Earlier this month, I made the trip to Tokyo for Shiseido’s biggest announcement of the year — they are launching an entire new line of makeup, changing everything you currently see on the counters. For a brand with an immense global presence, and a company that has been around for more than 140 years, it’s obviously a huge deal.

Products above (L to R): Kajal Ink Artist and LacquerInk LipShine

And Shiseido has decided that the way to present their new makeup is not through the traditional eyes-cheeks-lips segregation; instead they propose that makeup falls within these four texture categories: Powders, Inks, Gels and Dews.

Kajal Ink Artist (under the “Ink” category)

They also appointed Pony as their Asia-Pacific ambassador, starting from this new collection. Speaking of which, I’ll be interviewing her this week on her favourite products and shades from the new range. I’ll link to the article once it’s up.

Pony demonstrating Shiseido’s new Essentialist Eye Palette

VisionAiry Gel Lipstick (under the “Gel” category)

But of course the main allure of the new collection would be the actual products; I’ve tried almost all the items and can attest to their quality. These are highly pigmented makeup products that don’t just look nice and sleek, but they work really well too.

To demonstrate the new makeup, I enlisted Lauren Tsai (of Terrace House fame) to model looks according to Shiseido’s four new texture categories:

Photography : Adele Chan, using the Nikon Df
Makeup and Hair : Chizu Fukuike, Shiseido Hair & Makeup Artist, Beauty Creation Center
Styling : Josiah Chua
Shot on location at the Shiseido office building in Ginza.

NOTE: Click on the photos of Lauren to zoom in.

POWDER

EYES
1. Essentialist Eye Palette in Jizoh Street Reds 08, $60
2. MicroLiner Ink in Plum 03, $38
3. ImperialLash MascaraInk Waterproof, $50
CHEEKS
4. Minimalist WhippedPowder Blush in Kokei 08, $48
5. InnerGlow CheekPowder in Aura Pink 04, $56
6. InnerGlow CheekPowder in Medusa Pink 10, $56
LIPS
7. ModernMatte Powder Lipstick in Peep Show 505, $46
8. ColorGel LipBalm in Hibiscus 104, $46

On Lauren: Earring by Hermès, dress by Monse at theoutnet.com.

INK

EYES
1. ArchLiner Ink in Shibui Black 01, $45
2. MicroLiner Ink in Black 01, $38
3. MicroLiner Ink in White 06, $38
4. Kajal InkArtist in Rose Pagoda 03, $38
5. ImperialLash MascaraInk Waterproof, $50
6. Essentialist Eye Palette in Jizoh Street Reds 08, $60
CHEEKS
7. Minimalist WhippedPowder Blush in Eiko 04, $48
LIPS
8. ModernMatte Powder Lipstick in Thigh High 504, $46

On Lauren: Scarf by Hermès, top by Pleats Please Issey Miyake.

DEW

EYES
1. Aura Dew in Lunar 01, $38
2. Aura Dew in Cosmic 03, $38
3. Essentialist Eye Palette in Kotto Street Vintage 05, $60
4. ImperialLash MascaraInk Waterproof, $50
CHEEKS
5. Minimalist WhippedPowder Blush in Eiko 04, $48
LIPS
6. ModernMatte Powder Lipstick in Nude Streak 503, $46

On Lauren: Top by Nina Ricci at theoutnet.com, coat by Mary Katrantzou at theoutnet.com, bangle by Hermès.

GEL

EYES
1. Essentialist Eye Palette in Kaigan Street Waters 04, $60
2. MicroLiner Ink in Black 01, $38
3. ImperialLash MascaraInk Waterproof, $50
CHEEKS
4. Minimalist WhippedPowder Blush in Momoko 03, $48
LIPS
5. VisionAiry Gel Lipstick in Ginza Red 222, $36

On Lauren: Bracelets (worn as chokers) by Hermès, dress and wool cardigan by Bottega Veneta.

Shiseido’s new makeup collection launches 1 September 2018 at all Shiseido counters. Get it first at Lazada on 17 August 2018 for Shiseido x Lazada Super Brand Day!

Also, stand a chance to win your favourite product from the collection! Check our Facebook page for details on how to take part.

How well do you know Shiseido?

• It is the oldest cosmetics company in Japan.
• It is also the fifth largest cosmetics company in the world.
• The Shiseido company owns many other beauty brands including NARS, bareMinerals, Laura Mercier and IPSA (remember IPSA?).
• Shiseido sells the most lovely biscuits and cheese cakes through their “Shiseido Parlour”. In Singapore, you can find a counter at Takashimaya B2 Food Hall.