For craftsmanship, the hands are the most cherished element. A new beauty series, centered on the hands and born from respect for artisans, is being released by Hermès. We want to be among the first to experience the quality and playfulness, packed with the Maison's unique dedication!

Hands speak.

I often find myself thinking this. Looking at someone's hands, I feel I can glean so much information. I once studied palmistry to help create pages as an editor. Palmistry is fascinating; as you grasp the broader patterns, you begin to understand a person's character (or so I feel). My palmistry teacher even called me an "unofficial disciple." When I got carried away reading people's palms, I found I could indeed see things, which was also quite enjoyable.

What I mean to say is, hands communicate. They can reveal one's profession (though fewer people have calluses from writing now, in the past, those who wrote or drew often had them, and those in technical fields might have had rough fingertips) or even one's lifestyle (the well-maintained state of hands might suggest a meticulous way of life). Moreover, hands often convey something deeper within a person—something that's hard to define, perhaps a core essence, rather than just personality. The words "bearing" or "gesture" might come close, but there seems to be something in the hands that reveals the very core of a person, hidden deep within. (Or so I feel.)

Hermès (hereinafter referred to as "Hermès") values its artisans. Every item born from their hands is magnificent, and one can feel the unique power that only handmade objects possess. Thus, I feel this is a Maison that understands the dignity of artisans perhaps even more than the word "values" implies. I also believe it is a Maison that allows us to feel the warmth of human touch conveyed by the term "handicraft."

Hermès' beauty line, which began with the Rouge Hermès collection, has continued with Rose Hermès, embodying the refined and elegant beauty that Hermès champions.

And now, Les Mains Hermès. This could be considered Hermès' true forte. A collection dedicated to hand care and beauty is launching.

I would like to briefly introduce the lineup, with my personal impressions (and experiences).

Hand Care Cream. I believe this is truly an impeccable hand cream. According to the materials, "Artisans' hands embody beautiful gestures and the skill to make materials shine. Hands are intuitive, talented, and irreplaceable." (Excerpt from materials) True to these words, this hand cream was developed with input from artisans, who reported it was "good" for use during their work. The sensation it provides is indeed one of moisture and suppleness, yet immediately after application, one can operate a smartphone without any discomfort—meaning there's no oily feeling on the hands. Hermès speaks of a "second skin," but I felt this product gives hands a new kind of strength, reminiscent of the Japanese word "teate" (care/treatment).

It has obtained "Cosmos Natural" certification and is formulated with 98% naturally derived ingredients. Like immersing oneself in nature and taking a deep breath, the natural ingredients envelop the hands. Notably, white mulberry extract, a symbolic ingredient for Hermès, is cultivated using aeroponics (cultivation without soil). It is said to smooth and even out the skin. Even after a long time (a full day since writing this), the skin's texture feels different—moist and protected, yet entirely non-greasy.

Base Coat. This nail enamel base coat is formulated with 69% naturally derived ingredients. Its semi-transparent, milky color protects the nails while preparing the surface for easier application of nail enamel and improving its longevity. When I had it applied, it gave the impression of creating solid-looking nails even with just the base coat. The nail enamel appeared fuller, giving it a sense of depth.

Nail Enamel. A total of 24 colors have been announced. I immediately tried on the signature Hermès orange, "33 Orange Boîte" (meaning "orange box"). I felt as if I had become Hermès myself. Next to it, I had "95 Brun Bistre" applied, a brown that outlines the edge of the orange box, making the orange stand out even more. The combination of these two colors truly enhanced my Hermès experience. Incidentally, the brush is wide, allowing for generous application of Hermès' rich colors, enabling a voluminous and dimensional finish.

Nail & Cuticle Care Oil. This, too, made my cuticles feel revitalized. It's a care oil with 100% naturally derived ingredients, certified by Cosmos Natural, blending five plant-based components includingティア crystal oil, white mulberry extract, and vitamin E to gently care for the nails. Although my cuticles weren't particularly damaged, I felt they gained a sense of firmness and strength, and I suspect I won't be able to part with it.

Top Coat. "Like the finishing stroke of a lacquer artist," reads the message from Hermès. The volume is further enhanced, shining brilliantly like a forte of colors. This perfection adds depth to the manicure.

Les Mains Hermès, dedicated to the hands, by Hermès. A lineup befitting the artisan spirit of Hermès.

Available from Wednesday, October 20, 2021. Early sales begin Friday, October 15, at the Hermès Ginza store and the Hermès online boutique.