(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/milano-collection)
A few days ago, I came across this blog post, which discusses the differences among the three versions of the face powder from Kanebo’s Milano Collection (Kanebo, Kanebo Twany and Kanebo Impress). Since I am often asked about this annual limited-edition collection for the holiday season, I thought I’d also talk about these three versions (particularly the three versions of the face powder from the upcoming Milano Collection 2015).
(The information in this post is mainly from the blog post mentioned above, the Kanebo website, and my readers’ and my own observations and experiences.)
– Kanebo Milano Collection (pictured above)
I refer to this as the standard version. This version is sold in drugstores in Japan and it is not available in department stores. As you would expect from many of the products available in Japanese drugstores, discounts (up to about 30%) may be available with this version. It may also be available a few months after the holiday period.
The face powder from Kanebo Milano Collection 2015, to be released in Japan in December, contains 24g of powder (SPF 14, PA++) and is priced at ¥12000. It features cherry blossom extract and royal jelly.
Refills are not available with this version.
– Kanebo Twany Milano Collection
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/twany)
Carrying skincare, base makeup and point makeup items, Twany is a beauty line under Kanebo that is available mainly in beauty specialty stores in Japan, and therefore the Kanebo Twany Milano Collection is sold in these stores and not in department stores or drugstores. (The Kanebo Twany website has a full list of retail points in Japan). Discounts are not usually available with this version.
The face powder from Kanebo Twany Milano Collection 2015, out in Japan on December 16th, contains 30g of powder (SPF 14, PA++, 25% more than the standard version) and is priced at ¥12000. A set with one extra refill (Twany Milano Collection 2015 Set, ¥20000) is available.
The Twany 2015 version has a different formulation. In addition to cherry blossom extract and royal jelly, it contains what Twany calls “Botanical Essence“. It is claimed to increase the skin-protecting and moisturizing efficacy of the powder.
The Twany 2015 version features the line’s “T” logo on the lid of the case.
(This is the version I talked about earlier. Somehow the case in the photo from the source does not have the “T” logo on the lid.)
3. Kanebo Impress Milano Collection
(image from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/impress)
Impress is a skincare and base makeup line under Kanebo that is available in department stores in Japan. (It is sold at the Kanebo counters, where you can also find Lunasol.) Starting from 2013 (with Kanebo Impress Milano Collection 2014), Impress started to carry its own Milano Collection. Discounts are not usually available with this version.
The face powder from Kanebo Impress Milano Collection 2015 has the same size, refill option and prices as those of the Twany 2015 version mentioned above. It contains 30g of powder (SPF 14, PA++) and is priced at ¥12000. A set with one extra refill (Impress Milano Collection 2015 Set, ¥20000) is available.
It will be released in Japan on December 3rd, about two weeks earlier than the release date of the Twany 2015 version.
The Impress 2015 version also has a different formulation. In addition to cherry blossom extract and royal jelly, it contains Complex BR, which is exclusive to the Impress line. Featuring Damask rose water, lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle) extract, lactobacillus and soymilk fermented liquid, it is claimed to have moisturizing and (according to cosmetics-medical.com) antioxidant properties. (According to Paula Begoun’s Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary, lonicera japonica has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties while lactobacillus has anti-inflammatory efficacy.)
The Impress 2015 version features “Impress” on the lid of the case.
According to the blog post mentioned above, there are differences among the performances of the three 2014 versions of the face powder. It appears that the standard Kanebo version is the least hydrating but has the best oil-control efficacy. The Twany version is more hydrating and suits those with drier skin types. The Impress version is also more hydrating than the standard Kanebo version and has the best lasting power among the three. These differences may or may not appear in the upcoming 2015 versions, but it is safe to presume that they will.
If you simply want the powder (as a one-off purchase to add to your collection) and don’t particularly mind which version you are getting (or if you need a setting powder with more oil-control efficacy), then the standard Kanebo version (with a possible discount) could be a good choice. If you have tried the powder and plan to be a regular user, it might be worth trying the different versions to see which one works the best for you (and remember to consider the refill option if you decide to stick with the Twany or the Impress version).
Generally, the Milano Collection is a pre-order-only collection. For the face powder, the pre-ordering period is usually between June and September and the release date is in December. Even though it is possible to purchase the face powder (especially the standard Kanebo version) during and after the holiday period without pre-ordering it, my advice would still be to find a way to pre-order it (especially if you want a particular version).
The Milano Collection is celebrating its 25th anniversary with its 2015 edition, and it seems to be more popular than ever. I haven’t tried the face powder but I am a little tempted. In recent years, the powder case alternates between the compact case (Milano Collection 2009, 2011 and 2013) and the dresser-top case (Milano Collection 2010, 2012 and 2014). I prefer the dresser-top case so I am looking forward to Milano Collection 2016.
Related posts:
Kanebo Milano Collection 2014 Body Fresh Powder for Spring/Summer 2014
Coffret d’Or Gran Launch Collection for Fall/Winter 2013 & Spring/Summer 2014 Base Makeup Collection
Cosme Decorte Marcel Wanders Collection 2014 for Holiday 2014
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi, with the case of standard kanebo milano will it fit if i refill using the either twany or impress refill powder ? Thanks
Hi,
That is a good question! I didn’t really think about this mainly because neither Twany nor Impress carries refills separately, but of course some people might want to put one version of the refill into a case from another version from another year.
I had a look on-line for relevant information, and it appears that the refills from the three versions have the same diameter. (It seems that the Twany and Impress refills are slightly thicker than the Kanebo refills and that their cases are slightly thicker than the Kanebo cases as well.)
I hope it helps, and thank you very much for your question! :)