Since I'm living here in Japan, I thought it apt to share some info on a staple Japanese brand, Shiseido, that I know makeup and beauty enthusiasts will enjoy.
Shiseido is the 4th largest cosmetic company in the WORLD! They also own established brands such as Bare Escentuals, Nars Cosmetics and Joico. In fact, Shiseido was founded by the former head pharmacist to the Japanese Imperial Navy! After a visit to the U.S. founder Fukuhara, was inspired to return to Japan with an east meets west cosmetic vision. I know now since I'm based here that the Japanese do everything with extreme and precise care, from formulation to packaging - the creation of this brand would be supreme with the upmost care taken to ensure quality in abundance.
Geisha, in the time of the early 1900's, were very fond of Shiseido's revolutionary 'Rainbow Powder'. This muti-coloured powder came in 7 different colours to match each person's skin tone. Geisha reputed the powder as "projecting an appealing image under the lights"
In 1985, Shiseido was the first company to produce sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid/hyaluronan) from non-animal origin sources. So much so, that the brand actually exports this ingredient to other cosmetic brands internationally.
Following this, this evolving brand collaborated with Harvard University in 1989 to establish the World's 1st Dermatological Research Center.
Before the advent of the internet was even dreamed of, Shiseido conceived of the notion that beauty tutorials could be marketed as entertainment shows, (move over YouTube - let's do this old-school style)! After they released an advert looking for "women from respectable families", 9 young women were chosen to receive a rigorous training in cosmetics, literature, art, music nutrition and drama. They starred in a production similar to a musical variety, theatre show that included beauty lessons performed on each other. At the end of each performance, the nine Miss Shiseidos would descend from the stage to give audience members personalized beauty recommendations and apply products to their faces. Talk about interactive beauty advice! Soon they became fashion and beauty icons for Japanese women across the country, with fans that came in droves to see their makeup idols! This theatre was the starting block for the modern day beauty consultant.
Nowadays, there is even a Shiseido Museum in Shizuoza which hosts exhibits about the world of Shiseido - the products, packaging, and innovative art inspired marketing.
So after that run-down i am even more inspired to try all their products (just slightly ambitious)....this may take some time!