black on the make-up blogette

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.

May 2013
S	M	T	W	T	F	S
	1	2	3	4
5	6	7	8	9	10	11
12	13	14	15	16	17	18
19	20	21	22	23	24	25
26	27	28	29	30	31

April 2013
S	M	T	W	T	F	S
	1	2	3	4	5	6
7	8	9	10	11	12	13
14	15	16	17	18	19	20
21	22	23	24	25	26	27
28	29	30

March 2013
S	M	T	W	T	F	S
	1	2
3	4	5	6	7	8	9
10	11	12	13	14	15	16
17	18	19	20	21	22	23
24	25	26	27	28	29	30
31

Nails Story: Deborah Lippmann & Lady Gaga "Edge of Glory" Nail Lacquer Set [Photos & Swatches]

When I first saw news of this Deborah Lippmann nail polish duo on Karla Sugar, I knew somehow, I had to get it. Thankfully, the duo is on sale for USD$29 (original price is USD$40). Unfortunately, it is only exclusively available at Barneys.com, which happens to ship to most countries (the shipping fee is quite insane!!!!) . I managed to round up a few girls to purchase this too, so we could share the shipping (stil expensive, but to a level were we can justify the purchase). I was very happy when the package arrived within a week.

This is truly a nail polish collector's item - I love Lady Gaga, and I love Deborah Lippmann, so when they come together in the form of a gorgeous nail polish set, I MUST have it.

The box that the polishes come in is a super cute black box with very cool graphic.

The duo consists of a black creme nail polish, and a holographic flakey topcoat. The flakey topcoat has predominantly red and blue flakes, and somehow they also have a green/ yello sheen. I also spotted a few glitter bits. My pictures do not capture all the complex goodness of these topcoat. I have my whole range of Inglot flakies and a few Essie topcoats, but no dupes at all for this special topcoat.

The black creme nail polish is very smooth, and super black without any purple/ green undertones. 2 even coats gave perfect jet black payoff.

Lots of photos and swatches below:

That's all and thank you for looking!

Posted on January 27, 2012 at 2:45AM | Permalink | 4 Comments

Filed in: Nail Polish, Black, manicure, Lady GaGa, Barneys New York, makeup and beauty, Deborah Lippmann, flakie, hologaphic | Tagged with: nail polish, black, manicure, Barneys New York, lady GaGa, Makeup and Beauty, Deborah Lippmann, hologaphic, flakie

July 02, 2011

Haul: Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Intense #2 Lust Red & #13 Black [Swatches]

Hi hi, this entry features 2 Giorgio Armani eyes to kill intense in the colors Lust Red and Black. I got my gf in HK to help me purchase Lust Red, and I bought Black from Michelle's nordstrom spree some time back. I haven't really got the chance to use them in my eyemakeup yet, so I am just showing swatches. From my past experiences with this product, these are super pigmented, shimmery and long-lasting colours.

I first discovered them during my Hong Kong trip back in March, and since then I have gotten a couple more [probably no thanks to Temptalia's reviews, swatches and also thanks to available sprees which gave me a chance to get more of these eye shadows].

for some past LOTDs click HERE, and HERE and HERE, and HERE

* the next 2 pictures are taken with my new lighting conditions - super amazing, and I did not have to do anything to adjust the colors, and I can also take product pictures anytime, because I normally take blog pictures at my table by the open window in the day time, which can sometimes be rather erratic *

That's all, and thanks for looking!

Posted on July 02, 2011 at 9:24AM | Permalink | 7 Comments

Filed in: haul, GA, giorgio armani eyes to kill intense swatches | Tagged with: black, haul, ga, giorgio armani eyes to kill intense swatches, Lust Red

March 30, 2010

Product Rave: Cover Girl Oil Control Pressed Powder (And New Hair?)

Hi hi!

As I am typing this, my throat is burning like crazzzzzzy......and I can't complete a sentence without coughing 82109839028130 times. Seriously. But I will be going to the doc tomorrow to fix this.

Just feel I should devote a rave entry just for this product, which is the Cover Girl Oil Conrol Pressed Powder. If you noticed my previous LOTD, I have been using this product quite a bit, I also featured it in my March Faves entry.

I know that we don't get Cover Girl products in SG, and I was lucky to get this as part of a swap with Liana.... but well, a rave is a rave, and I shall rave on anyway.

The pressed powder comes with a puff which I don't use, because it will be kept right on top of the powder, and I want to avoid any contamination, and you know how these puffs can kind of become 'oily' and leave a stain on the powder if you store it directly on top of the powder, right? So, anyway, I use my kabuki brush and just dust this all over my face to set my foundation.

Update:

The color I have for the powder is 525 buff beige, it is not a 2-way cake or foundation powder, and I would say the coverage/ texture is translucent, which is suitable for touching up, setting foundation etc etc.

What I like about it:

- gives a smooth matte finish

- as compared to a loose powder, it is much neater

- long lasting finish

- the blue compact is so sleek and cute! and it is not cheap plasticky at all.

What may not be so good?

- I still need to blot as I normally do, which I don't mind, cos as I said many times before, the weather here is just too humid and my working environment is such that I kind of sweat and get oily through the day.

Side note: I realise I use a brush with pressed products to dust them on my face, and a puff with loose products to press them on my face. Any of you with the same habits?

I guess while I like to splurge and indulge in my $120 face powder, there is a certain thrill and satisfaction in finding something really cheap (though in this case, free) product that works awesome.

And another random sidenote:

I colored my hair today, nothing new, in terms of color, which is just black. I have been doing it black for as long as I can remember. My hair has been through stages of dodgy shades of brown/ red etc etc during varsity days, but I think black is the way to go for me now. I sometimes do it at the salon, though I DIY 90% of the time. Black is black is black. However, I noticed that the drugstores stopped selling 'Blue Black' hair dyes. The blackest I can find is "natural black". Why??? My hair stylist is always tsk-tsk at the stark blackness of my hair, and steer away whenever I bring up crazy ideas of streaks/highlights etc (cos it is so abused by black hair dyes no other color can show up), and preferring to suggest colored extensions instead.

I normally keep a few boxes of these black hair dyes at home (usually buying them when I see them on offer), cos whenever I feel like it's time, I will just DIY.

Yup, and so black is the new hair color, again.

That's all... and I have been watching the Telephone video on repeat so many times.. very inspired to re-create a couple of looks from there... and strengthened my resolve to stay on track (at the running track), Lady Gaga seriously rocks. I can ramble on about her... but there is another time and space for that. :)

Posted on March 30, 2010 at 8:06AM | Permalink | 15 Comments

Filed in: Beauty, makeup, hair, color, Black, Cover Girl, product rave | Tagged with: Hair, color, black, Cover Girl, product rave

November 28, 2009

Modern Gothic Look

Would I step out of the house looking like this? Of course not. Frankly, this is not a look for me. But I had fun trying to pile on the colors (or the lack there of, in this case) in this look.

I am trying (very loosely) to recreate the modern gothic look which pixiwoo did to promote/ raise awareness of the Sophie Lancaster foundation.

Products used:

Face: Christian Dior Radiant Base, MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation (NC15), Set with Maybelline Loose Powder in Porcelain (for added paleness)

Cheeks: NARS Laguna and NARS Orgasm

I left my brows bare for this look.

Eyes: MAC Vanilla e/s, MAC Black Tied e/s (which I applied over Stila Gold Noir smudgepot used as a base here). Liners: MAC Black Russian

Lashes: Red Cherry #218, and Shu Uemura Cobweb, and also YSL Faux Cils

Lips: I used Studio Sculpt concealer to erase the lips, and then applied MAC Underaged lipglass.

When everything is done, I dusted MUFE HD powder all over my face for a flawless finish. You can't see the effect of this product unless you take pictures and all that.

Faux Leather jacket from Bershka. I was sweating buckets when taking these pictures. Not cool at all, especially for a goth look.

On hindsight, I think this looks more like a super black smokey eye, than the goth look. Oh well. I hope I didn't cause any offense to anybody out there.

Posted on November 28, 2009 at 12:15AM | Permalink | 23 Comments

Filed in: mac, makeup, fashion and beauty, eyeshadow, Black, LOTD, Goth | Tagged with: Mac, makeup, eyeshadow, black, Fashion and Beauty, LOTD, Goth

November 24, 2009

Question of Taste: To belt or not?

Hi!

I was goofing around with this outfit, the top I just got yesterday at Zara. Do let me know if I should wear the belt with the outfit. I might wear this to a dinner event on Sat evening, it is formal, but I don't want to be too dressed up, so I thought this is a flattering and simple getup without trying too hard. My mom suggested I wear this belt because the metal parts match the studded details of the top. And the whole time I was laughing so hard trying to "pose" because my brother is the camera man, and you can imagine how bemused and disdainful he feels while I boss him around to get a decent shot. So, credits to him~ Haha..

*Ok clearly I need to wear a black bra on the actual day.

*This is when I was laughing uncontrollably and that's why the pics are blur. My failed attempt at striking one of those VOGUE poses.

The belt is an elastic band, and it is covered with 'brass metal plates overlapping one another' and it is of the same color/metal as the studs. I tucked the top in, so that the belt fits neatly at the waist. Do you think it cuts too harshly across my frame?

Just a detailed shot of the shoulder detail.

Well ladies, what do you think? Option A or B? Leave your comments etc below, and thanks for your input! Thank you!

Posted on November 24, 2009 at 7:02AM | Permalink | 23 Comments

Filed in: Fashion, accessories, Black, ZARA, belt | Tagged with: Fashion, accessories, black, belt, Zara

October 18, 2009

Nails for Fall: Best of the Black (OPI colors)

Hi!

I have been wanting to blog about this for the longest ever. To round up my 'black' nail colors and compare them, and just share my thoughts on the black nail colors I own. Take note, I do think that black is different from the dark red/ purple colors such as Lincoln Park after Dark, that sort of shades, and I stay away from those colors even though they are gorgeous, but I kind of think they are a little too predictable and typical.

Here are a few::

From L to R:

Brand New Skates, Baby It's 'Coal' Outside, My Private Jet

From L to R:

Black Oynx, Light my Saphhire, Suzi Skis in the Pyreness (Suede)

From L to R:

Brand New Skates, Baby It's 'Coal' Outside, Light my Saphhire, My Private Jet

Brand New Skates is a very sheer formula, I applied 3 thick coats to get this opacity. A greyish black, with gold specks. Honestly I have not used this color yet, since I bought it a long time ago.
Baby it's coal outside, is from last season's Fall TOYS collection, it is a black with tiny silvery glitter (note: not shimmer).
Light my Sapphire, looks black, but it is a deep dark dark purple or navy almost black, and very fine shimmer, giving it a metallic sheen. One of my faves.
My Private Jet is a black with holographic glitter. Another one of my all time fave colors.

I didn't apply Black Oynx because, well, it is just plain black. And I didn't apply the suede color because I am going to feature that in my next entry.

Hope this is helpful to you, and what are your favourite nail colors for 'fall'?

Posted on October 18, 2009 at 1:53AM | Permalink | 4 Comments

Filed in: Nail Polish, Black, OPI, manicure, fall nails | Tagged with: nail polish, review, black, manicure, OPI, fall nails

October 02, 2009

MAC Haul (Style Black, DSquared, Dazzle Creme)

So I made my way to vivo city today, and checked out the 3 new collections (no, make that 4 collections, because the Zoom Fast Black Lash is out too) that are released today. These need no introduction, as I have been going on about them for some time. They are namely the Style Black, Dsquared, and Dazzlecreme collections. Is it crazy that MAC pull out 3 collections EACH TIME?? NUTS!! But good in a way, cos then I just chooose the ONE item I really want from each collection.

This is my haul. A little something from each collection.

From Style Black: I got Black Ware(S$35), which is a Creamy true black. * That's all I got from Style Black. The rest don't quite appeal to me, the eyeshadows are soooo glittery, and the other lipsticks are either too dramatic or too blah. I thought Black Ware is rather naturally 'dramatic' Hahaahahaha. You will see my lips when I swatch it later.

From Dazzle Creme, I got 2 items and they are My Favourite Pink (S$36 each), which is a blue tone pink with silver shimmer, and Amorous, which is a deep red with gold shimmer. Really nice festive color. And MOST pigmented among all.

From Dsquared, I got Feline eye kohl (S$28) -- I have heard so much about this, I had to get it. And also the Sculpt & Shape duo (S$39) in Accentuate/Sculpt, which is Pale blushed beige / Soft Taupe Brown. I already have the powder from a previous collection, but it broke, and the other day I dropped it again, and this time there is no salvaging it, cos the powder just splattered everywhere on the floor.

Here is Black Ware on my lips -- it isn't that freaky black on the lips, you can definitely make it work anytime. And I hate the brush applicator, it is so hard, it feels like you are using a toothpick to apply the gloss. Even though it is supposed to be a BRUSH. The same for my Dazzlecreme and Dazzleglass. Blending is impossible, and I end up using my fingers to spread the gloss evenly.

And the next one is My Favourite Pink. Such a pretty color!!! I think I can rock this over St Germaine, or my other pinky or nude lipsticks.

And the last one is Amorous. It looks a lot more wearable on the lips (read: not so pigmented and dark as it looks in the tube). Love love this! Makes me feel glam for some reason. And a very unique color.

And just to show you what is left of my old Sculpt & Shape duo: Empty MESSY tin, and I am gonna clean it out, and together with some empty eyeshadows etc I think I am due for another B2M.

Yup, that's all. Anyone else doing MAC hauling from these collections??

Thanks for reading!

Posted on October 02, 2009 at 9:43AM | Permalink | 13 Comments

Filed in: mac, eyeshadow, haul, Lips, Black, style black, dazzlecreme, dsquared | Tagged with: Dsquared, Mac, makeup, eyeshadow, black, lips, haul, style black, dazzlecreme

September 12, 2009

Style Black Inspired : Black is the new Makeup

Hi hi. Just having some fun playing with makeup.

Here are a few videos that got me inspired to do this look.

pixiwoo's tutorial on the new illamasqua Dystopia collection.

wsitn's black lips tutorial

icyabstract's Lady Gaga black lips post

And here is my little rendition. I know this is not for everyday, obviously, but could be cool for clubbing or halloween. I am not into cosplay and all that goth/Lolita references, but anyway... this has been fun to do and I hope you have fun reading/ looking too, and even try it out for yourselves!

I will show you some pictures of the end results, and process and explanation of what I did.

And my youngest sis helped to 'photoshop' the following pictures for dramatic effect. Click here to check out her artwork.

And some pictures of what I did in the process.

I used MAC Mylar e/s, White Frost e/s all over the lids. Then MAC Carbon e/s and Beauty Marked e/s. I only used these black and white colors to blend.

I also used Carbon e/s to fill in my brows. And I used MAC's Smolder eye kohl pencil to really rim my eyes.

Clean up any fallout and mess after this part. I also put on my lashes - Shu Uemura's Smokey Layers. And I used Maybelline's Lash Stiletto for lower lashes.

I also used Silky Girl Silver liner pencil to highlight just under my brows and on the inner corners.

On the rest of my face, if you noticed, I look much paler/ fairer almost alabaster skin tone. I used Studio Sculpt Foundation, set with MSF natural and powder Maybelline's Translucent Looser powder over -- I got mine in the shade Porcelain which is way too pale but is completely appropriate with this all black look. On the cheeks, I contoured using MAC Omega e/s and then use MAC Pink Swoon blusher.

Now for the fun part, the BLACK LIPS. Of course, I don't have any black lip products. I used MAC Carbon eyeshadow. Then I added clear gloss (MAC Clear Lipglass) over. I also 'erased' my lips with concealer.

If you think getting fallout from eyeshadows on your face is bad, try getting fallout from black eyeshadows inside your mouth. That's priceless. LOL.

Black rosette hairclips from HM. I also colored my hair jet black a couple of days back... so that adds to the BLACK theme for this look. On my nails, OPI for Sephora Dark Room.

That's all, and thanks for reading!

Posted on September 12, 2009 at 9:21PM | Permalink | 27 Comments

Filed in: mac, makeup, Black, Halloween Party | Tagged with: Mac, makeup, eyeshadow, black, smokey, halloween

September 02, 2009

From the Dressing Room: Simple "manly" clothes for work

Hi!! This is going to be not makeup related. I am just going to ramble about some fashion stuff which are kind of inspiring/ influencing me lately.

First off, this picture which I saw in Zara: check out the legs on the skinny model that seem to go on and on and on and on and on....but in real life aka, refering to myself, I am a normal person with hips and all sorts of bumps and curves. While I may never be able to achieve the same proportions as this model, or rather, I should not aspire to be..... I like the clean and chic style of this kind of outfits. So... with that picture in mind.. I chanced upon two tops today.

The first one from Zara, which is a striped tee. Very nondescript... very normal. But paired with the right bottom and shoes, and here we have:

Matched with a black pants, and a black studded belt. And the little heels complete this look, cos frankly the heels make my legs look just that bit longer, and therefore 'balance' out the horizontal stripes. (I am about 178cm by the time I put on these 2.5cm heels.)

Next, is another stripey shirt which I got from some FCUK clearance at $29. It's kinda sheer....but with a cami or smth underneath, it's definitely safe for work. Like the collar details, and how the length of the sleeves is long enough for my arms.

What do you all think?

Do you like these outfit/ clothes/ fashion entries? I like reading about what people wear and what they like trends etc... so thought it's fun to share my own take on fashion. :p

p/s: However though.... I did re-start my jogging routine.. because I am been kind of slack in my trim and fit routine for the past month... so.. before I balloon out of shape again... I better do damage control asap and exercise seems to be the best way. Free and Easy.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on September 02, 2009 at 8:31AM | Permalink | 11 Comments

Filed in: Fashion, fashion and beauty, haul, Black, Clothes, ZARA, fcuk, fall collection | Tagged with: Fashion, clothes, black, Zara, haul, Fashion and Beauty, fcuk, fall collection

June 27, 2009

Look of the day - Dramatic Smokey Purple Eyes (MUFE, MAC)

Hi! Just watched transformers 2 this evening. Entertaining, YES, but the whole movie is like a mass of metal and lotsa of rumbling and swollen lips (belonging to Megan Fox -- seriously what's up? It's like her lips are doing half the acting for her, and not in a good way).

So, I was so excited to try out the MUFE #92 purple eyeshadow and this is going all over my lids today.

Pictures first: I swear to you, the eye colors are waaaaay more intense in real life, and I like how dark and DEEP they make my eyes look.

** Pic above taken after 8 hours of hot sun, eating, movie and walking about.

Products and description:

Eyes: Two Faced Shadow Insurance as all over base, MAC Waveline Fluidline on the lids as color base, MUFE #92 Purple on the lids, MAC Black Tied and Carbon on the outer corner, MAC Poison Pen to blend. Highlights---Mixture of MAC Mylar and Vanilla eyeshadows. Eyeliner: MUFE Aqua Eyeliner and Loreal Carbon Black Superliner. Falsies.

Cheeks: MAZ Azalea (Pro)

Face: Clinique Superfit, MAC MSF Natural, Maybelline Concealer and Highlighter duo wand

Lips: I 'faded' my lips using concealer, and went over with MAC Extra Amps Dazzleglass.

Quick Update on MAC Color Craft collection:

Went to check it out on Friday only to find out from the MUA that the stock hasn't arrived, what a boo! She assured me it will be in by Monday though, and helped me to put aside some stuff which I want to get. And I prolly have more than $100 in vouchers to spend.... so that's going to subsidise a lot. So far I put aside Daft Pink Mineralised blush, one of the MSF (maybe Smooth Merge, can't remember), and the LE duo fibre brush IF it does come to Singapore.

Woot! Thanks for reading!!

Posted on June 27, 2009 at 8:21AM | Permalink | 7 Comments

Filed in: mac, Black, MUFE, Look of the Day, purple, eyeshadows, Smokey | Tagged with: Mac, makeup, black, collection, purple, eyeshadows, look of the day, smokey, MUFE

the make-up blogette is part of the OnSugar Fashion & Beauty Network. Are You OnSugar?

Search

About Me

e-mail

BLOGLOVIN

Follow @makeup_blogette on Instagram

Twitter Me!

Latest Headlines

Tags

2210 followers

Hot Links: Basic Makeup!

Reviews: Foundations

Latest Comments

FAQ & DISCLAIMER

Archive

Archives

Nails Story: Deborah Lippmann & Lady Gaga "Edge of Glory" Nail Lacquer Set [Photos & Swatches]

Haul: Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Intense #2 Lust Red & #13 Black [Swatches]

Product Rave: Cover Girl Oil Control Pressed Powder (And New Hair?)

Modern Gothic Look

Question of Taste: To belt or not?

Nails for Fall: Best of the Black (OPI colors)

MAC Haul (Style Black, DSquared, Dazzle Creme)

Style Black Inspired : Black is the new Makeup

From the Dressing Room: Simple "manly" clothes for work

Look of the day - Dramatic Smokey Purple Eyes (MUFE, MAC)

Search

About Me

e-mail

BLOGLOVIN

Follow @makeup_blogette on Instagram

Twitter Me!

Latest Headlines

Tags

2210 followers

Hot Links: Basic Makeup!

Reviews: Foundations

Latest Comments

Blogroll

FAQ & DISCLAIMER

Archive

Archives