Welcome to Drugstore Heroes, a monthly series in which we spotlight the often-overlooked and underhyped drugstore beauty products that industry experts count on. We’re asking tastemakers, from editors to content creators and even celebs, to share their top recommendations for affordable yet effective products. Get ready to see the best of drugstore beauty, period.
(Image credit: Original GIF by Makena Frederick)
Natalie Aguilar is a celebrity facialist, a dermatological and plastic surgery nurse, and the founder of N4 Skincare in West Hollywood. That means she has all the practical, hands-on experience of an aesthetician along with the cold, hard backing of a medical degree. She uses her almost 20 years of experience to keep her patients’ skin calm, clear, and camera ready. Yes, there is more than one celebrity among them.
As Aguilar is a true “skin therapist,” there’s no one more qualified to offer skincare recommendations. Lucky for us, it’s what she loves. She regularly shares her expertise as a global educator for others in the skincare industry. Today, she’s sharing her expertise with you, dear reader, in the form of the best budget-friendly products. This is Drugstore Heroes, after all, where only the most effective, skin-transforming products are plucked from the often-obscure aisles of the drugstore. Keep scrolling to see Aguilar’s top 10 recs.
(Image credit: Natalie Aguilar)
How often do you use/recommend drugstore beauty products?
My phone is always on for my clients, even after hours. That being said, I am always receiving “skin-mergency” text messages, and while I can’t be there for them physically, I can be there for them while they navigate aisles at a drugstore. I think I send my clients to drugstores well over 15 times a week.
As a facialist and dermatological nurse, you’re an expert in aesthetics. What would you say to someone who thinks only expensive products are effective? In your experience, can drugstore beauty products make a real and visible difference in someone’s skin quality?
When I was a student in nursing school, I sold high-end, luxury products in department stores. I used to think, “It does not get better than this. I mean, these products are so expensive. You even feel rich putting them on,” but I was wrong! As I started to educate myself on ingredients, formulas, and, yes, even packaging, I started to realize one thing: Most of us let marketing decide for us. A $5 lip balm can absolutely be better than a $225 lip balm. It all comes down to the formula and not the brand or price.
It’s important to do your research. There are so many online tools that can compare products for you and break down ingredients for you. It’s always nice to find what works for—not against you or your beauty budget. Drugstore beauty products can make a difference in someone’s skin, hair, and makeup routine.
Any tips or tricks for navigating the drugstore beauty aisles and finding high-quality products?
I like drugstore beauty shopping because you have the space and time and can shop the aisles in peace. But you don’t have the support you would have at a beauty department store or the guidance you would have with your facialist or aesthetic practitioner. One piece of advice I have is [this]: If you are not sure, just don’t buy it. Say no, take a photo, and go home and do your research. There are so many research tools available online. There are also many influencers who make videos on product reviews. So take your time to review products before making a purchase.
Aguilar’s Favorite Drugstore Products
Cetaphil
Restoraderm Eczema Rapid Relief Cream