In a recent interview with Bustle, actress and star of Empire and Hidden Figures, Taraji P. Henson, opened up about how she has transformed her self-care routine since the pandemic. Henson told the magazine that in lieu of salons being closed she “decided to change the narrative” in terms of self care “instead of going down into the depression pit.” Even though the successful star enjoys a splurge on higher-end products like Paul Scerri’s Ph Balancing Cream ($54), some of her favorite products are found in the aisles of your local drugstore.

Henson swears by Bioré’s Charcoal Bar ($6). “I’m a simple girl”, she says. “I love my Bioré charcoal. I started using the bar with the pumice in it. Or sometimes I just use the pump with the Charcoal Cleanser by Bioré ($20).” This drugstore staple purifies and deep cleans pores to reveal refreshed, smooth skin. Don’t believe it? Just look at Henson’s glowing complexion.

Another budget friendly essential the actress raved about to Bustle is the C.O Bigelow No. 012 Rose Salve Lip Balm ($7). “I always have to have my lip balm. I never leave home without it. I love this one”, Henson says. And who doesn’t love some cute convenient packaging? “It either comes in a little pot or in a lipstick tube!”

We can all appreciate a subtle self-plug now and then. In the interview, Henson also shared her favorite products from her own brand, TPH. At night, she uses her brand’s BODY BY TPH Double Z’s 2 in 1 Vegan Body Sugar Scrub & Bath Soak ($12) followed by the Ish Condish Vegan In-Shower Body Lotion ($9), explaining that she likes to layer her products.

Even though Taraji is a renowned, award winning screen-star, it is safe to say we can count on her to give us all the best beauty-buys that won’t break the bank.