&Follow SJoin OnSugar
A place for me to share all my make-up ramblings...enjoy!

About Me

e-mail

themakeupblogette@hotmail.com

My name is Sophia!

BLOGLOVIN

Follow on Bloglovin

Follow @makeup_blogette on Instagram

Twitter Me!

Follow makeup_blogette on Twitter

Tags

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

May 2013
SMTWTFS
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031 
April 2013
SMTWTFS
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
282930 
March 2013
SMTWTFS
 12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31 

    Email |
    |
    February 02, 2013

    LOTD: Urban Decay NAKED Basics Palette

    Hi!

    I did a look with the Urban Decay Naked Basics palette today - if you are a matte shadows lover, you need this palette!   I went for a soft smokey look, with a pop of color on the lower lids.  Love the end results.  The matte browns are very outstanding, though I wish the lighter shades have more variety, cos I can imagine how they might not really show up on some skintones.. 

    The formula and consistency of these shadows are impressive.  They adhere to the eyelids very well, and the minor fallout I experienced isn't much of a problem in my application. 

    I did use a primer to help the colors stay on better, and true to color, as I always do with all my eyeshadows. 

    Swatches in this entry here.


    Colors used: 

    1. I applied on the brow bone - Venus - to softly highlight the area, using a fluffy brush.  The color went on smoothly and I like the satin finish. 

    2. I applied the crease color next - using NAKED 2 - this gives the eyes some definition before I apply my lid color.  I really like this color, it is kind of like MAC Omega & Wedge that sort of matte blending colors - I used a larger fluffy brush for this step. 

    3. On the lids, I used Faint - it is a very rich brown darker than it looks in the pan after I applied on the lids.  There was some fallout with this color, but I dusted off the fallout with a face brush.  I layered it on to intensify the color. 

    4. I used a gel liner to define my eyes.  And then set it with Crave, a super jet matte black.  This step is optional, but I just wanted to try out the color. 

    5. I tight lined my lower lids with Urban Decay 24/7 glide on shadow in the color Rehab, and further down my lower lids, I used a teal metallic liner to give the look an 'interesting' touch.   Teal liners seem to be really in this Spring, apart from all the girly pinks. 


    More pictures: 




    and a crazy face hahaha! 

    All products used: 

    Face - cle de peau beaute Brightening Enhancing Base (out in March), Urban Decay Naked Foundation, set with Diorsnow fresh reveal color correcting powder

    Concealer - cle de peau beaute concealer 

    Cheeks - Shiseido bronzer 02, Tarte Amazonian clay blush Fantastic

    Eyes - NARS primer, Urban Decay NAKED Basics palette (colors as stated above) 

    Liners - Bobbi Brown gel liner Black Ink, Makeup Store Ocean Breeze (out in March), Urban Decay 24/7 glide on shadow pencil Rehab 

    Lashes - Shu Uemura farfarlina 

    Lips - Chanel Glossimer Sweet Beige

    Hope you find this entry helpful!  

    thanks for reading!

    Email |
    |
    October 20, 2012

    LOTD: Walking on Eggshells & New Hair!

    Hi hi! 

    So this evening, I was about to go out... for some comfort food (brownies and icecream) when it started pouring like crazy. That totally put a damper on my plans, and since I was already halfway through slapping makeup on my face, I decided to make an LOTD entry of it.  This is a very natural everyday look which I put together in about 20 minutes. 

    Stuff I used:

    Foundation - Hanskin Super 3 Solution BB Cream, Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation, La Mer Loose Powder

    Cheeks - D&G The Bronzer 01 Natural , The Blush 01 Nude

    Eyes - NARS Pro Prime, W&W Walking on Eggshells

    Lips - Boots No7 Nude Liner, Chanel Glossimer Sweet Beige

    Usual brows & lashes

    Soft, defined look that makes me look awake. 

    I couldn't wash my hair today, it is very flat... I can't wait for it to look messily straight again!

    pardon me while I post a couple more pictures to show off my new hair!

    to read about what I did to my hair, click here (link link link

    That's all, and thanks for reading!

    Email |
    |
    September 15, 2012

    Burberry Pale Barley Sheer Eyeshadow [Photos & Swatches]

    Hi hi!

    I recently purchased Burberry's Pale Barley when it came back in stock at Tangs, and I am glad that I finally got to have it in my stash.  I have to admit that the color is not the most ground-breaking, but in terms of texture, I think the Burberry sheer eyeshadows are my fave right up there with the Giorgio Armani eyes to kill intense.  They are so velvety, butter smooth, and lasts so well throughout the whole day. 

    I like that they are soft shimmery, easy to blend out and comes in such a wide range of pretty neutrals.  If I were to build a new makeup kit from start, I think I want a makeup bag filled with nothing but Burberry eyeshadows (or maybe NARS eyeshadows.  or Inglot eyeshadows.  You get the drift...)  However, I do wish that  they aren't so expensive at $46 each.  Yes the quality is really fantastic, but coughing out almost $50 for an eyeshadow is just not my thing, and I don't think I will purchase more Burberry eyeshadows...I am happy with my current stash of four, and I don't think (cross my fingers) that I will need to buy more. 

    Here are more photos: 

    And the swatch - Pale Barley is a golden brown shade that isn't super metallic - it is a soft shimmery shade and perfect for everyday use.  It is brighter and more golden than Rosewood, and of course lighter than Midnight Brown (I name these two other Burberry eyeshadows because those are the only two I can compare Pale Barley with). 

    Here in this pictures you can see how nicely the color blends out without losing its soft shimmery texture.   I added Burberry Midnight Brown on the outer corner to give the eyelook some depth and definition. 

    Here's the complete look:

    I just line my eyes with a black pencil liner, put on a pair of 'natural' looking falsies and a pink lipstick. 

    I will try to do a more smokey night-time look with Burberry eyeshadows soon, so please stay tuned.  

    Just a quick comparison with other neutral eyeshadows - I can trawl through my stash and look for dupes.. but I think I shall show you the comparisons of the texture of the eyeshadows from different brands...and you can see that while the Burberry shadows doesn't have that vivid metallic finish as some of the MAC & Urban Decay eyeshadows, they hold their own for delivering great color payoff, which never looks too thick.  I would like to see the Burberry sheer eyeshadows (not sheer at all!) creates an air of effortless chic look to the modern girl. 

    Here's how much I have used Rosewood - and is it just me,

    but I often only dig my brush in that corner, so preserve the lovely embossing on the eyeshadow? 

    Bottomline:  You need to try out at least one or two of the Burberry eyeshadows - don't need to catch up with their collections,

    just pick a couple which you know you will wear all the time. 

    Hope this swatch & review is useful, and thank you for reading.

    Email |
    |
    June 14, 2012

    LOTD: Nude & Neutral

    Hi hi, 

    I can't wait to go for my vacay.  Like in, less than 48 hours.  So psyched, it's unbelievable - going to TW (I have never been there), and travelling with great like-minded companions...and we have planned out everything, so the trip is going to be packed with all sorts of fun! 

    Anyway, today I was heading out for my manicure, at Kimberly's and so I thought I would do up this LOTD which is quite natural, and using mostly very nude shades.  I will bring you through the main steps, and what I did or how I applied the products. 

    I recently received the Bobbi Brown Long Wear Even Finish foundations to try out, and based on the couple of times I have used it, this seems to be a foundation that is great for people like me with oily/combination skin.  It is quite matte, and does last quite well throughout the day.  I will do a proper full review entry after I have used this longer.  In case you are curious, the shade I am using is 0.5 Warm Porcelain (the other shade which I will try just to see if it suits me, is 0 Porcelain which is slightly cooler in tone). 

    These are the main colors I used on my face today. 

    Eyes: 

    I used NARS eyeshadow primer, followed by Burberry eyeshadow in Trench (matte bone color) all over my eyelids, focusing more on the browbone area.  Then I used Burberry eyeshadow in Rosewood all over my lids.  Note that the eyeshadows are really soft, and nice to blend.  I probably overblended, and I intentionally blended up quite high upwards.  The placement of colors is rather casual, and slightly messy.  This is followed by the usual eyeliner, eyelash application, filling in the brows and so on.  I wanted to use just a pair of Ardel 120 on its own... but I am too used to these thick voluminous lashes lately, one single pair of Ardel just doesn't do it for me anymore. 

    For my face, I used a kabuki brush to dust the Dior Nude bronzer all over my forehead, and sides of my face.  I think that this is a good way to make your face look less flat, without looking like you have actually 'contoured' the hollow parts of your face (well, I don't think there is any hollowness to my flat round face....) so, anyway, yup.. then I used the D&G Nude Blush just on the apples of my cheeks. Both the blush an bronzer complimented each other very well.  I love love these two face products at the moment.  The quality is immaculate, and I am really enjoying using them. 

    As for lips, I went for Dior Addict Extreme in the shade 326 Incognito, which is a natural nude shade, my lips but better. 

    close up eye

    All products used:

    base - ettusais bb cream, bobbi brown foundation, set with la mer loose powder

    concealer - cle de peau

    cheeks - Dior Nude bronzer in Zenith, D&G Nude Blush

    eyes - NARS eyeshadow primer, Burberry Trench, Burberry Rosewood

    liners and brows - MAC Lord it Up on lower lash line, Heavy Rotation liquid liner,  Shu Uemura brow pencil, Bobbi Brown natural brow shaper

    lips - Dior Extreme Addict Incognito 

    my holiday manicure 

    [Kimberly did this set of ikat print nails for me, to contact her for appointments,

    click on her FB page, http://www.facebook.com/Kims.Nails.by.Kim]

    and all our manicures 

    Not too sure if I have enough time to post any more entries after this, and I don't schedule any pre-written ones, so it might be a short while before I will get back into the updates, and sharing of new stuff.  Follow me on instagram for lots of updates, LOTD, OOTD when I am in TW! 

    That's all, and thanks for reading!

    Email |
    |
    January 28, 2012

    LOTD: SUQQU Blend Color Eyeshadow 01 Kakitsubata

    Hi hi!

    Decided to try out my newer eyeshadow palettes in a series of LOTDs...there will be more to come :)

    This entry features my SUQQU palette, which I have shown here, and after using all the four colors, I must say, the quality is there -- I can't explain what is so special about the formulation, but the pigmentation is impressive, there is no fallout at all (even with the matte navy shade) and the shimmer is just very elegant.  I tried to keep other eye products to a minimum to bring out the eyeshadow palette.

    My thoughts on using the eyeshadow palette

    I do suggest using a eyeshadow base, as usual, so that the eyeshadows adhere well to your eyelids.  This is an eyelook which I would easily wear everyday, there is some definition to my eyes, and of course, I can always just use only the matte navy blue if I want an all out smokey eyelook for nights out.  This matte navy is so smooth, and despite it being matte, it went on my lash line very smoothly (I used a pencil brush to apply) and I created a soft winged out look at the outer corner. I used a black pencil liner to further fill in the space in between the lashes, but the main liner is done using the matte navy eyeshadow.  I also continued with the eyeshadow liner on the lower outer lids.

    In these close ups, you can see the pretty shimmers of the metallic brown shade on my lids.

    The eyeshadow palette also comes with two eyeshadow applicators, which I didn't use in this LOTD, one of it is a dual ended natural hair brush, that feels really soft and dense.  Something that I can actually use if I don't want to bring out any of my eyeshadow brushes.

    This picture shows the various shades used on the different parts of the eyes.

    everything I used

    face: Clarins Skin Illusion foundation, La Mer Powder

    concealer: Collection2000 lasting perfection 01

    eyes: NARS eyeshadow primer, NARS Larger than Life black pencil, SUQQU eyeshadow palette

    cheeks: Illamasqua Rumor to contour, Guerlain bronzer as blush, Guerlain Cruel Gardenia as highlighter

    lips: Chanel extrait de gloss 52 Genie, Chanel Glossimer 287 (from last summer)

    * note on the lips combo *

    REALLY loving this combo, I get to use up my lipglosses, the color is natural and shimmery, not sticky and really moisturising too.

     

    SUQQU products can be purchased at www.dollyleo.com  if anyone is interested.

     

    Thanks for looking!

     

    Email |
    |
    July 30, 2011

    LOTD: Something Natural & Pinkish

    Hi!

    This LOTD is something very easy, natural and most importantly, quick.  The colors used are all very soft and yet flattering.  Think it has that 'no makeup' but yet I don't look undone... if you know what I mean.   In this look, the cheeks and lips are the main focus, while the eyes are just subtly defined.

    You would have caught glimpses/ close-ups of this look from the previous entry, because I used all the products which I reviewed in those entries... links will be included when necessary.   I did not use any bronzer in this look  -- surprise, surprise, given my bronzing kick lately -- because I really wanted to test the wear of the Clarins face powder on its own.... so my face might appear a little stark.

    I was indoors mostly, but spend an unexpected late afternoon/ evening at Sentosa where I was mostly outdoors.  I was glad I had on a pretty powerful sun protection base --- listed below (***)... and review to be up soon as well.

    All products used:

    Foundation:  ***Leaders Clinic Mild Sunscreen & Waterproof Makeup Base Combination SPF50/PA+++,  Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, La Mer Powder

    Eyes: Clarins Ombre Minerale 4 Couleurs Palette 01 Pastels , UDPP, UD 24.7 Glide on Cream Shadow Pencil Rehab as liner

    Lips: Clarins Rouge Prodige Rosy Coral 115

    Cheeks: Clarins Color Definition 3D Radiance Face Powder

     

    That's all, and thank you for looking.

    Email |
    |
    May 21, 2011

    LOTD: Watched POTC 4! [Shimmery Neutrals]

    Hi hi,

    was so excited today to check out the new Lido theatres, and also watch Pirates of the Caribbean 4 at the IMAX theatre.  Shall not give away any of the movie plot, but the mermaids --- gorgeous!

    Today, I went through my eyeshadows drawer and picked out a few pigments to use.  Also this is probably the first time I am using my Shu Uemura mousse foundation with a full face makeup!  I have reviewed the Shu Uemura mousse foundation HERE.

    All products used:

    Base - Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Spot Treatment base, Shu Uemura Mousse Foundation, NARS Loose Powder

    Cheeks/ Bronzer - Chanel Rose Bronze

    Concealers/ Primers - UDPP, MAC Prep+Primer Highlighter, Shu Uemura Pro Gel Cealer

    Lips - Clinique Chubby Stick

    Liners - MAC Lord it Up [lower lids], MAC Superslick Liner Signature Blue [upper lids]

    Eyeshadows - MUA Smoky Quartz pigment, MAC Bloodline, Bobbi Brown Heather Mauve, Illamasqua Static pigment, MAC Solar White, MAC Vanilla

    ** I blended the crease color [which is the bobbi brown heather mauve e/s very high up the crease and towards the inner corners to the nose.  I dabbed Static pigment on the centre of my lids.  The blue liquid liner adds a nice pop of color besides the usual black.  I also dabbed Solar White e/s on the inner corner of my eyes.  **

    I also painted OPI's Pirates of the Caribbean collection colors, in Stranger's Tides and Skull & Glossbones on my hands.

    and nobody knows what these two were up to later on in the night
    Each IMAX ticket is $22, but I think it's worth every cent! :)
    That's all, and thanks for looking!
    Email |
    |
    December 05, 2010

    Basic Makeup: All About the Eyes! PART TWO

    hi hi,

    I slacked with the BASICS series, partly because I procrastinated, and then I do want to have the "mood" to do this, and then I would be on a roll, and post the entry right away.

    In my previous BASICS eyemakeup entry, I did a 2 colour how-to, with the emphasis on the outer corner of the eyes.  In this part, I will be sharing my fave method, which is just one color blended all over the lids.  You can substitute the lid color with any color you wish, but my preference is to use a very multi-dimensional color, slightly shimmer/ metallic, so that you can see the color in "full bloom" when it is blended upwards, and still retaining the intensity near to the lashes of your eyes.

    I did an entry on rich brown eyeshadows before, and you can check out some of my recommendations there.

    Again, I ain't an expert in applying makeup, and I am just sharing what works for me.  I hope you will find this interesting and helpful.

    Pixiwoo has a tutorial on how to blend eyeshadows for different eye shapes, and that video shows very clearly how you can blend 2 colors together to make the most of your eye shape.

    All eyeshadows mentioned here are from the Urban Decay's NAKED palette.

    Step ONE: Base/ Primer for your lids.  You can choose a colorless eyeshadow primer, or a matching colored cream shadow.  Blend it with your finger tips.  It doesn't have to be neat at this point in time.

    Step Two: Apply lid color.  I used Toasted.  Pack on the color, concentrating on the lids area.

    Step THREE: Use a clean fluffy brush, and blend color up to the crease.  This creates a lighter blending shade, and gives the illusion of a socket/ crease.

    Step FOUR: Apply highlight color.  Blend into the crease color.

    Step FIVE: Line lower lids.  Use any color you wish, but here I am using a blacken gold color MAC Orpheus.  Then you might want to set the liner with a matching color if your lower lids/ liner are prone to smudging.

    Step SIX: Line upper lids.

    At this point, I am starting to notice the lid color is too "red" and brown for my liner, and I will later change the lid color ---- and showing how you can still change your mind without having to clean off whatever you have done.  Of course, if you decide to change from a blue smokey to a neutral look, then you really have to clean up.

    Step SEVEN: TOTALLY UNPLANNED ---- I am going to darken the lid colour.  Use the same blending brush and picked up a darker brown shade, and sweep it all over the lids.

    Next would be applying mascara and/or false lashes as desired.  I left out those steps.   So you end up with something like this:

    And  the overall look:

    I used Cosme Decorte essence control base, Lancome Teint Miracle, Sleek Makeup Coral blush, and Lancome lipgloss.

    If you missed out on other BASICS entries, here they are:

    Eye makeup PART ONE

    Contour & Blush

    Faking flawless skin

    I also did a couple of tutorials before, using the same ONE eyeshadow method, and here they are:

    inuovi 'Techno' smokey brown tutorial ** wowza at my pimply forehead then!  LOL

    NARS China Blue smokey blue tutorial ** very detailed tutorial  ---- I REALLY LOVE THAT LOOK!

     

    I hope this has been helpful!  Thanks for looking.

    Email |
    |
    August 19, 2010

    LOTD: Nude & Contoured

    Just something I did for fun, to see how far I can take the whole contouring and shading of facial features.  This is one area of makeup application which I wish I am really an expert of... it is like doing photoshop editing to your face using makeup products.  Sculpt your features, highlight and contour...really interesting!

     

    Realised that the key to getting this kind of contoured and nude look right is to have the right tools.  Use suitable shades to highlight and contour your face, and also brushes that will blend specific areas which you are working on.  Other than that, you pretty much just need a few colors to get the job done.  And also loads of practice.

     

    To see the experts in action, click HERE for pixiwoo's catwalk contouring tutorial.

     

    Products used:

    Face: MAC Face and Body Foundation (N1), MUFE Concealer Palette

    Contour shades: MAC Sculpt and Shape powder, MAC Brule (on eyelids), MAC Omega, Wedge and Apres Grey eyeshadows

    Highlight shades: MAC Vanilla, NARS Albatross

    Blush: Benefit Thrrrrrob

    Lips: Korres Lip Butter Guava, Revlon Nude Attitude

    Brushes used: MAC 109, 227, 225, 217, 138

    Obviously I ain't a professional, and this is just for fun, I don't think I will actually step out of the house looking like this!

    That's all, and thanks for looking.

    Email |
    |
    July 16, 2010

    LOTD: 'Reverse' Smokey Eyes!

    Hi hi,

    I feel like I have not done a LOTD for quite some time!  I really like this look, the eyes are very defined, but rest of the lids is kept neutral.

    Both the cheeks and lip colors are also super matchy matchy!

    Here are the products which I used:

    Foundation: Sana Pore Putty base, Maquillage Long Lasting Stick Foundation, MUFE concealer palette,  MUFE Super Matte Loose Powder

    Cheeks: NARS Torrid, and MAC Stereo Rose ----- These two colors look kind of similar, I haven't swatch them side by side to compare, but I kind of like the overall effect! And I really buffed and blended in the colors into my cheeks for maximum radiant effect.

    Eyes: NARS eyeshadow primer, MUFE Aqua Cream #14, MAC Style Influencer mineralised trio  (the dark blue shade is used to line the lower lids), and the lightest shade for brow bone and inner corner.  The brown goes all over the lids.

    I applied the lower lids color much lower than usual, partly cos I kind of made the mistake of using a bigger brush to lay the shadow over the Opheus liner.  So I kind of ended up with a very thick line under my eyes.... and I thought  it turned out quite well after I set my foundation and completed the whole look.

    Lips: YSL Peach Faubourg #30

    Liner: Stila Noir Gold, and MAC Orpheus on lower lids

    And some more pictures!

    That's all, and thanks for looking!