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

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themakeupblogette@hotmail.com

My name is Sophia!

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FAQ & DISCLAIMER

About Me

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

About this Blog

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

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

My Makeup Style

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

What Cameras do I use?

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

My Favourite Makeup Brand(s)

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

Where to find me

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

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

Final Disclaimer

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

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

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

 

Archive

Archives

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    Email |
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    March 18, 2013

    Dior Vernis 307 Nymphea [featuring Dior Gel Coat]


    Hi hi

    A couple of weeks back, I purchased the new Dior Nymphea nail polish (which is released as part of the new DiorSnow collection) there are two other polishes in this collection (a shimmery sheer white and a baby pink).  The pale blue green immediately attracted me, and I know I had to have it. 

    Nymphea has a smooth glossy finish, and I applied 3 thin coats here for maximum opaque - you can see slight bald spots with 2 coats, fyi. 

    I also applied the new upcoming Dior Gel Coat in this set of swatches - it is very glossy, and gives a glassy (yes, glassy) finish to the nail polish.  The dry time is about 10 minutes before they feel 'dry' to the touch. 

    Overall, if you like mint/ pale jade color, do check out Nymphea.  I had thought that it will be so similar to other similar shades in my stash, but comparing Nymphea to two other 'famous' blue-green, you can see that they aren't the same at all. 

    Nymphea might be a softer (less stark) version of Essie Mint Candy Apple (which I also have, but didn't swatch side by side). 

    Swatches -



    Comparisons - Chanel Nouvelle Vague is darker, and more green.


    Dior Saint Tropez is darker, and more blue... 

    Hope this has been helpful, and thank you for looking!

    Email |
    |
    March 18, 2013

    Dior Vernis 307 Nymphea [featuring Dior Gel Coat]


    Hi hi

    A couple of weeks back, I purchased the new Dior Nymphea nail polish (which is released as part of the new DiorSnow collection) there are two other polishes in this collection (a shimmery sheer white and a baby pink).  The pale blue green immediately attracted me, and I know I had to have it. 

    Nymphea has a smooth glossy finish, and I applied 3 thin coats here for maximum opaque - you can see slight bald spots with 2 coats, fyi. 

    I also applied the new upcoming Dior Gel Coat in this set of swatches - it is very glossy, and gives a glassy (yes, glassy) finish to the nail polish.  The dry time is about 10 minutes before they feel 'dry' to the touch. 

    Overall, if you like mint/ pale jade color, do check out Nymphea.  I had thought that it will be so similar to other similar shades in my stash, but comparing Nymphea to two other 'famous' blue-green, you can see that they aren't the same at all. 

    Nymphea might be a softer (less stark) version of Essie Mint Candy Apple (which I also have, but didn't swatch side by side). 

    Swatches -



    Comparisons - Chanel Nouvelle Vague is darker, and more green.


    Dior Saint Tropez is darker, and more blue... 

    Hope this has been helpful, and thank you for looking!

    Email |
    |
    March 26, 2011

    Nails Story: OPI Pirates of the Caribbean Collection [Swatches]

    No, I did not buy the whole collection!  This is the OPI Pirates of the Caribbean collection.

    I wanted one, just for the NAME alone, but I ended up with FOUR bottles... well, simply because the 3 colours look good together, it's like they belong in a set, and I can't buy one and leave the rest behind, all sad.  I must admit that I wasn't paying attention to this collection, perhaps I have vaguely heard it being mentioned, and I looked up the colors, and was quite pleasantly surprised to see that this collection consists of such pale creamy colours.  Who would have known a collection in collaboration with Pirates would yield these sweet shades, I would think Pirates = dark stormy type colors, like deep green, black, etc...

    And these are what I got:

    And the other colors:

    No prizes for why I got this simply because of the name:

    And swatches:

    and why they look good together??

     

    And all the colors with Silver Shatter

    I think Silver Shatter is much better than Black Shatter.  It is more 'wearable' because I won't get sick of looking at it for more than 5 minutes.  But Silver Shatter looks better on a dark base for maximum impact.

    And so we have Silver Shatter with Chanel's Blue Satin:

    [Edited]  WHERE TO BUY

    Far East Plaza, Palz #04-124  call for prices and reservation tel: 90999651

    blogshop http://timtam00.blogspot.com/  *cheaper

     

    That's all, and I hope this entry has been helpful!

    thanks for looking!

     

     

    Email |
    |
    March 26, 2011

    Nails Story: OPI Pirates of the Caribbean Collection [Swatches]

    No, I did not buy the whole collection!  This is the OPI Pirates of the Caribbean collection.

    I wanted one, just for the NAME alone, but I ended up with FOUR bottles... well, simply because the 3 colours look good together, it's like they belong in a set, and I can't buy one and leave the rest behind, all sad.  I must admit that I wasn't paying attention to this collection, perhaps I have vaguely heard it being mentioned, and I looked up the colors, and was quite pleasantly surprised to see that this collection consists of such pale creamy colours.  Who would have known a collection in collaboration with Pirates would yield these sweet shades, I would think Pirates = dark stormy type colors, like deep green, black, etc...

    And these are what I got:

    And the other colors:

    No prizes for why I got this simply because of the name:

    And swatches:

    and why they look good together??

     

    And all the colors with Silver Shatter

    I think Silver Shatter is much better than Black Shatter.  It is more 'wearable' because I won't get sick of looking at it for more than 5 minutes.  But Silver Shatter looks better on a dark base for maximum impact.

    And so we have Silver Shatter with Chanel's Blue Satin:

    [Edited]  WHERE TO BUY

    Far East Plaza, Palz #04-124  call for prices and reservation tel: 90999651

    blogshop http://timtam00.blogspot.com/  *cheaper

     

    That's all, and I hope this entry has been helpful!

    thanks for looking!

     

     

    Email |
    |
    July 31, 2010

    LOTD: Teal & Purple Eyes

    Hi hi,

    Decided to show my coloured eyeshadows some love today.  When I do colors on my eyes, I always lean towards the blues and greens, pretty  much the cooler tone shades, because I find any warm toned colors kind of make my eyes look bruised.  Not a nice look.  And I am just trying to incoporate as many complimenting colors as possible in this look, which explains why I am using 5 eyeshadows instead of my usual 2 or 3 colors.

    On the rest of the face I am using:

    Foundation: (All MUFE)  Mat Velvet+, Concealer Palette No1, Super Matte Loose Powder

    Cheeks: MAC Daft Pink

    Lips: Revlon Nude Attitude, and MAC English Accents Lipglass

    Liner & Lashes: MAC Waveline fluidline, Ardel 120 lashes, UD Mascara

    Eyeshadows:  Omega used to fill in my brows,  Sky Blue on inner lids, White Frost to highlight, Parrot on centre of the lids, Indian Ink on outer corners, Aquadisiac to blend the colors, Seedy Pearl on inner corner for brightening effect

     

    I also used mainly Sigma eye brushes to apply and blend the eyeshadows.

    That's all!  Hope you like this look!

    I have a wavy hair 'tutorial' review kind of entry coming up next.  Stay tuned!

    Thanks for reading!

    Email |
    |
    July 31, 2010

    LOTD: Teal & Purple Eyes

    Hi hi,

    Decided to show my coloured eyeshadows some love today.  When I do colors on my eyes, I always lean towards the blues and greens, pretty  much the cooler tone shades, because I find any warm toned colors kind of make my eyes look bruised.  Not a nice look.  And I am just trying to incoporate as many complimenting colors as possible in this look, which explains why I am using 5 eyeshadows instead of my usual 2 or 3 colors.

    On the rest of the face I am using:

    Foundation: (All MUFE)  Mat Velvet+, Concealer Palette No1, Super Matte Loose Powder

    Cheeks: MAC Daft Pink

    Lips: Revlon Nude Attitude, and MAC English Accents Lipglass

    Liner & Lashes: MAC Waveline fluidline, Ardel 120 lashes, UD Mascara

    Eyeshadows:  Omega used to fill in my brows,  Sky Blue on inner lids, White Frost to highlight, Parrot on centre of the lids, Indian Ink on outer corners, Aquadisiac to blend the colors, Seedy Pearl on inner corner for brightening effect

     

    I also used mainly Sigma eye brushes to apply and blend the eyeshadows.

    That's all!  Hope you like this look!

    I have a wavy hair 'tutorial' review kind of entry coming up next.  Stay tuned!

    Thanks for reading!

    Email |
    |
    April 30, 2010

    Haul: CHANEL Nouvelle Vague Le Vernis (swatches & comparison)

    The Chanel Les Pop-Up collection was launched yesterday and I was happy that I was in town to catch it, because there are a couple of items in this collection which totally called out to me.  One is the Gloss Fluo de Chanel in Laser, and the second, is this nail polish which I bought.

    Quick story: I was out with Kas yesterday, and while passing by Isetan, she went like Fluoroooooooooo!  I got a little shocked at the outburst, but realised we were walking past the Chanel counter and our eyes (well, her eyes first) literally zoomed in past the store window (you know, at Wisma Atria). And we stopped traffic, made a quick about turn, and quickly went inside the Chanel counter, swatched everything, played with the products (I was pretty sure we irritated the MA like crazy, because the 2 of us were totally rambling among ourselves, and comparing across the range of glosses, and applying the nail polish etc etc) but le sigh, what to do when you are excited BUT the MA was so lacklustre and blah, let me tell you what I did. After swatching everything (and I like to sit at their stools and plonk myself at the counter and swatch like it is happy hour time---at my age, I refused to be intimidated by MAs no matter how snobbish and blasé they want to act) I told her OH my MA at Robinsons actually called me today so I should buy it there (which was true btw), and so off we went to Robs to make the purchase.  I just think....... if she had shown us more interest, instead of coming to whatever conclusion she has in her mind, I would have gotten more than just the nail polish from her.  But oh well, too bad.

     

    Some swatches and more pictures here.  I know that Nouvelle Vague has been compared to For Audrey, so I shall show the difference.   I also thought of Essie's Mink Candy Apply and TFS GR50 before I got home.  But I won't even swatch Mink Candy Apple and GR503, because they are way greener, and can't be considered dupes.  BTW is it just me, but GR503 is SUPER STREAKY!!  I hate the formula! How many layers do you need to apply the product to get an even and opaque coat??

    There is slight shimmer to Nouvelle Vague, but once applied the shimmer is very subtle, almost making it look like a cream finish.  I also thought that For Audrey is darker before applying both on my nails.  In the pictures, you can see them side by side, and the subtle sheen of Nouvelle Vague is there, glistening softly in the sunlight, almost making For Audrey look a little dull.  Oh well.  This could very well be a difference only nail geeks like us would notice, and care about.

    And before we finish, here is a swatch of Nouvelle Vague on NC45 skintone, thanks to Kas for offering her nail space!  Preetttty!!

    After getting the nail polish, and it was pretty late night by then, I was telling Kas, yes, my life is now complete.  I am still thinking if I should get Laser, but it swatched pretty sheer, I swatched the entire collection, and have the pictures, but hmmm... a little lazy to load them now.  Maybe later.

    Next entry will be another haul entry from the same day.

    I hope this helps, and thanks for reading~

    Email |
    |
    April 30, 2010

    Haul: CHANEL Nouvelle Vague Le Vernis (swatches & comparison)

    The Chanel Les Pop-Up collection was launched yesterday and I was happy that I was in town to catch it, because there are a couple of items in this collection which totally called out to me.  One is the Gloss Fluo de Chanel in Laser, and the second, is this nail polish which I bought.

    Quick story: I was out with Kas yesterday, and while passing by Isetan, she went like Fluoroooooooooo!  I got a little shocked at the outburst, but realised we were walking past the Chanel counter and our eyes (well, her eyes first) literally zoomed in past the store window (you know, at Wisma Atria). And we stopped traffic, made a quick about turn, and quickly went inside the Chanel counter, swatched everything, played with the products (I was pretty sure we irritated the MA like crazy, because the 2 of us were totally rambling among ourselves, and comparing across the range of glosses, and applying the nail polish etc etc) but le sigh, what to do when you are excited BUT the MA was so lacklustre and blah, let me tell you what I did. After swatching everything (and I like to sit at their stools and plonk myself at the counter and swatch like it is happy hour time---at my age, I refused to be intimidated by MAs no matter how snobbish and blasé they want to act) I told her OH my MA at Robinsons actually called me today so I should buy it there (which was true btw), and so off we went to Robs to make the purchase.  I just think....... if she had shown us more interest, instead of coming to whatever conclusion she has in her mind, I would have gotten more than just the nail polish from her.  But oh well, too bad.

     

    Some swatches and more pictures here.  I know that Nouvelle Vague has been compared to For Audrey, so I shall show the difference.   I also thought of Essie's Mink Candy Apply and TFS GR50 before I got home.  But I won't even swatch Mink Candy Apple and GR503, because they are way greener, and can't be considered dupes.  BTW is it just me, but GR503 is SUPER STREAKY!!  I hate the formula! How many layers do you need to apply the product to get an even and opaque coat??

    There is slight shimmer to Nouvelle Vague, but once applied the shimmer is very subtle, almost making it look like a cream finish.  I also thought that For Audrey is darker before applying both on my nails.  In the pictures, you can see them side by side, and the subtle sheen of Nouvelle Vague is there, glistening softly in the sunlight, almost making For Audrey look a little dull.  Oh well.  This could very well be a difference only nail geeks like us would notice, and care about.

    And before we finish, here is a swatch of Nouvelle Vague on NC45 skintone, thanks to Kas for offering her nail space!  Preetttty!!

    After getting the nail polish, and it was pretty late night by then, I was telling Kas, yes, my life is now complete.  I am still thinking if I should get Laser, but it swatched pretty sheer, I swatched the entire collection, and have the pictures, but hmmm... a little lazy to load them now.  Maybe later.

    Next entry will be another haul entry from the same day.

    I hope this helps, and thanks for reading~

    Email |
    |
    March 17, 2010

    Nails Story: Swatch Time & Dupes! That Teal, Green, Jade....

    HI!

    Maybe this entry is in honor of St Patricks' Day (belated I guess?)  but, anyway, I decided to do an update teal/ jade nail polish dupes and comparisons entry.  Click HERE to view the older entry.

    The only 'jade' colors which are missing here would be the Barry M ones, and the Chanel Jade.  Have I missed out any?

    Speaking of which, Amy (purplio) is doing her first giveaway which includes the Barry M Mint Green and CG base/top coat!

    Ok now for pictures, and I shan't ramble on about the colors and how they differ, you can see for yourselves... but if you have any questions, leave them in the comments!! 

    Above picture: From L to R - Essie Mint Candy Apple, TFS GR 503, CG For Audrey, MAC Peppermint Patti

    Comparing the matte and regular OPI GGG!

    Yup.  I am well aware that I have way too many nail polishes.  But I hope this has been helpful, and thanks for reading!!

    Email |
    |
    March 17, 2010

    Nails Story: Swatch Time & Dupes! That Teal, Green, Jade....

    HI!

    Maybe this entry is in honor of St Patricks' Day (belated I guess?)  but, anyway, I decided to do an update teal/ jade nail polish dupes and comparisons entry.  Click HERE to view the older entry.

    The only 'jade' colors which are missing here would be the Barry M ones, and the Chanel Jade.  Have I missed out any?

    Speaking of which, Amy (purplio) is doing her first giveaway which includes the Barry M Mint Green and CG base/top coat!

    Ok now for pictures, and I shan't ramble on about the colors and how they differ, you can see for yourselves... but if you have any questions, leave them in the comments!! 

    Above picture: From L to R - Essie Mint Candy Apple, TFS GR 503, CG For Audrey, MAC Peppermint Patti

    Comparing the matte and regular OPI GGG!

    Yup.  I am well aware that I have way too many nail polishes.  But I hope this has been helpful, and thanks for reading!!