In the high-stakes world of West Hollywood hair salons, few colorists command the kind of high-profile roster that Jess Gonzalez does. Based at Flore, a sought-after destination nestled in the heart of Melrose Avenue, Gonzalez spends her days working with some of the most recognizable names in entertainment and fashion, including Becky G, Iris Law, Barbie Ferreira, and Sofia Richie Grainge. A quick glance at her vibrant social media portfolio reveals a masterclass in modern hair artistry, showcasing everything from rich caramelized brunettes and deep black cherries to shimmering champagne pinks and pristine icy blondes.
Yet, despite her position at the apex of luxury salon culture, Gonzalez harbors a surprisingly grounded philosophy when it comes to personal beauty routines. She firmly believes that achieving professional-grade results does not require a blank check. As part of an ongoing series spotlighting the affordable, underhyped beauty products that industry experts rely on, Gonzalez recently opened up about her favorite budget-friendly finds, proving that high-end performance and drugstore accessibility can seamlessly coexist.
When asked how often she incorporates drugstore beauty items into her routine, Gonzalez is quick to dismiss the notion that luxury equates to superior quality. She relies on affordable staples regularly, noting that price point is entirely secondary to how a product performs. For Gonzalez, if a formulation delivers consistent, reliable results, it earns a permanent spot in her regimen, regardless of whether it was purchased at a high-end boutique or the local pharmacy aisle.
This philosophy extends even to hair care, an area where professional colorists are traditionally protective of their clients’ investments. Maintaining the health, vibrancy, and longevity of chemically treated hair demands a degree of selectivity, but Gonzalez stresses that this does not necessitate an exclusively luxury bathroom cabinet. High-end routines can easily be balanced with accessible shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, dry shampoos, and styling products. According to Gonzalez, success in hair care is about understanding individual hair types and specific needs—such as moisture balance, scalp sensitivity, or color protection—rather than shopping purely by price tags.
Navigating the crowded beauty aisles can admittedly feel overwhelming for the average consumer, but Gonzalez offers a straightforward approach to cutting through the noise. She advises shoppers to enter stores with a clear plan, focusing on specific categories and desired outcomes rather than getting distracted by every new market release. Paying close attention to ingredient labels and formulas is especially critical when selecting skincare and hair care products tailored to individual concerns like hydration or volume. Above all, she encourages beauty enthusiasts to embrace experimentation, pointing out that the true magic of the drugstore beauty aisle lies in the ability to discover exceptional products without making a significant financial commitment.
Drawing from her extensive professional experience, Gonzalez has curated a comprehensive list of her ten desert-island drugstore favorites, spanning skincare, body care, cosmetics, and hair care. Altogether, her complete collection of ten trusted drugstore staples amounts to just $222, proving that high-performance beauty is remarkably attainable.
Among her top skincare recommendations is the La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVAir Daily Serum Sunscreen SPF 50. Gonzalez praises the French formulation for its remarkably lightweight, breathable texture that melts seamlessly into the skin without leaving a heavy or greasy residue. Infused with skincare powerhouses like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, the product delivers targeted hydration alongside essential daily ultraviolet protection. To make sun protection more enjoyable throughout the day, she also relies on the Vacation Classic Spray SPF 30 Sunscreen, citing its convenient spray application for effortless reapplication and its signature nostalgic scent that evokes an immediate holiday feeling.
For everyday complexion enhancement, Gonzalez turns to the L’Oréal True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum. She describes it as the ultimate skin tint for days when she wants her natural skin to shine through, noting that the formula feels more like active skincare than traditional makeup while providing radiant coverage that endures from morning to night. To add warmth and definition, she incorporates two products from Morphe: the Cheek Thrills Multi-Finish Face Trio and the Sudden Heat Creamy Bronzer Stick. The face trio offers a versatile mix of cream, glow, and powder textures that allow her to customize her blush application based on underlying layers or desired finishes, while the creamy bronzer stick melts effortlessly into the skin for a sun-kissed warmth or a more sculpted, defined contour.
Completing her makeup routine is the L’Oréal Blurfiller Blurring Lip Contour. As a fan of creamy lip liners for subtly overlining and creating a fuller-looking pout, Gonzalez appreciates how smoothly the pencil glides on while delivering a soft, blurred, and plumped effect that has earned her nearly every shade in the lineup.
In the realm of hair care, Gonzalez turns to Vanicream Shampoo and Conditioner for a reliable, no-nonsense cleansing experience. Given her professional focus on maintaining scalp and hair health, she values the gentle, straightforward formulation that leaves hair feeling clean and soft without unnecessary additives or heavy buildup. For refreshing her style between regular wash days, she relies on Batiste Original Dry Shampoo. The classic aerosol spray efficiently absorbs excess root oil and restores volume, making it an indispensable tool for extending a hairstyle without weighing the hair down.
Rounding out her routine with body care, Gonzalez highlights Naturium’s The Glow All Out Body Bundle, which features The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash. She is particularly fond of combining these products right after showering to elevate a basic cleansing routine into a luxurious ritual. The multi-oil body wash cleanses effectively without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier, leaving the body exceptionally soft, deeply hydrated, and radiant even before applying a body lotion. Through these carefully chosen staples, Gonzalez demonstrates that expert-approved beauty is defined by efficacy and personal suitability rather than cost.