the make-up blogette

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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Product Empties Part One: Cleansers & Skincare [May 2013]

Hi hi!

Time for another empties entry... I swear I have been putting this entry off for the longest time, it is at least 1 month overdue. And along the way, my bag of empties got heavier and heavier. Most of this products were used up in the months of Jan to Mar 2013..with a few products I used up as recently as last week and yesterday. I will be doing a part two which consists of mainly shower/hair products in an upcoming entry (maybe next week).

So lots of cleansers, I wash my face twice a day, and it is no wonder that makeup removers and cleansers are always frequently used up. Also sometimes my sister share these products with me, so we use them up more quickly than others.

Here we have three makeup removers:

1. LANCOME Remove all deep cleansing oil for face and eyes
A rich cleansing oil, I bought this for only S$20 when I was at the JPO. It removes all makeup effectively, especially foundations and eye makeup. I like that it comes in a pump, and really melts away makeup. I would repurchase this, but not in a long long time, I certainly didn't see it anymore at the JPO, and I have several other cleansing oils I can use in the meantime.

2. Ettusais Gentle Makeup Off
This reminds me of the Biore Jelly makeup remover, it is sort of gel texture, and not entirely oily. It is very effective and gentle for light makeup days, but if I have full eye makeup, this is not enough. If you have sensitve skin, this would be fantastic - very gentle and soothing to use.

3. Bioderma
This needs no introduction. I have lost count of how many bottles I have gone through. I constantly have backups, and I always have a bottle of this on my table. When I need to remove my makeup in a hurry in my own room, I would use Bioderma...and when I am on a major makeup swatch fest, I also use Bioderma to wipe my lips, hands, etc etc in between swatching and photo-taking. This is definitely an essential.

Next are three cleansers:

1. Lancome Blanc Expert Ultimate Whitening Purifying Foam
I really enjoy this cleanser, from the rich creamy foam, to the scent. It leaves my skin feeling super clean without being stripped.

2. Perfect Whip Foamy Cleanser
I have gone through several tubes of this. Really afforable, and really dense cleansing foam and always leaves my skin really clean afterwards. Definitely a staple in my cleanser stash. Many thanks to Amy for recommending this a year ago!

3. Clarins White Plus Gentle Brightening Exfoliator
I think this is my 3rd or 4th tube. I love the scent, and the natural exfoliator beads. Leaves my face visibly brighter and more radiant, and I always follow up with a brightening mask after this exfoliator. Will definitely repurchase.

Skincare products:
No surprises here that I am using up a lot of Lancome products, since I have been using them since Feb.

1. Lancome Blanc Expert Ultimate Whitening Refining Beauty Lotion
This is the very first time I finished a toner/ lotion type of product. (well, okay come to think of it, I have used up several Clarins ones in the past). I have never been a toner girl... but I started decanting this product into a spray bottle, and it makes this toning step of my skincare routine so much more effective and enjoyable. No more fussing with the watery toner in the palms of my hand, no more fussing with cotton pads. I just spray the toner onto my face, pat dry and go on to the next step. I love the feeling of this toner. It is not 'drying' nor alcohol-y, it feels moisturising and relaxing.

2. Lancome Genefique

3. Lancome Visionaire

I don't need to say more, this is my power super serum combination... I am currently using the brand new Genefique Advanced (which I am loving, cos it is richer and even more POTENT). I have used both serums at least 3 - 4 times... and always very very satisfied.

Click here to read all about my Lancome skincare routine - it is pretty comprehensive, and my skin has never been better.

4. Lancome Absolue Extrait cream
This is a deluxe sample tub, and it is just an amazing luxe face cream. Very very pricey, and I enjoy it. I use it very sparingly, and it leaves my face totally regenerated and radiant the next day. Definitely a skincare treat for your face.

Next are a bunch of randoms, LOTS OF EYE PRODUCTS. I am a eyecream, eye serum junkie.

1. Clarins UV Plus Multi-Protection SPF40
This lasts me forever and ever. It evens out the skintone, not oily, and provides great sun protection. It is a decent and effective sun protection product, and I highly recommend this.

2. Clarins Defining Eye Lift (old formula)
This is a eye serum, I don't feel any visible eye lifting effect, but it feels lightweight, and I don't mind this extra step before I use my cream. Better be safe than sorry. I am paranoid that way when it comes to skincare for my eyes. I don't really have serious eye issues, but I just want to be really careful anyway.

3. Kiehls Cream Eye Treatment
A super creamy rich eyecream, I LOVE IT because it is so thicky and cream, and it doesn't transfer into my eyes and irritate them. I would defnitely re-purchase this. Can't remember how much, I think it's around $50 (got it in HK) and it is super moisturising.

4. SK-II signature eyecream
This tub lasted me around 4 months. And I LOVE IT. It is very creamy, moisturising and definitely brightening. I would definitely want this as well.

5. Embryolisse Eye Cream
This is a very basic eye cream, and if you don't have much eye issues, I do recommend this.

6. Kiehls Midnight Discovery eyecream (not pictured)
Finished my second tube! I used it, but most of the time it's my sister who is faithfully use this every day and night. She really noticed brightening around her eyes, and all my friends whom I recommend it to, all love it. It is very lightweight, and very effective.

If you are wondering why I use up so many eye creams, it is because I am using 2 - 3 eye creams at any one point. I sometimes layer a serum and cream, and sometimes just a cream. I rotate my eye creams randomly too. So after 3 - 4 months, suddenly I run out of a few of them at one go.

And lastly, this Clarisonic brush head. It is the delicate skin brush head, as with the one I am currently using. I have been given the deep pore cleansing one lately, and I can't wait to try that out. I found the delicate skin brush head nice and gentle, maybe a bit too gentle. I think I will want to buy the normal ones next time. I don't really switch it out after a certain amount of time, I just sort of go by my gut feeling, like if I need to replace, I just do it.

Phew!

I hope you find this entry helpful, many of these products are not new, and I have mentioned many of them before. Feel free to leave comments below about anything I have mentioned!

What have you used up recently?

Thanks for reading!

Posted on May 06, 2013 at 6:26AM | Permalink | 8 Comments

Filed in: Lancome, Clarins, Ettusais, bioderma, random chat, product empties | Tagged with: Lancome, clarins, Ettusais, bioderma, random chat, product empties

May 06, 2013

Product Empties Part One: Cleansers & Skincare [May 2013]

Hi hi!

Here we have three makeup removers:

Next are three cleansers:

1. Lancome Blanc Expert Ultimate Whitening Purifying Foam
I really enjoy this cleanser, from the rich creamy foam, to the scent. It leaves my skin feeling super clean without being stripped.

Skincare products:
No surprises here that I am using up a lot of Lancome products, since I have been using them since Feb.

2. Lancome Genefique

3. Lancome Visionaire

Click here to read all about my Lancome skincare routine - it is pretty comprehensive, and my skin has never been better.

Next are a bunch of randoms, LOTS OF EYE PRODUCTS. I am a eyecream, eye serum junkie.

4. SK-II signature eyecream
This tub lasted me around 4 months. And I LOVE IT. It is very creamy, moisturising and definitely brightening. I would definitely want this as well.

5. Embryolisse Eye Cream
This is a very basic eye cream, and if you don't have much eye issues, I do recommend this.

Phew!

I hope you find this entry helpful, many of these products are not new, and I have mentioned many of them before. Feel free to leave comments below about anything I have mentioned!

What have you used up recently?

Thanks for reading!

Posted on May 06, 2013 at 6:26AM | Permalink | 8 Comments

December 16, 2012

Travel Skincare Faves (Dec 2012)

Hi hi!

Just checking in to rave about some of my recent skincare faves. I usually pack a bunch of samples and mini tubs in my travel bag, so I can use up the stuff in my samples drawer - and also keeping a few trusted staples of products which I know work for me. I also like to pack a couple of extra nourishing creams in my bag, in case of dry skin conditions etc when I am away, especially with the cooler weather here in HK.

Let's start with some kind of order in which the products I use ---

but do note that even as I pack multiple of each category of product I only use one each morning/ night, never BOTH at the same time.

I always try to start my skincare routine with eye care - and here we have

Clarins Defining Eye Lift - great light cream for daytime and de-puffs my morning eyes

Kenzoki Relaxing Eye Whipped Cream - night eye cream, richer moussey texture very moisturising

Then I have these serums and night cream - they smell lovely and so relaxing to use after a long day of walking about.

I am currently using the Kenzoki Relaxant day and night creams at home--- so I brought along my deluxe sample tubs along to continue with these staples. They keep my face soft and well moisturised the next morning.

Each of these tubs are 15ml. The Creamy White Day Cream has a gel-like springy texture which sort of bursts and glides onto your skin, and quickly absorbed. It feels rich but not heavy.
The Cosmic Cosmetic Cream is a gentle night repair cream, very smooth smells just like the rest of the Kenzoki products - very floral very unique scent - is one of my most fave face creams.

And for extra treat, I would use the following:

So far I have only used the Lancome Absolue L'Extrait cream once during this trip. It is a 15ml tub which is a very generous size, that I use at home, I brought it to Beijing, and there's still a good half left. It smells so awesome, and feels super nourishing on your skin.

All these might sound like a ton of products - but I really believe in cleansing and a good skincare routine - it's a good way to relax and end the day, and also to prep your skin - when the skin is firm and smooth, makeup goes on easily too.

Have a few entries coming up soon, stay tuned!

Posted on December 16, 2012 at 9:54PM | Permalink | 1 Comment

Filed in: Travel, makeup, skincare, Lancome, Clarins, kenzoki | Tagged with: Travel, Lancome, makeup, skincare, clarins, kenzoki

December 16, 2012

Travel Skincare Faves (Dec 2012)

Hi hi!

Let's start with some kind of order in which the products I use ---

but do note that even as I pack multiple of each category of product I only use one each morning/ night, never BOTH at the same time.

I always try to start my skincare routine with eye care - and here we have

Clarins Defining Eye Lift - great light cream for daytime and de-puffs my morning eyes

Kenzoki Relaxing Eye Whipped Cream - night eye cream, richer moussey texture very moisturising

Then I have these serums and night cream - they smell lovely and so relaxing to use after a long day of walking about.

And for extra treat, I would use the following:

Have a few entries coming up soon, stay tuned!

Posted on December 16, 2012 at 9:54PM | Permalink | 1 Comment

Filed in: Travel, makeup, skincare, Lancome, Clarins, kenzoki | Tagged with: Travel, Lancome, makeup, skincare, clarins, kenzoki

November 01, 2012

Clarins Skin Illusion Loose Powder Foundation

Skin Illusion is now available as a loose powder foundation, offering the coverage of a foundation and the lightness of a loose powder, with pure, mineral radiance and the skin care benefits of plants. Your skin, only better.

Luminosity & a bare skin effect
• An incredibly beautiful, smooth complexion with a transparent finish > Pink opal mineral powder

• Energizing and hydrating benefits > Pink algae plant extract Radiance, comfort, protection

• Radiant skin in any circumstance > Light-Optimizing+ complex

• Comfortable skin > Clarins exclusive Plant Micropatch®

• Skin is protected all day long > Extracts of white tea and succory dock-cress

And more!

Luxurious and ingenious > A wonderfully soft brush built into the lid
11 pure shades in perfect affinity with the skin that deliver exceptional hold > Pigments coated with an amino acid of plant origin

Clarins Skill Illusion Loose Powder Foundation is available in

four shades 103, 105, 108 and 110.

Price S$62

Available at all Clarins counters.

p/s it smells amazing and is extremely smooth. It it also one of the most innovative and neat packaging I have come across for a loose powder.

Can't wait to review it!

Posted on November 01, 2012 at 3:15AM | Permalink | 0 Comments

Filed in: Clarins, clarins skin illusion loose powder foundation | Tagged with: clarins, clarins skin illusion loose powder foundation

November 01, 2012

Clarins Skin Illusion Loose Powder Foundation

Luminosity & a bare skin effect
• An incredibly beautiful, smooth complexion with a transparent finish > Pink opal mineral powder

• Energizing and hydrating benefits > Pink algae plant extract Radiance, comfort, protection

• Radiant skin in any circumstance > Light-Optimizing+ complex

• Comfortable skin > Clarins exclusive Plant Micropatch®

• Skin is protected all day long > Extracts of white tea and succory dock-cress

And more!

Luxurious and ingenious > A wonderfully soft brush built into the lid
11 pure shades in perfect affinity with the skin that deliver exceptional hold > Pigments coated with an amino acid of plant origin

Clarins Skill Illusion Loose Powder Foundation is available in

four shades 103, 105, 108 and 110.

Price S$62

Available at all Clarins counters.

p/s it smells amazing and is extremely smooth. It it also one of the most innovative and neat packaging I have come across for a loose powder.

Can't wait to review it!

Posted on November 01, 2012 at 3:15AM | Permalink | 0 Comments

Filed in: Clarins, clarins skin illusion loose powder foundation | Tagged with: clarins, clarins skin illusion loose powder foundation

July 19, 2012

NEW Clarins Shaping Lift Range [Photos & Information]

Available August 2012

Refine facial contours and reveal all of the expressive beauty of Asian women...

Following Shaping Facial Lift, the first and only serum to promote balanced facial volumes for a perfect V-shaped contour from every angle, Clarins launches two new pioneer products, specially dedicated to Asian women:

Defining Eye Lift

The first product to help relieve heavy-looking eyelids, drain and brighten the eye contour.

Shaping Facial Lift Wrap

Based on Clarins Beauty Institute expertise, this is a quick way to help reduce a puffy appearance linked to water retention.

Defining Eye Lift Relieves eyelid puffiness

1. An immediate ‘lift’ effect
followed by a triple lightening, draining and brightening action.

2. An oil-free formula
that is colorant-free and ophthalmologist tested.

3. A patented application method
inspired by Shaping Facial Lift’s Manual Auto-Lifting® Method.

See brighter, more open eyes in just 4 weeks!*

*Test carried out on 34 Asian women.

Finally, an answer to a need that has yet to be met! For the first time, Defining Eye Lift takes into account three causes that affect
the natural, expressive beauty of Asian eyes: the effacement of the upper eyelid, slower drainage linked to lifestyle, and an uneven skin tone.

The expert product that reveals all of the beauty of Asian eyes.

To minimize the natural heaviness of the eyelids,
an immediate ‘lift’ effect followed by a targeted lightening action

. Oat sugars form an invisible, skin-tightening ‘veil’ on the skin’s surface that gently pulls the eyelid up.

. A combination of caffeine and dextran sulfate enhances the removal of excess lipids and slows down their accumulation again while minimizing the risk of irritation on the eyelids.

A reinforced draining action helps avoid occasional puffiness

. Dextran sulfate reduces the appearance of ‘puffy’ eyes by stimulating
the removal of water which has accumulated in tissues due to a horizontal sleeping position, heat or even stress.

. Extracts of organic ginkgo biloba and maritime pine help prevent the accumulation of water in skin tissues by boosting microcirculation.

A brightening action promotes a clearer, more even eye contour

. Alchemilla extract limits the transfer of melanin pigments to cells in the epidermis in order to reduce the natural darkening of the eye contour.

. Extracts of organic ginkgo biloba and maritime pine have an action on microcirculation to help reduce the appearance of dark circles linked to fatigue.

Clinically-proven results: Eyes appear more open after four weeks.

Shaping Facial Lift Wrap Retracting effect

1. In 10 minutes, a visible retracting effect
coupled with hydrating, brightening and matifying actions.

2. A rich, creamy, mousse-like texture makes application a real treat.

3. A draining technique
pampers the skin for optimized results.

Instantly see less puffy features!*

*Test carried out on 35 Asian women.

Even thin faces can experience a ‘heavy’ look and features that are not well defined. Why does this happen? Excess water in the skin tissue is the reason. Better than a simple mask, Shaping Facial Lift Wrap was inspired by Clarins Institute treatments. In 10 minutes, it helps reposition facial features and restores a more refined appearance.

A double ‘water-reducing’ action helps reduce and prevent puffiness

. Chinese barley has draining properties and helps remove excess water that has accumulated in tissues.

. Ginkgo biloba extract helps prevent new puffiness from setting in: by protecting blood capillaries, it limits their permeability, at the origin of water leaks toward skin tissues.

Hydrating, brightening and matifying actions help wake up skin’s radiance and ensure its comfort

. Christophine extract, a fruit originally from South America, hydrates and softens the skin’s surface.

. Parsley extract helps regulate melanogenesis thereby brightening the complexion. . White clay absorbs impurities and excess oil. It also has an astringent effect

and finally, the Shaping Facial Lift Lipo-drain serum - the star product, which I have introduced here:

A daily serum which reduces excess lipids in the cheeks, chin and facial oval to refine the face from the front as well as the profile.

It also helps enhance younger-looking, more beautiful features.

Price Information

Shaping Facial Lift $102

Defining Eye Lift $82

Shaping Facial Lift Wrap $75

I will try to follow up with a review/ swatches feature entry.

Hope this is informative. Thank you for reading.

Images and information extracted from Clarins press file.

Posted on July 19, 2012 at 4:11AM | Permalink | 1 Comment

Filed in: skincare, Clarins, shaping, Lift | Tagged with: skincare, clarins, shaping, lift