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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.

 

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    Posts for August 2012

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    August 31, 2012

    September Blogsale [Massive!]


    Please read all terms & conditions carefully:

    • All Sale is final.
    • Please allow at least one week before we mail out your item(s).
    • Prices listed are inclusive of normal postage.
    • Add $2.40 to your total purchase if you want registered postage. This is highly recommended for purchases above $50
    • No meet-ups.
    • Leave a comment stating your name, email address, names & prices of the items you want.
    • I will contact you within the same day, and please make payment within 24 hours.
    • For buyers in Singapore only.
    • We are not responsible for loss of packages. All care has been taken to ensure no mistake occurs.
    • Note that items are listed in batches.  Items from batch 1 can be mailed out together.  Items from Batch 2 and 3 will be mailed out separately.   Example, if you are purchasing 3 items from batch 1, and 2 items from batch 2 and 3, you will be receiving 3 separate packages. If registered post is selected, it will be for the batch with the most expensive payment unless buyer is willing to pay the separate charges for each registered postage package. 

     

    FORMAT: 

    Name/ email:

    Item(s): 

    Total amount: 

     

    Names of items will be strike off as they are sold.   

    You will see names of the items, followed by a group picture of the items for reference. 

    Happy Shopping! 

     

    ----------------------------------- BATCH ONE --------------------------------


    Sleek Sparkles Palette, used once, $10 

    Stila Daring Nail Polish Set, BNIB, $35

    MAC Holiday Devil May Dare Warm Eyeshadw Palette, BNIB, $22

    Revlon Colorburst Lipgloss, Red & Rose Gold, BN Sealed, $12 each, $22 for both. 

    Lavshuca Lipstick J (Shiny) OR-1, BNIB, $10

    Victoria Secret Secluded Lagoon Eyeshadow Trio, BNIB, $10 

    Victoria Secret Radiant Face Trio, In Deep, BNIB, $8

    Two Faced Glamour to Go Eyeshadow, Blush, Bronzer and Lipgloss Pocket Palette, BNIB, $28

     


    Sleek Storm $11

    Sleek Bad Girl $11
    (both for $20)
    Both lightly used 

    Mac Solar Riche bronzing powder $10
    Used

    Mufe Aqua Cream #18 $15
    Condition as shown, used a few times

    Mufe eyeshadow 159 $10
    Mufe blush powder (can be used as eyeshadow too) $10
    Both for $18. Both swatched 1x

    Misa Nail Polish I'm going to love myself $5
    Used once 

    Majolica Majorca Neo automatic liner. BN sealed $8

    BN Esprique Precious Loose powder in 01 - $18

    Mufe HD primer in #5 (used less than 3 times) - $20

    Two Faced Eye shadow and shimmer bar (used less than 3 times) $12

    Sleek molten metal cream eyeshadow (swatched once) $8

    BN Mac pigment in violet - $9

    BN Mac pigment in teal - $9

    Mac paintpot in fresco rose (swatched once) - $12

    Mac paintpot in rubenesque - $8

    Mac paintpot in groundwork (swatched once) - $12  SOLD

    Mac mes in mercurial - $10

    BN mini Stila smudgepot in brown - $6

    Stila bronze illuminating powder (swatched once) - $15

    Stila eyeshadow trio in gold glow (swatched once) - $8

    Stila convertible color in peony deluxe size (switched once) - $6

    Maquillage dual layer cream + powder eyeshadow in lavender/green (used less than 3 times) - $8

    Maquillage dual layer cream + powder eyeshadow in purple/gold (used less than 3 times) - $8

    ****  (above both for $14) ****

    Bourjois loose eyeshadow (used less than 3 times) - $4

    BN Loreal hip eyeshadow, take all 3 for $10 or $4 each

    BN Loreal open eyes pro palette - $7

    **** (above 3 items for $20) **** 

    The following items are used about 3 times unless specified otherwise. 

     

    Canmake Loose Powder in 05 ($5)

     

    Majolica Majorca Lash Bone BNIB ($8)
    Majolica Majorca Automatic liner in VI606 BN ($8)
    ***** Above Two Items $15 *****
     

    Top shop Cream Eyeshadow in Heavy Metal & Gold Mine ($6 each, 2 for $10)

    Loreal Hip Eyeshadow in Platinum & Bustling BN ($5 each, 2 for $8)
    Loreal Hip Eyeliners in Silver Lightning & Gold Charge BN ($6 each, 2 for $10)

     
    The Body Shop Eye Trio in Moonlight Lustre ($7)
    Bourjois Eyeshadow in #92 ($5)
    Muji Green eyeshadow quad ($7)
    Fasio palette in C-1 ($7)
    Kate Diamond cut eyes in PU-1 BNIB ($10)

    Kate Diamond cut eyes in PK-1 ($7)

    Mac Feline Kohl pencil ($12)
    Femme Fatale Gloss ($8)
    Étude House lipsticks in PK006, PK007 & PK008 ($6 each, all for $15)
    Nature Republic glosses in PK101 & SN11 BN ($7 each, both for $10)
     
     
    --------Batch 2 - These will be mailed out separately from batch 1 and 3------------
     

    MAC Modern Pewter - $25

    MAC (Brand new) Reflect Pearl pigment  - $20

    MAC  Pearlglide Eyeliner (Brand new) Petrol Blue -  $18

    The following items are $15 for two, $20 for three

    Duwop Crush Heavy Metal  - $8

    Pigments in Melon SOLD /Blue Brown/Chocolate Brown  - $10 each

    MAC ES – Love Lace/Freshwater/Juxt/Hypnotizing/Expensive Pink SOLD - $10 each

    Makeup Store single eyeshadows  – Khaki Gold/Savanna/Myth/Fade/Xocoati/Fantastic/Lovely Linnea/Monty - $10 each

    UD – Midnight Cowboy, Roach  -  $8 each

    Sleek (Brand new)  Nightlife, Khaki  -  both for $10

    Body Shop face powder in 01 Chestnut  - $8

    Shu Uemura Lippies   #BR760  /  OR520  /  BR710  /  WH003 (used less than 3x) -  $10 each

    Dior Blush in 839 Rose Vintage/Vintage Pink, LE (used 2x)  $35

    Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Nectar (used 2x)  $35

    Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Rose Gold (used once)  $40

    Dior 3-colors in 481 Smoky Khaki (used once)  $30

    Burberry #4 Gold Trench (used few times)  $25

    Chanel es singles in Sillage and  Bois Blue  (used once each)  $15

    Chanel Blush Brush (used once)  $50

    Bare Minerals duo in The Alter Ego (used once)  $18

    Givenchy Cream Pearly Rose Cream ES (used once)  $20

    Lunasol Ocean Scene Eyes (used once)  $40

    YSL Blush Radiant (used 2x)  $40

    Chanel Eyeshadow Quad in 08 Vanites (used 2x)  $35

    Maquillage Foundation in shade 20 (used 3x)  $25

    Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation in shade #9 (used 2x)  $25

    Estee Lauder Double Wear Cream Eyeshadow in 23 Smoky Twilght (used once)  $15

    Burberry #2 Trench (used once)  $30

    Burberry #9 Rosewood (used few times)  $30

    Chanel Eyeshadow #95 Furtif – Fall Collex (used once)  $30

    Bare Minerals READY eyeshadow in The Alter Ego (used once) $18

    GA ETK in #9 (used once)  $30   SOLD

    GA ETK in #24 (used once) $35

    Shu Uemura eyeshadow in IR pink 115 (used once)  $12

    Chanel Blush Brush (washed/used once)  $50

    Urban Decay 24/7 Eye Pencil in Bourbon (Brand new) $25

    GA Waterproof Smooth Silk Eyeliner Pencil in #1 – Black (used once)  $28

    GA Eye Pencil in 01 – Black (likely  LE ,not featured)  $20

    GA Eye Pencil in 02 – Brown (likely LE, not featured)  $20

    --------Batch 3 - These will be mailed out separately from batch 1 and 2------------

     

    Sleek Sunset BN 568 $10

    Jill Stuart cream eyeshadow in 02 Gemstone Green Used, 90% left $20

    Jill Stuart cream eyeshadow in 10 Antique Amber Used, 90% left $20

     Jill Stuart cream eyeshadow in 09 Midnight Shine Used, 90% left $25

     Jill Stuart cream eyeshadow in 03 Platinium Satin Used, 90% left $25

     Jill Stuart cream eyeshadow in 08 Crystal Sky Used, 90% left $25

     *All 5 Jill Stuarts for $100. (Priority given to lot buys)

     Chanel Illusion d'Ombre in 81 Fantasme Used, 80% left $30

     Chanel Illusion d'Ombre in 82 Emerveille  Used, 80% left $30

    Chanel Illusion d'Ombre in 86 Ebloui Used, 80% left $30

     *All 3 Chanels for $85. (Priority given to lot buys)

     L'oreal Infallible in 408 Gleaming Bronze (US only) BN $15

     L'oreal Infallible in 892 Amber Rush (US only) BN $15

     L'oreal Infallible in 024 Bronze Goddess BN, came that way $10

     L'oreal Infallible in 023 Black Onyx BN $10

     *All 3 remaining L’oreals for $30 (Priority given to lot buys)

     Benefit Creaseless Shadow in Busy Signal Used, 80% left $15

     Benefit Creaseless Shadow in Birthday Suit Used, 80% left $15

     Rimmel Glam Eyes in 002 English Oak BN $15

     Rimmel Glam Eyes in 004 Green Park BN $15

     Nars Eyeshadow Duo in Silk Road Used, 80% left $15 

    Stila Palettes in Stunning in Sayulita  $10

    Stila Palettes in Haute in the Hamptons  $10

    Stila Palettes in Striking in South Beach  $10

    Stila Palettes in Wonderful in Wakiki  $10

    *All BNIB, $35 for the 4 palettes.

     

     

     

    Physician’s Formula Mineral Glow Pearls in Natural BN $15

     Physician’s Formula Mineral Glow Pearls in Rosy BN $15

     *Both for $25 (priority given to lot buys)

     Jill Stuart Mix Blush Compact 01 Baby Bloom BN $60

     Jill Stuart Mix Blush Compact in 13 Milky Strawberry BN $60

     Jill Stuart Mix Blush Compact in 105 Sweet Lock (LE) BN $60

     *All for $170 (priority given to lot buys)

     Illamasqua powder blushers in  Hussy , Tremble  , Lover,  Nymph

     Cream blushers in , Rude , Lies

     All BN, $35 each. As a lot of 6 - $200.

    Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation in 51 BN $15

     MAC Beauty Powder in Light Sunshine BN $20 (retail $37)

     Bobbi Brown Powder Blush in Apricot Swatched 1x $20 (retail $39)

     Chanel Le Vernis in Delight (Summer 2012) BN $30 (retail $37)

     

     

    -------------------------- END ------------------------

    Filed in: September, blog sale | Tagged with: september, blog sale
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    August 28, 2012

    Yves Saint Laurent Beauty to Launch in Singapore

    HI HI!

    Last week, a few of us got to attend a very special event to mark the launch of YSL Beauty in Singapore.  It was only a few years back, when YSL moved out of Singapore, and I think many of us were quite sad to see it go, because if memories serve me right, the departure coincided, very unfortunately at a time when makeup lovers were getting into the brand, and later on for the next few years, we could only watch from a far as we see collections after collections of beautiful YSL makeup being released to markets overseas...and we had to travel to get it, or have our travelling pals buy it for us.

    So anyway, it is certainly exciting news, when weeks ago, we start to see a space at ION basement (opposite the Shu Uemura boutique) with the sleek black trademark YSL hoarding set up, and it's finally confirmed that YSL beauty is coming back to Singapore.  And I am fairly sure, with the more informed and affluent market of makeup lovers, the return is really very welcomed, and highly anticipated. 

    The event was held at Fullerton Hotel, and we got to finally touch and play with all the YSL products.  Truly exciting.  In this entry, I will share with you pictures I took during the event, before I do a follow-up entry with the actual products that I was given, and also an entry on the latest YSL foundation, the Touch Eclat Foundation. 

    "Yves Saint Laurent reigns as one of the most influential and inspired designers in the world. From his early days in the studio of Christian Dior to his acclaimed haute couture collections of today, YSL's touch remains unmistakable. The YSL style is reflected in the realm of fashion, including accessories, jewelry, ready-to-wear, fragrance, and cosmetics. Yves Saint Laurent is synonymous with excitement, individuality, and a totally fresh and brilliantly inspired point of view."

    "I needed to give a face to the woman I dress."  Yves Saint Laurent

     

    Here's the arsenal of the YSL makeup that was on display for us to swoon over.  And swoon we did!

    Starting with their gorgeous lippies:  

    Rouge Pur Couture

    Rouge Volupte

    SHEER CANDY

    (I LOVE THIS!)

    ROUGE PUR COUTURE

    GOLDEN GLOSS

    Pure Chromatics 

    Ombres 5 Lumieres - 5 color harmony for eyes

    La Laque Couture 

    (or in my terms, nail polish porn!)

    One of my fave scent, Parisiene

    There was also a quick makeup demonstration, 3 makeup artists worked their magic on the models. 

    I was most excited to check out Le Teint Touche Eclat! 

    quickly swatched, and I think I am a B10 or B20.  There were other shades with the BR tones.. but I only just swatched the B range.. and there is a B40 too, just that I couldn't seem to find it on the display.

    And other distractions while I was there, lovely lovely afternoon with lovely people. 

     JoeyMag, Sarah, and myself. 

    my armcandy

    and some staring up the ceiling moments...

    Can't wait to show you more more more!  

     

    I think the YSL beauty store will open soon, by the 17th September.  

    ION BASEMENT 2 (same level as the MRT station, you can't miss it!) 

     

    Hope you enjoyed the pictures, and I have showed you a glimpse of the lovely event hosted by YSL beauty!

     

     

    Thank you for reading!

     

     

     

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    August 25, 2012

    Urban Decay Naked Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup [Photos, Swatches & Initial Impression]

    I ordered my Urban Decay Naked Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup (phew!! what a mouthful, I will just call it UD Naked Foundation in the rest of this entry okay?) ---- yes, I ordered it from Beautybay.com (about 28 pounds - at the most SGD$60...free international shipping).  

    Before I go into the details how I guessed my shade, here is the official product description:

    What it is:
    A weightless and virtually invisible liquid foundation that creates a luminous, demi-matte finish.

    What it does:
    This formula helps skin achieve a natural, illuminated and bright finish— like the beautiful skin you were born with. Naked Skin is formulated with light-diffusing spheres, transforming you to look professionally retouched. Buildable coverage allows women to customize their look. Available in a meticulously calibrated range of shades, Urban Decay’s precise shade numbering system does poetic justice to both warm tones (ending in “.0”) and cool skin tones (ending in “.5”). The finish is matte, never flat, and luminous, but not shiny.

    What it is formulated WITHOUT:
    - Parabens
    - Sulfates
    - Synthetic Fragrances
    - Phthalates
    - GMOs
    - Triclosan

    What else you need to know:
    This makeup loads skin with a list of nourishing ingredients including: Matrixyl 3000 (a powerful anti-wrinkle peptide), protective and brightening Litchiderm, antioxidant Green Tea and Sodium Hyaluronate for optimal skin hydration and nutrient absorption. Naked Skin is suspended in a sleek, sophisticated pump bottle, allowing more control and less waste of product.

    Suggested Usage:
    -Shake well.
    -For professional results use our Good Karma Optical Blurring Brush to apply and buff foundation to a true ultra definition finish.
    -Naked Skin blends beautifully and can be applied with fingers or sponge.

    I love the packaging, it is so sleek, and looks like the NAKED2 palette.  The foundation bottle is typical of most other liquid foundations (looking like Shiseido, MUFE, etc).

    I am using the shade 1.0, which is the lightest warm shade.  

    very fair bisque shade, with soft warm undertones

    and it is the perfect match for me.  

    I would rank this among my fave foundations, and if you like foundations like Clarins Extra Firming Foundation, Chanel Perfection Lumiere, Maquillage White Essence, you will like this foundation too.  Very light, there is decent coverage, buildable, easy to blend, and lasts the whole day on me. 

    p/s I am also currently testing out several foundations, all of which I am enjoying, and I will try to post them soon, I have already taken pictures and swatches... just in the midst of collecting my thoughts. 

    swatches on my hand

    and you can see that the consistency is quite light and fluid

    it really feels weightless on my skin

    and gives a very fine flawless finish

    and lasts very well through the day

    it did not oxidise on me

    see how flawless my skin looks here

    no re-touch, no whatever, what you see is what you get.

    visible pores around my nose area, but I've come to embrace them,

    and I think they have gotten to a point where I think they are at the smoothest

    if ultra definition is more perfect than just high definition, then I am sold!

    overall look 

    I really think it photographs VERY WELL. 

    In real life, it looks very smooth too. 

    Has a luminious type of finish that doesn't emphasise any oiliness or pores, IMO.

    all products used:

    Face - Urban Decay NAKED Skin foundation, Chanel Loose Powder, Laura Mercier Secret Camo concealer

    Cheeks - MUFE Mat Bronzer, MAC Pink Swoon, UD Cream Highlighter Moonstone

    Eyes - NARS Primer, UD NAKED2 Palette (Bootycall on browbone, Suspect on lids, Snakebite on outer corner), UD Stash Liner and lower lash line

    Lips - Rouge Dior Nude 459 Charnelle 

    Really enjoy this foundation, and you should totally check it out when it launches at Sephora soon!  :)

    Hope you find this entry helpful!

    Thanks for reading!

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    August 25, 2012

    Rouge Dior Nude 459 Charnelle [Photos & Swatches]

    This entry features Dior's latest range of lipsticks, called the Rouge Dior Nude (will be launched Sept 2012 - click here  and here for collection information).  The shade which I have is 459 Charnelle, a very soft natural beige shade with a hint of rosy pink.  Though in the first picture it looks rather peachy orange due to the morning sunlight.  It also has a very nice scent that I remember Dior lipsticks used to have (waaaaay long ago when their packaging was blue, and gold and all hexagonal).  Nice memories then.  :)  

    The lipstick will retail for S$45 each, and comes in a total of 10 luminous shades.

    Below is a more true color representation: 

    There is a slight sheen to this lipstick, and it is also described as a lip blush, which means it gives your lips the more natural and enhancing look, very soft and light in the texture.  It has a semi-matte look, nothing too shiny or too creamy.  

    official description

    “CHARNELLE”, a coral-tinted rose: the fusion of disarming charm and absolute elegance as imagined by Monsieur Dior.

    I really enjoy wearing this lipstick it is easy to pull off, something that I can just apply without looking into the mirror.  It feels very lightweight indeed, and didn't dry my lips out. 

    you can see in the lip swatches how the lipstick just enhances my own lip color

    and a quick look featuring this lipstick

    I will be picking up another shade from this range, Grege from this collection when it launches.  

    “GRÈGE”, or the flagship colour of the New Look imagined by Christian Dior in 1947, the association of nude beige and luminous grey that is oh so very Dior.

     

    That's all, and thank you for reading :)

     

     

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    August 25, 2012

    NARS Press Preview at the Art Science Museum

    A couple of weeks back, some of us were invited to the NARS Press event, and it was held at the Art Science Museum.  Even though I was there a little late (made it barely in time just before the presentation started), I could feel the sense of excitement in the air among the editors and journalists. We were privileged anough to be 'teased' by NARS the whole month, and being finally at the event itself, to see the actual products (even though I have seen everything before everytime I have access to NARS counters and stores overseas), right here in Singapore is still something very new and exciting. 

    Just want to share with you some photos I took during the event, and I also received several products from NARS' newly revamped skincare range, and also the sexily red lipstick in Jungle Red - will feature these later on, sometime in Sept or Oct.  The actual launch of NARS will be at TANGS Orchard, mid November ---- Mark your calendars, and get shopping!

    The location was scattered with plenty of iconic NARS images, and also Francois Nars' quotable quotes. 

    Such as this: 

    the presentation & overview of the brand 

    the NARS playground

    we are excited for the new eyeliners! 

    unveiling the skincare range 

    and also a very exciting collaboration NARS x Andy Warhol 

    for Holiday 2012 

    more info on this soon!

    Everyone zoomed in to the makeup counter, impromtu makeovers, swatching,

    and touching the PRISTINE display of nars products....

    swatched the FALL COLLECTION

    and general NARS goodness!

    our matching NARS Jungle Red manicures 

    Exciting or what?   :) 

    For my NARS Teaser entries, click here.

    Hope this has been helpful...in whipping up a NARS frenzy! 

    Thanks for reading!

    Filed in: makeup, NARS, launch | Tagged with: makeup, nars, launch
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    August 25, 2012

    Dior Vernis 223 Trench [Photos & Swatches]

    This entry features Dior Vernis in 223 Trench which will be released with the new DiorNude Skin range of foundations, lipsticks and brushes later in September - click here for collection information.   

    Trench (love the name!) is a medium brown nude shade, it falls into the same category of other shades like Chanel Particuliere (which I have, but not comparing til later on), Essie Mink Muffs (darker), OPI You Don't Know Jacques (browner, darker too?), Dior Incognito is more nude and pinkier. It is extremely smooth and creamy, and is almost a one coater.  I applied 2 thin coats in this entry, to show you the color. 

    Dior polishes typically lasts 5 - 6 days on me without any tipwear although these days I hardly wear any one shade more than 2 days. 

    This will retail for S$37. 

    It is a timeless classic shade that will suit all seasons, and most skintones.  

    There are three other shades of nude which I will most likely be picking up when the whole collection launches. 

    I have several more Dior Nude products to feature, slowly, but surely.  Can't wait to share! 

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

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    August 25, 2012

    Ettusais Foamy Rich Mousse [Photos & Demo]

    August 2012 

    A cleanser with bouncy, enriched foam that leaves the skin firm and soft with a beautiful, fair complexion.

    Ettusais launched a new foamy facial cleanser.   It is a 5-in-1 product - gentle on the skin, makeup remover, cleansing foam, facial mask and also a massage.  Touted as the first ever spongy, rich foam - the product conains an elastic bouncy film formula and microscopic micro mousse.  The structure of the foam is a collection of aerated liquid which adheres to impurities and makeup, which gets washed away when you rinse your face. 

    Gentle on Skin:

    It doesn't strip away skin's natural moisture.  

    Contains high moisturising effect (hyaluronic acid)

    Provides moisture and support supple skin (collagen)

    Moisturising ingredients (Glycerin)

    Cleansing ingredient (Amino acid)

    These ingredients help the foam to glide easily onto the skin without friction and will not strip skin of its natural moisture. 

    Because of the high cleansing effect, this means that double cleansing isn't required (though it is my habit and personal preference to always double cleanse) - the microscopic micro mousse picks up makeup and sebum with its ability to enter into skin's furrows and pores.  

    Product Summary

    • Spongy rich foam with excellent elasticity - bouncy film formula

    • Rich foam that does not require double cleansing, yet exerts the desired cleansing effect

    • Spongy, rich foam that can be used as a mask or massage.

    • Formulated with moisturising ingredients

    • Prevents acne

    • Non-comedogenic formula, dermatologist-tested

    Let's take a look at the Packaging - very nifty pump bottle, and there is this closure which prevents you from accidentally pumping out the product, and you don't need to fuss with an actual separate cap. 

    lift up the tab... 

    and pump away!

    How to use

    Can be used for morning and night, to remove makeup and cleanse bare skin

    Can be used on either dry or wet skin

    Shake the can well

    Take an appropriate amount of foam in the hand, about the size of 2 ping pong balls (3g)

    Massage in circular motion for about 30 seconds to remove makeup or impurities 

    Rinse off thoroughly with water

    The foam has a fresh citrusy scent.  Refreshing!

    How to use: 

    Apply foam over entire face, avoiding the area around the eyes. 

    Massage in circular motions for about 30 seconds to remove makeup or impurities.

    Finally, within the next 30 seconds, massage around the eye area, avoid getting foam into the eyes. 

    Rinse off. 

    A quick demo, on a patch of BB cream on my hand. 

    wiped away with a tissue, looking clean!

    another demo on my face

    I had already removed my makeup (fyi)

    super light but dense foam

    very soapy, and very clean feeling after rinsing off...

    and clean face! 

     

    Really enjoy using it so far, and I will be giving a more detailed review in a later entry on my cleansing routine. 

    Highly recommend that you check this out! 

     

    Hope this has been helpful, and thanks for reading!

     

     

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    August 25, 2012

    Nails Inc Special Effects: Get Sprinkly with Sugar House Lane [Photos & Swatches]

    A while back, I had purchased Nails Inc Sugar House Lane from beautybay.com - this is from their Special Effects, the Sprinkles range.  There are 3 other shades in this Sprinkles range, I think 2 shades of pink, and a shade of blue or teal. I choose this nude.. with all same sized glitter bits in monchromatic shades of black, white, and some matte silver/ grey. 

    The glitter bits in this polish is DENSE.  And the base color itself a pinky grey nude color is also quite opaque.  When I first got it, I was excited and slapped on two coats of Sugar House Lane on my nails.  It was a nightmare.  The surface was uneven due to the overly dense glitter.  And no amount of topcoat could smooth out the surface.  And more nightmare when I removed my swatches.  There was glitter bits EVERYWHERE.  That's how dense this nailpolish is.  

    I learnt my lesson. 

    I applied a nude nail polish as a base color, and then I apply ONE coat of Sugar House Lane on only 2 fingers as a fancy accent, and not on all fingers. 

    This is a much better way to show off and also deal with this pretty and unusual nailpolish.  It does look like cupcake sprinkles.  And like those sprinkles, if you go too heavy handed, they just look messy. 

    Check out the amazing bits inside the nail polish!

    Okay, I should have applied a more matching nude nailpolish (something more pinky I suppose, maybe Dior's Incognito...) but this is really something very pretty, and totally my style.  Sugar House Lane is also a lot smoother with only one coat. 

    The base nude color I am using is Makeup Store's Annelie, for your information. 

    Enjoy the swatches!

    Hope these swatches have been helpful, and thanks for looking!

    What are you wearing on your nails this weekend!

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    August 25, 2012

    Ettusais Reformulates Gel Top Coats [Swatches & A Step by Step Manicure]

    Available July 2012

    Ettusais reformulated their popular quick drying clear top coat that creates glossy nails that look like gel nails done at a nail salon.  No UV light and no soak-off needed!

    Retailing for $24 and contains 9ml of product. 

    Product description:

    Creates a plumper, glossier finish

    Has a longer lasting finish

    Dries smooth, even if base coat applied is uneven

    Dries quickly

    Formulated with a natural treatment ingredient

    Fragrance-free

    The Gel Top Coats has an adhesive polymer entwining, softening agrent that absorbs shock and a luster agent to provide shine. 

    NOTE: if you apply the topcoat before your color is completely dry, they may mix with the colors on your nails, resulting in an opaque (non-gel) look.  The product can be removed with a regular nail polish remover. 

    GEL COLOR TOP COAT (PK)  LIMITED EDITION!

    Retailing for $24 and contains 9ml of product. 


    Natural pink nail color that creates glossy nails, that gives a healthy finish to your nails with the pink shade of Sakuragai.  

    Has all the same features of the original Gel Top Coat and formulated with a natural treatment ingredient. 

    NOTE: Shake before use, and use a base coat is recommended for a longer lasting finish.  You can remove it with a regular nail polish remover. 

    My thoughts: 

    I had first tried out the regular gel topcoat a couple of weeks back, and I made the mistake of not letting my color dry completely before applying the topcoat.  This resulted in a rather dull (and def not gel like appearance of the topcoat). In this swatches, I let the color dry for a couple of minutes before apply the gel topcoat, and there was a tremendous difference.  So, definitely heed the advice given, and allow your nail color to dry first, before you apply the gel topcoat.  I found that it dries quite fast (not as fast as Seche Vite though) and it definitely is better at sealing in glittery nailpolish, and producing a very smooth surface.  (glittery nailpolish tends to eat up my Seche Vite topcoat, fyi). 

    A quick step by step manicure featuring both the gel topcoats:

    Step One - Apply basecoat as recommended.

    Step Two - apply a layer of Pink Gel Topcoat 

    It is a pink sheer creamy polish - neutralises a bit of my yellow-ed nails, giving it a natural healthy tinge.

    Step Three - Apply a gold holographic nailpolish to the tips.  

    This does not have to be neat like a French Manicure.  

    Just slap it on.

    Step Four - Apply Clear Gel Topcoat 

    There you go, almost instant gel manicure at home! 

    Check out the bokeh effect of the holographic!   No photoshop here! 

     

    These gel topcoats are definitely useful to have in your stash.  

    Highly recommended! 

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

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    August 24, 2012

    Ettusais Summer 2012 Nails: A Tropical Paradise [Photos & Swatches]

    July 2012

    A few weeks, I received a package of super cute summery nail polishes from Ettusais.  Finally got round to trying them out, and I must say, I am super impressed by the quality of all these polishes.  In my nail swatches, I applied a layer of Butter London basecoat, 2 coats of color (unless specified), and a layer of Ettusais Gel Top Coat.  I will give more color descriptions and my thoughts in the swatches below.   Overall, I highly recommend these polishes, they are tiny, great for those who want to try a lot of colors without worrying about buying big bottles that will never be used up. 

    Ettusais launches an array of nail colors inspired by resort vacations.  Made for a summer's use, pick from vivid, glittery or pearlescent hues, stash them in your luggage and leave space for some holiday shopping too. 

    These mini 2ml bottles retail for $5 each.  Pick a bunch to match your perfect summer vacation!  :)

    Product features: 

    Dries quickly

    Coats nails smoothly and evenly

    Shiny and glossy finish

    Formulated with natural treatment ingredients and is toluene-free

    Fragrance free

    Shades:

    1 - Sunset in Phuket

    2 - Mother Nature in Bali

    3 - Milky Way in Palau

    4 - Blue Sky in Maldives

    5 - Rio's Carnival

    6 - Seychelles at Dusk

    7 - Sandy Beach in Bahamas

    8 - Hawaiian Hibiscus

    9 - Neon in Miami

    10 - Shores of Gold Coast

    11 - Desert in Dubai 

    12 - Jamaican Cafe Time

    I will be swatching this shades. 

    Before I start, I must say these tiny bottles surprised me with their full brushes which spread out easily over my nail surface, and apply beautifully and smoothly.  There is a mixture of creamy, shimmery and glittery shades among these 5 shades, and they all apply equally smoothly. 

    11 Desert in Dubai

    This is a metallic cool tone golden shade.  It's very flattering on my skintone. No brush strokes despite the frosty shimmery formula.

    Going to apply 10 Shores of Gold Coast on top...

    It is a holographic glitter topcoat in a sheer golden base.  

    Perfect to layer over Desert of Dubai. 

    03 Milky Way in Palau 

    This, this this... is the PERFECT WHITE. Two coats, no streaks, it is so bright, so sharp, so cool that it just glows.  

    I need to find out if this comes in full sized, because I think I really need it. 

    (I have China Glaze white out, but it is like a warm white that reflects a little ivory..

    but this is just pure pristine white, amazing, and I am in love with it)

    08 Hawaiian Hibiscus

    A coral red, this would be great for toes, and makes your skin looks like they have a healthy summer tan.

    02 Mother Nature in Bali

    This is a pale crispy green with subtle silvery shimmer.  

    I had to apply 3 coats for this shade, for maximum creaminess and opaqcity.

    Love all these shades, and love that the quality of this mini bottles of nail polishes are so fantastic!

    Hope these swatches have been helpful, and do check them out soon!  :)

    Thanks for looking!