I know what you’re thinking. A beauty writer shopping at Costco? But hear me out: some of my best finds over the years haven’t come from Sephora or Bluemercury—they’ve come from wandering the fluorescent-lit aisles of my local Costco with an oversized cart. Yes, I’m a beauty industry professional who’s tested hundreds of prestige products and written about luxury skincare for publications like Vogue and Forbes. And yes, I’m also the person loading up on bulk paper towels and rotisserie chicken every weekend.
The thing about Costco is that it’s deeply unpredictable. You might find a Hermès scarf one week and never see it again. Or you’ll stumble upon a luxury beauty product marked down to half its retail price, tucked between the vitamin gummies and reading glasses. But there are certain hero products I return for religiously, the ones that have earned permanent spots in my routine and my pantry. Here are the Costco staples I genuinely can’t live without.
Kirkland Signature Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner
Let me tell you about the greatest haircare secret that’s been hiding in plain sight at Costco. The Kirkland Signature Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner is a near-perfect dupe for the original formula of Pureology Hydrate, which was one of my long-time holy grail products as a beauty writer. We’re talking about a professional salon brand that typically retails for around $30 per bottle.
The Kirkland version comes in massive pump bottles that last for months, and you get both shampoo and conditioner for around $13 total. The formula is rich and sulfate-free, and it actually delivers on the promise of moisturizing without weighing hair down. I’ve used Pureology for years, and when I discovered this dupe, I did a side-by-side comparison. The scent is nearly identical, the consistency is the same, and my color-treated hair looks just as good. For anyone who’s been loyal to Pureology but can’t justify the price tag anymore, this is your sign to make the switch.
The legendary rotisserie chicken
I’m convinced that Costco’s rotisserie chicken is the best on the planet, and I will die on this hill. For $4.99, you get a massive, perfectly seasoned bird that’s juicy, flavorful, and ready to eat the second you get home. And it’s got flavor all the way throughout, not just at the top of meat close to the skin. You know what I mean. I’ve tried rotisserie chickens from every grocery store chain, and nothing comes close to Costco’s version.
The skin is crispy, the meat is tender, and the seasoning is simple but perfect. I pick one up almost every time I shop, and it’s become the foundation of my weeknight dinner strategy. We’ll eat it straight from the container for dinner one night, then I’ll use the leftovers for chicken tacos, grain bowls, or sandwiches throughout the week. It’s the ultimate convenience food that doesn’t taste like a compromise.
Kirkland Signature Premium Chunk Chicken Breast
Speaking of chicken, the canned version deserves its own call-out. I know canned chicken sounds questionable, but Costco’s Kirkland Premium Chunk Chicken Breast is genuinely incredible. It comes in a pack of six cans, and the quality is shockingly good—the chicken is meaty and flavorful, not mushy or weird-tasting like some canned varieties.
I always have a few cans in my pantry for those moments when I need protein fast. It’s perfect for chicken salad (mixed with Greek yogurt, celery, and grapes), and I add it to everything from soups to grain bowls to sandwiches. It’s also great for traveling or keeping in your desk drawer for emergency lunches. The convenience factor is unmatched, and the taste is actually good enough that I don’t feel like I’m settling.
Children’s clothing that doesn’t look like it came from a warehouse store
If you have kids—or buy gifts for kids—the children’s section at Costco is a hidden gem. The quality of the clothing is surprisingly fantastic, especially for the price. We’re talking about well-made basics, cute seasonal pieces, and brand-name items (like Carter’s and Calvin Klein) for a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere.
The pajama sets are particularly good, and I’ve found adorable dresses, cozy hoodies, and sturdy jeans that hold up wash after wash. My stepson has grown out of countless Costco finds over the years, and I’ve never been disappointed by the quality. The clothes don’t pill, the colors don’t fade, and the construction is solid. Plus, when kids inevitably destroy something within weeks of buying it, you don’t feel terrible because you only paid $12 for it. The children’s book section at Costco is another underrated treasure. They carry a curated selection of children’s books at prices priced ignificantly lower than traditional bookstores.
High-end beauty products at actually reasonable prices
Here’s where my beauty writer heart really sings: Costco occasionally carries luxury beauty products at deeply discounted prices. I’m talking about items like Mason Pearson brushes (the gold standard of hairbrushes, normally $200+) and Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream (a $290 face cream beloved by celebrities and dermatologists) for significantly less than retail.
The catch is that these products come and go quickly. You can’t rely on finding them consistently, but when you do stumble upon them, it’s like winning the lottery. I’ve seen La Mer, SK-II, and other prestige brands pop up randomly, and the discounts are substantial enough to make it worth grabbing multiples if you’re already a fan of the product. It’s also a lower-risk way to try expensive products you’ve been curious about without committing to full retail price.
Real talk
My Costco membership pays for itself multiple times over with just these staples alone. Between the Kirkland shampoo and conditioner saving me hundreds of dollars a year, the rotisserie chickens making weeknight dinners effortless, and the occasional luxury beauty score, I genuinely can’t imagine shopping anywhere else for these specific items. Yes, you’ll walk out with more than you planned to buy (that’s the Costco tax), but when what you’re buying is this good, I’d call that a win.
