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A place for me to share all my make-up ramblings...enjoy!

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themakeupblogette@hotmail.com

My name is Sophia!

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FAQ & DISCLAIMER

About Me

My name is Sophia, and I am in my early 30s. I am from Singapore and I am the sole writer of this blog.

About this Blog

I started this blog in 2006, I like to use a wide range of brands though I seem to have a growing preference for higher-end brands in recent years. I also like to share interesting things I have come across about makeup and beauty.

Currently The Makeup Blogette receives 39,000 unique views monthly or 2,238,932 views and counting.

My Makeup Style

I like classic looks (neutral tones on eyes, anything goes for lips & cheeks), though occasionally I try out dramatic/ statement looks.  I believe that a flawless base is the key to achieving great makeup looks.  I also believe that if you don't have great skin to start with, fake it with a good foundation routine, and even greater skincare.  I am currently loving Clarins & Lancome skincare products, and Vichy NormaDerm for tackling with breakouts.

What Cameras do I use?

Most of the pictures you see in post 2010 entries are taken with my Canon G-11.  Previously I was using Canon Ixus 80.  I do post some pictures which are taken with my iphone4 which I will state in that particular entry.  I have stopped watermarking my pictures as of 2011, because I think watermarks are ugly in general, and does not prevent people from stealing my pictures if they wish to.  I just take it as a compliment that my pictures are even worth stealing in the first place. I might look into getting a Canon EOS next year, not just for blogging purposes, but I also like photography in general.

My Favourite Makeup Brand(s)

It is hard to name just one, but I like NARS, Chanel, Illamasqua and the ocasional Guerlain, Dior & Urban Decay item.  I own quite a stash of MAC items, but recently I have stopped catching up with their collections, and I much prefer to splurge on a few really outstanding items.

Where to find me

Twitter (link button above!)  Email (stated above!)  Instagram (makeup_blogette)

I have no official Facebook fan page, and currently have no intention to start one at all.  The Makeup Blogette remains my personal hobby and property, so as such, I don't believe in having a Facebook fanpage for it.

Final Disclaimer

I bought/ paid for all of the products mentioned in this blog. I am not affliated to any company. If certain products are sent to me for review purposes, I will say so and express my honest opinions about them. In any case, I will only review and showcase the products which I have personally tried and tested, and enjoy using. I do not get paid to review anything.

No ads, no paid links etc please.  I am in charge of all content and pictures here.

I am not a makeup artist, nor do I have any professional training in makeup.

 

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    May 04, 2013

    CHANEL Powder Blushes: Malice, Fleur de Lotus & Rouge

    My friend Pearl loaned me a few of her Chanel blushes recently, and I couldn't resist taking photos of them.  They are all gorgeous, and I really need to look into getting myself a couple...soon.  I have several Chanel powders and bronzers, but no Joues Contraste yet (cos I always think they all look really pretty  but nothing very unique - does Notorious count?).

    I believe they are all limited edition blushes, though I have spotted Malice at the counters as recent as last week. 

    The texture is super fine, and I think it really depends on whether you can find a unique shade or something that really catches your fancy.  They are slightly powdery, but goes onto the skin very smoothly.  I haven't used Rouge yet, but Fleur and Malice are really something very sweet and feminine.  

    Close ups: 


    Swatches: 



    Happy Sunday!

    Thanks for looking!   :)

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    May 04, 2013

    YSL Summer Manicure with Vert D'Orient & Jade Imperial

    YSL Spring and Summer collections see the release of two highly sought after polishes - Jade Imperial, and Vert D'Orient.  Supplies of both shades are extremely limited, though the stores do re-stock them time to time.  It is best to put your name on the reservation lists, to avoid any disappointment.  They retail for S$35 each. 

    I recently added Vert D'Orient to my collection, and it is beautiful.  I like the fact that it is dark enough, and has that milky muted tone which makes it look less green.  YSL polishes have excellent formula, and this is no exception. 


    I paired both shades together for the ultimate YSL SS2013 Jade manicure look. 


    Loving this combo!

    What's on your nails recently?

    Thanks for looking!

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    May 04, 2013

    Make-up artistry by Lancôme: Lessons in Colour Layering


    Lancôme
    creates the most electrifying mix & match colours. Three products, a multitude of shades in harmonies of fuchsia,
    orange and pink, for infinite combinations... Anything is possible, simply follow your desire!

    Thanks to the perfect affinity of their formulas, there’s simply no limit to the ways you can superimpose Rouge In Love and Gloss In Love. Associating their textures seems to create a magnifying glass effect which amplifies the expression of their pigments. Vernis In Love takes on the challenge of creating the most daring manicure imaginable.

    Love your lips!

    Apply Gloss In Love alone using the applicator tip to perfectly define the lip contour. Then kiss the Rouge In Love stick, placing it against the centre of your lips. Accentuate contrast effects by selecting a lighter shade for the central part of the lips: the lively pink of Flash n’ Fuchsia gloss collides beautifully with the fiery orange of Doux Farniente lipstick. Play around with the most daring of duos for a voluptuously plumped pout.

    Petal Effect

    Even the most delicate flowers assert their originality by pairing very pale tones with very dense pigments. Select two contrasting lipstick and gloss shades to recreate this surprising effect. Apply a light veil of a gloss such as Blink Pink then define the entire lip contour with the intense red of Under The Rose with a brush. Simply press your lips together to melt the two colours: a guaranteed petal effect!

    Burning heart

    Dress lips in softness with an initial layer of Rouge In Love before applying gloss to the centre, accentuating the cupid’s bow. Fall In Rose enhances lips’ intensity and goes beautifully with Under The Spotlight gloss. This heart of gloss at the centre of lips is sure to grab the spotlight!

    Mouth-watering tone on tone

    Choose two fairly close shades of Gloss In Love and Rouge In Love. For peachy-toned lips, first suffuse lips with shine using Peach Show gloss, then enhance the lip border by applying Rose’mantic lipstick with a brush. When you press lips together, the two textures blend to create an all-new orange shade that’s deep, lacquered and simply mouth-watering.

    Two-tone kiss

    With the current trend for mixed nail colour, why not apply the same principle to lips for an energised look? Just like a nail varnish base, apply an undercoat of Just Strass Gloss In Love to boost your lipstick’s colour. Apply a lighter, more luminous shade like Rose Flaâneuse lipstick to the lower lip and contrast with Be My Date! on the upper lip. The quintessence of colour block make-up... 

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    May 04, 2013

    Lancôme Gloss in Love [Photos & Information]

    GLOSS IN LOVE

    “Ever since its 2012 launch, Rouge In Love has become the cult lipstick of every colour addict. Synonymous with femininity, freshness and resolute modernity, this ode to colour extends an invitation to express oneself. A statement of pure joie de vivre... Its unique pigmented formula coupled with exceptional hold makes it a must-have for lips.

    Rouge In Love, Vernis In Love... Today, the In Love universe is enriched with a brand new generation of gloss. A genius of shine and comfort housed in a case that opens with a click: Gloss In Love.

    Fuchsia, pink and orange: the shades combine together to form countless glistening looks. Enjoy total freedom to experiment with the most daring of combinations for infinite variations, teaming up the gloss with the new Rouge In Love and Vernis In Love shades. Lancôme thus creates the most mouth- watering made-to-measure
    “In Love” make-up imaginable, perfect to play with and to highlight the colourful spontaneity of your personality. Discover it this summer; you’ll be hooked all year round.

    The cherry on the cake? Its super-smart applicator defines lips without ever changing their natural shape! With its ultra-simple applicator for results worthy of a make-up artist, Lancôme once again offers a concentrate of technology and pure joy to every woman, whether she’s a make-up expert or a colour novice. Because happiness is the most seductive beauty of all.”

    - Youcef S. Nabi President 

    Gloss In Love,
    Stunning colours in high-shine

    Infused with intense pigments and light-trapping mother of pearl, this is the dream gloss of every woman who simply wants it all. Dazzling lips, swathed in a marvellous cocoon effect, all in a case that opens with a click, featuring a super-smart applicator... The must-have accessory for every woman on- the-go. Feeling every bit as delightful on lips as it looks, its ultra-comfort texture moisturises lips for 6 hours. Simply brilliant!

    12 In Love shades

    Pink Carat, Flash’n’Fuchsia, Under the Spotlight, Glittermania... Forever sparkling light is the order of the day.
    From the softest of shades to pure pop tones, Gloss In Love is created in a palette of vibrant pinks, oranges and fuchsias to play with to
    your heart’s content! Not forgetting Just Strass, an ultra-iridescent flashy white to layer on or to use as an undercoat, transform any shade of lipstick and gloss... Spring 2013’s absolute must-have! 

    A high-comfort gloss: women’s dream, made reality by Lancôme

    Combining shine, even colour and comfort: Gloss In Love achieves this seemingly impossible feat.
    Its secret: at the heart of a magnifying glass-effect crystalline base, the breakthrough association of two polymers
    one glossy, one flexible to form a supple, shiny three-dimensional network on lips’ surface. Pigments and mother-of-pearl to shine through to their fullest potential, allowing for radiant colour with this new-generation absolute-comfort and non-sticky texture, able to moisturise lips for 6 hours. 


    A sensual fragrance

    Gloss In Love exudes a subtle scent of mouth-watering vanilla, lifted by a fresh fruit cocktail. Addictive! 

    A two-in-one applicator

    A precise and simple application: Lancôme creates its first ever double-sided applicator. In a single step, made up of two strokes, it defines lips without flattening them or detracting from their natural shape.
    1. The lower lip side: its curved side hugs the lower lip’s surface, applying the texture with shine.

    2. The upper lip side: simply turn the applicator around to discover a high- precision tip to enhance the upper lip contour with all the dexterity of a make- up artist. Unprecedented! 

    Colour... in a click

    A two-in-one applicator

    A precise and simple application: Lancôme creates its first ever double-sided applicator. In a single step, made up of two strokes, it defines lips without flattening them or detracting from their natural shape.
    1. The lower lip side: its curved side hugs the lower lip’s surface, applying the texture with shine.

    2. The upper lip side: simply turn the applicator around to discover a high- precision tip to enhance the upper lip contour with all the dexterity of a make- up artist. Unprecedented!

    Imprinted with the words Gloss In Love its crystal bottle reveals the formula within, pure colour and mother-of-pearl. Then comes the click... Just press down and the cap is gently released, making it even easier to use. A signature sound infused with addictive chic. 


    Gloss in Love comes in 12 delectable shades and will be available at all Lancôme counters for S$40 each, from 1st June 2013 onwards. 

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    May 02, 2013

    My iPhone takes awesome nail pics! [Illamasqua, YSL, Chanel, etc]


    pics from my iphone - with the right lighting, it's all you need - the iphone I mean.  The colors come out great, the auto focus is very intuitive.  
    Here's what I am playing with on my nails, including a quick Chanel SS2013 summer sneak peak. 

    Illamasqua Harem #nofilter 


    YSL did it again with their nail polish from the summer collection - Vert D'orient.  #nofilter 


    Bobbi Brown Black Pearl which Mabel kindly gifted me! 


    And one more nail polish: 
    The Dior mini duo sets are super cute!!!


    And Chanel Summer collection, selected sneak peak:

    That's all and thank you for looking!!

    Filed in: chanel, Review, Swatches, YSL, illmasqua | Tagged with: chanel, review, YSL, swatches, illmasqua
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    April 28, 2013

    Maybelline Vivids Lipsticks in Vibrant Mandarin & Electric Orange [Photos & Swatches]


    Hi hi!

    This is a special entry featuring the new Maybelline Vivids on my sister, Meryllyn.  She is really into bright lippies lately, especially the warm reds and oranges.  So I ordered a couple of the new Maybelline Vivids for her, seeing as they will be right up her alley.  Got these through Eliza who placed the order, so much thanks to her!  These two costs about S$18 after shipping, super great bargain.  Currently, she is loving my Estee Lauder Wild Fire and Shu Uemura orange lippy, and she wants to try out more. 

    The colors are just gorgeous and comparable to a lot of pricier lipsticks. 

    Here are two colors my sister picked: 


    And another product close up - 


    Swatches on my hand -

    They are very creamy, and pigmented.

    Just a note - if you have naturally pigmented lips (like Meryl here), you should go for the very cream intense lipsticks so  they will show up true to color.  The sheer or anything very glossy shiny will not show up true to color on your lips because your own lip color will change the color of the lipstick itself. 

    Electric Orange

    is a vibrant orange, it is very wearable because it is not matte, and doesn't contain the stark white pigment in the formula (think of MAC Morange)


    overall look on Meryl 
    (a list of all products used will be listed below) 


    Vibrant Mandarin
    A orangey red.  
    This is gorgeous.  


    and the overall look 


    What do you think of these colors on Meryl?  I think they will keep her happy for a long time!  

    All products used:

    Face - Ettusais BB Loose Powder, finished with Guerlain pressed meteorites  (how I envy her super smooth & poreless complexion!) 

    Cheeks - NARS Gilda blush

    Eyes - Inglot eyeshadows 

    Brows - Shu Uemura pencil 

    Liner - Heavy Rotation liquid liner 

    Hope this is useful, and thank you for reading!

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    April 28, 2013

    LOTD: NARS Grand Palais & Dressed to Kill


    Wooo hooo!!! I am on a blog roll here!  

    Last of the blog entries for today, I think.  Busy week ahead, but glad I managed to find some time to take lots of pictures, still meet up with my friends, watch a movie and enjoy the weekend!   Will try to post a random chat entry mid week.  

    There will also be a blogsale happening on Wednesday around 11am.  Everything must be cleared, so the prices are kept really low.  

    I decided to select of NARS products in this entry, and ended up with a very natural eyelook and a berry red lips look.
    Here are the two stars of this LOTD. 


    I applied  the taupe shade all over my lids.  And the matte pink brown shade on the crease to blend out the color.  I left the brow bone bare, because I didn't feel like any brow bone color these days.  I feel that not using a brow bone color makes the eye look more effortless, and youthful. 


    Here you can see the gold sparkles in Dressed to Kill. It's not very obvious from far though.  The color is very long lasting and leaves a nice stain afterwards.  This came in their 2013 Spring collection, and might still be available. 


    All products used: 

    face - MAQUiLLAGE Perfect Base BB, GA Maestro Fusion makeup, set with Chanel natural finish loose powder

    concealer - YSL Touche Eclat 1 and 2 mixed used under the eyes, set with Benefit powdeflage

    lips - NARS Dressed to Kill

    eyes - NARS Primer, NARS Grand Palais duo  and I totally contradicted myself!! No brow bone highlight, but plenty of inner corner highlight!!  I used MUFE Aqua Shadow pencil in 32E (it stays on AMAZINGLY WELL, and didn't budge!) 

    liners - THREE 05 on upper lids, heavy rotation liquid liner on upper inner corner, THREE pencil 07 on lower lids

    lashes - YSL faux cils on lower lashes (thickening AND lengthening), my customised lashes

    cheeks - Clarins Summer Bronzing Compact, NARS Lovejoy blush

    brows - Urban Decay Basics palette, Shu Uemura Brow Manicure Ash Brown 

    *****

    Met up with my girlfriend who came back from her worktrip, and we went bag browsing at Celine and Chanel.  Lots of BOY BOY BOY!  Hmmmm.... 

    and then at night we watched IRONMAN 3.  It's really entertaining, and I shan't go into the plot to avoid any spoilers.  Let's end off with this IRONMAN 3 poster.


    Happy weekend, and hey to Labour Day holiday this coming week!

    Thanks for reading!

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    April 28, 2013

    Dior Summer 2013 Bird of Paradise Collection 001 PINK GLOW [Photos & Comparisons]


    Dior Summer 2013 Bird of Paradise Collection features a must get Bronzer & Blush duo... it is the perfect pairing of a blush and a bronzer, and this pair of shades will soon become my everyday face accompliment.  

    This summer, Dior introduces a multi-faceted product that provides all the tools for achieving fresh-faced beauty. A unique hybrid of bronzing powder and high-pigment blush, Dior’s signature cannage patterned compact holds a quartet of bronzy shades and bright tones ideal for illuminating the complexion and sculpting cheekbones. The iridescent harmonies blend seamlessly to create a multi-dimensional effect, while complementary light and dark shades provide subtle highlighting and define the natural contours of the face.

    I love all my Dior summer bronzers from previous years, and this no exception.  This retails for $90 (9.5g) as compared to last year's bronzer (10g, $70+, go figure).  But if you buy this at airport DFS it's $76 each.  
    The bronzer/ blusher duo comes with a velvet pocket pouch and its own kabuki brush - which is very good quality by the way.  They are great to include in your makeup bag should you need to touch up during the day. 


    Here's a closer look:   The embossing is just exquisite. 


    and a swatch of both shades side by side. 
    I think I will try to get my hands on Coral Glow if I have the chance.. 


    As you can see my Dior Bronzers from last summer are very very very well loved.  
    They are that kind of bronzers which is perfect for my light skintone.  The powder is so fine, and very soft.  I would compare these to my Guerlain bronzers and blushes. 


    A comparison of Dior bronzers from the past 3 seasons.  They are all very similar no doubt.  I like they are are not shimmery and yet not entirely matte.  They give my skin the most natural warmth, and I just LOVE LOVE LOVE them. 

    Hope this entry is helpful, and thank you for reading!

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    April 27, 2013

    Dior Summer 2013 Bird of Paradise Collection Vernis Nail Duo Samba & Eye Gloss Bamboo [Photos & Swatches]


    Dior Summer 2013 is hitting upon us, and stocks are streaming in and being snapped up before the testers and displays are up. I was given a few of the products for preview, and I also purchase this set of nail polish because the colors are just so beautiful.  I am missing one of the Jelly Lip Pen (sign of a messy work area) but I hope everything else here will help you in your purchase. 

    The Bird of Paradise collection embraces the vibrancy of nature and translates to versatile, wearable color for summer. Lips are inspired by tropic temperatures, while eyeshadow palettes feature a spectrum of luminous, marine blues, bamboo greens, and subtle accents of soft yellow for dramatic, shimmering lids inspired by the plumage of an exotic bird. A combination of bright pigments and rich textures celebrate summer’s energetic mix.


    I will be featuring the nail polish duo and eye color gloss in this entry.  The blush/ bronzer duo will be featured in the next entry, keep a look out! 

    The nail polish duo is $44 for a set of two 7ml polishes. 
    This is 001 Samba, and the other one they have is 002 Bahia (blue and pink combo, not very unique). 

    This summer, we are going to see a lot of these peacock turquoise shades (hint Chanel summer, where are you?). 


    A size comparison:


    I had slapped on both colors last night while waiting for my movie (IRONMAN 3 - woots woots!) and this morning before taking pictures, I applied a layer of the Dior Gel Topcoat.   It is certainly glossy and shiny, but I don't like the longer dry time (well, anything longer than my Seche Vite is too long for me).  




    And here we have the Eye Color Gloss - the word gloss is a bit of a misnomer here - it looks like a gloss, in terms of the applicator, and it does feel liquidy, but it actually sets quite powdery.  It is not the eye gloss in  terms of the supermodel editorial look of wet eyeshadow gloss, you know what I mean.  

    There are four shades released in this collection - a pale green, a turquoise, a light tan, and a golden brown (not sure about the name and numbering at this point in time). 

    This is 450 Bamboo, a pale mint shade.  It will make for a great eyeshadow base, or if you want a light wash of color on your lids quickly.  



    5-Couleurs Eyeshadow

    Blue Lagoon (347)

    Peacock (434)

    Hope this entry has been helpful, and thank you for looking!

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    April 27, 2013

    Illamasqua Noble, Cameo & Force [Photos & Swatches]


    Here's Part 2 of my Illamasqua polishes swatches - all the blues and purples - 90% of my illamasqua polishes have excellent formula, I don't think there's any one which I own that isn't creamy and pigmented, unless they are meant to be shimmery sheer topcoats or jelly formula. 

    Do note that my Canon camera is totally blinded by these vibrant shades, and after Cameo, I had to use my iphone5 for a more true to life color results. 

    All swatches here are shown with 2 coats, no top coat, no base coat. 

    Here we have Cameo (which together with Noble, used to be Sephora exclusive until they are recently available at the Illamasqua website).  This is a cornflower blue, which isn't too 'stark' it is very opaque with a soft finish, if you know what I mean.  No staining. 


    a truer color payoff of Cameo in this angle.  


    Next is Force - a brilliant shade of deep purple+navy or blurple as some nailpolish bloggers say (I can't decide) with just the faintest hint of a muted grey tone.  In pictures it is showing very purple, and no grey at all. Quite hard to get a good shot.  The formula is excellent, a one coater, though I applied two here to show the finish. 
    This didn't stain my nails after removal.  


    Lastly, we have Noble - which is a bright cyan blue which seems to pop out from the photo below, right? 
    Love the formula and consistency, and how bright it looks (best on short nails) but it stains like mad upon removal. 

    That's all for now, and thanks for looking!