Kanebo Spring 2017

Nobody does soft and elegant shades better than the Japanese, and spring is truly the season for such looks.  I was surprised to find a navy blue eyeshadow palette amongst a sea of pinks and pretty pastels, and curious to see how a nautical themed look might work out for spring!

For Spring 2017, Kanebo has released several additions to its blooming collection of makeup and skincare.  The line was recently relaunched last Winter [see here] with an impressively extensive range, and this season’s offerings did not disappoint.

There are a few color makeup additions to the line, and I have 1 (of 2 new and permanent shades) eyeshadow palette and 2 (of 6) lipsticks from a brand new formula to show you today.

Kanebo Selection Colors Eyeshadow 04 Refreshing Blue is a quintet comprising of a rather quirky brown-blue color story.  Traditionally, we would expect to find blues paired with pale pinks or even champagne shades, so I found this pairing to be quite refreshing indeed.

The shades, from left to right, are:

• Bottom left of palette – light beige with a satin finish
• Top left of palette – light mint turqouise with a touch of silver micro-shimmers.  This shade has some sheerness to it, though buildable (shown here are 3-4 swipes), and is best worn layered over either the white to show up true to pan, or the dark navy for a more complex blue.
• Middle of palette – matte white
• Top right of palette – medium-light taupe brown with a satin finish and a mix of light pink and champagne micro-shimmers
• Bottom right of palette – dark navy blue with a satin finish and some violet and light blue micro-shimmers

I was surprised to find that the beige and brown taupe went beautifully with the blues!  For this eye look, I started by applying the light beige all over my lid as a base color, and followed by laying on the medium shimmery taupe on the inner half of my lid.  Next, I used an angled brush to line the outer lash line with the dark navy, winging out and blending upwards into the crease.  Then I patted the light shimmering turqouise over the navy, using it to blend into the taupe.  Finished by lining the lower lash line with the navy, and dabbed a little white into the inner corner.

This season, Kanebo has released a new Wearing Keep Rouge lipstick formula.  These are incredibly smooth and balm-like, with a sheer wash of color.  They last incredibly well on my lips, keeping my lips feeling moisturised and happy all day long.  There are 6 shades to choose from, and the 2 here are 02 Warm Coral (top) and 04 Flores Pink (bottom).  And here are the swatches:

Apart from the color makeup, Kanebo has also released 2 new base makeup products…

Kanebo Light Glow Primer comes in a sleek tube with a pointed nozzle that allows quick and efficient application.  The primer itself is a light fluid with a pearlescent micro shimmery touch, that leaves the skin looking luminous and slightly dewy.  I really liked the effect on my dry skin, and I feel that it is perfect for adding a bit of glow after a long cold winter.  It doesn’t leave my skin looking oily, although those with oily skin may find this lacking in oil control.

Kanebo Dual Radiance Foundation is an interesting new powder foundation that features 2 shades within the same pan, that are meant to be used swirled together.  The powder is developed with 2 types of particles – a Soft Proof Powder ensures a silky smooth texture and Luster Fit Powder gives depth and radiance.

**Click to enlarge and zoom

In the before and after shot above, I  had already applied the Kanebo Light Glow Primer all over my face.  Thereafter, I applied the Kanebo Dual Radiance Foundation on the right side of my face.  Without applying additional concealer, you can see the Dual Radiance Foundation was able to effectively mask my dark undereye and some of the redness around my nose.  If you click to enlarge and zoom, you would be able to see the powder is extremely skin-like, does not leave any tell-tale “powdery” signs, nor cling to any dryness on my face.  To be honest, I found this comparison results to be rather surprising because as I was applying it, the Dual Radiance Foundation felt so airy and light that I didn’t feel as if I was layering anything on my skin.  It wore well throughout the day, and even when my natural oils started seeping through in the later part of the afternoon, it mingled well with the powder for a natural, healthy shine.

And here is a full makeup look featuring all of the items discussed today.  On the lips, I am wearing the new Wearing Keep Rouge 04 Flores Pink.

Have you tried any of the new Kanebo makeup yet?

_{This post featured products that were generously provided for my consideration.  Regardless, all opinions expressed here are my own honest, unbiased views.}