Anew year brings hundreds of new beauty products to your local drugstore shelves. Try to navigate it alone and you’ll find yourself overwhelmed—and that’s just in the shampoo aisle. After all, shopping for beauty should feel like an indulgence, but it doesn’t need to come with a price tag to match. Ahead, these best drugstore beauty buys of 2022 give their higher-end counterparts a run for their money.
Foaming Facial Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is a derm favorite because it works on all skin types and won’t over dry.
Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Night Serum Capsules
Get a perfectly dosed portion of stabilized retinol every time with RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Night Serum Capsules. The ingredient is proven to diminish the look of fine lines and improve texture. Each pod is also packed with antioxidants that prevent free-radical damage.
Regenerist Collagen Peptide 24 Serum Fragrance Free
The formula for Olay Collagen Peptide 24 Serum boasts some of skin care’s greatest hits: peptides (shown to boost collagen production), niacinamide (to brighten dull skin), and glycerin (to add moisture).
Detoxifying Facial Serum
Instead of a grainy scrub (which can irritate), try dermaGeek Detoxifying Facial Serum, a liquid exfoliant packed with salicylic acid to remove dead skin and excess oil.
Guards Up
Unlike so many mineral sunscreens, Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 glides over skin easily and doesn’t leave behind a thick white cast.
Avene Tolerance Extreme Cream
A French pharmacy favorite, Avène Tolérance Extrême Cream uses 64 percent thermal spring water to help calm even the most sensitive skin types.
10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum for Face
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum helps shed dead skin cells, leaving skin’s texture and tone noticeably brighter in one week.
Shea Sugar Scrub Tropical Mango
Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub buffs away dead skin cells but leaves your body ultra-moisturized thanks to shea butter and a host of natural oils.
Daily Moisturizing Lotion
With prebiotic oats, Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion locks in moisture, soothes dry patches, and gives skin an instant glow. Plus, it’s fragrance-free, so it plays well with whatever scent you’re wearing.
Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash
Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash has a creamy formula that leaves skin so moisturized, there’s a good chance you can skip body lotion post shower.
SOL by Jergens Medium Water Mousse
Sol by Jergens Sunless Tanning Water Mousse is made with tanning actives derived from sugars and won’t transfer onto sheets. The tropical scent is a nice bonus.
SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick
The ultimate set-it-and-forget-it lip color: Maybelline New York Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick comes in more than 50 great shades, looks fresh for up to 16 hours, and won’t rub off on masks or scarves.
Infinite Shine 2
With an at-home mani, polish often looks glossy on day one but then gets dull and chips shortly thereafter. Switch to OPI Infinite Shine 2 Long-Wear Lacquer: It keeps its luster for longer and resists chipping for up to 11 days.
Powder Blush
Revlon Powder Blush is available in three finishes (matte, satin, and shimmer), and microfine particles allow it to blend beautifully into skin.
Fit Me! Matte + Poreless Foundation
Maybelline New York Fit Me! Foundation upped the bar for drugstore complexion products. The best-selling range has something for everyone. Choose from a spectrum of 64 shades, in matte and dewy finishes.
Lash Blast Volume Mascara, Very Black
CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara has become a classic thanks to its thick brush, which expertly combs through every lash while adding fullness.
UnGilded Most Loved Mattes Eyeshadow Palette
Inside some of the biggest celebrity makeup artists’ kits you’ll find Milani eye shadow palettes. The soft, velvety powders blend easily, and every color in each compact works well together or alone. The hues in the Ungilded Most Loved Mattes Eyeshadow Palette are perfect for everyday use.
Micro Brow Pencil
With its ultrafine tip, NYX Professional Makeup Micro Brow Pencil is perfect for drawing hairlike strokes to create a fluffy brow effect.
Expressie Quick-Dry Vegan Nail Polish
Don’t worry about smudges: Essie Expressie Quick Dry Nail Color dries in one minute flat and comes in 50 shades. It’s so easy to apply and take off, it’s not a big deal to swap shades midweek.
16HR Camo Concealer
E.L.F. 16HR Camo Concealer receives high praise from everyone from TikTok influencers to celeb makeup artists, and for good reason: It’s full coverage, won’t cake or settle into fine lines and creases, and lasts all day.
Hydrating Shampoo
The denser the hair, the more moisture it needs. Rizos Curls Hydrating Shampoo and Deep Conditioner are full of nourishing natural ingredients, such as coconut and moringa oil.
Frizz-Ease Hair Serum Original Formula
For more than 30 years, John Frieda Frizz Ease Original Serum has been the go-to for squashing flyaways and getting a sleeker, smoother feel.
Pomegranate & Honey Moisturizing and Detangling Shampoo
Mielle’s silky Pomegranate & Honey Shampoo adds moisture back into hair and pre-detangles. Follow it up with the Leave-In Conditioner, rich in babassu oil.
Pillow Soft Curls
Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls actually borrows from fabric-care technology. The formula leaves curls lighter, fluffier, and static-free. Apply the fresh-scented cream to damp hair, then let it air-dry or blow-dry it with a diffuser.
Dry Shampoo
Even fancy stylists can’t get enough of Dove Dry Shampoo. It absorbs excess oil and adds volume without leaving a white or waxy residue behind.
Smoothing Treat 1 Minute Hair Mask with Avocado Extract
The issue with hair masks? They work, but most require 10 to 15 minutes of standing around in the shower. If you’re looking for something speedier, try Garnier Fructis Smoothing Treat 3-in-1 Hair Mask + Avocado Extract. This one takes 60 seconds to smooth and hydrate strands.
Miracle Leave-in Product
It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product offers 10 benefits in one quickie spray. Mist it on to detangle, prevent color from fading, add shine, minimize breakage, protect from heat damage, and more.
Conair Double Ceramic 1-Inch Curling Iron
The Conair Double Ceramic 1-Inch Curling Iron has 30 heat settings (and gets hot fast). Use it to bump up curls and create texture no matter what your hair type.