We at the Strategist love hearing about things that work in real life. This way of thinking also applies to the beauty products we keep in our medicine cabinets, shower caddies, and makeup bags. In our series “Beauty Aisle,” we talk to people who work in the beauty industry, like makeup artists, hairstylists, aestheticians, dermatologists, and others, about the cheap products they always have on hand. For this issue, beauty writer Tembe Denton-Hurst talked to Ron Robinson, the founder of BeautyStat and a cosmetic chemist. He recently started the Substack Clinically Speaking.
New! Olay Super Serum Body Wash You can now keep this item for later.
$13 for Olay Super Serum Body Wash
Like everyone else, my body needs water. I always go to the drugstore. I believe this Olay body wash has some kind of magic in it. It cleans the skin very well without making it dry. It cleanses and hydrates with niacinamide, BHA, collagen peptide, vitamin E, and shea butter. The smell is important too; I like a nice smell. It’s new but warm.13 on Amazon
Aveeno Daily Body Lotion for Moisturizing
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion $$10, now 29% off, $14.
Lotions and bodywashes are like clothes to me. It’s about having choices based on the scent and feel I want. This is something I do often. It works. I like lotions that soak in quickly, and this one does that while still keeping my skin moist. It has a lot of prebiotic oat and glycerin in it. It’s not very heavy. I wear it all year round. When I think about the seasons, I don’t want any residue on my skin when I’m wearing short sleeves or shorts in the summer. I want it to soak in completely. When I’m dressed in the winter, I don’t mind a little of that soaping effect because it blends into my skin. But in the summer, I want it to blend in quickly if I’m wearing short sleeves.10 on Amazon
Hand and body lotion from Olay Super Serum
Olay Super Serum Hand & Body Lotion: $15, now $13, a 13% discount
Olay knows how to make a fast-absorbing piece of clothing, and they do it all year long, but especially in the summer. There is no soapiness. It soaks into my skin right away after I put it on.13 on Amazon
Dove Men + Care Dry Spray in Clean Comfort
Dove Men + Care Dry Spray in Clean Comfort is $18. Now it’s $19, which is 5% off.
I used the Dove deodorant that doesn’t stop you from sweating for a few seasons. It didn’t make my list this time because I want protection from sweat all year long. So I’m using the anti-perspirant again. Dove Men smells great to me. It has a masculine look without being too typical. It’s more up-to-date.18 on Amazon
Dove Men + Care Body Wash is $11.
The scent is very important. The Olay body wash has a warm smell, but this one is more fresh and clean. But I love the smell, even in the winter. It smells like citrus fruit. And I enjoy using it in the shower. It’s great.11 on Amazon
Aveeno Therapeutic Moisturizing Shave Gel
Aveeno Therapeutic Moisturizing Shave Gel costs $4.
The smell and the way this gel turns into foam give me enough cushion to get a close but gentle shave. The smell is very calming. There is always a chance of getting a nick or cut while shaving. The cushion and comfort will stop that from happening, and this product does.4 at Amazon $6 at Target
3 oz. of Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30, 3 oz. $
I wanted a face sunscreen that was light and absorbed quickly, and Black Girl Sunscreen was perfect. It does a great job of keeping your skin hydrated without making it look or feel oily and greasy, which can be hard for a chemical-based sunscreen to do. I also love that it has a lot of aloe in it, which is good for calming and soothing the skin.$10 at Amazon17 at CVS
Neutrogena Clear Body SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray
Neutrogena Clear Body SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray is now $14, down from $12.
I love how easy it is to use this. Just spray it on and rub it in. There is nothing left on the hands. It blends in quickly, and I’m on my way.$12 at Amazon13 at Target
Colgate Optic White Advanced Whitening Toothpaste
Colgate Optic White Advanced Whitening Toothpaste: $11 for 3, now 27% off, so $15.
This product makes me feel like I’m really taking good care of my teeth. Without being stripped, my teeth feel clean and healthy.11 for 3 at AmazonWalmart has 13 for 2
Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection CPC Mouthwash for Antigingivitis and Antiplaque
Four bottles of Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection CPC Antigingivitis/Antiplaque Mouthwash for $25
Many mouthwashes have alcohol in them. This one doesn’t have any alcohol in it. My dentist says to use the alcohol-free version because it is better for your gums. It works well to keep your breath and smell fresh.
