The Harajuku branch of UK cosmetics retailer reopened after a revamp on Friday with its all-new ‘Slow Bath’ concept. The branch first opened to the people of Tokyo in November 2018.

Since opening, LUSH Harajuku has delivered a LUSH-esque bath product lineup experience, since Japan is known for being a nation of bath lovers. That is now being taken to the next level with the Slow Bath revamp which will stock a wide variety of items for self care and indulgence.

Throw away the needless and make way for mind and body reconnection

LUSH Harajuku is a place that helps you discover new ways to design your daily routine, with face masks to refresh your skin, products to care for your hair, scents for your well-deserved bath time, and more.

Well-being is also a big part of the brand, teaching you to be kind to yourself while you’re working everyday, and to look after your mind and body. LUSH Harajuku stocks not only bath bombs and bubble bars, but a selection of items to use while you’re in the bath too for some much-needed self care.

Naked items are environmentally friendly

About 60% of LUSH’s products are sold ‘naked’ without packaging in order to reduce on waste in the environment. This also lets the essential oils and natural smells of the products seep throughout and outside the doors of their stores, beckoning people with the pleasant fragrances.

LUSH’s “Lush Labs” app also has a function called “Lush Lens.” This lets customers scan any naked item which brings up information about that particular item such as what ingredients are used, as well as videos on how to use products and bath bombs fizzing.

If you’re ever in Harajuku, be sure to stop by LUSH.

A new fragrance brand produced by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu was released on September 12, 2020, and is available to purchase via the brand’s official website.

The brand was backed by a crowdfunding campaign in February 2020 for Kyary who wanted to turn her favourite scent, fragrant olive, into a fragrance. The music artist highlighted how it’s a difficult scent to get your hands on. “There are so many people that like the smell of fragrant olive, so why is it so rare?” Kyary worked with fragrance experts to create a scent that smells like fully bloomed fragrant olive.

Nostalgic Syndrome Osmanthus – Eau de Toilette | ¥8,250 (Tax Included)

Nostalgic Syndrome Osmanthus – Body Cream | ¥5,500 (Tax Included)

The first goal of the crowdfunding campaign was to fund the perfume and the second body cream which Kyary overwhelming support for, leading to it becoming a reality.

Nostalgic Syndrome Osmanthus – Hand Cream | ¥1,870 (Tax Included)

Nostalgic Syndrome Osmanthus – Aroma Diffuser | ¥7,150 (Tax Included)

The success of the crowdfunding campaign led to the establishment of Nostalgic Syndrome and subsequently its first series, Osmanthus, which includes not only the perfume and body cream but hand cream, hair oil, aroma diffuser, and home & fabric spray too.

To celebrate the launch of Nostalgia Syndrome, the first 300 people who spend over ¥10,000 on products will receive an original eco bag. More details can be found on the brand’s official website.

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu | Comment

“I’ve always loved fragrances. Before every live performance I do I like to calm myself with my favourites. Fragrances help me to relax no matter the time, I really feel like they’re something that have saved me. So, for all the people working hard day to day, and for those with stresses piled up right now, I want them to take a deep breath with this scent of fully bloomed fragrant olive. It would make me happy if this fragrance can create a relaxing space for you.”

“It’s all thanks to everyone’s support that I was able to launch the Nostalgia Syndrome brand. I’m filled with gratitude. Thank you so much, and I hope you continue to support [the brand].”

American-Japanese model, actress, and designer Kiko Mizuhara and Japanese actor and model Takumi Kitamura have featured in a new promotion for the internationally-iconic Rouge Dior lipstick in three different looks inspired by the streets of Paris such as Champs-Élysées and Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés Look

Inspired by the art-led administrative quarter of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this look fuses trends and tradition.

Kiko is donning the Rouge Dior 665 Rêvée which has a classic pink-beige accent. And to emphasise the natural gloss and beauty of her lips, she’s wearing the Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil 001 Pink.

Takumi has also contoured with the Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil 001 Pink tinted lip balm which brings out his natural complexion and imbues his lips with a natural beauty.

Champs-Élysées Look

Champs-Élysées is where the best fashionistas gather, and this look serves that cool Parisienne vibe. Kiko is using the Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil 001 Pink as a base which she has layered with the iconic Rouge Dior 999.

Avenue Montaigne Look

Feminine looks overflowing with natural beauty inspired by Avenue Montaigne where Monsieur Dior opened his first boutique.

Kiko is wearing the Dior Addict Lip Maximizer 001 Pink and has added the lovely Rouge Dior 458 Paris. She’s ready to hit the town.

Takumi is also donning the Dior Addict Lip Maximizer 001 Pink, Dior’s number one lip care primer, to care for his lips, elicit their natural beauty, and heighten their gloss and volume.

“Comfortable, yet also dramatic” is the vibe SUQQU is bringing to their new Liquid Lipstick Collection which will be released on September 4, 2020.

The lipsticks will be available in two different finishes: COMFORT LIP FLUID FOG and COMFORT LIP FLUID GLOW, both of which provide fresh colours for the lips while enhancing their look.

Amazingly light and locks in colours

The lipsticks have an impossibly light spread thanks to the oils that SUQQU use in their formula, which has a mousse-like texture that helps at to the lightness and allows the shade to spread effortlessly and evenly across the lips. You also don’t have to worry about any stickiness when wearing your chosen shade.

Long-lasting, guaranteed adhesion

The formula of the new SUQQU Liquid Lipsticks actually contains the same film material used in mascara. This means that the colour is guaranteed to stay on your lips over a long period of time.

COMFORT LIP FLUID FOG – 7 New Shades

Made with a higher ratio of film than the GLOW line for additional creasing prevention.

Colour Variations

The Shades (From the Left)

01. AZUKIAME: Dull red that nods towards autumn and winter and works with all skin tones.

02. MAIBENI: A light and refreshing fruity red with a perfect balance of blue and red.

03. WATAICHIGO: Chic rose whose dullness has a grown-up vibe to it.

04. HANASHIMO: Sophisticated pink beige that can be worn both formally and casually.

05. OUJYUKUKA: An adult orange amber that contrasts against the skin like a ripe fruit.

06 KINUZOME: Snow beige with a hint of white.

07 HOUJIIRO: Warm brown that has warmth and depth that blends well with the skin.

COMFORT LIP FLUID GLOW – 7 New Shades

Contains more oil than the FOG finish, for a more moisturized, glowing look.

Colour Variations

The Shades (From the Left)

01. AKATSUMUGI: A bewitching primary red with just a single coat.

02. MUSUBISHU: Soft and warm fig red reminiscent of figs.

03. HANAIKADA: Sweet and gentle pure coral that leaves a pure impression.

04. IROGURE: Chic ochre brown that makes anyone look smart and sophisticated.

05. YUUHI: Refreshing and glossy dewy orange.

06. FUJISHIZUKU: Purple aquatic berry that enhances your adult luster.

07. HANAGUMORI: Greyish purple with a dull mode.

Japanese cosmetic brand has revealed that the SHIRO MAKEUP COLLECTION AW 2020 will launch in Japan on September 10, featuring delicate colour tones and using ingredients that SHIRO is known for like ginger and pot marigold which are kind to the skin.

Pot Marigold Liquid Eyeshadow

Pot Marigold Liquid Eyeshadow – 4 Colours

The liquid eyeshadow keeps the skin around your eyes moisturised while adding a delicate sheen to them, creating a beautiful contrast and natural beauty. In times when everyone needs to be wearing face masks, a coat of this eyeliner is sure to leave an impression.

Gagome Kelp Mascara

Gagome Kelp Mascara – 3 New Colours (Includes 1 Limited Edition)

Gagome kelp is known for its moisturising power. Add yuzu to that for a fresh citrus scent, and you’ve got a mascara that cares for your eyelashes while making you look beautiful. These three new colours also contain pearl powder.

Ginger Lipstick Glow

Ginger Lipstick Glow – 3 New Colours

Incorporating ginger ensures your lips stay moist, and the three new colours introduced add a glossy shine to plump them out.

Ginger Lipstick Colour Primer

Ginger Lipstick Colour Primer

The new Ginger Lipstick Colour Primer cares for your lips and is acts as a foundation for your lipstick.

Japanese clothing retailer GU has announced that its new cosmetic brand #4me by GU which launch on September 4, 2020 at all major GU stores and their online website in Japan.

#4me by GU is an entirely new cosmetic brand that hearkens to the voices of the ordinary person and combines latent needs with the latest styles. By listening to consumers’ worries and wishes, the brand is able to develop cosmetics that people want and can really use. Their products pride themselves on being made in Japan, ensuring high quality while staying at a reasonable price and making the user feel good each day.

#4me by GU’s product lineup focuses on eye and lip products, and this will include lipsticks, cream eyeshadows, lip gloss, and multi-palettes. The items will be simple for anyone to apply and incorporate into their looks. GU has also developed their own colours and textures so that their lineup fit naturally with the colours and fashion of the season. From eyeshadow that isn’t overly-sparkly to specially selected natural colours from palettes, #4me by GU promises easy of use for every person.

The Lipsticks

8 Colours: #11 PINK, #13 L.RED, #14 ORANGE RED, #15 RED SHEER, #17 RED MATTE,#24 APRICOT, #26 ORANGE SHEER, #77 PURPLE | ¥590 Each (Before Tax)

The lipstick collection features natural colouring. Each lipstick benefits from just needing one coat over the lips while also moisturising them. Thanks to the oil blend*, the lipstick feels great on the lips and has the right amount of shine. It also has a lip cream feel to it so can be used on your lips when wearing a face mask.

Cream Eyeshadow

4 Colours: #01 WHITE, #11 PINK, #36 BROWN, #81 GOLD | ¥590 Each (Before Tax)

#4me by GU’s cream eyeshadow has 53% water content and comes in a tube. The oil blend lets the eyeshadow spread out smoothly and requires just a single coat around your eyes. The eye shadows also contain a moderate amount of glitter, bringing a fresh look to your eyes. It makes your eyes stand out without taking over the rest of your makeup.

Lip Gloss

3 Colours: #11 PINK, #13 L.RED, #16 RED | ¥790 Each (Before Tax)

The colouring developed for the lip gloss was made to not be too strong so that even if you overcoat with another colour your lips will look natural. The oil blend* used enhances the product staying on your lips and makes them look plump and moist.

Multi-Palettes

 3 Colours: #11 PINK, #26 ORANGE, #72 PURPLE | ¥1,490 (Tax Included)

Soft powder is used for the multi-palettes which ensures a consistent and balanced spread. Colour trends are used and can be used both on your cheeks and around your eyes.

#4me by GU is made in Japan using high quality Japanese ingredients. Where possible, the ingredients used are ones that do not cause irritation to the skin, and all items are made with natural moisturising ingredients including the following essences: tea leaf, East Asian Cherry, camellia, saxifraga stolonifera, and ashitaba.

SHISEIDO opened its first-ever global flagship store in Ginza, Tokyo on July 31, 2020.

Since its founding in Ginza, the SHISEIDO brand has been fusing art and science, representing Japanese Beauty. Today, it offers a wide range of products in 88 countries and regions around the globe. SHISEIDO skincare and makeup aims to reveal and express people’s beauty on the outside, empowering them with confidence and vitality. For SHISEIDO, it is that outer beauty that brings to light your inner beauty, a notion that’s centred around the brand’s concept of feeling “ALIVE with Beauty,” something they say is achieved when beauty blooms from both the outside and inside.

SHISEIDO GLOBAL FLAGSHIP STORE follows this mantra of “ALIVE with Beauty” which it will promote to those visiting Ginza, be they Japanese or foreign. The store’s design concept is “Japanese Digital Garden” which encapsulates the image of a Japanese-style garden—something which symbolises the Japanese sense of beauty as well as nature. It will be inspired by Japanese paper, trees, and Nishijin silk fabrics, and will incorporate flowing music and lighting.

Digiskin Tester (Makeup)

SHISEIDO GLOBAL FLAGSHIP STORE is a beauty experience that combines human touch with the latest technology. The shop caters to a multitude of beauty needs and lifestyles. Simply by taking a photo of yourself, the Digiskin Tester will find the perfect shade of SHISEIDO foundation for your skin from 30 colours. This instant tester can be combined with one-on-one counselling with the staff so you can find the right products for you.

SHISEIDO Ultimune™

SHISEIDO Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate N – Ginza Flagship Store Limited Edition (75ml) | ¥16,000 (Before Tax) *Available in-store only

The building consists of three floors serving all things SHISEIDO, from their full line-up of makeup and skincare products to items exclusive to the flagship store.

They are taking all the necessary precautions against the spread of COVID-19 so that customers can continue to enjoy the beauty experience. This includes practicing social distancing, providing alcohol gel, disinfecting tester products, having staff and customers wear masks, and so on.

Ultimune Essence Auto-Tester

Customers can use special dispensers set up in-store which lets them try out products without having to come into physical contact with other people.

SHISEIDO has also launched a “virtual store” on its official website so that customers can still enjoy SHISEIDO GLOBAL FLAGSHIP STORE from the comfort of their own home. Customers use VR to walk around the shop and watch help and advice videos on makeup.

Discover your inner and outer beauty at SHISEIDO GLOBAL FLAGSHIP STORE in Ginza.

Japanese comedian Naomi Watanabe uploaded a music video parody of Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande’s song Rain on Me. The original song was released on May 22, 2020 and features on Gaga’s latest studio album Chromatica. It went on to reach No. 1 on weekly charts across the globe, and its music video has over 160 million views on YouTube (as of July 2020).

Lady Gaga “Rain On Me with Ariana Grande” Official Parody

Naomi Watanabe explained that she felt incredible power from Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande when Rain on Me dropped back in May. She described the “motherly presence [of Gaga] that greatly envelops me.” In the parody music video, Watanabe plays the part of Lady Gaga while comedian Yuriyan Retriever takes up the role of Ariana Grande.

The music video was shot after the state of emergency was lifted in Japan. It was directed by Daisuke Ninomiya, who has worked on many music videos for many big artists in Japan such as Daichi Miura and Sandaime J Soul Brothers. It was shot in collaboration with makeup artists, stylists, and manicurists who are close with Watanabe. The music video plays up Watanabe’s iconic comedy while still managing to be as thrilling as the original music video.

Speaking about the music video, Naomi Watanabe said: “I thought it would be amusing to shoot this video as close as possible to the original, and because I like parodies, so we really went all-out with the little details.”

The music video parody received praise from Lady Gaga’s production team for its quality. It currently has 2.5 million views on YouTube (as of July 2020). Check it out and be sure to compare it with the original.

ANGFA will is collaborating with Pokémon to release Pikachu packaging in Japan for its SCALP-D Eyelash Serum on July 22, 2020.

This is the first time the brand has teamed up wit Pokémon, and sees both the packaging and bottles of the eye serums with cute Pikachu designs.

SCALP-D Beaute Pure Free Eyelash Serum Pokémon Design: ¥1,762 (Tax Included)

SCALP-D Beaute Pure Free Eyelash Serum Premium Pokémon Design: ¥3,524 (Tax Included)

The SCALP-D Eyelash Serum is a daily use product to make women’s eyes beautiful, healthy, and supple so that they don’t fall out as easy. The Pikachu collaboration concept is to make the user’s eyes “as cute as Pikachu.” There are two products to choose from: the regular eyelash serum and a premium version.

A social media campaign is also being held in Japan for 30 random people to win a bottle of the serum. All you need to do is follow SCALP-D on Twitter or Instagram and retweet/repost the following posts.

Campaign: July 13, 2020 @ 12:00 – July 20, 2020 @ 23:59 (JST)

SCALP-D Instagram: scalpd_eye

SCALP-D Twitter: @scalpd_eye

ANGFA is also selling sets of the serum with a limited-edition Pikachu towel. These are available while supplies last.

SCALP-D Beaute Pure Free Eyelash Serum Towel Set: ¥5,286 (Tax Included)

SCALP-D Beaute Pure Free Eyelash Serum Premium Towel Set: ¥7,048 (Tax Included)

Make your eyelashes Pika-Pika pretty with a cute bottle of Pikachu SCALP-D!

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of MASH Beauty Lab, a range of original and exclusive merchandise made in collaboration with popular French fictional characters Gaspard and Lisa and Cosme Kitchen will be released in limited quantities. Pre-sales opened at Cosme Kitchen’s web store on July 15 while in-store purchases will be available at 70 branches in Japan from July 17.

Cosme Kitchen is a shop whose first branch opened in Daikanyama, Tokyo. They stock specially selected natural and organic cosmetic products from around the world. Gaspard and Lisa are fictional characters that appear in a children’s book series of the same name by wife and husband Anne Gutman and Georg Hallensleben. The collaboration hopes to bring smiles to people’s faces around Japan with organic, sustainable, and cute products.

Gaspard and Lisa Sauvent la Planete: ¥1,200 (Before Tax)

A new children’s book has been created exclusively for this collaboration. It will be sold at Cosme Kitchen only.

Product Line-Up (Excerpt)

Cosme Kitchen Small Eco-Bag: ¥1,800 (Before Tax)

This sustainable eco-bag is made from 100% plastic waste from the ocean. Available while supplies last.

MAMA BUTTER Chamomile & Orange (40ml): ¥1,200 (Before Tax)

A hand cream which is gentle blend of organic chamomile and orange. The bottle features a cute illustration of Gaspard and Lisa.

nahrin Herb Oil 33+7 Roll-On (10ml): ¥2,300 (Before Tax)

This herb oil is based on a Swiss herb recipe made using a blend of 40 different herbs. A perfect choice for those necessary moments of self care.

made of Organics Manuka Honey & Chamomile Spray Strawberry (25ml): ¥1,500 (Before Tax)

An alcohol-free spray which can be used for anyone over the age of 2-years-old. It’s an organic blend of manuka honey and leatherwood honey.

WELEDA Bath Milk Mini Set (20ml x 5): ¥2,500 (Before Tax)

An assortment of five different bath milk fragrances. Choose a scent based on how you feel that day.

This is just a peek at the products that are on offer for the collaboration. To see more, visit the Cosme Kitchen Webstore at the link below.

A new summer key visual was released on July 10, 2020 for Shiseido Beauty Square, a beauty facility in front of Harajuku Station, featuring Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, who is an ambassador for the establishment.

Beauty Square’s concept aims to have people discovering their beauty, having fun, sharing experiences, and learning the latest in the scene. Visitors will be able to purchase cosmetics and makeup products, participate in interactive digital content, experience the salon where hair and makeup artists will beauty up customers, and more. Focused on younger customers, Beauty Square is a place to find your inner beauty, and what better place to do it than in Harajuku—Tokyo’s hub for youth fashion, beauty, and culture?

The new key visual conceives Harajuku’s night sky lit up by bright and vivid fireworks, with Kyary’s hair and makeup an expression of the balance and harmony of beauty. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu conveys the sense of beauty and transience of Japanese fireworks and a midsummer night’s dream. Kyary will continue to collaborate with “Beauty Diversity” focused company Shiseido’s top hair and makeup artist Tadashi Harada on a variety of beauty projects that will stimulate people’s curiosity when it comes to beauty.

Global prestige brand SHISEIDO will launch its new global campaign “With One Another. Without Limits. Our Future Is Beautiful.” on July 1, 2020. For global ambassadors have been selected as part of the campaign: Bibari Maeda, an actress whose beauty transcends age; Lauren Wasser, a model who chooses to find the beauty in overcoming her limitations; Huang Xuan, an actor who aspires to the kind of beauty that overcomes stereotypes; and Alina Zagitova, a world champion figure skater who chases beauty as an athlete. Together, these four figures each express that beauty has no boundaries, and that all of us can overcome our limits.

Founded in 1872, SHISEIDO was the first Western-style pharmacy to hit Japan when it opened in Ginza, Tokyo. For the past 148 years, the global brand has continue to innovate and sought to bring more beauty into the world. SHISEIDO helps people to be more beautiful from the inside out so they can look and feel their best.

Uncertainty reigns across the globe right now, and in the face of such adversity, SHISEIDO aims to get people overcoming their own boundaries and in turn move towards a brighter future. And that’s at the heart of the brand’s new campaign, “With One Another. Without Limits. Our Future Is Beautiful.”

SHISEIDO’s four brand ambassadors come from various backgrounds, each having their own unique stories when it comes to finding beauty by transcending boundaries. But one message connects them all—that #beautyisboundless.

Bibari Maeda

“Stay young at heart, and your true beauty will come out.”
By Bibari Maeda

By Lauren Wasser

“Do not force yourself to accept your destiny, change it.”
By Lauren Wasser

By Huang Xuan

“Life has many possibilities, we should embrace them all.”
By Huang Xuan

Alina Zagitova

“Imagination is the secret to beauty it makes beauty boundless.”
By Alina Zagitova

When the brand campaign website goes live on July 1, a video showcasing all four ambassadors will be available to watch. Additionally, alongside the campaign, SHISEIDO will also release their “Ultimune™ Defense Refresh Mist” and their cushion compact “Shiseido Synchro Skin” for summer with limited-edition packaging.