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drugstore beauty buy must-haves under $20

fashion and beauty

October 20, 2025

I came to IG a few weeks ago asking what you wanted to see… I’ve heard you begging for more practical beauty content and I aim to please so I thought it only fitting to post it here for you to bookmark for safe keeping. I’ll be doing a splurge favs and finds at some point, but everyone wanted to check out my discount shopping musts first. The goods you love that don’t break the bank and the must-shop drugstore essentials I’ll stand by and keep adding to cart over and over again:

ONE. Clairol Shimmer Lights Shampoo + Conditioner [$12 each]

I’ve tried SO many purple shampoo options over the years = from fancy salon brands to the lesser expensive finds — and I ALWAYS end up coming back to this duo. It keeps my blonde bright and brass-free without drying things out, and gives it a subtle silver-gray undertone to remove the harsh “gold” in between colorings… it’s the old-school staple that still works like a charm! Save your money on other pricey purchases and leave this one to Clairol to control.

TWO. Maybelline Superstay Lip Crayon [Seek Adventure/Pink + Own Your Empire/Red… just $10]

I’ve used this fool-proof lip crayon for more than FIVE years and if that’s not loyalty when it comes to beauty I don’t know what is. I absolutely ADORE this wider application lip crayon. It’s the perfect way to line your lips easily and add whatever color you want = the staying power is superb and of course the under $10 pricetag is FAB as well. I use Seek Adventure for everyday with it’s subtle rose-pink color and when I’m going bold with a red pout, I love the Own Your Empire. These creamy crayons glide on like a dream, don’t feather, and last through coffee runs and carpool

THREE. EOS Lotion, Shave Cream, and Body Wash [each priced under $10]

This trio has been living in my bathroom lately, and I’m obsessed. Funny enough, my girls actually put me onto this brand and I’ve been hooked ever since. And yes, now I TOTALLY get the hype. The scents are fresh but not overpowering, and the shave cream is thick, moisturizing, and leaves your skin feeling silky smooth. The Vanilla Cashmere scent? Heavenly. It smells warm, cozy and just downright just happy. Bonus points for the cute packaging and price point. Easy, affordable, and totally worth stocking up on! A great under $10 gift to bring to your favorite things party this season as well!

FOUR. Ardell False Lashes [just $10] + Duo Glue [only $5]

If there is one thing I know about when it comes to drugstore beauty, it’s false eyelashes. Not only do I sport them for big events and weekly photoshoots, but my girls use them for all dance competitions so I have tried EVERY brand on the market and we always keep coming back to this duo = basically Ardell always wins. They’re lightweight, easy to trim, and give that perfect flutter without looking over the top [our favorite style is the Demi Wispies]. Pair them with the easy-to-apply Duo Lash Glue, and they’ll stay put through hours of wear [and plenty of dancing!].

FIVE. Medicube Collagen Face Mask [under $20 for the win]

Are you tired of hearing me gab about this overnight mask yet??? It’s evident this one is a total holy grail moment for me. The Medicube Collagen Mask has been making a huge difference in my skin — I’ll swear by it! It leaves my face looking plump, hydrated, and glowy in just one use. I love using it overnight to wake up with a smooth, dewy finish bright and early. Pop it in the fridge first for an extra-refreshing treat! My best advice would be to apply and then put on ANOTHER layer so that is peels off the morning after. Another great under $25 stocking stuffer or girlfriends gift!

SIX. Lumineux Whitening Toothpaste [$13 for two] + Purely White Whitening Powder [$19]

We all know I am highly addicted to my morning coffee but I definitely don’t want the dull, lingering coffee stains on my teeth so I have taken to both of these whitening products for my pearly whites to keep them looking fresh! A lot of other whitening toothpastes hurt my teeth and this one doesn’t at all… I also love the whitnening powder and use it 1-2 times each week to brighten even more. Simply dip your toothbursh into the powder and massage onto your teeth = super easy + quick and truly works!

SEVEN. Bioderma Micellar Water [$19 for 16 oz bottle]

If you’re still sleeping in your makeup… stop right now and grab this. It’s gentle, removes everything, and leaves your skin feeling clean without that tight, stripped feeling. I’ve used this micellar water for years and always come back to it = it’s one of those quiet heroes that actually earns its spot in the nightly lineup because of how well it works AND doesn’t break the bank. I’ve always been told to invest my money on serums and such = NOT the cleanser so keep it simple + minimal/ Perfect for sensitive skin too!

EIGHT. Clean Skin Club Face Towels [$17 for 50 count]

Okay, this one feels fancy but trust me — once you try them, you’ll never go back. These disposable face towels are game changers for skincare. They’re soft, hygienic and perfect for removing makeup or applying toner without spreading bacteria [because who actually washes their washcloths after every use?] = even better, I cut mine in half because the size is so generous and that way I get double the amount of uses with each box I order. I just grabbed the Blemish Control variety for my girls, and they also have a Healthy Aging option for mature skin as well.

NINE. NYX Butter Gloss [an easy $6 add to cart item; fav colors are Summer Fruit + Vanilla Cream Pie]

A forever favorite!! This gloss is creamy, not sticky, and comes in so many wearable shades that I am constantly having to replace since two little ladies love my color choices =ahem Caroline and Carson! “Vanilla Cream Pie” and “Summer Fruit” are my current go-to options — a soft pink that goes with literally everything and then a brighter pop of punchy color when you want your lips to make a splash. It gives your lips that glossy, plumped-up look for less than 10 bucks. You just can’t beat it!

TEN. Loreal Elnet Hairspray [$12 for all day hold]

The queen of all hairsprays = there’s a reason this one has been around forever and yes I can remember my Gran keeping it in her hair arsenal as well. It gives hold without the crunch and brushes out beautifully so you can re-style without starting from scratch. I use it for everything from smoothing flyaways to setting curls before an event. It’s affordable, reliable, and basically the gold standard for a reason. AND it holds up in our southern humidity so you know it’s a staple in my house = P.S. we use this during dance comp season and it is 100% the best!

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2025 favs

where I shop

shop my instagram

read more

colorful life + style blogger | native nashvillian | wife and mom to two darling little ladies | bringing you all the happy you can handle

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