Rejoice J-Beauty Fans: Kanebo Opens Their First Flagship Store at Mitsukoshi BGC!
Japanese luxury brand Kanebo is not new to the Philippine beauty scene; I remember writing about the brand's skincare and makeup products here in PV back in 2016. They're available at Rustan's Makati, Shangri-La, and Cebu, and these past few years, also online at the Rustan's website, Lazada, and Zalora. Now you can add BGC as the newest location to get your favorite Kanebo products!
In Season: Our top picks from Kanebo's all-new Autumn/Winter Collection
Despite having known it for a while now, I still can't get over how Kanebo is over a hundred years old! Our editor Liz has even toured the Kanebo and Kao Museum, which traces the brand's history to its roots as a textile production company in 1887! The secret to the Japanese heritage brand's longevity lies in its ability to combine traditions that are known to work and trends that excite. For autumn of 2017, Kanebo is releasing a huge collection in the Philippines once more. And what's extra exciting is that it will beef up the local selection, as they only entered the Philippines in 2011!
First Look: Kate Tokyo drops a new line with foundation and eye makeup
I first learned about Kanebo from my mom way back when I was grade school. Watching her use it as I grew up, it was also the brand I sought when I started buying my own makeup. The price was out of range for my student budget though so I gravitated towards the more affordable Kate Tokyo (it was simply known as "Kate" then). Kate Tokyo doesn’t get as much attention as other Kanebo brands like Lunasol and Impress but it's like Kanebo’s chic, trendier sister! It offers the same high quality expected of a Japanese heritage brand but at a price that's on the pocket. This season, Kate Tokyo is releasing some new products and improving on their existing ones as well. Let's explore!
A Bright Solution: How the Freshel Whitening Gel fixed my flaky, dull skin
For the skincare-obsessed there are, shall we say, rites of passage: first active, first “luxury” product, first “exotic” ingredient, and, perhaps as a result of all those other firsts, first time you over-exfoliate. Despite having been warned by several PV articles and every last K-beauty blog I could find, that “first” recently happened to me: my oily, naturally “chok-chok” skin became dry as a bone almost overnight, causing my cheeks to flake and my skin (which is naturally as white and pale as paper) to look dull and almost…is it possible for skin to look brittle?
Our top five picks from Kanebo's Spring/Summer 2017 Collection
Kanebo is an 80-year old Japanese heritage brand that has been faithful in upholding its traditions while using the latest innovations to create modern, meaningful beauty products. You can expect the best of both worlds from this brand in terms of keeping what works, and looking toward the future.
Recently, it introduced the Kanebo Chrono Beauty concept, which focuses on grouping skincare items according to certain needs.
KATE Mineral Liquid Foundation
Morning, guys. Today we have a pretty guest blogger to review an interesting liquid foundation. Say hi to Tracie, and don't forget to read her blog, Tracie the Diva!
We all know that mineral foundation is healthier for our skin, especially for problematic skin. Without the harsh chemicals, the skin could benefit from fewer breakouts. But the annoying thing about mineral make-up is the mess since it’s usually in loose powder form. It takes more effort in applying the make-up and cleaning up your dresser.
I think Kanebo has heard the woes of MMU users and created the KATE Mineral Liquid Foundation (P900). Though they are not the first to release mineral foundation in liquid form, so far it is one of the best I’ve tried!
Texture. As most liquid foundations are applied with either a sponge or a brush because most are thick and getting it even on the skin is a challenge, the texture of this liquid foundation is light but not runny so you can use your fingers to blend it out when you’re in a hurry.
KATE Eye Shadow CQ in BR-1
I don't know what the Japanese put in their eyeshadows, but whatever it is, it's dope. It doesn't even matter if the brand is low or high-end - the eyeshadows are usually smooth and highly pigmented. You'll remember my review of the KATE Blendzone eyeshadow and how impressed I was with it. The new eyeshadow, the KATE Eye Shadow CQ (P960) is no less impressive.
Same as Blendzone, CQ is highly pigmented, creamy, long-lasting, well-milled - everything I'm looking for in a quality eyeshadow. The shades in this palette are all lovely and work great with my skintone.
Kanebo Kate Gel Eyeliner
The Kanebo Kate Gel Eyeliner (P660) has a sort of quiet yet esteemed rep among makeup enthusiasts here in Asia. You see, I've been hearing about this product for years as a great cheap substitute to the famous (and expensive) MAC Fluidline. So is it true?
Well, yes.
What I love about the product
- Extremely creamy to the point of being liquid. This makes the product easy to maneuver as it glides effortlessly on the lids without tugging.
- Applies as a true matte black in one swipe. No need to layer.
- Waterproof and stays put all day. There is a teeny bit of smudging, but it's not bothersome.
Kanebo Kate Mineral Powder Foundation
One of my most fervent dreams is having an affordable mineral foundation that's actually in pressed powder form. Imagine all the benefits of mineral makeup - all in a travel-friendly compact! No more messy loose powder that sticks everywhere and needs a special brush to use. So when I got my hands on the Kanebo Kate Mineral Powder Foundation (P900) I was hoping for a winner.
The newest foundation from Kate delivers well in terms of finish, texture, and reasonable price point. I love how it looks like on me and the convenience of being able to use the compact anywhere, but then there is one major caveat: my skin (stubborn as it is) does not like it.
What I love about the product
- Smooth, flawless finish. The coverage is light to medium and doesn't get cakey when you build it up.
- The texture of the powder is finely milled and soft. Feels like powders from luxury brands!
Answered: Requests for comparison
I love good questions. I love asking them, more so when it comes to answering them! Some insightful readers asked two cool questions: the first is, how does the Kate Blendzone Eyeshadow duos compare to the Majolica Majorca palettes? Second, how does the Revlon lipstick in Siren compare to Revlon Coral Berry?
Japanese drugstore cosmetics, from what I've tried so far, seem to be at par with more expensive American and European brands. These two eyeshadow palettes from Majolica Majorca and Kanebo Kate are proof. But when it comes down to a choice, which one should you blow your money on?
