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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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    April 10, 2012

    Benefit PowderFlage Concealer

    Hi!

    I ordered Benefit PowderFlage powder concealer directly from the benefit website sometime back through my friend, and I have been using it almost everyday for the past 3 weeks.  To be honest, it is not something which I would immediately think of using, because it is quite an extra step in my routine.  But I must say, I have been enjoying it each time I used it under my eyes.  The effects are not very tangible, because it is just a very light weightless powder which you use just for under the eyes to set any product you have there.

    I don't use the tiny fan brush that comes with the powder, but rather my own fluffy eyeshadow brush.

    I usually use this powder after I have blended some concealer type of product under my eyes - normally a pale highlighting type of cream product.  I find that this powder is so fine and light, it doesn't settle into any lines, and gives a very very subtle lifting highlight effect.  It blends into my relatively light skintone quite well, so I didn't notice any ashy "white patches" under my eyes.  I used this even when I am using a powder compact foundation as I don't apply foundation directly under my eyes in case of any cake-y-ness.

    I would recommend this product to those who likes to brighten their undereye area..though I think that if you are already using some kind of ultra-fine loose powder, you probably won't need to run out to go and buy this.  I am a little curious to see how this compares to Bare Minerals' Well-Rested - which is another powder concealer for undereye area too (except it seems to be a more warm toned powder).

    product description:

    Virtually weightless diffusing powder concealer camouflages fine lines and dark circles. It's fast, easy, lite and breezy! Since it does not absorb water it not only camouflages, but is a famous setting powder for the under eyes or face. Wear alone or apply over cream concealer to help it last longer. Accompanying "flager" brush applies exactly the right amount of silky pink powder. Includes step-by-step lesson.

     

    Photos and swatches:

    eh pink patch on my hand is residue from a earlier lipstick swatch, in case anyone is wondering

    some examples of brushes I use with the PowderFlage

    INGLOT 4SS, 6SS

    MAC 225

    Coastal Scents Deluxe Crease Brush (didn't know I have 3 of them in my stash!)

    Hakuhodo S142 (SOFTEST most LUXE brush to use for under the eyes!)

     

    That's all, and hope this has been helpful.

     

    Thank you for reading.

     

     

     

     

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    December 04, 2011

    LOTD: Cut Crease Olive Green

     

    I think this is the first time I have successfully tried out a 'cut crease' look!

    Cut crease means a very distinct line from your socket line upwards to your crease.  The 'cut' part is usually a lighter, brighter color, and then the color above the crease would be a darker color.  This is different from the usual gradient, darker color at the lids blended lighter and lighter upwards to the brow brow.

    I have always been reluctant to ever try out this method of doing my eyemakeup because #1 I have rather pouffy monolids, there is not distinct socket line on my eyelids at all #2 I am usually lazy with doing my eyelook and I just slap one main color all over my lids #3 perhaps same as reason #1 I always thought that this cut crease look is better for caucasians or rather people with deep set eyes.

    Until a couple of days back, I saw this fantastic and easy to follow tutorial by RAEview that made me think "hey I think I can try this out" watching a tutorial that is done by someone with rather similar eye structure to myself is so much better, because I know where to 'cut the crease' and how to complete the eyelook.

    She did a neutral cut crease using the NAKED palette, but I tried out a olive green color instead, mainly because I felt like using my UD pencil in Stash to draw the line for the cut crease.

    I shall not go into details of how I did this look, but if you watch her tutorial, that's EXACTLY what  I did.   I didn't use  the tape though.  I got my 'sharp' line at the outer corner by simply dipping a cotton stick in makeup remover and swiped clean the edges.  I also did my foundation AFTER the eyelook is done.

    For me, my double eyelids are rather 'ingrown' -- if you know what I mean... so when I open my eyes, you can't really see the 'cut crease' at all.... but when I blink or look down, you can see the contrasting color.  Overall, this method also gives the illusion that I have bigger eyes (of course, one may argue that my big lashes and big lens also work together to contribute to the big eyes effect -- totally valid!).

    It took me longer than usual to achieve this eyelook, but in the end I am happy with the results --- makes my eyes look more animated for some reason, and I didn't have problems getting both sides equal.

    All products used will be listed:

    Foundation: Illamasqua Skin Base No4, Chanel Translucent Loose Powder

    Cheeks: Shiseido Powder Bronzer No2, Illamasqua Powder Blush Lover

    Lips: Illamasqua lipstick in Sonnet

    Eyes: Etude House eyeshadow primer, Benefit high brow pencil as base for the 'white' lid space followed by MAC Solar White eyeshadow.  Cut Crease line drawn with Urban Decay Stash pencil.  Matching olive green eyeshadow on the crease MAC Mink & Sable, and a bit of MAC Carbon to darken the outer corners.  Brow bone highlight MAC Vanilla and Dazzlelight eyeshadows.

    Liners: Bobbi Brown black caviar ink gel liner, Urban Decay Stash to line lower lids

    Lashes: Benefit Pin Up lashes, and Lancome Virtuose Precious Cells mascara on lower lashes

     

    That's all, hope this has been helpful, and thanks for looking!

     

     

     

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    December 04, 2011

    Benefit Pin-Up Lash [Photos & Comparisons]

    Shall start off with a quick haul entry on a couple of Benefit false lashes which I purchased from the Benefit US website during their Friends & Family sale (meaning there's a 20% discount).  I can't remember which YT video I saw in which I learn that Benefit started selling false lashes, and after a check at the website, I decided on the Pin Up lashes, which look quite full and fluttery.   There are about 8 - 10 lash designs, mostly rather dramatic ones though.

    Each pair retails for USD15 at regular price.   And both pairs I have purchased are the same design.

    Special thanks to Jerlaine who placed the combined order for everyone so we could all enjoy the free international shipping.

     

    I am not too sure if our own Benefit counters have started carrying these false lashes yet.  Somehow I seldom venture to our own Benefit counters, and all my Benefit items are purchased directly from the US website because it is much cheaper there.

     

    These lashes are very full at the base, and have layers of longer lashes.  The hairs of these lashes ae also a dark brown color... if all these don't sound familiar yet.... let me show you some comparisons with my Shu Uemura lashes... I have found a 99% dupe for this pair of pin up lashes!

    I won't suggest these lashes if you have just started wearing falsies, because they are rather stiff and hard to apply, and the dramatic fullness of these lashes take some getting used to.  But they are the most fluttery and soft looking lashes that immediately make your eyes look super big (and the brown hairs doesn't make the lashes look too stark and harsh).

    The similarities:

    Packaging - both some in clear sliding casing with the same lash try.

    Both are made in Indonesia

    Both lashes are the same color and design

     

    Photos & comparisons below:

    '

    Here's how the lashes look like

    Click HERE to see more lash designs at benefitcosmetics.com

     

     

    That's all, and thanks for looking!

     

     

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    August 28, 2011

    LOTD: Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Color in Patina

    Hi!

    This look features one of the four Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Colors that I have - Patina - which is a mossy green shade.  I really like how this product is so buildable, and has intense color payoff.  I don't set it with any other eyeshadow, though I do recommend using an eyeshadow base underneath.  As I have mentioned in previous entries, this cream color lasts without any fading nor creasing throughout the whole day.

    All products used are listed and links are also included if you want to see any close-ups:

    Foundation: ettusais BB mineral cream, illamasqua skinbase, La Mer Powder

    Concealer: Shu Uemura Pro Gel Cealer

    Cheeks: Bourjois bronzer , Benefit Bella Bimba

    Lips: Tom Ford Blush Nude

    Eyes: Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Color Patina, Stila Smudgepot in Golden Noir [liner], MAC Cork & Omega on the crease, MAC Brule on browbone, Anna Sui Perfect Mascara on lower lashes

    * false lashes used here are 2 pairs of lashes which I layered together, got them from Amy who bought them in TW recently.  Liking the layered and volume effect, yet still "natural"

     

    More pictures below:

     

     

     

     

     

     

    *forehead is quite zitty at the moment.  Sigh!

    * large aviator shades come in handy when it's always so hot and sunny, and great to wear when you are people watching at Starbucks.  :)

     

    Thanks for looking!

     

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    January 29, 2011

    Benefit's Bella Bamba

    Excuse me while I chuckle each time I have to say or type Bella Bamba.  I mean, seriously, that's the funniest thing I have heard.  Someone asks you what blush you are wearing it always has to be some awkward name. "Orgasm", "Deep throat", "Bella Bamba" try saying Bella Bamba 5 times.  You end up with Bimba, Bomba, Bimbo etc etc LOL soooo funny!  I ain't no prude, but why can't blushes be named something more sensible, like Sugarbomb, or Coralista, or even My Highland Honey?

    Nonetheless, I want to get this Bella Bamba.  We all ordered one each online at the benefit US site, it works to barely S$38!  And this retails for S$55 at our retail counters!  In general, I quite like Benefit boxed powders, I think they have nice finish and colors, and very buildable.

    My other Benefit boxed powders:

     

    BB is described as the triple dimension of pink, brightening, sculpting and defining.  Sweep on the apples of your cheeks and dot at the hairline for a total thrill of dimensional colour.

    Is it like NARS Orgasm? I have some comparisons below!  Keep reading!

    By the way, BB comes with its own mirror, and contains 8g of product, compared to the rest, which are ard 12g.  And SAME PRICE!  What gives??!

    Some swatches - BB might be closer to Deep Throat, which I don't have now with me to compare.
    Did I mention that Bella Bamba (LOL) smells lovely too?
    Thanks for looking!
    Filed in: Benefit, haul, blush, bella bamba | Tagged with: benefit, haul, Blush, bella bamba
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    March 26, 2010

    LOTD: Bullet - Proof Eyes

    Hi!

    This is just an eyelook featuring the MUA Bullet eyeshadow which I purchased at my red house, click HERE for the blog/ haul entry.

    Bullet is a silver eyeshadow.  It is super creamy, and chrome in its appearance.  I was impressed by how 'dense' it is, and during the application process for this look, there was super minimal fallout.  There was no glitter bits all over the face, and everything was so neat and clean.  I applied this eyeshadow using a Benefit shadow/liner brush, and used a packing on motion to apply the color.

    Here is what I wore on the rest of the face:

    Foundation: RMK Base, Dior Extreme Fit Liquid Foundation (applied with fingers) , CoverGirl oil control pressed powder (applied with kabuki brush)

    Cheeks: MAC Solar RIche for a little contour, Benefit Sugarbomb

    Brows: Shu Uemura Pencil & Maquillage Brow Wax in Natural Brown

    Liners: MAC Black Russian and Loreal Carbon Black Superliner

    Lashes: Cosmos No43, combined with half lashes from Shu Uemura

    Eyeshadows: I didn't use any base.  Main color - Bullet, Inner Corner - MAC Lark About pigment, Outer Corner - Mac Club e/s, Highlight - MAC Seedy Pearl e/s

    Lips: The Pale Nude lip (MAC Naked Pencil & ELF Natural Nymph), The Pink Shiny lip (Illamasqua Intense Gloss in Move, and MAC Funtabulous dazzleglass)

    I know the false lashes look like they are falling off.


     

    Hmmm that's all, let me know what you think of this look?  Leave your comments below and thanks for reading!  :)

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    February 20, 2010

    LOTD: Benefit Sugarbomb

    Hi!

    So this afternoon Kas (cocomotion) and I went to the Benefit Sugarbomb launch at Takashimaya... we didn't take any pictures at the Benefit counter... still, we swatched products like crazy anyway.  :p

    Also at the launch were a few of the other onsugarettes, like Fatin, Eka , xhilzahx (sorry I didn't catch your name!) and Iris from rougedeluxe ...

    There was a makeup demo...but other than that, nothing too impressive...so Kas and I went off to Sephora, and tried out a few other stuff.  :)

    On my face:

    The foundation routine (Click here for details & demo)

    Eyes:  This is my fave ever eyeshadow combo.  It's that pixiwoo 'defined bronze' look.

    (MAC eyeshadows: Mylar, Patina, Smut, MAC eyeliners: Black Russian on upper lids, Powersurge on lower lids)

    Brows: Shu Uemura pencil, and I used MAC Mink brow set to brush the hairs.

    Cosmo Lashes No 43

    Cheeks: Benefit Sugarbomb (which gives a pretty nice sheen, nothing too in your face)

    Lips: YSL RV No19

    Anyway, here is a lemming alert:  The Chanel Quad, in Mystic Eyes.  Here is a picture I found online.  I was swatching it at Takashimaya... and the texture is very creamy and pigmented, and all 4 colors are super wearable and go perfectly together.  The downside, it costs S$83.

    Thanks for reading!

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    January 26, 2010

    January Favourites and Ramble!!

    Hi hi!

    I know it might be a little premature to do a monthly fave entry now... but I have been quite excited to do this month's favourite products, because the featured products are becoming serious regular items in my MU routine.  I have a range of neutrals, to dramatic colors, nail polish, hair care etc etc...so bear with me while I ramble on!

    Shower stuff:

    Burt's Bees - Pomegranate & Soy Very Voluminising Shampoo--- I really like this voluminising shampoo.  It smells great, and I like how 'clean' it makes my hair feel.  I don't use this everyday though, just 3 - 4 times a week (cos I wash my hair daily, and this really leaves a 'stripping' clean effect).

    LUSH Rockstar Soap   *not pictured, cos it's gone!

    Neutrogena Deep Clean Foaming Cleanser

    Nail polish:

    MAC Light Affair, OPI Suede colors (You Don't Know Jacques, Suzy Ski in the Pyreness)

    These colors are those which I will apply anytime, esp the Suede ones, cos they dry super fast, and I like the 'gllitter' sheen to them.  My sister also tried using a topcoat over You Don't Know Jacques Suede and it looks just like MAC's Tempting eyeshadow.  :)

    Makeup:

    La Mer Powder - I think I have raved enough of this.... hands down, my HG face powder.  From the large tub, to the silky puff, everything, actually, I love love love.  I also put my name on the waiting list (it's constantly OOS apparently) for a No2 shade, cos I want to try it out too.  The current one I am using is No1.

    My GF loves it so much, she bought the powder and RMK base for herself too!  :)

    RMK Creamy Polished Base

    MAC Sculpt and Shape powder (I use the lighter shade to set my benefit high brow pencil, and the darker shade to blend eyeshadow colors, all using a MAC 224 brush)

    Blushers - MAC Azalea, Benefit Sugarbomb, NARS Mata Hari

    Eyeshadows - MAC Patina *not pictured cos in the whole palette, Benefit Fawn over Me, NARS Nepal

    Brows - Benefit Speed Brow

    Lips - Chanel's Rouge Allure Lacque in Dragon (worth every penny), MAC Creme Cup lipstick

    Favourite Youtube Tutorial:

    Pixiwoo's  Bronzed Defined eye makeup  CLICK here to watch.

    Favourite Random thingies:

    Just hanging out with the girlssss!!!!

    Sister and I

    Cousin (I think she is the same age as Sara or 1 year younger), sister and I

    GF and I

    And that outing!! This picture I 'grabbed' from Diana's FB album!  It was sooo sooo FUN!!

    And lastly, random girl crush moment.... I am not a huge fan of Blake Lively, other than the show Gossip Girls.. but I lurve the styling of this picture!!  I like her slightly manly looking face, the way she combs her hair, her arched brow, that sexy red lips, the torn singlet which reveals the sexy lace bra, her toned legs which are not stick thin  *SWOON*

    What are your January Faves??


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    January 13, 2010

    LOTD: Benefit Rave & Ramble

    HI!  Just want to share my thoughts and ramble a bit about the Benefit products which I bought, and they arrived earlier this week.

    I have been using them everyday since...and the look I am doing is really easy and based loosely on this pixiwoo tutorial - not that you NEED to watch a tutorial to achieve this look, but I find that watching these videos make me look through my stash, and make use of stuff which I already own.. for example, my MAC Powersurge pencil, or a certain blusher, or eyeshadow.

    Anyway these are the featured products in today's LOTD.

    This is a swatch of Fawn Over Me eyeshadow. The texture is very soft and creamy, and so smooth when applying and blending.  This color is along the same lines of MAC eyeshadows like Patina, Style Snob, All That Glitters.  It is a light neutral/ warm brown with a pink sheen... very suitable for all over the lids, as I will demostrate later on.

    And this is a swatch of the high Brow pencil.  It is a pale pink pencil designed to highlight your brow bone.  I got this as a promo freebie item... which is nice, or else, I won't get a chance to try it out, as I have never considered using a pencil to do my highlight.  It blends very smoothly as the swatches below show.. and I am liking this to highlight my browbone.  I just use my fingers to blend out, and then use a 224 brush to blend it with the eyeshadow color on the lids.

    And this is what you should get.  I also used MAC's Powersurge pencil on the lower waterline.  And yes, I know my false lashes are very spiky and dramatic for this simple look...  :)

    I much prefer this speed Brow gel than my Sephora brow gel... for a few reasons. Firstly, the brush is smaller, giving you more control in application.  It is also slightly translucent, and the color doesn't contain shimmer, so you get a very natural effect.. as shown below.

    This is the finished look.  I used Sugarbomb blusher on the apples of my cheeks.  The swatches didn't show up in my pictures, so I didn't bother uploading them.  But it gives my cheeks a nice cute glow. And I lurve the scent!  I applied the blush using my MAC 116 brush.  I also like how Benefit blushers aren't exactly pigmented, because I can be heavy handed with the application, and pile it on without worrying about looking like a clown.

    On the lips, I used Revlon's Pink Pout matte lipstick.

    That's all, and thanks for reading!

     

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    January 11, 2010

    Unboxing: Major Benefit Haul

    Hi everyone, this is a haul entry of products which I ordered from benefit cosmetics. Seriously, I don't even know why we should purchase Benefit products at our local counters, because the stuff are over priced!!

    I ordered direct from the US site, which offers FREE international shipping after a certain amount - I think at that time I ordered it was US$85 and above for free intl shipping.  I admit it was a moment of weakness, early in the morning, and I was kind of groggy, and surfing the net, and the next time I know... I ordered this whole bunch of stuff.

    Besides the free shipping, there was also a few promo codes which I enjoyed with this order.  One is the sugarbomb code, another is the freebie of the day code, etc etc... and they also threw in a few samples and extra freebies... So many good deals.... Before this, the only benefit products which I own are the You Rebel Lite and the box powder Thrrrroooob.

    With all the explanations out of the way, let's get on to check out what we have here.  I am super impressed by the ultra cute packaging....

    This is what I found when I opened the box.  The freebies and samples are right on top.

    Sample size Dr Feel Good (complexion balm), sample size Erase Paste, and FREE full size eyeshadow Soft Shoulder (a warm neutral brown) I didn't even know they were giving this... totally unexpected.

    Major item I ordered:  GIRLS NIGHT IN kit (US$90 value, now at US$48) containing the following:

    Cream Shadow in Birthday Suit & Skinny Jeans

    Full Finish Lipstick in Lady's Choice

    The Talent brush (shadow/ liner brush)

    A set of magnets SUPER CUTE!!

    They all come in the cute makeup bag!  Woot!

    I mostly likely will sell the Skinny Jeans, as I already own it.

    Next, we have some brow stuff.

    High Brow (this is the freebie of the day when I ordered it)

    Speed Brow quick set brow gel (if you have seen the S$ for this, it is totally ridiculous!)

    Lastly, my fave items...

    Eyeshadow in the shade Fawn Over Me (a nice all over the lids color, which the pixiwoo (sam) mentioned in her video)

    The latest box powder, in Sugarbomb.  It contains 4 sections of color, as you can see in the picture - thought the flash is a little overpowering.  It has a nice scent like all the box powders.

    I am not swatching any of these yet, mainly cos I need to get back to work, and I am kind of yucky after my jog and don't want to stick my fingers in these new babies.  Will update over the weekend~

    I highly recommend checking out the benefit cosmetics website, they always have great deals on shipping and promo... share with your friends and all... and enjoy more savings than buying them at the local counters.

    Thanks for reading!

    *I paid for everything with my money, yo'all  -- just sharing the good deals*

    Filed in: makeup, Benefit, haul | Tagged with: makeup, benefit, haul