Japanese Cosmetics Filled with Wisdom for Beautiful Skin

Makanai Cosmetics was created by the women working in the "makanai" (staff-only kitchen and workshop) of Yoshitaka Gold Leaf Honpo, a long-established gold leaf maker in Kanazawa founded in 1899. They developed these products to protect their skin from harsh working conditions involving high heat and dryness. The products, made with natural ingredients that are gentle on the skin and resistant to damage, embody a century of trial and error in the pursuit of beautiful skin.

The brand was featured as the main cosmetics brand at the exhibition "LE JAPON RIVE GAUCHE" held at Le Bon Marché last autumn. Its popularity led to frequent sell-outs, and inquiries for repeat purchases continued even after the event concluded. This overwhelming response prompted the decision for a formal introduction.

The Frozen Konjac Sponge, Praised by Parisian Women

The "Frozen Konjac Sponge" expands to about 1.5 times its size when soaked in warm or cold water, becoming soft and pliable. Simply by gently massaging it over the face, the mannan component from the natural konjac (made from konjac potatoes grown in Gunma Prefecture) gently removes fine vellus hair and dead skin cells, leaving the skin smooth. In France, where edible konjac itself is not widely known, the sponge sparked curiosity with questions like, "How do you use it on your face?" Parisians were delighted by the smooth, supple feel of their skin after use!

The "Exquisite Recipe Hand Cream" was born from the "aku" (lees) – ingredients like persimmon tannin and chicken egg – that the women in the gold leaf maker's "makanai" used to soak their hands in. Made from food-grade main ingredients, it's safe to use even right before cooking or eating. In France, where the climate is drier than Japan, hand cream is a year-round necessity. Its texture, which moisturizes without being sticky and absorbs like water, has been a huge hit.

The "Gold Leaf Sheet Tsuruhada Mask," a Makanai-style pack, brightens the complexion and reduces the appearance of dullness and dark spots when massaged into the skin. Parisians are captivated by the idea of using gold flakes in skincare, finding it "rich and special!" They are amazed by how this special care, utilizing Japanese traditional gold leaf, protects the skin from France's harsh dryness and enhances its radiance.

Other products, such as the "Lip Balm," which protects lips from environmental aggressors like dryness and sun exposure using abundant natural ingredients like shea butter and jojoba oil, will also be introduced sequentially.

Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche (PARIS)
(Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche)
24, rue de Sèvres 75007 Paris FRANCE
Tel. +33 (0) 1 44 39 80 00
Opening Hours | Mon-Wed & Sat 10:00-20:00, Thu & Fri 10:00-21:00 *Closed Sundays

Makanai Cosmetics
https://e-makanai.com/