Yasuo\u3000<\/strong>What\u2019s the most engaging part of your life right now? <\/p>\n Megumi\u3000<\/strong>Definitely my work!<\/p>\n Yasuo\u3000<\/strong>I can tell just by the way you talk about it. <\/p>\n Megumi\u3000<\/strong>When I started this job, I never dreamed of having all of these opportunities. I\u2019m so excited to be creating my own things and sharing my vision with the world. <\/p>\n Yasuo\u3000<\/strong>Your ideas are always changing, and it definitely shows in your social media presence.<\/p>\n Megumi\u3000<\/strong>Well, there\u2019s no sense in limiting yourself. I want to grow and change as a person. I always thought that the end of my youth was the end of my freedom, but I feel more open than ever. <\/p>\n Yasuo\u3000<\/strong>We\u2019ve known each other for the past ten years and I can definitely confirm that you\u2019ve achieved a lot. \u3000<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Megumi\u3000<\/strong>Women tend to look at aging as a very negative thing. Interviewers often ask me what age I wish to return to, and I always tell them that I\u2019m happy where I am! <\/p>\n Yasuo\u3000<\/strong>That\u2019s a great outlook. There\u2019s no good in looking back. <\/p>\n Megumi\u3000<\/strong>I agree. Sometimes, it\u2019s okay to look back and feel sadness over things that didn\u2019t turn out as expected. But to feel remorse is way worse. <\/p>\n Yasuo\u3000<\/strong>I always try to target what is making me feel depressed right away. That way, I\u2019m not walking around feeling so emotionally burdened.<\/p>\n Megumi\u3000<\/strong>I was raised by a single mother. My grandmother used to tell me stories about how my mother would drop me off at daycare in a suit and high heels, then race off to work. When I got divorced and lost a lot of my money, my mom reminded me that a woman should pull herself together, even during the worst of times. Those words gave me the strength to carry on. <\/p>\n Yasuo\u3000<\/strong>Wow, your mother must be an incredibly powerful woman.<\/p>\n Megumi\u3000<\/strong>Indeed. She always pushed me to take action even when I\u2019m stuck in a rut, and to never give up on my goals. <\/p>\n Yasuo\u3000<\/strong>That\u2019s a really valuable lesson because so many people often make excuses about why they can or cannot do something. <\/p>\n Megumi\u3000<\/strong>Definitely, and that\u2019s why I learned early on to always look for a solution no matter what. <\/p>\n Yasuo\u3000<\/strong>You responded right away when I asked you to interview for this blog. <\/p>\n Megumi\u3000<\/strong>Well, I listen to my gut, and if it feels like a yes, then I get to it right away. <\/p>\n Yasuo\u3000<\/strong>Have you always been that way? <\/p>\n Megumi\u3000<\/strong>As a young girl, I was incredibly sensitive, and constantly involved in other people\u2019s emotions. But with age, I learned to set healthy boundaries, and I can now work closely with others without forgetting my own wants and needs. <\/p>\n Yasuo\u3000<\/strong>That can be a hard lesson to learn as a child. <\/p>\n Megumi\u3000<\/strong>Yes, very. I went to a private high school for girls, and during that time frame, I was also dabbling here and there in the entertainment industry. My classmates really bullied me, and even burned my uniform. Although it was terrifying, I never let their actions get to me. I think I knew deep down that I was in a different world than them. Their hostility made me stronger, and also helped me realize that I possess some of those same qualities myself. Women have a very specific nature that\u2019s hard to explain.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Yasuo\u3000<\/strong>Do you ever get negative comments from your fans? <\/p>\n Megumi\u3000<\/strong>Yes, of course. But rather than let them hurt me, I try to learn from them as best I can. I appreciate the feedback. People put a lot of time and energy into writing comments, so I try to be non-judgmental. As long as I stay true to myself, that\u2019s all that matters. In my 20\u2019s, I often tried to seem more successful and joyful than I actually was, but I think that\u2019s just human nature to a certain extent. Women put up with a lot from one another, but in the end, we are so fiercely strong. <\/p>\n Yasuo\u3000<\/strong>I do feel a sort of animalistic energy from women. <\/p>\n Megumi\u3000<\/strong>Absolutely. We all have a bit of a thorny side. <\/p>\n Yasuo\u3000<\/strong>Women have great intellect and intuition, but it can be hard balancing both.<\/p>\n Megumi\u3000<\/strong>Despite the struggles, womanhood can be enjoyable. But I do think that young girls have it quite hard these days. Social media presents so many tricks and tools to change your appearance. You get this sense that everyone else is happier and prettier than you. Growing up surrounded by all that noise cannot be easy. <\/p>\n Yasuo\u3000<\/strong>Social media can be all consuming. Even adults have a hard time getting away from it. <\/p>\n Megumi\u3000<\/strong>I know, I can never look at social media when I am feeling emotionally low. But as a young person, those mental boundaries might not yet be developed, so you\u2019re constantly comparing yourself. <\/p>\n Yasuo\u3000<\/strong>My daughter\u2019s teenage years were quite challenging. Although she grew up in Manhattan, she ended up leaving and attending a therapeutic school outside of the city that focuses on self-love and care. They didn\u2019t give her access to any technology\u2014no phone, no computer. <\/p>\n Megumi\u3000<\/strong>It can be hard not to fall victim to self-doubt and self-loathing. I know that firsthand. The thing that really saved me was focusing on self-care and embracing the healing power of beauty. <\/p>\n You have to learn how to support yourself and be your own best friend. I truly believe what I say to my fans because I have lived it myself. <\/p>\n\n\n Yasuo\u3000<\/strong>Even though I\u2019m a makeup artist, I realize that there are just some things I will never understand about womanhood. I might do something incredibly different than another female makeup artist just because they better understand a woman\u2019s wants and needs. <\/p>\n Megumi\u3000<\/strong>I think you have a great feminine instinct. I would say there are many parts of my brain that are more male dominated. I think it\u2019s great to strike a mix between the two. You have great takes on female beauty that are quite radical compared to older, more demure Japanese ideals. It\u2019s cool to have a little attitude and be perfectly imperfect! What\u2019s on the inside is what counts.<\/p>\n Yasuo\u3000<\/strong>Forget about looks\u2014above all, you need a partner who is as real as you are. <\/p>\n Megumi\u3000<\/strong>Being authentic does matter a lot to me. Women are constantly judged by their looks. I mean, even total strangers feel that they have the right to comment on my appearance. It only takes one stupid comment to ruin your day. For me, it\u2019s not about how good you look on the surface, it’s about how good you feel within. Self-esteem is critical for success. <\/p>\n Yasuo\u3000<\/strong>Men could learn a lot from women.<\/p>\n Megumi\u3000<\/strong>The world would be a changed place. I was working and writing at a cafe one day when I overhead a young man\u2019s conversation with a friend. He was complaining about his wife\u2019s appearance, and how she wasn\u2019t as youthful and pretty as another woman he knew. I wanted to say, instead of degrading your own wife, why don\u2019t you try and show her respect by taking her on a date.<\/p>\n Yasuo\u3000<\/strong>It\u2019s important to appreciate your partner, but it doesn\u2019t seem like men consider that idea too often. Young Japanese men are becoming increasingly interested in their appearances, even experimenting with male beauty products. <\/p>\n Megumi\u3000<\/strong>I can\u2019t believe the idea of male beauty routines. <\/p>\n Yasuo\u3000<\/strong>These days, I feel as though men are embracing their feminine sides. But on the other hand, you also have the extremely hyper-masculine types. I wish we could find a better balance. Men and women are indeed equal, albeit quite different creatures. <\/p>\n Megumi\u3000<\/strong>It\u2019s hard to break down those borders, but we can attempt to by sharing positive messages with the world. It\u2019s O.K. to be whoever you wish to be. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Megumi\u3000<\/strong>I think compatibility is the key to any relationship. Romance feels effortless when you are able to be truly comfortable and open. Vulnerability is a gift.<\/p>\n Yasuo\u3000<\/strong>You\u2019re an incredibly strong woman, yet also quite vulnerable and real. You have a way of making people feel at ease with your laughter and smile. <\/p>\n Megumi\u3000<\/strong>Laughter makes life brighter. There\u2019s nothing wrong with being easy going. In fact, I prefer that personality over someone who acts seemingly perfect all the time. <\/p>\n Yasuo\u3000<\/strong>How do you determine how much you like a person? <\/p>\n Megumi\u3000<\/strong>If they quickly get in tune with my feelings for them, then I definitely become more attracted. <\/p>\n Yasuo\u3000<\/strong>When I look back on my own romantic experiences, I feel like I always end up falling for someone who demonstrates their interest first. But once I feel ready, I\u2019m smitten. <\/p>\n Megumi\u3000<\/strong>I feel like a lot of men are like that, especially in their 20\u2019s. A lot of people think that all a girl has to do to get a guy\u2019s attention is to be clearly flirtatious. <\/p>\n Yasuo\u3000<\/strong>Maybe it\u2019s time you start giving out relationship advice, too.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Yasuo\u3000<\/strong>Have you considered developing your own cosmetic line? <\/p>\n Megumi\u3000<\/strong>No, because I\u2019m not a makeup artist. I strongly believe that the development of makeup should be up to makeup artists. There are already so many products and choices. I would rather stick to advising others on what\u2019s best for them. Connecting women and the product\u2019s creators brings me joy.<\/p>\n Yasuo\u3000<\/strong>Beauty advising can be so helpful, especially since companies are biased and always want to sell their own products. <\/p>\n Megumi\u3000<\/strong>In order to know the truth, we need people to be in a neutral position. I never accept companies’ money in exchange for their product\u2019s promotion, although I could make a lot of money doing that. The minute my fans know I\u2019m saying something for money, that\u2019s when I begin to lose their trust.<\/p>\n Megumi\u3000<\/strong>The very second women apply a product, they develop an opinion on it. <\/p>\n Yasuo\u3000<\/strong>Absolutely. It\u2019s not about the branding of the product, but its effectiveness. <\/p>\n Megumi\u3000<\/strong>There\u2019s so much competition in the market now, as well. Developing something really revolutionary is hard work. I\u2019ve always admired the passion and philosophy behind Chicca for this exact reason. <\/p>\n Yasuo\u3000<\/strong>Oh, thank you so much.<\/p>\n Megumi\u3000<\/strong>Your cosmetics give older women hope. My mother always comments on how great her skin looks in Chicca. There\u2019s nothing else quite like it out there, especially with such a devoted fan base. When it was announced that you were leaving Chicca, so many industry people were saddened\u2014everyone is such a fan of you!<\/p>\n Yasuo\u3000<\/strong>I was quite sad to leave the company, as well. <\/p>\n Megumi\u3000<\/strong>You have a way of making skin look so fresh and full of life. <\/p>\n Yasuo\u3000<\/strong>Thank you, your words mean a lot. I\u2019m still expanding my skills and developing new ideas!<\/p>\n Megumi\u3000<\/strong>I\u2019m rooting for you and can\u2019t wait to see what you do next. It\u2019s fascinating to watch makeup artists create new things. I\u2019ve met so many talented individuals through this job, and I hope to keep doing it for many years to come. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Photos \/ Interview : Yasuo Yoshikawa<\/p>\n Text : Mikako Koyama<\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Self-Expression Is the Key to Success Yasuo\u3000What\u2019s the most engaging part of your life right now? Megumi\u3000Definitely my work! Yasuo\u3000I can tell just by the way you talk about it. Megumi\u3000When I started this job, I never dreamed of having all of these opportunities. I\u2019m so excited to be creating my own things and sharing my vision with the world. Yasuo\u3000Your ideas are always changing, and it definitely shows in your social media presence. Megumi\u3000Well, there\u2019s no sense in limiting yourself. I want to grow and change as a person. I always thought that the end of my youth was the end of my freedom, but I feel more open than ever. Yasuo\u3000We\u2019ve known each other for the past ten years and I can definitely confirm that you\u2019ve achieved a lot. \u3000 If I Could Turn Back Time Megumi\u3000Women tend to look at aging as a very negative thing. Interviewers often ask me what age I wish to return to, and I always tell them that I\u2019m happy where I am! Yasuo\u3000That\u2019s a great outlook. There\u2019s no good in looking back. Megumi\u3000I agree. Sometimes, it\u2019s okay to look back and feel sadness over things that didn\u2019t turn out as expected. But to feel remorse is way worse. Yasuo\u3000I always try to target what is making me feel depressed right away. That way, I\u2019m not walking around feeling so emotionally burdened. Megumi\u3000I was raised by a single mother. My grandmother used to tell me stories about how my mother would drop me off at daycare in a suit and high heels, then race off to work. When I got divorced and lost a lot of my money, my mom reminded me that a woman should pull herself together, even during the worst of times. Those words gave me the strength to carry on. Yasuo\u3000Wow, your mother must be an incredibly powerful woman. Megumi\u3000Indeed. She always pushed me to take action even when I\u2019m stuck in a rut, and to never give up on my goals. Yasuo\u3000That\u2019s a really valuable lesson because so many people often make excuses about why they can or cannot do something. Megumi\u3000Definitely, and that\u2019s why I learned early on to always look for a solution no matter what. Yasuo\u3000You responded right away when I asked you to interview for this blog. Megumi\u3000Well, I listen to my gut, and if it feels like a yes, then I get to it right away. Yasuo\u3000Have you always been that way? Megumi\u3000As a young girl, I was incredibly sensitive, and constantly involved in other people\u2019s emotions. But with age, I learned to set healthy boundaries, and I can now work closely with others without forgetting my own wants and needs. Yasuo\u3000That can be a hard lesson to learn as a child. Megumi\u3000Yes, very. I went to a private high school for girls, and during that time frame, I was also dabbling here and there in the entertainment industry. My classmates really bullied me, and even burned my uniform. Although it was terrifying, I never let their actions get to me. I think I knew deep down that I was in a different world than them. Their hostility made me stronger, and also helped me realize that I possess some of those same qualities myself. Women have a very specific nature that\u2019s hard to explain. Intellect Over Instagram Yasuo\u3000Do you ever get negative comments from your fans? Megumi\u3000Yes, of course. But rather than let them hurt me, I try to learn from them as best I can. I appreciate the feedback. People put a lot of time and energy into writing comments, so I try to be non-judgmental. As long as I stay true to myself, that\u2019s all that matters. In my 20\u2019s, I often tried to seem more successful and joyful than I actually was, but I think that\u2019s just human nature to a certain extent. Women put up with a lot from one another, but in the end, we are so fiercely strong. Yasuo\u3000I do feel a sort of animalistic energy from women. Megumi\u3000Absolutely. We all have a bit of a thorny side. Yasuo\u3000Women have great intellect and intuition, but it can be hard balancing both. Megumi\u3000Despite the struggles, womanhood can be enjoyable. But I do think that young girls have it quite hard these days. Social media presents so many tricks and tools to change your appearance. You get this sense that everyone else is happier and prettier than you. Growing up surrounded by all that noise cannot be easy. Yasuo\u3000Social media can be all consuming. Even adults have a hard time getting away from it. Megumi\u3000I know, I can never look at social media when I am feeling emotionally low. But as a young person, those mental boundaries might not yet be developed, so you\u2019re constantly comparing yourself. Yasuo\u3000My daughter\u2019s teenage years were quite challenging. Although she grew up in Manhattan, she ended up leaving and attending a therapeutic school outside of the city that focuses on self-love and care. They didn\u2019t give her access to any technology\u2014no phone, no computer. Megumi\u3000It can be hard not to fall victim to self-doubt and self-loathing. I know that firsthand. The thing that really saved me was focusing on self-care and embracing the healing power of beauty. You have to learn how to support yourself and be your own best friend. I truly believe what I say to my fans because I have lived it myself. Battle of The Sexes Yasuo\u3000Even though I\u2019m a makeup artist, I realize that there are just some things I will never understand about womanhood. I might do something incredibly different than another female makeup artist just because they better understand a woman\u2019s wants and needs. Megumi\u3000I think you have a great feminine instinct. I would say there are many parts of my brain that are more male dominated. I think it\u2019s great to strike a mix between the two. You have great takes on female beauty that are quite radical compared to older, more demure Japanese ideals. It\u2019s cool to have a little attitude and be perfectly imperfect! What\u2019s on the inside is what counts. Yasuo\u3000Forget about looks\u2014above all, you need a partner who is as real as you are. Megumi\u3000Being authentic does matter a lot to me. Women are constantly judged by their looks. I mean, even total strangers feel that they have the right to comment on my appearance. It only takes one stupid comment to ruin your day. For me, it\u2019s not about how good you look on the surface, it’s about how good you feel within. Self-esteem is critical for success. Yasuo\u3000Men could learn a lot from women. Megumi\u3000The world would be a changed place. I was working and writing at a cafe one day when I overhead a young man\u2019s conversation with a friend. He was complaining about his wife\u2019s appearance, and how she wasn\u2019t as youthful and pretty as another woman he knew. I wanted to say, instead of degrading your own wife, why don\u2019t you try and show her respect by taking her on a date. Yasuo\u3000It\u2019s important to appreciate your partner, but it doesn\u2019t seem like men consider that idea too often. Young Japanese men are becoming increasingly interested in their appearances, even experimenting with male beauty products. Megumi\u3000I can\u2019t believe the idea of male beauty routines. Yasuo\u3000These days, I feel as though men are embracing their feminine sides. But on the other hand, you also have the extremely hyper-masculine types. I wish we could find a better balance. Men and women are indeed equal, albeit quite different creatures. Megumi\u3000It\u2019s hard to break down those borders, but we can attempt to by sharing positive messages with the world. It\u2019s O.K. to be whoever you wish to be. Funny Little Thing Called Love Megumi\u3000I think compatibility is the key to any relationship. Romance feels effortless when you are able to be truly comfortable and open. Vulnerability is a gift. Yasuo\u3000You\u2019re an incredibly strong woman, yet also quite vulnerable and real. You have a way of making people feel at ease with your laughter and smile. Megumi\u3000Laughter makes life brighter. There\u2019s nothing wrong with being easy going. In fact, I prefer that personality over someone who acts seemingly perfect all the time. Yasuo\u3000How do you determine how much you like a person? Megumi\u3000If they quickly get in tune with my feelings for them, then I definitely become more attracted. Yasuo\u3000When I look back on my own romantic experiences, I feel like I always end up falling for someone who demonstrates their interest first. But once I feel ready, I\u2019m smitten. Megumi\u3000I feel like a lot of men are like that, especially in their 20\u2019s. A lot of people think that all a girl has to do to get a guy\u2019s attention is to be clearly flirtatious. Yasuo\u3000Maybe it\u2019s time you start giving out relationship advice, too. When Products Become Personal Yasuo\u3000Have you considered developing your own cosmetic line? Megumi\u3000No, because I\u2019m not a makeup artist. I strongly believe that the development of makeup should be up to makeup artists. There are already so many products and choices. I would rather stick to advising others on what\u2019s best for them. Connecting women and the product\u2019s creators brings me joy. Yasuo\u3000Beauty advising can be so helpful, especially since companies are biased and always want to sell their own products. Megumi\u3000In order to know the truth, we need people to be in a neutral position. I never accept companies’ money in exchange for their product\u2019s promotion, although I could make a lot of money doing that. The minute my fans know I\u2019m saying something for money, that\u2019s when I begin to lose their trust. Megumi\u3000The very second women apply a product, they develop an opinion on it. Yasuo\u3000Absolutely. It\u2019s not about the branding of the product, but its effectiveness. Megumi\u3000There\u2019s so much competition in the market now, as well. Developing something really revolutionary is hard work. I\u2019ve always admired the passion and philosophy behind Chicca for this exact reason. Yasuo\u3000Oh, thank you so much. Megumi\u3000Your cosmetics give older women hope. My mother always comments on how great her skin looks in Chicca. There\u2019s nothing else quite like it out there, especially with such a devoted fan base. When it was announced that you were leaving Chicca, so many industry people were saddened\u2014everyone is such a fan of you! Yasuo\u3000I was quite sad to leave the company, as well. Megumi\u3000You have a way of making skin look so fresh and full of life. Yasuo\u3000Thank you, your words mean a lot. I\u2019m still expanding my skills and developing new ideas! Megumi\u3000I\u2019m rooting for you and can\u2019t wait to see what you do next. It\u2019s fascinating to watch makeup artists create new things. I\u2019ve met so many talented individuals through this job, and I hope to keep doing it for many years to come. Photos \/ Interview : Yasuo Yoshikawa Text : Mikako Koyama<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1784,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_s2mail":"yes","_locale":"en_US","_original_post":"1770"},"categories":[5,8],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/unmixlove.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1972"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/unmixlove.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/unmixlove.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unmixlove.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unmixlove.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1972"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/unmixlove.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1972\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1978,"href":"https:\/\/unmixlove.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1972\/revisions\/1978"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unmixlove.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1784"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/unmixlove.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1972"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unmixlove.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1972"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unmixlove.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1972"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}If I Could Turn Back Time<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Intellect Over Instagram<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/unmixlove.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/mk_2.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nBattle of The Sexes<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Funny Little Thing Called Love<\/strong><\/h3>\n
When Products Become Personal<\/strong><\/h3>\n