Kiko Water Eyeshadow in Shade 218

In my latest Kiko haul post (read it here), I touched on the Kiko Water Eyeshadows but felt it was only fair that I reported back with a full review as the formula is beyond wonderful. An eyeshadow that is just shy of £9 that can double up as a blush/highlighter depending on the shade that you purchase. Here is what you need to know about my new favourite cheek product, yes I said cheek...

Kiko Water Eyeshadow in Shade 218
Kiko Water Eyeshadow in Shade 218
Kiko Water Eyeshadow in Shade 218

Admittedly the packaging of the Kiko Water Eyeshadows is nothing to write home about but the overall design is more than satisfactory. A small, matte black plastic compact that is lightweight and robust - perfect for travel which is only heightened by the addition of the mirror. I rather like that Kiko have forwent any type of applicator in favour of a larger eyeshadow pan.


Online there are 24 shades to choose from, some are forever out of stock, or so it seems; in-store the selection was a little more compact, nine shades if I am recall correctly. I settled on the one shade available that would be suitable in terms of colour for use on both my eyes and cheeks -  Kiko Water Eyeshadow in Shade 218 Grapefruit Pink. Best described Kiko Water Eyeshadow in 218 Grapefruit Pink is a golden tinged, perfect peach come pink, that is of course not world's apart from NARS Orgasm Blush in tone, only far more flattering. Unlike said blush Kiko Water Eyeshadow in 218 does not settle into open pores or fine lines, all the while masquerading as a blush and highlight rolled into one - not too shabby for a £9 eyeshadow huh? I do prefer this as an illuminating blush but will vouch that the warm and somewhat orange tones of this eyeshadow works wonders for my blue eyes - especially if teamed with lashings of black mascara and eye liner.

Kiko Water Eyeshadow in Shade 218
Kiko Water Eyeshadow in Shade 218

As you have probably guessed the formulation of the Kiko Water Eyeshadows are nothing short of heavenly. A silky soft texture, that has a somewhat gelee quality (think of MAC In Extra Dimension Powders and you won't go far wrong), that glides on to the skin delivering not only a dose of cooling colour but also an illuminating quality. Despite the gel like texture they blend out with such ease, providing an almost metallic sheen. Kiko Water Eyeshadows can also be applied wet to up the ante in terms of pigmentation but in my experience it isn't really needed - perhaps more appropriate with a deep shade to create an eye liner? As an eyeshadow, I can happily report it is just as wonderful as when used as a blush: long wearing (with or without a primer), not prone to fading or creasing and a joy to blend out. In a word faultless.

I think it is safe to say that I am a huge fan and can't wait to pick up a few of the lighter shades to use as highlighters, if and when they come back in stock. If you purchase one Kiko product in the coming months let it be a Kiko Water Eyeshadow!

 Kiko Water Eyeshadows £8.90 each via Kiko - link.