Michiko Fujiwara on the Appeal of THREE
BEAUTY / FEATURES
May 11, 2015

Michiko Fujiwara on the Appeal of THREE


Michiko Fujiwara x Masako Ishikawa (THREE Brand Manager)


The Natural Cosmetics We Wanted, Made with Cutting-Edge Technology



The brand-new brand, "THREE," offers a full range from skincare to makeup. Its high-performance cosmetics had already caught the attention of Michiko Fujiwara, a familiar face from our magazine's series. This time, we arranged a conversation with Masako Ishikawa, the Brand Manager for THREE, who is also a long-time reader of OPENERS. Let's delve into the appeal of this new brand, which has captured the interest of a beauty icon!



Text by OPENERSPhoto by Kenta Suzuki




What is the Surprising Identity of "Tea Seed Oil," Found in Almost All Skincare Products?



IshikawaThank you for having me.

FujiwaraThank you. To start, the advertising visuals are quite striking, aren't they? They make you wonder for a moment if it's an ad for something else.

IshikawaThat's actually part of the intention.

FujiwaraWith this kind of aesthetic, does it mean the ingredients are natural?

IshikawaPrecisely. This is a brand imbued with so many stories. Let me start by explaining the products. For our skincare line, the average natural-derived ingredient ratio is over 88%, and we are committed to drawing out the blessings and power of nature. For example, this small, round, brown object I brought today...






Michiko Fujiwara




FujiwaraYes, I've been wondering what that was since a moment ago.

IshikawaThis is what we call "Tea Seed Oil," the oil from tea seeds, which is used in almost all of THREE's skincare products.

FujiwaraReally? Tea seeds?

IshikawaThat's right. Tea actually produces seeds.

FujiwaraEven Japanese tea? I've never seen them!



IshikawaI imagine not. While the leaves have been carefully cultivated as tea leaves, the tea seeds would simply fall from the tree and return to the soil, unnoticed by anyone.





FujiwaraWhy did you focus on them?

IshikawaExtracts from tea leaves are found in many cosmetics, aren't they? We were originally searching for a high-quality oil during the development process, and the question arose, "What about the tea seeds?" Upon examining their composition, we discovered they are rich in linoleic acid and oleic acid. Also, tea is originally from the Camellia family, and camellia oil has long been familiar to us.




Masako Ishikawa, THREE Brand Manager




FujiwaraCosmetics are largely composed of oil, aren't they? So, what are the actual effects?

IshikawaIt has a very high emollient effect. It softens the skin and is excellent for emulsification, allowing for quick rinsing.

FujiwaraI see, moisturizing and softening effects. And what about the "Balancing SQ Oil"? What are its effects?

IshikawaAll of THREE's skincare products contain essential oils, and among them, this SQ Oil is our star product, allowing you to experience the power of essential oils most profoundly. I can't say it too loudly, but it's related to sleep...

FujiwaraDoes it help you sleep better?

IshikawaIt's a nighttime serum, but while it softens and brings clarity to the skin, its pleasant texture and aroma also promote quality sleep. Frankincense, orange, sandalwood, and neroli are blended in exquisite balance. It's said to be a blend that eases tension, so it's perfectly fine to use during stressful daytime moments, like before a presentation.

FujiwaraIt might be too effective and make me sleepy (laughs).

IshikawaHahaha! That would be problematic, wouldn't it? (laughs) For more details on the effects and blending of essential oils, please visit the THREE website.






Fujiwara trying the "Flawless Fluid Foundation."




The brown nuts in the foreground are tea seeds, used as "Tea Seed Oil."




High-Performance Cosmetics Harnessing Nature's Power with Cutting-Edge Technology



FujiwaraProducts like these are quite rare in the cosmetics world, aren't they?

IshikawaThey are. Products that claim effects related to sleep or aromatherapy often fall into the category of "healing" and are perceived more through ambiance. However, the "Balancing SQ Oil" has been rigorously proven effective by a sleep research center. The professor involved in the research was astonished at how effective a cosmetic product could be, even suggesting it should be presented at academic conferences.

FujiwaraThat's remarkable. Sleep is the foundation of beauty, after all. And what about this nut?

IshikawaThis is an argan nut. Originally, the Berber people of southwestern Morocco used it as the "fruit of life" for illnesses and treatments. It's rich in linoleic acid, oleic acid, and vitamins, promoting cell metabolism and regeneration. Of course, it's in our skincare, but what's particularly unique is that we also use it in our foundation. Developing the foundation was quite challenging, but right at the very end, when we added argan oil, its texture became like a milky lotion, and it achieved the natural radiance we were looking for...

FujiwaraIt's often the case that products born from such serendipitous discoveries turn out to be truly excellent.

IshikawaIndeed. Moreover, on nights when I use this foundation, after cleansing, my skin feels softer, and the effects are truly noticeable.





FujiwaraEven though it's an oil-based product, it has a light application yet provides adequate coverage. It also imparts a lovely glow. Ah, when I actually apply it, it doesn't smudge but adheres smoothly. I also applied the "Shimmering Glow Duo" this morning. It's just the right balance of "smooth and dewy."

IshikawaReally!? I'm so glad! Do you have any recommended application techniques?

FujiwaraI spread it widely, about up to the second knuckle of my finger, applying it flat. The highlighting color follows the same principle as the foundation. It creates a natural radiance.




Fujiwara trying the "Shimmering Glow Duo."




IshikawaTHREE's philosophy is that healthy, vibrant skin is the most beautiful. So, your comment makes me very happy. In fact, what are your thoughts on "natural cosmetics" and "organic cosmetics," which are currently trending?

FujiwaraMany organic products might prevent breakouts, but they don't always deliver noticeable results. I feel that's not quite enough. On the other hand, overly advanced products can be intimidating. Therefore, I believe a mix of cutting-edge technology and organic ingredients is ideal. For instance, using advanced techniques to enhance the power of nature.






From left: "Balancing Lotion," "Balancing SQ Oil," "Flawless Fluid Foundation," "Shimmering Glow Duo."



IshikawaWonderful! That's precisely THREE's philosophy! While adhering strictly to organic or natural ingredients is one approach, we haven't compromised on the luxurious comfort or skin benefits. We believe we've created a new type of cosmetic product. I'm delighted that you've grasped THREE's philosophy so completely in such a short time.




FujiwaraSince you have so many wonderful products, why not create supplements or ingestible items? Food truly transforms the skin. Recently, I underwent a rigorous three-week, three-times-a-week training regimen at the gym, combined with a strict high-protein, low-fat, low-carbohydrate diet, and my body changed dramatically. Not only did my skin become healthier, but its radiance also improved significantly – I was amazed at the difference. Cosmetics are like food for the skin, after all. For example, do your lip products also have high treatment effects?



IshikawaYes. While the natural-derived ingredient ratio for color products isn't as high as for skincare, they all contain beauty ingredients.



FujiwaraI see. So, it's a brand that makes you feel wonderfully happy through skincare and makeup.



IshikawaThank you.





THREE
0120-898-003
www.threecosmetics.com



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