BEAUTY /
THE EXPERTS
December 25, 2015
Series: Michiko Fujiwara, December 2015 | A Comprehensive Review of This Year's Best Cosmetics!
Michiko Fujiwara's Series: December 2015 | A Complete Roundup of My Best Cosmetics This Year!
Reflecting on the Best Cosmetics I Featured on Instagram: What I Realized Anew
At the end of the year, various magazines announce their "Best Cosmetics" for the latter half or the entire year, and seeing these allows us to grasp the trends of the year anew. With that in mind, I decided to look back at the makeup products I featured on my Instagram (@michiko.life).
Photographs & Text by FUJIWARA Michiko
My Best Cosmetics: Listing Both New Products and My Long-Standing Favorites
That said, I feature not only new products but also items I've loved for a long time, so perhaps these can be called my "Best Cosmetics."
RMK Crayon & Powder Eyes 04This is a thick eyeliner pencil that I've loved for years, both personally and professionally. However, I only use it along the lower lash line. A quick application here adds a natural depth to the eyes that's perfect for adults, making it an indispensable tool.
Red lipstick was a major trend this year, and it's been about 20 years since it was my personal favorite!CANMAKE Your Lip Only Gloss 03
This gloss, which stains lips red, was the catalyst for my renewed love for the color. It's long-lasting, making it perfect for those like me who tend to "eat their lipstick, and it disappears quickly!" What's more, it's a remarkable product that stays put yet offers a sense of transparency and moisture. Discovering this allowed me to bring red lipstick back into my routine.
AQUA AQUA Organic Sweets Lip 02This is a red lipstick that can be applied like a lip balm, giving a natural impression. It's also ideal for those new to red lipstick.
NARS Audacious Lipstick Annabella
NARS Lip Liner Pencil Mirihi Island Beach
After drawing a slightly overdrawn line with the lip liner, I apply lipstick, then blot with a tissue to create a semi-matte finish for a sophisticated look.
My go-to lipstick shade is usually a nude, but these four new shades from this year caught my eye.DIOR Addict Lipstick 553
This sheer lipstick has a glossy finish, is long-lasting, and makes lips appear fuller.
PAUL & JOE Lipstick Case CS025
A bright beige-pink that creates a gentle impression.
MIMC Mineral Rouge 18
A natural beige-pink shade. Also suitable for those with sensitive lips.
CHANEL Rouge Allure Gloss Click 22
Its rich color and glossy finish create beautiful lips. It's a gloss with the intensity of lipstick.
Blush became a focal point of makeup this year, and it's an item that adult women should definitely incorporate.LUNASOL Coloring Creamy Cheeks 01
A cream blush that provides a natural flush of color.
Ex:beaute Ex:artist Three Stars Cheek Blend Pink
Using the included applicator to sweep around the cheek creates an effortlessly "adult cute" look.
Clé de Peau Beauté Blush Duo Powder 101
A vibrant rose shade that imparts a glamorous, mature impression to the cheeks.
My personal favorite mascaras are those that can be easily removed with warm water. My favorites this year were these two.LANCOME Grandiôse
Exceptional volume.
Visee Riche Lash Volume Mania
Creates glossy, full-looking lashes.
This year saw a trend towards natural, thicker eyebrows, and this unique stick-shaped powder eyebrow pencil makes achieving that look effortless.ettusais Chip on Eyebrow
Effortless fashion continued to be a trend in the latter half of the year, and the same applies to makeup. I've put together an effortless makeup set with sheer textures and colors that complement autumn and winter fashion.LANCOME Hypnôse Palette d011
DIOR Addict Lipstick 553
MIMC Mineral Creamy Cheek 07
Due to my profession, I either go without nail polish or opt for a pale, nude-like beige-pink on my hands. However, I do enjoy bold colors for my pedicures. This year, I chose these three.CHANEL Vernis 18
A deep red- Bordeaux shade.
LANCOME Vernis In Love 383
A vibrant purple-brown.
THREE Nail Polish 29
A modern brown-gray.
Embracing Classics and Trends: The Evolution of a Woman's Charm
As I compiled this list, I was struck anew by the importance of not only classic items that enhance one's individuality but also trendy pieces that capture the zeitgeist. For instance, today, texture often takes precedence over color in cosmetics, with color being perfected by texture. However, if one were to use a product from ten years ago, when color was the sole focus, the same makeup techniques would likely result in an outdated impression.
I've long held the belief that "a woman's charm is perfected by adding a touch of trend to her individuality." Furthermore, I feel that while trends may dominate in youth, as one matures, placing more emphasis on individuality allows for a more natural and appealing charm. And as long as one retains the sensitivity to choose the best cosmetics that suit her at any given time, a woman's charm will continue to evolve...
This roundup of my "Best Cosmetics" has allowed me to reaffirm this personal philosophy. Perhaps looking back occasionally is indeed necessary.