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.
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.
Dior Summer 2013 Bird of Paradise Collection features a must get Bronzer & Blush duo... it is the perfect pairing of a blush and a bronzer, and this pair of shades will soon become my everyday face accompliment.
This summer, Dior introduces a multi-faceted product that provides all the tools for achieving fresh-faced beauty. A unique hybrid of bronzing powder and high-pigment blush, Dior’s signature cannage patterned compact holds a quartet of bronzy shades and bright tones ideal for illuminating the complexion and sculpting cheekbones. The iridescent harmonies blend seamlessly to create a multi-dimensional effect, while complementary light and dark shades provide subtle highlighting and define the natural contours of the face.
I love all my Dior summer bronzers from previous years, and this no exception. This retails for $90 (9.5g) as compared to last year's bronzer (10g, $70+, go figure). But if you buy this at airport DFS it's $76 each. The bronzer/ blusher duo comes with a velvet pocket pouch and its own kabuki brush - which is very good quality by the way. They are great to include in your makeup bag should you need to touch up during the day.
Here's a closer look: The embossing is just exquisite.
and a swatch of both shades side by side. I think I will try to get my hands on Coral Glow if I have the chance..
As you can see my Dior Bronzers from last summer are very very very well loved. They are that kind of bronzers which is perfect for my light skintone. The powder is so fine, and very soft. I would compare these to my Guerlain bronzers and blushes.
A comparison of Dior bronzers from the past 3 seasons. They are all very similar no doubt. I like they are are not shimmery and yet not entirely matte. They give my skin the most natural warmth, and I just LOVE LOVE LOVE them.
Hope this entry is helpful, and thank you for reading!
I purchased both the Dior summer bronzers yesterday (10% + 5% off at Robinsons) - I don't think the summer collection is displayed at counters, because testers aren't in stock yet. But a look at both the bronzers, I knew they would be totally wearable on me, and hence, I should get them both. I managed to save more than $10 on each of these bronzers, so that made it an even sweeter deal.
This year's bronzers come with a mini kabuki brush which you can use to buff the product on your face for a healthy natural glow.
001 Aurora has the same name as last year's summer bronzer which never made it to Singapore. It is a light tan bronzer with a rosy tinge.
003 Zenith is a slightly more tan and beigy bronzer
(and where's 002 and 003???) oh well.
Both bronzers are finely milled, and super smooth. The shimmer is extremely subtle, so there is no danger of over-applying this product. And both bronzers are just as light and natural, and in my opinion, suit light to medium skin tones.
I would apply the bronzers with a kabuki brush, or a large powder brush, on my cheeks, and up to around my temples (as I will demonstrate below).
I hope these swatches help, if you are not sure if you should get them, seeing as the testers aren't out yet, and seeing as they are limited edition, and if you are thinking of these bronzers.... you better go grab them soon before they ran out.
Comparison of the packaging - the actual compact of the bronzer is smaller than last year's bronzer, but both contain the same amount of product 10g. The box is huge, because of the mini kabuki brush that it comes with.
The mini kabuki brush - soft and dense enough and I like the little velvet roll it comes in. Handy for touch ups.
The sleek and elegant casing, very compact, and closes with a little magnetic snap. I like the compact casing. Sturdy and just so chic!
two of them side by side
the best shades remind me a little of the Guerlain matte bronzers
the NUDE embossing contains very very subtle shimmers
but overall, the bronzers are quite velvety matte
close up pictures & details
001 Aurora
003 Zenith
and comparisons
You can see that all three bronzers are very natural looking, and look like they have a satiny finish. But when I was outdoors, I could see the slightest shimmer bits that glisten golden pink in under the hot sunny afternoon light. It is a really skin enhancing type of bronzer, and not the sun-kissed/ sun-burnt type of intense bronzers which you might typically think of.
I have often used 001 Aurora (the 2011 edition) as a blush, and it gives me a natural blush, not rosy blush, but just some color to my cheeks, and a subtle radiant glow. It's very wearable, and easy to use.
How I apply the bronzer
I am using 003 Zenith in this look.
p/s: eyeshadow I am wearing is Le Metier de Beaute Chameleon, Lipstick is Lancome's Rouge in Love 243,
Katy Perry by Eyelure falsies, Chanel Kabuki brush
Step One: buff it from sides of my face, to apple of the cheeks
Step two: buff it around the forehead (at the sides)
With the aim of a natural and radiant tan, Dior creates a new healthy glow makeup product with a bare skin effect for all skin tones, all year long.
Healthy Glow Enhancing Powder is nestled in a precious round case in white bronze, engraved with the Dior canework motif and decorated with the embossed NUDE logo. This incredibly chic object is now a must in all tanning routines, accompanied by a mini kabuki brush.
The Nude Tan formulas contain translucent mineral prisms that adjust to the skin tone and the surrounding light. The skin tone is enhanced with a sheer, natural finish. Inside the Diorskin Nude range, with the Nude Tan powders, active mineralised water is enriched with a sweet orange extract to boost microcirculation*: with each application, the skin glows with vitality and looks more and more beautiful.
To achieve the illusion of a complexion glowing with vitality, the Healthy Glow Enhancing Powder offers a range of original shades. It combines two < colour and radiance > tones with < skin shades > for a result that matches the original skin tone, yet provides a surprisingly natural, radiance-boosting effect. Rosy harmonies add a touch of freshness and an anti-dulling effect, while apricot harmonies ensure a healthy glow, infused with sensuality.
I hope this has been helpful, and thank you for reading!
Came across this beautiful Dior ad "Secret Garden" - Versailles ---- can anyone tell me which nail polish are the girls wearing?? I need!
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