Former IZ*ONE’s Miyawaki Sakura Is Launching Her Own Cosmetics Brand
It seems there’s no end of titles IZ*ONE‘s talented Miyawaki Sakura can take on: J-Pop star, K-Pop idol, actress, streamer, television and radio host, magazine writer, and now businesswoman.
Today, it was revealed that Miyawaki Sakura will be adding yet another accomplishment to her belt by launching her own cosmetics brand: CRAN BY MOLAK.
Back in 2019, when Japanese health and beauty company PIA Corporation launched its new colored lens company—MOLAK—Sakura was immediately appointed their first face and image model. Over the past two years, the former IZ*ONE and HKT48 star has continued to appear in multiple promotions for MOLAK. Now, she’s taking things to the next level by branching out with her own makeup line under the company.
On Instagram, Sakura asked fans to check out and support her new endeavor. In the first images she shared for CRAN BY MOLAK, she shows off a gorgeous feminine look with both cute and elegant vibes.
And judging by the first CRAN BY MOLAK press release, it’s clear that the idol will be more than just a beautiful face for the brand. Japanese media reports that Sakura took care of all the product and packaging production herself, paying close attention to the fine details.
The full product lineup is set to be released by the end of this month, but the CRAN BY MOLAK website reveals Sakura’s first product will be a lip tint. Named with a possible reference to IZ*ONE’s hit album BLOOM*IZ, the Bloom Jelly Tint will be available in three colors: Pure Coral, Pink Petal, and Noir Rose.
The tint is priced at ¥2,500 yen (around $23 USD) including tax, but shipping prices and overseas shipping availability are not currently clear.
Interestingly, this isn’t Sakura’s first foray into the cosmetics world. She’s currently the Asian Brand Ambassador of makeup brand Flower Knows, and she very recently worked with both Maybelline and Japanese makeup brand SUQQU. Plus, she’s also the Japan model for Kérastase haircare’s Blond Absolu line.
Ordinarily, idols aren’t allowed to endorse competing brands due to contract clauses, but it doesn’t seem to be any trouble for Sakura—something fans see as a sign that her management team is great at what they do.
Lol how did Sakura even manage to get all these deals considering several are cosmetics. I'm surprised all these companies are ok with it.
— Sakura🌸kkura-chan (@KkuraSakura) September 15, 2021
Currently, it’s presumed that Sakura is still being managed by Vernalossom for her Japanese activities. However, since IZ*ONE’s scheduled disbandment, rumors have been circulating that she’ll soon be joining a new company: HYBE, the home of groups like BTS, SEVENTEEN, TXT, and more. When Sakura returned to South Korea from Japan last month, she was also reportedly guarded by BTS’s security team.
With HYBE expected to launch multiple girl groups under its labels over the next year, it’s certainly possible that Sakura could be joining one of them, but HYBE insists it can neither confirm nor deny her status for now.
Until Sakura’s future is revealed, get your wallets ready. According to the website, CRAN BY MOLAK is expected to start pre-order sales in mid-October this year.
