KANEBO’S ‘EXCEPTIONAL’ APPROACH TO CLARITY
With everything in high definition and requiring instant validation in this superconnected day and age, what it means to be beautiful has changed, often into unrealistic, unattainable standards, but Japanese luxury skincare brand Kanebo is going against the current.
Kanebo’s newest premier line The Exceptional is a reinforcement of the brand’s values. It does not promise to take away what your mama gave you. Instead, it reinfuses you with what is found in Mother Nature’s bounty, in its most pure and potent form, to repair the damages of modern living so you can be your best self.
Distributed by Kanefil Globe Enterprises Corporation in the Philippines, with a loyal following since it arrived in Rustan’s counters in the ’80s, Kanebo’s approach — not giving in to trends and hype — has stood the test of time.
For one, despite whitening associations with Japanese skincare and its popularity in both the Japanese and Philippine markets, “Kanebo never had a whitening product,” says Kanefil president John See during the intimate product launch. Instead, they have Blanchir, which is about brightening sunspots and blemishes. “Evenness of healthy skin is more important. It is bright because it is reflective of light.” Instead, The Exceptional promises clarity. “Clarity doesn’t just pertain to the brightness or whiteness of the skin. There are six aspects that need to be addressed to achieve supreme clarity of the skin: Moisture, radiance, brightness, texture, smoothness, and firmness,” says marketing manager Robby da Silva.
Kanebo’s proprietary Clear Botanical Complex addresses all six with its combination of pear juice ferment filtrate, watercress extract, aqua glucoside, and geranium robertianum extract and is present in all three products in The Exceptional line: The Lotion, The Emulsion, and the star product, The Cream.
It works three ways. Light Reflection Technology refines the surface of the skin. When skin is smooth, it is able to reflect light better. Next is Shadows Away Treatment, the shadow being the one cast by dark circles and large pores. This is where mallow flower, fibroblast, and methylserine come in. Mallow flower promotes decorensyn thesis, when the integrity of collagen’s outer bonds are strengthened to better seal it in. Fibroblast stimulates the production of collagen elastin and hyaluronic acid, both responsible for the bouncy quality found in healthy skin. Methylserine is a Kanebo exclusive ingredient that improves the quality of the existing collagen by healing it where it’s damaged.
Third is Complexion Control, which prevents dullness by suppressing keratin glycation, reducing redness, and promoting skin renewal. Glycation is part of the aging process when the collagen turns yellow as it becomes damaged. It is caused by sugar and protein, and geranium extract separates the sugar and protein from the collagen.
But why The Exceptional will live up to its name goes beyond its ingredients. “Kanebo has a holistic approach to beauty that is ‘clear and beyond.’ It refers to the mind,” says Robby. “In The Exceptional launch in Pattaya, they introduced it with the western concept of ‘You’re more beautiful when you’re in love.’ They then asked the different markets present if we have a version of this, and we all do. Ours is ‘Blooming ka! In love ka
ba?’ When you’re happy, your brain releases the happy hormone oxytocin. This collection mimics that effect by offering a pleasant sensory experience,” elaborates Robby, “starting visually from the packaging to the scent called The Eternity Bouquet, to the texture and richness of the product.”
The Eternity Bouquet combines the tea base notes of Teatopia, a Kanebo original scent, with yuzu, a blue alpine flower Meconopsys, and a special musk for an uplifting fragrance that works like aromatherapy.
Training director Floe Tapayan recommends starting with The Lotion. “You press it on your skin to warm it and maximize absorption,” she says. Beauty photographer and Kanebo brand ambassador Sara Black adds, “I don’t use cotton. I use it straight with my hands.” I do the same, also pressing it on my neck and the back of my hands. The Lotion delivers a cooling sensation upon contact and leaves a velvety feel on the skin. The Lotion is followed by The Emulsion to seal in the moisture. Floe recommends using the two during daytime followed by sunscreen and repeating it at night, switching sunscreen with the star product, The Cream, best saved for uninterrupted absorption at night. For Kanebo users, this potent anti-aging cream replaces Granmula.
The Cream comes with a tiny spatula and its own cradle, which you use to scoop the product. Never use your fingers to scoop up product from a jar or you risk contaminating it and compromising the quality of the ingredients. The spatula size is also the appropriate amount per use. At P60,000 for 40 ml, entrepreneur and guest Toni Abad estimates each jar to be worth two years of use. “You know when they say to apply the cream with your fingers? It’s wrong! You massage it with your palms because of the warmth that aids absorption,” says Floe. “The prior steps also aid the absorption of the cream.”
The Exceptional is a complete skincare routine in only three steps. Floe recommends taking the time to touch and massage the skin: your face, neck and décolletage, and the back of the hands. Observe its condition and take note of what it needs. She says, “This is how skincare can address the needs of the mind.”
The morning after I first tried the trio, my skin glowed. Three days in, I feel my skin has become suppler with increased hydration. The product is not exactly weightless. It leaves a thin, luminous veil, like a shield. I appreciate it even more when going from a dry, air-conditioned space into the hot and humid streets. My skin doesn’t get as red as it used to. Applying it also feels like a treat. I am more compelled to take the time to massage and pat, recharging my senses for the day ahead. At night, it’s about resetting my disposition, leaving behind the worries of the day.
Kanebo is available at Rustan’s The Beauty Source. Follow /kanebo-philippines on Facebook, @kaneboph on Twitter, and @kaneboph on Instagram for updates.