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

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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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    Email |
    |
    August 07, 2010

    New Foundation Routine (with New Primer & Shu Uemura Nobura Foundation)

    Hi hi,

    This is a new updated foundation routine.  I just like to share new foundations which I am enjoying, but it doesn't mean that I have abandoned nor dislike my previous routines --- I still like them all and I still stand by all my foundation recommendations.  (Cases in point:  the EL Double Wear, Nars & mufe super matte power, Maquillage long lasting stick....)  As you know I am really into trying out foundations, and new bases, so any combination which I discovered, I would like to share with everyone, so we have more choices, and find out what works.

    I bought this foundation way back in September last year, and have reviewed it before, click HERE if you are interested for more information.

    Why I like this particular foundation combination is because:

    1. It is long lasting.

    2. Gives flawless, 'clean' finish.

    3. Great oil control, semi matte finish.

    4. Easy to use.

    5. Medium to full coverage.

    The products which I will be using are:

    Nothing is  new here, except  the new makeup base.  I bought it last year when I was in Japan, but I never got to open it cos I was rotating many other primers.  When I ran out of my SANA pore putty, I decided to use this instead.

    Here is a closer look at the primer:

    I used a little bit of the base, rubbed it between my hands, and then spread it all over my face evenly.  It feels smooth, and dries slightly powdery --- which could be due to the spf content.  It also lends a slight white-ish tinge to my face, which might make it unsuitable if you have very dark skin tone.  On my skin tone, it isn't  that harsh or obvious.

    Then I spray the MAC Fix+ liberally all over my face.  Unlike  most people who like to use this as a setting spray, I find that it just makes my finished makeup look all messy.  I prefer to use the Fix+ as a blending/ mixing agent.  And the Shu Uemura nobura cream foundation is an 'old friend', I have neglected it for a long long time, til I was chatting with Kas the other day about Shu foundations, and I decided to use it again.  Also, I was running out of my Maquillage, and wanted to use another cream foundation.

    Do take note, this Nobura Cream foundation is different from the Maquillage stick foundation.  While the latter is very smooth and glides onto your skin, looking flawless and smooth immediately, the Nobura is creamier, and needs to be set before achieving the same flawless finish.  My Nobura shade is 974. It contains 13g of product for $72.

    I also concealed my under circles and spots with my MUFE concealer palette.

    You do need a little more time to this foundation to set flawlessly.  But it is worth it, because by the time you leave the house, your face will be so nice!  And it stays that way, I have tried and tested the longevity of this foundation this whole week -- which is a good time to try, because the weather is all crazy, and I spent 2 hours yesterday selling Satay... and when I got home, except for some wearing off around the nose (cos I was dabbing away due to perspiration, and oily-ness), the rest of the face was still pretty much the same.

    I think you can see for yourself the effects of the foundation routine in the previous 2 LOTD entries HERE and HERE.

    Yup, so overall, I am glad to re-discover my old foundation, and make more use of my stash!

    I hope this has been helpful to you, and thanks for reading!!

     

     

     

    Email |
    |
    August 07, 2010

    New Foundation Routine (with New Primer & Shu Uemura Nobura Foundation)

    Hi hi,

    This is a new updated foundation routine.  I just like to share new foundations which I am enjoying, but it doesn't mean that I have abandoned nor dislike my previous routines --- I still like them all and I still stand by all my foundation recommendations.  (Cases in point:  the EL Double Wear, Nars & mufe super matte power, Maquillage long lasting stick....)  As you know I am really into trying out foundations, and new bases, so any combination which I discovered, I would like to share with everyone, so we have more choices, and find out what works.

    I bought this foundation way back in September last year, and have reviewed it before, click HERE if you are interested for more information.

    Why I like this particular foundation combination is because:

    1. It is long lasting.

    2. Gives flawless, 'clean' finish.

    3. Great oil control, semi matte finish.

    4. Easy to use.

    5. Medium to full coverage.

    The products which I will be using are:

    Nothing is  new here, except  the new makeup base.  I bought it last year when I was in Japan, but I never got to open it cos I was rotating many other primers.  When I ran out of my SANA pore putty, I decided to use this instead.

    Here is a closer look at the primer:

    I used a little bit of the base, rubbed it between my hands, and then spread it all over my face evenly.  It feels smooth, and dries slightly powdery --- which could be due to the spf content.  It also lends a slight white-ish tinge to my face, which might make it unsuitable if you have very dark skin tone.  On my skin tone, it isn't  that harsh or obvious.

    Then I spray the MAC Fix+ liberally all over my face.  Unlike  most people who like to use this as a setting spray, I find that it just makes my finished makeup look all messy.  I prefer to use the Fix+ as a blending/ mixing agent.  And the Shu Uemura nobura cream foundation is an 'old friend', I have neglected it for a long long time, til I was chatting with Kas the other day about Shu foundations, and I decided to use it again.  Also, I was running out of my Maquillage, and wanted to use another cream foundation.

    Do take note, this Nobura Cream foundation is different from the Maquillage stick foundation.  While the latter is very smooth and glides onto your skin, looking flawless and smooth immediately, the Nobura is creamier, and needs to be set before achieving the same flawless finish.  My Nobura shade is 974. It contains 13g of product for $72.

    I also concealed my under circles and spots with my MUFE concealer palette.

    You do need a little more time to this foundation to set flawlessly.  But it is worth it, because by the time you leave the house, your face will be so nice!  And it stays that way, I have tried and tested the longevity of this foundation this whole week -- which is a good time to try, because the weather is all crazy, and I spent 2 hours yesterday selling Satay... and when I got home, except for some wearing off around the nose (cos I was dabbing away due to perspiration, and oily-ness), the rest of the face was still pretty much the same.

    I think you can see for yourself the effects of the foundation routine in the previous 2 LOTD entries HERE and HERE.

    Yup, so overall, I am glad to re-discover my old foundation, and make more use of my stash!

    I hope this has been helpful to you, and thanks for reading!!

     

     

     

    Email |
    |
    April 08, 2010

    Initial Raves: NARS Sheer Glow & Louise Young Large Foundation Brush

    Hi!

    This shall be an initial rave/ quick review of two items which I got a few days back.  I know it may be too soon to even say anything about either items, but I have been using them ever since I got them.

    The first one is the NARS Sheer Glow foundation, and the second item is the Louise Young Large Foundation brush (LY34).  I am very excited about both items, as I have been lemming for them, thinking about whether to get or not to get for ages... and finally I got them.

    I might eventually follow up with updated entries about my thoughts on both products, but I think I will also show more 'evidence' in my next few LOTDs as time goes by.

    Thoughts on the NARS Sheer Glow Foundation:

    (warning: lots of rambly comparisons to other foundations I am using)

    Matching Shade: My shade is Deauville, which is Light 4.  It is a light neutral tone color, neither too yellow nor pink.  I think you can check out the shades at karla sugar, and also at the NARS website, you can see the shade description.  I am a NC 15-20 in MAC, Estee Lauder 1N2 Ivory Cream 39, Dior 020, MUFE 115-120 etc....

    Texture: On the bottle, it says to shake well, before applying.  I forgot about this on the first day, and noticed different results after I remembered to shake the bottle on subsequent days.  When you pour it out, it feels a little runny (as compared to say, the Estee Lauder DW or MUFE Mat Velvet+ which are thicker, it is more like the consistency of a Dior foundation, not as runny as the Clinique Superfit foundation).   It blends easily into your skin.  I used it with my fingers on the first day, but I think this is one foundation I would rather use with a brush.  And you do get better results with a brush, in my opinion.

    Finish: I don't think it is a SHEER, nor particularly GLOWING foundation.  It has medium coverage (less coverage compared to MUFE Mat Velvet+ and Estee Lauder DW).  If you don't have problems with spots or covering blemishes etc, I think this would be a great foundation for you.  Even for me, I need to cover some spots, but I don't normally bother with concealers (unless on really full on MU days)... after applying the Sheer Glow, my spots show through slightly which doesn't bother me.  I won't say it is matte, and if you are worried about this foundation being glowy or shiny, rest assured it is not like that at all.  After setting with powder, the overall finish is pretty flawless.

    Lasting Powder: The first day of use was pretty much a disaster, I had a tissue over my face most of the day (to cover my cough) and the foundation wore off after 4 - 5 hours.  On subsequent days, I dunno why,maybe cos I shake the bottle, maybe cos I used a brush, but the lasting powder is better, (maybe 6 -7 hours) but it is nothing like the Estee Lauder DW foundation (which supposedly and I think really last for 15 hours).  It also didn't oxidise on me throughout the day.

    The question is, SHOULD EVERYONE GO RUN AND HOP ON THE SPREE FOR SHEER GLOW?

    YES ---- If you know your matching shade, you are always on the lookout for the perfect foundation, you don't mind forking out about $60+ for this foundation.

    NO--- If you already have your HG foundation routine, hesistating about the cost, and not sure your NARS foundation shade.

    Thoughts on the LY34 brush:

    No regrets here!  I love how big the brush is, and how it is dense yet soft.  The large rounded end means you buff in your foundation very quickly for a flawless finish.  I think what makes this brush so amazing is the tips of the hairs.  They are soooooooooooooo fine and soft, and sooooooo dense.  Feels so good to apply your foundation with this brush.  No shedding and the handle is so sturdy and firm to hold. If you don't mind spending $62 for this brush, go ahead!  Anyway some of the bigger MAC brushes (ie 187, 190, etc) are in the same price range, if not more expensive.

    Email |
    |
    April 08, 2010

    Initial Raves: NARS Sheer Glow & Louise Young Large Foundation Brush

    Hi!

    This shall be an initial rave/ quick review of two items which I got a few days back.  I know it may be too soon to even say anything about either items, but I have been using them ever since I got them.

    The first one is the NARS Sheer Glow foundation, and the second item is the Louise Young Large Foundation brush (LY34).  I am very excited about both items, as I have been lemming for them, thinking about whether to get or not to get for ages... and finally I got them.

    I might eventually follow up with updated entries about my thoughts on both products, but I think I will also show more 'evidence' in my next few LOTDs as time goes by.

    Thoughts on the NARS Sheer Glow Foundation:

    (warning: lots of rambly comparisons to other foundations I am using)

    Matching Shade: My shade is Deauville, which is Light 4.  It is a light neutral tone color, neither too yellow nor pink.  I think you can check out the shades at karla sugar, and also at the NARS website, you can see the shade description.  I am a NC 15-20 in MAC, Estee Lauder 1N2 Ivory Cream 39, Dior 020, MUFE 115-120 etc....

    Texture: On the bottle, it says to shake well, before applying.  I forgot about this on the first day, and noticed different results after I remembered to shake the bottle on subsequent days.  When you pour it out, it feels a little runny (as compared to say, the Estee Lauder DW or MUFE Mat Velvet+ which are thicker, it is more like the consistency of a Dior foundation, not as runny as the Clinique Superfit foundation).   It blends easily into your skin.  I used it with my fingers on the first day, but I think this is one foundation I would rather use with a brush.  And you do get better results with a brush, in my opinion.

    Finish: I don't think it is a SHEER, nor particularly GLOWING foundation.  It has medium coverage (less coverage compared to MUFE Mat Velvet+ and Estee Lauder DW).  If you don't have problems with spots or covering blemishes etc, I think this would be a great foundation for you.  Even for me, I need to cover some spots, but I don't normally bother with concealers (unless on really full on MU days)... after applying the Sheer Glow, my spots show through slightly which doesn't bother me.  I won't say it is matte, and if you are worried about this foundation being glowy or shiny, rest assured it is not like that at all.  After setting with powder, the overall finish is pretty flawless.

    Lasting Powder: The first day of use was pretty much a disaster, I had a tissue over my face most of the day (to cover my cough) and the foundation wore off after 4 - 5 hours.  On subsequent days, I dunno why,maybe cos I shake the bottle, maybe cos I used a brush, but the lasting powder is better, (maybe 6 -7 hours) but it is nothing like the Estee Lauder DW foundation (which supposedly and I think really last for 15 hours).  It also didn't oxidise on me throughout the day.

    The question is, SHOULD EVERYONE GO RUN AND HOP ON THE SPREE FOR SHEER GLOW?

    YES ---- If you know your matching shade, you are always on the lookout for the perfect foundation, you don't mind forking out about $60+ for this foundation.

    NO--- If you already have your HG foundation routine, hesistating about the cost, and not sure your NARS foundation shade.

    Thoughts on the LY34 brush:

    No regrets here!  I love how big the brush is, and how it is dense yet soft.  The large rounded end means you buff in your foundation very quickly for a flawless finish.  I think what makes this brush so amazing is the tips of the hairs.  They are soooooooooooooo fine and soft, and sooooooo dense.  Feels so good to apply your foundation with this brush.  No shedding and the handle is so sturdy and firm to hold. If you don't mind spending $62 for this brush, go ahead!  Anyway some of the bigger MAC brushes (ie 187, 190, etc) are in the same price range, if not more expensive.