No. 29: Spring 2008 Beauty Trends (5) Personal: My Own...

Hiromi Kobayashi Guides You! Spring 2008 Beauty Trends (5)
Personal Edition: "My Own Beauty Trends"

Spring 2008 beauty trends. For our final installment, we invite Hiromi Kobayashi to share her personal beauty trends.

Compiled by Harumi Someya (This publication)Words by Hiromi KobayashiPhoto by Jamandfix

A Favorite Scent Discovered on a Trip

This happened when I visited Amanusa, part of the Aman Group, in Bali. The service was exceptional, with hot towels offered immediately wherever we went, and they were scented. The fragrance was so lovely… I became intensely curious about what made them smell so good. When I asked the staff, they explained that they use an original essence, made from whole plumeria flowers, which they add a few drops of to ice water. The towels are then wrung out in this water before being presented to guests.

Apparently, they weren't for sale. But perhaps my strong desire to have them was conveyed, because the staff kindly offered to sell me three bottles. Since then, I've used them in my baths, as room fragrance, and of course, to make my own scented towels. I'm down to my last bottle, and it's nearly gone. I'm seriously considering another trip to Bali just to get more.

A Natural Stone as a Good Luck Charm

Hiromi Kobayashi Guides You! Spring 2008 Beauty Trends (5)<br><br>Personal Edition: "My Own Beauty Trends"

Left: Aman Group's Amanusa Original Aroma Essence Water
Right: Natural stone (amethyst) I carry with me daily

I carry a "natural stone" in my bag every day. When I'm feeling down, I hold it and rub it (laughs). As I touch it, its color gradually becomes lighter. This amethyst, which was originally a deeper shade, is fading as it absorbs my energy. It also becomes more fragile. Sometimes it cracks with just a slight rub. However, washing it in saltwater restores its color and strength. It's mysterious, almost magical.

It emits negative ions, so I can even put it in the bath. It's also good to keep near your computer, as it absorbs electromagnetic waves. Simply having it with me brings a sense of peace. For me, it's like a good luck charm.

That Popular Product, Further Enhanced

Alternating "Warm" Platinum Steam and "Cool" Micro Mist for Your Ideal Skin. National "Ion Steamer Nano Care EH2473" / Open Price (Photo: Courtesy of Manufacturer)

National's "Ion Steamer Nano Care" is a hit product used by many women. My company also has one, but did you know that a new model with even more advanced features was released last fall?
The previous model only produced warm steam, and a separate cool pad was required for cooling care. However, the new model alternates between warm and cool steam. This means you can perform warm and cool care freely with your hands.

My mother, beauty expert Teruko Kobayashi, was also involved in the development of this product. It offers three programs: "Clear Skin," "Firm & Elastic Skin," and "Sebum Care," so you can achieve your desired skin! I highly recommend trying it.

When Talking About Beauty, It Always Comes Back to "Fragrance"

I find myself consistently choosing products with scents that are comforting to me. Among natural cosmetics, I'm particularly fond of products from "Agronatura" right now. They are a joint development between Italy and Japan, containing absolutely no chemical ingredients, and they proudly display the BIO mark. For example, the "Rose Water" is made from organic Damask roses distilled with Alpine water. I often spritz it on when I want to feel refreshed.

Each of us with our favorite items. From left: Agronatura's "Bio Leaves Pocket
Remedy Mint Mix" and "Rose Water," Kirsten Flora's
"Neroli Water," and Aveda's "Singular Note Rose"

The "Bio Leaves Pocket Remedy Mint Mix" is also a current favorite. Although it's alcohol-free, it provides a refreshing, cooling sensation. When I'm feeling irritated, I apply it to my temples or pulse points and take a deep breath. It calms me down. It also comes in other scents like Orange Mix and Lavender Mix. They're affordably priced at just over 1000 yen, making them easy to use. I love products like these.

And another one: Aveda's "Singular Note Rose." I use this quite a lot. Before bed, I apply it to my collarbone, where the beauty lymph nodes are, and inhale the remaining scent on my hands as I fall asleep. It helps me sleep soundly.

If you feel you haven't experienced a pleasant scent lately, try going out to find one you like. If you feel you haven't touched anything comforting recently, try choosing something with a pleasing texture. Rather than expensive items, those that soothe with their skin-feel or fragrance, and those that liberate the mind, will likely have a greater impact for you.

Therefore, I urge you to cherish that feeling of needing something right now. When you can develop that discerning sense, I believe you won't just become more beautiful, but you'll also be able to lead a more comfortable lifestyle.