BACK in the day when malls were unheard of in Davao, our family’s go-to place for grocery and department store finds was a one level shopping hub.
At eight years old, I would excitedly accompany my mom to Felcris (Sales branch) while she did her grocery. Before leaving, I would longingly gaze at the endearing Sanrio items on display. The Hello Kitty, My Melody and Little Twin Stars memorabilia perpetually looked oh-so-enticing but, alas, I was not allowed to buy them, save during a few special occasions.
During the unforgettable "I-hit-the-jackpot" moments when receiving these lovable characters as birthday or Christmas gifts, I would carefully and proudly line them up inside my glass cabinet at home with my other precious Sanrio loot.
Now, that I’m in my 40s, imagine my delight when I heard that one of my favorite skin-caring makeup brands, Happy Skin, and Sanrio have collaborated to bring some of our most beloved pop culture icons to life through makeup.
Gift of happiness
“Sanrio brings back childhood memories to adult women. The brand has been present for almost 40 years in the Philippines. So many Filipinas grew up having Hello Kitty, My Melody, and Little Twin Stars as part of their everyday lives”, shares Happy Skin co-founder Rissa Mananquil-Trillo in a press statement.
“There are hundred ways to have Sanrio characters in your life—through stationery, stuffed toys, little accessories and even clothes and bags—and finally now through Happy Skin, Sanrio’s first local cosmetics partner in the Philippines”, Rissa continues.
On the other hand, Happy Skin co-founder Jacqe Yuengtian-Gutierrez enthuses that “just like how Happy Skin spreads happiness through makeup that cares for the skin, Sanrio is also very much founded on the idea of giving gifts that bring the biggest smiles—perfect for the holidays!”
“Sanrio has always believed that a small gift can bring happiness and friendship to people of all ages. It’s the foundation of what they do. “And, happiness is also at the core of the Happy Skin brand!” attests Rissa.
Perfect partnership
Did you know that the Philippines was actually the first country to carry Sanrio products outside Japan? No wonder Filipinos have the longest love affair with Hello Kitty, My Melody and Little Twin Stars which makes this collaboration with Happy Skin the perfect partnership!
“Sanrio has some of the most passionate fans, so we really wanted to do right by these iconic and best-loved characters”, divulges Jacqe.
To achieve this, Happy Skin meticulously studied the personalities of Hello Kitty, My Melody, and Little Twin Stars in great detail. “So what you will see from the products’ packaging to the shade of the makeup to even the names of the shades communicate who they truly are”, Jacqe points out.
With an array of 23 different products for the face, lips and nails, the Happy Skin x Sanrio Characters is Happy Skin’s biggest collection to date.
Lippie sets take the shape of hearts and stars as a homage to the characters while the colors of the blush powders, sponges, gel polish, and lippies echo the characters’ unique color palettes. In addition, even the shade names were selected based on each character’s personality and interests.
This holiday season, give the gift of happiness or better yet, indulge and treat yourself to one of the finest skin-caring makeup with Happy Skin and Sanrio!
In Davao City, the Happy Skin x Sanrio Characters is exclusive to Chimes Boutiques along Gov. Sales St.
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E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.