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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 11, 2013

    How I Brighten Under My Eyes


    Hallo!

    I thought it is timely to do an entry on how I 'conceal' my undereyes.... I don't have dark eye circles...but I do have some dullness under my eyes, as we do..when I am sleep deprived, and I look less than awake than usual.  I have recently gotten the very 'good' habit of actually putting the effort to do some undereye work.  

    This is just what I do for myself, and I am giving my thoughts on the products I will be using in this entry.  Hopefully this will be helpful to those who are looking for products in this category of makeup. 

    Here are the ingredients I need: 

    Undereye Setting Powders - I have two in my stash, one is a neutral shade, and one is slightly pinky. 
    I find that these powders are super fine, and contain micro-super tiny shimmer bits that brighten up under the eyes.  I use either one depending on my mood for the day.  I usually use a large fluffy eyeshadow brush to do the job.  Pick up the powder, tap excess into the cap, and then buff it lightly under my eyes. 

    Highly recommend both, though I think the Laura Mercier one would be more easily available.  The Benefit powderflage might be long discontinued already.  Anyway these powders are going to last me forever, so I am not worried about running out. 

    Did I mention the names of these products?

    Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder
    Benefit Powderflage 


    I also need to use some kind of a cream/ liquid highlighter.  My faves are the YSL Touche Eclat highlighter pens.  They give me enough coverage wthout feeling like an actual concealer, and subtly brightens up my undereye areas.  If you have more serious dark eye circles, you might want cover that first, and move on to this highlighter pen.   

    I use a mixture of 01 and 02, because one is a pinky shade, and one is a beigy shade.  I use both to brighten and neutralise any dullness at the same time.   The formula is lightweight, and feels so nice on the skin. 

    Sorry they look kind of gunky, but hey, I use them everyday, that's why. 


    These are the brushes I talked about earlier.  I don't have a particular fave, but I usually use this MAC 224, and a Ecotools large brush...I also have several other large fluffy brushes...but as long as they are fluffy enough, they serve the purpose.  


    Further tips & tricks 

    I only do this whole little routine AFTER my bb cream and/or foundation.  This means you use less product on concealing/ brightening as the area would have been evened out by the base products already.  The less product you use, the better. 

    I also make sure that I moisturise under my eyes very well.  I use a creamy eye cream even in the day time... so the skin under my eyes is always well hydrated, and no fine lines will form and no product will settle into the lines. 

    Here are the steps - which are super easy, and I am sure many of you do the same too. 

    1 - slap on the YSL Touche Eclat I just draw quick strokes of both 01 and 02 under my eyes. 


    2 - use my fingertips to blend, I find this is the most gentle way to deal with the sensitive area. 


    This is how it looks like blended. 


    Pick up powder, and tap off the excess.  Make sure brush is properly loaded up with the powder. 


    Softly and lightly blend and buff under the eyes over the area where the Touche Eclat was applied. 

    and done!  

    This routine is very long lasting, and stays on pretty well. 

    I hope this has been helpful and if you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below!

    Thanks for reading!

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    May 08, 2012

    Haul: Laura Mercier Base Products [Photos, Swatches & Quick Review]

    Hi hi!

    This has been a haul entry which has been sitting in my drafts for several weeks.  Since end of March.. I think - when Laura Mercier first launched at Sephora.  I happened to be there, and I kind of needed to spend some $$ to get the next $40 voucher (you know how they suck you in like this) and this explains the purchase.   In any case, base products are things that I would use the most often, so it wasn't difficult to pick out a few items and try out some stuff which have been raved,and I need to try out for myself.

    I bought 3 items, a liquid foundation, a cream concealer palette and lastly a eyeshadow base thing. I have been using these products pretty often the past month (of April, fyi) so I can also give you some of my quick thoughts, and whether I would recommend them.

    Firstly, we have the oil-free supreme foundation - I got myself the shade Blush Ivory which is pretty much a perfect matching shade for me. To be honest, I chose this foundation because I thought it was the cheapest among their foundations (certainly cheaper compared to their famous creme foundation) but it prolly turned out to be only $4 or $5 cheaper.  I wasn't paying attention to the price tags, and just grab what I though was a $52 foundation.  (I think it cost $68). Anyway...the price is not even important.  The price points of Laura Mercier at Sephora is very comparable to US prices, so you aren't really paying rip-off prices - and that's the most important thing you need to know.

    My thoughts:

    While the shade is a good match for me, I couldn't help but think that it oxidises ever so slightly on me.  I was at the gym the other day, and I thought that my face look a little dull-ish (note: not worn off) in the late afternoon.  Now this could be due to the hot afternoons, sweaty days, but I have used many foundation combinations that look as fresh and light without any oxidisation throughout the day.  When you spend most afternoons running away on the treadmill - with the mirror in front of you, you get plenty of time to scrutinise your foundation!

    I usually compensate the slight oxidisation by using a brightening primer, such as the Shiseido White Lucent Spot Target control (pink), or a pale BB cream (such as the Rachel K light cc cream, etc).

    The finish of the foundation is semi-matte, and lasts a decent amount of time on me (8 hours at least). It is great as an everyday foundation - nothing really stands out pow wow to me.  The texture is very liquidy (not watery), reminding me of some of the Bourjois foundations. If you want a good basic foundation, this is great - you can build up coverage as required. It doesn't look cakey at all.

    I usually set it with Laura Mercier translucent loose powder, or La Mer powder. If you have existing HG foundation(s), I think it is safe to give this a miss, and go straight for the silkcreme foundation instead since that's really their most highly raved foundation.  I do like it but it's not something I will be raving about unlike other foundations I have reviewed before.

    Photos and details of the Oil Free Foundation:

    Next, I purchased the Secret Camouflage concealer in SC-03:

    This is quite a star product from Laura Mericer.  It comes with two shades in each palette, and for  mine -  one is a pale peachy nude, while the other one contains a more beigy tone. I got this after seeing Lisa Eldridge using it in many of her videos, and a few of my friends swear by this product too.

    I only use this for spot concealing.  The texture is quite thick, but it applies rather smoothy on the skin.  I don't know if it is just my item, but the concealer is extremely 'solid' and doesn't seem to 'melt' creamier despite the heat of our weather.  Because of this, I find that it is much better to pick up the product with a brush (since my fingertip can't seem to pick up enough product) and use the brush to apply the concealer precisely on the spot.  Then I use my finger to lightly dab to blend in with rest of the face.  It gives good enough coverage for most of my spots.  I just wish  that it is (or maybe just mine) is creamier in consistency.

    Overall, it is a decent product, and if you are looking for this type of concealer, you won't be disappointed.  It isn't my holy grail concealer though (my cle de peau stick concealer still takes the HG spot).  I believe the price is also quite reasonable ($46 I think) for the amount of product you are getting, and the fact that the compact is sturdy and comes with a mirror is an added bonus.

    Lastly, we have the Eye Basics in Flax - I think it comes in 4 or 5 shades, all neutral ones like this, I think there is a Wheat, and can't remember the rest.  This is the second lightest shade.  I use this like an eyeshadow primer.

    The texture is very light and smooth, and a little goes a long way.  It blends right into the skintone on my lids, and I am sure you might have noticed this product listed in most of my recent LOTDs.  Even on days when I don't use eyeshadows, I slap this on my eyelids, to even out the color, and add just the tiniest bit of sheen on my lids- kind of look fresher.  It also prevents the weird crease line you get from applying foundation all over your face. I would like to get a couple of other colors, but I doubt I would be running out of this anytime soon.  Currently, I am rotating between this, my NARS eyeshadow primer and MUFE primer for eyeshadows.

    Here are swatches of all 3 products in different lighting/ indoor shade (natural daylight)

    Overall, when I think Laura Mercier, I think good dependable base products and great eyeshadows - it's more like my kind of 'Bobbi Brown' if you know what I mean.  The next product  I am likely to try from LM might be one of her blushes, as I have been seeing quite a few raves online.  It's good that LM is now readily available, and you can swatch and play to your heart's content at Sephora.

     

    I hope this has been helpful, and thank you for reading.

     

     

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    April 10, 2012

    Benefit PowderFlage Concealer

    Hi!

    I ordered Benefit PowderFlage powder concealer directly from the benefit website sometime back through my friend, and I have been using it almost everyday for the past 3 weeks.  To be honest, it is not something which I would immediately think of using, because it is quite an extra step in my routine.  But I must say, I have been enjoying it each time I used it under my eyes.  The effects are not very tangible, because it is just a very light weightless powder which you use just for under the eyes to set any product you have there.

    I don't use the tiny fan brush that comes with the powder, but rather my own fluffy eyeshadow brush.

    I usually use this powder after I have blended some concealer type of product under my eyes - normally a pale highlighting type of cream product.  I find that this powder is so fine and light, it doesn't settle into any lines, and gives a very very subtle lifting highlight effect.  It blends into my relatively light skintone quite well, so I didn't notice any ashy "white patches" under my eyes.  I used this even when I am using a powder compact foundation as I don't apply foundation directly under my eyes in case of any cake-y-ness.

    I would recommend this product to those who likes to brighten their undereye area..though I think that if you are already using some kind of ultra-fine loose powder, you probably won't need to run out to go and buy this.  I am a little curious to see how this compares to Bare Minerals' Well-Rested - which is another powder concealer for undereye area too (except it seems to be a more warm toned powder).

    product description:

    Virtually weightless diffusing powder concealer camouflages fine lines and dark circles. It's fast, easy, lite and breezy! Since it does not absorb water it not only camouflages, but is a famous setting powder for the under eyes or face. Wear alone or apply over cream concealer to help it last longer. Accompanying "flager" brush applies exactly the right amount of silky pink powder. Includes step-by-step lesson.

     

    Photos and swatches:

    eh pink patch on my hand is residue from a earlier lipstick swatch, in case anyone is wondering

    some examples of brushes I use with the PowderFlage

    INGLOT 4SS, 6SS

    MAC 225

    Coastal Scents Deluxe Crease Brush (didn't know I have 3 of them in my stash!)

    Hakuhodo S142 (SOFTEST most LUXE brush to use for under the eyes!)

     

    That's all, and hope this has been helpful.

     

    Thank you for reading.

     

     

     

     

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    March 31, 2012

    Haul: Laura Mercier Launches at Sephora

    On Thursay, I met Sarah & Joey for a dinner chit-chat catching up, and we met at Sephora, and none of us walked out empty handed.  Firstly, we were all poring over the Laura Mercier display, swatching and oohhhing over the products.   Probably half an hour later, we were all a little sheepish, and discussed our purchases over dinner.

    If you have seen my instagram feed, none of these is new to you, of course.

    I bought 3 items, all base products - and now I have a complete routine using Laura Mercier products.   (speaking of which, I have a series of brand specific base routines & reviews coming up, Lancome Teint Miracle, Guerlain, DiorSnow, and lastly Laura Mercier).

    The color makeup products look really yummy too, but I can't justify buying one more eyeshadow or one more blusher.  We were all very happy to know that the LM prices at Sephora are extremely comparable to the US prices, and way lower than the LM prices at True Colors!!  For example, I was told, the secret camou concealer palette retails for over $70 at True Colors, but I only paid $46 for mine at Sephora.  Besides everything at Sephora is FRESH stock, they didn't come out of funky smelling drawers at True Colors.

    I will do swatches together with my routine & review in a later entry.  I wish they brought in the nail polish range though.  But the range of products they have is quite comprehensive, including 3 skincare items & makeup brushes.

     

    But I bought:

    1. Secret Camouflage Concealer SC-3  - $46

    2. Oil Free Supreme Foundation Blush Ivory - $68 (I think so.  It was so easy to find my shade!)

    3. Eye Basics in Flax $35 - kind of like an eyeshadow primer

     

    and I already have the existing LM products to complete the foundation routine:

    Translucent Loose Powder (retails for about $58 here I think)

    Travel sized Tinted Moisturise (Bought in US)

     

    a few pictures of the display

    their Shimmer Bloc which looks like the BB Shimmerbricks

     

    Have you checked out the Laura Mercier products yet?

     

     

    That's all, and thanks for looking!

     

     

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    January 18, 2012

    LOTD & UK Swap Goodies

    Last week, I received a package that made me very very happy!  In the last week of Dec, Jennifer and I agreed to do a swap, she is based in UK, and wanted to try out BB creams, and so I suggested that I could send her a bunch of BB creams and other Asian goodies to try out while she could pick whatever she thinks I would love to try out from the UK (I did request for a few Barry M pencils which my youngest sis LOVES and the Collection2000 concealer which EVERYONE seems to rave about), and well, I am beyond happy to receive more than those and especially stuff which we can't have yet here in Singapore.

    In this entry, I will give a quick overview of the goodies I got, and in subsequent separate entries, I will show you swatches and applications close up pictures.  I am also showing a quick LOTD using most of these items, except for the nail polish and Barry M liners.

    Nails Inc. Base coat & Quick Dry Topcoat

    Soap & Glory products:

    - Off Your Face cleansing clothes

    - Love at First Blush

    - Super Fabu Lipstick

    Major EXCITED!!  Soap & Glory makeup products!!!!!

    Collection2000 liquid foundation & concealers

    Jennifer and I are about the same shade in our bases, so it was easy for her to pick something that matches me.

    Here is my LOTD,

    using the Collection2000 liquid foundation, the concealer under my eyes and on my spots (I set it with my Ettusais Loose Powder)

    the Soap & Glory blush and lipstick,

    Chanel's Epatant

     

    Stay tuned for swatches and more photos coming up next!

     

     

    Thanks for looking!

     

     

     

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    November 14, 2011

    Review: Clé de Peau Silky Cream Foundation & Concealer

    Hi hi

    This is my review of the two main Clé de Peau products which I had the chance to try out.  I will do a separate entry comparing the Clé de Peau lipsticks soon enough.  I have been using the Silky Cream Foundation for about three weeks, and started using the concealer for more than a week.

    I have previously posted an overview entry consisting of product information, and swatches of almost all the foundation & concealer shades in this entry HERE, so do check that out.  (link)

    I have also posted many FOTD pics on my instagram feed, so do follow me on instagram for regular updates of stuff which I am in the process of trying out.  (my instagram name makeup_blogette).

    I also did a Clé de Peau combination of base products in this recent LOTD HERE, so you can also see how it looks like. (link)

    Ok, with all that out of the way, let's look at the two products up close:

    [Silky Cream Foundation, 25ml S$189]

    [Concealer, 5g S$105]

    Packaging

    [Foundation]

    The foundation is housed in the form of a slim tube, very nondescript and very good when you want to just have it in your makeup bag if you need to do your makeup on the go.  No heavy glass bottle, no glass jar container like my two other cream foundations -- the Lancome Teint Miracle cream & Cosme Decorte cream foundation. It is very similar to that of a BB cream, actually.   I also appreciate how the 'spout' of the tube is a skinny thing, so you never really squeeze out too much product - less wastage, more money saved, given the high price-point of this foundation.

    [Concealer]

    The concealer is packaged like a lipstick, in a very sturdy metal casing. It looks super sleek, rather in contrast to the plastic tube of the foundation.  I never apply the concealer straight from the tube onto my face though.  I usually dab my finger on the concealer or use a brush to pick up product.  Again, the product is slim, there is no chance of any spillage and breakage if you put this inside your makeup bag.  Just don't mistake it for a nude lipstick.  :)

     

     

    Formula/ Texture/ Consistency/ Finish

    [Foundation]

    The silky cream foundation is, as the name suggests, SILKY... while it is a cream product, it doesn't feel heavy at all.   I do feel that for this foundation -- a little goes a long way.  I have used it with the Cle de Peau pore minimising primer, I used it with various BB creams as a base, and the results are similar.  You do get a very smooth and even-ed out appearance even before any usage of concealer.  The coverage is light to medium depending on how much you use, and what method you apply it with.  Inititally I use my fingers to warm up the product and blended into my face.  I have also used synthetic buffing brushes to blend and buff this product into my face.  When using a brush, make sure you really buff, and not use too much product, otherwise streaks will appear, and the foundation will look too heavy.  You are less likely to make these boo-boos if you have your fingers.  Personally I am fine with both, having worked with this product for several weeks, I kind of know how to manipulate and play around with the texture to get the most perfect finish for my face.

    There is also a slight scent to this product, it smells a little floral, just like the rest of the Clé de Peau skincare products. The scent doesn't linger on your face after you are done with your makeup.  It didn't break me out in the weeks which I used this foundation.  The foundation is able to last me the whole day without any fading nor oxidisation (whole day means a good 10 hours).  I do get oily after 3 - 4 hours.

    [Concealer]

    The concealer is one of the very best I have tried in a while.  Prior to this concealer, I was using my Shu Uemura pro-gel cealer which is a cream concealer in a pot.  That was a concealer that truly lasted and has maximum coverage for the spots which I wanted to concealer.  It took me a longer while to actually open and try the Clé de Peau concealer because I was not sure of my expectations for it.  I do know that many people have swore by  this as their HG concealer.  I am not sure if you can see in the pictures below, you can see how SMOOTH the concealer is.  It blends seamlessly into my skin.  And that's how it works on my face.  It feels like a buttery smooth full coverage concealer, and it doesn't move and slip about.  It stays put and lasts the whole day I have my makeup on.  I have also tried using just a tiny bit to concealer my undereyes... which works fine too, but I really prefer to use concealers on spots.

    Comparing this to my Shu Uemura pro-gel cealer, I would say that the Clé de Peau concealer has BETTER TEXTURE - I am just blown away by the smoothness, and the finish... but my Shu Uemura one just has that tiny bit more coverage.

    Some quick snaps of my face when I am wearing the foundation and concealer.  (This is how I go to work everyday as you know by now.  I don't do much eye makeup at all).  And I have been waking up at 5am to do my makeup everyday, and I usually don't wash my face after a jog in the evening around 7pm.

    2 fridays ago: taken at 6am and taken at around 5pm

    only blotted twice, no powder touch ups

    last week, somewhere in the middle of the day

    Bottom Line?

    [Foundation]

    While the foundation is a great all round performer, I don't think it is really outstanding as compared to other foundations that I have used and liked for the same reasons.  For the price you pay, you won't be disappointed for sure, however, I don't think you will be super duper wow-ed by it too.  I like it, but I am not crazy about it, because I have used other foundations that give me the same results at a lower price point. I do think this is a great foundation for girls with dry skin, it is very soothing and keeps your skin looking soft and supple the whole day.  I have oily skin, and luckily it didn't look 'too much' on me either.    Do give it a try if you are looking into splurging on a decent foundation.

    [Concealer]

    I am a lot more impressed by the concealer.  Would I purchase this for myself?  Yes, definitely.  I think I am addicted to the smoothness and finish of the concealer.  For me, it is totally worth every cent of the $105 price tag.  It doesn't replace my Shu Uemura concealer, but it seriously ranks up THERE as one of my all time fave concealers.    I definitely highly recommend the Clé de Peau concealer.  Do give it a swatch at the counters to see what I mean...

     

    p/s -- How much does my face cost with all these products on?

    Base products - Clé de Peau foundation 189, Clé de Peau concealer 105, La Mer Powder 125 [that's already more than $400!]

    Lips -Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet 44

    Cheeks - Clarins Bronzer 76, Nars Blush 40, MAC Lightscapade 46

    (not counting eye products)

    But I always maintain to be able to fake a flawless canvas without looking made up... that's PRICELESS.  Perhaps nobody cares nor notices how much, but it's good for me to know I kinda look presentable and professional while carrying out my work etc etc.

     

     

    Anyway, I hope you find this entry helpful, and if you have any questions, leave them in the comments below.

     

    Thanks for reading.  :)

     

    Clé de Peau products were given to me for consideration without any obligations for review.  All opinions are my own honest ones.

     

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    October 01, 2011

    Introducing Clé de Peau Base Products [Photos & Swatches]

    On Friday, I had the chance to swatch and play with some of Clé de Peau's (CDP) base makeup.  In this entry, I would share with you some swatches and product information.  I will be showing the application/ review when I have given the products some use.  This is really one of the most exciting product preview I have come across in a while, being a foundation junkie, I have tried my fair share of mid- to high end range of foundations, and I think that CDP is right up there as far as end-high goes.  I have also read great great things about CDP from online reviews and all... so I am quite excited to have the chance to give these products a try.

    I am showcasing three products here:  the foundation, primer and concealer.

    The Silky Cream Foundation is newly improved and formulated for this Fall season.   With a pearlescent finish as lustrous as silk satin, Silky Cream Foundation gides on skin for a dewy radiance.

    This foundation offers a lustrous coverage that gives a smooth and sheer inner glow.  An exquisite radiance is created by diffusing soft light using its new Diffuse Reflection Ultrafine Powder.  The new double moisturising technology offers intense and deep hydration with a unique gel network that breaks down and smoothes evenly over skin.

    Available in eight shades: BF20, I10, O10, O20, O30, B10, B20, B30    --- I am using a O10 (as with most foundations which are numbered in this way)

    My thoughts on swatching the three shades:

    A little goes a long way.  Extremely smooth and creamy.  Excellent coverage.  The differences among the different shades are rather subtle.

     

    Teint de Base is a pre-makeup cream that enhances beautiful foundation finish, while protecting the skin from harmful UV aggressors in the environment.  It contains 22 SPF.

    Available in tendre for lines and fraiche for pores.  ---- I opted for the fraiche, no surprise there.

    Tendre --- Key benefits and ingredients:

    - Olive oil minimizes the appearance of fine lines to create a smooth, supple complexion.
    - Blends smoothly into skin and provides a translucent clarity.
    - Treatment Lucent Powder EX brings out natural radianceRecommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation as an effective sunscreen against UV rays.

    fraiche --- Key benefits and ingredients:
    - Minimizes the appearance of pores to create a dewy-fresh complexion.
    - Oil-absorbing powder minimizes the appearance of pores and shine to create a fresh, matte finish.
    - Blends smoothly into skin and provides a translucent clarity.
    - Treatment Lucent Powder EX brings out natural radiance.

    My thoughts: it feels creamy, blends colorless.  Both feels the same to me though.  No silicone gel type texture.  It feels very moisturising.

    Concealer Stick covers spots and dark circles to create a flawless complexion.  Enhanced with Revitalizing Moisture Complex to lock in moisture and smooth out texture. Blends sublimely to expertly conceal dark circles, spots and imperfections. High-performance powders ensure flawless skin in any light, providing maximum coverage with a smooth, even finish that does not crease.

    I believe this is CDP's best selling/ most popular product of all.  I have heard rave reviews about this concealer.

    It is a very smooth glide on stick concealer, and again, very luxurious and a little goes a long way.  I wouldn't apply this directly from the stick to my skin though.  It would be better to use a brush or dab with your fingertips before patting it onto your skin.

    I am using the shade Ivory - it was that or Beige, but I took out my Shu Uemura pro gel cealer and swatched it next to Ivory, and decided that's the cloest match.

     

    Stay tuned for my review!  Thanks for reading!

     

     

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    August 06, 2011

    Haul: INGLOT Base Products [Photos, Swatches, Impressions]

     

    this entry is probably the last of my Inglot purchase in Vegas.  I have almost forgotten about the items featured here, and let me try to recall,

    There is a cream powder foundation, loose powder, under eye corrector/ concealer, liquid liner, duraline and an eyeshadow base.  I guess these are the base products, if you call it.  I was so carried away by the gorgeous lip glosses, nail polish, eyeshadows I bought, I kinda neglected these.  And I do want to show some in action pictures and give my thoughts on them too.

    I will also give a brief recommendation of stuff which one should check out at Inglot, since I bought almost something from every category of products, in a separate entry.

    First are these two products, for the face --- and being a foundation junkie, I have seen my fair share of good and bad foundations... and personally, I think these two products, are totally NOT worth buying at all.  They aren't expensive (can't remember the prices), but I really don't like the finish of both the foundation and powder.  Maybe I am not applying them right, but it turns out yellowish, and also made my pores look so clogged...and overall, really cakey and icky. The coverage is also very patchy and not enough to cover my problem areas.  I tried this combination a couple of times, and each time I am just really disappointed in the results.

    Some photos and swatches, regardless:

     

    The loose powder is a small travel-sized tub which I thought would be good for me to just test out, and it is quite messy, powder everywhere despite it being sealed up and all.  I didn't think it was very finely milled, and it settled into my pores, instead of soothing them out.

    Next, is the undereye concealer, which is another letdown, it is very runny, and doesn't seem to have much coverage at all.  It isnt a serious problem for me, but if you really need something industrial strength for your undereyes, this is definitely not for you.

    Next, is the Duraline, which I have yet to open and use, but I have heard good stuff about it, so I have high hopes.   It is supposed to make your dried up liner/ cream products 'alive' again, or make a liquid liner out of any eyeshadow or pigments you own, for more intense color payoff too.

     

    This eyeliner looks pretty, but I feel that the black base can be more pigmented, I most likely have to use this over a jet black eyeliner.  But the brush is the soft type, which some people might find hard to work with.  But it looks beautiful when I swatched it, the gold bits are really quite something.  I think maybe it's so new, and that's why the black base is still very 'wet' and not thick enough to be opaque.

    I also bought a eyeshadow base, which is not pictured, it is quite alright, again, nothing very spectacular.   It comes in a pot, and is available in two shades - which are quite dark - so if you are very fair, you might not like it.  It feels very smooth, and goes on and blends very easily.   I might feature and review it in the near future if anyone is interested.

    Here is a quick LOTD I did, using all the products mentioned above, and also some blue (but looks greyish here) and silvery Inglot eyeshadows.  Everything used in this LOTD is all from Inglot.

    Face looks greasy, no?  And I think we can all agree that the eyeshadows are the only wowza feature of this LOTD.  :p


     

     

    I will do an Inglot Hits and Misses entry shortly after this.  Stay tuned.   :)

     

    Thanks for looking.

     

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    May 13, 2010

    Mini Haul! MAC Chromagraphic Pencils

    I bought the MAC Chromagraphic pencils today at Tangs Vivocity.  These retail for S$27 each.  I think that they make great concealer pencils.  Super for just dotting on spots which you want to conceal.  And yes, I confess, I like the raw wooden body of these pencils.  Enough to get them in both shades.  Because  I think that even the darker shade can be used for concealing any spots on my face which are darker.

    Yea, these pencils are perfect for correcting those spots that only I can see.  Great for OCD days.  LOL.  And they are supposedly good for waterline too, but I personally find them too nude/ dark for my skintone, unlike my Illamasque nude pencil which is a lot more pale.

     

    Yup, and today is Day One of my Maquillage stick foundation trial, and those on my twitter might 'heard' my initial rave. This is a picture taken 12 hours after the foundation was applied.  It was very humid today, and I had to deal with a couple of mini crisis, but I kind of like how it wears throughout the day.  Smooth texture, and I only needed to blot my T zone a few times as touching up.

    P/S  Yup, I got the same Paul & Joe tee from Uniqlo which Hazel featured on her blog recently.  The kitties are too cute!

    That's all and thanks for reading.

    Full review this weekend.  Stay tuned.

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    January 15, 2010

    How to Fake Flawless Skin (Foundation Routine & Ramble)

    Hi!

    I might have done such a post before, but anyway, I hope this is helpful to anyone who wants to 'fake' a flawless skin, I certainly don't have perfect skin without any makeup on.  My main problems are pores and blemish spots.  So even if I have to run out of the house in a hurry, I need to dot concealer all over my blemishes, or else they are quite obvious on my fair skin tone. Which is why I avoid the sun, and eating any 'dark' foods such as soya sauce etc (though the latter sounds very old wives tale - but better be safe than sorry), because I don't want any pigmentation due to the scarring...

    Anyway... I have rambled countless times about my search for the perfect foundation, primer, powder etc..... and I think I have recently found the perfect combination, which you are all too familiar with by now... which is this equation here:

    RMK primer + cream foundation + La Mer powder = Flawless Looking Skin

    I did not specify a foundation as I am quite happy with the few I am rotating now (the MUFE Mat Velvet+, Dior Extreme Fit, Shu Uemura Face Architect).

    This is a picture of my bare face (duh).  You can see some spots, redness around the nose, and dark eye rings....but I am not too frantic about concealing under the eyes, because I think too much concealer there makes the whole face look kind of cakey and overdone.  I focus more on concealing the spots in my case.

    I have already applied the RMK creamy base.  In this demo, I am using my Dior Extreme Fit liquid foundation with the Essence of Beauty Brush. I can also blend using my fingers, if I want to.

    The next few pictures is just me blending my foundation.  In the 2nd and 3rd pictures, I also dabbed the brush in MAC Studio Sculpt concealer in NC20 to even out the dark eye rings and around the nose.  You can see by now the blemish spots are not so obvious with the foundation.

    I don't set my face until after everything is done.  After I set my face, I apply blusher.  Sometimes I use a brush for the powder, and sometimes I use the powder puff that comes in the tub.  I haven't been sleeping  much, so the liners under my eyes are quite obvious, but I am not bothered by them... so all the redness, and uneven tone is now balanced out.  I also noticed that all the layers of makeup looks nicer and more set about 30min after the whole makeup is done.  It looks kind of powdery here, but by the time I go out and reach my destination, everything somehow 'gel' together to form a flawless look.

    With flash.. and you can see, the flash does make everything look even more smooth and flawless.

    Just use the right products, and depending on your skin type, you really have to just trial and error.. to see what suits you.... I would say this routine suits oily skin type.... my sister who doesn't have oily skin, and she doesn't have pores issue finds this routine too heavy, and she looks cakey with all the liquid foundation and powder going on.  So what does she focus on, you may ask? She focuses on her uneven skin tone, and her eye bags/ dark eye rings/ lines problems.  So, what works for me here, may not work for you...if you have different skin type.  But I swear, absolutely swear by the RMK base, and La Mer powder.  Loves.

    And if you are blessed with great skin already, I say just use a tinted moisturiser, let your own skin come through, there is something so sexy and real about really having au naturel skin devoid of layers of makeup.  Until I am confident to go 'naked', this routine is what I have to go through....

    Hope this is helpful to you!

    Other foundation related entries:

    Foundation raves (Shu Uemura & RMK)

    Shu Uemura Nobura Application

    Liquid Foundations Overview

    MUFE Mat Velvet+ & Loose Powder Rave

    La Mer The Powder Rave

     

    Dear FTC, apparently I don't need to disclaim myself because I paid for everything single item mentioned here.  However I would be glad to receive free products if they are worth raving about.