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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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    November 29, 2010

    November 2010 Faves & Skincare Routine

     

    Hi hi, time for another monthly fave entry!

    I shall list each item, and just briefly ramble as we go along:

    1. Lipsticks: NARS Belle Du Jour & YSL 148 Tea Rose -- these two lipsticks have been sitting in my makeup bag, and go with any look I am wearing, and they are easy to slap on without using a mirror.
    2. Illamasqua Rumour: Perfect cheek shading powder.  It is matte, it is smooth, it is pigmented but color is so soft and subtle.  Perfect shade for me.
    3. Guerlain Meteorites Poudre de Perles 01: Got this at a steal for $48.  I have been loving it, if you see the top of the pan, it is slightly flattened already, even though I got it only a couple of weeks back.  I think I might prefer this to the 'loose balls' version.
    4. Everyday Minerals (sample tub)  Original Glo Base in Winged Butter: I use this with a MAC217 or 224 brush to set areas where I applied concealer.  The small tub makes it friendly to bring out in my bag for quick touch ups.
    5. Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer Light Golden: I have been using this to cover my spotty chin, and it does the job perfectly.  If I just want to conceal a larger area (eg redness around the corners of nose)  I just dab a tiny amount using a fluffier brush and  buff.  For spots, I use a small tiny brush to do the job.
    6. NARS eyeshadows in Nepal and Lola Lola: Great neutrals.  :)
    7. Brushes: MAC 217, Sigma F70, and EM Dome Blending Eye Brush: I have been using these brushes for my concealer.

     

    Some swatches

    And non makeup items:

    1. Vichy Active Anti-Imperfection Concentrate: this is great for soothing sudden spots, it smells great, and more importantly, is effective.  It takes about 2 days to heal the spot.  Now my bro and sis are also using it.
    2. Inuovi Cleanit Brush Cleanser: I bought this a long time ago, but only started using it during the Halloween period when I needed to wash the same few brushes over and over for the massive paint jobs.  Cleans your brushes very well, and after they dry, the hairs are very smooth.  The only qualm I have is that it is soapy, and though the directions say no rinsing necessary, I can't help but feel I need to rinse the suds away.. (which I didn't and it was all fine).   Better than MAC, because the pump spray design means you can control how much product you want to spray out over your brushes.
    3. Clarins Pore Minimising Serum: I am not really sure if it works, or it's my imagination, but my pores, especially those on my cheeks (closer to the sides of the nose area) have visibly tighten.  Not so much visible effect for my nosy pores.  I like the weird scent, and the consistency, it is like a light serum, adsorbed into your skin.  Other pore minimising products I have used before are often those chalky types that leaves a dry/ matte/ powdery finish --- which I don't like, because that means it will mess up with your makeup routine.

     

    And lastly, this product will be going into my all time, everyday fave product:

    My Clarisonic Plus which I purchased more than a month back.  I know I promised a review, and well, all I can say is, it had changed the way I look at skincare and my cleansing routine.  It is not so much how much products you use on your skin, but more that you need to get rid of all the gunk on your face, before any of those products can take effect on your skin.  Also, another myth debunked for me is makeup do not clog your skin/ pores.  Improper cleansing and makeup removal is the culprit.   I like it so much, I even brought it with me to my outdoor camp for 3 days this month (it lasts many many uses after a full charge).

    Totally worth the price tag!

    And just to share with you my current skincare routine --- for a month or so last month, I have been using up various deluxe sample sizes of skincare from CDP and Lancome, and now I am settled into my actual skincare regime --- I might do a detailed update/ review later this month.

    Cleansing routine:

    Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil -- makeup removal

    Clarisonic Plus used with either of the following cleansers:

    after makeup removal: Neutrogena Deep Clean Foaming Cleanser (my friend who goes to JB quite often to do grocery always buy this for me, it's less than 50% of our prices here)

    for no makeup days: Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Shea Butter -- I use this on its own working it into my skin using my hands most of the time.  Smells great, is not drying, and really nice and moisturising.

     

    DAY Routine

    Clarins Shaping Facial Lift serum --- this is a pre-serum... meaning you can and should apply this before any other serums that follow.

    Clarins Pore Minimising serum

    If I am not going out, then Clarins HydraQuench Cooling Cream-gel -- I have listed this as one of my monthly faves a couple of months back.

    If I am heading out, or on a workday  -- Clarins White Plus Whitening Moisture Day Emulsion  (SPF20++)

    Sothys Neck Shaping Cream * review in progress*  liking it so far!

    NIGHT Routine:

    Same Clarins serums as above.

    Shiseido Bio-Performance Super Corrective Serum I am not too sure about what to say for this product.  I really like the texture, and how SMOOTH it makes my skin feels.  I am also super super impressed by how, the next morning, my skin looks practically flawless --- in terms of the texture, there is no oiliness, and just a nice glow.  But I am not sure if it is really acting on my skin at all, or just a superficial perfecting film which will be washed away.  Again, shall update when I am done using it.

    ** I had been using a Cle De Peau face cream, but that sample tub ran out ---- sooooo tempted to purchase the full sized one!  Loving that cream!

    So currently I am not using anything in terms of a night cream --- though I have stuff which I can try out, or use the Clarins cooling cream-gel as in my day routine.

    Sothys Neck Shaping Cream

    ***  I should get a eye cream to use... soon!!  ***

    That's all, and I hope this has been helpful!

    Thanks for reading.

    Email |
    |
    November 29, 2010

    November 2010 Faves & Skincare Routine

     

    Hi hi, time for another monthly fave entry!

    I shall list each item, and just briefly ramble as we go along:

    1. Lipsticks: NARS Belle Du Jour & YSL 148 Tea Rose -- these two lipsticks have been sitting in my makeup bag, and go with any look I am wearing, and they are easy to slap on without using a mirror.
    2. Illamasqua Rumour: Perfect cheek shading powder.  It is matte, it is smooth, it is pigmented but color is so soft and subtle.  Perfect shade for me.
    3. Guerlain Meteorites Poudre de Perles 01: Got this at a steal for $48.  I have been loving it, if you see the top of the pan, it is slightly flattened already, even though I got it only a couple of weeks back.  I think I might prefer this to the 'loose balls' version.
    4. Everyday Minerals (sample tub)  Original Glo Base in Winged Butter: I use this with a MAC217 or 224 brush to set areas where I applied concealer.  The small tub makes it friendly to bring out in my bag for quick touch ups.
    5. Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer Light Golden: I have been using this to cover my spotty chin, and it does the job perfectly.  If I just want to conceal a larger area (eg redness around the corners of nose)  I just dab a tiny amount using a fluffier brush and  buff.  For spots, I use a small tiny brush to do the job.
    6. NARS eyeshadows in Nepal and Lola Lola: Great neutrals.  :)
    7. Brushes: MAC 217, Sigma F70, and EM Dome Blending Eye Brush: I have been using these brushes for my concealer.

     

    Some swatches

    And non makeup items:

    1. Vichy Active Anti-Imperfection Concentrate: this is great for soothing sudden spots, it smells great, and more importantly, is effective.  It takes about 2 days to heal the spot.  Now my bro and sis are also using it.
    2. Inuovi Cleanit Brush Cleanser: I bought this a long time ago, but only started using it during the Halloween period when I needed to wash the same few brushes over and over for the massive paint jobs.  Cleans your brushes very well, and after they dry, the hairs are very smooth.  The only qualm I have is that it is soapy, and though the directions say no rinsing necessary, I can't help but feel I need to rinse the suds away.. (which I didn't and it was all fine).   Better than MAC, because the pump spray design means you can control how much product you want to spray out over your brushes.
    3. Clarins Pore Minimising Serum: I am not really sure if it works, or it's my imagination, but my pores, especially those on my cheeks (closer to the sides of the nose area) have visibly tighten.  Not so much visible effect for my nosy pores.  I like the weird scent, and the consistency, it is like a light serum, adsorbed into your skin.  Other pore minimising products I have used before are often those chalky types that leaves a dry/ matte/ powdery finish --- which I don't like, because that means it will mess up with your makeup routine.

     

    And lastly, this product will be going into my all time, everyday fave product:

    My Clarisonic Plus which I purchased more than a month back.  I know I promised a review, and well, all I can say is, it had changed the way I look at skincare and my cleansing routine.  It is not so much how much products you use on your skin, but more that you need to get rid of all the gunk on your face, before any of those products can take effect on your skin.  Also, another myth debunked for me is makeup do not clog your skin/ pores.  Improper cleansing and makeup removal is the culprit.   I like it so much, I even brought it with me to my outdoor camp for 3 days this month (it lasts many many uses after a full charge).

    Totally worth the price tag!

    And just to share with you my current skincare routine --- for a month or so last month, I have been using up various deluxe sample sizes of skincare from CDP and Lancome, and now I am settled into my actual skincare regime --- I might do a detailed update/ review later this month.

    Cleansing routine:

    Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil -- makeup removal

    Clarisonic Plus used with either of the following cleansers:

    after makeup removal: Neutrogena Deep Clean Foaming Cleanser (my friend who goes to JB quite often to do grocery always buy this for me, it's less than 50% of our prices here)

    for no makeup days: Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Shea Butter -- I use this on its own working it into my skin using my hands most of the time.  Smells great, is not drying, and really nice and moisturising.

     

    DAY Routine

    Clarins Shaping Facial Lift serum --- this is a pre-serum... meaning you can and should apply this before any other serums that follow.

    Clarins Pore Minimising serum

    If I am not going out, then Clarins HydraQuench Cooling Cream-gel -- I have listed this as one of my monthly faves a couple of months back.

    If I am heading out, or on a workday  -- Clarins White Plus Whitening Moisture Day Emulsion  (SPF20++)

    Sothys Neck Shaping Cream * review in progress*  liking it so far!

    NIGHT Routine:

    Same Clarins serums as above.

    Shiseido Bio-Performance Super Corrective Serum I am not too sure about what to say for this product.  I really like the texture, and how SMOOTH it makes my skin feels.  I am also super super impressed by how, the next morning, my skin looks practically flawless --- in terms of the texture, there is no oiliness, and just a nice glow.  But I am not sure if it is really acting on my skin at all, or just a superficial perfecting film which will be washed away.  Again, shall update when I am done using it.

    ** I had been using a Cle De Peau face cream, but that sample tub ran out ---- sooooo tempted to purchase the full sized one!  Loving that cream!

    So currently I am not using anything in terms of a night cream --- though I have stuff which I can try out, or use the Clarins cooling cream-gel as in my day routine.

    Sothys Neck Shaping Cream

    ***  I should get a eye cream to use... soon!!  ***

    That's all, and I hope this has been helpful!

    Thanks for reading.

    Email |
    |
    October 29, 2009

    October (09) Favourites

    Is it end of October already??  It is scary how time flies.  No pictures in this entry (camera is still MIA), but I am sure you have seen all these products before.

    1. MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer (NC20) - I love how this product is thick but creamy enough to cover blemish spots, and I have been breaking out like crazy this month - but now they are healed thanks to a dose of anti biotics and new skincare-- I went to the doc to get them.
    2. YSL Rouge Volupte #7 Pink Lingerie - This is a no brainer.  If there is a product which converted me into a lip product junkie, this is it.  Evidence?  I just bought 2 more Rouge Volupte on ebay (from a local seller germ1132 or smth) and way cheaper.  No worries about fake stuff I checked out her background and feedback.
    3. MAC MSF Natural - This product has decent coverage on its own, and also perfect for setting foundation.
    4. NARS Sin - I keep mentioning this product in my favourites, and recently, Conjure Up is also sharing the limelight.
    5. OPI Nail Polish Suede You Don't Know Jacques - I know the lasting power is nothing to shout about, but I lurve the color and texture of this product.
    6. MAC My Favourite Pink Dazzlecreme - Pretty gloss that is non sticky.
    7. Maybeline Angel Fit Pore primer - read my review on this product!
    8. Viktor & Rolf Flower Bomb Extreme - I bought this in Paris sephora, and I think you can get this at the airport, but they don't have the extreme version which is, as the name suggests, a more intense version.  I hardly use this perfume, simply because it is overwhelmingly in your face, but this scent reminds me of my Paris jaunts. I used it last week, and the whole time, I am thinking, I need a holiday pronto!

     

    Yes, that's all I can think of now.  More halloween wackiness coming.... What are your October faves?  Share!

    Filed in: mac, makeup, NARS, tag, favourites | Tagged with: tag, Mac, makeup, nars, favourites
    Email |
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    October 29, 2009

    October (09) Favourites

    Is it end of October already??  It is scary how time flies.  No pictures in this entry (camera is still MIA), but I am sure you have seen all these products before.

    1. MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer (NC20) - I love how this product is thick but creamy enough to cover blemish spots, and I have been breaking out like crazy this month - but now they are healed thanks to a dose of anti biotics and new skincare-- I went to the doc to get them.
    2. YSL Rouge Volupte #7 Pink Lingerie - This is a no brainer.  If there is a product which converted me into a lip product junkie, this is it.  Evidence?  I just bought 2 more Rouge Volupte on ebay (from a local seller germ1132 or smth) and way cheaper.  No worries about fake stuff I checked out her background and feedback.
    3. MAC MSF Natural - This product has decent coverage on its own, and also perfect for setting foundation.
    4. NARS Sin - I keep mentioning this product in my favourites, and recently, Conjure Up is also sharing the limelight.
    5. OPI Nail Polish Suede You Don't Know Jacques - I know the lasting power is nothing to shout about, but I lurve the color and texture of this product.
    6. MAC My Favourite Pink Dazzlecreme - Pretty gloss that is non sticky.
    7. Maybeline Angel Fit Pore primer - read my review on this product!
    8. Viktor & Rolf Flower Bomb Extreme - I bought this in Paris sephora, and I think you can get this at the airport, but they don't have the extreme version which is, as the name suggests, a more intense version.  I hardly use this perfume, simply because it is overwhelmingly in your face, but this scent reminds me of my Paris jaunts. I used it last week, and the whole time, I am thinking, I need a holiday pronto!

     

    Yes, that's all I can think of now.  More halloween wackiness coming.... What are your October faves?  Share!

    Filed in: mac, makeup, NARS, tag, favourites | Tagged with: tag, Mac, makeup, nars, favourites
    Email |
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    July 27, 2009

    July Faves (makeup products)

    hmmmm -- I don't think this will be a regular feature but just whenever I feel like it.

    **  There are also stuff which I accquired too much recently for me to justify it being part of this list....

    This doesn't mean that I don't like my other stuff, but just that these 10 items are the current flavours of the month.

    I bought so much during Color Craft, I feel bad to say that I haven't got to using much of Smooth Merge, Daft Pink and Style Demon yet.

    But if I have to really narrow down to 10 items, and these are what I have come up with.   And it's all about the blushers!

    1. FADE OUT CREAM
    2. MAC 116 BRUSH
    3. MAC SMOKE & DIAMONDS EYESHADOW
    4. MAC IMPROVISE BLUSHER
    5. NARS MULTIPLE STICK ORGASM
    6. ILLAMASQUA PANIC BLUSHER
    7. MAC CREAM STICK PINK VIVID
    8. MAC CREME CUP LIPSTICK
    9. MUFE MAT VELVET+ 20
    10. MUFE SUPER MATTE LOOSE POWDER 02

     

    * Think I forgot Natural Flare eyeshadow from Color Craft....

    I would like to feature nail polishes too, but I can tell you which colors I keep coming to.

    • CG agent lavender
    • CG secret periwinkle
    • OPI FOR SEPHORA metro chic

    I will feature another 10 faves soon!  :)


    Email |
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    July 27, 2009

    July Faves (makeup products)

    hmmmm -- I don't think this will be a regular feature but just whenever I feel like it.

    **  There are also stuff which I accquired too much recently for me to justify it being part of this list....

    This doesn't mean that I don't like my other stuff, but just that these 10 items are the current flavours of the month.

    I bought so much during Color Craft, I feel bad to say that I haven't got to using much of Smooth Merge, Daft Pink and Style Demon yet.

    But if I have to really narrow down to 10 items, and these are what I have come up with.   And it's all about the blushers!

    1. FADE OUT CREAM
    2. MAC 116 BRUSH
    3. MAC SMOKE & DIAMONDS EYESHADOW
    4. MAC IMPROVISE BLUSHER
    5. NARS MULTIPLE STICK ORGASM
    6. ILLAMASQUA PANIC BLUSHER
    7. MAC CREAM STICK PINK VIVID
    8. MAC CREME CUP LIPSTICK
    9. MUFE MAT VELVET+ 20
    10. MUFE SUPER MATTE LOOSE POWDER 02

     

    * Think I forgot Natural Flare eyeshadow from Color Craft....

    I would like to feature nail polishes too, but I can tell you which colors I keep coming to.

    • CG agent lavender
    • CG secret periwinkle
    • OPI FOR SEPHORA metro chic

    I will feature another 10 faves soon!  :)


    Email |
    |
    March 22, 2009

    Top 6 products and March Favourites


    The rules: 1 skincare, 1 handcare, 1 hair care, and the rest can be make up products.

    1. Pantene MOISTURE RENEWAL CONDITIONER
    2. Johnsons & Johnsons Body Lotion 24 Hour Shea Butter
    3. Oil Olay 7 Steps Moisturiser (or something like that)
    4. Loreal Superliner
    5. MAC Studio Fix Fluid
    6. MAC 187 Brush



    Honorable Mentions

    • Ben Nye Concealer Wheel
    • MAC Dazzlelights eyeshadow
    • BE Mineral Veil
    • MUFE HD Microfinish  Powder
    • MAC Blusher for eg, Plum Foolery
    • MAC Blanketty

     

     

    March Favourites

    1. MAC Blonde MSF
    2. MAC Lavender Whip
    3. Canmake Makeup Base
    4. MAC Vex eyeshadow

     

    Filed in: make up, Fashion & Beauty | Tagged with: tag, make up, top 6, favourites