LOTD on the make-up blogette

FAQ & DISCLAIMER

About Me

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

About this Blog

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

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

My Makeup Style

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

What Cameras do I use?

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

My Favourite Makeup Brand(s)

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

Where to find me

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

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

Final Disclaimer

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

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

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

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January 11, 2013

Review & Application: Chanel CC Cream

Hi hi!

This is my review of the Chanel CC Cream (S$82, at all Chanel counters). I have been using it everyday this whole week, and what better time to test out a new base product, when we are experiencing some of the hottest days to date! It's crazy how much I perspire everyday. :(

So anyway, when I was at Tangs making my purchase, I didn't see the CC cream on display immediately, there was no images, though I later noticed the display at the skincare section of the large counter/ store (instead of at the foundation & cases display). So, I suppose the CC cream is really marketed as a skincare product, rather than a makeup (ie foundation) product. Just a heads up, in case you are wondering where the CC Cream is displayed.

The product only comes in one shade - 20 Beige - which is my usual shade for most Chanel foundations anyway. There is 30ml of product, and it is made in France. It also has the same scent as other base products, but the scent of the CC Cream seems to linger on longer than my other Chanel base products.

In my review of this product, do note that I also tried out various methods of application, primer/ no primer, you know, the usual various ways to test out how the product functions in different conditions.

Packaging: Sleek white, in a tube. I was surprised that it didn't come with a pump dispenser like the other brands (notably Dior and Lancome - and those reviews are def on their way). Still, it is very travel friendly and easy to use.

More pictures

Before we proceed - here is some information I got from the box.

Product information:

With its double Chanel signature, CC Cream combines the benefits of a complete skincare product created by Chanel Research and the results of a natural complexion finish created by the Makeup Studio.
Backed by true expertise regarding the precise needs of Asian women in terms of flawless skin, Chanel Research developed a specific cream, a fusion of skincare and makeup.

In addition to being an ideal cream for day long confidence, CC Cream gives your skin what it alone can offer - a fresh and flawless complexion.

5 Actions, 1 Single Step

The incredibly comfortable CC Cream contains ingredients of natural origin. This skincare formula is adapted to sensitive skin. It delivers complete correction and long-wear makeup with a lightweight, non-oily texture.

Soothes - cornflower water comforts sensitive skin
Moisturises - hyaluronic acid helps maintain hydration levels all day long by trapping and retaining moisture inside the skin
Protects - SPF 30 and PA+++ sun filters block aging-accelerating UVA-UVB rays. The cream is formulated with a mineral filter for higher tolerance on the skin.
Prevents - the Rejuvencia active ingredient of natural origin, derived from a marine micro-organism, is the best prevention shield against external aggressions.
Evens out imperfections - redness, dark spots and pores are visibly diminished. The complexion is lastingly fresh and natural.

And swatches:

The Beige 20 shade is perfect for my skintone, I personally find it to be of neutral undertones, and it is able to even out the redness in my skintone. It also dries and sets pretty quickly to a almost matte finish - something which I quickly noticed at first swatch in store.

Before I give my overall thoughts on the CC Cream - I will show you how I apply it.

Application:

1. I had tried using the GA UV Master Primer as a base for the CC Cream - but it is not always necessary. I found that the CC Cream applies and holds up well on its own.

2. I also tried applying it with my fingers once - but I didn't really like the experience - I thought I had needed to use more product, and it sets a little too quickly for me to work it into my skin using fingers. I really prefer to buff and blend each area of my face at a time. And it gives a better (more natural) result anyway.

Texture & Finish:

1. The CC Cream is extremely buttery smooth, and also a little powdery. I would compare it to Ettusais bb cream (the original and mineral white versions). I feel like I don't really need to set it, if I am in a hurry. But I always set with a powder because it's just my habit, and I want to 'seal' the base anyway.

2. The finish is almost matte, but not dull at all. It is very natural, and yet gives decent coverage. I just need to do some pin point concealing, but really, this has the coverage of a decent light to medium liquid foundation. I am very impressed by the coverage.

3. The CC Cream is able to correct my overall skintone, and even out any uneven-ness.

Lasting Power:

1. It really lasted well on me (I don't stay in a air-conditioned office from 9-5pm, usually it's just extremely hot humid indoor weather conditions), and I find that I still look quite fresh after a good 8 hours.

2. I don't oil up as much with the use of this CC Cream, perhaps this is due to the hydrating formula.

3. Due to the decent coverage, and the fact that I don't need a primer with it, my base application time has reduced significantly. I slap this on, fill my brows and dust color on my cheeks and I am good to go for the day.

Overall, I am really happy with my purchase - and at $82, it is the same price as other Chanel foundations. I do wish the scent isn't so strong though (okay, it wore off after say, by the time I leave my house), but it is really a great product to use for the busy women, and with all the skincare properties, I think this would be something we can all appreciate.

And a completed LOTD featuring the CC Cream, and other Chanel goodies:

All products used:

Face: Chanel CC Cream 20 Beige, Chanel Natural Finish Loose Powder 10 Limpide

Cheeks: Chanel Notorious Sculpting Veil, Chanel Bronze Rose

Lips: Chanel Rouge Allure in 187 Genial

Eyes: NARS Primer, Chanel 33 Prelude, Makeup Store Chocolate Cheesecake

Brows: Shu Uemura Brow Manicure Ash Brown, Shu Uemura Pencil 09 Seal Brown

Lashes: Customised layered my own pair

I hope this review has been helpful! Happy Saturday! I am off to enjoy mine now!

Thanks for reading.

Posted on January 11, 2013 at 11:48PM | Permalink | 11 Comments

Filed in: chanel, Review, LOTD, foundations, cc cream, Chanel CC Cream | Tagged with: chanel, review, LOTD, Foundations, cc cream, Chanel CC Cream

January 04, 2013

LOTD: Burberry Smokey Grey Quad

Hi hi!

I have already featured the Burberry smokey grey quad in this entry here - swatches - and here I will bring you through how I did the look, and my overall thoughts on this quad. But the bottomline is -- I love it. It lasted beautifully on me all day, no fading of the colors at all. They stayed as good as I first applied them.

Here is the color placement:

1. I used a big fluffy brush (MAC 224) to dust the brow bone shade all over my brow bone. It is pretty pigmented, so be sure to dust off the excess and buff it lightly.

2. When doing smokey eye looks, I like to apply the crease color first, and then build up later after I apply the lid color. So I picked up the matte crease color - it is such an amazing warm almost brown-grey shade on my crease - I also find that the crease placement helps me to determine how high I want my lid color to go. The matte grey is very smooth and pigmented. It is also very blendable. I used the same MAC224 for this step.

3. Then I used a smaller fluffy brush to apply the lid color (MAC 217) and I am anticipating a little fallout, and I didn't want to plonk down too much product at once, so after I picked up the product, I would 'press' the brush on the back of my hand (like how you see those professional makeup artists do), I realise by doing that, the eyeshadow becomes 'compacted' and it goes on the lids without fallout, and you can control the application. I hope this makes sense to you!

4. To darken and create more definition, I used the same MAC 217, and apply the black just closer to my lashline, and also a bit more on the outer corner of my eyes.

5. This part is really a matter of building up the colors, I would do extra blending using the matte grey on my crease, I would add more lid color to add more dimension, it's up to you how you want to adjust the overall look.

6. I love the eye results - the eyeshadows have different finishes, but they work so harmoniously together as a completed look.

7. I kept the lower lids very clean, but I couldn't resist and I rimmed the lower lids with my current fave THREE eye doll liner.

8. I also added a blue liner and black liquid liner on the upper lids just to make my lashes blend in better.

Here is the end result, close up:

I love that it is a warm-ish smokey grey - which I find very flattering for Asian skintone, and the soft texture and finish is very sophisticated. Highly recommend this quad, if you still want a safe but different smokey quad.

And the overall look:

All products used:

Face - GA Lasting Silk UV Foundation, Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage 03, Chanel Loose Powder shade 10

Cheeks - MUFE Mat Bronzer, GA Ecailles face & cheek duo palette

Lips - YSL Glossy Stain 07

Eyes - NARS Primer, Burberry Smokey Grey quad, Burberry Midnight Blue liner, Heavy Rotation liquid liner, 2 pairs of Ardel 120 layered

Brows - Shu Uemura 09 Seal Brown, Shu Uemura Brow Manicure Ash Brown

I hope you enjoyed this entry, and thanks for looking!

Posted on January 04, 2013 at 9:58PM | Permalink | 3 Comments

Filed in: Review, Giorgio Armani, Burberry, Swatches, LOTD, Smokey Grey, eyeshadow quad, ecailles face and cheek duo | Tagged with: Giorgio Armani, Burberry, review, swatches, LOTD, eyeshadow quad, Smokey Grey, ecailles face and cheek duo

January 04, 2013

Giorgio Armani Ecailles Face & Cheek Duo Palette

Hi hi!

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

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

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

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

swatches - don't you think they are beautiful?

And a close up on my cheek:

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

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

Hope you enjoyed this entry, and thanks for reading!

Posted on January 04, 2013 at 9:32PM | Permalink | 4 Comments

Filed in: Review, Giorgio Armani, Swatches, LOTD, blusher, highlight, ecailles face and cheeks palette | Tagged with: Giorgio Armani, review, swatches, LOTD, blusher, Highlight, summer 2012, ecailles face and cheeks palette

December 26, 2012

LOTD: The Ultimate Red Lips with GA Lip Maestro

Hi hi!

Here I will be showing you how both the red Lip Maestro look on me. I did a simple look, just something shiny on the eyes, lashes and a clean natural complexion. Definitely something appropriate for a formal event and also somewhere casual.

I have many red lipsticks, but currently I am most excited by the Lip Maestro. From the application, to the overall look and finish, it is such a pleasant experience wearing them. Despite the richness of the formula, they don't feel heavy at all. Definitely something attention catching when you wear these colours out, and I personally find them very chic. I would also compare these to the NARS matte velvet pencils and Chanel Rouge Allure Mat Velvet in terms of the feeling, and the NARS pure matte lipsticks feel more matte compared to the Lip Maestros.

For swatches in the previous entry - click here.

All products used (all Giorgio Armani unless stated otherwise)

Face - Master Primer SPF40 PA+++, Maestro Fusion Makeup 04 (I applied and built up 2 layers, but didn't set with powder), cle de peau concealer Ivory

* I am impressed again by how beautifully the Maestro foundation photographs. It's really smoothing and makes my skin look flawless. *

Cheeks - MUFE Mat Bronzer, Mirco Fil Loose Powder (pink) to highlight the cheeks and add a subtle touch of pink

Lips - Lip Maestro in 400 and 402

Eyes - NARS Primer, Eyes to Kill Intense 09 (applied on the lids with a MAC217 brush), THREE Eye Doll Pencil 07

Lashes - two pairs of Ardel 120 layered

Brows - Shu Uemura brow pencil 09, Shu Uemura brow manicure ash brown

400

402

A special mention on this THREE pencil which you have seen me raving about in recent entries. My gf gifted me with it recently, she has bought it during her holiday to Japan... and these pencils are pricey - but the formula and the color are definitely worth it. There are all these tiny multi-color shimmers that make you look at it, at first look, it's a khaki gold pencil, but when you look closer there are little fine bits of pink and gold. Once the pencil sets, it didn't budge at all.

Hope you enjoyed this LOTD and quick overview.

I have been enjoying color on my lips for the most part of this year.... I think it really adds to the whole look, and gives some personality to my regular makeup. Let me know if you would like a more detailed rundown of my fave reds, and my fave natural color lippies for the year. Right off the cuff, I can tell you there will be lots of NARs and Diors involved. :p

Thanks for reading!

The Giorgio Armani Lip Maestros will launch in Singapore from Jan 2013. I expect them to retail for about $50.

Posted on December 26, 2012 at 3:29AM | Permalink | 2 Comments

Filed in: Review, Giorgio Armani, Swatches, LOTD, red lipsticks, lip maestro, Three makeup | Tagged with: Giorgio Armani, review, swatches, LOTD, red lipsticks, lip maestro, Three makeup

December 25, 2012

YSL Glossy Stains: All Six of Them! [Swatches & LOTDs]

Hi hi!

I have somehow accumulated six of the YSL Glossy Stains over time, I purchased a couple of them (I think 11 and 19) while the rest I had received from attending various YSL events as they launched in Singapore.

So here they all are. I think my fave YSL Glossy Stains are the peachy pink shades - they apply evenly and show up on the lips very vibrantly. The pale shades like 19 tend to look a little streaky and my own lip color still shows through. The dark shades like 22, applies streaky too and you probably need to wait some time before building up each layer of color.

These glossy stains are very long lasting, and deliver great colors. I have recently featured a cheaper dupe, the Loreal lip caress shine - they are very very similar in terms of consistency - click here for my swatches. However, I think I still prefer the YSL ones, they feel more luxe and comes in a wider range of colors.

In terms of the application - I noticed that as you apply each layer, and purse your lips together, the formula gets a little thicker, and that's when the color seems to become richer and creamy. They also feel a little cooling and very moist when first applied. The applicator is perfectly shaped for direct application onto your lips.

Here are swatches on my hands:

and some mega swatches on my lips:

I was a little hasty in applying 22 - and this is the slightly patchy results. And the patchiness is showing up more in the pictures than in real life.
But I see potential in this shade - think all the dark vampy lips I featured in my previous entry here. This is certainly in the same color family, in a totally different texture and finish.

All products used (all YSL unless stated)

Face: Flash Radiance Skincare Brush, Touche Eclat liquid foundation, Lancome Dual Finish Foundation, touch eclat highlighter pen

Cheeks: D&G The Bronzer 01, Blush Radiance 06, Boreal Palette Face Highlighter

Lips: all the Glossy Stains mentioned in this entry

Eyes: NARS Primer, Boreal Palette Artic Night (only the brown shade all over the lids), YSL Waterproof pencil 01

Lashes: two pairs of Ardel 120 lashes layered

Which is your fave YSL Glossy Stain featured here?

I highly recommend these lipsticks - they are really innovative (before the rest of 'em follow suit of course) and you won't be disappointed.

Thanks for looking!

Posted on December 25, 2012 at 11:29PM | Permalink | 6 Comments

Filed in: Review, Swatches, YSL, LOTD, YSL Glossy Stains, Artic Night palette, Boreal Palette | Tagged with: review, YSL, swatches, LOTD, YSL Glossy Stains, Artic Night palette, Boreal Palette

December 24, 2012

LOTD: Shu Uemura Unmasked Palette Pink

Hi hi

Today, I am doing a look featuring several products from the Shu Uemura Unmasked and Blossom Dream collection (more information here). It is turning out to be a very matte warm smokey look. I am quite impressed with the soft and very blendable matte colors from the palette. I didn't use any of the pink shades from the palette (though I did try to use them as blushers, which worked just as well). The warm matte smokey look went surprisingly well with the orange lips, as you will see in the pics below later.

Here are some close ups of the products and swatches:

Unmasked Pink Palette -

I think you can see the texture of the eyeshadows here, even in the swatches - they are very soft, creamy looking. It is so finely milled you can't really any powdery fallout or particles at all.

When I was blending the eyeshadows, I didn't have any issues with chalkiness, and all the colors are very pigmented.

Here are swatches of the blush and the lipstick:

The lipstick can be a little tricky to wear depending on your skintone - but your best bet would be to apply it from the tube, and blend out the edges around the lipline. The formula is also a little tricky, because it might get streaky - so careful layering is needed.

The blush is very soft and has a subtle pearlised glow. It is very easy to wear, and suits light to medium skintones.

Swatch of the bright orange lipstick on my lips.

All products used - all shu uemura unless stated otherwise

Face - instant glow skin perfecting cream, smooth fit fluid foundation 774, set with Chanel ultra-fine loose powder

Lips - rouge unlimited Bright Orange

Cheeks - MUFE Mat Bronzer, glow on P Soft Coral

Eyes - NARS Primer, Unmasked Palette Pink, THREE Eye Doll pencil 07 (mad love the THREE pencil!!)

Lashes - Natural Volume 01

OMG -- just realised in this close up pic of my eyes, you can see clearly the only shimmering product I used on my eyes in this look - the THREE eye doll pencil which my gf gifted me. Look at my lower eyelids. The little pink and golden bits peeking through my lower lashes.

And the rest of the look - I am very amazed by the quality of these matte shadows - they look really smooth, and blendable. There are two other palettes in this collection, I am not quite sure how they would perform, but I am very happy with the rich browns and pinks in this particular palette.

That's all and hope you found this entry helpful.

The collection will be available in Jan 2013.

Posted on December 24, 2012 at 12:36AM | Permalink | 3 Comments

Filed in: Review, Shu Uemura, Swatches, LOTD, Spring 2013, unmasked palette pink | Tagged with: review, Shu Uemura, swatches, LOTD, Spring 2013, unmasked palette pink

December 24, 2012

Illamasqua Complement Eyeshadow Palette [Photos, Swatches, Step by Step]

Hi hi!

A while back, I had ordered Illamasqua Complement eyeshadow palette - I didn't know that it contains a cream eyeshadow! But I love the combination of colors in this palette - the champagne color, the matte blending shade, and the dark metallic purpley brown shade.

Here are the shade names for your reference:

Slink - the shimmering champagne shade

Focus - the metallic medium brown shade

Queen of the Night - dark deep purpley brown with purple shimmers

Forgiveness - matte reddish brown

swatches -

here is the placement of colors that I used in my eyelook -

1. apply the creamy brown color on the lids as a base color, it is very blendable and very sheer once blended out

2. apply highlight and crease shades on the eyes

3. apply the darkest shade on the lids

4. blend blend blend!

close up of the complete look.
lashes, brows, liner!

and here's a weird facial expression to complete the look>

overall, a soft smokey look, not too dark, though you can definitely build up the colors more.
I went for a orangey nude lipstick in this LOTD.

all products used:

Face - Illamasqua Skinbase foundation shade 04, Chanel ultra fine loose powder, Laura Mercier secret camoflage concealer SC03

Cheeks - Illamasqua Sophie powder blush, Rumor to contour

Lips - Illamasqua Obey lipstick, topped with Chanel Extrait de Gloss Genie

Eyes - NARS Primer, Illamasqua Complement palette

Liner - Solone Gel-Like Smoody Pencil ES06 Red Wine

Lashes - Shu Uemura Natural Volume 01

I hope this entry has been helpful, and thanks for looking!

Posted on December 24, 2012 at 12:33AM | Permalink | 1 Comment

Filed in: Review, haul, Swatches, LOTD, eyeshadows, illamasqua complement palette | Tagged with: review, eyeshadows, haul, swatches, LOTD, illamasqua complement palette

December 24, 2012

LOTD: The Body Shop Winter Trend Look

Hi hi

Today I have a quick look to share with you, using mostly products from The Body Shop's Winter Trend Makeup Collection. (click here for information and swatches). I went for a metallic smokey look, a red lippy but I kept the rest of the face quite clean (no blusher).

Let me take you through the eyelook:

1. prime my eyelids with the highlight shade as indicated - I used a fluffy eyeshadow brush (mac 224)

2. apply lids color as indicated - this shade can be prone to fallout - so I was careful to lay the eyeshadow onto my lids, and when they are 'pressed' onto my lids, I slowly blend out the edges. Blending out the edges where the highlight and lid colors meet so there are no harsh lines. I used a Louise Young LY38 tapered brush for this step.

3. apply the outer corner shade for some definition to the eyelook. I used the same LY38 brush.

4. apply a little inner corner highlight with the shade as indicated in the picture below.

5. I lined my eyes with MAC Pearlglide liner Petrol Blue (I wanted a pop of color, hence didn't use the matching metallic eye pencils from the same collection).

6. Apply lashes, and fill in my brows.

This is the finished look.

On my cheeks, I dusted the Dazzling Rocks in Golden Copper on my cheeks. I used a matte contour shade (Illamasqua Rumor) on my forehead and sides of my face. The overall effect is a warm and glowy look. I don't think the Dazzling Rocks is too shimmering, if you buffed it lightly.

A close up of the eye look, and the cheeks.

And one more 'I dunno what is this' look. Heheh.

All products used:

Face - Ettusais Mineral White BB Cream, Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum foundation 51, Lancome Dual Finish powder

Eyes - MUFE Eyeshadow primer, The Bodyshop Smokey Moonstone palette, MAC Pearlglide liner in Petrol Blue, Ardel 120 lashes (I layered two pairs)

Lips - The Bodyshop Colorglide lipshine in 12 Ruby Sparkle

Cheeks - Illamasqua Rumor, The Bodyshop Dazzling Rocks in Golden Copper

I hope you enjoyed this look, and thanks for reading!

Posted on December 24, 2012 at 12:31AM | Permalink | 1 Comment

Filed in: Review, The Body Shop, LOTD, makeup and beauty, winter trend makeup collection | Tagged with: review, The Body Shop, LOTD, smokey eyes, Makeup and Beauty, winter trend makeup collection

December 22, 2012

Bold & Dark Lips: Tom Ford Black Orchid & NARS Volga Lipsticks

Hi hi! Today I have two bold and dark lipsticks to show you. I have been really into bold lippies lately, I would try all sorts of reds (I personally find reds more wearable than a bright bright fuschia pink on myself), and now it is about time to venture into the deep end, the dark aubergine colored lipsticks.

Behold the first one, the iconic TOM FORD Black Orchid, seen on many celebs, beauty magazines and beauty blogs (click here and here).

Unfortunately it is not part of the collection we have here in Singapore, but I found mine at the Tom Ford counter at the Times Square Lane Crawford in Hong Kong. They had 2 pieces left (no testers, I couldn't even swatch it) and I grabbed both, one of which I already sold to my gf.

This is my second TOM FORD lipstick... and my first in the revised black casing. If you see in the first picture, the lipstick contains some subtle shimmer bits, which isn't really visible when you apply it on your lips.
The texture of Black Orchid is really smooth and creamy, and it glides on your lips. I personally prefer to apply it straight from the tube.

Click here to see Lisa Eldridge demonstrates the wearing of this surprisingly wearable lipstick at least 4 different ways - as a stain, as a class lipstick, as blush, and with a gloss over.

Next, we have NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Volga. I haven't heard many people talk about Volga. It is very matte, and is a very deep aubergine shade. I had bought mine during the NARS opening in Tangs, it retails for S$38. It is a really blackened purple shade. I haven't got to swatching it til now.

And here are two of the lipsticks: very different in terms of finish - and color too.

Volga is more plummy, while Black Orchid is a deep red.

I will also be showing you how you can wear a bold dark liplook without looking too stark/ harsh/ goth like in my LOTD pics.

swatches on my lips - pardon the slight dryness on my lips! I probably should have exfoliated my lips before taking these pictures - another tip for wearing bold lip colors.

And how it looks like overall on my face -

Some tips on how to wear dark lipsticks:

1. I had blended the edges of the lipsticks with a cotton stick so it looks less harsh.

2. I really much prefer a softer look to wearing these lipsticks - hence no lipbrush, no lip pencil to line my lips. If you need to define the shape of your mouth, go ahead and use a lipbrush to outline your lips.. but I don't need to.. hence I just prefer to slap it on.

3. Blot away first layer, and apply a second coat.

4. Have some color on your face/ cheeks - this will balance out the dark lips - some eye definition will work too, though I won't advise going for a full on matchy eyeshadow combo. I just went for my usual defined neutral smokey eyes, but kept the lashes natural.

5. Be confident and rock it while you are out, even if it is out to a casual dinner/ lunch or running errands. Dark lips are not for special ocassions.

a close up

and Black Orchid: It is really not as scary dark as I had thought. This is about two layers.

Click here to see makeup artist Mary Greenwell use Black Orchid on a very fair skinned model - and check out her application method.. Very easy, not intimidating at all.

All products used in this LOTD:

Face - Ettusais Mineral White BB cream, Guerlain Papure liquid foundation, Chanel Ultra Fine loose powder, Laura Mercier Concealer

Eyes - NARS Primer, Gorgeous Palette, Ardel 120 lashes, Lancome Liner Plume Noir

Cheeks - All Guerlain -- Terracotta bronzer, Meteorites Blanc de Pearle, Blush Duo Pink Punk

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

Posted on December 22, 2012 at 9:55PM | Permalink | 6 Comments

Filed in: Review, NARS, haul, Guerlain, Swatches, LOTD, lipsticks, Tom Ford, dark lips | Tagged with: Tom Ford, review, nars, berry, purple, haul, Dark Lips, lipsticks, Guerlain, swatches, LOTD, dark and bold lips

December 10, 2012

NARS Lipsticks: Catfight, Pago Pago & Dolce Vita [Photos & LOTD]

Hi!

Here we have 3 NARS lipsticks, which I purchased during their opening here at Tangs Orchard. I picked 3 easy wearable shades while my sister went for the bright and reds featured in this entry here.

NARS lipsticks retail for S$38 each.

I must say that after their blushes, the lipsticks are fast becoming my fave product from the brand. Regardless of whether the pure matte lipsticks, the sheer ones, and the glosses - they deliver great colors in a wide variety of colors. No surprise, since the brand started with just 12 lipsticks.

I also like them as they have a slight fresh bergamont scent, and go on so smoothly.

The 3 natural lipsticks I bought are:

Catfight - Semi Matte finish - a nude mauve
The semi matte finish lipsticks are quite long lasting, and not drying at all.

Dolce Vita - Sheer finish - sheer dusty rose
I can see why this is such an iconic fave among everyone. It is a very flattering my lips by better colour.

Pago Pago - Sheer finish - Shimmering Pink
A pale nude pink that contains silver bits. It gives your lips some shine and once again, very easy to wear on my skintone.

All three shades are part of their permanent collection.

Swatches on my hand -

swatches on my lips

And a simple regular LOTD that matches all three lipsticks - all products used will be listed below.

catfight

dolce vita

pago pago

All products used: (all NARS unless stated otherwise)

Face - Giorgio Armani UV Master Primer SPF40 PA+++, Sheer Glow Foundation, Loose Powder

Eyes - Eyeshadow Primer, Edie (browbone highlight), Ondine (crease and lids), Coconut Grove (lids/liner)

Liners - Larger than Life pencil liners Via Veneto (black on the upper lids), Rue Bonparte (nude on lower lids waterline)

Lips - as mentioned in this entry

Cheeks - Laguna bronzer, Albatross (highlight), Sin

Nails - Purple Rain

Hope you enjoyed this entry, and thank you for reading!

Posted on December 10, 2012 at 2:11AM | Permalink | 4 Comments

Filed in: Review, NARS, haul, Swatches, LOTD, lipsticks, Dolce Vita, pago pago, catfight | Tagged with: review, nars, haul, lipsticks, Dolce Vita, swatches, LOTD, catfight, pago pago

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NARS Lipsticks: Catfight, Pago Pago & Dolce Vita [Photos & LOTD]

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