Welcome to Drugstore Heroes, a monthly series in which we spotlight the often-overlooked and under-hyped drugstore beauty products that industry experts count on. From editors to content creators and even celebs, we’re asking tastemakers to share their top recommendations for affordable yet effective products. Get ready to see the best of drugstore beauty, period.
The drugstore beauty aisles, while fun to roam, aren't exactly simple, sleek, or curated. Instead, they're bursting with products that compete for space and attention. When these products stake similar claims (effective! foolproof! long-lasting!), how do you know which one to choose? Sure, you can buy them all and test each one in succession, but that requires time, patience, and commitment. There has to be a shortcut, right?
The answer is yes. The best shortcut to a successful drugstore shopping haul is to consult the experts. Whether it's a dermatologist, makeup artist, or hairstylist, industry pros know how to sort the good from the bad.
Take celebrity hairstylist and Tresemmé ambassador Justine Marjan, for example. With a roster of A-list clients, including Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and Eva Longoria, she's an expert at creating the chic, It-girl hairstyles we see all over our FYPs. As an admitted mixer of "high-low" hair products, she often uses drugstore hair products to create looks on her celeb clientele. Ahead, see the $16-or-less hair products she relies on both personally and for her professional kit. Consider your next drugstore beauty trip sorted.
How often do you use drugstore products on celeb clients, and would you say they're staples in your kit?
Absolutely! I always mix high and low and definitely don’t think performance needs to be sacrificed by price point.
What would you say to someone who thinks only expensive hair products can be effective?
I would suggest they be open-minded in trying new things. The tech and science behind drugstore products can be so effective and impressive.
Any tips or tricks for navigating the drugstore aisles and finding effective haircare products?
Do some research and definitely take suggestions from people you know and trust.
Marjan's All-Time-Favorite Drugstore Products
What It Is: A texturizing hair spray
Why She Recommends It: "I love how this adds flexible texture to the hair, perfect for finishing looks that need a little fullness and movement. I love to use it after styling waves or undone looks."
What It Is: A shine spray
Why She Recommends It: "This is one of my favorite products for finishing a look. It adds a beautiful, healthy-looking sheen to the hair. I love how it shows up in photos with a gorgeous, shiny finish."
What It Is: A gentle, hydrating facial cleanser
Why She Recommends It: "This is my go-to when my skin is feeling sensitive. I love how it gently cleanses without stripping, and I know it won’t irritate my skin."
What It Is: A non-damaging, detangling brush
Why She Recommends It: "If you aren’t using a brush like this after the shower, you could be seriously compromising your hair. This helps gently detangle without pulling on strands that can cause breakage."
What It Is: A two-pack of stretchy, wide-fit headbands
Why She Recommends It: "These elastic headbands are so cute! I love how they come in different colors and can be worn as a fashion look, while working out, or casually at home."
Marjan's drugstore haul comes in at $61. That's not bad for five staples from a celebrity hairstylist's kit.
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