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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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    May 04, 2013

    CHANEL Powder Blushes: Malice, Fleur de Lotus & Rouge

    My friend Pearl loaned me a few of her Chanel blushes recently, and I couldn't resist taking photos of them.  They are all gorgeous, and I really need to look into getting myself a couple...soon.  I have several Chanel powders and bronzers, but no Joues Contraste yet (cos I always think they all look really pretty  but nothing very unique - does Notorious count?).

    I believe they are all limited edition blushes, though I have spotted Malice at the counters as recent as last week. 

    The texture is super fine, and I think it really depends on whether you can find a unique shade or something that really catches your fancy.  They are slightly powdery, but goes onto the skin very smoothly.  I haven't used Rouge yet, but Fleur and Malice are really something very sweet and feminine.  

    Close ups: 


    Swatches: 



    Happy Sunday!

    Thanks for looking!   :)

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    March 21, 2013

    Burberry Beauty Spring 2013 Blushes & Gold Pearl Eyeshadow


    Hi hi!

    I have here 3 pieces from the new Burberry Beauty Spring 2013 collection - most of which I am guessing are sold out by now.  

    The Burberry makeup items are really impressive in terms of their textures and formula.  Everything I have tried out are very soft and finely milled, they have  such an array of neutral eyeshadows, natural looking blushes..so it is quite refreshing to see a couple of bold blush shades that they have released for this spring season. 


    Let's start with Sheer Eyeshadow in Gold Pearl - it has a sheer beige base, and filled with fine golden glitter.  The glitter bits aren't gritty, and catches the light very subtly (or more obvious when seen under strong spot lighting). 
    On its own, you can't really see much, but if you layer this eyeshadow over a finished eyelook, you can certainly add some warmth and also shimmer, in an elegant, very Burberry way. 


    Here are the swatches on my hand: 



    Next, we have the blushes, in 09 Coral Pink, and 10 Hydrangea Pink - both look quite similar in the pan, but Coral Pink looks just a tad lighter and warmer (it's a coral, after all). 
    I tried Hydrangea Pink at the counter, and it really is super intense.  You need a light handed application, and slowly build up the color as needed.  I have a more indepth application step by step in another entry.  Here are just swatches & comparisons. 


    swatches of both blushes - 

    As you can see, the blushes are so smooth, and really goes on pigmented (these are heavy swatches) there's no shimmer to them, but they don't look flat matte either. 


    And the comparison - I tried to dig for cool toned intense pink blushes I can think so... and here's what I come up with. 

    Nothing really comes quite exactly the same as Hydrangea Pink, but I think when you apply on the cheeks you might get the same results with YSL 06 blush andNARS Mata Hari.


    And the coral blushes comparison - I have missed out a couple of MAC shades, now that I think of it...but oh well, they are limited editions anyway.

    As you can see, Coral Pink pulls very pinky red...and not as 'coral' as the other two blushes.  Note that I am swatching only the top half shade of the Guerlain Pink Punk duo.   Nars Gilda looks so orangey here!


    I also thought of my matte illamasqua shades - and some of them do look quite similar.  


    Here they are: 



    Messy comparison behind the scenes.

    I think the Burberry BA said that these two blushes are permanent, that is....when the next shipment arrives, which could be a couple of months later.  If you are keen on these blushes, it is best that you put your name on the list, and wait patiently for them to call you.  That's how I got my Pale Barley eyeshadow last year.  Hehe. 

    Which are your picks from the Burberry Beauty Spring 2013 collection?

    I hope this has been helpful, and thank you for looking!

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    May 03, 2010

    NARS Lemming List

    Hi!

    Just want to take a 5 minute breather and make up a list!  If and when Michelle opens her NARS spree, or when I go Hong Kong, these will be the items I want to zoom in on.

    Loose Powder in Flesh USD$35

    Description: This powder is triple milled and provides sheer, ultra-natural coverage to set makeup, soften color and smooth the texture of the skin for an overall radiant complexion. The silky-smooth texture blends undetectably into the skin, absorbs excess oils and maintains fresh looking skin with an imperceptible finish. Packaged complete with its own powder puff and both plastic and mesh sifters to provide the finest, most natural application possible.

    Sheer Matte Foundation USD$42 (Deauville)

    Description: An oil-free, soft matte-finish foundation with sheer, buildable coverage that controls oil and shine throughout the day. Replete with skincare benefits and the NARS Complexion Brightening Formula, skin is more luminous, softer and smoother.

    Pure Sheer SPF Lip Treatment USD$25 Paloma, Angélique

    Description: NARS Pure Sheer SPF Lip Treatment nourishes and hydrates chapped lips, while giving a sheer yet noticeable tint. Infused with SPF 15, the rich and creamy texture protects lips throughout the day.

    Eyeshadow Duo USD$32

    I can't decide what colors to get!!!  But these caught my attention. 

    Brazil, Brousse, Earth Angel, Isolde, Kalahari 

     

     

    Blushers USD$26

    I want to choose from the following:

    Desire, Dolce Vita, Taos, Zen, Love Joy, Deep Throat (repurchase)

    Phew! I am done.  I think.  LOL.  What are on your lemming list??  Leave in the comments below!

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    February 12, 2010

    (Failed) Swatches: How many pink blushers do I need?

    And perhaps the answer is ZERO.

    It is obvious, I am 'inspired' after seeing Kas and Chantana, and also Diana's top ten lipsticks, blue eyeshadows and purple lipsticks entries.  :)

    I prolly should do an updated blush overview entry (last one was done in Dec 2008) , but anyway, here you might get to meet most of my blush collection except for the colors that don't fall into any particular color group (like neutrals, plums etc).

    Here are some of my blushers, MSFs and some other misc brands aren't pictured.

    These are swatches of PINKS.  I was getting so frustrated trying to get a good shot, and I guess this is prolly the best I can do.  Argh, the G-11 is calling out to me again!  And in the midst of my frustrations, I forgot the order of the blushers as I swatched them.  And I totally forgot to swatch Mata Hari here.  How can I leave that out, it is like the pinkest of the pink.  ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    * #1 is MAC Azalea, and #2 is Barry M No 4 blusher, which I finally swatched for the first time.

    It looks identical to Azalea in the pan, but when swatched, the barry M blusher is chalkier than Azalea and the color is flatter and rubs off faster.

    I am such a klutz, I should prolly do this all over again, and this time round, actually write down the names of the blushers as I swatched them.  ARGH.

    If there are any colors which you find striking, just leave a comment with the corresponding number, and I will try my best to find out the name of the blusher.

    Maybe I should swatch them on white paper (like my nude lipsticks entry), and write the names immediately next to the swatch.  LOL.

    I think I will do another entry.  How I apply my Estee Lauder foundation and an Anti-Valentine Day LOTD, take part in everbluec and fiend's contests.  Those sound more promising and managable  for now.

    Filed in: Overview, blushers | Tagged with: Mac, nars, dior, blushers, PINKS, corals, overview
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    February 10, 2010

    Let's make a list: MAC Riveting Collection

    This collection consists of many strong and intense colors, which I think many of us like.  A lot of re-promotes and PRO items, good chance to grab them, if they are released here as well.
    All images and info taken from Temptalia.

    MAC Riveting Collection

    MAC Riveting Collection


    I already own Dirty Plum blusher and Bubbles from this collection, but I am a little intrigued by Full Fuschia.  Would it be the same as my Azalea blusher?  I think I was deciding between Full Fuschia and Azalea at that time I was at the Pro store (when I was in Paris).  And if you like plum, intense plum cheek colors, GRAB Dirty Plum! It is a matte deep purple color.

    Let's do some quick swatches!

    I really love Azalea, it gives a bright kick of color to your cheeks, very nice on both fair and dark skin tone... and for Dirty Plum, the color looks scary, but it is awesome for days when you don't want too much makeup, and you want your cheeks to be dramatic.  :)  I love both colors!

    So anyway, my list from this collection:

    1. Blusher Full Fuchsia
    2. Nail Lacquer Black Enough?
    Yup, that's all.. and seriously I don't what's up with the formatting of this entry... it seems to have a mind of its own.
    What's on your list from this collection?

    Filed in: mac, Collection, blushers | Tagged with: Mac, collection, blushers
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    December 18, 2009

    All MAC - A Rundown of my Faves

    Hi!

    This entry will be about my fave products/ most used from MAC.  I have them in a few categories, namely, brushes, blushes, lipsticks and eyeshadows.  Hope this is helpful if you are buying presents this season, or if you are starting out in buying makeup, or you just want to lem after MAC products.  Also, I try to include only permanent products, and if you happen to go to the Pro stores, you must check out the range of blushes (the infamous ones include Frankly Scarlet, Azalea, Dirty Plum), eyeshadows and cream color sticks.

    Let's start with brushes, starting from left to right.

    1. 187 brush - This brush needs no explanation, you can use it for cream and powder products.  Though I have not used this brush recently,  the 187 remains one of my staples.

    2. 109 brush - This is another versatile brush, you can use it for cream and powder products.  I like to use this more for powder, especially when I want a precise application over a specific area on my face.

    3. 168 brush - My fave brush for blushes.  I also have the SE version, and also several other similar ones from Essence of Beauty, Shu Uemura etc... the angle brush means you can turn it around, etc for various parts of your face.

    4. 225 brush - This is a large fluffy eyeshadow brush.  I use this for all over the lids color, such as Vanilla eyeshadow, for highlighting the cheeks, general cleaning up etc.

    5. 217 brush - All in one blending and application of color for eyeshadows.  I own 3 of this brush so I can rotate and use clean ones.

    Lipsticks from L to R first row (Russian Red, Viva Glam 5, Blanketty)  L to R second row (Hue, Relaxed, Fleshpot-pro only)

    Russian Red, Viva Glam 5, Blanketty, Hue, Relaxed, Fleshpot

    Blushers from L clockwise- Azalea (pro only), Dollymix, Pink Swoon, Peachykeen, Plum Foolery

    From L to R: Azalea, Dollymix, Pink Swoon, Peachykeen, Plum Foolery

    Top Row L to R: All that Glitters, Mylar (this is my 2nd to hit pan!), Tempting

    Second Row L to R: Club, Vanilla, Woodwinked

    I am not featuring concealers, foundations, and liners because I am sure you have your own faves, and those are pretty basic in terms of color range anyway.

    And if you are interested in older MAC-centric entries:

    Updated MAC Collection (with links to all collection entries)

    MAC Starter Kit

    Blush Overview

    MAC eyeshadow palettes

     

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    November 10, 2009

    Rave about NARS

    Hi!!    (Credits to my youngest sister for helping me to crop and edit all the pictures in this entry.)

    This entry shall be about NARS products which I own.  Well, I must say the products I own are pretty limited to mainly the powder products, such as eyeshadows and blushers.  I don't have any NARS lip products, nor pencil products.  I store all my NARS stuff in this little container together with my YSL lipsticks and MAC quads (which I have obviously taken out when the picture was taken).

    I think the most 'attractive' part about NARS is their range of blushers.  If possible.. I want to collect all the NARS blushers. And I think some of their eyeshadow palettes are also super pretty and wearable.  I also like their packaging.. Every of these little power pan contains a mirror, even the tiny eyeshadow container.  Although they are expensive, I feel like NARS is a guilty pleasure that I like to indulge in.  So whenever I go to places that sell NARS I spend a long time swatching and planning what to buy.. and when my friends or family travel, I always have a 1 or 2 item NARS wishlist for them to get.

    First we have the "orgasm" products, namely the powder blusher, and the multi-purpose cream stick.   This is like the IT color from NARS.  Many people have said it is a universal color which suits everyone.  It is a pretty pinkish peach color, with gold shimmer.  Of late, I find that the gold shimmer is a little too much for my liking.  The Orgasm blusher is my very first NARS product.  I bought the cream stick last year in HK.  If you see the swatches, the cream stick is pinker than the powder counterpart.  I like the texture of the cream stick, it is not too creamy, and feels powdery after application.

    Honestly, I prefer Deep Throat blusher (which my sister has, but not pictured here cos she brought it out with her today), Deep Throat is pinker and brighter.

    Next, we have a couple of other blushers and THE bronzer:

    I like how Laguna bronzer is not too crazy pigmented like the blushers which means I can dust it all over my NC15 complexion without looking muddy or orangey.  Mounia is crazy pigmented and I use it on days when I have the time to blend out my blusher... but Sin is my fave, and Diana has reviewed this blusher too, she is another fan of Sin.  :)

    Next, we have the eyeshadows.  I find that NARS eyeshadows are a hit or miss.  Some of them are creamy and pigmented, while some colors can be chunky glittery.  I am trying to build up a NARS neutrals palette/ stash..more on that later. Haha.

    As you can see, Night Star is very glittery and chunky.  The 'base' color doesn't have good pay off.  If you see NARS colors on the website and their color description, you can pretty much tell which are the glittery chunky ones, and you might want to stay away from them.  The rest of the brown colors, however, are impressive in terms of color payoff.  And you get a lot of product in one pan, twice that of MAC, I think.  (You get 3.5 g of eyeshadow)

    I also have a eyeshadow duo call Aprils' Fools (don't ask me why).  It contains a pale gold color and jade green color.

    And lastly, NARS 2-way foundation.  I hit pan on this....I use this sometimes to set my liquid foundation using a fluffy brush. The powder is very finely milled, and reminds me of Dior powder foundation.  If I ever get to a NARS counter in person I would like to try out their liquid foundations!!

    My gf is going HK next week, and this is my NARS wishlist for her:

    1. (THREE) Eyeshadows in Ondine, Ashes to Ashes, (and one surprise which might be part of the giveaway), Cyprus, Fez *** All are neutral shades***
    2. (ONE) Blushers in Mata Hari, Angelika or Desire. 

     

    So....I will update this NARS rave entry if I get the above items when she comes back.  :)  If you have any questions about the products mentioned, leave your comments below.

    Thanks for reading!


     

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    October 17, 2009

    Haul: i nuovi Cosmetics & Storage Idea

    Hi!

    So I went out for a bit this afternoon, to check out the i nuovi anniversary sale.  What I didn't know is that you need to purchase 3 identical items to enjoy the $9.90 price.  So you can't choose a combination of 2 e/s, and 1 blusher etc... thankfully my sisters were with me, and among us, we choose the colors which we would all enjoy using, (3 eyeshadows, and 3 blushers) which is a fab deal, considering the total cost can only get you 2 MAC eyeshadows or lipsticks.

    Speaking of MAC, I went to check out the holiday sets, but I think not all the stuff are on display, and I think the only thing which I want would be the mineralised blushers (esp Conjure Up -- check out swatches and images at Temptalia).  But when I asked the MA there, she didn't even know what I am talking about----- WHICH ISN'T EVEN SURPRISING TO ME ANYMORE. Well, regardless, I don't forsee myself stalking the MAC counters for the holiday stuff.

    Because I was at Vivocity TANGS, I thought I could check out YSL and use my vouchers to buy a couple of lipsticks, but I realised there isn't a YSL counter there.  Which means I have to make another trip downtown another day before its demise/ disappearance from the stores.

    Ok, back to the title of this entry: My i nuovi haul.  When I was swatching the eyeshadows at the counter, I noticed some eyeshadows are  more chunky glittery than others.  Dynamite would certainly fall into that category.  But most of them are very velvety in texture.  So creamy and super pigmented.  One color which jumped out at me (I think it's called ROCK?) was sadly OOS.  But I did get 3 wearable/ neutral/ metallic shades.  Their names are Techno Spotlight, and Dewdrops.

    And for my blushers, I choose the colors which are , I bought Spice (plum color), Dusk (bright orange red), Astro (deep pink).  I also stayed away from the shimmery/ glittery ones.

    Blushers from L to R: Dusk, Astro and Spice

    Eyeshadows from L to R: Dewdrop, Spotlight, Techno

     

    Blush Swatches

    Eyeshadow Swatches

    The colors are more pigmented in real life than pictures show.

    And to be honest, I am not crazy about the packaging, while I like the see through casing, but the dome shaped cover is kind of bulky, and I can't stack them up or anything.  So DEPOTTING is the way to go.  I have no more space in my MAC palettes, but I have seen people using DVD cases as palettes, and this my attempt to organise my new stuff.

    Things you need: DVD case, mounting tape

    At the bottom of each container, there is a little hole, you just use a needle to 'poke' and the pan will come out.

    Before the mounting tape, I positioned the colors and see if they fit, and match.  :)

    Then I stuck the tape underneath each pan.

    And ta DA DA, look ma, they are stuck firmly.

    Update: I pimped the palette, put a 'cover' page to it.

    Hope this gives you some idea of how to store your i nuovi stuff, Diana -- I am talking to you! :)

    If you have any questions about the products I mentioned, please leave a comment.  Thanks for reading!

     

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    September 17, 2009

    My Customised MAC Palettes

    Hi!

    Read adorebeauty and facesbysarah "breaking" news on the new MAC customised palettes...which I felt is a marketing gimmick to get people to spend a lot of money at one time. If you go to the local MAC store at Taka, there is no stopping you from picking a palette (S$25?) and picking out 15 eyeshadow in pan forms (S$21 each), and that way you are also customising your own palette, right?  So... it is just a 'fresh' way of telling people to spend a bomb.  :p

     

    Regardless, and just for fun, I am doing this, and I invite/ tag everyone to partake in this lemming exercise!! Haha.

    The rules? Pick any palette you wish to customise, or do all three like I have done. But you can't choose colors which you already own in your collection (*But I cheated and picked Carbon e/s) Personally, I would rather take my time to choose the colors rather than get them all at one time. But IF I am a professional MUA, then it makes sense to get everything...

    First, we have:

    and if I could only choose FOUR:

    And why not get SIX new blushers?

    Yup!  So, share what your customised palettes would look like!!

    Filed in: mac, Palettes, eyeshadows, blushers | Tagged with: Mac, eyeshadows, blushers, palettes
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    August 22, 2009

    Storage Tip: How I labelled my blushers

    You know those old school tape-type letter thingy---don't ask me the name, I don't know!! And if you do, please enlighten me!!!

    I was looking at my sister making some cards/craft thingy, and she was using this tape-type letter thingy... and I had this idea to be OCD about my blushers... recently, it's been bugging me, how I need to shuffle around my blushers to find the color which I want to use for the day -- I don't depot my blushers, cos I don't want to bring the whole palette out with me when I travel - too risky if I drop or watever you know?

    Anyway.......... I wanted to label my blushers so I can see them from the 'top', and I used this thingy to help.

    I thought of using stickers and writing the names of my blushers on top... but I think the 'paper' material will wear off over time.  I like this plastic tape.. it lasts longer, and blends in with the black packaging of the MAC blushers.

    And so I started 'typing' away.  This is what I end up with.

    Woot to nicely labelled blushers and powders!!

    Now, if only I can be as neat when it comes to the rest of my room.


    Thanks for reading!!