&Follow SJoin OnSugar
A place for me to share all my make-up ramblings...enjoy!

About Me

e-mail

themakeupblogette@hotmail.com

My name is Sophia!

BLOGLOVIN

Follow on Bloglovin

Follow @makeup_blogette on Instagram

Twitter Me!

Follow makeup_blogette on Twitter

Tags

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

May 2013
SMTWTFS
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031 
April 2013
SMTWTFS
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
282930 
March 2013
SMTWTFS
 12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31 

    Posts for July 28th 2012

    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

    NARS Teaser: It's All About the Eyes [Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base & Alhambra Eyeshadow Duo ]

    This week's NARS teaser is a couple of eye products - the eyeshadow primer, and eyeshadow duo in Alhambra.  I love both items, and these will be frequently used.  In case you are not aware, this NARS teaser series is a lead up to the eventual launch of NARS towards the end of the year.  Tangs Orchard will be carrying the brand, and I think if you love NARS, this is fantastic news! 

    To see my first installment of NARS Teaser which is the nail polish in Jungle Red, click here

    First, we have the Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base - one of my must-haves from the brand.   I shan't ramble too much, but you can read the product description which I extracted from the NARS website. 

    Product description:

    No smudging, creasing or caking. This lightweight eye primer is the insider trick of the trade, creating a seamless canvas that keeps cream and powder color looking brilliant, fresh and just-applied all day long. A polymer and mineral-powder blend establishes a firm grip on color ensuring hours and hours of gorgeous wear. Fortified with a special deep-sea extract and an antioxidant rice extract, the Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base dries on contact and keeps the delicate eyelid smooth and prepared for color application.
    * Extends the wear of eyeshadow, eyeliner and eyebrow pencil * Maximizes color intensity * Dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested. Fragrance free Consumer Testing Results:
    * 97% felt that it maximized eye shadow color * 93% felt that it extended the wear of eye shadow * 90% felt that it prevented creasing and smudging

     

    Artists' Tips: 

    The Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base holds eyeshadow pigments tight, ensuring that the color won't crease, cake, or budge. This product is especially great for anyone who has trouble with eyeshadow traveling around on the eye. It also makes color read true, so it's great to use, especially when you're wearing bolder colors.* –James Boehmer, Director of Global Artistry*

    Use Push Eyeliner Brush to apply the Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base to the lower lash line before applying liner. The color will last much longer.–JASON HOFFMAN, LEAD TRAINER

    After filling in the brows with color, brush a small amount of the Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base across brows to set the color. * –Janice Daoud, National Makeup Stylist*

    It is colorless after you spread it out on your eyelids.  This is one of my HG eyeshadow primers, and I always have one in my stash and one as my backup.  Now I am using my third tube and I am glad to have a brand new one waiting for me to use.  Even on days when I don't use any eye makeup, I would also use a primer, just to prevent any foundation crease lines on my eyelids.  This is really one of the best eyeshadow primers out there, it is so lightweight, doesn't dry out, and the product is easily applied with the doe-foot applicator.  I have used it in most of my LOTDs, so you can see that this is indeed a staple in my routine. 

    Next we have the eyeshadow duo in Alhambra (Metallic rose mist / Golden champagne) 

    The texture of these 2 shades are extremely smooth and soft.  I have many of the NARS eyeshadow duos...luckily I don't have this yet, and this is a duo which I would easily use for a daily wearable look.  If you are starting out with NARS eyeshadows, I strongly suggest you pick out a duo, they are often easy to use, and you do get the very complimenting duo pairing...though there are also some contrasting shades (like Pandora - a black and white combo).  I might do an overview of NARS eyeshadow duos, if anyone is keen to see the collection. 

    This duo reminds me of a lighter shade of another NARS duo in my stash (but I don't have it on hand with me to compare) I might insert a picture if I can find it... and it's Isolde, which is darker but equally smooth and intense.  

    [Click here to see Isolde featued]

    This is Isolde. 

    a blurry shot outdoors to show you the shimmery goodness

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

    Email |
    |
    July 28, 2012

    Burberry Beauty Light Glow 06 Tangerine [Photos & Swatches]

    Let me preface this by saying, I don't need a new blush....but I think I need a Burberry blush.  It's one of those things you need to have, to complete a look.  I will be featuring some Burberry Beauty makeup soon, and I think I should complete the collection by choosing a blush which I think I would like.  It didn't help that Sabrina from The Beauty Lookbook recently posted an epic overview of all her Burberry blushes, and with more input from my girlfriend, I narrowed my choice down to either Blossom or Tangerine.  When I was in store (at Tangs Orchard), I think I Tangerine won me over with its muted neutral peachy tone.  It is a shade I could pull off no matter what eyeshadow look I am using.  

    The texture, as many of you would know by now, is simply divine.  It is so soft and so light, just like the eyeshadows.  I don't think I will run out and buy more, seeing as I really don't need a new blush... but I am very very happy with my choice, and I will be featuring it in a (near) future LOTD.  

    The blush retails for $61 and is made in Italy. 

    you can see the soft texture of the blush

    a heavy swatch and a more blended look

    it is quite pigmented.

    just a natural warm touch of color

    The color doesn't quite match the name Tangerine - you would expect something orangey..

    but this is super wearable with a soft matte finish. 

    Can't wait to use it.  That's all, and thanks for looking! 

    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 |
    |
    July 28, 2012

    Bobbi Brown's Eye Wardrobe [Photos & Swatches]

    Hi hi!

    This entry shall feature Bobbi Brown's Eye Wardrobe - a nifty palette of four mini brushes, and a set of 6 eyeshadows.  It comes with a big mirror, which is good if you want to use this palette on the go.  The palette is for sale at all Bobbi Brown travel retail outlets (including our DFS Galleria).  

    The six colors in the platte have a mixture of matte, stain and shimmery shades.  It is a very cool toned palette of greys, slate, a deep chocolate brown and a lilac shade.  The shadows are a little chalky, and there is some fallout while I was swatching the palette.  However, if you use a creamy eyeshadow primer before the eyeshadow, the fallout issue could be avoided. 

    Most of the shades are in the same color family (except for the lavender and cocoa shades) but they have different textures.  If you like just some very pale neutral shades on your eyes, this could work for you.  I personally prefer a deeper neutral shade, so I think I will incoporate the dark cocoa shade if I were to work this palette. 

    The whole palette contains 9g of eyeshadows, made in USA, and the four brushes are made in China. 

     

    Names of the colors as listed on the packaging:

    White Eyeshadow

    Star Sparkle Eyeshadow

    Iced Blue Metallic Eyeshadow

    Opal Eyeshadow

    Lavender Metallic Eyeshadow

    Black Cocoa Metallic Eyeshadow  

    The packaging of the palette is very sturdy and has big metallic hinges holding everything together.

    When you open it up, the mirror component separates the brushes from the eyeshadows, like a suitcase. 

    Close up of the brushes and their uses as stated

    and close up of the eyeshadows

    swatches on my arm, without any base products

    (which looks slightly tanned - the back of my hand is probably a whole shade lighter)

    under the sunlight

    I think I will get the most use out of the Iced Blue Metallic and the Black Cocoa Metallic (they are one above each other in the pictures). 

    Hope to feature this palette again in a upcoming LOTD. 

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

    featured Bobbi Brown product was provided to me for consideration.