5 Drugstore Beauty Staples Every Woman Should Own

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Photographed by Arthur Elgort, Vogue, November 2003

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Out with the old, in with the new beauty products. Spring is officially just weeks away, giving bathroom stockpilers more than one excuse to clear out packed medicine cabinet shelves. But before filling shopping baskets with high end, hard-to-find moisturizers and serums and peels, this season, consider a trip to the drugstore and not necessarily just to the beauty aisle. How about a cooling blister-healing gel that when used on the face can depuff in seconds? Or the old standby of a hydrating oil that moisturizes cracked skin, decreases inflammation and even speed-dries a fresh manicure? New York City–based plastic surgeon Jennifer Levine, M.D. has five ideas for building a better arsenal.

The Multi-tasking Dry Oil

Keeping an all-over dry oil in the house is always a good idea. “Mederma’s formula is created with a unique blend of almond, rose hip, and sunflower oils,” Levine says, noting that it helps reduce swelling and inflammation on irritated skin while also diminishing signs of scarring and stretch marks. Bonus points if you bring the bottle to your next manicure appointment—it even helps nail polish to dry faster.

The 2nd Skin Eye Bag Remedy

“I always keep a jar of 2nd Skin in my fridge,” says Levine of the cooling patch gels—an unlikely yet effective beauty tool. “They’re great for healing cuts and scrapes, but even better for depuffing the eye area in a pinch.” The pro explains that the product provides an instant surge of hydration and diminishes fine lines in minutes, making it ideal for pre-makeup application.

The Miracle Spot Treatment

Possibly the most surprising product of the bunch is this stalwart nasal spray. According to Levine, the over-the-counter congestion remedy Afrin can help reduce redness when applied topically: It works fast on warm cheeks or irritated pimples that need a quick fix.

The Thicker Hair Supplement

“Everyone looks better with fuller, shinier hair,” says Levine, who recommends hair vitamins to all her patients. “There are so many factors that contribute to thinning.” When taken daily, the model favorite Viviscal, found in the vitamin aisle, will give you the hair of your dreams in six months or less.

The Retinol Skin Resurfacer

Hailed as the miracle anti-aging product, "retinol can benefit virtually everyone,” says Levine. The ingredient increases cell turnover and stimulates collagen production, making it the perfect addition to a routine, whether you’re fighting acne or wrinkles. While the once-a-day remedy may be acquired in a stronger prescription form, many effective over-the-counter remedies, like L'Oréal's Revitalift Cicacream are gentler and work well to improve skin tone and texture.