KOBAKO | Chiharu Nagatomi: "Eyelash Series" Interview
BEAUTY / NEWS
May 11, 2015

KOBAKO | Chiharu Nagatomi: "Eyelash Series" Interview


KOBAKO


Introducing the Eyelash Series from Beauty Tool Brand KOBAKO


Chiharu Nagatomi on "False Lashes for Adults to Play With"



Chiharu Nagatomi, who oversees product development for the beauty tool brand KOBAKO, gives her stamp of approval to the KOBAKO Eyelash Series, launched on June 25th, declaring, "These are false lashes that adults can wear every day!" Nagatomi herself is layering "Eyelash Dress #311," saying, "This series is for those new to false lashes, helping them understand the importance of eye expression."



Text by OPENERSPhotos by Mizuho Takada




rumors | To the online store

Three Types to Complement the Popular Eyelash Curler


Makeup artist Chiharu Nagatomi recalls makeup artist Chiharu Nagatomi once telling her, "Because your eyes are hooded, you can pull off dramatic false lashes." When asked about the impression false lashes give, she says, "When I wear them to go out, I feel like something has changed. In that sense, they're an inexpensive item that lets you take a small adventure. Also, for those with insecurities about their eyes, they're worth trying."



This is a major new product for KOBAKO since its brand debut.

Eye makeup is currently receiving a lot of attention, and false lashes, in particular, have become casual, everyday items due to the boom in extensions and the influence of gyaru makeup.

The rate of women wearing false lashes on trains is also high.

More women are getting eyelash extensions to enhance their eye impression, but extensions require a lot of maintenance, and often damage natural lashes, making them thinner and sparser. I believe this is why the use of false lashes is increasing.

So, three types of false lashes have been released this time.

KOBAKO's best-selling eyelash curlers come in three types—regular, center, and side curl—each designed for a different lash look. We've proposed false lashes to match these three types.

Blue is for regular, pink for center, and gray for side curl.

That's right. From the start of the KOBAKO project, I felt that false lashes that "adults can wear" were necessary because changing one's eye impression can transform a woman's overall look.














Create a Natural Look, Emphasize Your Pupils, or Achieve Intense, Cool Eyes!


Could you please explain the three types?

First, the concept is to create base false lashes that match the eyelash curler types, and then to layer them for a customized look. The sets below have the base lashes in the top row and the topping lashes in the bottom row.




Eyelash Dress #111





Eyelash Dress #211





Eyelash Dress #311





The blue "Eyelash Dress #111" is a set of base #101 and topping #102, and it fits with the regular eyelash curler. This is popular with those who prefer wider lashes. It's a panoramic type that gives a natural impression.

The pink "Eyelash Dress #211" is a set of #201 and #202, for the center curl. It adds length and volume to the center of the lashes, making the pupils look beautiful. It's effective for women working at reception desks or when you want to be perceived as cute!



What are you wearing today, Nagatomi-san?

I'm the model, apologies (tears). Today I'm wearing #301 and #302 from the gray "Eyelash Dress #311." These are for the side curl, designed for those with almond-shaped eyes or who want to emphasize the outer corners. They create a refined look and intense, cool eye power. They're also recommended for those aiming for lashes like Lisa Hirako's. The finished look changes depending on your eye shape, making this the most popular type.





Some people shy away from false lashes, thinking they might be too dramatic.

For example, women sometimes feel like wearing pink, and when it's lingerie, they can wear it. Then they might think, 'Maybe this actually works?' (laughs). False lashes can be tricky for beginners, but they're an item that lifts your mood, even before considering whether they suit you.

Are they really difficult for first-time users?

I asked a professional for tips on how to apply them well, and they said there's no substitute for 'Yami Ren' (dark practice).

Yami Ren?

Yes. Late-night practice sessions (laughs). Through practice, you can find the angle that suits you.














Is it impossible to wear them for something like, 'I want to wear these to my friend's wedding reception tomorrow!'?

That's like suddenly deciding to wear a bikini—it's quite risky (laughs). Practice for a week before the actual event to get used to them. You'll figure out the right angle.

Also, the Eyelash Trunk is highly praised by professionals, isn't it?

Since it's KOBAKO, we naturally paid attention to the "box" as well. I wanted something cute and easy to use that could be carried around daily. So, I considered something portable and convenient for storage. The idea was to "hook the false lashes onto hook-and-loop fasteners." It was inspired by hair curlers.





This would fit in a makeup pouch, too.

In the evening, when you start to feel tired, your eyes can look a bit dull, so that's when you can "enhance" them (laughs). All three types of Eyelash Dress are designed with aesthetics in mind, so you can combine them freely. Using false lashes not only lets you play with changing your eye impression but also helps you appreciate the beauty of natural lashes.

I see. Thank you very much.


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