Sophistication Sundays – Current Drugstore Staples

Sophistication Sundays – Current Drugstore Staples

My Sophistication Muse, Audrey Hepburn
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.

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.


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.

Dream Matte Mousse - Pack Shot
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.

Dream Nude Airfoam - Pack Shot

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.

Sheer Primer

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.

Volum Express The Falsies Washable Mascara - Pack Shot

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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