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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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    September 21, 2012

    Comparison of Chanel & Dior Taupe Brown Vernis

    Hi hi!

    Just a quick comparison and overview of my Chanel & Dior taupe brown nail polish.  I have accumulate a bunch of these in my stash for the past couple of years from various collections, and so I will quickly show you them side by side.

    First off, these I often find these colors very easy to wear, they might look boring to some people, but I personally think that they are more 'classic' than the typical reds and pinks.  They (like the nudes) don't clash with your outfit, and don't take unnecessary attention away from your accessories and outfit. Whenever I wear a taupe brown (browny nude/ beige) you know, the more tanned nudes, I always get compliments and questions on what shade I am wearing.  OPIs and Essies have several dupes too...but that's another story altogether. 

    The shades featured in this entry, and their availability

    1. Chanel Particuliere - Permanent

    2. Dior Trench - current season, Dior Nudeskin launch

    3. Chanel Khaki Rose - Chanel's FNO special collection from 2 years aho

    4. Dior Dune - Current season, Dior Nudeskin launch

    5. Dior Bengale - current season, from Dior Golden Jungle collection 

    6. Chanel Khaki Brun - same as Khaki Rose

    Formula on all these is fantastic, I have showed them with 2 even coats, no topcoat, and pictures are taken when the polish is semi-wet, which explains the ultra high shine. 

    First set of comparisons - the lighter browns, in particular Dior Trench and Chanel Khaki Rose.

    I had first thought that Trench and Particuliere would be a total dupe of each other.. but Trench is slightly paler.  Khaki Rose is warmer in tone.  Dior Grege (not featured) is way paler, so I didn't include in this entry.  Dior Dune is the darkest among all I am comparing.

    another angle to show you the nuances of each shade

    Just Khaki Rose & Trench.

    Second set with the darker taupe browns.   Khaki Brun contains some olive green tones, Dior Bengale is browner than Dune which looks more cool toned, even a bit of purpley undertone in shown in the pictures.  

    I think they are all different, but of course, I would consider them to be in the same family, and if you have a favourite, you defintely don't need to own all of them. 

    a last group shot!

    I hope you find this helpful....and thanks for reading!

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    September 21, 2012

    Comparison of Chanel & Dior Taupe Brown Vernis

    Hi hi!

    Just a quick comparison and overview of my Chanel & Dior taupe brown nail polish.  I have accumulate a bunch of these in my stash for the past couple of years from various collections, and so I will quickly show you them side by side.

    First off, these I often find these colors very easy to wear, they might look boring to some people, but I personally think that they are more 'classic' than the typical reds and pinks.  They (like the nudes) don't clash with your outfit, and don't take unnecessary attention away from your accessories and outfit. Whenever I wear a taupe brown (browny nude/ beige) you know, the more tanned nudes, I always get compliments and questions on what shade I am wearing.  OPIs and Essies have several dupes too...but that's another story altogether. 

    The shades featured in this entry, and their availability

    1. Chanel Particuliere - Permanent

    2. Dior Trench - current season, Dior Nudeskin launch

    3. Chanel Khaki Rose - Chanel's FNO special collection from 2 years aho

    4. Dior Dune - Current season, Dior Nudeskin launch

    5. Dior Bengale - current season, from Dior Golden Jungle collection 

    6. Chanel Khaki Brun - same as Khaki Rose

    Formula on all these is fantastic, I have showed them with 2 even coats, no topcoat, and pictures are taken when the polish is semi-wet, which explains the ultra high shine. 

    First set of comparisons - the lighter browns, in particular Dior Trench and Chanel Khaki Rose.

    I had first thought that Trench and Particuliere would be a total dupe of each other.. but Trench is slightly paler.  Khaki Rose is warmer in tone.  Dior Grege (not featured) is way paler, so I didn't include in this entry.  Dior Dune is the darkest among all I am comparing.

    another angle to show you the nuances of each shade

    Just Khaki Rose & Trench.

    Second set with the darker taupe browns.   Khaki Brun contains some olive green tones, Dior Bengale is browner than Dune which looks more cool toned, even a bit of purpley undertone in shown in the pictures.  

    I think they are all different, but of course, I would consider them to be in the same family, and if you have a favourite, you defintely don't need to own all of them. 

    a last group shot!

    I hope you find this helpful....and thanks for reading!

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    August 05, 2012

    Chanel Fall 2012 Vernis: Frenzy, Vertigo & Suspicious [Photos & Swatches]

    Hi!

    This entry will feature all the Chanel Fall 2012 vernis, I bought all 3 of them - the colors were too yummy to pass up.  There is Frenzy - nude grey, Suspicious - bright pop of deep reddish pink and Vertigo - dark sooty purpley brown.  I won't be doing any comparison swatches in this entry, but I have paired each shade with the Chanel Mat Velvet topcoat for some variety. 

    Firstly, we have Frenzy - you are looking at 3 even coats for full creamy opaqcity. 

    This is natural glossiness, without any topcoat. 

    with matte topcoat

    I love the muted matte look.  

    Vertigo, with topcoat

    2 even coats for full color payoff. 

    The shimmer and sheen in this is very subtle, so it looks almost just like a purpley black brown shade. 

    I am thinking it looks like a darker version of Paradoxal (I should have painted Paradoxal next to Vertigo...but oh well).

    without topcoat

    Vertigo - matte

    Suspicious is really a deep reddish fuschia, but it is looking a little warmer (more red) in my pictures

    You can get away with one coat if you are in a hurry, but I painted 2 even coats. 

    I didn't use a topcoat, but after Seche Vite, it is very glossy and ultra smooth. 

    and with the matte topcoat - looks like of like marzipan. 

    My fave would be Frenzy, followed by Suspicious. 

    Which of these shades have you picked up?

    Hope these swatches have been helpful.  Thanks for looking!

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    August 05, 2012

    Chanel Fall 2012 Vernis: Frenzy, Vertigo & Suspicious [Photos & Swatches]

    Hi!

    This entry will feature all the Chanel Fall 2012 vernis, I bought all 3 of them - the colors were too yummy to pass up.  There is Frenzy - nude grey, Suspicious - bright pop of deep reddish pink and Vertigo - dark sooty purpley brown.  I won't be doing any comparison swatches in this entry, but I have paired each shade with the Chanel Mat Velvet topcoat for some variety. 

    Firstly, we have Frenzy - you are looking at 3 even coats for full creamy opaqcity. 

    This is natural glossiness, without any topcoat. 

    with matte topcoat

    I love the muted matte look.  

    Vertigo, with topcoat

    2 even coats for full color payoff. 

    The shimmer and sheen in this is very subtle, so it looks almost just like a purpley black brown shade. 

    I am thinking it looks like a darker version of Paradoxal (I should have painted Paradoxal next to Vertigo...but oh well).

    without topcoat

    Vertigo - matte

    Suspicious is really a deep reddish fuschia, but it is looking a little warmer (more red) in my pictures

    You can get away with one coat if you are in a hurry, but I painted 2 even coats. 

    I didn't use a topcoat, but after Seche Vite, it is very glossy and ultra smooth. 

    and with the matte topcoat - looks like of like marzipan. 

    My fave would be Frenzy, followed by Suspicious. 

    Which of these shades have you picked up?

    Hope these swatches have been helpful.  Thanks for looking!

    Email |
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    July 21, 2012

    Four Dolce & Gabbana Nail Polishes [Photos & Swatches]

    Finally, I got to swatch these Dolce & Gababana nail polishes.  I got to make my purchase when a friend of a friend was in the US, and got them for us at Saks.   I eyeballed a few shades online, and went for the classic and feminine shades, as opposed to the 'quirky' ones.  I also got my red and nude shades just because I have to. 

    I think each bottle of these works out to about $30 or slightly more.  I really can't remember, since I got them at least a month back, but somehow never got to swatching them. If I have the chance, I would want to buy a couple more.  The formula is smooth, but I can't say that they are the creamiest nor the most pigmented - at least for these shades that I picked. 

    Red - which is as the name states so blatantly, is a true classic sexy red, much like NARS Jungle Red

    Nude - which is a soft slightly pinkish nude, I love this particular shade, and it looks like it really blends in with my skintone

    Cosmopolitan - which is a soft coral shade, a slightly jelly kind of finish, very girly

    Fuschia - the name doesn't match the shade.  It is sheer, and works better as a layering shade, and I have shown here it on top of Cosmopolitan.  It contains sliver bits, and the base has a metallic sheen with very very fine fuschia shimmer. Overall, quite pearlescent.  However, the brush on this is wonky.. :( 

    The nailpolish is made in France, and contains 11ml of product.  The bottle itself is really heavy, and feels really luxe. Kind of like the YSL nail polish.

    There is an inner cap, just most nailpolish with a square bottle. 

    Swatches!

    NUDE

    COSMOPOLITAN

    as I am typing this now, it occured to me, that the color cosmopolitan probably is a reference to the infamous cocktail from SATC

    case in point, see this pic

    and then my nails

    same, no?

    Fuschia over Cosmopolitan

    makes my skin look tanned

    a better shot of the shimmer in this shade

    and lastly, RED

     

    I hope you find these swatches helpful.  Thanks for reading!

    Happy Weekend! 

     

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    July 09, 2012

    Nails Story: Revlon Colorstay Nailpolish Red Carpet & Bare Bones [Photos & Comparisons]

    Hihi, 

    I think sometime last week, the Revlon Colorstay nailpolishes came out in Singapore... and we got a range of maybe 10 colors.  There are more in the US release of course... nothing very very unique in terms of color range, and I just picked 2 classic shades whenever I try out a new range of nail polish - the red, and the nude.   These retail for $13.90 each, which isn't the very cheapest, considering that you can get OPI and China Glaze, and even my fave Essies at under $12, and sometimes under $10. 

    These polishes are touted to have 11 days of wear and a gel like finish.  While I cannot attest to the longevity of these polishes (because, frankly, who wants to wear the same color for more than 10 days?).  In my swatches, I do find them very glossy indeed, even before the topcoat.  However, I would still wear a topcoat anyway, for the quick-drying factor. 

    Both colors are opaque in two coats, even though the red shade look a tad jelly-ish in the bottle.   What I do like, is the brush of these polishes.  They have a slight rounded tip, and the brush is also quite flat.  It is not too big (i find the OPI ones too big for my liking at times), and it's very smooth and easy to paint.  If only we have more shades in this range, that would be even better.

    120 Red Carpet is a classic red that leans slightly cool-toned.

    300 Bare Bones is a nude that leans slighty grey-ish.  No pink hues in this at all.

    300 Bare Bones

    Some comparisons

    OPI Did you ear about Van Gogh is an exact dupe (well, 99% I guess)...if you have this, skip Bare Bones.  Formula on both are similar. 

    very very similar to Essie Sand Tropez too. 

    Zoya Shay is beige-r. 

    120 Red Carpet

    grabbed this pic off my Instagram, cos I forgot to take a pic of it with my camera...duh

    it is looking very very bright here in the pictures....almost blinding my lens

    but in real life, it is slightly muted, and is cool-toned bright red, especially when compared to some other reds later

    some comparisons

    this pic shows the actual colors in the bottle...but all got washed out and looked the same when I swatched on my fingernails

    Sparitual Red is slightly orangey compared to the rest, 

    Butter London Come to Bed Red (to be featured in a later entry) is a true red, quite neutral

    and Chanel Pirate is slightly deeper in tone

    though they all look the same here

    it's not like anyone would be able to tell the difference, if you were to tell them, there are four different colors here

    but for comparison's sake, here we go. :)

    Do check out the range, I think some of the blacken glittery green ones (I think?) are quite pretty, there is a bright cheery orange too, and a couple of pinks that look quite cute too. 

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

    Email |
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    July 09, 2012

    Nails Story: Revlon Colorstay Nailpolish Red Carpet & Bare Bones [Photos & Comparisons]

    Hihi, 

    I think sometime last week, the Revlon Colorstay nailpolishes came out in Singapore... and we got a range of maybe 10 colors.  There are more in the US release of course... nothing very very unique in terms of color range, and I just picked 2 classic shades whenever I try out a new range of nail polish - the red, and the nude.   These retail for $13.90 each, which isn't the very cheapest, considering that you can get OPI and China Glaze, and even my fave Essies at under $12, and sometimes under $10. 

    These polishes are touted to have 11 days of wear and a gel like finish.  While I cannot attest to the longevity of these polishes (because, frankly, who wants to wear the same color for more than 10 days?).  In my swatches, I do find them very glossy indeed, even before the topcoat.  However, I would still wear a topcoat anyway, for the quick-drying factor. 

    Both colors are opaque in two coats, even though the red shade look a tad jelly-ish in the bottle.   What I do like, is the brush of these polishes.  They have a slight rounded tip, and the brush is also quite flat.  It is not too big (i find the OPI ones too big for my liking at times), and it's very smooth and easy to paint.  If only we have more shades in this range, that would be even better.

    120 Red Carpet is a classic red that leans slightly cool-toned.

    300 Bare Bones is a nude that leans slighty grey-ish.  No pink hues in this at all.

    300 Bare Bones

    Some comparisons

    OPI Did you ear about Van Gogh is an exact dupe (well, 99% I guess)...if you have this, skip Bare Bones.  Formula on both are similar. 

    very very similar to Essie Sand Tropez too. 

    Zoya Shay is beige-r. 

    120 Red Carpet

    grabbed this pic off my Instagram, cos I forgot to take a pic of it with my camera...duh

    it is looking very very bright here in the pictures....almost blinding my lens

    but in real life, it is slightly muted, and is cool-toned bright red, especially when compared to some other reds later

    some comparisons

    this pic shows the actual colors in the bottle...but all got washed out and looked the same when I swatched on my fingernails

    Sparitual Red is slightly orangey compared to the rest, 

    Butter London Come to Bed Red (to be featured in a later entry) is a true red, quite neutral

    and Chanel Pirate is slightly deeper in tone

    though they all look the same here

    it's not like anyone would be able to tell the difference, if you were to tell them, there are four different colors here

    but for comparison's sake, here we go. :)

    Do check out the range, I think some of the blacken glittery green ones (I think?) are quite pretty, there is a bright cheery orange too, and a couple of pinks that look quite cute too. 

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

    Email |
    |
    August 31, 2011

    Nails Story: MECCA Cosmetica Colors

    Hi hi,

    This entry shall feature two nail polishes from MECCA Cosmetica, which the lovely Joey helped me to get when she was in Australia recently.  She showed me these two colors before, and I am really quite impressed with their texture/ formula - think Rescue Beauty Lounge consistency.  Creamy, smooth, and not streaky.  They cost about S$28 each.

    I got two colors,

    Cressdia - which is a purple-ish brownish color, think along  the lines of Metro Chic etc...which is a color I find myself often gravitating to.

    and Maria - which is a rather cool toned skin nude color, something like OPI Tickle My France-y, or RBL Grunge - again, I can never have enough of nude nail polish!

    Really loving these two very feminine and classic shades, and much thanks to Joey for helping me with the purchase.  She also got me a lovely gift, which I will feature in an upcoming LOTD.

    Joey also posted stunning pictures and swatches of the Beauty Midnight series, CLICK HERE to check out, and I think it is so easy to fall in love with these nail polishes and wanting to try out more colors next time. :)

    This is how the box packaging looks like:

    And the names of the colors:

    Swatches:

     

    Definitely going to check these out when I have the chance to in person!

     

    Thanks for looking. :)

     

    Happy holidays, everyone!

     

    Email |
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    August 31, 2011

    Nails Story: MECCA Cosmetica Colors

    Hi hi,

    This entry shall feature two nail polishes from MECCA Cosmetica, which the lovely Joey helped me to get when she was in Australia recently.  She showed me these two colors before, and I am really quite impressed with their texture/ formula - think Rescue Beauty Lounge consistency.  Creamy, smooth, and not streaky.  They cost about S$28 each.

    I got two colors,

    Cressdia - which is a purple-ish brownish color, think along  the lines of Metro Chic etc...which is a color I find myself often gravitating to.

    and Maria - which is a rather cool toned skin nude color, something like OPI Tickle My France-y, or RBL Grunge - again, I can never have enough of nude nail polish!

    Really loving these two very feminine and classic shades, and much thanks to Joey for helping me with the purchase.  She also got me a lovely gift, which I will feature in an upcoming LOTD.

    Joey also posted stunning pictures and swatches of the Beauty Midnight series, CLICK HERE to check out, and I think it is so easy to fall in love with these nail polishes and wanting to try out more colors next time. :)

    This is how the box packaging looks like:

    And the names of the colors:

    Swatches:

     

    Definitely going to check these out when I have the chance to in person!

     

    Thanks for looking. :)

     

    Happy holidays, everyone!

     

    Email |
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    June 25, 2010

    Nails Story: Color Club Front Row Diva & High Society Swatches & Comparisons

    Front Row Diva is a nude-mauvey color with subtle shimmer. The formula is very nice and creamy, you only need 2 coats for opaque non streaky color.

    I am comparing it to other similar shades in my stash, but they are not dupes after I tried out the colors.  Front Row Diva is a lot lighter and more pigmented, creamier, almost.

    I thought that High Society would be one of the many greige colors which I already have (YDKJ, Metro Chic, etc etc) but it is lighter, and more along the lines of Essie's Chinchilly, except that High Society has more brown, Chinchilly is more grey.

    That's all, nothing much here, but hopefully it is useful for those who like these paley light colors that fall in between greys, browns, nudes and taupes.

    Thanks for looking!