Kate eye shadow palettes: hit or miss?
Before I put in my 2 cents, let’s look at what Kate says about the palettes that will be featured here:
Courtesy of Kate’s website:
A 5 shade eye shadow palette that gives you deep beautiful eyes with a refined gradation
8 types
Creating highly refined eyes with 3 gradation shades of brown and dark and light eyebrow colors
4 types
Now, my opinion:
Gradical Eyes A collection is permanent whereas the Brown Collection is limited edition. From the Brown Collection, the colour I got was BR-4. The other colour that attracted me was BR-2 but it was already sold out. There are 8 shades to choose from Gradical Eyes A and I bought the 2 more colourful ones – blue and purple (New addition to the collection). The others lean neutral and I’m not a huge fan of pink eye colours just because the colour does not complement my skin tone.
Below are the pictures and swatches:
|
| Brown collection BR-4 |
|
| swatches – left 3 are eyeshadows, the 2 on the right are brow colours |
I chose BR-4 because the colours are not too sparkly, more neutral and the brow colours suit me more. I also use the lighter brow colour for my crease because it’s matte and well, it works perfectly fine. I also use the darker brow shade to line my bottom lashes. Who says brow colours are exclusively for brows? Meh! =D
|
| Gradical Eyes BU-1 |
The white on the far right is not swatched. It is a cream base for the shadows, which I find still crease and does not last long. So, I use my Urban Decay Primer Potion.
|
| swatches BU-1 |
|
| Gradical Eyes PU-1 |
|
| swatches PU-1 |
Overall, the colour payoff was amazing, very pigmented, especially Japanese eyeshadows are known for its sheerer texture. All of them are glittery and shimmery, as expected, and they also blend well. One thing I find is I have to pick up the colours with a very light hand, because they are a little powdery with some fall out. I also have to be careful when blending because too much will just take away the colour, literally. To help the colours stick better, I find it best with a better quality primer or a cream shadow base.
These palettes are made to be affordable as Kanebo targets a younger audience. If you didn’t already know, Kate is Kanebo’s subsidiary. Personally, when it comes to eye shadows or blushes, I like experimenting with colours from different brands but in the end, I do go back to my staples.
These palettes are small and very handy when travelling. If you’re looking for something that’ll last you the whole day, this might not be it.
xoxo
Lily
I have an old gradational Kate palette – one of their first ones. The quality is amazing for the price
I haven't tried their new palettes though, because they don't interest me much but I did hear complaints that they haven't been very stable with their quality. Pity really. I hope they buck up 
Hey Paris, I think the Brown collection is the best of the 3. Less fallout and the colours are great for day. I agree with you though – the quality isn't very consistent. Sigh… too bad!
thanks lily for the lovely daylight pics on these kate palettes. thinking of getting pu one as my first jap. e/s.
Hi Madie,
Glad to be of help!