KATE Jewelry Mode Eyes Review & Swatches
KATE Jewelry Mode Eyes Palettes launched a bit ago but I never actually reviewed them. I fear Japanese brands sometimes have repetitive colors in new eyeshadow palettes which somehow I’ve grown out of. I mean I get excited when KATE does a new palette but typically they release that new palette in the same shades over and over again so it starts to feel like the same exact thing to me.
Can’t believe I just said that as I’m all about KATE Eyeshadow but it is true. Lavshuca is guilty of similiar.
KATE is one (only) of Kanebo’s edger brands. It’s marked with a goth-y feel but the actual makeup is very tame and natural. Jewelry Mode Eyes is a simpler palette compared to some of KATE’s normal range of eyeshadow palettes as it contains merely three shades versus five. Honestly, as much as I love a range of shades to play with I find Jewelry Mode Eyes simplifies eyeshadow application which I’m cool with. Especially in the morning when I just don’t have the time or the patience to use five different eyeshadow shades in a single look.
Take a peek!
I only have one of these but they are available in a range of six shades I believe now. One was recently introduced with the Spring 2013 Collection.
The shadows come in a small black plastic case with a dual sided sponge applicator. You have to give Japanese brands props for thinking of everything as their applicator has a regular standard sponge on one side but a longer, thinner sponge on the other that’s used to line with. These little extras are just one of the reason I love Asian makeup.
Inside you’ll find what they call a brilliant color (center color) and one master shade and a liner. The center color is used in your crease with the left hand shade used on your lid and the right one used to line with. The brilliant color has a soft sparkly iridescent finish and a sheerer color pay off so really you’re relying on the liner and master shade to create the most drama here. Colors are soft, easy to blend, and nicely pigmented. These aren’t US drugstore quality, they have a soft, smooth texture that’s very buttery and soft. They have some minor fall out but nothing that’s too bothersome. The texture, pigment, and just overall ease of use qualifies them as far superior to any US drugstore eyeshadow palettes I’ve come across. Japanese eyeshadow just have a beautiful texture that’s very easy to use.
These create a very natural, nude eye look that’s easy to apply with very little know how. I think they prove a little TOO basic at some points especially when you’ve been exposed to KATE’s other palettes which have a few extra shades that take eyeshadow looks up a level or two.
Overall, Jewelry Mode Eyes are quite nice but very simple so if you desire easy to apply eyeshadow this is a win. However, those who like some of KATE’s other palettes made find this one a little lacking and a little too basic. At least that’s how it came across to me. But facts is facts they pack quality at a very inexpensive price tag especially if you can get them for Japanese retail.
I’d suggest adambeauty.com for purchases. He’s very fast to ship, doesn’t charge a ton of shipping ($2 or so per item) to get your items to you, and is very reliable (I’m not affiliated with him but have shopped his store numerous times).