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My name is Sophia!

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FAQ & DISCLAIMER

About Me

My name is Sophia, and I am in my early 30s. I am from Singapore and I am the sole writer of this blog.

About this Blog

I started this blog in 2006, I like to use a wide range of brands though I seem to have a growing preference for higher-end brands in recent years. I also like to share interesting things I have come across about makeup and beauty.

Currently The Makeup Blogette receives 39,000 unique views monthly or 2,238,932 views and counting.

My Makeup Style

I like classic looks (neutral tones on eyes, anything goes for lips & cheeks), though occasionally I try out dramatic/ statement looks.  I believe that a flawless base is the key to achieving great makeup looks.  I also believe that if you don't have great skin to start with, fake it with a good foundation routine, and even greater skincare.  I am currently loving Clarins & Lancome skincare products, and Vichy NormaDerm for tackling with breakouts.

What Cameras do I use?

Most of the pictures you see in post 2010 entries are taken with my Canon G-11.  Previously I was using Canon Ixus 80.  I do post some pictures which are taken with my iphone4 which I will state in that particular entry.  I have stopped watermarking my pictures as of 2011, because I think watermarks are ugly in general, and does not prevent people from stealing my pictures if they wish to.  I just take it as a compliment that my pictures are even worth stealing in the first place. I might look into getting a Canon EOS next year, not just for blogging purposes, but I also like photography in general.

My Favourite Makeup Brand(s)

It is hard to name just one, but I like NARS, Chanel, Illamasqua and the ocasional Guerlain, Dior & Urban Decay item.  I own quite a stash of MAC items, but recently I have stopped catching up with their collections, and I much prefer to splurge on a few really outstanding items.

Where to find me

Twitter (link button above!)  Email (stated above!)  Instagram (makeup_blogette)

I have no official Facebook fan page, and currently have no intention to start one at all.  The Makeup Blogette remains my personal hobby and property, so as such, I don't believe in having a Facebook fanpage for it.

Final Disclaimer

I bought/ paid for all of the products mentioned in this blog. I am not affliated to any company. If certain products are sent to me for review purposes, I will say so and express my honest opinions about them. In any case, I will only review and showcase the products which I have personally tried and tested, and enjoy using. I do not get paid to review anything.

No ads, no paid links etc please.  I am in charge of all content and pictures here.

I am not a makeup artist, nor do I have any professional training in makeup.

 

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    January 04, 2013

    Giorgio Armani Ecailles Face & Cheek Duo Palette


    Hi hi!

    I am so super excited to feature this Giorgio Armani Ecailles face & cheek duo today ('feature' in this case, meaning I finally got to open it, take photos and slap it on my face!) and I love it love it love it.  First off, I don't think you can find it at the counters anymore, and secondly, this is a very very awesome genrous Xmas pressie from my gf!!

    I believe this is a limited edition release from their Summer 2012 collection - Joey has a lovely feature of it, and the duo is one of her fave cheek products! 

    It is housed in a shiny sleek casing with a magnetic closure.  Very discreet, very chic.  Their permanent blush packing are in a matte finish, and this is a solid black shiny one.  The GA logo is embossed right in the middle of the palette. 

    The blush half is a very flattering slightly dusty rosy shade.  The highlighting half is a soft ivory ultra fine shimmering shade.  
    Don't be fooled by the soft shades, I find the blush shade to be very pigmented, and goes on the skin quite intensely.  The highlight shade adds a radiant look which accentuates the areas which I want to highlight. 


    swatches - don't you think they are beautiful?


    And a close up on my cheek: 


    More details on this look in the next entry where I will list all products used: 


    I have so many entries in store, and I can't wait to share them all, one by one!

    Hope you enjoyed this entry, and thanks for reading!

    Email |
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    July 28, 2012

    Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Intense - My Current Collection & Comparisons

    Hi hi!

    As mentioned in this entry, I will be doing an overview - seeing as I think I have more or less completed my collection so far, I think I already have all the colors which I wanted, and unless there is a new collection coming - these 13 gorgeous pots will keep me happy for a long time to come. 

    I first came across the ETKs when they first launched in Hong Kong early last year.  Started with 2, and gradually throughout the year, I purchased more and more during my travels and when kind friends helped with ordering and purchasing.  The quality of the ETKs are amazing, and the colors are intense and long lasting.  I normally use them dry, with a fluffy brush like the MAC 217.  There is a little fallout, but it isn't very serious, and you can easily just sweep off any bits with a powder brush.  I like to use the darker blackish shades as a base to make a pale eyeshadow look pow-wow, as shown in this tutorial HERE. 

    Product Description

    This innovative hybrid texture, which is not a powder, nor a cream acts like a smooth, lasting color film. Each shade is intensified with a second pigment for a multi-dimensional effect. In just one swoop, create a wet, shimmering smokey eye. Base color covers eyelid, and second pigment adds drama to the contour. 

    The technology: Color-FilTM,  for the first time in an eyeshadow. A new high resistance bi-polymer enables the formula to perfectly fit the color to the eyelid with cushiony suppleness, for a never seen comfortable long wear.

    Twenty four hour color wear, crease proof, flake proof, waterproof and sweat-proof,  Eyes To Kill Intense Eyeshadows slide on, stay on, but wipe off in an instant. Apply wet or dry with fingers or the Armani large eye contour brush.

    My ETK Collection

    Left to Right

    Row 1 #02 Lust Red, #03 Purpura, #04 Pulp Fiction, #05 Gold Blitz

    Row 2 #06 Khaki Pulse #09 Rock Sand

    Row 3 #13 Black #15 Cooper Black #17 Silver 

    Row 4 #21 Obsidian Grey, #24 Smokey Cooper, #27 Oxidised Silver, #28 Rose Platine

    #09 was gifted to me during an Armani event,

    #17 is LE from last Christmas collection,

    #21 is LE from the Bronze summer collection

    #24, #27, #28 are LE from the latest Aqua Collection

    Row 1 #02 Lust Red, #03 Purpura, #04 Pulp Fiction, #05 Gold Blitz

    Row 2 #06 Khaki Pulse #09 Rock Sand

    Row 3 #13 Black #15 Cooper Black #17 Silver 

    Row 4 #21 Obsidian Grey, #24 Smokey Cooper, #27 Oxidised Silver, #28 Rose Platine

    not going to crowd the pic with ample shade names annotations but here they are

    Left to Right 

    Row 1 - #13, #24, #15, #02 

    Row 2 - #03, #27, #04, #09, #38, #05

    Row 3 - #21, #17, 07

    Row 3 is the sort of random ones... 

    Row 1 are the blackish tinged ones 

    Row 2 we have the reddish taupey shades, and the golden metallic browns

    As you can clearly see, none of them are really the same, and none of them look the same when applied on my eyes. 

    Left to Right 

    Row 1 - #13, #24, #15, #02 

    Row 2 - #03, #27, #04, #09, #38, #05

    Row 3 - #21, #17, 07

    and one with annotations, in case you want to save the image in your camera roll for easy reference :)

     

    Sabrina from The Beautylookbook has an excellent comparison entry here

    Iris from Rouge Deluxe has a very informative comparison entry here too

    and to see all of my eyes to kill related entries, click here

    Honestly, if I have to only keep one type of eyeshadow products, I will keep all of my ETKs.   

    Shall end this entry with some sneak peek pictures of a special Giorgio Armani press event I attended earlier in the week. 

    It was a lovely and elegant afternoon, totally enjoyed the good company, and basking in all the new upcoming fall makeup pieces.

    The event was for their new Maestro foundation.  

    I will be featuring this new foundation in a couple of weeks. 

    Hope this entry has been helpful, and thank you for reading! 

    Email |
    |
    July 28, 2012

    Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Intense - My Current Collection & Comparisons

    Hi hi!

    As mentioned in this entry, I will be doing an overview - seeing as I think I have more or less completed my collection so far, I think I already have all the colors which I wanted, and unless there is a new collection coming - these 13 gorgeous pots will keep me happy for a long time to come. 

    I first came across the ETKs when they first launched in Hong Kong early last year.  Started with 2, and gradually throughout the year, I purchased more and more during my travels and when kind friends helped with ordering and purchasing.  The quality of the ETKs are amazing, and the colors are intense and long lasting.  I normally use them dry, with a fluffy brush like the MAC 217.  There is a little fallout, but it isn't very serious, and you can easily just sweep off any bits with a powder brush.  I like to use the darker blackish shades as a base to make a pale eyeshadow look pow-wow, as shown in this tutorial HERE. 

    Product Description

    This innovative hybrid texture, which is not a powder, nor a cream acts like a smooth, lasting color film. Each shade is intensified with a second pigment for a multi-dimensional effect. In just one swoop, create a wet, shimmering smokey eye. Base color covers eyelid, and second pigment adds drama to the contour. 

    The technology: Color-FilTM,  for the first time in an eyeshadow. A new high resistance bi-polymer enables the formula to perfectly fit the color to the eyelid with cushiony suppleness, for a never seen comfortable long wear.

    Twenty four hour color wear, crease proof, flake proof, waterproof and sweat-proof,  Eyes To Kill Intense Eyeshadows slide on, stay on, but wipe off in an instant. Apply wet or dry with fingers or the Armani large eye contour brush.

    My ETK Collection

    Left to Right

    Row 1 #02 Lust Red, #03 Purpura, #04 Pulp Fiction, #05 Gold Blitz

    Row 2 #06 Khaki Pulse #09 Rock Sand

    Row 3 #13 Black #15 Cooper Black #17 Silver 

    Row 4 #21 Obsidian Grey, #24 Smokey Cooper, #27 Oxidised Silver, #28 Rose Platine

    #09 was gifted to me during an Armani event,

    #17 is LE from last Christmas collection,

    #21 is LE from the Bronze summer collection

    #24, #27, #28 are LE from the latest Aqua Collection

    Row 1 #02 Lust Red, #03 Purpura, #04 Pulp Fiction, #05 Gold Blitz

    Row 2 #06 Khaki Pulse #09 Rock Sand

    Row 3 #13 Black #15 Cooper Black #17 Silver 

    Row 4 #21 Obsidian Grey, #24 Smokey Cooper, #27 Oxidised Silver, #28 Rose Platine

    not going to crowd the pic with ample shade names annotations but here they are

    Left to Right 

    Row 1 - #13, #24, #15, #02 

    Row 2 - #03, #27, #04, #09, #38, #05

    Row 3 - #21, #17, 07

    Row 3 is the sort of random ones... 

    Row 1 are the blackish tinged ones 

    Row 2 we have the reddish taupey shades, and the golden metallic browns

    As you can clearly see, none of them are really the same, and none of them look the same when applied on my eyes. 

    Left to Right 

    Row 1 - #13, #24, #15, #02 

    Row 2 - #03, #27, #04, #09, #38, #05

    Row 3 - #21, #17, 07

    and one with annotations, in case you want to save the image in your camera roll for easy reference :)

     

    Sabrina from The Beautylookbook has an excellent comparison entry here

    Iris from Rouge Deluxe has a very informative comparison entry here too

    and to see all of my eyes to kill related entries, click here

    Honestly, if I have to only keep one type of eyeshadow products, I will keep all of my ETKs.   

    Shall end this entry with some sneak peek pictures of a special Giorgio Armani press event I attended earlier in the week. 

    It was a lovely and elegant afternoon, totally enjoyed the good company, and basking in all the new upcoming fall makeup pieces.

    The event was for their new Maestro foundation.  

    I will be featuring this new foundation in a couple of weeks. 

    Hope this entry has been helpful, and thank you for reading! 

    Email |
    |
    July 28, 2012

    Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Aqua Collection #24, #27, #28 [Photos & Swatches]

    Been eyeing several shades from the new Giorgio Armani Aqua Collection for summer 2012.  I have been in love with these pots of eyeshadows ever since I first got them from way back...and everytime there is a new collection out, I am curious to see what colors are released. 

    I already own all the shades which I want, all the gorgeous shades of metallic browns, blacks, purples, etc etc, colors which I know I would wear.  But in the Aqua Collection, there seems to be different shades of the metallics released... and I picked these 3 (out of the six) which I think would look 'unique' in my currect ETK stash.  

    Long time readers would know I use these so very often, and they have been featured extensively on the blog.  I am very happy that GA beauty is now available in SG, and we can have easier access to these quality cosmetics.  

    I will post the comparison swatches entry separately.  

    #24 - a blackened gold.  I was thinking this might look similar to my #15 but it is way more black than golden brown.   On closer look today, it even has some multi-colored bits.  Kind of like what NARS Mekong should be like. 

    #27 - a reddish silvery one.  This is probably what I want my #4 to be like.  It has more red tones, and the end result is a rusty pinky shade of taupe.  This is simply beautiful.

    #28 - a metallic golden brown with reddish specks.  This is my top pick when I first saw the collection.  On my skintone, it swatches almost a rose-gold shade.  

    On their own, they all look amazing.. in the sunlight, they glimmer and shimmer, and the texture and color never fade nor crease even after a long day.  I personally much prefer these quality eyeshadow pots to the Chanel Ombres (which aren't as long lasting, though no doubt the quality of the shimmer is divine).  They are so easy to work with, and I have said many times before, when I use these ETKs, I can just slap one color on my lids, and it looks like I did a lot more work to create the look. 

    Meanwhile, enjoy these swatches - can't wait to use them in upcoming LOTDs. 

    in the shade

    swatches

    another one, in the shade

    Updated: Swatches of the whole collection I took at the GA counter.  Lighting isn't as good though.

    Stay tuned for my comparisons of my ETKs stash in this entry!

    Thanks for reading!

    Email |
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    July 19, 2012

    Nails Story: My Picks from Essie Summer 2012 [Photos & Swatches]

    Hi hi!

    I picked 3 colours from the Essie Summer 2012 Collection - I was instantly drawn to the bright baby blue!  The other two colors, I had to think quite a bit about making the purchase, finally onlin swatches and reviews won me over.  

    The formula on all three are excellent.  Two coats gave me perfect colour payoff. 

    Bikini so Teeny - a pale periwinkle creamy blue.  It has very very fine blue shimmer bits, which you can't really see after applying on your nails.   It might streak or give some bald spots, but a careful and even paint job will give you the most perfect pop of pale pastel blue.  AMAZING. 

    Mojito Madness - a bright green that isn't too kiddy.  It dries a shade darker than the color in the bottle.  The formula is amazing, it is a one coater, though I applied two coats for these swatches. 

    All Tied Up - looks a little odd in this collection of creamy brights.  A dusty rosey color with very fine gold coppery shimmer bits.  Very very beautiful, and wearable for all occasions.  Again another one coater, but I applied two coats for swatching purposes. 

    I am wearing Butter London basecoat and a coat of Seche Vite topcoat and 2 coats of color in between.

    I always buy my Essies from Tammy (LINK LINK LINK)  best best best place to buy Essies locally, and her prices are extremely reasonable. 

    Swatches & Photos! 

    Bikini so Teeny! 

    Mojito Madness

    All Tied Up

    Love all three shades I picked!  

    I also purchased a fourth bottle (not from the same collection)... not quite feeling the colour, so I am not featuring it in this entry.

     It might go into the next blogsale! 

    Hope these swatches have been helpful!  Thank you for reading!

     

    Email |
    |
    July 19, 2012

    Nails Story: My Picks from Essie Summer 2012 [Photos & Swatches]

    Hi hi!

    I picked 3 colours from the Essie Summer 2012 Collection - I was instantly drawn to the bright baby blue!  The other two colors, I had to think quite a bit about making the purchase, finally onlin swatches and reviews won me over.  

    The formula on all three are excellent.  Two coats gave me perfect colour payoff. 

    Bikini so Teeny - a pale periwinkle creamy blue.  It has very very fine blue shimmer bits, which you can't really see after applying on your nails.   It might streak or give some bald spots, but a careful and even paint job will give you the most perfect pop of pale pastel blue.  AMAZING. 

    Mojito Madness - a bright green that isn't too kiddy.  It dries a shade darker than the color in the bottle.  The formula is amazing, it is a one coater, though I applied two coats for these swatches. 

    All Tied Up - looks a little odd in this collection of creamy brights.  A dusty rosey color with very fine gold coppery shimmer bits.  Very very beautiful, and wearable for all occasions.  Again another one coater, but I applied two coats for swatching purposes. 

    I am wearing Butter London basecoat and a coat of Seche Vite topcoat and 2 coats of color in between.

    I always buy my Essies from Tammy (LINK LINK LINK)  best best best place to buy Essies locally, and her prices are extremely reasonable. 

    Swatches & Photos! 

    Bikini so Teeny! 

    Mojito Madness

    All Tied Up

    Love all three shades I picked!  

    I also purchased a fourth bottle (not from the same collection)... not quite feeling the colour, so I am not featuring it in this entry.

     It might go into the next blogsale! 

    Hope these swatches have been helpful!  Thank you for reading!

     

    Email |
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    May 13, 2012

    NEW Dior Summer Mix Vernis & Addict Ultra Glosses

    Available 1 June 2012

    Vernis S$37 each

    Addict Ultra Gloss S$45 each

    Dior creates Summer Mix, a pop collection that complements summer wardrobes and golden skin. The 4 nail vernis glosses in yellow, blue, pink and red give nails a glossy, slightly translucent finish distinct from Dior's classic collections, and the 4 lip glosses in orange, red, pink and gold enhance lips with irresistible shine.

     

    Rouge Croisiere

    Gold Sunrise

    Orange Pareo

    Rose Bikini

    Acapulco

    Calypso

    Cosmo

    Lagoon

     

    Email |
    |
    May 13, 2012

    NEW Dior Summer Mix Vernis & Addict Ultra Glosses

    Available 1 June 2012

    Vernis S$37 each

    Addict Ultra Gloss S$45 each

    Dior creates Summer Mix, a pop collection that complements summer wardrobes and golden skin. The 4 nail vernis glosses in yellow, blue, pink and red give nails a glossy, slightly translucent finish distinct from Dior's classic collections, and the 4 lip glosses in orange, red, pink and gold enhance lips with irresistible shine.

     

    Rouge Croisiere

    Gold Sunrise

    Orange Pareo

    Rose Bikini

    Acapulco

    Calypso

    Cosmo

    Lagoon

     

    Email |
    |
    April 27, 2012

    LOTD: Summer Trend with DIOR Swimming Pool & Tangerine

    Hi!

    This is a LOTD featuring the Dior Swimming Pool palette from their latest summer collection (available 1 may) --- click here, for detailed photos & swatches of the palette.

    3 of the shades in the palette are very pale ones, so I know that only two shades can be used on my lids - which are the teal and the blue in the middle of the palette.  I will show you the color placement in a picture later on.

    The overall eyelook is very light, and almost airy.  I used my regular lashes to add definition to the look, because I personally think that using these light colors on my eyes can tend to make them look smaller.  I only used a little bit of gel liner, applied and blended them in between my upper lashes.  I left the lower lashes totally bare.

    I tried to keep the skin very flawless and smooth looking.    And then I lightly bronze the sides of my face, and give cheeks a pop of color.  Then I remember there is a tangerine/ orange looking lipgloss in the collection, so I decided to use my Shiseido lipstick.   Somehow the whole teal/ blue and orange combo seems to work, and make each other even more outstanding.

    Ended up with a matchy lips and tee color + matchy nails and eye colors.  I personally feel it is quite cute, and it's colorful without being too loud.

     

    For a expert demonstration of this pastel candy color makeup, click here to watch Lisa Eldridge's tutorial (where she also featured the same Dior palette, but didn't actually use it) link link link! She also shares tips on how to wear candy colors according to your skintone, and how not to look too washed out with pastels.

    as you can see, from above the crease upwards, you can't really see the differences in the pale shades...

    all products used:

    face - Lancome pro base, Lancome Teint Miracle liquid foundation, Lancome Teint Miracle loose powder

    cheeks - Dior Nude Glow 001 Aurora (bronzer), Dior Healthy Glow 001 Petal (blush)

    eyes - Laura Mercier flax (base), Shiseido Shimmering Cream eyeshadow BL215, Dior Swimming Pool palette

    lips - Shiseido shimmering rouge OR316

    liner - Bobbi Brown black caviar ink

    nails - Dior 401 Saint Tropez

     

     

    That's all, and thanks for looking!

     

     

    Email |
    |
    April 27, 2012

    LOTD: Summer Trend with DIOR Swimming Pool & Tangerine

    Hi!

    This is a LOTD featuring the Dior Swimming Pool palette from their latest summer collection (available 1 may) --- click here, for detailed photos & swatches of the palette.

    3 of the shades in the palette are very pale ones, so I know that only two shades can be used on my lids - which are the teal and the blue in the middle of the palette.  I will show you the color placement in a picture later on.

    The overall eyelook is very light, and almost airy.  I used my regular lashes to add definition to the look, because I personally think that using these light colors on my eyes can tend to make them look smaller.  I only used a little bit of gel liner, applied and blended them in between my upper lashes.  I left the lower lashes totally bare.

    I tried to keep the skin very flawless and smooth looking.    And then I lightly bronze the sides of my face, and give cheeks a pop of color.  Then I remember there is a tangerine/ orange looking lipgloss in the collection, so I decided to use my Shiseido lipstick.   Somehow the whole teal/ blue and orange combo seems to work, and make each other even more outstanding.

    Ended up with a matchy lips and tee color + matchy nails and eye colors.  I personally feel it is quite cute, and it's colorful without being too loud.

     

    For a expert demonstration of this pastel candy color makeup, click here to watch Lisa Eldridge's tutorial (where she also featured the same Dior palette, but didn't actually use it) link link link! She also shares tips on how to wear candy colors according to your skintone, and how not to look too washed out with pastels.

    as you can see, from above the crease upwards, you can't really see the differences in the pale shades...

    all products used:

    face - Lancome pro base, Lancome Teint Miracle liquid foundation, Lancome Teint Miracle loose powder

    cheeks - Dior Nude Glow 001 Aurora (bronzer), Dior Healthy Glow 001 Petal (blush)

    eyes - Laura Mercier flax (base), Shiseido Shimmering Cream eyeshadow BL215, Dior Swimming Pool palette

    lips - Shiseido shimmering rouge OR316

    liner - Bobbi Brown black caviar ink

    nails - Dior 401 Saint Tropez

     

     

    That's all, and thanks for looking!