Testimonials

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

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.