I'm a Celebrity Hairstylist—Here Are My 5 Guaranteed Tips for Thriving While Shopping at the Drugstore

      (Image credit: Original art by Jamie Brown)Welcome to Drugstore Heroes, a monthly series highlighting the frequently ignored and underrated beauty products found at drugstores, which industry experts rely on. We're seeking recommendations from editors, content creators, and even celebrities about their top picks for affordable yet effective products. Get ready to explore the finest in drugstore beauty.

      (Image credit: Cynthia Alvarez)Cynthia Alvarez is a celebrity hairstylist and groomer based in Los Angeles and New York. As a bicoastal beauty authority, she stays updated on the latest industry trends, working with stars like Ego Nwodim, Tamera Mowry, Auli’i Cravalho, and more. Her Instagram profile serves as a mood board of hair inspiration, showcasing mermaid-like looks, sleek buns, glamorous blowouts, curly styles, and protective hairstyles. Alvarez has mastered every hairstyle fit for a red carpet or special event. As your inquisitive neighborhood beauty editor, I often ask professionals about the products they use on themselves and their high-profile clients. While it may be part of my job, I confess that my motivation is more personal. I’m constantly looking to enhance my beauty routine, and who wouldn’t want tips from top experts? I’m always open to suggestions, but my favorite ones are from drugstores. Don’t get me wrong! I appreciate high-end beauty brands just like anyone else (I am a luxury-loving Taurus, after all), but I grew up shopping at drugstores, and budget-friendly beauty products bring joy to both me and my bank account. Article continues below So when I got the chance to ask Alvarez about her favorite beauty products, I specifically requested her affordable go-tos. After almost a decade as a beauty editor, I understand that every expert has their favorites. It’s a misconception to believe that beauty professionals only use luxury items; many cherish drugstore products just as much, and Alvarez is no different. Below, she reveals seven reliable drugstore products, from a curl-defining brush to a versatile wet-to-dry styling tool, and shares her five foolproof rules for successful drugstore shopping.

      (Image credit: Cynthia Alvarez)How frequently do you use drugstore hair products on your celebrity clients, and are they mainstays in your kit? I regularly use drugstore products on my clients! They’re definitely staples in my toolkit. Many drugstore formulations have significantly improved over the years, offering comparable performance to high-end options based on hair type and the desired look. For me, it’s not about drugstore versus luxury; it’s about whether a product works for me on set. If it does, then it earns a spot in my collection, as several drugstore products consistently perform well.

      What would you say to someone who believes only expensive products are effective? The effectiveness of a product is determined by its formulation, not its price. While some high-end products are worth their cost, there are drugstore items with similar technology and ingredients. The key is to understand a product’s intended purpose. You might find a $12 mousse that outperforms a $45 one if the lower-cost product is a better match for your hair type, environment, or styling technique.

      Any advice for discovering effective products at the drugstore? With so many options, here’s how I shop smartly at the drugstore:

      - Look beyond product categories: Instead of just grabbing a curl cream, search for formulas that emphasize humidity control, slip, elasticity, or moisture retention based on your hair's needs.

      - Seek claims that align with your styling routine: If you frequently use heat, focus on heat protection and bond-building technologies. If you prefer to air-dry, search for products that offer frizz control and moisture balance.

      - Assess product texture: If you have fine hair, choose lightweight lotions and serums. For dry or curly/coily hair, opt for creams and butters. Foams can provide versatility and definition without adding weight.

      - Examine the first five ingredients: They reveal more than marketing claims. Look for humectants (like glycerin), conditioning agents, and proteins that benefit your hair.

      - Don’t hesitate to mix high-end and low-end: Some of my most dependable routines combine a luxury treatment with a drugstore styling mousse or hairspray.

      Alvarez's All-Time Favorite Drugstore Products:

      Conair

      Curl Define Pro Brush

      "This is genuinely my forever brush. It defines curls without breaking them and gives hair amazing bounce and shine. It works on waves, curls, and coils, and it never snags. I even use it to detangle my son's sensitive scalp while his conditioner is working."

      Bioderma

      Atoderm Intensive Balm for Very Dry to Atopic Skin

      "This soothing balm is perfect for repairing extremely dry, itchy, or irritated skin. I found it after reacting to a facial laser treatment, and I've been hooked since. It's rich without being heavy, won’t