What Natural-Hair-Care Founder Janell Stephens Buys at the Drugstore
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, beauty writer Krista Bennett DeMaio chatted with Janell Stephens, founder of Camille Rose Naturals, about the drugstore products she loves.
Her own product — that she will pay for
New! You can now save this product for later.
I’ll go buy this at CVS when I run out at home. I use it on wet hair before I put on my styling gel or foam; I use it on my kids’ hair, who have thicker hair textures; I use it as a refresher on dry hair; and I also use it to add a little moisture to my hair if I’m braiding it at night.
An mattifying skin cleanser
New! You can now save this product for later.
Noxzema Original Deep Cleansing Cream
This is an oldie but goodie that I just went back to — and I’m loving it. I don’t know if Gen Z or the younger generation even knows about Noxzema. I have oily skin in my T-zone, and I’ve noticed if I leave just a tiny bit on my skin after cleansing, it acts like a mattifying product. It absorbs excess oil throughout the day.
The spray she uses when she wants the shine
New! You can now save this product for later.
I learned this trick from makeup artists: To get that dewy-skin look without makeup, use this Neutrogena sunscreen spray. Makeup artists spray it on my face after they do my makeup. They’ll even spray it on my body over lotion for extra shine.
The faux lashes she can wear every day
New! You can now save this product for later.
Of course, I am getting all of my lashes from the drugstore. I like the strips with the little wing. You can wear them on a daily basis because they look natural. I don’t like anything that’s too big or heavy.
A non-glossy lip balm …
New! You can now save this product for later.
I know there are many lip balms out there, but I like the classic Carmex. It’s another old-school product. I don’t know why, but it being medicated does make a difference, and it works best for me. I like to keep something on my lips all the time, and this one isn’t a gloss, so it’s hydrating but not shiny.
… And a high-gloss stain
New! You can now save this product for later.
I love a lip stain, and I really like e.l.f.’s because it’s glossy. It gives you that shine, but it also stays on your lips. I love the plum or mauve shades — anything dark.
The wipes that save her washcloths
New! You can now save this product for later.
I use these towelettes to take off my makeup first, then wash my face with regular cleanser. Otherwise, I stain my towels with my makeup.
More expert drugstore picks
New! You can now save this product for later.
“It’s reliable, and it gives me just enough definition without looking overly done for daytime.”
New! You can now save this product for later.
“It has a nice sheen, but it’s not tacky. You can use it on cuticles too.”
New! You can now save this product for later.
“It softens the tissue like no other and makes your lips completely baby soft.”
New! You can now save this product for later.
“This is a $5 liner, and it’s one of the best. It has more of a paintbrush tip.”
New! You can now save this product for later.
“The burgundy just looks expensive — it stands up to luxury mascaras.”
New! You can now save this product for later.
“It’s easy to find, and the color payoff is great. It’s easily blendable.”
More From The Strategist
- The Best Things Strategist Editors Have Bought This Year (So Far)
- Hark, the Advent Calendars Arrived (Very) Early This Year
- 63 Things You Should Never Buy Full Price
- The Strategist Fall 100
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.
