(Photo: Thinkstock)When shopping at your favorite drugstore, you’re likely overwhelmed by the selection of products and price variations. Looking to save? Beauty expert, Bryan Barron, of cosmeticscop.com, says there are inexpensive products that work for both men and women, and that both sexes will love.
Here are his top unisex choices from our recent shopping excursion at CVS Pharmacy:
Facial Cleansers
This is a tricky category because men don’t like to “feel” products on their skin while women want to “feel” the products working, says Barron. The solution for both genders? Water-soluble cleansers.
Barron’s top pick for normal to oily skin: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser ($10.80; 12 oz), a fragrance-free gel that foams and lathers. For normal to dry skin, try a creamier cleanser like Neutrogena’s Extra Gentle Cleanser ($5.30; 6.7 oz) in the fragrance-free variety. “Women will love that it removes makeup without feeling dry or tight; men will love that it rinses clean.”
(See also: Makeup brushes for beauties on a budget)
Shaving Cream
Look for products that feel creamy and protective, but that are easy to rinse, says Barron. Two to try: Aveeno Active Naturals Therapeutic Shave Gel ($5; 7 oz), and Eos Ultra Moisturizing Shave Cream ($3.50; 7 oz). “Both are fragrance-free, have anti-irritants that reduce redness and razor bumps, and are made for sensitive skin.”
Body Washes
“This is a rinse-off product so even those with sensitivities to perfumes and fragrances can tolerate a little scent in the shower,” says Barron.
Three to consider: a creamy wash like Dove Sensitive Skin Nourishing Body Wash ($5.50; 24 oz); a gel-like wash such as Suave Naturals Body Wash Ocean Breeze ($2; 12 oz); or something right in the middle--Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash ($6.80; 12 oz). “This one is 100% fragrance-free. You don’t get the same lush lather that you do with Dove, but it’s creamier than Suave,” says Barron.
Shampoos
For those looking for a volumizing effect, Barron recommends L’Oreal EverStrong Sulfate-Free Hair & Scalp System Thickening Shampoo ($7; 8.5 oz). Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo ($1; 15 oz) is “great for everyday if you have an oily scalp because it’s not a moisturizing shampoo, yet it still works without drying or stripping your hair.” For those with dry hair or scalp, Barron’s top pick is Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Shampoo ($5.50; 25.4 oz). “It’s got a subtle fruity fragrance, which works for both sexes. In fact, citrus is very popular with men!”
Conditioners
“Men typically keep their hair short and cut it more frequently than women, so they don’t have to deal with the kind of damage that women with long hair do,” says Barron. “That said, men could even skip the conditioner altogether, especially if they’re using moisturizing shampoo or a conditioning styling balm.” Nevertherless, there are two products that work well for both genders: Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Conditioner ($3; 13 oz) for normal to slightly dry/fine/thin hair, and Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner ($6.20; 8.5 oz) for normal to thick or coarse hair. “It’s richer and heavier.”
Body Lotions
This is another category that men could skip altogether, says Barron. However, if you’re in the market for unisex lotions (maybe his skin is particularly dry?), pick products with formulas that won’t interfere with too many scents, and moisturize without feeling greasy. Barron recommends CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion ($11; 12 oz), and Eucerin Daily Replenishing Lotion ($7; 13.5 oz).
What drugstore products do you like best for both sexes? What works best for your household? We want to hear from you! Connect with me on Twitter @veragibbons and use the hashtag, #FinFit.
