Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Greg Swales, Retailers
Here at the Strategist, we love hearing about everyday stuff that actually works. That line of thinking extends to the drugstore beauty products in our medicine cabinets, shower caddies, and makeup bags. In our series “Beauty Aisle,” we talk to folks in the beauty industry — aestheticians, hairstylists, makeup artists, dermatologists, and the like — about the go-to affordable products they keep stocked. For this installment, Strategist beauty writer Arielle Avila chatted with celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, whose new book, Your Roots Don’t Define You, came out on January 20, about the drugstore products he loves.
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My schedule doesn’t always allow for a full night’s sleep. This is a great beauty hack to brighten your eyes. You can tell a lot from someone’s eyes. I’m a big eye-contact person, so bright eyes look healthy and happy. I usually use them for events, when I’m on-camera, and after traveling, and I recently started using them before parties, too. They’re a great addition to my beauty routine.
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This has been a staple for me for as long as I can remember. It’s so versatile. It’s perfect for everyday use. I’ve worked with a variety of hair, and this works effortlessly through all hair textures and types — fine, thick, curly, coil-y, dyed, natural, you name it. It even works well with hair extensions, which typically need a special brush. This does it all.
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My skin care is very important to me. A good cleanser is essential, since I need to remove daily buildup from products like hair spray, shine spray, and any makeup I might be wearing. This easily cleanses away everything, but it’s never harsh on my skin. I have an oily T-zone, but the rest of my skin can be dry, so I’m very mindful about overly harsh products. This keeps my skin cleansed without stripping it.
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This is just a classic. My lips get dry from the Los Angeles sun, dry air, traveling, and whether it’s hot or cold outside. I keep this on me at all times, because lip maintenance is important. This provides tons of hydration and really locks in moisture for hours.
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Photo: Retailer
This is a more recent addition to my routine. I started using it after I saw Hailey Bieber use it. (She knows skin.) I prefer the lighter version because it isn’t too oily or heavy on me. I don’t like the look of dewy skin, personally — just healthy-looking skin with some glow. This performed really well. I was impressed, since not all the skin care I’ve seen on social media lives up to the hype, but this did.
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Somehow, I’m still prone to pimples in my 40s. I’ve used Accutane in the past, but they still tend to pop up. These patches are amazing. I make sure to bring them when I’m traveling just in case. They’re great for concealing on-camera and drawing everything out. I’m also a picker, so they really help me not make the zit any worse.
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This was a big passion project of mine. Hair masks are that thing people buy, use maybe once a month, and just let sit in the shower. I felt like there was something missing in the market. I wanted a product that could work as a mask or a daily product. I also wanted to make something more universally inclusive of curly hair, straight hair, fine hair, colored hair, and natural hair. The secret was getting the formula right: something that could work for thick and fine hair.
We managed to make the molecules really small, so they go into the hair without weighing it down. It’s a blend of moisture and protein that replenishes the hair and gives it vibrancy, strength, and hydration without making it feel heavy. No matter what texture or color hair you have, it works. I know it does because people have stopped me in the street to say how much they love it. I use it every time I bleach my hair and or get a treatment. Some people might use it every other wash, but it really is that product.
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The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
