Testimonials

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

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.