Isn't makeup prettier with your own brush?

──First, could you tell us about when you first became involved in the KOBAKO development project?

The concept for "KOBAKO" began about two and a half years ago.
We were asked to create something specialized for "women's beauty tools," and the project name was "KOBAKO" from the start. Initially, the concept was eco-natural. However, as we considered it from various angles, times changed rapidly, and the focus shifted from natural to developing tools with a lot of playful elements for adult women.

──What was your role?

My role was to focus on the details, such as product functionality, from the perspective of "how women perceive beauty tools."

──How did you perceive the changing times?

As many people know, recent cosmetics have come with increasingly good accompanying chips and brushes. It feels like we've entered an era where "tools are essential." Initially, we were thinking of developingこだわりの brushes that would last a lifetime, but then we made a 180-degree turn and shifted to creating tools that can be used enjoyably every day, tools that express one's personal beauty.

──It's unusual for a tool to have its own original brand, isn't it?

Women understand the importance of makeup tools and the meticulousness of professional makeup artists regarding their tools, but these aspects tend to be neglected. However, makeup itself is becoming more professionalized. For example, the texture of powders like foundation has become very good, allowing even amateurs to achieve professional-looking results. But this requires good tools.

──Indeed, professionals finish makeup with brushes.

To achieve a glossy finish, a sheer application, dimension, varying makeup intensity, and texture – brushes and other tools are indispensable for effectively utilizing one's "artistic sense." Everyone is starting to study their own faces and realizing, "Isn't makeup prettier with your own brush?" By skillfully using brushes, you can apply makeup lightly to the skin and achieve a cute, natural look. The product's characteristics are brought out, and the way colors appear is completely different. Therefore, at KOBAKO, we aimed for user-friendly tools for women who strive for natural makeup in their daily lives.

──Does the brush lineup also reflect your personal preferences?

The emphasis on face brushes is because creating facial dimension and contour is more important than fine details. Of course, we have them for various purposes, but the insistence on very soft bristles comes from the desire for users to find their own way of using them and enjoy the process of experimentation.

Eyelash Curler Reborn for Kai Industries' 100th Anniversary

──The eyelash curler is very popular at KOBAKO.

We've been in an era where eyelashes are a trend, and now it's not just about lengthening them, but about how they open.
When it comes to eyelash makeup, creating a beautiful fan shape that opens outwards widens the eyes horizontally, making them appear larger. However, that alone doesn't create a cute look. To achieve cuteness, lifting the center of the lashes to create a "dolly" effect is very charming. Then, adding a touch of sexiness to the outer corners creates alluring eyes for adults.

──What's the difference from regular eyelash curlers?

Perhaps it's the casual feel, as the name "curler" suggests. It's lighter than aビューラー and easier to use. In fact, it's better not to apply too much pressure.

──It has a unique shape, no matter how many times you look at it.

Actually, the original design comes from Kai Industries and has been sold in drugstores for about 10 years. It had many loyal users and received very high ratings. To commemorate Kai Industries' 100th anniversary, we incorporated a sense of playfulness and expressed it through KOBAKO.

──How do you feel about the finished product, Chiharu Nagatomi?

It took a long time and was quite challenging to reach this style (laughs). But I was able to get this far thanks to the designer, Ms. Nagao, the craftspeople, and the staff who supported us behind the scenes. The quality is very high, and I think the price is reasonable. It's also a handy size, so it doesn't take up much space in a pouch.

──The fact that it's not bulky is also a factor in its popularity.


Kai Industries Co., Ltd. Customer Service Center
0120-016-410
http://www.kobako.com