KATE Kanebo 2011 Eye Shadow CQ and JC in Singapore!

KATE Kanebo has released their new range of eyeshadows in Singapore! I was making a major haul when I spotted the new display.

The new display on the top shelve at Watsons



KATE Kanebo Eye Shadow CQ


For the Eye Shadow CQ, I wonder if CQ stands for Crystal Quartz. I only manage to swatch the BR-2 palette (bottom right corner palette) out of the 5 palettes. For more color codes of the rest and how to use them, do click on the link above.

KATE Kanebo Eye Shadow CQ in BR-2, swatch arrangement
according to palette layout

The eyeshadows are pretty fine but the main characteristic of KATE's eyeshadows is that they feel smooth and soft on skin. The above swatch is done with one swipe. Generally, the 3 shades on the right is used to create gradation of your eye-look. Use them for all-over and contouring just as usual. The super shimmery strip on the left, in fact I think it looks like fine diamond dust, can be use over your completed eye-look to jazz up the shine factor. It can be also applied at the inner tear duct area and lightly along the lower lash eye to "liven" up your eyes.

Pigmentation is good in terms of creating the classic, sophiscated yet subtle Japanese eye-looks. These are not to be compared with eyeshadows from brands like Urban Decay, NYX, MAC and etc, they have their own unique traits different from the Japanese brands. I have to highlight, staying-power is weak, please use a primer. Do test them for yourself and go walk around the mall, you'll realise how quickly it fades off leaving a light coat of noticable super-fine glitter.

Along with the Eye Shadow CQ are the Eye Shadow JC, I wonder if JC stands for Jelly Crystal. It's not exactly a jelly but more of a solid-gel consistency. There's eight of them in total and for this range I swatched them all.


KATE Kanebo Eye Shadow JC (left to right):
BR-1, BR-2, GD-1, GY-1



KATE Kanebo Eye Shadow JC swatched indoors,
each swiped once (left to right):
BR-1, BR-2, GD-1, GY-1

KATE Kanebo Eye Shadow JC (left to right):
GN-1, PU-1, PK-1, WT-1

KATE Kanebo Eye Shadow JC swatched indoors,
each swiped once (left to right):
GN-1, PU-1, PK-1, WT-1

KATE Kanebo Eye Shadow JC swatched indoors,
each swiped twice (left to right):
GN-1, PU-1, PK-1, WT-1

Comparing these Eye Shadow JCs, BR-1, BR-2 and GD-1 are the most pigmented. GN-1and PU-1 medium in pigmentation. Last in the list are GY-1, PK-1 and WT-1. Base on my personal opinion, these gel shadows will not last if applied alone. I strongly suggest wearing them over a primer, apply it over eyeshadow to add some luster shine or under powder eyeshadow as a base.

I did not purchase any as I made a huge cosmetic haul recently (still on their way, slowly shipping to me) and I have some similar products in my collection. However that does not mean I will not get some in the future... Hope my entry here did help you in some ways. Do drop by Watsons to test them out if you are interested. Until the my next entry, stay radiant and happy!