Lunasol’s 2007 Autumn Make-up Collection captures the allure of gemstones in its five colour palettes.

WHEN Yamazaki Toshiyuki was courting his girlfriend, a cosmetics model, he did not mind waiting as she had her make-up done. He watched from a distance as the make-up artist went about his work.

“Initially I had no interest in make-up. But over time, as I watched the famous make-up artist at work, I found it very interesting and was inspired,” says Toshiyuki, then 22, and a freelance hairstylist. A year later, he started to learn the art of make-up.

“In the United States, hairstyling and make-up are two different professions. In Japan, one needs to hone both skills,” says Toshiyuki, 52.

Picture of concentration: Yamazaki Toshiyuki, make-up artist and creator of Kanebo’s Lunasol make-up range, applying lip colour on a model.

Although Toshiyuki and his girlfriend have since parted, the Tokyo-born make-up artist is still passionate about his job – after 27 years as a professional make-up artist.

Make-up can change a woman’s image by changing the colours on her face, cheeks and eyes, says Toshiyuki. He enjoys making women “more beautiful” with his make-up skills.

“When they are happy, there are many smiles. These women are also more confident,” says Toshiyuki through an interpreter.

Toshiyuki’s style is to be “as gentle as possible”.

“I’m a gentleman,” he quips, admitting that the soft and unhurried approach, when applying make-up, produces smoother and better results. If make-up is roughly done, it would look uneven on the skin.

“Light make-up – using one or two colours – produces limited results. There is no dimension for the eyes – they look flat. Some think this gives a natural look. But make-up for a natural look should be complete. Colours add dimension,” says Toshiyuki, who is known for creating “30 Perfect Steps” in make-up.

Eye on you: Models sporting different looks for eyes, namely, (from left) Ruby, Sapphire and Cat’s Eye. – Pictures by VICTOR K.K. NG / The Star

Toshiyuki, creator of Kanebo’s Lunasol, was in Kuala Lumpur for make-up demonstrations and the launch of Lunasol’s 2007 Autumn Make-up Collection. In conjunction with the launch, Kanebo also launched its skincare range, Impress.

“Lunasol has been in Japan for 10 years,” says Toshiyuki. “It was created for women in their 30s but it is also popular among younger women.”

This autumn, Lunasol captures the mysterious power of gemstones. Lunasol Geminate Eyes come in five colour palettes inspired by five gemstones – Cat’s-Eye, Alexandrite, Diamond, Sapphire and Ruby.

Toshiyuki plays with colours to give the eyes depth and dimension. The colours do not smudge when they are layered on.

Cat’s-Eye offers green sparkles emanating from gradations of gold to give a mysterious look. “It is suitable for women who have fair or dark skin. The reddish hue gives the skin a healthy glow,” says Toshiyuki.

Alexandrite gives a red, golden glow that melts into the skin. Toshiyuki recommends it for women with dull, reddish or darker complexion.

Gem of a collection: Kanebo’s Lunasol eye make-up palettes.

Diamond, with its multi-hued sparkles and translucent colours, is most suitable for fair-skinned women.

“This is the easiest colour combination palette,” says Toshiyuki. However, this eye shadow is not for women with a dark complexion because the eyes would look very bright. However, if these women still prefer Diamond, Toshiyuki advises using Lunasol Geminate (eye) Liner as well, to give eyes more definition.

Want a mysterious aura with cool sparkles in silvery shades on a deep-blue base? Then Sapphire is the palette for you.

“You can combine highlight and shade colours of white and blue for a natural look. Medium and shade colours (shades of blue) are a good mix, too. You can go with highlight, medium and shade colours (white and two shades of blue) to acquire new depth for eyes,” says Toshiyuki.

Caucasian women should go for Ruby as they need strong dimensions and strong colours. Choose darker colours for eyelashes, advises Toshiyuki.

 

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