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The Japan News/Yomiuri
The Japan News/Yomiuri
Lifestyle
The Yomiuri Shimbun

Matte lipsticks great for business

Lipstick is applied with a brush at Pola in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo. (Credit: The Yomiuri Shimbun)

Matte lipsticks are popular this spring. They help create a mature look and are suitable for a business setting, according to industry observers. Matte lipsticks come in great colors, and appeal to women whose natural lip colors have changed as they age.

In March, cosmetic manufacturer Pola launched the B.A Colors Lipstick line (each priced at 6,000 yen excluding tax). There are eight colors in the range, including deep red and vivid coral orange, with a semi-matte texture that's also a little glossy to create an elegant impression. Each one produces a great color.

"The matte texture makes wearers look mature. I think such lipsticks are good for women in senior positions who have subordinates," said Kazuko Ogino, Pola's top makeup artist.

From left, matte lipsticks by Visee Riche, RMK and THREE (Credit: The Yomiuri Shimbun)

RMK, a cosmetic brand that is popular among women of all ages, launched Color Crayon this spring, priced at 2,200 yen excluding tax. According to the brand, this lipstick brings out the natural texture of the wearer's lips, while the crayon-like shape makes it easy to apply to areas that need a fine touch.

There are also liquid matte lipsticks. THREE's Lyrical Lip Bloom line, with each lipstick priced at 3,500 yen excluding tax, was launched in January and makes use of the natural color of the wearer's lips to create a petal-like texture, according to the brand.

Another new line is the Matte Lip Lacquer by Kose Corp.'s Visee Riche brand. Priced at 1,500 yen excluding tax, the lipsticks in the range make dry lips less noticeable.

In order to apply lipstick well, Pola's Ogino recommends first creating the outline of the lips with a lip liner, then applying the lipstick with a brush. She says it is important to apply it with care to areas such as the corners of the mouth and the edges of the lips.

"Apply lipstick while smiling and lifting the corners of your mouth up to make dry lips less noticeable and create a youthful impression," Ogino said.

Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/

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