&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

June 2013
SMTWTFS
 1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
30 
May 2013
SMTWTFS
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031 
April 2013
SMTWTFS
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
282930 

    Email |
    |
    May 22, 2010

    LOTD: Bright Lips with MAC's Pink Nouveau PLUS Comparisons!

    Hi hi,

    Just to show some comparisons of MAC's Pink Nouveau with other pink MAC lipsticks in my stash.   It seems like the 'darkest' , fuschia type of pink in relation to the rest, but it is nowhere near the likes of Show Orchid or Girl About Town or other super bright fuschia pinks.  But if you compare to pale pinks like Viva Glam Gaga or Saint Germaine, then Pink Nouveau is pretty intense.  It is also a cooler toned pink as compared to other warm tone pinks like Victorian Pink, and Angel which is a beigy nude pink.  A very close dupe to Pink Nouveau is prolly the Barry M's 146 which I have, and which is the only lipstick I forgot to show in this entry.  Yup, very clever of me.

    Check out the amount of white pigment in Saint Germain, that makes it such a stark and harsh pink to wear. It even photographs white! :)

    And just a LOTD featuring the Pink Nouveau: (I also applied MAC English Accent lipglass, which is quite a good match--- but not shown in the following pictures)

    On the rest of the face --- I also included my application 'methods' , hopefully it might be helpful in case you are interested.   It may seem like a ton of products and tools.. but, well, you got to do whatever it takes, right?  And it is honestly not that complicated! :)

    Foundation:

    SANA Pore Putty base (applied with fingers)

    Maquillage Stick Foundation (applied with Louise Young L34 brush---amazing soft flawless results)

    MUFE No1 Concealer Palette (applied with fingers)

    La Mer Power (applied with powder puff)

    Cheeks:

    MAC Solar Riche (applied with MAC 138)

    NARS Sin (applied with MAC 116)

    NARS Nico (applied with MAC 225)

    ****About the MAC 138 brush: I couldn't wait to try it out, and I lurve lurve it.  If you are into bronzing and sculpting your cheeks, you need this brush.  It is so soft, and the pointed tips allows precise application, yet the rounded body of the brush allows you to blend.  If you want to see this brush in action, just check out any of Tanya's (pixi2woo) videos... she uses this brush all the time to appy MAC's Harmony blush to sculpt her cheeks, and the results are amazing)

    Eyes:

    MUFE Aqua Cream #15 (applied with fingers, blended with a shader brush)

    Chanel's Mystic Eyes Quad (applied with Sonia Kasuk shader brush)

    Liners, Brows, Lashes:

    Stila's Smudgepot in Golden Noir (applied with angled liner brush from Sasa)

    MAC's Blackline (drawn rather messily on the lower lids)

    Shu Uemura Brow Pencil (seal brown, 09, comb brows with a spoolie brush)

    Benefit Brow Gel

    Lashes from Palz

    Urban Decay mascara on lower lashes

     

     

     

     

    That's all, and if you have any questions about any of the products mentioned in this entry, please leave a comment!

    Thanks for reading!

    Email |
    |
    May 22, 2010

    LOTD: Bright Lips with MAC's Pink Nouveau PLUS Comparisons!

    Hi hi,

    Just to show some comparisons of MAC's Pink Nouveau with other pink MAC lipsticks in my stash.   It seems like the 'darkest' , fuschia type of pink in relation to the rest, but it is nowhere near the likes of Show Orchid or Girl About Town or other super bright fuschia pinks.  But if you compare to pale pinks like Viva Glam Gaga or Saint Germaine, then Pink Nouveau is pretty intense.  It is also a cooler toned pink as compared to other warm tone pinks like Victorian Pink, and Angel which is a beigy nude pink.  A very close dupe to Pink Nouveau is prolly the Barry M's 146 which I have, and which is the only lipstick I forgot to show in this entry.  Yup, very clever of me.

    Check out the amount of white pigment in Saint Germain, that makes it such a stark and harsh pink to wear. It even photographs white! :)

    And just a LOTD featuring the Pink Nouveau: (I also applied MAC English Accent lipglass, which is quite a good match--- but not shown in the following pictures)

    On the rest of the face --- I also included my application 'methods' , hopefully it might be helpful in case you are interested.   It may seem like a ton of products and tools.. but, well, you got to do whatever it takes, right?  And it is honestly not that complicated! :)

    Foundation:

    SANA Pore Putty base (applied with fingers)

    Maquillage Stick Foundation (applied with Louise Young L34 brush---amazing soft flawless results)

    MUFE No1 Concealer Palette (applied with fingers)

    La Mer Power (applied with powder puff)

    Cheeks:

    MAC Solar Riche (applied with MAC 138)

    NARS Sin (applied with MAC 116)

    NARS Nico (applied with MAC 225)

    ****About the MAC 138 brush: I couldn't wait to try it out, and I lurve lurve it.  If you are into bronzing and sculpting your cheeks, you need this brush.  It is so soft, and the pointed tips allows precise application, yet the rounded body of the brush allows you to blend.  If you want to see this brush in action, just check out any of Tanya's (pixi2woo) videos... she uses this brush all the time to appy MAC's Harmony blush to sculpt her cheeks, and the results are amazing)

    Eyes:

    MUFE Aqua Cream #15 (applied with fingers, blended with a shader brush)

    Chanel's Mystic Eyes Quad (applied with Sonia Kasuk shader brush)

    Liners, Brows, Lashes:

    Stila's Smudgepot in Golden Noir (applied with angled liner brush from Sasa)

    MAC's Blackline (drawn rather messily on the lower lids)

    Shu Uemura Brow Pencil (seal brown, 09, comb brows with a spoolie brush)

    Benefit Brow Gel

    Lashes from Palz

    Urban Decay mascara on lower lashes

     

     

     

     

    That's all, and if you have any questions about any of the products mentioned in this entry, please leave a comment!

    Thanks for reading!

    Email |
    |
    May 19, 2010

    LOTD: Applying & Blending Cream Products (feat Maquillage Stick Foundation & MUFE products)

    OK, this entry will feature all the products which were mentioned in THIS haul entry.. mainly the MUFE products which I bought yesterday.   A few of you are curious about the application and texture of the Aqua creams and HD blusher, so I thought I would do a super quick look with the products.  I am not a professional, obviously, and I am just sharing with you how I would use the cream products.

    At the same time, I am also trying out the Maquillage foundation and blending it using my fingers instead of a brush.  Note that in this look, I am not going to set my foundation at all---- in line with the whole cream/ dewy look.   I am keep powder products to a minimum here.

    Step ONE: Already applied foundation and concealer.  Everything blended out with my fingers.  I am only concealing my dark eye circles and not the blemish spots -- too lazy for that.  The concealer I am using is the MUFE No1 palette.

    I pumped the HD blush on my finger tips and dotted it all over the area of the cheeks I want the color.  I can be more generous with the amount I used, cos it is such a natural flush color.  Then I spread it out lightly, and then rub gently into my cheeks.  Easy!

    STEP TWO.  Applying the Aqua Cream.  I used mainly my finger tips again, and then blended it out with a MAC 226 for more precision.  I am using mainly the #15 all over the lids and #14 just a little on the crease.   I did not use any base like TFSI.  Seriously, it blends so easily, and the finish is just like any look you would get with an eyeshadow.  LOVE this product.  Can you imagine popping it into your bag and doing your MU anytime, you know, like if you have no time to do your makeup, and want to do it when you reach your office or something.. or when you are travelling you don't want to risk breaking your powder eyeshadows in transit etc etc.

    UPDATE: I am touching my eyelids now, and it doesn't feel creamy, or sticky..... and so I think that it is unlikely to crease at all.

    STEP THREE: Applying the lip color.  Pretty much self explantory in the pictures shown below.. and I tried out two lipsticks for effect.  I know many of us are nude/natural lipstick fans, so I tried one end result with GOSH Darling, and the other one for my 'summer trend' bright lipstick end result.

     

    On  the rest of the eyes, I used a brown liner, applied false lashes, and also smudged a little Aqua Cream #15 under my eyes for subtle definition of the eye-shape.  The only powdery stuff I used is some MAC Solar White e/s on the browbone to highlight.   I also used whatever is remaining on the smudgy brush to fill in my brows quickly.

    Yes, I am wearing Geo Lenses in this entry!  Thanks to Amy again, for helping me order!  :)

    Well, that wraps up this entry, and I hope it has been helpful to you!

    Thanks for reading.

    Email |
    |
    May 19, 2010

    LOTD: Applying & Blending Cream Products (feat Maquillage Stick Foundation & MUFE products)

    OK, this entry will feature all the products which were mentioned in THIS haul entry.. mainly the MUFE products which I bought yesterday.   A few of you are curious about the application and texture of the Aqua creams and HD blusher, so I thought I would do a super quick look with the products.  I am not a professional, obviously, and I am just sharing with you how I would use the cream products.

    At the same time, I am also trying out the Maquillage foundation and blending it using my fingers instead of a brush.  Note that in this look, I am not going to set my foundation at all---- in line with the whole cream/ dewy look.   I am keep powder products to a minimum here.

    Step ONE: Already applied foundation and concealer.  Everything blended out with my fingers.  I am only concealing my dark eye circles and not the blemish spots -- too lazy for that.  The concealer I am using is the MUFE No1 palette.

    I pumped the HD blush on my finger tips and dotted it all over the area of the cheeks I want the color.  I can be more generous with the amount I used, cos it is such a natural flush color.  Then I spread it out lightly, and then rub gently into my cheeks.  Easy!

    STEP TWO.  Applying the Aqua Cream.  I used mainly my finger tips again, and then blended it out with a MAC 226 for more precision.  I am using mainly the #15 all over the lids and #14 just a little on the crease.   I did not use any base like TFSI.  Seriously, it blends so easily, and the finish is just like any look you would get with an eyeshadow.  LOVE this product.  Can you imagine popping it into your bag and doing your MU anytime, you know, like if you have no time to do your makeup, and want to do it when you reach your office or something.. or when you are travelling you don't want to risk breaking your powder eyeshadows in transit etc etc.

    UPDATE: I am touching my eyelids now, and it doesn't feel creamy, or sticky..... and so I think that it is unlikely to crease at all.

    STEP THREE: Applying the lip color.  Pretty much self explantory in the pictures shown below.. and I tried out two lipsticks for effect.  I know many of us are nude/natural lipstick fans, so I tried one end result with GOSH Darling, and the other one for my 'summer trend' bright lipstick end result.

     

    On  the rest of the eyes, I used a brown liner, applied false lashes, and also smudged a little Aqua Cream #15 under my eyes for subtle definition of the eye-shape.  The only powdery stuff I used is some MAC Solar White e/s on the browbone to highlight.   I also used whatever is remaining on the smudgy brush to fill in my brows quickly.

    Yes, I am wearing Geo Lenses in this entry!  Thanks to Amy again, for helping me order!  :)

    Well, that wraps up this entry, and I hope it has been helpful to you!

    Thanks for reading.

    Email |
    |
    May 18, 2010

    Haul! MUFE Goodies & One MAC Eyeshadow

    So we went shopping at MUFE yesterday, I was with Sarah & Kas, we swatched the Aqua Creams and Blushers like craaazzzzzy.  Used up a ton of wipes, cotton pads etc etc just swatching and trying really hard to narrow down, and decide on which ones to get.

    I had originally wanted to get 2 of the HD Blushers and maybe 1 Aqua Cream, but all my rationale kind of went out of my mind when Sarah couldn't stop raving about how good the Aqua Creams were.  Check out her review and lotsa swatches HERE. So I caved and chose 2 which I know I would be able to use everyday (read: my usual browns), and I only ended up with 1 HD Blush... though I know I would eventually get another one much later on.

    I also got a MUFE Lip Pencil and a MAC eyeshadow at Robinsons because had a voucher which could be used.

    Let's look at the items which I bought yesterday.  I will be showing pictures of the products and swatches taken in different lighting conditions.

    The first Aqua Cream I got is #14 (Sarah's current FAVE).  It is a brown, not bronzey nor coopery, just a nice mid-tone brown (slight shimmer, metallic sheen, totally wearable on its own or as outer corner color) which sets very quickly and won't budge after a few seconds.  You don't need to set with eyeshadow with this product.  It dries even, smooth, and because it is already so pigmented, you don't need an eyeshadow to set or 'pop' the color.

    And the next one is another brown--- #15 ($42 each), which is lighter and has a goldish tinge to it.  It also looks slightly more shimmery.  The textures of these Aqua creams in the pot are also slightly different.  If the product cracks a little as you see in the pot, it is totally fine.  The cream also feels smooth and creamy, but is really dry when blended out.

    Ok, next, we have the HD Blush ($55).  I got one which is a very natural peachy shade.  You all already know how pigmented and tiny amount you need with the HD blush.  Although I was instinctively drawn to #4, #5, #6 (all these numbers just don't make sense to me!!!)  I was also thinking, I do not want to get a crazy bright color which I have to be super careful and try so hard to work with.  With this very light shade, it will show up on my skin, and even if I pump out too much, I just need to blend and build up the color -- which I would not be able to do with a much darker/ brighter shade.

    I was also thinking that since I already own a couple of bright cream blushes (think MAC cream stick in Pink Vivid, MAC Joie-de-Voire), I don't need another crazy bright blush.

    And last MUFE item, which is the Aqua Lip Pencil ($38), in the shade 18C which is a bright coral orange shade.  I have seen the pixiwoo sisters use this pencil in their tutorials... and in line with my recent bright lips LOTDs, I was very attracted to the color.  I am thinking this would look very nice on its own with a gloss on top (or my current fave natural lipstick Maquillage PK715).   Or it would match Chanel's Genial lipstick, or also OCC Grandma lip tar --- both bright corals pinks.

    I don't have a gloss with me now, so I just draw  the pencil in over my whole lips.  Pardon the dry--ish looking lips. It is brrrr----cold in here at work now.

    Last but not least, the one lonesome MAC eyeshadow, which is Mink & Sable (starflash).  I wanted Sumptuous Olive but it was OOS, and I was a little disappointed with the list of MAC brown eyeshadows that I had in mind after getting the 2 gorgeous MUFE brown aqua creams.  And now I think this Mink & Sable looks like the La Douche eyeshadow from Stila which I was gifted by Kas for my birthday. Dang!!!

    Yup.  That's all!

    I am collecting another bunch of nail polish this evening, and will follow up with a collective nail polish haul soon.  Thanks for reading!

     

    UPDATE:  I kept the swatches on my hands, and rubbed the Aqua Cream patches, they did not move, no blurring, no streaking.  I can't wait to use them.

     

     

    Email |
    |
    May 18, 2010

    Haul! MUFE Goodies & One MAC Eyeshadow

    So we went shopping at MUFE yesterday, I was with Sarah & Kas, we swatched the Aqua Creams and Blushers like craaazzzzzy.  Used up a ton of wipes, cotton pads etc etc just swatching and trying really hard to narrow down, and decide on which ones to get.

    I had originally wanted to get 2 of the HD Blushers and maybe 1 Aqua Cream, but all my rationale kind of went out of my mind when Sarah couldn't stop raving about how good the Aqua Creams were.  Check out her review and lotsa swatches HERE. So I caved and chose 2 which I know I would be able to use everyday (read: my usual browns), and I only ended up with 1 HD Blush... though I know I would eventually get another one much later on.

    I also got a MUFE Lip Pencil and a MAC eyeshadow at Robinsons because had a voucher which could be used.

    Let's look at the items which I bought yesterday.  I will be showing pictures of the products and swatches taken in different lighting conditions.

    The first Aqua Cream I got is #14 (Sarah's current FAVE).  It is a brown, not bronzey nor coopery, just a nice mid-tone brown (slight shimmer, metallic sheen, totally wearable on its own or as outer corner color) which sets very quickly and won't budge after a few seconds.  You don't need to set with eyeshadow with this product.  It dries even, smooth, and because it is already so pigmented, you don't need an eyeshadow to set or 'pop' the color.

    And the next one is another brown--- #15 ($42 each), which is lighter and has a goldish tinge to it.  It also looks slightly more shimmery.  The textures of these Aqua creams in the pot are also slightly different.  If the product cracks a little as you see in the pot, it is totally fine.  The cream also feels smooth and creamy, but is really dry when blended out.

    Ok, next, we have the HD Blush ($55).  I got one which is a very natural peachy shade.  You all already know how pigmented and tiny amount you need with the HD blush.  Although I was instinctively drawn to #4, #5, #6 (all these numbers just don't make sense to me!!!)  I was also thinking, I do not want to get a crazy bright color which I have to be super careful and try so hard to work with.  With this very light shade, it will show up on my skin, and even if I pump out too much, I just need to blend and build up the color -- which I would not be able to do with a much darker/ brighter shade.

    I was also thinking that since I already own a couple of bright cream blushes (think MAC cream stick in Pink Vivid, MAC Joie-de-Voire), I don't need another crazy bright blush.

    And last MUFE item, which is the Aqua Lip Pencil ($38), in the shade 18C which is a bright coral orange shade.  I have seen the pixiwoo sisters use this pencil in their tutorials... and in line with my recent bright lips LOTDs, I was very attracted to the color.  I am thinking this would look very nice on its own with a gloss on top (or my current fave natural lipstick Maquillage PK715).   Or it would match Chanel's Genial lipstick, or also OCC Grandma lip tar --- both bright corals pinks.

    I don't have a gloss with me now, so I just draw  the pencil in over my whole lips.  Pardon the dry--ish looking lips. It is brrrr----cold in here at work now.

    Last but not least, the one lonesome MAC eyeshadow, which is Mink & Sable (starflash).  I wanted Sumptuous Olive but it was OOS, and I was a little disappointed with the list of MAC brown eyeshadows that I had in mind after getting the 2 gorgeous MUFE brown aqua creams.  And now I think this Mink & Sable looks like the La Douche eyeshadow from Stila which I was gifted by Kas for my birthday. Dang!!!

    Yup.  That's all!

    I am collecting another bunch of nail polish this evening, and will follow up with a collective nail polish haul soon.  Thanks for reading!

     

    UPDATE:  I kept the swatches on my hands, and rubbed the Aqua Cream patches, they did not move, no blurring, no streaking.  I can't wait to use them.

     

     

    Email |
    |
    April 21, 2010

    Earth Day: How to recycle my MU boxes?

    This entry is inspired by Michelle's (icefrost) entry on Earth Day, she showed ideas for recycling MU boxes, and do check out her entry, for how to make use of the empty lipstick cases etc etc for storage purposes.

    I don't really recycle my MU boxes, I just put them into a plastic bag and stuff them somewhere in my wardrobe, and they are taking up space.  So I have been throwing away my recent stuff especially if they just come in regular packaging.  No more space!!

    The only idea which I do sometimes practice is to store my kabuki brush in the blush box.  So this prevents the brush from rolling about, and it can stand nicely in the 'hole'.

    And maybe just to show a little selection of my fave packaging MU boxes. :)

    Email |
    |
    April 21, 2010

    Earth Day: How to recycle my MU boxes?

    This entry is inspired by Michelle's (icefrost) entry on Earth Day, she showed ideas for recycling MU boxes, and do check out her entry, for how to make use of the empty lipstick cases etc etc for storage purposes.

    I don't really recycle my MU boxes, I just put them into a plastic bag and stuff them somewhere in my wardrobe, and they are taking up space.  So I have been throwing away my recent stuff especially if they just come in regular packaging.  No more space!!

    The only idea which I do sometimes practice is to store my kabuki brush in the blush box.  So this prevents the brush from rolling about, and it can stand nicely in the 'hole'.

    And maybe just to show a little selection of my fave packaging MU boxes. :)

    Email |
    |
    April 17, 2010

    TAG: The Opposite of a HAUL would be...

    Stuff which I have used up, obviously.  Hahah.

    Which is a pathetic number of products, which I don't need to replace.  Sad.

    Is it only me, or do any of you lose the perfume bottle caps after sometime??  I notice all my perfumes are capless after a few months.

    1. Chloe Eau De Parfum
    2. Flowerbomb Intense by Viktor&Rolf Parfum (I have a backup!)
    3. Lanvin Arpege Parfum
    4. RMK Creamy Base
    5. Loreal Super Liner (this is my 2nd one done)
    6. MUFE Mat Velvet+

     

    I want to tag everyone to do this.  Doesn't have to be 5 items or whatever, just stuff which you have been using up lately.  Do a blog entry if you have one, or just leave in the comments below!

    Thanks for reading!

     

    Filed in: Beauty, makeup, perfume, haul, MUFE, tag, rmk | Tagged with: tag, beauty, makeup, perfume, haul, MUFE, RMK
    Email |
    |
    April 17, 2010

    TAG: The Opposite of a HAUL would be...

    Stuff which I have used up, obviously.  Hahah.

    Which is a pathetic number of products, which I don't need to replace.  Sad.

    Is it only me, or do any of you lose the perfume bottle caps after sometime??  I notice all my perfumes are capless after a few months.

    1. Chloe Eau De Parfum
    2. Flowerbomb Intense by Viktor&Rolf Parfum (I have a backup!)
    3. Lanvin Arpege Parfum
    4. RMK Creamy Base
    5. Loreal Super Liner (this is my 2nd one done)
    6. MUFE Mat Velvet+

     

    I want to tag everyone to do this.  Doesn't have to be 5 items or whatever, just stuff which you have been using up lately.  Do a blog entry if you have one, or just leave in the comments below!

    Thanks for reading!

     

    Filed in: Beauty, makeup, perfume, haul, MUFE, tag, rmk | Tagged with: tag, beauty, makeup, perfume, haul, MUFE, RMK