Sophistication Sunday - CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara

My Sophistication Muse, Audrey Hepburn

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Sophistication Sunday revolves around my favorite beauty finds, techniques, fashion trends and anything else "pretty" that catches my eye. I look forward to sharing these ideas with you and hope to hear your suggestions and feedback as well! I am no expert at beauty or fashion by any means but perhaps that will make my thoughts more relatable. Simply put, I'm just a girly-girl navigating my way through the fabulous finds I come across.

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Hello everyone!  I wanted to hop on quick and write a beauty post about my new favorite mascara the CoverGirl Clump Crusher.

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I know I've said before that CoverGirl isn't currently one of my favorite makeup lines.  I really like the prices (obviously) but as far as drugstore brands goes I've had much better luck with Revlon and Maybelline.  CoverGirl is very hit and miss for me.  Luckily this time, it is a BIG hit!

So many people LOVE the CoverGirl Lash Blast mascara (in the big orange tube) but I never understood the hype.  Like Maybelline's famous Great Lash mascara I thought it was just... "meh."  I didn't see what the big deal was about lash blast other than the fact that it was the first drugstore mascara I saw that had the rubbery bristles.  

However, I got a little adventurous the other day and decided to spend $5 on the newest CoverGirl mascara.  CoverGirl describes this product as:

A breakthrough in no-clump mascara. Get 200% more volume and zero clumps. Features an innovative double-sided brush with lash-loading and clump-combing zones to crush clumps.

I am SO glad I took a chance on this! When I used it for the first time I was amazed when I could keep coating, and coating, and reapplying.  My lashes didn't stick together, they didn't clump... the application was amazing!  Another great bonus is that it doesn't flake off throughout the day and it doesn't leave my lashes feeling stiff or dry.  Put one down in the win column for CoverGirl!

I also want to mention that the brush is great for bottom lashes and I love a mascara that works well for upper and lower lashes.  

Have you tried the clump crusher?  Will you give it a shot?  

~Christi

Concealing Under-Eye Circles in 3 Easy Steps

It seems like I've been battling dark circles ever since I started wearing makeup.  Over the years I've tried numerous concealers and eventually found my match in MAC's Studio Finish Concealer.  You can read all about my undying love for it here. 

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However, I wanted to write an update because I've developed a little under-eye circle "routine" that I am very pleased with.  It's a three step process that can be duplicated with either drugstore items or high-end products.  

Step 1:  Brighten

I've tried numerous neutralizers and different correcting shades but brightening the under-eye area seems to provide the best foundation for treating dark circles.  

The product I use for this step is Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind Erase Dark Circle Treatment Concealer (holy moly, what a mouthful!) in the shade, you guessed it, "brightener"  (the pink-ish shade).  If you prefer a high end alternative, try Benefit's Eye Bright.

Brightener

To use the product you just turn the base (and it makes that click-click-click sound) and the liquid comes up through the sponge applicator. From here you can just dab it on under your eyes in a triangle pattern (one corner at your inner eye, the second corner at your outer eye, and the third corner pointing down towards the tip of your cheek) and blend. Quick tip: after using this product for a little while I realized that the sponge soaks up a TON of the makeup. So in my effort to be cost effective I ripped off the sponge applicator. Now I just need a couple clicks to get the amount of product I need.  I apply it right to my fourth finger and tap and blend it under my eyes.  

Step 2:  Conceal

For this step feel free to substitute your favorite concealer.  I of course turn to my MAC studio finish.  The price is a bit steep at $18.00 but as I've explained before, I used to buy concealer that was $7 a pop and I would have to buy it probably once every 1-2 months.  This concealer lasts me a YEAR at a time, covers blemishes as well, and is more than cost effective considering how frequently I was having to buy drugstore concealer.

MAC Studio Finish in NW20

I simply dab my fourth finger into the pot and then pat it under my eyes and blend.  I think one of the keys to this is to remember that more product does not mean better coverage.  A lot of people don't like the MAC studio finish for under-eye coverage but I find using just a little goes a long way and as long as you don't cake it on.  Love it!

Step 3:  Set

For this final step I use ELF's Studio High Definition Undereye Setting Powder.  This lovely little product clocks in at $3.00.  Woo hoo!  If you're looking for a high-end option I've heard good things about Bare Minerals Well-Rested SPF 20 Eye Brightener.  

ELF

To finish off the coverage I use my Sigma F86, dip it into the pot, tap off the excess, and dab under my eyes (from inner corner to outer).  I find this last step really prevents that annoying crease under the eyes and sets my under-eye makeup for the day.  

Truth be told, I don't do this every day (because sometimes I'm lazy, obviously) but I do find this is the best way to deal with my dreaded dark circles and thought I would share it with you guys!

Do you have any tips for concealing under-eye circles?  Share below!  

~Christi

Top Beauty Products of 2012

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Yes, I realize we are half way into January but it is still the first month of a brand new year!  What better way to prepare for the year ahead than to reflect upon the wonderful blessings of the previous year.  And when I say blessings, it's okay to include awesome beauty products, right?? :)

I'm always keeping an eye out for new products to add to or improve my routine. So take a moment to look through my favorite products from the past year and let me know in the comments if you found something in 2012 that you will continue to keep in your beauty arsenal.  

Favorite Foundation of 2012:  

L'Oreal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream

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Last February I blogged about BB Creams and my process in researching and eventually buying one to sample.  At this time, American makeup brands were just starting to develop their own versions of BB cream.  Suffice to say there weren't many options at the drugstore (I could only find Garnier's BB cream) and all others were out of my price range and could only be purchased at places like Sephora.  I purchased Etude House BB Magic Cream and loved that it cut down on the midday t-zone shine.  However, as the months wore on and hot weather settled in, the t-zone shine worsened (dang it!) and more importantly, the color was too light for my face.  I no longer frequent tanning beds but since I use sunless tanner it would make my face look whiter than the rest of my body.  Granted, one of the purposes of BB cream is to lighten scars and freckles through the "whitening" agent of the product, but as I said this just didn't work with the bronze goddess look I strive for in the summer months.  Lastly, I wanted the convenience of just being able to run out and buy some BB cream instead of ordering it online.  OKAY GET TO THE POINT, right? :)  As drugstore brands started coming out with their own versions of BB cream I read lots of reviews and decided to try L'Oreal's BB cream.  Basically, any other BB cream sounded like it would not work with my oily t-zone.  So for me, Garnier and Maybelline were out. 

Now the good stuff.  The L'Oreal BB cream is great because it comes in different shades and has a very light feel to it. I currently use the shade "light" and will switch the "medium" for the spring and summer.  The product actually comes out white with little beads.  When I apply it, I simply put some on my favorite makeup brush (more on that later), dab it on my face, and starting buffing it in. The white color and beads quickly mix together and provide a light wash of color over the face. 

So the main reasons I love this product?  #1 I am not a morning person and I love that BB creams and tinted moisturizers shorten my routine.  After I wash my face and put eye cream on I go right to the BB cream.  The moisturizing, priming, and tinting is all completed in one easy and fast step.  Lazy beauties rejoice!  I also like that it doesn't have a heavy or cakey feel.  I've used various foundations over the years but always gravitate back towards lighter products because I don't like the heavy feel.  This BB cream is natural looking and any blemishes that aren't covered I simply cover with some concealer.

Note: The product also claims to correct but I don't know that I've noticed any correcting abilities.  The only other thing that would be nice was if it also provided some SPF.  

Favorite Powder of 2012:

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder

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If you read any of my beauty posts with any regularity you know that I am constantly trying to find a way to combat shine.  I love this powder from Rimmel because it gives me a matte, airbrushed finish.  It's a great product for setting my make up and a great powder for touching up my t-zone after work.  I wish it were in a compact so I could touch up on the go but for now I just use a big, fluffy powder brush. I have this powder in the shade, "Buff Beige" and will probably have to switch to a slightly darker shade for spring and summer. 

Favorite Blush of 2012:

MAC Powder Blush in "Gingerly"

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Stepping outside of the realm of drugstore favorites, MAC's Gingerly was definitely my favorite blush discovery of 2012.  This shade, though it looks like a plain brown in the pain, is incredibly beautiful and natural looking.  It provides a nice warm flush to the cheeks that I can use year round (though I particularly love using it in Fall & Winter).  As I've stated before, some products are worth paying a little extra for.  I use this blush CONSTANTLY and I still haven't hit pan in a YEAR!  Like their Studio Finish Concealer that I adore, this is totally worth  the cost.  Oh and did I mention it stays on for hours??

Favorite Lip Products of 2012:

Revlon Lip Butters, Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains.
Maybelline Baby Lips

Lip Butters

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Some of you probably remember my overzealous love for the lip butters so I won't go into too much detail.  I'll just say, lip butters feel great on the lips and provide amazing color.  Basically, it's lipstick with legit moisturizing properties.  So many pretty colors to choose from, so little time.  (Color above is "Strawberry Shortcake")

Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

After the lip butter craze Revlon followed up with the Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains.  I loved this lip product because it actually felt moisturizing and didn't leave weird lines on my lips like most stains. Whenever I tried lip stains before they wore off unevenly and made my lips feel incredibly parched.  These balm stains are smooth and shiny and leave a great wash of color on the lips.  One of my favorite ways to use this product is when I'm going for a red lip look.  I line my lips, apply the balm stain in "Romantic" (pictured above), and finish off with the lip butter in "Candy Apple."  My favorite kissable balm shades are, Romantic, Honey (great, "my lips but better" shade), Adore, and Rendezvous.

Baby Lips

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I was actually late in jumping on the Baby Lips bandwagon.  I didn't see what the big draw was  and one day decided to just give it a try.  I don't have any of the colored shades but I am obsessed with Peppermint and Quenched.  Both have a great smell but more importantly the feel on my lips is amazing!  It's a great base for other lip products and doesn't ever become gummy or tacky.

Favorite Eyebrow Product of 2012:

Maybelline Define-A-Brow Eyebrow Pencil

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I've cycled through numerous eyebrow products and have had plenty of mediocre brow pencils.  This brow pencil from Maybelline is now my definite favorite!  It applies easily and stays ALL day!  I use it in the shade medium brown.

Favorite Eyeliner of 2012:

NYX Slide On Eye Pencil

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In a serious effort to find suitable drugstore alternatives to my high-end favorites, I stumbled upon NYX Slide On Eye Pencils.  As some of you may have remembered I was obsessed with Clinique Quickliner for years.  In fact, I still love it!  But I was determined to find a less expensive alternative.  I tried a few other drugstore eyeliners and none of them worked as well.  Too many drugstore eyeliners pull and I wanted something that didn't irritate my eyes and would glide on with ease.  I kept hearing good things about the NYX slide on pencil but when I went to purchase it at an ULTA in Woodbury, MN they didn't carry it.  I really wanted to see if this would be my new holy grail eyeliner so I found it on ULTA's website and promptly ordered one.  When the eyeliner arrived at my door it was basically love at first sight!  The color is great and the formula is creamy but not watery or runny.  It stays on all day and slides on like a dream (hence the name, I suppose!).  I use the shade "Brown Perfection" for my everyday eye looks.  I also purchased the pencil in "Jet Black" but unfortunately this doesn't stay on as well.  It really pools in the inner corner of my eyes and I HATE that.  I don't know what the deal is with that but I haven't had any other issues with the other shades I've purchased and as I mentioned, brown perfection is well... perfect!  The only other downside is that these pencils are not self-sharpening like Clinique's.  However, to me it is a small price to pay considering I am paying half the price.  I find the pencil sharpens best with an actual NYX pencil sharpener (which you can also buy at ULTA).  

One more thing, if you like playing around with fun eye colors these come in a wide range of shades and the color payoff is fantastic.  I recommend Golden Olive (a different shade but very beautiful and natural), Pretty Violet (vibrant purple), Sunrise Blue (a cerulean shade), and Tropical Green (bright, blue green shade). 

Favorite Brushes of 2012:
Sigma F80 & E40

Makeup brushes are definitely more of an investment.  Truth be told it is very hard for me to shell out cash for them.  But honestly to me they make a huge difference in the application of makeup and enable me to apply products with better precision.

Sigma F80

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This is the most AMAZING face brush for foundation, BB cream, tinted moisturizer, etc.  It has the perfect thickness, length, and texture and helps makeup to go on like butta! (er... butter)  I've used it for regular foundation and use it everyday with the L'Oreal BB cream.  This is probably the best beauty purchase I made this year is a fraction of the price of expensive brushes from brands like MAC.


Sigma E40

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Like the Sigma F80, I use this baby every. single. day.  No joke!  I love this brush for adding the perfect amount of shadow to my crease.  It supplies just that little extra amount of dimension to my eye look.  I typically dip it in Urban Decay's "buck" eye shadow and then do a windshield wiper motion across both of my eye creases.  If I want to add a little more shading I will dip it in a darker shade, tape off the excess, and apply it to the outer corner of my eyelids and blend into the crease.  Once again, this brush is a fraction of the cost of similar MAC brushes.  Perfection!



Well that was a long list wasn't it?!!  There were just too many great discoveries in 2012.  I can't wait to see what the next year brings!

What were some of your favorites you discovered in 2012?

~Christi

UPDATED Current Beauty Essentials (non-makeup)

Hello everyone! Yes, this blog is still a sisters blog but you wouldn't think so based on the last several months.  Again, I thank you for your patience and understanding about my absence.  However, the good news is that I am in MY LAST SEMESTER OF GRAD SCHOOL! Omigosh, is it over yet?  Come July 31st I will feel like a brand new woman.  Note to self (and readers): working full time while attending grad school full time is completely crazy.  Yikes!


This is SO me (Redbull and all)!!!!!!
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Anyway, since I had a second tonight and know that I will be especially absent these remaining 53 days, I thought I would update a post from March 2010: My Current Beauty Essentials.

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While looking through the post I realized that many of the items were outdated or had changed slightly.  So here is a quick recap of where I am as of today...

#1:  Matrix Sleek Look Shampoo & Conditioner

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Okay the funny thing here is I am STILL obsessed with the shampoo and conditioner. Whenever I try a different kind I immediately notice the difference and have to go back to my staples. One thing that has changed though, is that I really haven't been using the Extreme Creme.  

I've become a little infatuated with serums for whatever reason.  I usually alternate between Organix Brazilian Therapy Anti-Breakage Serum and as of late, John Frieda's Frizz-Ease Extra Strength formula.  

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Truthfully, I think the John Frieda product might be too much for my hair.  My hair still has the frizz and curl I have to tame with styling tools but it almost makes my hair greasy and I'm only using one pump.  So I think I will start using the Organix serum more regularly (plus it smells like heaven!).

#2  Equate Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

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I used to be committed to the Neutrogena product but once I tried the Equate alternative I was hooked.  Who wants to save money?  This girl!  This product works just as well as Neutrogena's and is affordable to boot.  Sorry, Neutrogena!  You've been replaced.

#3  Equate Advanced Anti-Wrinkle & Firming Eye Day/Night Cream

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Once again Walmart tricked me into buying one of their off-brand alternatives. This eye cream is gentle and soothes the sensistive skin around my eyes and costs about half the price of the L'Oreal eye cream.  Once again, I'm sold.  

#4  OPI Nail Products

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I am still obsessed with OPI but given the price tag, I'm always looking for great alternatives.  Regardless, I still reach for the base coat but have transitioned to a different type: OPI Nail Envy.  I have only bought 2 bottles of this in the last 2 years and can easily tell when I try to skip and use a different base coat.  This really helps keep my nails strong and I love it!  

#5  Yes to Carrots "C Me Smile Lip Butter"

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I still enjoy Burt's Bees but for my morning/evening lip balm ritual I find myself reaching for the Yes to Carrots balm.  This balm feels less... waxy.  Does that makes sense?  So I feel like there is less of a coating on my lips and just moisturizing, organic goodness. I do purchase the mint flavor because I love the tingly feeling that comes with it :)  

#6  Kenra Perfect Medium Spray 13

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Since I have been curling my hair less I tend to rely on hairspray with a softer hold (enter Kenra 13).  I love this spray for taming flyaways and for softly setting the curls I get with a single-barrel curling iron.  However, when I need a strong hold I still reach for my Kenra 25.  This isn't very often anymore but I have it stashed for when I neeed it. 

#7  Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser (for normal to oily skin)

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My skin used to be very dry and sensitive but for whatever reason I am now a member of the t-zone club and am constantly battling the dread midday shine on my face.  Once I switched to the Cetaphil for normal to oily skin I noticed a huge difference.  My face really felt cleaner and I could tell that it was better suited for my skin.  Though the original Cetaphil is for "all skin types"but  I definitely realized it wasn't working for my skin (or my husband's!).  

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Considering my non-makeup essentials were so out of date I should probably updated my makeup essentials!  In the meantime, let me know what your beauty essentials are!  I love discovering new products :)

~Christi

Sophisticated Finds: Beauty Product Miracle "BB Cream"

My Sophistication Muse, Audrey Hepburn

(Photo Source)

Sophisticated Finds revolves around my favorite beauty discoveries, techniques, fashion trends and anything else "pretty" that catches my eye. I look forward to sharing these ideas with you and hope to hear your suggestions and feedback as well! I am no expert at beauty or fashion by any means but perhaps that will make my thoughts more relatable. Simply put, I'm just a girly-girl navigating my way through the fabulous finds I come across.

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Have any of you ladies heard of the new-to-America product, BB Cream?
BB Cream (aka Blemish Balm, Beauty Balm, Blemish Base, Beblesh Cream) is already a huge success in Asia but it is just starting to drift over to the
United States.

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From everything I've gathered, women in Asia love it simply for all of the many benefits packed into just ONE product. BB Cream is said to combine the benefits of primer, blemish coverage, skin tone correction, and lotion IN ONE PRODUCT and I am pretty sure there are certain BB creams that include even more benefits than this!
If you'd like a more thorough description you can read about it on daily glow.
The more and more I read about it the more I wanted to try it.
And well, you know me, I gave in ;)

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I wanted a BB Cream that woul control my t-zone (my ultimate goal!) while providing some of these other great benefits. After a little "Googling" I settled on Etude House BB Magic Cream (Refreshing) which is for oily skin.

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I should also mention that from the "research" I've conducted there is a very big difference between the new BB Creams in the American market and traditional BB Creams found in Asia. Garnier and Clinique have recently come out with their versions of BB Cream but from what I've read they are really just tinted moisturizers. I was very much intrigued by Clinique's version but then I read it had fine glitter in it. Glitter or shine of any kind is a no-no if you have oily skin or a t-zone and want to avoid drawing attention this (i.e. products like Revlon Photo-Ready Mousse won't help shiny skin). Unfortunately, Clinique was out. Anything else I read about Garnier's BB Cream was unimpressive as well. When I looked on Sephora the only other options were out of my price range. SO this is how I ended up choosing Etude House BB Cream and I was able to purchase it via Amazon since it is not sold at stores in the USA. (**UPDATE: I was able to find it with cheaper shipping on EBay!) I know this will turn some of you off because you can't buy it at your local drugstore or ULTA but honestly, I was so happy with this product I wanted to right a review about it.

So what exactly did I love about the product? I should say I haven't been using it long enough to notice any improvement in the overall condition or tone of my skin. We'll see if I notice this later. So far I have really enjoyed the ease of the application and the coverage. You can apply it with your fingers like tinted moisturizer but I like to use a foundation brush. The coverage is a little better than a tinted moisturizer but it isn't heavy or cakey, which I love. It only comes in one color and it goes on a little light at first but it miraculously adjusts to your natural skin tone. Also, a little goes a long way so you won't speed through this product.

My absolute FAVORITE thing about this product is that it is the very first foundation type product that I have tried that does not leave me with a shiny t-zone by lunchtime.

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The first time I tried it I could NOT believe it when I checked its wearability mid-day. NO SHINE! I do like to set it with the E.L.F. Mineral Booster Loose Powder I suggested before but even without it the typical t-zone shine was nowhere to be found.
BEAUTY PRODUCT BREAKTHROUGH! WOO HOO!!!

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Yes Ladies, I was jumping for joy ;)

Since BB Cream is making it's way through brands like Clinique and Garnier I can only hope in the next year or two Drugstore brands will develop their own versions. We'll see what happens! Until then I had to let you know about my latest discovery.

Have a great week, everyone!

~Christi

Sophistication Sundays - Current Drugstore Staples

My Sophistication Muse, Audrey Hepburn

(Photo Source)

Sophistication Sunday revolves around my favorite beauty finds, techniques, fashion trends and anything else "pretty" that catches my eye. I look forward to sharing these ideas with you and hope to hear your suggestions and feedback as well! I am no expert at beauty or fashion by any means but perhaps that will make my thoughts more relatable. Simply put, I'm just a girly-girl navigating my way through the fabulous finds I come across.

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I decided to just do a random mash up of the drugstore favorites I've come to depend on. As my mom, sisters and myself have often discussed, there are certain things you will pay extra for (i.e. MAC concealer is my must) and other things from the drugstore that will do the job. So today I'm going to give a brief overview of a few of my current drugstore staples that I absolutely love.

1. Rimmel Fix & Perfect Primer Pro
Unique advanced formula with 5 in 1 results:
Smoothes to minimize pores, resurfaces for an even complexion, brightens skin all day, protects skin from environmental aggressors and mattifies and eliminates shine.

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After searching for a long time for a primer that lasts and isn't too expensive (hello, smashbox primer!) I keep coming back to Rimmel's Fix & Perfect Primer Pro. It has a clear formulation unlike their original formula and comes with the added bonus of brightening and mattifying skin. It isn't super oily like some drugstore primers and I really think it helps control shine more than the regular primer. I'm also happy to report it doesn't have that odd gasoline-like smell I've noticed in Hard Candy and E.L.F. primer. For now I am pleased with with this stuff and will keep using it unless I find something better!

2. Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse

Revolutionary air-soft mousse provides perfecting coverage for 100% velvet-matte perfection.

Ideal for normal to oily skin.

Although I still love tinted moisturizer there are times when I want a more flawless finish. When I want a more "flawless" finish I also want to use a product that won't make my face a total oil slick. As I have aged my skin has progressed from super dry to "normal to oily." Yes, I now know what the dreaded t-zone is. So the last thing I want to do is contribute to this problem. So when I am looking for great coverage my go to product is Maybelline's Dream Matte Mousse (not to be confused with Maybelline's Dream Smooth Mousse). I figured with a name that mentioned "matte" it was worth a try! I love how this product has a whipped consistency and is lighter than your traditional liquid foundation. I apply it using a foundation brush (though you can use your fingers if you prefer) and have been so pleased with the finish! It isn't too heavy or cakey and gives me great coverage with minimal mid-day shine. I don't think it's possible to go a whole day without some shine in the t-zone but I do notice a significant difference when I use this product vs. other foundation products. Great, flawless, matte finish!

3. Maybelline Dream Nude Foam
Our most lightweight foundation for 100% nude perfection.
Lightweight foam for a flawless finish. Ideal for normal skin.

When I was at Target a few days ago (Target is SO my downfall) I also noticed that Maybelline is featuring a new product called Dream Nude Foam. I was really intrigued by the foam factor and the lightness of the product. I was anxious to see how it matched up against tinted moisturizer. The packaging is a little different in that it is a small metal can that you actually shake up (kind of like spray paint - it even makes that sound!). The foam is very similar to what you get when using hair mousse but it is tinted. When I use this I just shake it up, put some on my foundation brush and apply it with swirling motions around my face. I am really happy with how seamlessly the product blends while still providing light-medium coverage. It disappears easily into the skin and gives you that necessary coverage without being overly heavy. So when I am looking for lighter coverage this is a great secondary option that provides a bit more moisture without being heavy. It is a little more awkward for me to apply but overall I am pleased with the finish. It isn't as mattifying as the Dream Matte Mousse so I have to blot my t-zone at lunch time, but it still is a nice, light alternative to regular foundation.

4. E.L.F. Mineral Eyeshadow Primer
This gentle and completely sheer Eyeshadow Primer has key vitamins A, C and E to help prevent aging and moisturizes the skin. The formula glides on easily and disappears instantly to create longer-lasting, crease-proof eyeshadow.

I have tried a number of different eye shadow primer's and can honestly say I am just as pleased with the E.L.F. $3 option as I am the Too Faced Shadow Insurance Primer. I know people might think I'm crazy for saying that but I am honestly just as pleased when I use either product. And truthfully I like using the E.L.F. product because it comes with a wand so to me it is even easier to apply a quick dab to each eye! It prevents creasing and gives your shadow great staying power. If you're looking for an easy, inexpensive eye shadow primer that will give you great results, this is the way to go!

5. Maybelline "The Falsies"

False lash glam in a tube, instantly! 300% more visible lashes corner-to-corner, no gaps.

Okay 2 things I need to say quickly: no this isn't a Maybelline love-fest and please remember, mascara is SO subjective!!! I really think everyone wants something different for mascara. I've tried many that people love and rave about and have hated them. Just this week I gave my mom one of the MAC mascaras I purchased and while I wasn't pleased it was exactly what she was looking for in a mascara!

That being said, Maybelline's "The Falsies" is my go to mascara when I am going for a dramatic look. I really think a lot of this comes down to the formula of the mascara and more importantly the "spoon brush." The product is a little wet so I have to make sure to let it dry (and not sneeze after I've applied it, haha!) but it really gives me that full, dramatic lash look I want for a night on the town! I should say, it is not the same as actually wearing false lashes (as the add campaign will have you believe) but the spoon design of the brush really gives me the ability to apply multiple, thickening coats that build up to my ideal finish. Love this stuff!!!

So these are just a few of my main drug-store must haves! Do you have any drugstore products that you depend on? Please share below! I'm always game for trying a new product :)

~Christi


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