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

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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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    Posts for February 2012

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    February 29, 2012

    NEW DiorSnow White Reveal & Icy Halos Makeup Collection [Photos & Information]

     

    Available from 1 March 2012


    In March 2012, Dior travels to the remotest corners of the world to bring
    you the source of virginal radiance: Icelandic Glacial Water.

    With sun exposure, pollution and stress, skin is aggressed and an
    over-acidification occurs. Cells try to defend themselves, triggering the
    production of more melanin. Pigmentation appears and spots develop.
    Counteracting acidity is crucial for whitening.

    Icelandic Glacial Water is one of the purest waters in the world from the
    youngest land on hearth. It has been running for over 400 years through
    volcanic rock formations that leave it 100% pure, acid-free and active!

    Dior has replaced all the water used in its Diorsnow formulas with this
    new super ingredient.

    Some brief background about the Icelandic Glacial Water and why it is so special:

    "In the French Alps for instance, the rocks are quite old. The filtration process of the water through rocks and sand loads water with high mineral content.

    On the contrary, in Iceland, lava rocks are very young. Lava acts as a real shield and protects water from the external environment. No minerals are released and this slow filtration process through lava rocks gives to water its property to capture acidity... A unique and pure water!"

    THE ICELANDIC GLACIAL WATER

    Completely devoid of pollution, Icelandic Glacial Water is one of the purest waters in the world. Derived from snow and ice, it has been running for over 400 years through volcanic rock formations, without ever coming in contact with the surrounding atmosphere. This unique filtration process leaves it with rare properties, different from all others traditional mineral waters. Dior has identified a new ultra-powerful natural active with whitening benefits.


    * I will only be featuring the base products and makeup collection *

    UV SHIELD BB CREME WHITE REVEAL UV PROTECTION SPF 50 – PA +++

    As light as it is active, this creme perfectly protects the skin against UV light thanks to its powerful filters, instantly reducing the appearance of dark spots and imperfections. Enriched in new- generation corrective pigments, its formula attenuates dark spots and all cutaneous irregularities. The complexion regains full radiance and the skin looks sublime.


    UV SHIELD WHITE REVEAL COMPACT UV PROTECTION SPF 50 – PA +++

    This new-generation brightening, high-protection UV shield evens out, mattifies and instantly enhances radiant complexion. Ultra- practical in its compact case, it enables quick touch-ups at any time of the day for unrivalled skin comfort and perfect matte finish.



    WHITE REVEAL PERFECTING MAKEUP UV BASE SPF 35 – PA +++

    A genuine protective shield, this perfecting and brightening makeup base is enriched with crystalline pigments with instant radiance- enhancing action on skin tone.
    Leaves your skin smooth and luminous, prolonging makeup hold and ensuring excellent UV protection.

    Three understated shades are offered to cover the needs of all skin types:


    - Beige Cristal for correcting redness and imperfections.

    - Rose Cristal for illuminating dull skin.

    - Bleu Cristal for visibly attenuating yellow skin tones.

     

    WHITE REVEAL PURE TRANSPARENCY MAKEUP SPF 30 – PA +++

    For the first time at Dior, a whitening compact foundation enhances, prolongs and boost the complexion’s transparency, offering the result of absolute purity.

    Thanks to the TECTM complex, enriched in Icelandic Glacial WaterTM and combined with the new generation of Water-LightTM pigments, Dior creates the most powerful whitening compact foundation in the Diorsnow range.

    To enhance the complexion’s radiance and freshness, Dior offers a limited edition colour collection, with a luminous palette of icy translucent shades that reflect the beauty of Icelandic skies. Cool bluish hues are mixed with iridescent rosy highlights and white opalescent veils.

    THE EYES are beautifully enhanced with a harmony of icy pastels in shades of blue, pink, white and lilac, contrasted with a deep ash gray, for an incredibly intense look.

    As if frosted by the snow, LIPS are accentuated with a variation of icy shades from steamy blue to shimmering pink.

    Purity and transparency are celebrated down to the tips of the NAILS, which are adorned in beautiful translucent blue that is as light as a cloud, or pearly white dazzling reflection of light at the end of the fingertips.

    The shaded areas that leave the FACE looking dull diminish under the unique “Universal Light” shade of new Skinflash: the complexion glows with newfound freshness.

    VOILE DE NEIGE – LIGHT AMPLIFYING FACE POWDER

    Inspired by the ultra-pure luminosity of snow crystals. Voile de Neige is applied at the end of the makeup routine to add dimension to the face, boost transparency and envelop the complexion in infinite light. Apply with a brush on the rounded areas of the face: forehead, cheekbones and chin, or as a light veil over the entire face.

    The ultra-luminous pearls boost the light-enhancing action of Voile de Neige. As opposed to natural mineral pearls, which include impurities that diminish the light-reflecting action, these pearls are capable of reflecting nearly 100% of light, in the same manner as snow.

    THE PALETTE’S 4 SHADES, EACH WITH A SPECIFIC ROLE, WERE SPECIALLY CREATED TO OPTIMALLY ENHANCE ASIAN SKIN TONES:

    • - Bright Pink adds a healthy glow,

    • - Pale Pink neutralises the complexion’s yellow hue,

    • - Light Beige envelops the skin in golden radiance,

    ICY HALOS MAKEUP COLLECTION

    Couleurs Iridescent #919

    Dior Vernis #191 Glacier and #021 Icy Dew

    Dior Addict Ultra Gloss #302 Crystal Frost and #362 Pink Freeze

    Price List:

    Diorsnow White Reveal Compact UV Protection SPF50 $79

    Diorsnow White Reveal Perfecting Makeup UV Base SPF 35 $78 - Rose Cristal / Beige Cristal / Bleu Cristal

    Diorsnow White Reveal Ultra Purifying Fluid $130

    Diorsnow BB Creme White Reveal UV Protection SPF50 $79

    Diorsnow Light Amplifying Face Powder $75

    Diorsnow White Reveal Pure Transparency Makeup SPF 30/PA $92

     

     

    I might be reviewing the Diorsnow BB Creme White Reveal UV Protection in this collection.  Stay tuned.


    Hope this has been helpful, and thanks for reading!

     

    My girlfriend told me that this collection is now currently available at Robinsons Centrepoint already! :)

     

     

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    February 29, 2012

    NEW Laneige Limited Edition Love in Bloom Makeup Collection [Photos & Swatches]

     

    Available at all Laneige counters island-wide from March 2012

     

    Unfold the petals of spring romance with Love in Bloom

    Laneige's Spring Makeup Collection Designed by Celebrated Illustrator, Sanna Annukka

     

    Evoking the language of flowers, Laneige unveils Love in Bloom - a limited edition spring makeup collection designed in collaboration with celebrated illustrator, Sanna Annukka.

    Featuring pretty motifs inspired by the poeny and tulip, and infused with vibrant pops of colour, these elements highlight the vibrancy and vivacity of Spring.  The coveted Love in Bloom collection comprises a versatile nine-colour eyeshadow palette replete with soft shades like lavender, light pink and beige, along side dramatic hues of aubergine, navy and black for a diversity of day and evening looks.

    Next, a two-tone sculpting blusher with highlight contours the angles of the face to bring out your best features and impart a glowing radiance.

    Finally, two different lip colors in absolutely adorable pots - each of which comes with a mini lip brush for fuss-free application - will no doubt pretty up the kissable pout.

     

    Rendering these vivid and charming motifs is popular illustrator Sanna Annukka.

    This highly sought after design talent most recently collaborated with Laneige on its Christmas packaging and also designed the CD cover for Under the Iron Sea, the second album by British vand, Keane.  Sanna Annukka's other notabel collaborations include Vogue and Marimekko.  A designer who draws inspiration from Finnish folk tradition, Sanna Annukka incoprorates artistic elements from the Finnish culture into her bold illustrations for Laneige.

     

    Photos and Swatches:

    Love in Bloom Eye Shadow Palette [S$55.00]

    A versatile nine colour featuring soft shades like lavender, light pink and beige, alongside dramatic hues of aubergine, navy and black for a variety of makeup looks for day and evening occasions.

    quite pigmented, and great versatile palette indeed, with the combination of pastels, neutrals and dark shades

    Love in Bloom Sculpting Blusher [S$49.00]

    A two toned blusher with highlighter contours the angles of the face to bring out your best features and impart a glowing radiance.

    I find that the blush is subtle and not too shimmering, very wearable

    And saving the best for last... the Love in Bloom Lip Gloss! [5 shades, S$29.00 each]

    With five delicious colours to choose from, Laneige's Love in Bloom pots are for keeps.  Each pot includes a mini lip brush for a fuss-free application to achieve that juicy pout.

    p/s the packaging is SUPER CUTE!!!!


    as you can see, only 02 floral lavender is shimmering, while the rest are juicy creamy shades

    love that they included a classic nude, and a trendy orange shade!

    my personal fave must be 03 Raspberry Pink

     

    lip swatches





    My recomendations?

    The lip pots, for sure, grab a couple of your fave shades, they are smooth and creamy, and gives decent color payoff.

    the eyeshadow palette (though colors aren't super unique) but the quality is great, and it is super good value to have the whole range of nine colors in a neat palette

     

     

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

     

     


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    February 28, 2012

    NEW Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Color for SS2012 [Photos & Swatches]

    Hi hi!

    This entry is an overview of the three new Shimmering Cream Eye Colors that Shiseido has launched for their SS2012 makeup collection.  The three colors are fairly spring-like, and also rather on trend, with the (very wearable) orange shade, and two pastel shades in the pink and blue.  I really do love these cream eye colors, and for S$32 a pop, you really can't go wrong with these.  They don't crease on me (with the use of an eyeshadow primer), applies easily, and the colors don't fade at all through the day.

    I really can't recommend these enough - you need to have at least a couple in your collection!

     

    Lots of useful links - so I don't repeat myself:

     

    To see the look I did with the OR313, click here

    To see an introduction to these Shimmering Cream Eye Colors, click here and swatches here

    To see my review and LOTDs featuring four of the colors, click here

    To see my top picks of the Shimmering Rouge from their SS2012 makeup collection, click here

    To see my overview of the whole SS2012 makeup collection, click here

     

    All three shades are equally shimmery, unlike the original 12 shades that were released last year whereby some were shimmering, some were more metallic and sparkly looking.   Otherwise, the texture and consistency is kept constant, which is really the highlights of this product.

     

     

     

    That's all, and thanks for looking!

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    February 28, 2012

    Nails Story: Lunasol EX34 Medium Beige [Swatches & Comparisons]

    I bought my first Lunasol product at Metro during their 20% off event last Friday.  I have been swatching off and on the Lunasol nail colors - SUPER IMPRESSED by their consistency and payoff, and also due to raves by Joey... so anyway, I caved, and bought EX34 Medium Beige (about $18.80 after 20% discount) -- this is a dangerous thing, because now I feel like I can't just do with only one Lunasol in my stash!  There is a gorgeous red, and some other gorgeous dark metallic purple calling out to me... but for now, I think I am happy with this purchase.

    Medium Beige is like I am wearing a darker foundation on my hands.  It is so smooth, and the subtle shimmer is just really pretty.  The brush of the nail polish is very high qualitly, no stray hairs and it fans out perfectly to fit my nails.  And it is really smooth like butter.  I have tried my fair share of high-end nail polish, and Lunasol ones are definitely UP THERE in terms of the fine quality.

    The shimmer effect is not very obvious once the color is worn on my nails though, just an FYI.  But it doesn't really bother me.

     

    Photos & swatches:

    Comparisons

    I pulled out a few shimmery tans/ beiges in my collection

    just to show the range of colors in this category...

    and in detail

    I think the Lunasol color might be the closest to Chanel's Khaki Rose

     

     

     

    That's all, and thanks for looking!

     

     

     

     

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    February 27, 2012

    LOTD: Matchy Oranges with Shiseido SS2012 Collection

    Hi!

    This is a very quick and easy LOTD featuring some of the stellar products from Shiseido's collection for SS2012.  This collection has too  many beautiful shades (that plum red lippy!  that brown lippy!  that orange lippy!) and three new additions to their Shimmering Cream eyeshadow range.  In this LOTD, I shall feature the matchy tonal oranges from the collection namely the lipstick and the shimmering cream eyeshadow.

    The shimmering cream eyeshadows are super EASY to work with.  I used my fingers for this entry - and building it up to the intensity that you want.  I applied more towards my lashes and blending it out and upwards to the crease.  I did not use any browbone highlight at all,  and I kept the liner very subtle by only tight-lining the upper waterline with a brown eyeliner.   This shade OR313 contains some multi-color shimmer, and they do sparkle very prettily.

    For lips I used this beautiful and wearable orange lipstick, OR316 -- and the formula, if you remember  my feature entry on these lipsticks --- is amazing.. Super creamy, super pigmented.

    So this is what I end up with.  I like the matchy orange look, and I think it is wearable enough for everyday, it's quite girly and also trendy.  Try to keep the rest of the face clean -- I only have on a matchy blush, and no bronzer, no highlight at all.

    All products used:

    base:  Lancome UV Expert GN Shield BB Complete SPF50PA+++, Lancome Teint Miracle Cream foundation, Ettusais Loose powder

    cheeks: NARS Torrid, and Maquillage Aura powder

    lips: Shiseido Shimmering Rouge OR316

    eyes: NARS Pro Prime eyeshadow primer, Shiseido Shimmering Cream eyeshadow OR313, MUFE La Boheme Aqualiner

    lashes: Shu Uemura Natural Volume

     

    That's all, and hope you like this look!

     

     

    Thanks for reading!

     

     

     

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    February 27, 2012

    Nails Story: YSL SS2012 Colour Nail Polish Duo Edition 7 [Swatches & Comparisons]

    Hi!

    This YSL nail polish duo is released as part of their 2012 Spring makeup collection.  I was very drawn to it after seeing it on Raeview's videos....and so when my sister was in HK recently, it is inevitable that I have to get her to buy this for me.  (not sure how much though..)  Anyway... the main thing of this duo is probably the bright shade of green that has very fine golden green shimmers.

    The formula of both shades are fantastic, almost a one-coater, though I applied two coats for this swatch entry.  The bottles contain 6ml of product each, and the brush applicator is a sharp angled one, that allows for more precise application (especially when you try out the recommended french manicure method).  I like the angled brush, as I was able to get a very nice sharp line at the base of my nails.

    I like YSL nail polish in general (I have a grey one in my stash from eons ago) they are super smooth and pigmented.  I wish their nail polish smell like their lipsticks though.  That would be totally cool!

     

    Swatches & Comparisons:

    The green shade has been most commonly compared with Dior's Waterlily, another Spring 2012 green shade.. they aren't nowhere alike, but here's how they look like side by side.   Both contains that ultra fine shimmer bits, but the tones are entirely different.

    and a few more green comparisons

     

     

    That's all, and thanks for looking!

     

     

     

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    February 25, 2012

    Wearing my Nail Polish Ring!

    Hi!

    A while back, I was given this nail polish ring by Melissa (link to her blog!) - she makes these nail polish rings and sells them on her blogshop  Posh Polish (link here!)  Mine is called Meteor Shower (S$12 including local postage) which is a beautiful dark blue base with specks of multi-color and holographic glitter bits.

    Not too sure how the rings are made, the glass 'glob' over the nail polish base totally amplifies the glitter effect, making them look like some kind of galaxy starry night.  I have paired it with a sort of matching manicure shade here (without the glitter bits obviously -- nail polish I am wearing is from Eyeko Indigo), but really, you can wear it with any nail color you wish, or just when your nails are bare, and just admire the nail polish effect as a ring on your fingers anyway.

    The rings come in an adjustable wire band, and it's the sort of standard size, I didn't see any sticky bits of glue under the ring, and it seems sturdy enough for daily wear.   Think these also make great gifts for your friends and family too, it's something unique and not too pricey.

    There are several more designs on her blog shop, I will include some of the images at the end of this post, so if you are interested, definitely check out Melissa's blogshop!

     

    More photos:

     

    Other designs she has:

     

    You can also email Melissa for more info and orders.

    my.polish.adventures@gmail.com

     

    I hope this has been helpful, and thank you for looking!

     

     

     

    Filed in: nail polish ring | Tagged with: nail polish ring
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    February 25, 2012

    YSL Glossy Stain 11 Rouge Gouache [Swatches & Quick LOTD]

    The YSL Glossy Stain - Gloss, or Stain, or More??

    It feels like a stain, but looks like a gloss, and I think it also has the payoff of a cream lipstick.  It's hard to explain.  When applied, it has that "wet" feeling of applying a lipstain that sinks into your lips.  But it soon settles to a creamier feeling, like a lipstick.. and the finish is not matte or 'stained', it actually looks glossy - not sticky glossy, but a nice sheen.

    This is also very long-wearing.  I know, because I slapped some on my hand, and I had to RUB RUB with soap to get it completely off.   I think I want to get more of these...It is hard to imagine, but YSL has managed to come up with a truly unique product in the lip color market - I mean, there are a gazillion types of lip products out there, but I don't think there is anything like this.

    Description from Sephora:

    What it is:
    A revolutionary new lip product that combines the texture and shine of a gloss with the long-wear of a stain.

    What it does:
    Coat your lips with this lip color that offers a lightweight texture, which immediately melts onto lips. Glossy Stain delivers intense glossy color for an extremely long-lasting shine.

     

    I picked mine in the shade 11 something bright and pretty, it looks like a deep bright pink, but I think can pass off as a blue-toned red on my lips.

    The packaging is kind of like a nail polish bottle, with a screw cap, and the applicator is big enough to apply the product on your lips without having to go back and forth.  It has that signature YSL cosmetics scent, which I LOVE.

    I didn't experience any feathering nor 'bleedning' in the application of this product, and considering that it is such an intense color, the application for me, was a breeze.

    HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

    Photos & Swatches:

    All products used:

    This is what I would normally wear daily (minus the bright lips most probably).

    base: Lancôme UV Expert GN-Shield BB Complete SPF50 PA+++ set with Lancôme Maqui Blanc Miracle compact foundation

    concealer: Collection2000 lasting perfection concealer in 01 Fair

    cheeks: NARS Madly (which matches exactly what is on my eyelids)

    eyes: Shiseido Shimmering cream eye color in OR313 (featuring this soon! I used my fingers to apply this all over my lids, adding more nearer the lashes -- LOVES)

    No lashes, no liner, because we don't need all that everyday.

     

    That's all, and thanks for looking!

     

     

     

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    February 25, 2012

    DIOR 257 Incognito & 579 Plaza Vernis [Quick Swatches]

    Just a quick swatch and feature of two Dior nail polishes I received this week.  I will be posted better quality swatches and comparison entries soon.    These are LOVES!

    257 Incognito is a pinky nude that requires 3 coats to achieve full opacity, while 579 Plaza is a bright warm pink that is almost a one coater.  I am surprised at how Plaza is looking on me, and I gotten several compliments wearing Plaza this past week.

    swatches I posted on my instagram feed

    if you follow me on instagram, I posted lots of current nailpolish colors I am testing out

    and these lasted me very well

    except that I keep wanting to change my colors too often!

     

    I am eyeing another shade from this collection --- Rivera --- which will be released with the new Dior Addict Extreme range which I have earlier posted here.  (  link!  )

    The collection will be available 1 April 2012.

     

     

     

    p/s feaured Dior products are given to me for consideration

     

     


     

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    February 25, 2012

    NARS Lhasa Eyeshadow [Photos & Swatches]

    Hi!

    I purchased NARS Lhasa eyeshadow from their SS2012 collection... I might or might not be getting Gaiety...but stocks were not in at the point at which my friend helped purchase this for me.   It is a pretty taupe color which is really perhaps nothing new in my collection, online swatches do show this quite nicely.... so anyway... I decided to get it for myself.

    As you can see, Lhasa is much cooler-toned than my other NARS neutrals,

    and it seems much creamier in texture compared to most of them.

    and a quick slap of Lhasa all over my lids

     

     

     

    That's all, and thanks for looking!