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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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    January 20, 2013

    Review & Application: Lancome Renergie Eclat Multi-Lift CC Cream


    Hi hi!

    This is my review of the new Lancome Renergie Eclat Multi-Lift CC Cream, which I have previously featured in this entry here.   I know there will be inevitable comparisons to the other CC creams out in the market, and several of you are also waiting for me to give a comparison of them, that will be coming, but give me a couple of weeks!  Need a bit of time to test out one last CC cream before I can give a complete overview. 

    So anyway, this Lancome CC Cream is already available, and retails for $100 each.  It contains 40ml of product (made in Japan), which is 10ml more than the usual capacity of similar products.  The Lancome Renergie range is targetted towards lifting and firming one's complexion.  It is not the first BB cream type product that Lancome is releasing, and I did enjoy the UV Expert Shield BB Complete SPF50 which they launched last year.  

    Let's start with the packaging: 

    It comes in a purple tube (purple being the Renergie color), and the product comes out via a pump dispenser.  I am using the shade 01 (there is also a shade 02), and I think there is a total of 4 shades in the US market, but here in Singapore, we get 1 and 2. 


    Swatches:

    It doesn't have any particular scent,  and the CC cream looks slightly greyish (which is typical of bb creams) as opposed to beigey skintone shade.  The consistency is very smooth, and very emolient.  It spreads easily and blends into my skintone. 




    Application

    (get ready for some up close macro shots, pores alert! Hahaha)

    I enjoy using the CC cream with both my fingers and a buffing brush.  The results are the same.  
    The consistency is a little on the thin side (and thin compared to your typical creamy thickish BB/ CC Creams) and allows me time to work it into my skin. 

    Here you can see, the CC cream is applied over bare moisturised skin. 


    After blending out, you can clearly see there is a radiance to my skintone. The coverage is very light, but it does visibly brightens up my skin.  I tried wearing this out on its own, set with some powder, and found that it didn't last me more than say, 5 hours.  After that, I think I start to look 'faded' and tired.  

    The next day, I tried it as a correcting makeup base, and topped it off with a very thin layer of foundation.  That yielded much better results.  I looked fresh the whole day, and the fresh luminosity stayed throughout.  So even though it didn't have impressive lasting powder on its own, it does work very well as a makeup base that protects your skin and adds that natural radiance. 

    I was using this for a whole week, and I do think that it does have great skincare properties - it has a light texture, and my skintone did look a little more even-ed out by the end of the week.


    here's a quick demo - I layered a thin layer of foundation on top - of course, if you have very clear skin, and foundation usually lasts on your face, you can totally skip this step.  I am just sharing with you what works for me and my skin type.  I usually use my Teint Miracle liquid foundation, or the cream version - either one of them complements the CC cream flawlessly.  I love the end results - very brightening, and very natural. 



    Bottomline - 

    The Lancome Renergie Eclat Multi-Lift CC Cream is a good performer, I think it serves to complement the Renergie range, with the same skincare benefits (I have used both the eye & face creams before, great stuff!).  As a BB/CC cream, it really did brighten up my skintone, and bring some radiance to the skin.  I don't think it is super corrective though, you might be able to tell that my skin still looks a tad reddish, and that didn't get balanced out til I used the foundation (which is beigy-er).  

    If you want a light texture skin protecting CC Cream, go for the Lancome Renergie Eclat Multi-Lift CC Cream, but if you need more coverage, and want something that lasts, you might not enjoy this product as much.  I do like it for its skincare benefits, and also as a great makeup base for everyday, and also to keep my skin firm and lifted (and at my age, I NEED!!!).  

    Stay tuned for my comparison, and meanwhile I have two more BB creams reviews which will be coming your way soon!

    Hope this has been helpful, and thanks for reading!

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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.

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    January 09, 2013

    New Lancome Rénergie CC Multi-Lift SPF 30

    The new instant illuminating Color Corrector RÉNERGIE CC MULTI-LIFT SPF 30 Tinted skincare
    SGD$100 

    Available at all Lancôme counters

    A new approach to illuminating color correction. Lancôme invents a new and modern gesture to immediately and visibly firm, smooth and illuminate skin tone, taking one step closer to the “color of youth”. 

    Young skin is smooth, firm and capable of reflecting light.

    With age, the skin slackens, loses its radiant glow and the complexion develops multiple irregularities, thus reflecting less light.
    Today, Lancôme launches Rénergie CC Multi-Lift, which combines new
    Multi-Tension technology with the science of illumination and color corrector light, inspired by Asian BB creams. 

    The science of “light enhancement”

    Our Research has enabled us to draw 3 conclusions:

    1 WITH AGE, THE SkIN LOSES ITS IDEAL COLOR, REFERRED TO AS THE “COLOR OF YOUTH”

    Our Research teams have drawn up a map charting the evolution of skin color with age (study conducted on 2,900 women in 10 countries). There are four clearly distinguished profiles:
    - Fair skin shows more and more redness

    2 WITH AGE, THE SkIN LOSES ITS EVEN APPEARANCE

    Over time, the skin loses its even appearance, both in terms of its texture - the skin grain becomes less refined and pores are more visible - and its color - pigmentation and vascular irregularities develop.

    3 WITH AGE, THE SKIN REFLECTS LESS LIGHT

    With age, the skin slackens and its color and texture become less homogeneous. It reflects less light, a fact that is supported by in vivo data

    - Hispanic skin loses its even tone
    - Asian skin tends to become yellowish
    - Dark skin becomes dull 

    The cosmetics industry has entered the era of immediately visible results:

    Rénergie CC Multi-Lift, new skincare infused with color corrective technology.

    In response to the dual need for a skin firming and illuminating effect, Lancôme has created Rénergie CC Multi-Lift, its first tinted skin illuminating + correcting care.

    For the very first time, the best of Rénergie expertise is used in association with the action of color corrective technology and mineral pigments to give the skin a visibly younger-looking appearance.

    An Intense Firming And Smoothing Effect

    Introduced at the heart of the Rénergie Multi-Lift formulas, Multi-Tension technology was designed to tighten the skin.

    Light, a new factor to instantly boost

    The Smoothing Effect

    To immediately and visibly even out the skin, leaving it as close to its “natural color” as possible, our Research Laboratories have used a color corrective technology with natural ochres and pigments to provide “barely-there” coverage and natural smoothing ingredients.

    Rénergie CC Multi-Lift comes in two shades, fully in line with the Asian skin profiles determined during our clinical studies, created to restore dull, excessively yellowish skin of its rosy glow. In this way, each complexion can radiantly illuminate with its “ideal color of youth”.

    Immediately Visible Effects

    With its dual “skin smoothing + illuminating” action, Rénergie CC Multi-Lift beautifully smoothes and evens out the skin. The skin immediately appears firmer and denser. Skin tone is harmonised and evened, its color is corrected and the face is illuminated. As if smoothed, skin visibly catches the light. 




    And to complete your Renergie regime, here is the entire range: 

    A focus on RÉNERGIE MULTI-LIFT

    In 2012, Lancôme reinvents cosmetic lifting.

    Always ahead of its time, Lancôme has pushed the boundaries of beauty even further and invented a new approach to cosmetic lifting.

    Thanks to Structural Biology, our Research teams present a new interpretation of cutaneous architecture. For the first time ever, the skin is considered as being composed of 5 interconnected and interacting layers: epidermis, dermo-epidermal junction (DEJ), papillary dermis, reticular dermis and hypodermis.

    In this architecture, our Research has highlighted 10 key connectors – including 5 that had never before been targeted by Lancôme – essential to tighten the skin layers. Our Laboratories have also developed Multi- Tension technology, introduced at the heart of the formulas from the Rénergie Multi-Lift range, to stimulate* these 10 key connectors.

    A remarkable innovation for visibly younger-looking, smoother and firmer skin that appears “lifted”. Skin that beautifully reflects light. 

    Taking this a step further, Lancôme has created a new, modern skincare gesture: the “instant illuminating color corrector”. A firming and smoothing effect combined with all the coverage and correction of a BB for skin that catches the light.

    A high impact trio for spectacular rejuvenating action:

    Rénergie Multi-Lift, complete skin lifting care with 5 layer technology A skincare treatment designed to tighten the skin, formulated with Multi-Tension technology in order to act on 5 skin layers.

    Rénergie CC Multi-Lift, the new smoothing skincare with a light-enhancing effect
    The power of Rénergie in a slightly tinted formula for skin that appears firmed, smoothed, immediately and visibly illuminated, and as close to its ideal color as possible.

    Rénergie Yeux Multi-Lift, instant eye contour rejuvenator
    The iconic duo eye care that offers 6 visible actions for an immediately rejuvenated and illuminated eye contour. 

     

    I will have a review of the Renergie CC Multi-LIft in a couple of weeks.  Stay tuned!