a problem with any brand causing breakouts.

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Hygiene

10. Secret Outlast Clinical ClearGel Women’s Antiperspirant

This stuff is great for a busy college student running around campus because it really works. It keeps you dry and odor-free all day. Plus, the clear gel ensures that you’ll never have to deal with those embarrassing white deodorant stains. I prefer unscented because I like to wear perfume and I think that the combo of a scented antiperspirant with cologne can be too much, especially when you’re sitting in a crowded lecture hall trying to focus. But there are a variety of scents to chose from if you like to wear scented deodorant. Whatever your preference is, I’ve found this one works really well for me.