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A place for me to share all my make-up ramblings...enjoy!

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themakeupblogette@hotmail.com

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.

 

Archive

Archives

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    June 08, 2010

    LOTD: Urban Decay Coloured Eyes & Cargo Blush PLUS Pink Blush Swatches!

     

    Hi hi, a quick LOTD and some pink blush swatches at the end of this entry.

    Products used:

    Foundation:  Sana Pore Putty base, Estee Lauder DW Foundation mixed with Chanel Pro Lumiere, Cover Girl Pressed Powder

    Cheeks: Cargo Amalfi Blush, and NARS Laguna  ** I am liking how Amalfi applies on my skin, it gives great color, without being too overpowering, and the silver flecks adds a nice glow... and I mean glow.

    Lips: MAC In Sync Lip Pencil, YSL RV No19 Frivolous Pink

    Eyes: Urban Decay Shattered e/s, Benefit High Brow pencil, and MAC Solar White e/s

    Liner, Lashes, Lenses: Loreal Superliner, Palz (Ardel 120 dupe), Geo Lenses (nudy grey)

    And the following are some swatches and comparisons of pink blushes I own.  I only picked the pink blushes which look similar to the Cargo Blush Amalfi.  Most of the blushes which I am comparing are quite hard to find, or LE, with the exception of Pink Swoon, which is a MAC permanent color.

    NARS Mata Hari, Smashbox Dolce Vita, MAC Pleasantry, Pink Swoon, Illamasqua Chased, Cargo Amalfi

    They are all different, in my pink blush dictionary.

    Perhaps in sunlight, you can see the subtle differences, especially among the shimmery pinks.

    And Kim (ladeekim) and I were twittering that day about storage and blushes, and hence the next picture, which is a collection of the current amount of blushes I own, plus or minus a few MIA ones and a couple of blush palettes which are not shown.

    Most of them are MAC blushes (which I never depot because I don't want to risk breaking a few blushes at one time, esp during travels).  Then I have a few here and  there from misc brands like NARS, Benefit, Illamasqua, etc.  I haven't actually counted the exact number, but let's not go there, OK?  It's not the most extensive collection out there, but I like to call this my happy drawer -- though the lipsticks drawer is quickly catching up as the next fave.

    Yup, that's all, and thanks for looking.  Do let me know if you want a break down of the blushes, or any product questions.

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    June 05, 2010

    LOTD: Nars Eyes & Chanel Super Lips

    Products used:

    Foundation - Sana Pore Putty Base, Maquillage Long Lasting Stick Foundation, Cover Girl Pressed Powder, MUFE Concealer Palette

    Eyes - MUFE #15 Aqua Cream, NARS Lola Lola e/s blended all over lids, MAC Brule e/s on brow bone

    Lashes, Liner, Lenses:  Palz (ardel 120 dupes), YSL Faux Cils on lower lashes, Loreal Superliner, FreshKon Mosaic Velvet Blue

    Lips - Chanel Rouge Allure Super, MAC Electric Cherry Superglass

    Cheeks - NARS Laguna, NARS Mounia

     

    The Superglass glitter bits stuck to your lips the whole day, even after I rubbed my lips with tissue paper when I wanted to touch up.  They add a soft touch to a lipstick, and if you are familiar with the 'glasses' that MAC puts out, they are sticky, and you kind of don't want hair streaks across your face, especially when you are rocking serious color like this.  All in all, I say this is a novel product which will make you very happy if you are into dazzling lips.

    And since it is the holidays, I rocked a little temporary tattoos,  I placed them on my inner arm, to be a little discreet.

    Thanks for looking!!

     

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    May 27, 2010

    LOTD: Everyday Golden Eyes with Purple Liner

    Just heading out to John Little to haul some stuff, and maybe grab a couple of the much raved about Korres Lip Butter with the sister.

    Very glowy face, and simple eyes and lips.

    Products used:

    Foundation: SANA Pore Putty Base (blended with fingers), NARS Sheer Glow (applied with MAC109), MUFE Concealer Palette No1, La Mer Powder

    Cheeks: MAC Sculpt & Shape, MAC Cheeky Bronze

    Eyeshadows: inuovi Gold metallogy e/s, inuovi Platinum e/s

    Liner & Lashes: MAC Designer Purple, MAC Powersurge on lower lids, 2 pairs of lashes here (Palz & Shu Uemura), Maybelline Magnum

    Brows: Shu Uemura pencil, Benefit brow gel

    Lipstick: Maybelline 'Born with It' No15

    That's all, and thanks for looking!

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    May 07, 2010

    LOTD: Wavy Hair, Illamasqua's Sonnet Lipstick & Rambling Updates

    Just a quick entry on my LOTD today, and also what's in store for the weekend~

    On my face:

    Foundation Routine

    Cheeks:

    NARS Penny Lane, and NARS Mata Hari

    Lips: Illasmasqua Sonnet Lipstick

    Brows, lashes and liner: MAC Mink Browset, Ardel 120 lashes, Loreal Superliner Carbon Black

    Eyes: MAC Painterly Paintpot, Inuovi Rose Gold e/s, Inuovi Gold e/s , Platinum e/s(both from Metallogy range)

     

    I just put my hairs in heated rollers as I did my MU, so it was rather wavy when I took the curlers out, too bad, I didn't put them on long enough, and I didn't use any styling products to keep the curls/ waves in place, so by the time I left my house,  my hair was back to its straight condition.

    I have loads to take pictures of, ramble about, and really just bask in the goodness of so much makeup!  Keep posted for some upcoming entries!  The following picture is a little teaser!   :p

    Printed Tee from Zara, and necklace & pendant from Tiffany & Co.

    Upcoming entries in the next few days:

    1. Collective haul ! (yes, more Chanel and more)

    2. Part Two of the Shiseido press event (and goody bag galore)

    3. MAC Pret - a - papier collection event and ramble

    4. LOTDs!!

    Thanks for reading~

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    May 03, 2010

    NARS Lemming List

    Hi!

    Just want to take a 5 minute breather and make up a list!  If and when Michelle opens her NARS spree, or when I go Hong Kong, these will be the items I want to zoom in on.

    Loose Powder in Flesh USD$35

    Description: This powder is triple milled and provides sheer, ultra-natural coverage to set makeup, soften color and smooth the texture of the skin for an overall radiant complexion. The silky-smooth texture blends undetectably into the skin, absorbs excess oils and maintains fresh looking skin with an imperceptible finish. Packaged complete with its own powder puff and both plastic and mesh sifters to provide the finest, most natural application possible.

    Sheer Matte Foundation USD$42 (Deauville)

    Description: An oil-free, soft matte-finish foundation with sheer, buildable coverage that controls oil and shine throughout the day. Replete with skincare benefits and the NARS Complexion Brightening Formula, skin is more luminous, softer and smoother.

    Pure Sheer SPF Lip Treatment USD$25 Paloma, Angélique

    Description: NARS Pure Sheer SPF Lip Treatment nourishes and hydrates chapped lips, while giving a sheer yet noticeable tint. Infused with SPF 15, the rich and creamy texture protects lips throughout the day.

    Eyeshadow Duo USD$32

    I can't decide what colors to get!!!  But these caught my attention. 

    Brazil, Brousse, Earth Angel, Isolde, Kalahari 

     

     

    Blushers USD$26

    I want to choose from the following:

    Desire, Dolce Vita, Taos, Zen, Love Joy, Deep Throat (repurchase)

    Phew! I am done.  I think.  LOL.  What are on your lemming list??  Leave in the comments below!

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    April 29, 2010

    LOTD: Neutral Madamoiselle!

    This is an LOTD which I did when meeting my sister and cousin this evening, for a mid week chiller!  Very quick and easy!  I think my final stand on the NARS Sheer Glow is that it really gives a very nice finish--which I love--- to the face, but it is a foundation which I will keep for times when I know I will only be out around 5 - 6 hours.  Not a "heavy duty whole day run about in the sun"  kind of foundation--that I will leave it to my Estee Lauder DW foundation to do the job.

    Foundation:

    NARS Sheer Glow, MUFE concealer palette, La Mer Powder

    Cheeks:

    Benefit Sugarbomb, and Benefit Thrrrrob

    Brows:

    Shu Uemura Pencil (09 Seal Brown), Benefit Brow Gel

    Lips:

    Chanel Coco Rouge Madamoiselle No5

    Eyeshadows (All MAC):

    Brule & Vanilla as base/ brow bone, Mineralism on lids, and Plummage on outer corners, and some Haux to blend

    Liner & Lashes:

    MAC Blackline, Ardell 120 Demi

    I have a couple of haul entries coming up next.  Keep posted!

    Thanks for looking  :)

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    April 21, 2010

    Earth Day: How to recycle my MU boxes?

    This entry is inspired by Michelle's (icefrost) entry on Earth Day, she showed ideas for recycling MU boxes, and do check out her entry, for how to make use of the empty lipstick cases etc etc for storage purposes.

    I don't really recycle my MU boxes, I just put them into a plastic bag and stuff them somewhere in my wardrobe, and they are taking up space.  So I have been throwing away my recent stuff especially if they just come in regular packaging.  No more space!!

    The only idea which I do sometimes practice is to store my kabuki brush in the blush box.  So this prevents the brush from rolling about, and it can stand nicely in the 'hole'.

    And maybe just to show a little selection of my fave packaging MU boxes. :)

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    April 17, 2010

    LOTD: Quick & Simple Purple Eyes

    Well, it was late, and I didn't want to fuss with my MU, so I just threw on the following:

    Foundation: NARS Sheer Glow (I use this when I know I will be out for a few hours), set with Cover Girl Oil Conct trol Pressed Powder

    Cheeks: MAC The Perfect Cheeke

    Lips: Coffret D' BE176, which I later switched to Maquillage's RS518 - I am loving this lipstick!!

    Liner and Lashes - Ardel 122 Demi, and MAC Designer Purple

    Eyeshadows: MAC Brule as base and highlight, MAC Tophat & Nocturnelle e/s  when blended out, they look almost brownish at the crease shown in the pictures.  Strange, but nice.   The purple e/s are applied quickly with a MAC217.

    Took me ten minutes.


    And if you are interested in what my gf is wearing on her cheeks it's NARS Glida (a matte orangey peach blush).  Makes the cheeks pop, right?



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    April 11, 2010

    NARS: My Recommended Items

    Hi everyone,

    This entry will just be about some of my fave items from NARS.  Do note that this is just my personal opinion, just because I don't like this product, does not mean it would not work out for you.  Similarly, if I rave about something here, it may end up not work for you too.  If you are interested in other NARS related entries mentioned before in my blog, just enter "NARS" in the search bar, and all the related entries will show up... so I shan't put in any links in this entry.

    I have mentioned before, your best bets from NARS would be their blushers.  They have such a wide array of colors, and I know there are far more blogs/ videos out there with great swatches, reviews etc, so I shan't bore everyone with further description.  I am sure you will find something that you will like among their range.

    The multiples cream sticks are also awesome! I have the multiple orgasm cream stick, it is a true cream to powder finish, is not sticky and you can easily blend it over powder products.    I am a little tempted to get Copacabana.

    ******** For safe blush colors that are wearable: ********

    1.  Orgasm          2.  Deep Throat

    I also like

    3. Mata Hari (matte)     4. Nico

    For risk takers, you want to try

    5. Mounia

    What NARS blushers I am lemming:

    1. Taos    2. Dolce Vita     3. Angelica

    ******* Now, we have eyeshadows.  ********

    I buy mainly the eyeshadow singles, I have a duo eyeshadow (called April's Fool but not sure if it is already DC, so didn't take pictures of it but you can see it in my NARS collection entry).   All my single eyeshadows are neutral shades, for obvious reasons.

    NARS eyeshadows are a hit or miss.  I refer to the NARS website.  In general, I would avoid the Nightlife collection, unless you like chunky glittery eyeshadows.   Their shimmer eyeshadows are super pretty, but one (Ondine) that I own is rather chalky and glittery too.

    You will also find Ondine eyeshadow in most of their palettes, much like MAC's Satin Taupe (as in Satin Taupe is also found in many LE palettes)... so if you are eyeing Ondine, consider getting it in a palette for greater value?

    My recommended eyeshadows:

    1. Nepal   2.  Lola Lola  3. Ashes to Ashes  4. Mekong

     

    My lemming list for eyeshadows:

    Singles - 1. Fez   2. Galapagos   3. New York     Duos -1. Kala Hari,  Hula Hula

    1.  Nightsky,  2.  Ondine   3. Sophia   4. Lola Lola   5. Nepal    6. Ashes to Ashes   7. Mekong

    ******** And lastly, my thoughts on the Sheer Glow? ********

    I know some of you who are looking forward to getting this might be a little disappointed by my mixed reviews.  I think Sheer Glow is not my HG foundation, simply because it only wears nicely for maximum of 6 hours.  That's my issue, with the Sheer Glow.  Other than that, I think it is a lovely product.

    I say again, if you know your shade, and are willing for pay the $$ for it, why not give it a try?   Without wanting to sway anyone in any direction of whether to get or not to get, maybe it would be even more useful to read other reviews, which I am very sure you have already done so.  I saw MissJology's entry on her research project about the Sheer Glow, and it is pretty extensive, so you might get some information there too.  :)

    ********* My other lemming NARS items *********

    Loose Powder (Flesh), The Botan Brushes range

    I hope this wraps up my NARS rambling, and has been remotely helpful to you.  I don't care much for NARS lip items, because I heard they smell funky and I think I have more than enough lip items in my stash unused.

    I still wish to go to a NARS store in person soon (hopefully June), and then I can swatch more products and try out new items.  :)

     

    I am also aware that many of the Onsugarettes will be going for the MAC sale -- I can't make it that day, dang! -- so that would be an awesome chance to grab your MAC goodies at discounted prices, prolly the closest to what we have for CCO.  Good luck ladies!

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    April 10, 2010

    LOTD: Mostly NARS (Day 02) - with end of the day pictures

    Flower Picture taken at ION

    Today is Day 2 of a NARS related LOTD.

    ***   Additional comments/ review about the Sheer Glow Foundation  ***

    I got to really test drive the longevity of how the NARS Sheer Glow foundation wear throughout the day.   I left the house around 4ish, went around to Vivo (met Chantana, Amy and Kas to pass around some haulage from various places), went to Raffles City, went for Mexican dinner at Cafe Iguana, shopped a little more, had coffee at Starbucks.  By the time I got home, it was past 12 midnight.  So the foundation had a good run of about 8 hours??  By the end of the evening, I had noticed, and Kas also noticed that the foundation had definitely worn off.  Like I have mentioned before, the finish of this foundation is very nice and all.  But don't expect it to last throughout the day, especially in our humid weather (and I didn't even sweat that much today).

    *** What I have on my face today ***

    Eyes: Ashes to Ashes e/s mainly on the lids, Sophia e/s on the outer corner/crease, Nightsky highlight.

    Cheeks: Penny Lane as base, Sin on top

    Liners and Lashes: MAC Black Line & Palz Lashes

    Lipsticks: Nude- Gosh Darling, Pink- Barry M 146 applied over Darling lipstick

    Foundation: RMK Base, Sheer Glow, Set with Covergirl Oil Control Pressed Powder

    *** At the Start of the Day ***

    And at the end of the day...foundation is pretty much gone and faded.

    I think my HG foundation is still the Estee Lauder Double Wear.  Sheer Glow feels nice, but I would put it in the same category like my Dior foundation.   Feels good, looks good, but don't last whole day.

    I hope this has been helpful... and I  know my LOTDS are quite 'predictable' but all the NARS shadows I have are the  brown neutrals.  Of those I own, I would say 2 of them aren't worth getting, and all (those worth buying) shall be revealed later on Sunday.

    Thanks for reading.

    By the way, noppi posted an awesome HOW TO USE CURVES in PHOTOSHOP, so check it out HERE!!