KATE 2017 F/W New Products

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

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2017 Spring New Products

From 2 of my favourite Japanese drugstore brands.

Happy 2017 everyone! Hope you all had a good start to the year?

I gave myself a little break from blogging :D Felt like it was necessary because ideas need space and new inspiration to grow, and the best way to do that is to break away from the usual routine and expose myself to something new or different.

Anyway, here are new products from Canmake and Visee that will be released in the upcoming months. Nothing new under the sun really, but as always, it's nice to see something different, yea?

It looks like my favourite brand Kate has nothing new up their sleeves this spring. In fact, there isn't too much new stuff among drugstore brands. Which is why this entry only contains stuff from Canmake and Visee.

CANMAKE | GLOW FLEUR CHEEK (08) | 800 YEN

This limited edition bluish pink/fushia shade sits close to your skin like a cream blush, while the glow powder on the upper left imparts a sheer and glossy finish to places you'd like to high light.

CANMAKE | GEL LINE ARTIST (B02) | 550 YEN

With its silky smooth texture, it glides over your skin easily. Formulated to be waterproof, this eyeliner is budge proof and long wearing!

B02 is a gentle brown.

Release date: February 2017

CANMAKE | CREAM CHEEK (15) | 580 YEN

A cream blush that changes texture according to the type of foundation/base product used. If a dewy foundation is used, the blush will take on a glowy finish. If a matte foundation is used, the blush will take on a powdery soft finish.

15 is an elegant pink.

Release date: February 2017

CANMAKE | STAY ON BALM ROUGE (T01 T02 T03) | 580 YEN

A lip tint that stains your lips, it is hydrating and comfortable while being long lasting.

Release date: April 2017

VISEE | JEMMY RICH EYES | 1200 YEN

With the radiance of diamonds, this eyeshadow quad inspires to add sparkles onto your eyes like crushed jewels.

Available in 5 colours.

Note: Name could be gemmy instead of jemmy. Not sure which is the exact one at the moment.

Release date: February 2017

VISEE | GLOSSY RICH EYES (PU-11) | 1200 YEN

Comes with a creamy and glossy eye base on the upper left, this monochromatic quad and has a wet, glossy look to it.

PU-11 is a modern purple, and bear some semblance to their Winter 2014 limited edition eyeshadow (PU-10).

Release date: February 2017

VISEE | SOFT AND SLIM EYEBROW PENCIL (GY001 BR305)| 800 YEN

Naturally defines the tail of your eyebrow with its 1.7mm soft and ultra fine core. Comes with a spoolie to soften the look.

GY001 is a soft gray, BR305 a dark brown.

Release date: February 2017

VISEE | LASH LONG MANIA (BK001)| 1400 YEN

A film type mascara that can be washed off with warm water, it is formulated with 3 types of fibre for the perfect balance, giving you long and separated lashes. Possibly clump free!

Release date: February 2017

Photo credit: Biteki

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2016 @COSME BEST COSME AWARD (PART 1)

Here we go again~

It's the time of the year again! @cosme has recently released the winners of the Best Cosmetics Award of 2016.

It just seems as though the categories breed new ones after every year. In part 1, I'm sharing the Grand Prize category, Hall of Fame category, and the Best New Buy category.

Case in point, for a product to be eligible in the Best New Buy category, it must be released between May 2016 and end October 2016.

GRAND PRIZE

1ST: ADDICTION | THE EYESHADOW

With more than 90 shades to choose from, you can exercise your creativity. With its strong pigment and long wearing formula, you'll fall in love with it.

2ND: YSL | ROUGE VOLUPE SHINE

3RD: COSME DECORTE | AQ MW FACE POWDER

HALL OF FAME

FANCL | MILD CLEANSING OIL

No more rubbing required! It removes your make up while leaving your skin moisturized.

Past winner (1st place) of the 2014 and 2015 Best Cleanser category.

CUREL | INTENSIVE MOISTURE CREAM

Deeply moisturizing but not sticky!

Past winner (1st place) of the 2015 and 2015 Best Cream category.

HABA | SQUALANE

With a impressive following for the past 3 decades, this oil is a perfect match for your skin as it absorbs very quickly.

Past winner (1st place) of the 2012 Oil/Balm category, and 2015 Best Oil category.

EXCEL | POWDER AND PENCIL EYEBROW EX

Anyone can get their brows on fleek (fuller, beautiful, and perfect) brows with this 3 in 1 pencil.

LANCOME | VIRTUOSE DOLL EYE

Delicate and natural looking lashes that maintains its length and curl.

Past winner (1st place) of the 2012 an 2013 Best Mascara category.

DAISO | SILICON MOISTURIZING FACE MASK

Something you won't regret buying, not only does it work, but also because it only cost a dollar after all!

MTG | REFA CARAT

Relax and tone your body (and face) with this deep massage.

Past winner (1st place) of the Best Beauty Appliance category.

LAURIER | SHIAWASE SUHADA F

Better absorbance and gentle on your skin, it can take away the discomfort during your shark week!

Past winner (1st place) of the 2014 Best Sanitary Napkin category, and 2015 Best Sanitary Product category.

BEST NEW BUY

MAKE UP

MAQUILLAGE | ESSENCE GEL ROUGE

How to get a pillowy pout? With this lip gel that is infused with moisturizing ingredients and essence of course!

BASE MAKEUP/FOUNDATION

ALBION | SMART SKIN VERY RARE

With a souffle texture, this foundation gives you a natural and airy finish.

SKIN CARE

NIVEA | RICH CARE AND COLOR LIP

Moisturizes your lips with a translucent pop of colour and a sheer gloss.

HAIR CARE

LOREAL PARIS | EXTRADORDINARY OIL LA CREME LAVANTE CLEANSING CREAM (MOISTURIZING)

A one step cleansing and conditioning product that leaves your hair and scalp clean and conditioned.

BODY CARE

ATRIX | HAND MILK

Apply to your wet hands and wash it off, it'll leave your hands supple and soft.

FRAGRANCE

DIOR | MISS DIOR ABSOLUTELY BLOOMING

A blend of bright and fresh floral scents.

SOFLAN | QUEEN'S SILK BRILLIANT ROSE AROMA SOFTENER

This turns your clothes and fabrics into a rose scented silky veil.

If you're impatient and wants to look at the entire list of rankings, you can visit their global site for the ranking here!

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VISEE 2016 Autumn New Products

Sheer is in!

Visee is release two brand new products this fall, both emphasizing becoming of age as a woman. It's a small collection!

The keyword for this collection is probably sheer and translucent, since both products is designed to achieve that effect for a more subtle and mature look.

Both products will be released on 21st August in Japan.

FOGGY ON CHEEKS | 1500 YEN

A pigmented blush that has a sheer and soft finish, it can be built up for a more vivid colour. The baked blush will gently hug your skin for a natural look. Formulated with emollients to keep your skin hydrated and supple.

Available in 5 colours.

GLOSSY LIP JELLY | 1300 YEN

A gloss that adds dimension and shape to your lips, it goes on smooth without the stickiness one would commonly associate with lip glosses. Formulated with squalane for moisture, it acts like a lip balm to keep your lips pouty all day long. The colours are designed to blend into your original lip colour to enhance your natural beauty.

Available in 8 colours.

Ending Notes

I quite like the direction Visee is going - translucent. It just gives off an air of effortless beauty. Strong colours might sometimes come off as trying too hard, or makeup mishaps. Giving your skin the ability to shine through means others still get to see your natural beauty, enhanced and not covered.

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New Canmake Products!

This is mildly exciting!

Canmake don't usually release a themed collection, and this time it's the same. It's a handful of random products, some are new, some are just new colour additions to the existing line.

That's not to say it's not exciting though! I don't really care too much about having an over arching theme, neither do I look for an over arching connection between all the new products. As long as the products are awesome, you got my attention.

This fall, Canmake is releasing mostly lip products.

LIP TINT JAM | 650 YEN

A clear lip tint that develops color over time. The longer you wear, the stronger the stain. Available in three colours (03 is limited edition).

It differs from their popular LIP TINT SYRUP - the packaging is a clear plastic instead of an opaque one. Other than that I'm not too sure about its consistency since I can't find any description of it on the internet. But it should be a little more firm than the syrup? Since it's called a jam?

LIP AND CHEEK GEL | 600 YEN

Melts on the skin to impart a natural colour for the healthy glow. Can be used on the lips as well, making it convenient to achieve colour harmony on the face.

This is a new colour, but Maquia didn't publish the colour code of this. It's too new and even the Canmake official site haven't been updated yet. 

YOU LIPS ONLY BALM | 650 YEN

A colour changing lip balm that adjusts to your moisture level. Formulated with an SPF of 15 and PA++ to protect your delicate lips from UV rays.

It's a balm form of the YOUR LIPS ONLY GLOSS! It might be up your alley if you want something less glossy!

VOLUME LIP LADY GLOSS | 700 YEN

A honey like gloss, volume up your lips with this lip gloss that can functions both as a bottom and top coat. Also formulated with and SPF of 15, PA ++.

From the swatch it looks a little pearlescent? Either way, Canmake make awesome lip glosses and I can personally attest to that.

Image credit: Maquia

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