Makeup and Skincare: Ways To Bring Confidence to Young Girls

A room filled with high school and university girls leans towards their mirrors, eyes wide. "I'm so happy right now," one says softly, marveling at her reflection. This isn't just an event about makeup — it's about confidence.

The scene unfolds thanks to the efforts of GEM Talks, an annual English speech contest for high school students across Japan. As founder and executive producer Kanako Date explains, "It aims to strengthen the ability of Japanese girls to communicate."

On March 8, the organizers put together a side event bringing together current contestants and past participants for a special makeup seminar. It was taught by Michiru, a makeup artist and beauty director with professional experience in Paris and New York. In addition to working in fashion and commercials, she consults with brands. She brings her own unique perspective to this event.

JAPAN Forward was there to investigate the role of makeup in communication, confidence-building, and self-expression.

The Importance of Self-Care

Recalling my younger self experimenting with makeup, I was intrigued by the event. What were the secrets to perfect makeup?

Michiru outlined her general philosophy of makeup and beauty: to highlight one's kosei (individuality).

"The point is not to hide your flaws but to accentuate your strengths," she explained. "If we focus on our flaws, the temptation is to apply thicker makeup. But we want to put as little stress on our skin as possible."

For Michiru, skin is a hint to wellbeing. She invited participants to have a "daily conversation" with their skin to gauge their health. "Your skin shows if you've been sleeping enough, if you've been eating healthily," she noted.

To that end, the makeup artist highlighted the importance of experimenting with skincare. "For each person, there is a different combination that works," she said.

Seminar participants apply skincare product (left) and foundation (right). (©JAPAN Forward)

Makeup Products: Looking At Ingredients

Beyond her work with the likes of Vogue Magazine, Michiru also consults with companies to perfect their cosmetics.

She collaborates with MiMC, a Japanese cosmetics company focusing on minerals and natural ingredients. After years of working abroad, she explained her desire to help a company in Japan. "I wanted to make something natural that could compete with foreign brands in the United States, for example."

Interestingly, even while selling makeup, MiMC's philosophy also prioritizes skin health. "We are aiming for people to say that your skin is beautiful, not that you did your makeup well," Michiru explained.

A Crash Course in Foundation

After discussing skincare, it was time to learn the basics of base makeup. Michiru focused on this because "base makeup determines 80% of the final outcome."

She began by asking participants about their makeup-related concerns. Some had never used makeup, while others highlighted concerns such as acne or oily skin.

Listening intently, Michiru broke down the key steps.

Toner: A hydrating skincare product that prepares the skin. The Japanese name is keshosui, (化粧水, makeup water). She recommended two varieties: one for dryer skin, one for oily skin.
Primer: With different colors depending on individual skin types. "A green primer will even out red patches and lighten your skin," she explained. A pink primer brightens the complexion.
Foundation: applied in a small amount, much less than what is sometimes seen on YouTube or Instagram. She showed how careful application following the curves of the face can be subtle yet effective.
Brightening powder: Visibly gives a healthy, radiant glow.

*Seminar participants pose with Michiru and GEM Talks organizers. (©JAPAN Forward)*

The Power of Confidence

The most striking in the whole session came when students saw their own transformation through such easy steps.

"I am so happy right now!" effused a student, beaming in the mirror.

For Michiru, teaching high schoolers was a new experience compared to teaching young professionals. "I realized I had to teach the basics, right from which fingers you should use to apply makeup. It was a really fun experience," she said.

More than anything, Michiru hoped that the session could be a positive and empowering experience. "This seminar doesn't mean you have to use makeup. Some might wear very little, or none at all," she said. "What is important is to face your individuality and personality head-on. I hope this inspires the girls to be more confident in their appearance."

Kanako Date echoed this sentiment in her closing remarks. "The whole idea of GEM Talks reflects our wish that participants will love themselves because that is directly connected to confidence and self-expression."

Author: Arielle Busetto