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.
Makeup can be
the key to
a positive
outlook on life.
Takeshi Miyaji
We interviewed Takeshi Miyaji to hear about his life after suffering serious burns and his experience with Shiseido Life Quality Makeup.
I suffered burns over
90% of my entire body
in a fire.

14 years ago. I was preparing a deep-fried dish, and was heating oil on the stove in a pan. I looked away just for a few moments, and it suddenly caught on fire and the kitchen was ablaze. In an effort to prevent a major disaster, I tried to move the pan, but ended up spilling the oil all over my body. As a result, I was immediately hospitalized, unconscious and in critical condition. I woke up lying on a bed in the ICU, after spending about three weeks in a coma. After regaining consciousness, some time had passed before I looked at my severely burnt face, but the moment I saw myself, a feeling I cannot even describe with words overwhelmed me. I think the closest to what I felt was despair. Considering that I had lost the skin all over my body from burns, I had to repeatedly undergo skin transplant surgery while remaining in a life-threatening condition.
Things were extremely hard for me back then, and I sometimes thought that it would have been easier for me if I had just died in the accident. The skin tissue that hardens after suffering a burn is called scar tissue, and the parts where the scar tissue has thickened is called a hypertrophic scar. These hypertrophic scars would harden and solidify, making it difficult to move my body. These scars were partially the cause of symptoms such as being unable to expand my chest, or bend my fingers. It was also painful and itchy. On top of these physical discomforts, there was also the emotional pain of experiencing flashbacks of the accident.
I became a different
person,
and I was terrified
to face other people.
I learned about Shiseido Life Quality Makeup through an introduction from the hospital. Even after I was out of the hospital, I visited regularly, and during a consultation, I was told by my attending doctor that Shiseido had makeup to help reduce the appearance of scars and was asked whether I would be interested in trying it. Thus, I met with a Shiseido staff member at the hospital.
The reason why I decided to try makeup was because there was a period when I suffered social phobia. I was not the same person I used to be, as I had scarring on my face and body, and I was terrified of facing other people. This person with all of these wounds was not the person that I used to be. I believe that all people fear something new and different, and are afraid of what others may think. By putting on makeup, I thought that maybe it would help me feel better, or that it would impact me in some positive way.


My first makeup
experience…seriously?!
My first experience with makeup surprised me. I felt rather bewildered the first time I tried on makeup. Although the scars would disappear, seeing my face with makeup on felt very awkward. Needless to say, I had mixed feelings. While there was a part of me questioning whether it really would help lessen the discomfort that people felt when looking at me, I also held a sense of hope that it really would improve my appearance. Even though my mother complimented me on the way I looked in the photo with makeup on, I was not ready to take what my family said as the truth, so I was like, “seriously?!”
I have gotten a lot more accustomed to applying makeup now. I think this is largely owing to the fact that the staff explained the reasoning for the makeup techniques to me in a way that I could understand. When I do wear makeup, I start by drawing my eyebrows and applying foundation on my face. Next, because there is a patch of scarred skin on the left side of my mouth where hair does not grow, I add a bit of color similar to my beard. When it is on too thick, it becomes sticky, so I only apply a sheer layer for a natural looking finish. Rather than wearing makeup whenever I leave the house, I wear it when I go to work, or when I attend a relative’s wedding. I wear makeup when I want to look nice.


I’m grateful for everything.

I am a bit of an oddball, and I would prefer to see other people happy rather than to fulfill my own happiness. I repair computers for work, and it really makes me happy when I succeed in fixing a particularly complex job. I am especially elated when I am able to recover photographs from data files. I often receive requests from my customers saying, “I’ve lost all the photo data on my smartphone, but are you able to retrieve it? There are some pictures of my kids in there.” While working on recovering the data, I imagine the joy it would bring them when I succeed, which I find very fulfilling.
The reason why I decided to get involved in the Shiseido Life Quality Makeup activities, such as participating in this interview, is from my hope that it will help someone. While I was in the hospital, I witnessed many people who were experiencing a hard time, and so I thought that it would be nice to be able to help other patients like me who are suffering from burn scars or other wounds. I used to be a volleyball player when I was a student, and regardless of whether I failed or lost, I would always feel regret if I did not try my best to pick up the ball and stand strong again. I think that perhaps this experience has helped me. In my case, without any doubt, I think it would have been more painless for me to have died in the fire, considering that I had to restart from a condition where I had no skin on my body. However, I do not dwell on what could have been. Now, I have come to appreciate the various things in my life, and I am pretty grateful for everything.
* 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.
I was so excited,
transforming into
a new me.
Yumi Sonoda
We interviewed Yumi Sonoda to hear about her life since being diagnosed with hemangioma (arteriovenous malformation) and her experience
with Shiseido Life Quality Makeup.
I realized that
I had to accept myself.
It was around 13 years ago that I was cleaning up the house in the morning, and all of a sudden, blood started to drip from my nose and would not stop, which was followed by blood beginning to seep out of my eyes. The blood from my nose came from an artery, causing me to bleed profusely, and it was difficult to stop. I went to the hospital right away, and they were somehow able to stop the bleeding; however, because of the massive hemorrhaging, my family had thought that they might lose me. The cause of the symptoms was hemangioma. It was not a simple case of hemangioma, but it was an arteriovenous malformation that is a hypoplasia of the blood vessel, also designated as an intractable disease.

There were no hospitals nearby that could offer treatment for this disease, so I had to make regular visits to a hospital outside of the prefecture. Since parts of my face, such as my nose, was damaged due to the large excision of the affected area, I underwent various surgical treatments, such as flap grafts, while also undergoing cosmetic surgery. Conducting cosmetic surgery while excising the lesion, however, proved to be difficult, and there were times when I would become increasingly depressed seeing my face gradually change. However, I knew that if I felt depressed, my parents would also feel depressed, and my daughter and son would also worry. I slowly came to realize that this could not go on, and that I had to accept who I had become and move on.
The source of
my power has always
been my family.


Although I am not so worried about my appearance now, in the past, I wanted to avoid people looking at me, and after getting scars on my face, I constantly wore a mask. There were some people who did not even recognize me because my face had changed. When that happened, there were times when I intentionally avoided acknowledging them because I could not be bothered to explain to them what had happened.
My son also asked me to wear a mask when I was outside, so I never took my mask off when I went to visit his school for events and such. One day, right before my son was due to graduate from high school, he asked me to come to his club’s farewell party. If I were to go, I knew I would have to remove my mask because they would also be serving food, but my son told me that I did not need to wear a mask, which made me feel so happy. I think that back then, my son was asking me to wear a mask because he was worried that I might experience the discomfort of being the target of curious stares from other people, but now, he tells me that I do not need to wear a mask, and he happily introduces his friends to me.
As for my daughter, she has always been very encouraging. She gave up her career aspirations because of my medical treatment so that she could help out with the family business. It pains me that I am responsible for my daughter leaving behind her career aspirations, but I appreciate how she has always looked out for me. My family is truly the source of my power.
I was amazed by
how much I could change.
I first encountered Shiseido Life Quality Makeup at a session held for the patients’ association. At the session, they also conducted a makeup demonstration, and I took part in a trial after the demo. Back then, I thought that it was a complete waste to wear makeup, so I did not bother using it. Yet, when I tried this cover makeup, I got really excited seeing how different my face looked. It was truly like magic. It was not a case of totally regaining my former self, but I think I had discovered a new me.


I feel that my mother is happy when I wear makeup, and she tells me, “You look so pretty when you properly do your makeup – from now on, you should wear it every day.” Since I started wearing makeup, I have become more confident about going out. Before, I used to feel uncomfortable talking to people, but perhaps it is because of the makeup that I have become much more relaxed in talking to other people.
With makeup,
I can switch my mood.
With makeup, I can switch up my mood.
Usually, I only wear base makeup during the day, but on special occasions such as when I present a speech at a meeting, I put on my makeup properly. On these occasions, I am often asked by the people I meet, what brand of makeup I am using, and they comment how well the makeup covers the skin flaws. When applying my makeup, the area of my face that concerns me the most is my nose. I have a very deep scar, but simply applying a touch of Shiseido Perfect Cover Foundation with a brush along the grooves of my scar makes a tremendous difference. I also try to reduce the redness of my skin with the foundation.
I find it difficult to shape the lip line, so I take time and draw it carefully. When I get the lips just right, I feel elated. When I put on makeup, it makes me feel like it is the start of a brand-new day. It switches up my mood, and I feel uplifted and motivated. I believe that makeup has helped transform me into a much more cheerful person than I was before.


Ordinary days
make me happy.
My hobby is metal carving and glasswork. Although I mainly create accessories, when I recently created a small plate, it was very well received by my family. Creating these pieces requires an extended period of time, so I divide the work process into several parts, and work on it a little bit at a time. Right now, I enjoy doing everything. I think that merely being able to pass time in an ordinary way is a joy in itself. I have fun when I am cooking or working. What I enjoy the most though, is the time spent with my grandchild. When my grandchild causes mischief, he looks at my face and gives me a cheeky little grin, which is absolutely adorable.


* 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.
Living Each Day
Without
Thinking
About My Skin
Megumi Kihara
(Shiseido Kakegawa Factory)
We spoke with Ms. Megumi Kihara, who works in formula manufacturing at Shiseido’s Kakegawa Factory and lives with vitiligo.
Can you tell us about your experience with vitiligo?
In my early twenties, I suddenly developed vitiligo after using a topical medication. At first, I just noticed a small white patch and thought, “Is this getting lighter?” Then, it gradually started to spread. I was diagnosed with vitiligo by a dermatologist. The area extends from under my right chin to part of my lip. I was self-conscious about how the contrast in my skin might come across, especially when I wasn’t wearing makeup.

What kind of treatment did you try?

In the beginning, I visited the dermatologist once a week for phototherapy. I continued for a while, but when there was no improvement, I switched to treatment with liquid nitrogen. Unfortunately, that didn’t work either. My doctor explained that vitiligo varies from case to case, and it isn't always curable. Eventually, I decided to stop treatment altogether.
To be honest, going to the clinic every week while working full-time was both physically and emotionally exhausting. At some point, I found myself thinking, “Maybe it’s okay to let this go,” and I stopped going.
Is that how you came across Perfect Cover?
Yes. I learned about a brand called Perfect Cover through my work at Shiseido. I knew vitiligo couldn’t be fully cured, but hearing that there was a foundation specifically designed for it—the earlier version, Foundation VV—gave me hope. The idea of blending the shade to match the surrounding skin sounded a little tricky, so I made a reservation and traveled from Shizuoka to visit the Shiseido Life Quality Beauty Center, which was then located in Ginza (now in Shiodome).
The first time I had the product applied, I was amazed by how natural it looked—my vitiligo was barely noticeable. It was incredibly moving. Later, at my wedding, I brought it along and asked the makeup artist to use it for my makeup. I still remember her reaction—she was genuinely surprised and said, “I can’t believe how well this covers!”


Have you continued using it since then?

Yes. I started using the current Foundation VC n this year after the product was renewed. I find it easier to match to my skin tone than the previous version, and it holds up well throughout the day. I wear a mask at the factory, but even by evening, it hardly transfers.
My child just started elementary school, and on special days like the entrance ceremony, being able to cover my vitiligo means I don’t have to think about it—I can enjoy the moment with my family.
It sounds like you’ve experienced the power of beauty firsthand.
Yes, discovering Perfect Cover through my own experience with vitiligo helped me stop fixating on it and feel more positive. It made me realize how empowering cosmetics can be. That experience deepened my connection to manufacturing and strengthened my motivation to do meaningful work.
Making cosmetics is my job, but I’ve also experienced the power of beauty on a personal level—I can go about my day without thinking about my skin.

This interview was conducted in April 2025.
Perfect Cover finish
for vitiligo coverage

BEFORE
Bare skin (vitiligo)

AFTER
After coverage using Perfect Cover Foundation VC n
Individual results may vary.
Image reflects the effect of makeup.
Peace of Mind in
Being Able
to Cover
It For Moments
That Matter
Ms. Nana Noguchi
(Shiseido Japan)
We spoke with Ms. Nana Noguchi, who works in marketing at Shiseido Japan and lives with a prominent birthmark that is difficult to cover with conventional makeup.
Could you tell us about your birthmark?
I was born with a birthmark on my left arm. When I was younger, people would often ask things like, “Did you get something on your arm?” or “What happened there?” It got tiring having to answer over and over. Even now, as an adult, I still get questions, especially in the summer, from my child’s friends. Over time, I’ve come to realize they’re simply curious about something they don’t have or haven’t seen before, and that’s all there is to it.
Still, whenever I’m out and holding onto a strap on the train, I can’t help but wonder if people are looking at it. I’ve naturally started choosing clothes that cover or draw less attention to it, like long or three-quarter sleeves. Even in the peak of summer, I always carry a cardigan or something to throw on.

Did you ever consider medical treatment?


I joined Shiseido as a Personal Beauty Partner (beauty consultant). When I was working at the counter, customers would sometimes ask about my birthmark, especially in the summer when we wore uniforms with shorter sleeves. Back then, I did consider having it surgically removed or treated with a laser. But, because it's fairly large, the treatment would have been more involved than a mole or dark spot. In the end, I didn’t go through with it.
Over time, I transitioned to an office-based role, where I could wear my own clothes and dress in ways that made the mark less noticeable. Later, I became a mom, and life naturally began to revolve more around my child than myself. My mindset and priorities shifted. This birthmark has always been part of my life, and I’ve come to see it as just one part of me, something I’ll continue to live with.
Did you introduce Perfect Cover to customers when you worked at the counter?
Yes, I worked at a store that carried Perfect Cover, so I often introduced it to customers with a wide range of skin concerns, like discoloration or uneven texture. Many had already done their research and came in specifically looking for it. Whenever I demonstrated how beautifully it could provide coverage, they’d light up and leave the store with a smile. I’ll never forget those moments.
One visit that really stayed with me was a mother and her child, who looked to be around middle school age. The child had a scar they were concerned about, and during the consultation, I demonstrated how to apply coverage. I remember noticing that the mother seemed more worried about the scar than the child was. When she saw how well the coverage worked, she looked genuinely happy. It was a moment that left a lasting impression on me.


What’s your impression of the renewed Perfect Cover?

The current Foundation MC n has a smooth, blendable texture that sits comfortably on the skin. It’s even easier to use than the previous version. I was genuinely impressed by how well it covered a darker, more pigmented birthmark like mine. I also love that it can be used not only on the face but on the body as well. And the expanded shade range. Customers who turn to Perfect Cover come from diverse backgrounds, so having more shades makes it easier to offer the right match.
You’ve experienced the power of beauty firsthand.
I truly believe in the power of beauty to transform lives. Products like Perfect Cover go beyond everyday skin concerns—they help ease an emotional burden. In my case, because the birthmark is on my arm, I don’t feel the need to cover it with makeup every day. I can keep it discreet with what I wear. But just knowing there’s a product that allows me to cover it beautifully for special occasions gives me real peace of mind.

This interview was conducted in April 2025.
Perfect Cover finish
for birthmark coverage

BEFORE
Bare skin (birthmark on arm)

AFTER
After coverage using Perfect Cover Foundation MC n (N10, CT-Y) and Loose Powder n (1)
Individual results may vary.
Image reflects the effect of makeup.
Links
-
Foundation Navigator for Your Skin Concern
Based on your responses, we will suggest the foundation that best suits your needs.
-
About Shiseido Life Quality Beauty Center
Learn more about the center, how to make your appointment and what your consultation will entail.
-
About the Shiseido Life Quality Beauty Center
Our makeup consultants provide consultations on makeup techniques for serious skin concerns that are difficult to cover with regular foundation.