The Masonjoany, also known as Enterospermum madagascariensis, Santalina madagascariensis or Coptosperma madagascariensis, is a small tree that grows in the western part of Madagascar. It is native to tropical Asia but is used by Malagasy women as a beauty supplement for their face. For these women, the masonjoany means much more than a beauty mask. In addition to its benefits and its various virtues, sandalwood or masonjoany is part of the customs and traditions in the western coast of the Big Island.

Women living in this part of Madagascar have never needed sunscreen. For good reason, they have used sandalwood for centuries more precisely since trade with the Indians exists. This wood, which was used as incense, quickly became a protection against UV rays, as in this area the temperature can quickly exceed 30° Celsius in the shade. The use of the masonjoany has been taught from one generation to the next.

Whenever holidaymakers come, local young girls invite them to apply the mask, and often are they more attracted by its aesthetic side. What they also like about this mask is that it allows them to draw ornaments on the skin, which is very local!

For its traditional use, we need a piece of sandalwood, a stone or a coral, a little water and elbow grease. The real texture of masonjoany has to be obtained. To get a fluid paste, rub the piece of wood against the stone and add water little by little. Then it can be applied generously on the whole face. After drying, the effect is guaranteed. Sakalava women— in the west side of Madagascar—wear it all day long. When they take it off in the evening, they seem to have smoother and softer skin. The masonjoany not only protects from UV rays but also eliminates spots and reduces wrinkles. And it is a 100-percent a “vita Malagasy”—made in Madagascar— natural product.

In the market, Sakalava shopkeepers sell masonjoany in small packages in the form of powder. They also offer to the tourists to apply them the famous ointment and to draw pretty arabesques. Even if the masonjoany is sometimes perceived as a feminine vanity, it should be noted that most of the time women adorn themselves with this mask during ceremonies, elevating the beauty into a traditional art.

Hence, although the masonjoany has become the traditional symbol of Sakalava women in their clothing and customs, it is also now considered as a kind of evolutionary fashion of the Malagasy "face painting" by the younger generations to benefit from its cosmetic goodness.

Source: Malagasy Treasure Island