smashbox on the make-up blogette

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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NEW Smashbox Photo Finish Primers in a Whole New Look

From 15 Oct 2011 - All Sephora Stores Singapore

Smashbox has changed the packaging of their best selling products – Photo Finish Foundation Primers. Now in a new squeeze tube packaging, there is no more worries of not being able to finish the entire product or having the pump break on you. The Photo Finish Foundation Primer – a staple in the kits of countless celebrity makeup artists – and has since expanded to include a variety of primer formulas for different skin types and concerns.

Photo Finish Hydrating Foundation Primer is the first step to photo-ready skin. That why the experts at Smashbox Studios know flawless, long-lasting makeup application that stands up in front of the lens isn’t just an on-set essential, it’s an everyday must for you too because every moment is a photo op.

Achieve the Perfect Complexion. Pick the Right Primer.

Photo Finish Foundation Primer [S$65]

Create a perfect canvas for foundation application with this silky, lightweight blend of vitamins A and E, grape seed extract and green tea. Worn alone or under foundation to increase longevity, this best- selling primer helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores for flawless skin with a velvety-smooth finish. Oil-free.

Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light [S$65]

This is an oil-free, 60% water based primer ideal for oily, acne-prone or sensitive skin. This silky blend of vitamins and antioxidants helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores for visibly softer skin and can be worn alone or under foundation to increase its longevity.

The revolutionary formula has oil absorbers for a smooth matte finish all day, light diffusers to minimize the appearance of imperfections, and vitamin C and peptides to help even skin tone and promote collagen production for a flawless future. Now in a sleek tube for perfect dispensing-down to the last drop.

Photo Finish UVA/UVB SPF 15 Foundation Primer with DERMAXYLTM COMPLEX [S$75]

Prime, protect, and correct in just one step! This anti-aging primer creates the perfect canvas for foundation application. Worn alone or under foundation, this unique formula helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores for visibly softer skin. SPF 15 helps guard against harmful UVA/UVB rays.

NEW Photo FInish Hydrating Foundation Primer [S$75]

Hydration is the key to healthy and younger-looking skin. Give your complexion a moisture boost while creating a perfect canvas for foundation application with Photo Finish Hydrating Foundation Primer.

Made with a Hydraplex, a potent desert plant extract, this lightweight oil-free formula quenches parched skin then locks in moisture with a protective barrier that fills in fine lines and pores for flawless, photogenic makeup application.

Key features: oil free and light weight, smoothes fine lines and pores, extends makeup wear

NEW Photo Finish Luminizing Primer [S$75]

This long-awaited addition to our legendary collection of Photo Finish primers adds just the right amount of luminosity. The velvety, oil-free formula helps fill in fine lines and pores with age- fighting antioxidants, such as green tea, grape seed extract and vitamins A, C and E. And, of course, it extends the wear of foundation

Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer – Adjust [S$68]

Color correcting, wrinkle reducing, and dark spot defying.

Create a perfect canvas for foundation application and even out skin tone with this silky, lightweight blend of antioxidants and vitamins A & E. The completely oil-free formula helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores for visibly softer, younger-looking skin. Wear under foundation or alone for a velvety-smooth finish.

Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer - Blend [S$68]

BLEND is apricot-toned to even out skin tone and counteract discoloration and dark spots.

Wear under foundation or alone for a velvety-smooth finish.

Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer – Balance [S$68]

BALANCE is lavender-toned to brighten dull or sallow skin.

Wear under foundation or alone for a velvety-smooth finish.

I am not new to Smashbox photofinish primers, having tried them out about 5 years back.. so it is interesting to revisit this new release of an classic product from Smashbox. I will be reviewing the two new primers soon, so do stay tuned for my updates.

Hope you find this information useful.

All information here extracted from press file.

Posted on October 05, 2011 at 6:33AM | Permalink | 3 Comments

Filed in: Smashbox, photofinish primers | Tagged with: smashbox, photofinish primers

January 21, 2011

LOTD: Stash Exploring!

Haven't done a LOTD in ages, because, well, very ashamed to admit that I haven't been wearing much eye makeup, nor anything on the lips these few weeks! And there are so many new stuff which I want to try and use lately! I shall also show some product pictures as we go along.

This is just a very easy to do, one eyeshadow all over the lids look. And I am using the Kiko eyeshadow which I got from my lovely swap from Yael HERE.

It has a lovely pigmented and smooth texture. I am thinking/ hoping that the MAC Peacocky mega metal eyeshadows will be like this. In fact, this kind of looks like Unflappable?? The color of this Kiko eyeshadow is #174, in case you are interested.

It is a very cool toned brown, if you pack on the color, it looks very dark grey, but blended out, gives a nice browny depth to your eyes. I love this type of multi-dimensional eyeshadows, makes it look like you have done a lot of work on your eye shadow colors, but really it is just a very beautiful single colour.

I also used MAC Paint in Bare Canvas as a base. Why why why, does MAC discontinue with the paints.... because I would love to collect all of these artistic looking tubes!!

And I am totally loving this matte bone shade from the Smashbox Masquerade palette. I think this palette would be one of my all time fave, I would even go as far as to say, this beats the UD Naked Palette anytime!! I used this color as a brow bone highlight. PERFECT! Reminds of MAC Mylar eyeshadow, but more pigmented.

And the overall eye look -- I also used MAC Black Swan to line my eyes. And if you think my lower lashes are super long and thick, it is all thanks to Maybelline Lash Stylist mascara.... which never came to Singapore, and it is now known at the Volume Express -- comes with a 'hairless' comb brush. Lashes are Ardel #120.

And for lips, I played with the Kiko pencil lipgloss, in #07.

It is a nice pale pink glossy lip pencil, which I think I would wear to tone down a brighter lip color.

And in the end, I decided to go with Chanel's Rouge Allure in Genial.

Some finished looks:

All products used:

Foundation - LRP Cicaplast, Lancome Teint Miracle, Clarins Instant Light Brush On Perfector (under eyes), Amazing Cosmetics Concealer (spots)

Cheeks - MUFE HD Blush #12 (applied with Louise Young 34 brush), MUFE Mat Bronze #2, Guerlain Pressed Meteorites, Chanel Ultra Fine Translucent Loose Powder

Eyes - MAC Bare Canvas, Smashbox Masquerade palette, Kiko #174 eyeshadow, MAC Black Swan, Maybelline Lash Stylist, Ardel #120

Lips - Kiko #07 Pencil Lipgloss, Chanel Rouge Allure Genial

Brows are horrid mess, I know! :p I tamed them with Shu Uemura brow pencil, and MAC Mink brow set.

* shock horror, no NARS, no Illamasqua products in this entry at all! *

EDIT: You can purchase Kiko makeup HERE. But it seems they only ship to Italy now. DANG!

That's all, and thanks for looking!

Posted on January 21, 2011 at 4:58AM | Permalink | 11 Comments

Filed in: chanel, mac, Smashbox, MUFE, Lancome, LOTD, makeup and beauty, Kiko | Tagged with: chanel, Lancome, Mac, smashbox, MUFE, LOTD, kiko, Makeup and Beauty

January 08, 2011

Haul: All Thanks to You!

This is going to be a super picture heavy entry, because everything I got today is just all sooooo happy, and sparkling, and shimmering, I just went overboard with the photo-taking!

And I shall not be water-marking my pictures anymore! It is a little troublesome to do so, and in all honesty, at the end of the day, the watermark is an eyesore IMO. I didn't watermark my pictures til someone long time back told me that my pics were 'stolen' in some other website...and anyway, I just want the pictures and the products to show, without bombarding them with watermark (though I always try to be as discreet as possible). Back in the days when I just started how to photoshop, I was so happy that I could 'stamp' all my pictures with text and etc...but now...I think I just want to insert text into my pics only when necessary, and I always try to take my pics in the truest color and appearance, so I don't have to adjust the color settings in PS. If my pictures are 'stolen', well, I shall take that as a compliment! LOL and I guess people can eventually tell, if your pictures are not your own.

So everything you see in this haul entry, I didn't even buy them in person, except for one item. I will go through each one and tell you the 'story' behind them as we go along.

From Hong Kong, when Kim went over in Dec, she helped me CP 2 items, the LUSH Snow Fairy shower gel for hair and body. This is a Christmas LE product, and I used it last year too... it smells like cough syrup...and contains sparkles bits!

And next item Kim helped me with, is a NARS eyeshadow duo, in this color:

Looks like nothing in the pans...but when swatched/ applied....

... you get pigmented pinky and golden sheen!! I like that it's a sheen, and nothing metallic nor too shimmery.

LOVES!

Next, Jerlaine was super nice and sweet to offer to give me a lamp, which I can clamp to my window (or anywhere, actually) when I mentioned that I needed some lighting for my new set-up! So, big thanks to Jerlaine! She even included 2 light bulbs inside so I can set it up immediately when I got home!

Next, Amy also gifted me with this Everyday Minerals loose powder, which she says is very very finely milled, and kept her face quite shine-free. I like that it is compact enough and has a 'cap' thing which you can cover over the sifter holes, to prevent a powdery mess. So, thanks Amy! I shall use this for my next weekly makeup tray!! :)

And then, from the new MAC collections.. Kas helped me got a nail polish, Soiree -- which I knew I wanted when I saw on Temptalia. Thanks, Kas, and also for the Toggi chocolate!

and let's have some shatter fun!

And from the same MAC collection, this is the only item I picked up in person today...which isn't a very typical item for me to get, but the name, and the happy glitter bits kind of lured me in...which is the Sin-Tillation lip gelee. It's full of tiny pink and light blue glitter bits... think some silvery ones too, in a very pale pinky base.

And lastly, this is the last item which I order from Gwen's beauty.com spree, I have featured the other items before in a previous haul entry, but this is the last item I received. Thanks Gwen!!

This is the Smashbox Eyewish Palette... again, when I saw it on Temptalia, I wanted it.. the eyeshadows are all super pretty, many wearable eyes, plus great bright colours too, and there is also a mini eyeshadow base and mascara inside too. This is US45, compared to SG$129 or something like that. Definitely great savings! Ok this is the part when I got carried away with the pictures! Enjoy!

Yup, spent a good part today meeting up the other onsugarettes, including Amy, Chantana, Kas, Kim, Jane (Kim's gf), Joanna, Rusty, Fatin, Imma, Jennifer, Priscilla, Jerlaine, Charlene, and also Jasmine who joined us briefly during her break. And also bumped into Farah too! It's always fun to meet up everyone and catch up the goss and chat!

That's all for this epic entry, and thanks for looking!

Posted on January 08, 2011 at 8:56AM | Permalink | 18 Comments

Filed in: Nail Polish, NARS, Lush, Smashbox, haul, makeup and beauty, eyewishpalette, mac soiree, snowfairy | Tagged with: nail polish, nars, smashbox, haul, lush, everyday minerals, Makeup and Beauty, eyewishpalette, mac soiree, snowfairy

July 21, 2009

I died and went to makeup heaven (almost)

Location: Sephora, ION

Was innocently on my way to ZARA via the Wheelock Place underpass, and saw this strange unfamilar opening, that leads to ION. And so, we have to go there, right?

After a few steps, this is what I saw:

This is a Spanish Label, and if you like Pull & Bear, this is funkier, and I think nicer, better, It is just COOL ok... it's all over the place when I went to Barcelona and in Paris, but so excited Bershka is finally coming to SG.

I was soooooo excited, I didn't even bother going in to TOPSHOP.....

Then I saw this cute signage:

I think this is COTTON ON, except they just sell the shoes. Next, we have.....

A frikking stand alone shu uemura store! The last time I saw a free standing one was back in the days at Scotts.... when I was in secondary school. Everything was so brand new in the store, none of the testers had been swatched.

Then another new exciting makeup brand KORRES!!! Those on YT would have heard LisaSz09 and Lollipop26 talking about their liquid foundation. I almost bought one ($65) but the staff wasn't very insipiring so I changed my mind.

Then..... what else.... I went one floor up.... to the ground floor.. and smack in my face, I saw the tell tale STRIPES. Are you ready????

WOOOO HOOOOO!

Please ignore the random ugly men standing around the front. What the heck are they doing there anyway???

OK, Seriously.. The size of this store, is like... maybe Topshop and Forever 21 combined at Vivocity. I am not kidding. YES, i think facebysarah mentioned there is a MAC counter there?? TRUE. And it is located near the entrance.

They have SMASHBOX, TWO FACED, GIVENCHY, BURTS BEE etc etc etc etc.... This is one Sephora which makes me feel like I am back in EU... for a moment. It is so spacious...and of course, I had to haul to commemorate this special occasion. But more store pictures, which I took covertly of course.

MUFE!! Please ignore random stranger in the picture. This is what you get for taking sneaky pictures.

BE counters... which is near the SMASHBOX corner.

And for the uninitiated (ie those not in SG) this is what ION looks like. Think it's the CARTIER grand opening, lotsa crowd.. but I steered far away to avoid being spotted by paparazzi

(as if right?? LOL)

Yea...... so.... I just had to share this exciting event. Ha ha. And I didn't even expect to be here.

Now.. back to my original story... of how I died and went to makeup heaven -- SEPHORA.

Spent such a long time swatching, and walking and just basking in the general presence of so much beauty products. My friend says I am sooo high, I think I even got her infected. Yes, my excitement is THAT contagious, cos she bought some stuff too. LOL.

But the staff are so NEH....... they are so new, and they don't know what the heck is going on, like don't know how to match foundation colors for my friend, I HAD TO DO THEIR JOB!!! Grrrr... anyway.. I don't care. Here is my (not so little) haul.

BURT'S BEES Banana Hand Creme ($18) HUGE TUB. They have lotsa hand salve thingy, but the smell of this BLEW ME AWAY. Imagine those banana milk, banana chewing gum you tried as a kid? Imagine this as a rich hand cream. DELISH!!!

We also have SEPHORA concealer palette ($25), which looks like a cheap cousin of the MUFE corrector palette (think it's $59). I doubt this has the industrial strength of my BEN NYE palette, but I think my sister would like this product.

Then the GOOD STUFF --- MUFE. I bought their foundation again, this time the MAT VELVET+ in the lightest shade 20 ($68). This is like concealer... thick foundation. But I like the coverage. And then we have the SUPER MATTE LOOSE POWDER I got this in the PINK SHADE 2($45), it comes with a powder puff, which I think is way cool cos I can pressed it into my face for a flawless finish. Will review these babies asap. And it is a HUGE tube.. cos the tester is kind of small (like BE mineral veil size) but the actual product which I got is bigger (10g). HAPPINESS. I was kind of tempted by the illamasqua one.. but for now... this is a way more accessible product for me to purchase. :)

*UPDATE: I forgot to give my two cents worth on SMASHBOX. I have their blusher and eyeshadow trio...and this photofinish primer which is rubbish IMO, and also a mattifying primer which is also RUBBISH.

But if you have to get something from SMASHBOX... get their eyeshadow trio in TWILIGHT - I have this, it's white frost, carbon matte black, and a frost silver trio. SUPER PRETTY and great for sexy smokey eyes.

Pass on the foundations - you are better off with the MUFE ones, or the regular MAC ones.

Good to try the PRIMERS - cos they do get rave reviews. I am just sore I don't like them. The silica gel thingy is just wrong on my skin, I don't know.

And also their famous O-Glow thingy...

They have this LE eyeshadow trio thingy in a palette... and each retails for $65... the packaging is kind of like NARS. The rubber black box. Pretty.

PASS PASS don't get their liner cake stuff - they are too dry and don't work as cream liners at all.

All in all, now that I am home... I am recovering from my 'high'.... haha.. I will definitely go there again this SAT.

Oh and I got FAKE HAIR at Far East Plaza for $25, obivously it is synthetic hair.. it is like a hairclip with long wavy hair/ponytail which I can attach onto my own hair.... and Hey presto! Instant luscious locks... so glam. Ha ha. Will show this in a future look of the day perhaps over the weekend.

Hope you are getting as excited as I am! Thanks for reading!!!

Posted on July 21, 2009 at 5:11AM | Permalink | 15 Comments

Filed in: mac, fashion and beauty, Smashbox, shopping, Sephora, make up, haul, MUFE | Tagged with: sephora, shopping, Mac, smashbox, make up, haul, Fashion and Beauty, MUFE

December 23, 2008

Blush Overview

I will talk about some of my blushers and which are my faves.

First, the PINK ones..

Clockwise from Top Left: Pink Swoon (Sheertone Blush), Pleasantry (Mineralised Blush), Angel (Matte Powder Blush), Azalea (Pro colour, Powder Blush)

The peachy colours:

Clockwise from left: Peachy Keen (sheertone shimmer blush), Plum Foolery (Sheertone Shimmer Blush), Nuance (Mineralised Blush)

The BIG ones.. eg the MSFs and limited ed ones:

Clockwise from top: Petticoat MSF, Pink Porcelain MSF, Alpha Girl Beauty Powder

The Non MAC blushes:

Top from L to R: Sephora's Rose Rebelle, Stila's convertible colour (lip & blush) Lillium, Two Faced's Pink Leopard Bronzing Powder

Bottom from L to R: Benefit's Throbbb, Smashbox's Dolce Vita, NARS Deep Throat

(Not pictured: NARS Orgasm -- it decided to go all MIA on me now)

I swatched the MAC blushers:

L to R--- Pleasantry, Azalea, Angel

L to R: Pink Swoon, Peachy Keen, Plum Foolery

From L to R: Pink Porcelain, Petticoat (the dark colour gave me a shock!! I think I touched mostly the raspberry swirls), Alpha Girl, Nuance

I will choose 5 of my favourite blushes (in no order of preference):

Stila's Convertible Colour. This pretty pink suits my skin tone, and when I have the time, I use it as a base under my actual blusher for longer lasting colour. How I use this: After my liquid foundation and before setting with face powder, I use my 187 brush and stipple this cream blusher onto my cheeks for a thin and even layer, creating a cream base for cheek colours later on.
Azalea: This may look like a bold fuschia, but I use my 168 brush, and with a very light hand, tap the powder off, and lightly dust onto cheeks for instant rosy cheeks. So the bright pink becomes a very faint flush of colour.
NARS Orgasm: This may be a cliche, but the colour payoff is awesome and it suits whichever eye looks I am doing. Sometimes I also use the Orgasm Multiple Stick as a base.
Pleasantry: Pretty shimmery pink and the texture is so smooth and easy to blend.
Plum Foolery: For a darker and almost mauve tone on my cheeks.

I have been using Azalea and Pink Swoon the most often now.

Posted on December 23, 2008 at 10:45PM | Permalink | 5 Comments

Filed in: fashion and beauty | Tagged with: face, Mac, Stila, benefit, nars, smashbox, shimmer, peaches, make up, blushers, PINKS

November 13, 2008

Monochrome Eyes with Pink Lips (Pic heavy)

Again, a look I recreated from SarahVictor's video (URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkQlcvZHlD8&feature=related) I have my reservations about doing this look, as I don't have any defined crease, but I decided to be brave and went ahead. Also, I was motivated to do a black/white look because I am attending a black/white theme dinner tomorrow.

This is a dramtic look, but you just need a few products to make it work. Here are some stuff I used:

Main items I used: Smashbox' trio Twilight (I used only the black & white for this eyelook), Stila's convertible colour in Lillium, and Benefit's Thrrrob.

I used Fascination (white eyeliner) as a base before the white eyeshadow goes on.

With the white eyeshadow.

See what I mean by having reservations on doing this look?? Not exactly the most flattering look.

With eyeliner. Everything seems to be coming together slowly. I have not put on my foundation yet.

With lashes. But something is still missing. I then decided to wing out the eyeliner.

Not that horrid now, eh?

Definitely takes some getting used to.

And some pictures without flash. Kind of dramatic, I am not sure if I will actually go to the dinner with this look...or I might try a pin-up doll look tomorrow afternoon. For now.. enjoy the rest of the pictures!

Posted on November 13, 2008 at 8:21AM | Permalink | 9 Comments

Filed in: fashion and beauty | Tagged with: Mac, Stila, benefit, smashbox, black, white, make up, look of the day, lashes, monochrome, dramatic eyes

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2211 followers

Hot Links: Basic Makeup!

Reviews: Foundations

Latest Comments

FAQ & DISCLAIMER

Archive

Archives

NEW Smashbox Photo Finish Primers in a Whole New Look

LOTD: Stash Exploring!

Haul: All Thanks to You!

I died and went to makeup heaven (almost)

Blush Overview

Monochrome Eyes with Pink Lips (Pic heavy)

Search

About Me

e-mail

BLOGLOVIN

Follow @makeup_blogette on Instagram

Twitter Me!

Latest Headlines

Tags

2211 followers

Hot Links: Basic Makeup!

Reviews: Foundations

Latest Comments

Blogroll

FAQ & DISCLAIMER

Archive

Archives

NEW Smashbox Photo Finish Primers in a Whole New Look

LOTD: Stash Exploring!

Haul: All Thanks to You!

I died and went to makeup heaven (almost)

Blush Overview

Monochrome Eyes with Pink Lips (Pic heavy)