(image from www.nikkei.co.jp)
– Liquid Foundation (SPF 18, PA++)
– Pressed Powder (case and puff sold separately)
– Color Powder N
Impress currently features a skincare and a base makeup line, and the prices reflect the top-end status. The Impress Emulsion (in the skincare line) costs 12600 JPY (about 118 USD) and the Powder Foundation refill costs 9450 JPY (about 89 USD). The Liquid Foundation above also costs 12600 JPY.
The recent introduction of Impress IC, a sub-line of Impress, seems to have attracted more press interest in Japan than the launch of Impress a couple of years ago. Impress IC currently has two skincare ranges, Revitalizing and White, and the White range also features a makeup base and a powder foundation.
IC stands for Intensive Care. In usual marketing practices, the name would suggest an even higher price-point, but it is not the case here. Impress IC products are up to half the prices of the Impress equivalents
and they are similarly priced to products from Lunasol. (The Impress IC White Powder Foundation refill costs 4725 JPY (about 44 USD), which is only slightly more expensive than a refill of Lunasol’s Skin Fusing Powder Foudation (4200 JPY, about 39 USD)). They are still quite pricey but are a lot more affordable than those from the main Impress line.(Perhaps more surprisingly, the Impress Powder Foundation case (3150 JPY, about 30 USD) is three times more expensive than the Impress IC White Powder Foundation case.)
As far as I know, Impress is available in Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. (Please let me know if it is also available where you are.)
If you are interested in Impress Powder Foundation and Impress IC White Powder Foundation, please check out the review on Autumn Masquerade.
Other upcoming collections from fall 2008:
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
This is good info on the Impress line. I’m going to Honolulu next month and I understand there’s a Kanebo store there. I can’t wait to see what they have!!
The base-make line of Impress will be available in Taiwan this fall, according to my friend who works in Kanebo. Currently, only the skincare line of Impress, and Whittening line of Impress IC can be purchased in Taiwan. :)
Personally I love the cream foundation of Impress because it kept my face from cracking during the winter. However, the price is really way to high. @@
Thanks for the information! PJ!
Hi Jen,
Have a great time in Honolulu! I am not sure if Impress is sold there, but I hope you will be able to see a variety of Kanebo lines. Hopefully there will be some good finds for you.
Thank you for your comment again! :)
Hi Pamela,
You are very welcome.
I am glad that the cream foundation of Impress is working for you. It sounds like a really nourishing foundation for those with dry skin.
One of the disadvantages of not being in Asia is that it is slightly more difficult to remain informed of all the specifics, so thank you for your comment again. :)
PJ,
Impress is available in Bangkok too! :) In Bangkok, almost every Japanese and Western brands are available here as the cosmetics market is doing pretty well. I guess you might already justify this given the availability of Suqqu and RMK in BKK. Examples of relatively hard-to-find brands are Lola, Paul&Joe, Maquillage and Coffret d'Or. Most drugstore brands such as Kate are easy to find too. Not only Japanese brands, many Korean brands are available in Bangkok and they are very popular. Anastasia has just launched their products in Bangkok too. The only brand that I wish we had is Jill Stuart. I bet it would do very well in Bangkok.
I'm still here in NY, trying not to go to Sephora too often. Can't wait to get Coffret d'Or Fall08 in BKK!
Hi Molly,
Great to hear from you again! Hope you are doing well in NYC.
Thank you for letting me know about the Japanese brands available in Thailand. I was aware of SUQQU and RMK, but I didn’t know about the rest. I know that Bangkok is a great place to visit, and now I know one more reason why. :)
Umm…Jill Stuart is only available in Japan and Taiwan at the moment. But I won’t be surprised if it is launched in Thailand, Hong Kong, and Singapore later on.
Thank you very much for posting your comment again! :)
็Hi
Impress is available in Bangkok, Thailand too. The price is 3,300 Thai Baht for the refill and 1,100 Thai Baht for the case.
Personally, I am in love with Japanese makeup more than western brands :)
Hi,
Thank you for letting me know the prices in Thailand!
In terms of makeup, I certainly tend to prefer those from Japanese brands as well. :)
Thank you for your comment! :)
Hi,
Thanks for the great info… How can I order the Impress Line for delivery to the US?
Your help is much appreciated.
Thank you!
Cynthia
Hi Cynthia,
Please have a look at my FAQ page:
http://www.atouchofblusher.com/faq
Thank you very much! :)