I was down in Singapore over the weekend when I stumbled on the brand Sana in a Sasa store. I had read about this Japanese brand before but had never seen it in person so I was quite taken in by the pretty cherry blossom packaging.
Out of curiousity, I picked up 3 items. 2 of them, a liquid foundation and a foundation brush and mixing palette set was from the Sana Maiko-Han series. This series of cosmetics was developed by Sana in collaboration with Ichimame-san a Maiko (geisha) of Kamishichi-ken Ichi Kyoto, Japan. I suppose its based on the products that the geishas actually use.
I was primarily interested in the Maiko-Han foundation brush and mixing palette set (S$29.90). The foundation brush is very short which fits nicely in the hand, and the brush is super soft but dense and firm with a wide flat brush head. I’d never used anything but fingers to apply my foundation before, and I was quite taken by this brush so I ended up getting it. The foundation (S$33.90) I got out of curiousity.
The foundation brush comes with a set of 5 gorgeous laminated cardboard mixing palettes with lovely Japanese cherry blossom designs on one side. The other side of the cardboard pieces is white. That is the palette on which you are supposed to place your makeup base or foundation, then blend or spread with the brush then apply on your face.
The other item I got from the Sana range was the Ho Jun Ki cleansing oil (S$19.90) which contains royal jelly and is supposed to have a pore tightening formula.
I’ve got to hand it to the Japanese. Even if the product isn’t all that expensive (Sana is a drugstore brand), their packaging sure looks lush and pretty! Watch out for upcoming reviews on these in the near future.
Tine says
June 9, 2008 at 12:33 pmThe foundation brush and palettes are so pretty! I don’t think I’ll be able to “sampai hati” to use ’em 😛
Nikki says
June 9, 2008 at 12:36 pmwow the packaging indeed is lovely!!! The first time I saw the Face Shop, I already felt their packaging are just too cute!!! And I have to buy them. Imagine if I see this product line? I’ll go crazy! Look at their beautiful foundation brush and their cardboard mixing palettes, sooo cute!!!! I hope they have it in HK! I plan to go there and do Sasa “hopping” ..I want to hear your reviews first though 😀
rinnah says
June 9, 2008 at 3:01 pmWhat pretty, pretty products! Now why can’t all companies place such importance on packaging? I’m sure they’d get a whole lot more customers right off the bat. 🙂
Can’t wait to hear what you think about the products!
prettybeautiful says
June 9, 2008 at 4:30 pmwah this is nice! and the price is quite ok too.
elayne says
June 9, 2008 at 5:56 pmhi sorry to ask but where can u get sana products in malaysia? does sasa have them?
synical says
June 9, 2008 at 6:46 pmWow…those ARE adorable…
Though I already have a foundation brush (Body Shop), but I’d get the set just cos it’s so cute!
The mixing palettes would come in handy too.
Too bad I’m not going down to Singapore anytime soon 🙁
YZ says
June 9, 2008 at 9:56 pmIn answer to Elayne’s question, I’m afraid our local Sasa stores do not carry SANA products 🙁 Malaysian drugstores (ie. pharmacies) & beauty supply stores are sadly understocked & only have a limited range of products. I first came across the Maiko-Han series in Taiwan, but regretably didn’t end up getting anything from the line. Glad to hear that it’s now available in Singapore 😉
Btw did you come across their striped blushers & kabuki brush, PB? Those were released earlier this year, & I’ve heard so many raves about them! 😀
ParisB says
June 10, 2008 at 3:09 pmTine: But I already did hehe…
Nikki: Oh I so love the Sasa in Hong Kong but I prefer Bonjour there! Better choices. I’ll be reviewing these soon.
Rinnah: Yep! All companies should learn from the Japs!
Prettybeautiful: That’s what I thought when I got them.
Elayne: Not in Malaysia unfortunately.
Synical: I’m sure they’ll be still there when you do go down to Singapore next time! I’ll try to find some online sources.
YZ: Yes I saw the striped blushes. Very pretty! I didn’t get any though because I already have too many blushes. I didn’t see the Kabuki brush but I was in a bit of a hurry and didn’t really look.
Nikki says
June 10, 2008 at 3:12 pm*high five* Paris!!! I love Bonjour! I usually stay at the Causeway bay area when I go there then shop til 2am !!!! I love their perfume selection and I love their miniature version of everything! LOL *drools* I am so thinking about it right now! I want to live in HK!!!!