A tonne of new products from Kate this fall!

I've been entertaining my family the past week, then spending another week to recover from the loss of sleep. After not checking beauty news for a while, imagine how overwhelmed I am when I saw SO MANY new products being released by Kate!

I counted 15 new products, not including the different colour variations. Some of them are completely new, some are additional colours, while some are reformulation of existing product lines (but given a new name, so technically new, but theoretically not). If you think about it, nothing is really new anymore, as that would require a brand new innovation that has never been seen before. So, let's just take the word "new" at face value.

1. BROWN SHADE EYES N | 1200 YEN

With the addition of a "Bronzer" shade, the new Brown Shade Eyes N sets itself apart from the original Brown Shade Eyes that comes without the extra pearly shade. The Bronzer shade is supposed to add more dimension to the eyes when used in harmony with the fake shade powder to create a strong contrast between light and shadow.

It comes in 6 colour variations.

Click to enlarge!

2. SMOOTH EYELINER PENCIL | 800 YEN

With its new and improved formula, this eyeliner pencil is smoother than ever!

Available in 1 shade:
BK (Soft black)

3. SOFT BLACK LINER | 800 YEN

A new natural black eyeliner that is super sharp and long wearing, yet it can be easily removed by warm water.

Available in 1 shade:
BK (Soft black)

4. SECRET SKIN CC BASE ZERO SPF30 PA++ | 1000 YEN

This new shade EX-2 is a light green that can colour correct any redness to create a more even out skin tone that looks brighter. The product also covers pores, smooths your skin, and enhances your original skin tone with the addition of "Beauty Up Pearl" ingredient.

Available in 2 shades:
EX-1 (Pink Beige)
EX-2 (Light Green)

5. WATER IN OIL BB SPF 20 PA++| 1400 YEN

A BB cream that covers, primes, moisturizes, protects you from UV rays, it seeks to minimize your foundation routine into a one step process. Its lightweight formula is designed to smooth out pores, leaving you with glowy and healthy looking skin.

Available in 3 shades:
01 BRIGHT
02 NATURAL
04 DARK

6. STICK CONCEALER A | 800 YEN

A concealer formulated to cover acne marks, spots, and freckles.

Available in 2 shades:
LIGHT BEIGE
NATURAL BEIGE

7. FACE POWDER A | 1200 YEN

This loose powder creates smooth porcelain-like skin. Comes with puff.

Available in 2 variations:
NATURAL TYPE
GLOW TYPE

8. SLIM CREATE POWDER N | 1300 YEN

A shading and highlighting combo for contouring purposes.

Available in 2 shades:
01 NATURAL TYPE
02 GLOW TYPE

9. 3D CONTRASTING CHEEKS | 1500 YEN

A glossy highlighter combined with a pigmented blush, allowing you to easily create sharp cheek bones and lift your face. Comes with a 2 way brush that can be transformed from a small condensed brush to a wider brush.

Available in 4 shades.

10. 3D PART DESIGN | 1200 YEN

A highlight and contour combo, this is a convenient and easy to use product that allows you to sculpt your features to get more definition. The sponge tip applicator dips into the highlight/shading powder that is within the cap, making it travel friendly.

Available in 2 shades:
EX-1 (PINK WHITE + DARK BEIGE, natural type)
EX-2 (GOLD BEIGE + DEEP BROWN, deep type)

11. CC LIP CREAM N | 400 YEN

A clear lip cream that moisturizes and also add a tinge of colour. It also colour corrects, acts as a gloss, can be used as a lipstick base, and provides UV protection (SPF 8 PA+)

Available in 3 shades:
01 BEAT RED
04 ORANGE BURST
07 GRACE PINK

12. CC LIP CREAM N (TINT) | 400 YEN

A lip balm that changes from light pink to dark pink once you apply it onto your lips. Also has the same capabilities as the lip cream above.

Available in 1 shade:
06 MODE PINK

13. CC LIP OIL | 920 YEN

A new product never seen before, the CC Lip Oil is a coloured lip oil that moisturizes, colour-corrects, plumps, acts as a lip gloss, and can also be used as a lipstick base. 5 in 1!

Available in 3 shades:
01 RED SPICE
02 TRANS PINK
03 SHEER YELLOW

14. CC LIP & CHEEK CREAM N | 700 YEN

As with other products in the CC line, it has 5 functions - moisturizing, colour correcting, can be used as blusher, or as a lipstick base, and has SPF protection. Formulated with moisturizing ingredients such as olive oil, almond oil, jojoba seed oil, and sunflower seed oil, this product can be used on the lips and cheeks as the name suggests.

Available in 2 shades:
01 GLOW RED
02 CLASSY PINK

15. COLOR HIGHVISION ROUGE | 1200 YEN

A matte lipstick with high pigmentation in just one swipe, it contains moisturizing ingredients such as almond oil, jojoba oil, and olive oil.

Available in 10 shades

Click to enlarge!

Ending Notes:
Phew! That was quite a lot of products right!? What interested me the most is the light green SECRET SKIN CC BASE ZERO and the matte COLOR HIGHVISION ROUGE. Previously, only higher end Japanese brands made colour correcting primers, so having a drugstore option is a nice move. Also, as Japanese lipstick trend tend to favour glossy finishes, it really excites me (a matte finish lover) that Kate is being one of the first few to venture into the matte arena. All of my matte lip products are western brands not because I particularly like them, but because I just can't find any affordable Japanese alternatives! Now.. will Kate release more nude and berry shades in the future? I'm looking forward to this product line.

With the success of the Brown Shade Eyes when it was released a few years ago, this newer version is like.. lackluster. I imagine this scene taking place in Kate HQ.

Marketing team (M): We need something new to market!
Product development team (P): But the Brown Shade Eyes is perfect as it is!
M: Yes we understand, but the public likes new things!
P: Ok, how about.. we add 1 new blase shade into the palette?
M: Good idea!!!! We can sell it as a "Bronzer" shade that adds dimension! Just make it pearly.

Guys, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. The Brown Shade Eyes is loved for its simplicity and impeccable formula that rivals that of higher end brands. People loved it for its buttery smooth formula and high pigmentation. The three shades creates a beautiful gradation that even makeup beginners can easily master. Why complicate things??? I rather they add more colour variations, like greyish brown.

With that said, you can never please all. Just my 2 cents.

Image credits:
@cosme, biteki, Kate

New eyeshadows!

I'm a little (2 months *cough*) late on this :P Visee have released two new products this season: a brand new (or not?) eyeshadow line, and a new mascara.

It's not much, but it's something!

Introducing, the GEMMY RICH EYES, and LASH LONG MANIA.

VISEE | GEMMY RICH EYES | 1200 YEN

Formulated with "Gemmy pearl" ingredients to create the iridescence of gems fragments. The top left and bottom right shades are pearly and clings onto the skin well, while the bottom left shade blends like a silky cream to add depth to the eyes. The top right shade creates a translucent veil of shimmer, perfect for topping it on the center of the lids without making the eyes look frosty or metallic.

As per other Visee eyeshadows, these are infused with moisturizing ingreients like hyaluronic acid and mineral oil.

Click to enlarge!

Available in 5 shades.

VISEE | LASH LONG MANIA | 1400 YEN

A film type mascara designed to lengthen, curl, and separate your lashes in just one swipe. It has three types of fibres in order to achieve length in one swipe, and "Real Black Powder" to create intense, dark lashes. Formulated with lash care ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane, It's also easily removeable with warm water.

Ending thought:
The eye shadow is reminiscent of KATE's diamond eyes from many years ago. That transparent but pearly/shimmery/glittery shade (top right) that adds dimension very naturally, because it only reflects light when it is hit by light at certain angles. Unlike highlighting with an opaque, lighter shade to forcefully lift that area up regardless of lighting, I much prefer enhancing the eyes while still abiding by the laws of nature.


Hopefully, this has a better formulation than KATE, because I remember the diamond shade was rather scratchy and hard to pick up from the pan.

Sure, it's not a look for everyone, but definitely for those who likes subtlety.

As for the mascara, I just realize the "MANIA" line of their mascara are all film type mascaras that can be removed with warm water.

A little late on the news!

Happy lunar new year! I spent the last weekend at my grandmother's place, which explains the lack of post last week.

Kate's new products were released on 1 February in Japan, so I'm actually late to the party. I just found out today so I quickly did this entry up. I remember lamenting the little sadness last time when there were no news of new Spring products from Kate. It's wasted feelings because Kate did have something planned!

It's a small collection, but I'm always excited to see what's new!

METAL GLAMOUR EYES | 1700 YEN

Kate's new eyeshadow is here to give you the ability to create glamourous eyes and control just how much shine you want.



The eyeshadow quad consist of 3 main shades that creates the perfect gradient effect for a naturally pleasing look, and an additional 2 shades as the finishing touch. The metallic/pearlescent shade contrasts the darker colours to create dimensions, allowing you to create more refined features.

That the official fluff anyway. The eye shadow quad reminds me of their older eyeshadow palette, the COLORCIOUS DIAMOND. Except the new one have only 1 glittery/mirror finish shade as opposed to the 2 glittery shades in colourcious diamond. The additional of a metallic medium (they call it their dark metallic) colour is new.

CLICK TO ENLARGE!

Available in 6 shades.

Over on their official site they went one step further to show you how to achieve certain effects with the metallic and glitter shades. Funny they used a caucasian eye shape to showcase it because most of its target consumers probably do not have that specific eye shape. Then again, it's just for illustration purpose, so I understand :) Also, I'm not one to complain about having more reference photo to take a look at their finish. It appears the metallic shade isn't THAT metallic.

SUPER SHARP LINER EX | 1100 YEN

The new Super Sharp Liner EX promises to be easy to use, bleed proof, sweat/water/sebum resistant, yet easily removeable. The jet black eyeliner has a glossy finish, brand new faceted packaging, and ultra fine pen tip (that's developed together with pentel, then pen maker).

The new product packaging is supposed to help with application. By holding it on its grooves, you can pivot the eye liner properly to easily fill in the gaps between your lashes (NOT the water line). The result is bigger eyes and fuller looking lashes.

I've owned one of their eyeliner from the super sharp series before, and I won't say it's my favourite eyeliner. I'm not sure if this would be the same formula as before. Regardless, the new packaging is BEAUTIFUL.

GLAMOUROUS LASH | 1400 YEN

The new volumizing mascara comes with a primer (fiber volume base), and a black mascara. This film type mascara can be washed off by warm water.

COLOUR ENAMEL GLOSS | 450 YEN

The sheer lip gloss has high shine like glossy enamel, adding more definition to your pout. Formulated with moisturizing ingredients such as almond oil, jojoba oil, and olive oil, it keep your baby lips kissable at all times (do wipe away that gloss before kissing though).

CLICK TO ENLARGE!

Available in 6 shades.

Ending thought:
After owing so much makeup, I'm really more of a spectator than a player on the field now.
Seeing what they have to offer is like entertainment to me. Kate rehash their eyeshadows every few season because how else are you going to keep people entertained if you don't release old products in new packages?
I think the beauty sphere is pretty much saturated by now, so new and innovative products will be far and little.
But I do have to give it to Kate for having awesome packaging.
The faceted stuff always gets to me! URGH!

Spoiler alert: no pumpkin spice in this entry.

Fall has officially begun! Not that it really makes that much of a difference in Singapore since the temperature is still high, but if you're in a temperate region where the humidity falls, you might find this entry useful.

I was looking through the list of new foundations about to be released in Japan, and I picked out a few that stood out because of their hydrating capability. Perfect for the dryer weather, right?

IF the price is listed in USD, that means it's available in the US as well (according to what I found on google!).

GIVENCHY | TEINT COUTURE CUSHION PORTABLE FLUID FOUNDATION | USD 50

A fluid foundation with medium coverage, it can be built up if more coverage is needed. The end result is a hydrated and lightweight finish, perfect for the dryer fall weather.

Different from all the other cushion compacts, the metal plate keeps the foundation from being exposed to air.

Japan release date: 2 September 2016

IOPE | AIR CUSHION NATURAL GLOW | USD 42

Formulated with electrolytes for instant hydration. You can reapply this throughout the day without it caking up. The new honey comb sponge increases the bounciness of the sponge, making application convenient and easy for everyone.

Japan release date: 9 September 2016

LOREAL | LUCENT MAGIQUE CUSHION PORCELAIN | 3200 YEN

This new cushion has a "double net technology" that refines the texture of the foundation, giving rise to an airy finish that prevents caking. Compare to the older cushion compact, this has a higher coverage.

Japan release date: 21 October 2016

GIORGIO ARMANI | DESIGNER SHAPING CREAM FOUNDATION | USD 65

Silky, smooth, transparent and supple skin. A cream foundation that fits like second skin. Long gone are the days when cream formulas are slick and thick!

This appears to be a reformulation (as the packaging looks different from the past). The release date is for Japan. I can't find it on the Sephora website so I have no idea when it'll be available in the US.

Japan release date: 14 September 2016

BOBBI BROWN | SKIN NOURISHING GLOW FOUNDATION | 8400 YEN

Formulated with marine extract to deliver a bursh of hydration and luminous finish for the glowy look. Even though it's rich and moisturizing, it's lightweight and doesn't burden the skin.

This appears to be available in Asian markets only! Oops!

Japan release date: 2 September 2016 

Another beautiful collection!

Etude House has launched their new PINK SKULL collection this September! Wanna look lovely and cute? Or do you prefer a cool and funky look? Now you can achieve both looks easily with this collection.



This is a small collection consisting of products for eyes (eyeshadow, mascara), face (blush), lips (lipstick), body (perfume), and nails (nail polish). Quite comprehensive, I'd say!

From now till 29 September 2016, you can get 10% off all products from this series! I've linked them up to the etude house website for you already! Prices listed here in this entry is BEFORE discount.

PINK SKULL COLOR EYES | USD 22.80

Available in two variations, each set comes with 9 eyeshadows with finishes ranging from matte to shimmery.

01 is more yellowish and lighter in colour, while 02 is more pinkish and darker in colour.

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PINK SKULL CURL FIX MASCARA | USD14.40

This water and sebum resistant formula will make sure your lashes stay curled the entire day!

Available in two shades.

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PINK SKULL CURL FIX MASCARA LONG LASH | USD14.40

The mascara wand is designed to deposit the mascara in such a way that it lengthens your lashes, while holding its curl for 24 hours. Also water and sebum resistant.

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PINK SKULL CREAM BLUSHER | USD 11.10

Achieve a natural and healthy looking face with their moisturizing cream blusher, available in two shades.

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PINK SKULL TWIN SHOT LIPS TINT | USD 14.40

Spice up the tinted mousse with a pearly shot colour! Avalable in two shades.

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PINK SKULL COLORFUL SCENT EAU DE PERFUME | USD 27.60

This scent is going to be cute and alluring at the same time. It's top note consist of raspberry, grape and pear, giving off a refreshing scent before mellowing into its rose, muguet and freesia middle notes. It's vanilla, sandalwood and musk base notes adds warmth to the scent. 

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PINK SKULL PLAY NAIL | USD 3.90

Get pretty and cute nails with this 5 new shades of nail polish!

Two of them are glittery (#1 and #2). #3 and #4 appears to have micro-glitter, and #5 has a cream finish.

Ending thoughts:

I really love the colour combination of the eyeshadow palette this time round (especially 02). They look really pretty in the pan, but I do not know if the colour translates as well when put on skin. They look kinda meh in the swatches don't you think? The reddish and deeper tones chosen for this palette makes me wanna huddle up on my imaginary reading chair, left hand holding a glass of red wine while my right hand is trying to flip the pages of my imaginary book next to a dimly lit table lamp.

Everything seems better in my imagination :P

That aside, the black glittery nail polish IS TO DIE FOR!!! Its name translates to "universe-like black", which seems appropriate! If only glitter polish isn't such a PITA to remove.. Also, knowing what the perfume is made of seriously makes me want to give it a whiff. It does sound like something I'll like! Fruity, sweet and invading, before dying down to something inviting. 

As in, "please come near me and sniff me" kind of inviting. *smirk*