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

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My name is Sophia!

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FAQ & DISCLAIMER

About Me

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

About this Blog

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

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

My Makeup Style

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

What Cameras do I use?

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

My Favourite Makeup Brand(s)

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

Where to find me

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

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

Final Disclaimer

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

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

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

 

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    April 29, 2011

    Collective Haul: Zara, New Look & Shopbop

    Hi hi,

    So I had a rather cranky week [but shan't go into that here] and I am so glad for a respite this weekend.  What better way than to indulge in some shopping, right?  Oh well, I guess I shop regardless of what mood I am in, so anyhow......here's just sharing a few items I bought yesterday, and also a couple of other items I got from Shopbop in the past couple of weeks.

    First up, is this orange shirt from Zara, it's the trend color this season, and the color has been stuck on my mind ever since I saw Zoe Tay in her Jill Sander dress on TV last week.  So this is perhaps a wearable version, work friendly, weekend friendly too.  The color is so neon bright with my iphone, but in real life, the orange is somewhere in between the fitting room shot, and the one I took on the hanger.   It is bright, but not blindlingly so.

    $79.90


    Then we went to New Look, and I browsed the sale rack, and ended up with another birdie shirt...what's with me with birds?!  LOL.

    I think this is just great to wear to work too.   Somehow I find it a rip off to buy New Look clothes at over $50, but when they are going for half price and more, there are a few great times to try out.

    About $35 after discount.

    Over the past two weeks, I bought a whole bunch of Marc Jacobs iphone cases [now everyone at home has their own MJ cases, even the bro has succumbed to it], my sis also got herself a leather MJ bag...and I bought these two MJ bags for work and my macbook.  I think I placed about 5 separate shopbop orders in the same week alone!

    I bought this birdie bag, which was on sale when I got it around USD$90 and it's just a nice casual bag, roomy for me to throw everything inside.

    And also this MJ laptop bag [15"] with strap, so I can easily sling it across my body.  There is a strapless version of this bag, but seriously, it's more practical to get with the straps and handles.  [straps are detachable].

    USD$98

    And I love itacho sushi!  I always have the same few items when I go there for dinner.  3 portions of salmon sashimi, the scallops!

    And there is a little sneaky Chanel loot, which I will show together when I make my Chanel summer collection haul later this week.  Can't wait, can't wait!!

    Hope everyone enjoys your Labor Day weekend!

     

    Thanks for looking!

     

     

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    March 19, 2011

    Hong Kong Shopping Haul

    4-metre high HERMES Kelly bag display at ELEMENTS Mall, Kowloon

    And no, I didn't splurge on any Hermes of this sort.  This short little trip was more of a relaxing, shopping and eating getaway with me and the girls.  I probably spent more on dining and drinking then overall shopping.  For the first time, I didn't come home with a 'bursting' luggage, it still has plenty of room for more loots.

    This entry will feature most of the clothing items I bought in HK and also a couple of new discoveries which I share with you, in case anyone who is going there in the near future can also check out the stores.

    It is hard not to buy stuff when you are living just above ELEMENTS, home to every brand of makeup, each with their own free-standing stores....and then you have places like ZARA, H&M, Calvin Klein, Prada, LV, you name it... and you can find it there.  Of course we ventured out to the usual haunts, like Mongkok, Harbor City, and Causeway Bay.   Personally, I avoid places like the Women Street (touristy night market) because of the knock-offs, marked up prices, and sometimes, poorly made stuff.  It's fun to browse and soak in the crowded atmosphere, but ultimately, I rather spend on quality stuff which I would buy here in Singapore too.

    First up, we have a few items from Zara, I think it might be the currency - not too sure - but the price range is lower than what we have here in SG.  For example, a SGD$89.90 shirt retails for HKD$399 which works out to around SGD$69.  That's like $20 difference!  I am liking their new Prada-esque colourful stripey and solids skirts and pants.  And that checkered shirt is great for work and lounging around in.

    ZARA at Elements (MTR Kowloon station), Harbour City (MTR Tsim Sha Tsui station)


    Then I like to stock on my daily tees, from H&M.  These are from the men's department, fyi.  They go for about HKD79.90, which is around S$14 each.  They are super super comfortable, and the length of the men's tees fit me better than the women's fit.  I prolly have a couple more of the same ones which I didn't take pictures of  because they are in the wash.  I buy them in size M for running and sleeping in, and size S for actually going out with.

    These tees wash well, doesn't go out of shape, and the material is super comfy!   I like that they are ever so slightly sheer for a feminine touch, if you know what I mean.  Even though they are men's tees.

    And I bought this random Hello Kitty hankerchief/ scarf thing at the kids' section at H&M.  I don't know why.  It just looks cute.

    I realised American Eagles recently opened in Hong Kong.  How do I know?  I saw people carrying their shopping bags on the streets!  LOL, and off I went to search for the store.

    It is located at Harbor City, the 'LCX' on level three.  If you are familiar with Facessssss, just walk through to the other end, and go up the escalator there.  Otherwise, you can always google the address, or ask the information counters at Harbor City.

    The store being new, is rather crowded.  It only stock sizes from 00 to 10, unlike the online store which I ordered from, which goes up to the plus sizes and in different lengths, for jeans and pants.  More importantly, the prices are way more marked up as compared to the US website.  So I wasn't too keen on getting anything from this place.   I did however, for the sake of it, got a grey tee, because it was still OK at HKD$199.

    Harbour City (MTR Tsim Sha Tsui station)

    And another new store I discovered in Hong Kong, is the Swedish label, Monki (click here for website).  Think of it as a mixture of Cotton On, Topshop and Forever 21.  The prices are cheap, and they have some interesting pieces.  Definitely for the younger set.  That didn't stop me from getting a bookbag, and a pair of shades, for only HKD60 and HKD80 respectively.

    The store is located at Langham Place, Level One.  You can't miss it.  And yes, it is next to the HM store at Langham Place.

    Langham Place, Mongkok MTR station

    I love love their print catalogue, the art direction and illustrations are too whimsical, and cute!  I brought home a couple of copies, for the sister's art project, and as sources of inspiration.

    Yup, I think that's about it, the bulk of what I bought.

    A few pictures of me and the girls in Hong Kong:

    That's all and thanks for looking!

     

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    February 19, 2011

    LOTD & Haul: Great Saturday!

    Met quite a few of my onsugar buddies today for a day of events and fun times!  I have already posted the Niu-Er event previously, and this entry shall be about the other random stuff which happened too.


    Products used:

    Foundation: Chanel Sheer Illuminating Base, Clarins Firming Foundation #103, La Mer powder

    Cheeks: Guerlain Blush G Serie Noire

    Lips: Lancome gloss

    Eyes: NARS Primer, MUFE Aqua Cream #15, MAC Dreammaker & Grand Entrance, MAC Brule on the brow bone, Bobbi Brown Gel Liner in Caviar Ink

    Some of my accessories for the day:

    Michael Kors oversized rose gold watch

    HM Beetle Ring

    Essie Mesmerize Nail Polish

    Alexander Wang Studded Bag

     

    And here are some random stuff I bought:

    The Body Shop has their promotion again, and this is when I stock up some shower shampoos.

    And we went to Zara, and I bought this long sleeved slubbed jersey tee, which I can pair with a black pants or pencil skirt for work.  I like the chic shade of grey. Also available in a deep red and white shades.

    And I also got these two brushes from Amy who recently ordered from Coastal Scents. I paid S$15 for these brushes.

    Yup, that's all, I had such a great time today, going for the MUFE sale, and the Niu Er talkshow.  We had dinner together after the talkshow, and it was just non-stop laughter the whole time - Kas, Amy, Joanna and Jerlaine.  The MUFE haul entry will be up next.

    Thanks for reading!!

     

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    February 02, 2011

    Haul: Zara, MAC Dalliance, Bioderma

    hi hi,

    so today after work, the bestie and I went to Vivo for lunch and some random shopping, and since I haven't been to vivo in a while, I took the chance to pick up a few items.

    The first is the Bioderma Makeup remover for face and eyes.  I bought the larger bottle, because it is just more economical ($34.90) for 250ml, at Guardian pharmacy.  It seems that this is the only Guardian stocking Bioderma, as I have searched the other major Guardians in town, and they don't have it.

    Then I finally bought MAC Dalliance mega metal eyeshadow, which is still in stock at Vivo Mac, so I guess it is meant to be... so now I can have a palette filled with 6 of the mega-metal eyeshadows!  :)  And it is a super pretty color!

    And lastly, a new top from Zara, simply because my TWO ASOS packages are not here yet!!!!

    The new arrivals consists of lots of animal print type blouses and dresses, so I just got this shirt which I can wear for outings and work too, yes, I would totally wear this to work, with a black skirt or pants.

    And lastly, here is wishing everyone a happy holiday, chinese new year.... long weekend!!  YAY!  Yup, that's me under the outfit... LOL!

    Filed in: mac, haul, ZARA, bioderma | Tagged with: Mac, Zara, haul, bioderma
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    January 27, 2010

    MEGA Haul !

    Hi hi,

    Guess my surprise when I came home just now and found these 2 packages waiting for me to rip open!   I shan't ramble on... it is late, and I think my brain cells are dying on me as I am typing this.

    Firstly, we have the Lorraine necklace.  I bought the sterling silver in 42".  And you can click HERE to find out more about the sale.

    This tee, btw, I grabbed it at Zara today.  Random!!

    And in the other package, it's a pair of cell phone covers -- one for me and one for my sister..... I bought them online from this ebayer.  soooo Bling, so pimping, and tacky....me likey!!  Each costs US$17.99 and FREE INTL SHIPPING!!!

    And this last item is random.... was about to leave, and chanced upon this NIXON stylish earphones!!  They have an array of colors.. I choose the black & silver one.  This earphones retails for S$69.  And you can find them at Wavehouse (sentosa), and TANGS.

    Ok..... thanks for reading, and if you have any questions, leave a comment! :p

    Filed in: haul, acessories, fachion | Tagged with: shopping, eBay, Zara, phone covers
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    November 26, 2009

    Reject from the Fitting Room

    Hi! Thought I would bring you all into the fitting room with me.

    Here I just want to share what type of clothes I am drawn to, and what I don't like.

    Take for example this blouse from Zara (S$75), and I was super attracted to the style of it - I prolly own 123890382 similar blouses, but the little studs on the bodice was what made me try it on.  Looks good so far, and I was ready to plonk down my $$ for it.  Let's take a closer look.

    What changed my mind later was this part:

    Yup, so phew!!!  $75 saved.  And I walked out of Zara empty handed but contented.

     

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    November 24, 2009

    Question of Taste: To belt or not?

    Hi!

    I was goofing around with this outfit, the top I just got yesterday at Zara.  Do let me know if I should wear the belt with the outfit.  I might wear this to a dinner event on Sat evening, it is formal, but I don't want to be too dressed up, so I thought this is a flattering and simple getup without trying too hard.  My mom suggested I wear this belt because the metal parts match the studded details of the top.  And the whole time I was laughing so hard trying to "pose" because my brother is the camera man, and you can imagine how bemused and disdainful he feels while I boss him around to get a decent shot.  So, credits to him~  Haha..

    *Ok clearly I need to wear a black bra on the actual day.

    *This is when I was laughing uncontrollably and that's why the pics are blur. My failed attempt at striking one of those VOGUE poses.

    The belt is an elastic band, and it is covered with 'brass metal plates overlapping one another' and it is of the same color/metal as the studs. I tucked the top in, so that the belt fits neatly at the waist.  Do you think it cuts too harshly across my frame?

    Just a detailed shot of the shoulder detail.

    Well ladies, what do you think?  Option A or B? Leave your comments etc below, and thanks for your input!  Thank you!

    Filed in: Fashion, accessories, Black, ZARA, belt | Tagged with: Fashion, accessories, black, belt, Zara
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    November 23, 2009

    Collective Haul (JL Expo & Zara)

    Hi!

    So I went to the John Little expo sale on Saturday, and I wanted to stock up on the Maybelline PoreZero thingy which I love, and I got it the last time at the Expo for only S$12.  I am not sure if this product is available outside the Asian market, as it seems to be formulated especially for Asians. I also bought a few other items.

    I bought the hair color stuff yesterday at Guardian pharmacy, there is some promotion going on, and my hair color kit costs only $8.90 and the other one (which I will be helping my bestie to color her hair) is $10.90.  I figure black hair is black hair, so I don't need to spend $70 at the salon.  I would rather spend the money on hair treatments or cuts.

    For the rest of the Expo items,  I got a hair cologne, it is a Japanese product the brand is 'Sexy Girl' which sounds really dubious, but the scent is a rather sweet fruity one, this product is useful if your hair is kind of stinky after a meal at the food centre, or you just want to freshen up your hair etc.  I don't really know why I got this because I almost always avoid 'smokey' food centres (or I bun up my hair if I have to eat there), except there is quite a big discount, and I thought it would be quite nice to try out.

    I bought 2 of the Maybelline PoreZero primer, because I am keeping one and the other is part of the giveaway prize. It costs $12 after discounts, which is a really good deal from the usual $19.90.

    And then I got the St Ives In-shower exfoliating body polish with Oatmeal and Shea Butter.  It smells really yummy, but I haven't used it yet.

    And in the next pic, at the expo too, I bought these 2 storage boxes.  Aren't they pretty, with the bags motif on the fabric?  They double up as stools and as you can see, I placed my comp on it, and I can use it as a mini table too. So, these boxes help me keep the clutter at bay.  I got them for $20 in total.

    And yesterday, I went into my evil shop ZARA again, and I bought this nice black top with studded/padded shoulder detailing for S$39.90.  I can pair it with a black pencil skirt and my patent heels, for a dinner this Saturday evening.  Very chic, no?

    Yup, that's about it.  Thanks for reading!

    Filed in: makeup, haul, Clothes, ZARA | Tagged with: clothes, makeup, Zara, haul
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    November 12, 2009

    Collective Haul (Fashion & Accessories)

    Hi hi!

    This entry will be a compilation of stuff which I got some time ago (early Oct I think) and also today, mainly shoes and accessories.  Do let me know if you like reading about stuff like this, or I should stick to makeup rambles.  But I thought it would be fun to share good deals, and also my take on cute stuff that I like to wear/ use.

    Firstly, I bought 4 pairs of shoes from TOPSHOP.   You may recall that I have huge sz9 feet, and finding pretty shoes in my size is very difficult in Singapore.  So whenever I discover new places that sell pretty shoes in my size, I am all over it.  Charles & Keith do carry sz9, but often the sizes run smaller, and the comfort level isn't always very high - so it is not often I find a nice (and cheap) pair from C & K.  Other places to find shoes for my big feet include Holland V shopping centre (the old shops on the 3rd floor), New Line (at ION), River Island (expensive though).... and so on.

    Anyway, I digress.  I first bought the white pair (faux snake skin with stud details) when I needed a pair of 'dainty' flats to wear to a wedding, and then when the sale started, I trooped down to TOPSHOP on the first day of the sale, and grabbed the other 3 pairs which were going for 50% off the usual price, and I ended up paying less than $100 for all 3 pairs.  And aren't they cute, and make my large feet look less freaky?  Haha.   I have only been wearing the black pair so far, because I don't want to wear out all the shoes at the same time.  I like how I can wear them for work and also for going out.

    Next, are some clothing items which caught my fancy at Zara.  Zara is an evil place to step into.  I like to roam the store in the middle of an afternoon, when it is nice and peaceful and run my fingers through the racks (ok, I think I am sounding quite crazy.... but you know what I mean).  I like the clean lines and colors of their clothes.  So once in a while you find good deals from their Women Basic range.

    I like the following top with lace details (S$39.90), but I figured I don't need yet another 'dressy' top.  But it is kind of sexy in a subtle way, right?

    *In the following pic, do you notice how the fitting room look crowded - due to the multiple mirror reflections - but there were only my sis and I and she took some of the pictures.  Just thought it's quite funny to see the illusion of the fitting room filled with so many people.

    And this dress I bought.  I think it is quite classic, and also flattering--fitting without being skin tight.  In particular, I like the panel details on the dress, which gives the body an elongating and slimming effect.  I might pair this with some kind of hosiery and a little heels though. At S$89.90, I think it's fairly good price, as this dress is suitable for many occasions.

    Then I wandered off to Forever 21, and picked up these two cute necklaces for S$9 each.  I like the little assorted charms on each of them.  The keys on the necklace reminded me of my Tiffany key necklace.

     

    And some of you might have already known about my shopbop.com haul from twitter and the earlier post.   I was surfing at Nordstrom a few days ago, because they now have international shipping, and was eyeing a few of the Marc Jacobs bags.  Then I decided to check out shopbop for some reason, I think to compare prices and stuff.  That's when I realised they have free shipping (even for international shipping  with $100 above spending).  Needless to say, that was a big advantage.  So I browsed the Marc Jacobs bags section, and found 2 cute bags for myself.  My gf told me the stuff will arrive in 3 days, and true enough, the package came this afternoon (I ordered on Monday or Tuesday evening).   That's indeed amazing.  As VS, you got to pay cut-throat prices for regular shipping and their express shipping is even more exhorbitant.

    A detailed look inside the bags.

    The stitching on the outside of the bag, which you can see in the close ups, spell out the letters M, A, R, C, etc ....

    An idea of the size of the big bag.  Roomy enough to throw my laptop, umbrella, books, etc etc, and also good for shopping, and a quick getaway.  The material is very durable, and washable.   Yup... and I am 176cm tall - in case you are wondering - so carrying this huge bag doesn't dwarf me much.  In fact, I think if I carry a too tiny clutch, I end up looking "elephantique" (I just made up that word!!)  So, I really like my purchases.  And yes, the prices are cheaper than store prices.

    Ok, I think this wraps up my long haul. I think my next major shopping thingy might be in Dec, present shopping or something.  Other than that, I think I am DONE.  I should stop.

    What are your fave places to shop?

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    September 02, 2009

    From the Dressing Room: Simple "manly" clothes for work

    Hi!! This is going to be not makeup related.  I am just going to ramble about some fashion stuff which are kind of inspiring/ influencing me lately.

    First off, this picture which I saw in Zara:  check out the legs on the skinny model that seem to go on and on and on and on and on....but in real life aka, refering to myself, I am a normal person with hips and all sorts of bumps and curves.  While I may never be able to achieve the same proportions as this model, or rather, I should not aspire to be..... I like the clean and chic style of this kind of outfits. So... with that picture in mind.. I chanced upon two tops today.

    The first one from Zara, which is a striped tee. Very nondescript... very normal.  But paired with the right bottom and shoes, and here we have:

    Matched with a black pants, and a black studded belt.  And the little heels complete this look, cos frankly the heels make my legs look just that bit longer, and therefore 'balance' out the horizontal stripes. (I am about 178cm by the time I put on these 2.5cm heels.)

    Next, is another stripey shirt which I got from some FCUK clearance at $29.  It's kinda sheer....but with a cami or smth underneath, it's definitely safe for work. Like the collar details, and how the length of the sleeves is long enough for my arms.

    What do you all think?

    Do you like these outfit/ clothes/ fashion entries?  I like reading about what people wear and what they like trends etc... so thought it's fun to share my own take on fashion.  :p

    p/s: However though.... I did re-start my jogging routine.. because I am been kind of slack in my trim and fit routine for the past month... so.. before I balloon out of shape again... I better do damage control asap and exercise seems to be the best way. Free and Easy.

    Thanks for reading!