BEAUTY /
THE EXPERTS
January 9, 2015
ESTÉE LAUDER: Akiko Watanabe on Her "Most Cherished Cosmetics"
ESTÉE LAUDER
New Serum "Re-Nutriv Ultimate Diamond Dual Serum" Launched
PR Manager Akiko Watanabe on Her "Beloved Cosmetics" (Part 1)
In this interview series where PR managers from popular brands share their truly cherished cosmetics, the first installment features Akiko Watanabe, Manager of Communications at "ESTÉE LAUDER." Ms. Watanabe, who has been active in the beauty industry since her 20s, shared her skin condition: "I was born with sensitive skin, prone to atopy, so I realized the importance of hydration. I started using moisturizing creams over medication, and from my 20s, I was using what you'd call high-end creams." It was this experience that sparked her interest in cosmetics and led her to the beauty industry.
Photographs by SUZUKI ShimpeiText by KAJII Makoto (OPENERS)
Cosmetics Saved My Highly Unstable Skin
"My skin was severely dry from a young age, and I also had sensitive skin prone to breakouts like acne. I had freckles too, so I was constantly dealing with skin troubles. My skin directly reflects my condition, so it's no exaggeration to say that cosmetics saved me and led me to this industry," says Ms. Watanabe.
When asked about her recent skin condition, she mentioned, "Lately, I've been concerned about sagging eyelids." "I've been careful since I was young, using eye cream, so I didn't really feel sagging. But recently, the way I apply eyeliner has changed slightly, and I thought, 'Ah, this might be sagging.'" She says she's started to feel her age because of this, but it's also made her appreciate the effects of cosmetics even more.
A Look at Ms. Watanabe's Daily Skincare Routine
Ms. Watanabe, who has cared for various skin concerns, recently reflected, "My lifestyle tends to be irregular, but I want to enjoy both work and play. And I'm helped by cosmetics that can restore my skin when I think, 'Oops, I overdid it.'" She highlighted Estée Lauder's undisputed number one serum, "Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex II." After 30 years since its debut, while the ingredients and formulation have been renewed, the beloved texture remains unchanged. "It's wonderful that cosmetics are evolving, but it's also a brand's pride to have products that are so cherished. Many customers find solace in these products, not just for their skin, but for their peace of mind."
Next, she mentioned Estée Lauder's best-selling foundation, "Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup." "It's been a long-seller for 17 years, known for its long-lasting wear and non-dulling finish, providing the elegant soft-matte look that Japanese people prefer. It's perfect for oily young skin and popular as an entry-level product. Many of our beauty advisors are also loyal users, which is part of its secret to popularity. It truly shines, especially during the humid summer months," says Ms. Watanabe.
Furthermore, she recommends the "Pure Color Crystal Sheer Lipstick" in shade 01 Crystal Baby Crème, which has been featured in various media as the "marriage-hunting lipstick." "Many young women specifically ask for shade 01, and it seems to bring good fortune as a 'happy lip,'" she smiles.
ESTÉE LAUDER
New Serum "Re-Nutriv Ultimate Diamond Dual Serum" Launched
PR Manager Akiko Watanabe on Her "Beloved Cosmetics" (Part 2)
Mrs. Estée Lauder, whose uncle was a dermatology specialist, achieved great acclaim by selling a cream he developed, gaining numerous customers and creating a stir in the beauty industry. She articulated her beauty philosophy: "A beautiful woman must always have skin that is natural, healthy, and radiant. Health encompasses both physical and mental well-being." Based on her beauty philosophy, Estée Lauder has continuously introduced innovative products utilizing cutting-edge technology.
Estée Lauder's Signature Luxury Line
Ms. Akiko Watanabe then introduced the serum "Re-Nutriv Ultimate Diamond Dual Serum," which debuted on December 25th last year. The ingredients, sealed in two separate vials of gold and platinum, are mixed only at the time of use, ensuring freshness.
"The line name 'Re-Nutriv' means 'reborn,' and it was born in 1956 as the world's first luxury cream from Mrs. Estée Lauder's dream and vision to revitalize skin every day. At the time, the average cream price was $10, but the Re-Nutriv cream was launched at $115. This cream, combining cutting-edge science with rare ingredients, pioneered the luxury line in the beauty world."
"The campaign, 'Why is this cream worth $115?', was widely advertised and became a sensation. Thus, Estée Lauder became an innovator in luxury creams, and that spirit is still alive in the current 'Diamond Dual Serum,'" says Ms. Watanabe.
Serum Featuring Rare Truffle Extract as a Key Ingredient
"The Diamond Dual Serum is a serum centered around Black Diamond Truffle Extract, derived from the globally rare truffle, well-known to gourmands. The gold vial contains Black Diamond Truffle Extract and Youth Sustaining Technology, a new technology that works on SIRT6, one of the longevity genes. The platinum vial is formulated with ingredients that instantly smooth and brighten the skin. By blending these two formulas in the palm of your hand, a fresh serum is created."
Truffles have a long history, with anecdotes of them being eaten before battle for their nourishing properties and used as an aphrodisiac for their potent aroma. Estée Lauder researchers focused on these effects. They developed the Diamond Dual Serum, with Black Diamond Truffle Extract as its main ingredient, meticulously extracted drop by drop over nine stages and 10,000 hours, from truffles known to activate cells and provide energy.
A Serum That Can Only Be Manufactured in Limited Quantities Annually
Ms. Watanabe states, "With a new product, it's important to feel moved the morning after you use it. If I can feel 'Ah, this is different,' I can confidently promote it. The Re-Nutriv Ultimate Diamond Dual Serum is one such product that made me feel that way. Its biggest effect is lifting. First, the skin gains firmness, tightening what are known as 'sagging pores.' Then, as you continue to use it, the contours of a blurry, undefined facial line become clearer. It's excellent for addressing wrinkles and sagging. Because it contains very rare ingredients, it's not a limited edition, but it's a serum that can only be manufactured in limited quantities annually."
ESTÉE LAUDER
New Serum "Re-Nutriv Ultimate Diamond Dual Serum" Launched
PR Manager Akiko Watanabe on Her "Beloved Cosmetics" (Part 3)
"Previously, I chose cosmetics based on 'symptomatic treatment' for my skin concerns, thinking, 'This product might be good.' But now, for example, the 'Micro Essence Lotion,' a huge hit since its launch, strengthens the skin's foundation. Or the 'Super-Restorative Total Cream' senses my weak areas and enhances the skin's ability to suppress oxidation. The approach to cosmetic effects has changed with technological advancements. While skin concerns are endless due to aging or environmental changes, cosmetics are also evolving, so please look forward to their effects," says Ms. Watanabe.
Estée Lauder is renowned as a brand with strong skincare expertise, and Ms. Watanabe was particularly impressed by the "Micro Essence Lotion," launched in January of last year.
"Mrs. Estée Lauder valued texture and sensory experience, along with cutting-edge technology. I love cosmetics and have tried many products, but the Micro Essence Lotion, developed for Japanese women, became a topic of conversation from its launch as a toner created by 'Estée Lauder, the serum expert.'"
Take Care of Your Skin Now for Your Future Self 20 Years From Now
"Japanese women love the feeling of hydrating their skin with water, and are known worldwide for their fondness for toners. This Micro Essence Lotion strikes a perfect balance between being too thick and too watery – a 'thickly watery' texture that perfectly reflects our preferred feel. Moreover, it offers serum-level effects that strengthen the skin with just a toner, so you can experience more than just a toner's benefits."
"I plan to continue my skincare routine for my future self 20 years from now with Estée Lauder products, starting with the Micro Essence Lotion, which enhances the skin's foundation and is suitable for all ages," says Ms. Watanabe.
Using Estée Lauder's products, which embody both the "unchanging" quality of long-sellers and best-sellers, and the "evolution" driven by the latest technology, I want to maintain my current skin age and condition and live each day healthily.
ESTÉE LAUDER
Founded in New York in 1946 by Mrs. Estée Lauder, this brand is based on the beauty message, "I have a mission as a woman: to teach as many women as possible not only how to become beautiful, but how to stay beautiful." It has consistently led the beauty industry and, even in the 21st century, continues to pursue the latest technology and elegance as an expert in DNA research.
ESTÉE LAUDER
Tel. 03-5251-3386
www.esteelauder.jp









