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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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    May 04, 2013

    Make-up artistry by Lancôme: Lessons in Colour Layering


    Lancôme
    creates the most electrifying mix & match colours. Three products, a multitude of shades in harmonies of fuchsia,
    orange and pink, for infinite combinations... Anything is possible, simply follow your desire!

    Thanks to the perfect affinity of their formulas, there’s simply no limit to the ways you can superimpose Rouge In Love and Gloss In Love. Associating their textures seems to create a magnifying glass effect which amplifies the expression of their pigments. Vernis In Love takes on the challenge of creating the most daring manicure imaginable.

    Love your lips!

    Apply Gloss In Love alone using the applicator tip to perfectly define the lip contour. Then kiss the Rouge In Love stick, placing it against the centre of your lips. Accentuate contrast effects by selecting a lighter shade for the central part of the lips: the lively pink of Flash n’ Fuchsia gloss collides beautifully with the fiery orange of Doux Farniente lipstick. Play around with the most daring of duos for a voluptuously plumped pout.

    Petal Effect

    Even the most delicate flowers assert their originality by pairing very pale tones with very dense pigments. Select two contrasting lipstick and gloss shades to recreate this surprising effect. Apply a light veil of a gloss such as Blink Pink then define the entire lip contour with the intense red of Under The Rose with a brush. Simply press your lips together to melt the two colours: a guaranteed petal effect!

    Burning heart

    Dress lips in softness with an initial layer of Rouge In Love before applying gloss to the centre, accentuating the cupid’s bow. Fall In Rose enhances lips’ intensity and goes beautifully with Under The Spotlight gloss. This heart of gloss at the centre of lips is sure to grab the spotlight!

    Mouth-watering tone on tone

    Choose two fairly close shades of Gloss In Love and Rouge In Love. For peachy-toned lips, first suffuse lips with shine using Peach Show gloss, then enhance the lip border by applying Rose’mantic lipstick with a brush. When you press lips together, the two textures blend to create an all-new orange shade that’s deep, lacquered and simply mouth-watering.

    Two-tone kiss

    With the current trend for mixed nail colour, why not apply the same principle to lips for an energised look? Just like a nail varnish base, apply an undercoat of Just Strass Gloss In Love to boost your lipstick’s colour. Apply a lighter, more luminous shade like Rose Flaâneuse lipstick to the lower lip and contrast with Be My Date! on the upper lip. The quintessence of colour block make-up... 

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    May 04, 2013

    Lancôme Gloss in Love [Photos & Information]

    GLOSS IN LOVE

    “Ever since its 2012 launch, Rouge In Love has become the cult lipstick of every colour addict. Synonymous with femininity, freshness and resolute modernity, this ode to colour extends an invitation to express oneself. A statement of pure joie de vivre... Its unique pigmented formula coupled with exceptional hold makes it a must-have for lips.

    Rouge In Love, Vernis In Love... Today, the In Love universe is enriched with a brand new generation of gloss. A genius of shine and comfort housed in a case that opens with a click: Gloss In Love.

    Fuchsia, pink and orange: the shades combine together to form countless glistening looks. Enjoy total freedom to experiment with the most daring of combinations for infinite variations, teaming up the gloss with the new Rouge In Love and Vernis In Love shades. Lancôme thus creates the most mouth- watering made-to-measure
    “In Love” make-up imaginable, perfect to play with and to highlight the colourful spontaneity of your personality. Discover it this summer; you’ll be hooked all year round.

    The cherry on the cake? Its super-smart applicator defines lips without ever changing their natural shape! With its ultra-simple applicator for results worthy of a make-up artist, Lancôme once again offers a concentrate of technology and pure joy to every woman, whether she’s a make-up expert or a colour novice. Because happiness is the most seductive beauty of all.”

    - Youcef S. Nabi President 

    Gloss In Love,
    Stunning colours in high-shine

    Infused with intense pigments and light-trapping mother of pearl, this is the dream gloss of every woman who simply wants it all. Dazzling lips, swathed in a marvellous cocoon effect, all in a case that opens with a click, featuring a super-smart applicator... The must-have accessory for every woman on- the-go. Feeling every bit as delightful on lips as it looks, its ultra-comfort texture moisturises lips for 6 hours. Simply brilliant!

    12 In Love shades

    Pink Carat, Flash’n’Fuchsia, Under the Spotlight, Glittermania... Forever sparkling light is the order of the day.
    From the softest of shades to pure pop tones, Gloss In Love is created in a palette of vibrant pinks, oranges and fuchsias to play with to
    your heart’s content! Not forgetting Just Strass, an ultra-iridescent flashy white to layer on or to use as an undercoat, transform any shade of lipstick and gloss... Spring 2013’s absolute must-have! 

    A high-comfort gloss: women’s dream, made reality by Lancôme

    Combining shine, even colour and comfort: Gloss In Love achieves this seemingly impossible feat.
    Its secret: at the heart of a magnifying glass-effect crystalline base, the breakthrough association of two polymers
    one glossy, one flexible to form a supple, shiny three-dimensional network on lips’ surface. Pigments and mother-of-pearl to shine through to their fullest potential, allowing for radiant colour with this new-generation absolute-comfort and non-sticky texture, able to moisturise lips for 6 hours. 


    A sensual fragrance

    Gloss In Love exudes a subtle scent of mouth-watering vanilla, lifted by a fresh fruit cocktail. Addictive! 

    A two-in-one applicator

    A precise and simple application: Lancôme creates its first ever double-sided applicator. In a single step, made up of two strokes, it defines lips without flattening them or detracting from their natural shape.
    1. The lower lip side: its curved side hugs the lower lip’s surface, applying the texture with shine.

    2. The upper lip side: simply turn the applicator around to discover a high- precision tip to enhance the upper lip contour with all the dexterity of a make- up artist. Unprecedented! 

    Colour... in a click

    A two-in-one applicator

    A precise and simple application: Lancôme creates its first ever double-sided applicator. In a single step, made up of two strokes, it defines lips without flattening them or detracting from their natural shape.
    1. The lower lip side: its curved side hugs the lower lip’s surface, applying the texture with shine.

    2. The upper lip side: simply turn the applicator around to discover a high- precision tip to enhance the upper lip contour with all the dexterity of a make- up artist. Unprecedented!

    Imprinted with the words Gloss In Love its crystal bottle reveals the formula within, pure colour and mother-of-pearl. Then comes the click... Just press down and the cap is gently released, making it even easier to use. A signature sound infused with addictive chic. 


    Gloss in Love comes in 12 delectable shades and will be available at all Lancôme counters for S$40 each, from 1st June 2013 onwards. 

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    March 29, 2013

    Collective NARS Haul: Lovejoy, Vesuvio & Atlantic


    Hi hi!

    I have these NARS goodies sitting in my box for ages and ages, I bought two of the items here on NARS opening day, and the other two more recently.  One of them is a repurchase, can you guess which?

    First up, we have Lovejoy blush - I didn't swatch it, just sort of went by the color description, and went for it.  It looks fairly neutral and orangey in the pan (official description on the NARS site - shimmering bronze rose), much like Luster, or even Madly... but after swatching, they are totally not the same...and I didn't pull out other NARS shades which might look similar (not that I am suggesting the 16 out of the 28 NARS blushes I own are in anyway dupes, of course). 


    In this swatch, you can see the bronzed rose color and the beautiful fine shimmer bits.  And it looks totally different from how it looks in the pan!  
    Love this shade, and I have since worn it once or twice..it gives a healthy pink bronzy glow to the cheeks. 


    See how it looks way pinker/rosier once I swipe across the pan?   

    Comparisons! 

    I totally should have pulled out shades like Taos, Torrid and Gilda to compare..
    but ah well, you see in this pic, Lovejoy looks similar to Luster in the pan... 
    I consider these my very neutral NARS blushes. 

    [NOT THE SAME] haha


    Next, is the REPURCHASE - yesh, my sister used up her Vesuvio pure matte lipstick in less than 6 months!  She calls it her new wearable everyday red (her previous fave one was a discontinued YSL Rouge Volupte Pearle) and so I got her a new one! 
    And yes, it is a beautiful red that I don't hear many people talk about.   According to the NARS site, it is described as a 'full bodied red'.  Very apt. 



    And lastly, I have the NARS Stylo liner pen, in the shade Atlantic (navy blue)  it is a matte blue liquid liner, nothing very special about it, I just use it in place of my black liquid liners it just depends on whichever is in my reach. 


    And next, is this NARS sharpener ($10!  Totally reasonable in my opinion) it is a dual sharpner, but I will only use the fatter side and only will be using it to sharpen my NAR lip pencils, just like how I use my UD Grindhouse to sharpen only my UD pencils.  I have already started using it, hence it looks slightly grubby. 

    That's all for this haul, have you purchased anything from NARS lately?  Do share!

    Thanks for reading! 

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    October 06, 2012

    Rouge Dior Nude Grege [Photos & Swatches]

    An almost forgotten purchase, which I discovered this morning, on my messy makeup filled table.  I have been enjoying the new Rouge Dior Nude lipsticks, and I feel like I needed another one just to rotate in my endless stash.  It is smooth, creamy and all the shades in this (I think Limited Edition) range is so super wearable.. and in fact,  many are similar in shades...so I just went for the signature look, which is Grege, and which is also the shade which Dior model Natalie Portman designated as the shade which all proceeds go to the women's charity she supports. 

    It is a totally my lips but better shade, and the formula is buttery smooth, and creamy.  It is a little sheer, but when you put it on, you won't feel like there's a layer of lippy on your mouth.   To see how the other Rouge Dior Nude (shade is Charnelle) shade looks like on me, click on the link here. 

    Collection information here ( link link link )

    Here's a close up of the sleek lipstick:

    Two swipes across the back of my hand

    On my lips

    and a quick look

    and a quick comparison

    I think these retail for S$44 each.  If you like natural moisturising lipsticks, you won't be disappointed by these.  

    That's all, and hope you find this entry helpful. 

    Thanks for reading!

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    September 22, 2012

    Yves Saint Laurent Beauty Heaven!

    Hi everyone!

    I finally have the chance to take pictures of these beautiful golden YSL brand new products.  Good lighting, and good timing are hard to come by these days, and before I go into detail for each of the product, I shall leave you with a very quick pictorial overview of goodies coming your way in the next couple of weeks. 

    Here we go: 

    Happy Sunday!

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    September 16, 2012

    Shiseido Lacquer Rouge: RD309 Carnelian & RS404 Disco [Review, Photos & Swatches]

    Hi!  

    I finally got to using the new Shiseido Lacquer Rouge in the past couple of weeks, and so here they are.  I picked two shades, a bright pop of fuchsia pink, and a wearable neutral beige shade. 

    I have previously featured the Shiseido Lacquer Rouge in this entry here, and swatches of all the available shades are also in the same entry.

    The Shieseido Lacquer Rouge are currently available and retails for S$43 each for 6ml of product.  Whichever your preference, there will be shade which is perfect for you.  I am very tempted to get the red ones in this range.  

    Last few seasons, we have been seeing lots of glossy sheer lipsticks in various formula, and but lately I really welcome the return of intense full colored lipsticks and glosses.  A bold lip look is so easy to pull off, and makes one look very polished.  The Lacquer Rouge reminds of the discontinued Chanel Rouge Lacque...I only got Dragon before everything else is gone from the shelves.. but I must say the Shiseido ones are a lovely replacement at a lower price point too (the Chanel ones were $50 a pop if I remember correctly). 

    The packaging of the Lacquer Rouge is similar to the existing range of Shiseido lipsticks, and they are sleek and easy to use.  The applicator is fine enough to allow a precise application.  Let's take a closer look:

    It dispenses enough product, but if I want to build up more color, I have to dip a couple more times.  In terms of color payoff, I would say 2 thin coats would give you true color payoff (kind of feel like I am describing a nail polish hur hur).  

    RS 404 Disco is a creamy intense fuchsia color which I think would look perfect with a smokey eye look, or just super clean flawless face look.  

    RD 309 Carnelian is an Asian exclusive shade, and it is a natural beige-y shade that contains very fine gold shimmers.  But the shimmers aren't very obvious when the lacquer rouge is worn on the lips. 

    Here's how Carnelian looks like on my lips:

    the whole look

    * if you are curious about the foundation I used in this set of LOTDs, I will be reviewing and featuring next weekend hopefully *

    RS404 Disco - a bold bright look, it reminds me of several of my OCC lip tars... the consistency is so smooth and

    this is what makes the color so modern and even wearable everyday. 

    Pardon the slightly messy application in this set of pictures!

    I kind of like how my hair looks in this pic, but I can't get it to stay that way for more than 5 seconds.  Prffft. 

    The lippies lasted a good 3 - 4 hours on me, and leaves a nice stain behind.. though for Carnelian, it left some bits of the shimmer behind, so you have to completely wipe your lips before touching up.   They aren't sticky, and the deep pigment and long lasting shine truly makes it an instant glam item to have in your makeup bag. 

    Joey has a lovely overview of the Shiseido Lacquer Rouge too, check it out here.

    I hope my overview and swatches have been helpful, and thanks for reading!

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    August 25, 2012

    Rouge Dior Nude 459 Charnelle [Photos & Swatches]

    This entry features Dior's latest range of lipsticks, called the Rouge Dior Nude (will be launched Sept 2012 - click here  and here for collection information).  The shade which I have is 459 Charnelle, a very soft natural beige shade with a hint of rosy pink.  Though in the first picture it looks rather peachy orange due to the morning sunlight.  It also has a very nice scent that I remember Dior lipsticks used to have (waaaaay long ago when their packaging was blue, and gold and all hexagonal).  Nice memories then.  :)  

    The lipstick will retail for S$45 each, and comes in a total of 10 luminous shades.

    Below is a more true color representation: 

    There is a slight sheen to this lipstick, and it is also described as a lip blush, which means it gives your lips the more natural and enhancing look, very soft and light in the texture.  It has a semi-matte look, nothing too shiny or too creamy.  

    official description

    “CHARNELLE”, a coral-tinted rose: the fusion of disarming charm and absolute elegance as imagined by Monsieur Dior.

    I really enjoy wearing this lipstick it is easy to pull off, something that I can just apply without looking into the mirror.  It feels very lightweight indeed, and didn't dry my lips out. 

    you can see in the lip swatches how the lipstick just enhances my own lip color

    and a quick look featuring this lipstick

    I will be picking up another shade from this range, Grege from this collection when it launches.  

    “GRÈGE”, or the flagship colour of the New Look imagined by Christian Dior in 1947, the association of nude beige and luminous grey that is oh so very Dior.

     

    That's all, and thank you for reading :)

     

     

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    August 04, 2012

    Giorgio Armani Lasting Satin Lip Color 508 Pink [Photos & Swatches]

    Hi hi!

    This entry features the Giorgio Armani Lasting Satin Lip Color in the shade 508 Pink.  This is a light (note - not pale) pink shade that isn't too cool toned (quite neutral, I think), though it might look a little cool in the tube.  It is a creamy shade and does not contain no shimmer bits at all.  It is pretty wearable on my skintone, just giving it a wearable pink pop of colour.

    If I remember correctly, this range of lipsticks retail for $44 at DFS Galleria, putting them in the same price point of Dior and Chanel lip products. 

    The texture is very smooth, and the color goes on opaque and even in two swipes across the lips. The lipstick itself is a little soft, I noticed the lipstick bullet being 'pushed' to the side of the inside because I applied it straight from the tube.  If you often use a lipstick to apply perhaps this may not be a problem.  Or maybe the weather is just too hot and making everything melt?

    I really do like this range of lippies, I have swatched 102, a Beige shade on my lips a couple of weeks back...and it is still on my mind!  The lasting power is about 4 - 5 hours, a dinner, much yakking, drinking with a straw and a movie.  I don't find it drying on my lips, the lightweight texture makes it feel like I am not wearing a lipstick at all. 

    If you have the chance, do check out this range of lippies.  They are pretty awesome, and the color range is great too.  From nudes to reds and everything in between. 

    The packaging is very sleek and luxe.  The cover closes with a magentic snap once it aligns with the lipstick.  It feels solid and sturdy, and the slightly wider base means that the lipstick will stand nicely on your table without toppling over. 

    swatch on my hand looks slightly darker than the actual product 

    swatch on my lips 

    you can see the soft texture and opaque color payoff

    I used this lipstick in this LOTD. 

    Hope this has been useful, and thanks for reading!

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    February 23, 2012

    Shiseido SS2012 Shimmering Rouge: My TOP Picks [Photos & Swatches]

    Hi everyone!

    The weekend is almost here... and I am bursting with lots of entries to upload and lots of products just waiting to be photographed, swatched and played with.  I have at least 3 new foundations to try out, lots of skincare and also new brands that I have yet to try out myself. Unfortunately my skin (in particular, my forehead) is suffering from lots bumps recently, I don't feel like doing any proper LOTD entries.  But with some department stores running their storewide promos and special events lately, I think I shall feature some upcoming new products, so you might want to check them out when you go shopping this weekend!

    One of the most anticipated products for me personally, are the new Shiseido Shimmering Rouge for their new SS2012 collection.  There is a total of seven new shades, and they are even creamier and longer lasting than those released just last year.  I love their Shimmering Rouge, the formula and color range is just fantastic, and there are always colors that will suit your preference and mood.

    I picked 3 out of the 7 shades to showcase here.  Basically, I selected the signature shade - RS619 - a dark plummy shade which the model is wearing in the campaign images, a classic nude-ish shade in RD718, and finally a super trendy shade that got many of you very excited from my instagram photo-stream --- that's OR316.  If you need to grab any of these, I highly recommend these three shades.

    The packaging of the Shimmering Rouge is very chic and slim, in a metal case, and it is super creamy, you can feel them melting and settling into your lips once applied, and they look glossy, and gives intense payoff.  What you see in the tube is the color that you will get on your lips.  I don't find them drying at all, and they just glide very smoothly onto your lips.  I usually just slap them on straight from the tube, since they are the slimmer lipsticks, they can be applied more precisely.

     

    Photos & swatches below:

     

     

    What of these have caught your eyes?

     

    I hope this has been helpful, and thank you for looking!

     

     

     

     

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    January 18, 2012

    Soap & Glory Fabu-Lipstick in Naked Beige [Photos & Swatches]

    Soap & Glory Fabu-Lipstick in Naked Beige is a natural 'my lips but better' color.  It is a color that is almost exactly the same as my own natural lip color, and the texture of the lipstick is very moisturising (but not sheer balmy like say, for example, a Chanel Rouge Coco Shine or one of those sheer smoothing lipstick.   It is quite pigmented, and smells similar to a MAC lipstick.

    The packaging is lovely, and again, very typical of a Soap & Glory product.  I like the metal bullet, and how the monogram logo of the brand is embossed on the body of the lipstick itself.

    It lasted prolly 2 - 3 hours on me, which is okay, since the color is easy to wear, and you can just slap it on without looking into a mirror should you need to freshen up the color throughout the day.

    I am very happy with Soap & Glory bath and body products, and the two makeup items I have from them.  I think these will sell like hotcakes once they are available in Singapore (and we know their prices are quite reasonable -- no harm or great loss for anyone who wants to try out a brand makeup brand).

    Click here for Soap & Glory Blush entry

    Click here for my UK Swap goodies entry

     

    Hope this is helpful, and thanks for looking. :)