Testimonials

Customers’ experience with Shiseido Life Quality Makeup.
（Some articles include Shiseido employees）

Makeup helps
me regain
my true self. Maki Tsunoda

We interviewed Maki Tsunoda to hear about her battle with ovarian cancer and her experience with Shiseido Life Quality Makeup. We also spoke to her husband, Noriaki Tsunoda, who is supporting her in her battle with cancer.

The shock of seeing my
eyebrows and eyelashes
fall out
was greater than
when I lost my hair.

I am currently undergoing treatment for relapsed ovarian cancer. The first time that I noticed some irregularities was back in 2013, when I thought it odd how my stomach felt heavy, so I visited a local clinic to find out what was wrong. I was immediately told to visit a large hospital, and that is where I met my current attending doctor, who told me that the diagnosis was, without a doubt, ovarian cancer. My family had a history of cancer, and while I had always been aware that I also ran the risk of cancer, I felt that it was a little too early.

What pained me was when the side effects of the anticancer drugs began to appear. I did not know how to deal with it. I thought that only the hair on my head would start falling out, but when I learnt that I would also lose my eyebrows and eyelashes, I was taken by surprise. Back then, I had become really concerned imagining how my face would look without them. It did not occur to me that makeup could help cover the lack of eyebrows and eyelashes. The side effects of the drugs were completely draining me of my physical and mental strength, and I became depressed, as thoughts crept into my mind that I may never be able to smile again. I sought consultation with a clinical psychologist, and received advice that I should try to go out more often, and even though it was basically only on weekends, I made an effort to travel to places by train.

Applying makeup
in the morning puts me
in a good mood.

My first encounter with Shiseido Life Quality Makeup was when I participated in a symposium for cancer patients. The staff applied the makeup on me at the symposium, and I was amazed by the results. The makeover made me feel like I was under a magical spell. They also taught me techniques on how to draw my eyebrows and to apply blush. When undergoing a series of treatments, the facial complexion gradually turns dull, but I was given advice that when this occurs, applying blush adds color onto the cheeks to brighten the entire face.

What I find most difficult when doing my own makeup is drawing the eyebrows. At one point during my treatment, my eyebrows fell out completely, and it was difficult to set the line when there was not a single brow left. Initially, I had refrained from telling the people around me that I was undergoing treatment, but one day, I decided to tell them about my cancer. When the psychologist asked me why I had decided to tell people about my condition, I gave the question some thought, and I realized that it was because my eyebrows were back! It amazed me to think that I felt comfortable meeting people when I had eyebrows. I feel in good spirits when I get my eyebrows just right.

I love putting on makeup. When I visit the hospital without an advance booking, I get nervous not knowing whether the doctor will have the time to see me for a consultation or not. So, on mornings like that, I start to put on my makeup, which helps me feel calmer and more positive. Applying makeup helps me regain a sense of my usual self – not completely, but almost. It gives me the courage to leave the house and makes it easier for me to go out and face people.

When I’m smiling,
I can be my true self.

Before I had cancer, partly because we had not been blessed with children, I did not have a sense of longing or hope for the future. Having experienced a life-threatening illness, however, I came to realize how precious life is, and how being able to spend ordinary days is truly a blessing. I came to appreciate many things. Before falling ill, I was not the type to smile often, but recently, I have frequently been told by those whom I have recently come to know, that I have a lovely smile. Nowadays, it seems that a smile has become a regular fixture on my face.

What I enjoy these days is practicing Tai Chi or Qigong, looking at flowers while taking a walk in nice weather, or dining out with my husband and enjoying delicious food. I think it is during those times, when I am able to smile, that I feel most true to myself.

We also spoke to her husband, Noriaki Tsunoda.

Her face lights up when
she’s doing something
that she enjoys.

Prior to falling ill, my wife was somewhat reclusive, and not the type of person to eagerly go out in front of people. Now though, I feel that she has gained the confidence to speak in front of other people, such as in places like patient association gatherings. I may be exaggerating, but it seems that her illness has marked a turning point in her life. Since being diagnosed, she has become more active and enthusiastic about going out, like starting Tai Chi and Qigong. She tells me that when she does Tai Chi, it really puts her in a positive mindset, and that she wants to continue practicing it. I think that makeup is also one of the things that helps lift her mood. When she is doing something that she enjoys, her face lights up and she truly looks happy.

* This interview was made possible thanks to the kindness of the interviewees who support the aim of this activity and was posted in February 2020. We wish to take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to all the people involved.