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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.

 

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    December 12, 2012

    The YSL Rose Gold Arty Ring [and a matching manicure]


    Hi hi!

    Last Monday, Net a Porter had a random one day only free shipping on all orders, and I took the chance to place an order for the new YSL Arty Ring in rose gold hardware.  Well, it took me the whole day to decide to purchase another Arty Ring.  In the end, the rose gold and good price factors won me over.  Besides it is becoming quite a classic, no?  And the total price of what I paid for this ring from net-a-porter ends up being a good $80 cheaper than if I were to get it in the actual store in Singapore. 

    The stone itself has specks of gold in it.  The navy deep blue stone looks cool and dark depending on the angle and the lighting conditions.  I ordered mine in a size larger than my current red love Arty, so that I could wear it on my middle or index finger. 

    Here's a close up:


    And I did a manicure to match the ring - kind of look like the stone, right?   I love how it looks on my hand... the rose gold matches my skintone, and it fits my middle finger just nicely (slightly big though).  I got a size 8 btw, and my red one is size 7.  I don't really fuss about the sizing, but I always decide on a size larger than what I think I am... you can fit a bigger ring on other fingers, but there's nothing much you can do about a smaller ring. 


    Here's what I used to create the manicure - Chanel Blue Satin and OPI Man with the Golden Gun topcoat. 

    Here's a color comparison with my current red Love Arty Ring, you can really see the rose gold of the other ring.. 

    I really love my latest YSl arty ring.  I hope I don't make this into some kind of a 'collection' habit!  :o
     

    That's all, and thanks for looking!

    Email |
    |
    December 12, 2012

    The YSL Rose Gold Arty Ring [and a matching manicure]


    Hi hi!

    Last Monday, Net a Porter had a random one day only free shipping on all orders, and I took the chance to place an order for the new YSL Arty Ring in rose gold hardware.  Well, it took me the whole day to decide to purchase another Arty Ring.  In the end, the rose gold and good price factors won me over.  Besides it is becoming quite a classic, no?  And the total price of what I paid for this ring from net-a-porter ends up being a good $80 cheaper than if I were to get it in the actual store in Singapore. 

    The stone itself has specks of gold in it.  The navy deep blue stone looks cool and dark depending on the angle and the lighting conditions.  I ordered mine in a size larger than my current red love Arty, so that I could wear it on my middle or index finger. 

    Here's a close up:


    And I did a manicure to match the ring - kind of look like the stone, right?   I love how it looks on my hand... the rose gold matches my skintone, and it fits my middle finger just nicely (slightly big though).  I got a size 8 btw, and my red one is size 7.  I don't really fuss about the sizing, but I always decide on a size larger than what I think I am... you can fit a bigger ring on other fingers, but there's nothing much you can do about a smaller ring. 


    Here's what I used to create the manicure - Chanel Blue Satin and OPI Man with the Golden Gun topcoat. 

    Here's a color comparison with my current red Love Arty Ring, you can really see the rose gold of the other ring.. 

    I really love my latest YSl arty ring.  I hope I don't make this into some kind of a 'collection' habit!  :o
     

    That's all, and thanks for looking!

    Email |
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    September 07, 2012

    Saks.com Haul: Lancome Blush Subtil Palette 126 Nectar Lace

    So I ordered a few items from Saks.com with my friend, and among my order is this gorgeous Lancome blush palette, which will not be making its way to Singapore Lancome counters.   I had to try one for myself, this retails for USD42, and contains a trio of bronzer, blush and a cheek highlight shade.  

    The texture of this blush palette is beyond amazing, it is so super smooth, and so soft...and best of so, so pigmented, especially the blush shade.  I think the shade I have picked, Nectar Lace, is the prettiest among the 6 shades released.  The middle shade is a orangey peachy pink shade, and it contains super pretty golden shimmer. 

    The bronzer and highlight shade has a lovely sheen, and the colors are subtle and perfect for contouring purposes. 

    This is really a great buy, and if you have the chance, definitely pick up one of these Blush Subtil Palette! 

     

    Some product description extracted from the website: 

    Face Sculpting & Illuminating
    All-In-One Contour, Blush & Highlighter

    126 Nectar Lace - Left (Contour): Matte tan Center (Blush): Shimmery pinky coral Right (Highlight): Pale gold shimmer

    Sensationally Smooth. All-in-One Blush Palette to Sculpt and Enhance Your Best Features.  Artistry is made easy with three simple steps to contour, blush and highlight your complexion.  For any skin tone, any face shape – your complexion naturally enhanced.  Define your face, enhance or diminish any features for a complexion that is illuminated, brightened and lifted.

    Backstage Beauty Tips:
    • Apply Blush Subtil Palette using the educational leaflet included or by clicking on the Step by Step link below for the best blush result.

    Benefits & Technology
    • The new generation of powder, silky and creamy for a smooth even application.   Won’t settle into lines or pores and never looks powdery on skin.
    • Builds from sheer to intense coverage.  Blends seamlessly.
    • 8-hour wear. Stays color true and does not fade.
    • Dermatologist tested.  Allergy tested.  Fragrance-free.

     

    Swatches: 

    and here's how it looks like on my cheeks.  

    I went a little overboard, and I had to blend out the cheek color - in case if your wondering why it looks patchy/ uneven. 

    It is really pigmented, best to use a light hand, and apply in layers to build to the intensity you desire. 

    and another LOTD where I am not sporting any eye color.

    I highly recommend this blush palette, and especially this color! 

    Hope this has been helpful, and thank you for reading. :)

    Email |
    |
    September 07, 2012

    Saks.com Haul: Lancome Blush Subtil Palette 126 Nectar Lace

    So I ordered a few items from Saks.com with my friend, and among my order is this gorgeous Lancome blush palette, which will not be making its way to Singapore Lancome counters.   I had to try one for myself, this retails for USD42, and contains a trio of bronzer, blush and a cheek highlight shade.  

    The texture of this blush palette is beyond amazing, it is so super smooth, and so soft...and best of so, so pigmented, especially the blush shade.  I think the shade I have picked, Nectar Lace, is the prettiest among the 6 shades released.  The middle shade is a orangey peachy pink shade, and it contains super pretty golden shimmer. 

    The bronzer and highlight shade has a lovely sheen, and the colors are subtle and perfect for contouring purposes. 

    This is really a great buy, and if you have the chance, definitely pick up one of these Blush Subtil Palette! 

     

    Some product description extracted from the website: 

    Face Sculpting & Illuminating
    All-In-One Contour, Blush & Highlighter

    126 Nectar Lace - Left (Contour): Matte tan Center (Blush): Shimmery pinky coral Right (Highlight): Pale gold shimmer

    Sensationally Smooth. All-in-One Blush Palette to Sculpt and Enhance Your Best Features.  Artistry is made easy with three simple steps to contour, blush and highlight your complexion.  For any skin tone, any face shape – your complexion naturally enhanced.  Define your face, enhance or diminish any features for a complexion that is illuminated, brightened and lifted.

    Backstage Beauty Tips:
    • Apply Blush Subtil Palette using the educational leaflet included or by clicking on the Step by Step link below for the best blush result.

    Benefits & Technology
    • The new generation of powder, silky and creamy for a smooth even application.   Won’t settle into lines or pores and never looks powdery on skin.
    • Builds from sheer to intense coverage.  Blends seamlessly.
    • 8-hour wear. Stays color true and does not fade.
    • Dermatologist tested.  Allergy tested.  Fragrance-free.

     

    Swatches: 

    and here's how it looks like on my cheeks.  

    I went a little overboard, and I had to blend out the cheek color - in case if your wondering why it looks patchy/ uneven. 

    It is really pigmented, best to use a light hand, and apply in layers to build to the intensity you desire. 

    and another LOTD where I am not sporting any eye color.

    I highly recommend this blush palette, and especially this color! 

    Hope this has been helpful, and thank you for reading. :)

    Email |
    |
    July 07, 2012

    Gorgeous Cosmetics: Foundation, Eyeshadows & Eyeliner [Photos & Swatches]

    I received these Gorgeous cosmetics from Zalora.Sg, and shall share with you some photos & swatches of the products, plus my initial thoughts on them.  I hope to feature them again in LOTD and review entries. 

    Gorgeous cosmetics is a Australia based makeup brand, and it carries a wide range of makeup, everything from base, to eyeshadows, eyelashes, pigments, lipglosses and makeup brushes. The brushes look really good, and the prices are very reasonable.   For more information about Gorgeous cosmetics, you might want to click my previous entry here (click click click). 

    Brand description:
     
    David McConnell begun as a makeup artist and hairdresser. He quickly gained recognition, winning multiple awards in his native Australia. Still in his teens, he opened a boutique in a prestigious Melbourne suburb, taking high-expectations full on. He demonstrated his ability to deliver quality to the highest standard even in a luxury environment. He brings the same dedication to the production of Gorgeous beauty products for women, a cosmetics brand which he founded in response to demand from his clients. 
     
    “Gorgeous was my way of saying to my clients that makeup, glamour and confidence is Ever Yours.” Designed by a professional in-demand makeup artist, this premium range of cosmetics uses the very best of ingredients. McConnell meticulously engineered the range to create one of the finest womens beauty products range available in the market. Discover why the professional makeup industry loves Gorgeous women's cosmetics with an updated selection on Zalora Singapore. 
     

    Firstly, we have the Base Perfect Liquid Foundation - it is a very smooth liquid foundation, that sets to a velvety almost matte finish.  I have mine in the shade 1N which is the lightest neutral tone shade, as I usually am in most foundation shade range. 

    Product description from the website:

    The smooth, oil free emulsion blends effortlessly onto the skin, giving you a perfect complexion . Special light diffusing pigments amplify the light, giving skin the appearance of a healthy luminosity. Contains Vitamins A and E to soothe and condition the skin. Medium to full coverage, suitable for all skin types. Blend onto skin using Foundation Brush #025 or a sponge. / 30ml, S$68 

    here is the color chart for your reference

    Next, is the eyeshadow palette - Gorgeous cosmetics also carry a range of single eyeshadows, but there are 2 quads available, and I have shown you both in my previous entry and this got to be my favourite pick.  It has four neutral shades, and all of them are superbly pigmented, soft and creamy.  The glitter bits in the black shade doesn't seem to fall everywhere when I swatched on my hand..and the 3 earthy brown shades are just impressive. 

    S$65

    what's left on my fingertips after the swatches 

    and lastly, the liquid eyeliner which comes with a felt tip marker type applicator, it is firm, and yet gives some movement and flexibility when you apply it on your eyelids. The formula is a little wet (or maybe cos mine is so new) so do wait for it to dry first like all liquid eyeliner.  I have included a comparison with my Heavy Rotation liquid liner which is my current fave liner, so you can see it's really jet black.

    Production description

    This jet black, gel based eye pencil boasts intense coverage and excellent color pay off. The creamy formula applies and blends easily, without dragging sensitive skin. It quickly sets to become smudge proof and non-transferable. It is ultra long lasting and water resistant. / 1.2gms, S$34

    That's all I have to share for Gorgeous Cosmetics in this entry, it is always exciting to try out a brand I have never experienced before... and if any of these caught your attention, do make use of this special 10% discount code when you place your order at Zalora!

    code: SOPHIANGfan
    10% discount, valid till 10 July
    (not valid on discounted items)
     
     
    Useful links
     
    Hope you find this entry helpful, and thanks for looking! 
    Email |
    |
    July 07, 2012

    Gorgeous Cosmetics: Foundation, Eyeshadows & Eyeliner [Photos & Swatches]

    I received these Gorgeous cosmetics from Zalora.Sg, and shall share with you some photos & swatches of the products, plus my initial thoughts on them.  I hope to feature them again in LOTD and review entries. 

    Gorgeous cosmetics is a Australia based makeup brand, and it carries a wide range of makeup, everything from base, to eyeshadows, eyelashes, pigments, lipglosses and makeup brushes. The brushes look really good, and the prices are very reasonable.   For more information about Gorgeous cosmetics, you might want to click my previous entry here (click click click). 

    Brand description:
     
    David McConnell begun as a makeup artist and hairdresser. He quickly gained recognition, winning multiple awards in his native Australia. Still in his teens, he opened a boutique in a prestigious Melbourne suburb, taking high-expectations full on. He demonstrated his ability to deliver quality to the highest standard even in a luxury environment. He brings the same dedication to the production of Gorgeous beauty products for women, a cosmetics brand which he founded in response to demand from his clients. 
     
    “Gorgeous was my way of saying to my clients that makeup, glamour and confidence is Ever Yours.” Designed by a professional in-demand makeup artist, this premium range of cosmetics uses the very best of ingredients. McConnell meticulously engineered the range to create one of the finest womens beauty products range available in the market. Discover why the professional makeup industry loves Gorgeous women's cosmetics with an updated selection on Zalora Singapore. 
     

    Firstly, we have the Base Perfect Liquid Foundation - it is a very smooth liquid foundation, that sets to a velvety almost matte finish.  I have mine in the shade 1N which is the lightest neutral tone shade, as I usually am in most foundation shade range. 

    Product description from the website:

    The smooth, oil free emulsion blends effortlessly onto the skin, giving you a perfect complexion . Special light diffusing pigments amplify the light, giving skin the appearance of a healthy luminosity. Contains Vitamins A and E to soothe and condition the skin. Medium to full coverage, suitable for all skin types. Blend onto skin using Foundation Brush #025 or a sponge. / 30ml, S$68 

    here is the color chart for your reference

    Next, is the eyeshadow palette - Gorgeous cosmetics also carry a range of single eyeshadows, but there are 2 quads available, and I have shown you both in my previous entry and this got to be my favourite pick.  It has four neutral shades, and all of them are superbly pigmented, soft and creamy.  The glitter bits in the black shade doesn't seem to fall everywhere when I swatched on my hand..and the 3 earthy brown shades are just impressive. 

    S$65

    what's left on my fingertips after the swatches 

    and lastly, the liquid eyeliner which comes with a felt tip marker type applicator, it is firm, and yet gives some movement and flexibility when you apply it on your eyelids. The formula is a little wet (or maybe cos mine is so new) so do wait for it to dry first like all liquid eyeliner.  I have included a comparison with my Heavy Rotation liquid liner which is my current fave liner, so you can see it's really jet black.

    Production description

    This jet black, gel based eye pencil boasts intense coverage and excellent color pay off. The creamy formula applies and blends easily, without dragging sensitive skin. It quickly sets to become smudge proof and non-transferable. It is ultra long lasting and water resistant. / 1.2gms, S$34

    That's all I have to share for Gorgeous Cosmetics in this entry, it is always exciting to try out a brand I have never experienced before... and if any of these caught your attention, do make use of this special 10% discount code when you place your order at Zalora!

    code: SOPHIANGfan
    10% discount, valid till 10 July
    (not valid on discounted items)
     
     
    Useful links
     
    Hope you find this entry helpful, and thanks for looking! 
    Email |
    |
    April 26, 2012

    Introducing Shopping-District.Net

    Hi!

    A while back, I was contacted by the folks at Shopping-District.Net to feature their site, and I was like, sure why not?  There are more and more sites that sell ready instock of brands which we previously could only spree or get someone to buy for us when they travel to certain countries.  And that can be a tad inconvenient.  Enter online beauty stores, which has been sprouting up, stocking brands like Maybelline (these stores usually stock the products we don't get in our local Watsons), ELF, NYC, Sleekmakeup, OCC, and so on.

    Prices can be slightly marked up, but you will get your item within the same week, there is no hidden cost (normal postage is usually included), and you don't have to wait weeks for your item to arrive. This is especially useful when you are ordering just one item, or you want selected items from a few brands, say for example, a couple of OCC lip tars, Sleek Makeup, and a Sigma brush set - and you can find all these in the same site.

    So anyway, at Shopping-District.Net, you can find a selection of mainly US brands, along with the odd UK, and Korean brands.  They also have a current spree section - ordering from sites like Bath & BodyWorks, Victoria Secrets, Sephora US, etc... So if you want to pre-order some Sigma brushes, or want some Bath & Body Works products, you can also join their sprees.

    The site is organised in the same fashion as most beauty e-retailers, products are classified by brands, and then by type.

    This is how the Sleek Makeup eyeshadow section looks like:

     

     

    The z-palettes section:

     

     

    And the spree section:

     

    They have also sent me two products which they stock at their store to feature on my blog, I will just show you a couple of shots, and I will be featuring them individually in the next two entries.

    Sleek GLO Face & Body Highlighter

    [swatches here click click click]

    z-palette (large)

    how I revamp my inglot eyeshadows Click Click Click!

     

    I hope this sharing has been helpful.  Thank you for reading.


    Email |
    |
    April 26, 2012

    Introducing Shopping-District.Net

    Hi!

    A while back, I was contacted by the folks at Shopping-District.Net to feature their site, and I was like, sure why not?  There are more and more sites that sell ready instock of brands which we previously could only spree or get someone to buy for us when they travel to certain countries.  And that can be a tad inconvenient.  Enter online beauty stores, which has been sprouting up, stocking brands like Maybelline (these stores usually stock the products we don't get in our local Watsons), ELF, NYC, Sleekmakeup, OCC, and so on.

    Prices can be slightly marked up, but you will get your item within the same week, there is no hidden cost (normal postage is usually included), and you don't have to wait weeks for your item to arrive. This is especially useful when you are ordering just one item, or you want selected items from a few brands, say for example, a couple of OCC lip tars, Sleek Makeup, and a Sigma brush set - and you can find all these in the same site.

    So anyway, at Shopping-District.Net, you can find a selection of mainly US brands, along with the odd UK, and Korean brands.  They also have a current spree section - ordering from sites like Bath & BodyWorks, Victoria Secrets, Sephora US, etc... So if you want to pre-order some Sigma brushes, or want some Bath & Body Works products, you can also join their sprees.

    The site is organised in the same fashion as most beauty e-retailers, products are classified by brands, and then by type.

    This is how the Sleek Makeup eyeshadow section looks like:

     

     

    The z-palettes section:

     

     

    And the spree section:

     

    They have also sent me two products which they stock at their store to feature on my blog, I will just show you a couple of shots, and I will be featuring them individually in the next two entries.

    Sleek GLO Face & Body Highlighter

    [swatches here click click click]

    z-palette (large)

    how I revamp my inglot eyeshadows Click Click Click!

     

    I hope this sharing has been helpful.  Thank you for reading.


    Email |
    |
    December 20, 2011

    Weekend in Hong Kong [Dec 2011]

    A very quick entry & lots of pictures during my latest trip to Hong Kong.  Main objective of this getaway (well, yes it's a getaway hahah) is to meet up with my gf who is working there, do some catching up and shopping and eating and shopping and eating.   Pictures above is where I stayed with my gf in Kowloon.

    Weather is super chilly in HK at this time of the year (14 - 18 degrees) so I just wore my usual stuff with a blazer and scarf over.

    My fave HK shopping malls:

    IFC MALL

    ELEMENTS

    Lane Crawford (the IFC mall one is my fave not crowded at all)

    Avoid the TST area and Causeway Bay unless you want to squeeze with the crowd.  But then again, it is crowded everywhere.

    One of my fave shopping browsing places is Harvey Nichols (at The Landmark) so poshy and they have really cool chic accessories.

    I visited the Guerlain counter at Harvey Nics and bought myself a perfume.

     

    Took a break from the crowd and cold air and sat inside the cosy agnes b. cafe at Times Square.

    Daily accessories, outfits, shopping bags.

    Haul sneak peek --  I only stuck to things that are REALLY REALLY REALLY NICE....

     

    I have so many entries to get through & work is starting again! OMG.  Where did Dec go to???

     

     

     

    Stay tuned, and happy holidays!

     

     

    Email |
    |
    December 20, 2011

    Weekend in Hong Kong [Dec 2011]

    A very quick entry & lots of pictures during my latest trip to Hong Kong.  Main objective of this getaway (well, yes it's a getaway hahah) is to meet up with my gf who is working there, do some catching up and shopping and eating and shopping and eating.   Pictures above is where I stayed with my gf in Kowloon.

    Weather is super chilly in HK at this time of the year (14 - 18 degrees) so I just wore my usual stuff with a blazer and scarf over.

    My fave HK shopping malls:

    IFC MALL

    ELEMENTS

    Lane Crawford (the IFC mall one is my fave not crowded at all)

    Avoid the TST area and Causeway Bay unless you want to squeeze with the crowd.  But then again, it is crowded everywhere.

    One of my fave shopping browsing places is Harvey Nichols (at The Landmark) so poshy and they have really cool chic accessories.

    I visited the Guerlain counter at Harvey Nics and bought myself a perfume.

     

    Took a break from the crowd and cold air and sat inside the cosy agnes b. cafe at Times Square.

    Daily accessories, outfits, shopping bags.

    Haul sneak peek --  I only stuck to things that are REALLY REALLY REALLY NICE....

     

    I have so many entries to get through & work is starting again! OMG.  Where did Dec go to???

     

     

     

    Stay tuned, and happy holidays!