We all have that one beauty product or treatment that we pay top dollar for. TMI warning: For me, it's a professional bikini wax. I've heard too many horror stories about at-home hair removal kits to even consider doing it myself. But you don't have to spend a fortune to look your best.
CVS is a mecca for cheap yet quality beauty products. In fact, I've spotted some of the same items used in salons right on the shelves of this American pharmacy chain. And with the drugstore selling big-name celebrity brands like CoverGirl Queen Collection and Nuance Salma Hayek, it's giving department store makeup counters stiff competition.
Here are 25 of the best beauty products to buy at CVS.
1. Pond's Dry Skin Cream. This oldie but goodie moisturizer goes on thick without clogging up pores. Winning. $9, CVS.com
2. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes. As HuffPost Style fellow Jamie Feldman puts it, these facial wipes are "da bomb!" Keep a pack in your handbag to freshen up throughout the day. $8, CVS.com
3. Vaseline Jelly. Can't stop and won't stop slathering on Vaseline. $4, CVS.com
4. Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Solid Antiperspirant/Deodorant. A few of the editors here at Style trust this deodorant to keep their armpits fresh and sweat-free. $9, CVS.com
5. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser. This non-irritating face wash is gentle enough to use even on the most sensitive of skin types. Plus, its ceramide and glycerin formula helps to retain water for much-needed moisture. $14, CVS.com
6. Yes To Cucumbers Eye Love Cucumbers Soothing Eye Gel. Why pay for some fancy, overpriced eye cream when you can soothe puffy eyes with this drugstore eye gel? For an extra jolt of relief, store it in the fridge. $15, CVS.com
7. Ardell DuraLash Naturals Lashes Flare Short Black. Apply these lightweight individual lashes along the lashline or just on the outer corners for a flirty flutter. $5, CVS.com
8. ACT Anticavity Mouthwash. You might have seen this mouthwash in the oral care aisle next to more familiar brands like Crest and Colgate. And it certainly deserves the prime placement, as it works just as well to rinse away bad breath and cavity-causing bacteria. $5, CVS.com
9. Organix Renewing Argan Oil Shampoo. Packed with nourishing oils such as argan, coconut and avocado, this shampoo cleanses dirty hair and restores damaged locks. $8, CVS.com
10. CVS Cotton Swabs. From cleaning up smudged mascara to concealing blemishes without touching your face, these are always good to have on hand. $1, CVS.com
11. Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion. I totally get why our dermatologists back up this drugstore moisturizer. Free of harsh irritants and fragrances, it instantly hydrates chapped skin. $11, CVS.com
12. Conair Bobby Pins. I can never seem to keep track of bobby pins. But I can always run into CVS and stock up on a set when my topknot and braids need to be secured. $3, CVS.com
13. Tweezerman Tweezer. Using a tweezer to tame unruly brows can be pretty intimidating. But I've gotten better at it over the years with the help of this perfectly slanted tool. $22, CVS.com
14. Skintimate Shave Cream. I've been using this product since my amateur leg-shaving days. The rich lather makes getting silky, soft legs super easy. $4, CVS.com
15. Essie Nail Color. Booking a last-minute mani appointment can be a pain, but the Essie nail polish selection at CVS never lets me down when I'm in a time crunch. $8, CVS.com
16. Maybelline Fit Me! Foundation. The drugstore foundation options for brown girls like myself are pretty slim. However, this line from Maybelline comes in an array of shades that match seamlessly for a barely-there look. $8, CVS.com
17. Rimmel London Exaggerate Eye Definer. If you're not too crazy about liquid eyeliner, this cream pencil alternative can give you a sexy cat-eye in seconds. $6, CVS.com
18. Almay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover Liquid. The eye makeup remover really removes non-waterproof mascara without leaving behind an oily residue or making skin red and irritated. $6, CVS.com
19. Revlon Lash Potion Volume & Length Washable Mascara. HuffPost Style senior editor Ellie Krupnick reaches for this mascara to give her lashes a natural-looking lift. $8, CVS.com
20. Kiss Nail Dress Strips. I'm just going to go ahead and make the lofty claim that this is one of the BEST nail sticker brands out there. Check out my manicure for proof. $7, CVS.com
21. Bio-Oil Liquid. If you're trying to minimize an ugly scar, apply this oil twice a day and get your flawless skin back in no time. $12, CVS.com
22. St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub. Breakouts don't stand a chance when you scrub away all the dirt and debris with this cult skincare product. $4, CVS.com
23. Dove Beauty Bar. My baby-faced grandmother, mother and aunts swear by this classic soap. So why wouldn't I follow in their footsteps? $1, CVS.com
24. Burt's Bees Lip Balm. I firmly believe that you can never have too many lip balms, but if you're going to stick to just one, then you can't go wrong with this 100 percent natural formula. $3, CVS.com
25. The One by Dolce & Gabbana Eau De Parfum Spray. If you're going to buy perfume from the drugstore, splurge on a designer fragrance that doesn't smell like week-old flowers. $70, CVS.com
Have you ever heard of these beauty products?
Under-The-Radar Beauty Products
Want more HuffPost Style beauty content? Check us out on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest and Instagram. (For everything else check out our main HuffPost Style Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest and Instagram @HuffPostStyle.)
---
Do you have a beauty story idea or tip? Email us at beautytips@huffingtonpost.com. (PR pitches sent to this address will be ignored.)