Beauty
March 19, 2015
Episode 20: The Allure of Saburoh Watanabe's 'wAtOSA'
Saburoh Watanabe x Hiromi Kobayashi
Visiting the World of Saburoh (4)
The secret to Saburoh Watanabe's magical makeup technique is to 'control the face through color adjustment.'
His original brand, 'wAtOSA,' offers products that allow you to put this into practice.
Another secret is, 'I'm always searching for how to create charm.'
'Truly, I'm always searching for ways to improve,' he says.
Text and Arrangement: Harumi SomeyaPhotography: Keiko Ideguchi
'wAtOSA' Targets Mature Women
Hiromi KobayashiSaburoh's original brand, 'wAtOSA,' is charming with its adorable packaging, but its contents are geared towards mature women. This is a delight for our generation. My current favorite is the Protect Perfection Cream from the 'Azulenia' skincare line. It's truly wonderful.
The 'Azulenia' line consists of seven products: cleansing, face wash, lotion, moisturizing emulsion, serum water, a gel-type moisturizing cream, and a moisturizing cream that can be used as a makeup base or for massage and body care.
Saburoh Watanabe'Azulenia' is based on 'azulenol,' a naturally derived ingredient extracted from German chamomile. It has a calming effect, is gentle, and provides a sense of security. It not only conditions the skin but also supports the spirit. We developed it in collaboration with a pharmaceutical company, and in terms of quality, it's top-tier, comparable to the luxury lines of major manufacturers. Considering that, I believe it's very reasonably priced.
KobayashiYou've brought so many things today. Since we have the chance, please show us how to use foundation effectively.
SaburohThis stick foundation applies thinly and blends beautifully. You can easily create a dimensional face with multiple colors.
I control the face through color adjustment. First, I apply a lower-toned foundation all over, then bring white to the high points. I don't do what's called 'covering up.' Color unevenness is resolved by harmonizing it with a brown base made from red and yellow, and then masking it with a lighter color using a double-tone approach.
'Watosa Super Cover Foundation Stick,' a foundation for perfect makeup that also acts as a concealer with Watosa's unique new concept of covering dark circles and dullness through color adjustment.
Brushes, each with a different role. 'Watosa Brush Set' (7 brushes with pouch)
I also created these brushes. I designed the case too. Isn't it cute? It's good to have a bit of playfulness. Even a little bit of silliness is nice (laughs).
KobayashiAre they made in Hiroshima?
SaburohYes. They are made with great care. They can't be made in China; they become messy if made there.
KobayashiThey feel soft on the skin and apply smoothly.
SaburohIf you become skilled at using brushes, you can become good at makeup.
Saburoh Watanabe's Makeup Magic
SaburohFor faces with prominent features like Westerners, it's fine to create a flat look. However, for Japanese faces, we need to create definition. So, moving from the back, sides, and front, assuming the face is a sphere, I move the brush towards the center core, rotating it as if to release the energy within the core outwards. This incorporates the entire process of introduction, development, turn, and conclusion.
I'm confident I can create makeup with real depth when viewed with the naked eye, though it may not be apparent in photographs. It creates an airy, almost fragrant quality.
Becoming beautiful gives you confidence. With confidence comes better posture, and your muscles smile, enhancing the expressiveness of your eyes. When that happens, you naturally attract people. That, I believe, is the essence of makeup.
KobayashiIndeed, makeup is like magic. By the way, for someone like you, Saburoh, can you tell someone's age just by touching their skin?
SaburohI don't think much about age. I channel that energy into other things.
KobayashiIs that so?
SaburohSpecifically, I'm always searching for how to create charm. Truly, I'm always searching for ways to improve.
Even After the Magic Fades, Memories Remain
SaburohWithin me, I feel there are two distinct channels: one is a program for makeup artists, approaching the essence of makeup as I've just described, and the other is for the general public, thinking about how they can enjoy it.
KobayashiThat's wonderful.
SaburohHowever, while I love thinking and creating things like this, I dislike numbers... That's why it's hard to connect it to business (laughs).
KobayashiI'm the same (laughs).
SaburohUltimately, there's only one thing I can say: I love authenticity, that's all.
Life is only once, so if you have something you want to do, don't miss the chance, I want to say. Just do it with all your might and enjoy it.
And you must seize opportunities. It's okay even if it's just a strong belief. In the first place, life is all about belief. It's true. But it's wonderful just to encounter something that allows you to believe. Because you can get lost in it.
KobayashiEven after the magic fades.
SaburohYes, the memories remain. And memories can be taken anywhere.
KobayashiThat's a wonderful message. I will cherish the memory of this conversation today. Thank you very much.
The End