Michiko Fujiwara | December Essay "Best Cosmetics: Michiko Fujiwara's Picks - Special Edition"

Introducing items I've never had the chance to recommend in magazines before

My Special Picks: The "Michiko Fujiwara Selects - Bonus Edition"!

For the past few years, it's become standard practice for magazines to feature "Best Cosmetics" selections, choosing from products released within the year, or within the first or second half of the year. Typically, beauty journalists and hair and makeup artists submit their "must-have" product names for each category, and the rankings are determined by tallying these submissions.

Text by Michiko FujiwaraPhoto by JAMANDFIX

Five recommended items I truly hope you'll try

When I fill out these surveys, I sometimes find myself in a dilemma. What if I've recently discovered and fallen in love with a product, but it's not a new release? I want to recommend it, but I can't. Or, what if I adore a certain product, but there's no corresponding category in the survey? Perhaps a product released in a previous year is so exceptional that I haven't encountered anything better. In such cases, I might agonize over it, thinking, "This is good, but... still, I prefer what I've been using," and end up submitting a blank for that category. Or, if my favorites are concentrated within a single brand, I might wonder if it's appropriate to recommend so many, even if I genuinely love them. I also consider whether the products align with the target audience of the publication. The more seriously you approach a survey, the more thought and time it demands.

OPENERS is currently running its own "Best Cosmetics" feature over three weeks in the "BEAUTY & HEALTH" section. As one of the selectors, I've chosen products, and as mentioned, I've arrived at my personal bests after grappling with these considerations (perhaps an exaggeration!?). It might be interesting to read my selections with these thoughts in mind.

So, for this series, I'd like to introduce items from OPENERS and others that I haven't had the opportunity to recommend in magazines until now. I'm calling it the "Michiko Fujiwara Selects - Bonus Edition"!

First, the full line fromSylvanThis is a product I couldn't recommend because there was never a survey category for an outstanding full line. Sometimes, a team with strong individual players, rather than one superstar, wins the game. I wish there were a "Best Full Line" award in cosmetic grand prixs, don't you think?

Now, "Sylvan" utilizes a component extracted from orchids, known for its high moisture-retention capabilities. This extract boasts approximately double the moisturizing power of hyaluronic acid. The line includes six products: a cleanser, face wash, serum, lotion, emulsion, and cream. I rarely use full lines, but for some reason, this line makes me want to use it completely. Perhaps it's the gentle feel, or the sense of comfort and security it provides with every product. The texture deeply penetrates the skin, and with each step—serum, lotion, emulsion—my skin becomes more hydrated. It's especially recommended for the upcoming dry season.

Speaking of dryness, another item I'd like to recommend is the hand creamRetino Vital Cream(Ferzea). It contains retinol derivatives, urea, and sodium hyaluronate to enhance skin metabolism and smooth the skin. I love its moist feel—it even seems to impart a sense of clarity!—without being sticky, and its refreshing texture. I use it not only on my hands but also on my rough heels. After showering and scrubbing my heels with a pumice stone, I apply this cream and wear thermal socks. This helps it penetrate better, leaving my heels incredibly smooth.

My go-to product for overall smoothness isKinuhabuta Tama no Hada(Kyoto Silk). This is a puff made from carefully selected silk habutai, intended for skincare. I primarily use it on my nose, neck, and body. After washing with soap and before rinsing, I gently glide this damp, lightly wrung puff over my skin, leaving it smooth and supple. I use it as a weekly special treatment...

Beautiful teeth are also an important element of "beauty." For the past six months, I've been using natural ingredient-based products called "Peel Dental Fiber" andPeel Extract GoldThese are made from the "peel tree," which people in Africa and India have traditionally used as a toothbrush. They have a natural whitening effect, and brushing with them leaves my mouth feeling incredibly fresh! To use, wet your toothbrush, apply the fiber, and then drip the liquid extract onto it. Using both products together is more effective.

Next is a lifting hair brush,Poang Liff Brush DX(IBIO Cosmetics). The tips of this brush are embedded with natural minerals that stimulate specific meridian points related to the bladder, gallbladder, and triple burner. Brushing along the scalp's acupressure points is said to lift the face. At first, I thought, "Really, can this work?" But after trying it according to the instructions, my eyes looked noticeably more open! It was a truly astonishing effect, a testament to the power of Eastern medicine! Moreover, the brushing sensation is a gentle stimulation that feels wonderfully pleasant! I also love how it glides smoothly through my easily tangled hair.

And that concludes my review of items I didn't have the chance to introduce this year (though it was my own doing). I feel a sense of closure and clarity! I'm already looking forward to discovering more wonderful products next year!

Wishing you all a wonderful New Year! I look forward to your continued support next year.