The origin of the name Shiseido
Arinobu Fukuhara was working as chief pharmacist in a naval hospital at the meager age of 23 years old when he and his colleagues, also in their early 20’s, founded the first Western-style pharmacy in Japan.
Their motivation came from displeasure with medicine available on the market at the time, while their inspiration was “to take everything and anything good in this world and use it to create new things”.
The name “Shiseido” was chosen by the young pharmacist, with the words taken from a passage in I Ching meaning, Do (堂): “house of”, Shi Sei (資生): “where everything is born.” The whole passage reads “Praise the virtues of the earth, that is where anything and everything is born from”. Text taken from Shiseido.ie
I was so delighted to attend the presntation launch party for Shiseido Spring/Summer 19 last week in The Royal Hibernian Academy.
The Friends Room was decorated like we had just walked into Tokyo and we were sureounded by the latest make up and skin care innovations and collections.
Here are some pics I took on the night.
INNOVATION: SHISEIDO invented a weightless, Triple Gel Technology featuring a revolutionary combo of agar, clay, and copolymer gels that allow high levels of pigment to converge with water for a cushion-y, comfortable feel that stays put for hours. “It’s a whole new way of looking at lipstick,” explains GailBoyé,
SVP of Global Product Development for SHISEIDO Makeup. “These elements are normally incompatible, so this balance of pigment, water, and unparalleled glide is a true breakthrough.” In addition to the Triple Gel Technology, this formula is made of 15% water to provide a cooling burst upon coming into contact with lips and intense, lasting hydration. The result: vivid, high-coverage pigment. To keep this revolutionary lipstick as fresh as possible, the tube comes sealed in an air- tight silver wrapper to preserve its longevity and integrity.
BEAUTY MADE WITH SOUL: Designers and developers looked to theSHISEIDO archives when devising this this slender bullet that provides the ultimate level of precision straight from the tube. They were inspired by Inouï, a sleek collection created for the Japanese “career woman” in 1977.
COLOUR INSPIRATION: The shade names in the VisionAiry Gel Lipstick range are based on the bustling urban metropolis that is modern Tokyo.
J-BEAUTY TIP: Ginza Red (222) was inspired by the upscale, fashionable neighborhood in Tokyo, where, in 1916, SHISEIDO opened its first cosmetics shop. “It’s a timeless, universal colour that flatters every skin tone,” says James Boehmer, Global Director of Artistry for SHISEIDO Makeup.
INNOVATION: This flexible formula boasts a superior refractive index that boosts colour vibrancy when worn as a top coat and creates the illusion of fuller lips. Unlike most glosses, this crystalline fluid is infused with high-shine polymers that provide a Lucite-like finish that looks wet. In addition to high shine, lips are also wrapped with moisture. Free of shimmer that can compromise clarity, this crystal-clear varnish is contained in a sleek tube with an integrated applicator that helps prevent contamination after the gloss is layered over pigmented products.
J-BEAUTY TIP: Apply directly to bare lips or use as a top coat to add instant sheen to any product underneath. Pat this ultra-smooth gloss across the tops of cheekbones for a dewy effect, or layer it over Minimalist WhippedPowder Blush for a radiant flush. Mix directly with Aura Dew Face, Eyes, Lip for multi-dimensional sparkle. Or, lend lips major shine and create the illusion of volume by swathing
it across VisionAiry Gel Lipstick or ModernMatte Powder Lipstick.
INNOVATION: Developed exclusively for SHISEIDO, these weightless powder shadows are made using a breakthrough Cream Powder Matrix Technology comprised of an emollient blend of oils and esters. A transparent base eliminates any chalkiness and lends lids pure colour that lasts 12hours without creasing, while spherical powders offer a smooth, rollerball effect with zero drag. The four coordinating colours—available in satin, matte, and shimmer finishes to create a multitude of looks—come contained in a super sleek compact developed by the brand’s premiere packaging design architect.
BEAUTY MADE WITH SOUL: Known for its vibrant, inventive, and often quirky street style, these palettes draw inspiration from Tokyo’s bustling neighborhoods. Named after iconic streets— like Hanatsubaki Street—a historic neighborhood known for
its mamasan bars and jazz clubs—offers up a sultry range of smoky purples. these ultra-sleek compacts contain colours that convey the unique energy of each district.
1.Miyuki Street Nudes (matte ivory, matte taupe, matte sand, shimmer copper)
2.Platinum Street Metals (shimmer white gold, shimmer silver, shimmer pewter, shimmer bronze) 03 Namiki Street Nature (shimmer gold, shimmer antique gold, shimmer moss green, matte brown) 04 Kaigan Street Waters (shimmer white, shimmer gunmetal, matte navy, matte black)
05 Kotto Street Vintage (matte beige, matte ash brown, shimmer neutral brown, shimmer graphite) 06 Hanatsubaki Street Nightlife (matte mauve, shimmer taupe, matte plum, chocolate brown with red pearl)
07 Cat Street Pops (shimmer baby pink, shimmer lilac, matte magenta, grape with gold pearl)
08 Jizoh Street Reds (shimmer rose gold, shimmer copper, matte muted red, matte espresso)
Professional and contemporary, the Shiseido beauty tools aim to recreate multiple beauty experiences at home and delight your senses. “The brush is easy to control. You can pick up as much product as you want with it and vary the coverage, whether you’re going for a more opaque finish or a sheer look. I think this brush will enable the costumer to achieve her ideal foundation.” Dick Page, Shiseido Makeup Artistic Director
VISIBLE FEELS INVISIBLE
Always an innovator and pioneer in the powder category, SHISEIDO created 7 Colours Powder in 1917, a groundbreaking product Jill Scalamandre, President of SHISEIDO Global Makeup Center of Excellence, describes as the world’s first “non-digital filters.” Developed specifically for geishas, these tinted powders were designed to play off different lighting conditions. Now, the brand is breaking
new ground via unexpected textures and unconventional forms that feel weightless but provide intense colour payoff.
INNOVATION: Thanks to breakthrough AirFusion Technology, this fluffy, meringue-esque blush blends effortlessly across skin like a mousse, but transforms into an ultra-thin, featherweight powder with a soft matte finish that lasts eight hours. These vivid shades never feel dense or dry and can be washed across skin for a natural flush or layered for more intensity.
BEAUTY MADE WITH SOUL: Whether you desire a kabuki-style cheek draped with dramatic colour or a subtle glow, this blush delivers and melds seamlessly with the complexion much like SHISEIDO’s world-renowned skincare. The colour palette isinspired by the brand’s many muses throughout the years.
COLOUR INSPIRATION: Shades are named after SHISEIDO’s brand muses and collaborators from the company’s inception to the current day.
J-BEAUTY TIP: Apply with fingertips or stipple into cheeks using the silicone side of the DAIYA FUDE Face Duo brush. For a lit- from-within effect, layer a light veil of Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Fluid Foundation overtop.
INNOVATION: This blush and highlighter hybrid is the future of cheek colour thanks to a Cream Powder Matrix Technology that helps this texture stay put for eight hours. Refined mica provides a lit-from-within glow, a transparent base allows for true colour payoff, and a blend of spherical powders, silicone oils, and emollient esters offers superior glide. Use the various shades to lend the face an instant, illuminating flush or sculpt cheekbones for a subtle contour.
BEAUTY MADE WITH SOUL: Similar to a delicate silk kimonothat skims effortlessly across the body, this innovative formula floats over cheekbones for a naturally radiant flush.
COLOUR INSPIRATION: Ethereal shade names play on the ideaof lightness and the diaphanous nature of the cheek colour itself.
BENEFIANCE NutriPerfect fortifies skin affected by hormonal changes, prompts skin to recall its youthful ways. Fragile, fatigued skin finds new energy to fight dullness, roughness, wrinkles, and decreased density. Ultimate age-defying solutions in privileged care for mature skin, with unique, high-tech formulas.
Ultimune is a product that embodies Shiseido skincare. It strengthens the skin’s natural powers of defense, enabling it to build its own beauty.
It enhances the benefits of skincare routines that follow. Smooth, supple, and with less fine lines – skin radiates with a healthy look.
Ultimune Complex– Comprising of superior, originally-developed and naturally occurring ingredients, Ultimune Complex nourishes and shields your skin, and defends against the harmful effects and external hazards.
French make up artist Amelie Moutia giving me the low down on the blush she applied and the beautiful brush she used, it was honestly the softest brush I have ever felt. The Shiseido make up brushes are absolutely beautiful and scream of quality ❤️
Shiseido is available from
Ann-Marie Carey Make Up 