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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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    August 27, 2010

    Haul: Eyeko Cult Classics Nail Polish Set

    A couple of weeks back, I did a random twitter spree for eyeko nail polishes, and this is what I ordered.  This is the Cult Classics set, a set of 5 nail polishes in colors which are, not all that unique in my current stash, but the other set, MUST HAVES, I already have most the colors there.  But I guess I will always go back to the greens, lilacs and that black holographic glitter there is calling out to me.

    Some quick swatches of the colours:

    Nude Nail Polish for Perfect Nails

    Vintage Nail Polish for Elegant Nails

    Lilac Nail Polish for Lovely Nails

    Indigo Nail Polish for Sultry Nails

    Cosmic Nail Polish for Space Age Nails

    The formula of these colors are all very smooth, and 2 coats will give you true opaque colors, especially so for Lilac and Cosmic.  My fave among these would be the Cosmic nail polish.  It is so shiny, and the holographic glitters looks rainbow colored----- it is not just bling out holo.. but just more interesting... trust me!  Reminds me of my little Le Sportsac sling purse.

    That's all, and thanks for looking.

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    August 20, 2010

    Nails Story: I NEED Chanel Les Khakis Nail Collection

    Hi hi,

    I rarely, hardly ever do 're-post' of blog entries from other sites,  because I usually make references with links, but I can't resist this!!!

    image credit (from temptalia.com)

    "In celebration of Vogue’s Fashion’s Night Out, Peter Philips, Global Creative Director of CHANEL Makeup, has created LES KHAKIS DE CHANEL, a collection of three Le Vernis Nail Colours. Ultra sophisticated shades Khaki Rose, Khaki Brun and Khaki Vert can be worn alone or combined for an urban chic camouflage effect. Each shade will retail for $25.00 and be available on September 10th."  -- from temptalia.com

    You can be sure I will definitely be calling my Chanel counter here to inform me asap when this collection is available. It is definitely a little crazy to pay so  much for a nail polish, but the Chanel polishes which I have so far have great formula and textures, and even those which I had for years are still good as new.

    I can totally see me wearing Khaki Vert. 

    On another note, I kind of went on a little impulsive streak last night, and ordered a few Rescue Beauty Lounge nail colors with Joey and Amy.  Tsk tsk.  I think the nail polishes are on their way to SG as you read this entry.  Excited~

    Yup.....that's all, and thanks for reading!

     

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    August 08, 2010

    Nails Story: OPI Swiss Collection Teal Colours (Comparisons & Dupes)

    Nope, I didn't get the whole collection, but only these two which caught my eyes.  I am always drawn to shades like this (along with greens, greige and purples) and not so much the reds and pinks. There are quite a few lovely reds in this collection, of which you can check out scrangie for the complete swatch of the collection.

    This would be a very dull entry if I don't compare these colors to others in my stash... because after I bought them yesterday, a few other colors came to my mind immediately.  And so, here comes all the pictures!  I hope this will be helpful to any of you who are interested in this collection.  According to scrangie's review, Cuckoo for this Color is very similar to China Glaze Emerald Fitzgerald which I have ordered from Gwen's spree, and waiting for that to arrive. So when that comes, I might update this entry, or that future haul entry.

    Before all that swatching and cleaning off the various colors I am about to show, this was what I already had on my nails -- I tried out the half-moon again, using a different combination, after seeing Joey's beautiful half moon manicure.  Mine is a DIY version, if it looks neater than my first attempt that's because I used stickers to guide the painting.

    Ok, let's get on with the comparisons!!

    I will swatch the colors which I thought are very close in terms of shade or texture...

    Both Here Today, Aragon Tomorrow (Suede) and Cuckoo for this Color have matching color shimmers.  The original version of Aragon is a creamy color so I shan't even compare them here.  As you can see in the picture, Aragon is green, while Cuckoo (chuckle at the name! haha) is a deep blue teal/ peacock color.

    And you might thinking of another color which OPI released recently, which is Catch me in the Net, and it is totally different from these two.  Here is a closer look. Besides the obvious color difference (unlike the other two with matching shimmer color, Catch me in the Net has gold glitters) Catch me in the Net is more sheer, it needs 3 coats for maximum opacity.  So, definitely not dupes!  :)

    Now, we have comparisons of the cream teal/ peacock colors. I had thought that Muse is a very dark turquoise, but it is actually turning out very light as compared to these shades here.  And MAC's Blue India is a lot greyer than the other colors.

    And since I have Muse out there, it is reminding me of another color, which is Suzi Says Feng Shui.  In the pictures they look similar, but Muse is more green....and has better formula.

    And lastly, one thing I noticed about applying these blue/ greens/ peacock/ dark teal colors, they stain your nails like crazzzzy!  This is the aftermath. Small sacrifces in the name of 'research', and besides they are just nails... nothing a shower (or two) couldn't fix.

    And while I was out and about yesterday, I went to french connection at Wisma Atria and bought this blouse (S$99).  I like the detail on the blouse, and the little ring ring sounds made by the tiny bells.  It comes in the white version too.  I like the shiny metallic threads running through the fabric and  the fluttery 'side sleeves' which is quite flattering.

    That's all, and I hope you have enjoyed this epic entry!

    Do leave a comment if you have any questions about the nail polishes!

    Thanks for reading~

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    July 26, 2010

    Haul! I am in love with Illamasqua Nail Polish! (Swatches & Dupes)

    Yes, the Illamasqua nail polish are pricey, but trust me, worth every penny!  I only got them in today, and just by swatching them, the formula of these nail polish is the bomb.  Seriously.  Really.  Amazing.

    I got them from my colleague (whose daughter was in London recently), and in the colours Jo'mina, DWS, milf, and Muse.

    Love the packaging and the whole look of the bottle.  The Illamasqua emblem on the top of the cap, kind of gothic, and so sleek at the same time.

    I have to apologise for the poor lighting in this pictures, in the evening light, and it was growing progressively darker as I swatch each color but I am trying to show the colors as true as they appear without using any flash.

    Muse

    Dark Turquoise colour.  No known dupes in my collection yet.

    DWS

    Light Grey.  Very neutral, no hints of blue, or yellow.  Yes, yellow.. I think..  later you shall see, in my dupe pictures.  It has been commonly compared to MAC's On the Prowl which I also own.  In fact, I think I tend to collect these grey colors.  :p

    Milf (What a cheeeeky name!  Never fail to remind me of American Pie)

    I want to say this is a creamy light green.  It has no hint of yellow, nor blue.  It is also not minty.

    Jo'mina

    This color, as you  know, is really hard to capture, like most purples. It is not a straight out purple, because of the tinge of fuschia/ magenta in the color, and looks a little neon in real life.   Again, no known dupes for this in my stash.

    And now, for the comparisons.  None of the the dupes I am going to show are exact matches.  But I must say, comparing across the brands here (we have MAC, China Glaze, YSL, Essie, OPI) , the Illamasqua formula and payoff beat the rest all hands down - pun intended!

    On the Prowl is a warmer tone light grey, and DWS is really a clean milky light grey, a lot more pigmented and no streaking at all.

    The other two greys are a lot darker than DWS.  Definitely not dupes.

    Next, we have the light mint, teal, jade sort of colors.  I like how milf is not minty, nor limey.  It is just a very simple light green color, that reminds me of MAC In the Buff -- not that they are the same in terms of color, but it is that type of very nondescript blah color that is outstanding -- yea, I know it sounds weird, but true!

    milf is the closest match to peppermint patti, but in terms of formula, again, I must rave about how lovely it applies.  peppermint patti is streaky and takes an experienced hand to apply nicely.

    All the illamasqua nail polish dry to a mega glossy finish even without any topcoat.  They are also true to the color in the bottle. Overall, I am super impressed with these nail polish, and I am glad I got her to buy all 4 colors on my list.

    That's all, and thanks for looking!

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    July 10, 2010

    Nails Story: Eyeko's Posh Nail Polish!

    This is what I am wearing on my nails right now, Eyeko's Posh Nail Polish.

    I have applied this color on a couple of my pals, and they all love it! So now it's my turn to wear it.  :)  I think I mentioned in my feature entry about how nice and cream the product applies.  They also last pretty well without chipping, and I would say a good week --  but I cleaned mine off simply because I am always always changing colors.

    It is a lovely medium tone (neither too light, nor dark---- ok, that's really duh) which works well across a range of skin tones.  I personally like such colors on shorter nails like mine right now.

    Click here to Eyeko's website for information and orders.

    I recently also came across Julia (MissChievous) review on these Eyeko's summer nail polishes. Check it out if you are interested!  I think you can see and appreciate the colors a lot better in her video!

    And also click here to read Laura (lollipop26)'s rave entry about Eyeko's Posh nail polish.

    Eyeko also featured my entry in  their press/ blog review section here.   That was kind of cool, and thanks for the mention!

    That's all, and thanks for looking!

    p/s: Eyeko nail polishes were sent to me for review purposes.  All opinions are my own honest ones.

     

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    July 07, 2010

    [CLOSED] Haul: Revlon Nail Polish (Swatches, Dupes) PLUS GIVEAWAY!

    So after hearing about the new Revlon collection, and how the colors are super pretty, I was very excited to see the new collection out today while I was at John Little.  I wanted to check out the nail colors and lip glosses.  I was about to grab two or three lipglosses today when I stopped myself, cos they aren't that 'drugstore' rates at $18.90 a piece, plus I am not a big gloss wearer.  But I have heard great reviews about their color and consistency.  And they didn't have the lilac shade which everybody is raving about.  I saw Peach Petals though, and it is really  nice and pretty.

    Finally, I grabbed the nail polishes instead.  While they are all very on trend this season for the nail colors, I must say they are all colors which I already have in my crazy stash.  There was a pretty pale lilac, pale pink, hot pink, teal shade much like Catch me in the Net... and I bought Minted and Grey Suede which I have already seen on Yummy Mummy's blog.  The nail polish retails for $11.90 each.

    Some quick swatches ---- I applied them rather hastily, but otherwise they aren't too streaky, and 2 or 3 coats will give you true color.

    And I know many of you would be wondering how these colors compare to others in the market already, so I shall showcase some similar shades:

    Chanel Novelle Vague, MAC Peppermint Patti, Essie Mint Candy Apple, Essie Turquoise & Caicos, OPI Garguatan Green Grape

    And closest dupe is Essie Mint Candy Apple --- though it is 'whiter' than Minted.

    And Grey Suede is a light greige color Edit: no, it is a NUDE color, with subtle gold shimmer, barely noticeable,  and the first color that comes to my mind is OPI Tickle My Franc-y. I forgot to include Essie's Playa de Platinum in this following picture, and so you get to see only Chinchilly.

    Tickle my Franc-y is more nude and flesh toned, without the subtle shimmer that comes with Grey Suede.

    That's........ not all!!!


    I know you are waiting for this!  The giveaway! Because I am so nice (hahaha hur hur hur) and also in a little hurray moment, this blogette is reaching 600 followers soon! Huge thank you to each and every single one of you!

    So I am giving away one BRAND NEW bottle of Revlon's Minted as a little prelude to the mega giveaway/ contest.  If you are familiar with my giveaway rules, they are largely the same, but I shall repeat them here:

    1. ONLY for readers with a Singapore mailing address.  (Sorry to international readers!!!)
    2. Must be a blog follower.
    3. Giveaway is open for about 10 days.
    4. You can enter up to 3 times a day.
    5. Winner will be randomly picked (using random.org) and contacted via email or onsugar pm.
    6. I will announce Friday16 July 2010.
    7. I am not responsible for loss of prizes in themail, but every effort is made to ensure this does not happen.
    8. All decisions will be final.

     

    To take part, just leave a comment, related to this post or if you don't know what to say --- Enter Me, or I love the makeup blogette -- will do just fine, followed by your email address.  Hur hur hur!

    Remember, you can enter 3 times a day!

    Good luck, and thanks for reading!

     

     

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    July 02, 2010

    LOTD: Smokey Bronze Eyes (Feat MAC Bronze e/s & Eyeko Graffiti Eyeliner)

    Hi hi!

    This is a LOTD which I did using some new stuff which I got lately.  I just want to point out that in many of my LOTDs, the sunlight/ flash does wash out the eye colors quite a bit, so when I say this is smokey, it is really quite smokey and more vibrant in real life as compared to these pictures!  :)

    On the face:

    Sana Pore Putty Primer, NARS Sheer Glow Foundation, MUFE Super Matte Loose Powder

    Cheeks:

    MAC Sculpt & Shape powder, Illamasqua Hussy Powder Blush

    Lips:

    Maquillage PK715 Gloss Rouge (review HERE)

    Eyes:

    NARS Smudge Proof Primer for Eyes, MUFE #14 Aqua Cream, MAC Goldbit on inner corner, MAC Dazzlelights on browbone, MAC Bronze all over lids and crease

    Lashes & Liner: Cosmos Lashes No42, and Eyeko Graffitti Eyeliner in Natural Brown, MAC Powdersurge on lower lids

    (Click HERE to read the Eyeko product feature entry)

    Lenses are GeoLenses (nudey grey)

    Got MAC Bronze eyeshadow a couple of days back, such a beautiful brown, and the texture is so creamy with great pay off!

    The tip of this liquid liner is so firm,  it makes for really easy  & precise application. The brown is also great for those who want subtle definition around the eyes.

    Edit: I wore the eyeliner out the whole day yesterday, it is pretty much smudge proof, bearing in mind the humid and also rainy weather out... the eyeliner stayed on without fading.

    And I applied Eyeko's Tea Rose on my fingernails last night.  My mom and sis are already reserving this color for the next time I paint their nails!

    You can purchase Eyeko products at their website HERE.  They do ship internationally for very reasonable rates, and check out their website for more information.

    A couple more LOTDs:

    I always get foundation all over my hairline!!  LOL!

    That's all, and thanks for looking!

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    July 02, 2010

    Product Feature: Eyeko Nail Polish and Graffiti Eyeliner Pen

    Hi everyone,

    I got this neat package in the mail today from Eyeko!  I am quite excited to receive them, because I have often checked out their website, and hankering after the nail polishes. I have a couple of their Fat Balms which I purchased when I was in London 2 years back.

    Anyway, Eyeko "means LOVE in Japanese and is started by Max and Nina Leykind in London in 2000.  Some of their best-selling products include the 3 in 1 eye cream, nail polish, and also the grafitti eyeliner pens.

    Let's take a closer look at what I got.

    The Eyeko 'Graffiti Eyeliner Pen' is a felt-tip liquid liner, I got it in Natural Brown.  The tip is very sharp which makes it easy to control the application and how thick you want your lines to be.  It is supposed to be smudge-proof, fade-proof and long lasting.  I will test this liner out tomorrow, and post an LOTD or something. :)

    It is also available in Navy Blue, Fierce Purple and Jet Black.

     

    Next, are three nail polishes, and I got them in Coral, Posh and Tea Rose. I have swatched all of them, and they apply very creamy and 2 coats give you true color.  The brush is also very smooth, and the color is true to how it looks in the bottle.  I also like the firm brush, and it is not flimsy despite the skinny bottle.  I also think the label is also cute on the bottles... they are all different!  These are also LE shades, so grab the whole set if you are interested!  Click HERE to shop.

    Coral

    It is not as neon shown in the the picture, but I would say it is an orangey red, a vermilion color. Think OPI's Atomic Orange which I showed recently.

    Tea Rose

    I think this is a muted pink color though it looks slightly brighter in real life. Very wearable! It looks like a cream version of OPI Japanese Tea Garden which I have shown here.

    And my fave, Posh!

    I know many of you would be thinking You Don't Know Jacques, etc etc all the greige colors. Posh is a lighter and milkier toned greige.  Posh is very taupey and mauvey, so definitely not a dupe for Mink Muffs which is very brown.  It is also more taupey than Metro Chic. But it is darker and creamier than Chinchilly.

    Remember this little comparison entry?  Maybe Posh looks a little like Color Club's High Society.

    I will prolly take better pictures of everything when I actually wear them out or something.  I hope this has been helpful, if you are thinking about getting Eyeko products!

    Just a note on shipping:

    1. International orders outside of UK and EU will be shipped by Royal Mail Airsure at a nominal charge of US$7.50. You can track your package 24 hours after you have received the tracking number and follow your parcels progress all the way!
    2. All orders over US$55.00 will be shipped for FREE using Royal Mail Airsure.

     

    p/s: I was sent Eyeko products to try out.  All opinions expressed are my own honest ones.

     

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    June 24, 2010

    Nails Story: Holographic Disco Ball!

     

     

    Since glitter nail polish is tough to remove (regardless of one coat or five coats), I may as well go all out and 'overdose' on the glitter for this nails episode.  The gel top look gives a wet glossy look, but it takes a long time to dry.

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    June 19, 2010

    Nails Story: Feast Your Eyes on Color Club, China Glaze and OPI Haul!

    Hi hi,

    I got the latest batch of nail polish from Gwen's spree.  This time, I got mostly Color Club nail polish, all thanks to the beautiful swatches I saw on Scrangie's mega swatch site.  And since she provides such amazing swatches, I shan't even try to take any swatch pictures in this entry.  Unless I want to do some comparisons and possible dupes of my own later on.

    I had originally not plan to post pictures of these nail polish, because the lighting and all just don't do the colors any justice... til I saw a bright sunny spot at my doorstep this morning, and decided that I shall attempt to do a quick photoshoot.  Since it was so hot and sunny out, I had to act quick and just went snap snap snap before I melt.  I also took a piece of metal ware (that perforated metal background) and used it as the background.  So, yup.. ahem.. I am pretty proud of how professional looking the following pictures look.  :)

    All the colors I got are in the group picture above... while I also threw in a couple from my own existing stash here and there for comparison's sake.  Not in these pictures are also 3 bottles of Nail Tek Foundation II, which are my all time fave base coats.  They were going at 75% off, so I took the chance to stock up.  They are great for ridge filling, and creating a strong base.... I started using them after I had my gel nails removed years ago, and I found that they are just great bases whether you need to have ridges filled out or not.

    Front Row Diva reminds me of a couple of OPI colors which I have, I think they are Will You  Mari-cha Me? and Color of the Zen-tury.

    Poptastic Neon is a blindingly neon hot pink.  Reminds me of NYLON magazine for some reason.  The font, the color scheme, and all that pop culture references and expression.  This is from the Andy Warhol collection, and I would love to get more of these collection.

    Aragon Suede looks nothing like the original color.  This is very typical of all OPI's Suedes to their original counterparts.

     

    Yup, I think that's about it, and thanks for looking!