BEAUTY /
THE EXPERTS
May 1, 2015
Model Jessica Michibata Interview: "The Way to Beauty" Part 2
A Hobby of Self-Improvement? The Key to Healthy, Beautiful Skin Lies in Enjoyable Skincare
Jessica Michibata: Part Two of 'How to Become Beautiful'
Model Jessica Michibata has graced the covers of numerous magazines, appeared in commercials and on television, and last year, she made her acting debut in the film 'Shanti Days: 365 Days of Happy Breathing,' steadily expanding her career. This spring, she became the muse for the natural cosmetics brand MiMC, even collaborating on a lotion. This is the second installment of a three-part interview series exploring hints of beauty from her lifestyle. In this middle part, we'll delve into her beauty regimen, which she describes as a 'hobby of self-improvement.'
Click here for the first part of 'How to Become Beautiful'
Photographs by JAMANDFIXHair & Make-up by MICHIRU(3rd)Styling by KOHASHI RyokoInterview and Text by FUJITA MayuEdited by OPENERS
The Bliss of Fragrance: Jessica's Method for Beautiful Skin
On May 27th (Wednesday), MiMC will launch 'Beauty Bio Fighter Happiness,' a nighttime lotion born from a collaboration between MiMC's skincare series and Jessica Michibata. While hydration and texture were paramount, Jessica placed particular emphasis on the fragrance.
'For me, scent is an incredibly important element. Even if a lotion is said to be highly effective, I won't use it if I don't like the fragrance. With creams, I can mix in essential oils to adjust the scent, but that's not possible with lotions. In that regard, I can confidently say that the scent of 'Beauty Bio Fighter Happiness' will truly impress everyone.'
Passion fruit, Damask rose, geranium, frankincense, and fragonia, known for its stress-relieving and balancing effects. The nighttime lotion 'Beauty Bio Fighter Happiness' features Jessica's meticulously crafted fragrance recipe. Upon application, the scent bursts forth, and micro-encapsulated plant oils also release, delivering fresh beauty ingredients to the skin. But why is fragrance so important?
'Just like exercise, I love self-improvement, so my nighttime skincare routine, which involves many steps, is a blissful time. It's one of my daily joys to be soothed by my favorite scents. The feeling of exhilaration when the fragrance of the lotion first hits my skin is so important. While the ingredients and effects of the product itself are crucial, feeling happy while doing skincare likely enhances the placebo effect.'
The placebo effect, in simple terms, is the opposite of 'illness comes from the mind'—for example, if you believe a simple vitamin pill is medicine and continue taking it, your condition actually improves. It's believed that positive thinking has the power to change reality. Michibata, who says, 'Self-improvement is like a hobby (laughs),' what kind of care does she actually do?
'Sometimes I use masks while bathing or sleeping, so I can't give an exact time, but my nighttime skincare routine usually takes about 20 minutes. In my skincare, I particularly focus on hydration. I have dry skin myself, but dryness can lead to various problems.'
'After cleansing, I use a booster to prepare my skin before applying lotion... just this one extra step can make a difference in your skin over time.'
'If you're experiencing dryness no matter what you do, you might consider resetting your skin with a scrub if it feels hardened. I love scrubs and gently care for my face and body with them three to four times a week. Removing dead skin cells makes your skin more receptive to moisture.'
page1 Enhance Skin Power with Fragrance-Induced Placebo Effect!?
page2 The Secret to Jessica's Healthy Glow: Oil Beauty!
A Hobby of Self-Improvement? The Key to Healthy, Beautiful Skin Lies in Enjoyable Skincare
Jessica Michibata: Part Three of 'How to Become Beautiful'
Creativity and Discovery: Every Day Skincare is a Game You Win by Enjoying It!
Incidentally, for cleansing, she uses the Clarisonic cleansing brush for a refreshing wash. It seems the key is to reset the skin to a clear state that allows for better absorption before adding anything else.
'After lotion, I apply plenty of oil. I use various products, but MiMC's Organic Omega Charge is one of my staples. In the morning, if I'm concerned about dryness, I sometimes mix it with cream. I feel like oils not only moisturize but also change the skin's texture. After finishing with a night cream, I seal in the moisture with MiMC's 100% silk finishing powder, and then goodnight. It makes the skin's surface look smooth and refined, so it doubles as light evening makeup, and I use it as a powder during the day too. When I fly, I don't wear makeup, just this. I truly love it.'
Her regular training, as well as demanding competitions like marathons and triathlons under the scorching sun, are harsh on both skin and hair. How does she handle UV protection and body care?
'During competitions, I don't worry about sunburn. Reapplying sunscreen would slow me down (laughs). However, during my regular training, I choose products that are easy to reapply or gentle on the skin. Regarding hair care, I recently discovered a great method. Before, my hair would sometimes become stiff and tangled after a race, but recently, I've been applying plenty of coconut oil to my hair and then braiding it. It seems to penetrate over time, because by the time I shower, my hair is so shiny that it doesn't need conditioner! This was a real discovery.'
She accepts that sunburn is unavoidable during competitions and instead focuses on diligent daily body care. Here too, oils are indispensable.
'Oils are essential for body care too. I like creams, but I almost never use them alone. Sometimes I use cream and oil separately, or mix them. When I'm in a hurry, I sometimes just apply coconut oil to my skin and hair while still wet. But basically, like with my face, I apply lotion first, then oil or cream. I enjoy caring for each part of my body using different cosmetics and oils, so it takes time (laughs). Of course, I don't forget to work hair oils into my hair.'
Michibata actively enjoys skincare, collecting her favorite fragrances and even making her own masks with honey and yogurt. Beautiful skin makes makeup more enjoyable. What kind of makeup does she prefer in her private life?
'I like to brighten my complexion and add a healthy flush with lipstick and blush. Everyone has their own focus when it comes to makeup, but for me, it's lipstick. I rarely wear eye makeup during the day. Instead of carrying mascara, I always have several lipsticks with me. I like to enjoy them according to my mood and the occasion—pink tones for daytime, a touch of red in the evening, and gloss for shine at night. I also prefer a natural finish for my base makeup.'
Her statement, 'Self-improvement is like a hobby,' is genuine; she speaks with sparkling eyes about beauty routines and skincare items, her passion seemingly endless. It appears that this feeling of 'liking' and 'enjoying' creates the placebo effect she mentioned, contributing to her healthy, beautiful skin. Come to think of it, when asked about exercise, she also spoke about psychological effects. Next time, we'd like to ask about Michibata's mindset.
page1 Enhance Skin Power with Fragrance-Induced Placebo Effect!?
page2 The Secret to Jessica's Healthy Glow: Oil Beauty!
MICHIBATA Jessica
Born October 21, 1984. In addition to a wide range of activities in magazines, commercials, and TV, she actively participates in full marathons and volunteer work. Her books include 'JESSICA’S SECRET: I'll Tell You Jessica Michibata's Secrets' (Kodansha) and 'Happiness Within' (Shogakukan). Her hobbies include watching movies, yoga, photography, and languages.