The story of how I tried full makeup for the first time at 56 and met a 'version of myself that felt okay'

While working in apparel sales, verde also provides personal fashion coordination, shopping accompaniment, and dialogue services as Salon de Verde. Since verde also has experience working at a cosmetics company and is well-versed in makeup, I asked for makeup advice and shopping accompaniment this time.

1. Three days before the shopping trip, groom the eyebrows

I am hairy, and if I leave my eyebrows alone, they become thick, dark, and grow together (crying). I trim them every ten days, but since it's easy to get unevenness between the thick and thin parts, I feel like they look better three days after trimming.

2. The day before the shopping trip, trim nails and shave face

I am hairy... (omitted below).

The joy of meeting someone I wanted to see...

My encounter with verde started with Keisuke Mizuno's Kotatsu Radio. I left a comment during the broadcast and immediately jumped to their note. Then, for some reason, I stumbled upon this article ↓. Before fashion, I resonated with verde's writing and way of life, and I read many other articles. That's why I really wanted to meet in person.

3. On the day of the shopping trip, finally opening the door to full makeup

Waking up was the worst...I had a dream where I realized I was over an hour past my departure time and was panicking (cold sweat). The weather seemed fine, but they said it would get hot. I wanted to travel light but didn't want to get cold from the air conditioning, and while I was dithering, it was time to leave.

As planned, I only wore basic skincare, sunscreen, base makeup, and face powder. Personally, I continue to live a mask-wearing life, so I don't worry about people looking at me even if I don't wear lipstick. I was able to meet up safely at the meeting place in Oimachi, and the nightmare of being late didn't come true... thank goodness!

A T-shirt with a monochrome photo printed on it, a yellow cardigan with a hint of lime, dark wide-leg denim, and silver accessories. Rough yet elegant! verde had such a wonderful presence. What was different from online was the whiteness of their skin! So that's what translucent white looks like...

So, let's get started! With that, we headed into the store at Atre Oimachi.
verde said to me after I took off my mask.
" You're almost bare-faced! You have moles, but no dark spots."

Oh. Usually, my makeup ends with lipstick and a dab of blush on this almost bare-faced state.

Thinking about it now, I was completely defenseless... From here on, I would acquire weapons (items) with tremendous momentum. I had told them in advance to assume I knew nothing about makeup, but I really knew nothing, more than I thought...

4. Hoshino-san is a yellow base

Huh?! I've already made the wrong choice from here (crying).I thought I was blue, but is that wrong? Racially, well, that makes sense. Many Japanese people are yellow-based, they say.

There are simple diagnostic tests on various sites, but the results are quite different, and although they are divided into four types, I feel that the colors that suit you change depending on where you are on the coordinate plane (for example, 'yellow leaning towards blue' or 'spring leaning towards autumn'). I'm glad I met in person and had my face and figure looked at.

From here, we build the foundation of the skin.
This time, I bought colorless sunscreen and a base to brighten the skin tone. I was told I could continue using the primer/foundation I'm currently using. I think you can see the difference in color in the photo on my hand.
(The items purchased are summarized in '8. Hoshino acquired items')

The evolution of sunscreen is amazing, and I'm surprised... It's an excellent product that spreads very well, doesn't turn white, and isn't powdery! Plus, it's a large capacity that can be used on both the face and body.

And the tone-up base is from the age-appropriate brand 'Sana Excel' by Noevir Cosmetics. Because it is highly recommended for its overall color payoff and dryness prevention, I ended up buying many cosmetics from this line.

Oh yes, I have absolutely no idea what color to choose for a base like this either. If I were alone, I don't think I would have chosen this color. I would have thought, 'It's too bright!' In reality, since you spread it thinly, it brightens up nicely, and it also adds a glow (this part is important).

5. Finally, eye makeup

Here I go into uncharted territory!
I've never worn eyeshadow. I don't even know why it comes in a set of four colors.
Since my COVID infection three years ago, my weight hasn't returned, and my eyes have remained sunken. Also, I'm concerned about the dullness around my eyes, but I wonder what I should do about it.

There are so many palette sets. Once again, I have no idea what to choose. Verde-san pointed to the most understated brown set and said,
“This is the safest and most beginner-friendly one. Colors with more pigment are difficult.”

Then, while explaining, she used the four colors like magic to erase the dullness on my upper eyelids and added shadows near the lashes. Moreover, “I’ll write a report so you can recreate it later!”… Capable people are always so thoughtful in these ways.

Thank you so much. I’m sure by the time I get home, I’ll be thinking, 'Wait? Which color did I put where???', and in fact, that is exactly what happened.

Eye makeup seems difficult. But the way the eyeshadow erases the dullness is super impressive! On top of this, she finished it off with a single-color glitter eyeshadow. Wow, it’s glamorous! But since it’s applied as an accent, it’s not flashy.As expected of a pro…

Next is eyeliner.
Apparently, this is meant to be a shadow for the lashes. You aim for the very edge of the lash line. After trying it, I decided not to use eyeliner. Because I have ptosis, the edges of my upper eyelids already have strong shadows, and on top of that, my lashes are thick, so I felt that unless I was very skilled at applying it, it wouldn't look clean.It’s important to know yourself.

Finally, mascara.
Since I’m generally quite hairy, I’ve never thought about using mascara.My first mascara ever!!
I instinctively closed my eyes while she applied it. While closing them, I realized, 'If I do this, I won't be able to see when I apply it myself!' and found it funny. It was funny, but I held back because my body would shake if I laughed.

Open your eyes… Wow, my eyes look so much more intense!!
Even with my blurry presbyopic vision, I can tell the difference. Later, when I put on my reading glasses and looked closely, my lashes were so long and lifted that I thought, 'Wouldn't it be the ultimate look if there were stars in my eyes??' My inner voice retorted that I’m not in a shojo manga… no, let me get a little carried away (lol).

I learned for the first time that mascara doesn't just lengthen lashes, it also has a setting effect. It’s good to apply even a small amount, but it also has a sensation of hardening and becoming stiff, so I guess that’s something to get used to...

6. And then blush, lipstick, and highlighter

For blush (I think it’s more common to call it 'cheek' now), there was an unexpected choice. Surprisingly, the most glamorous and bright color was proposed. Wait, if I wear something like this, won't it look out of place? The color name is 'Apricot Jam,' so young! Wouldn't that slightly more subdued one be better…
“I think this one is better. If you use a subdued color, it will look dull.”Verde-san said with a smile.

And then she applied the color softly, yet boldly.
My complexion! It’s been revived! But is it okay? Isn't it too flashy? But I’m happy…
I, who have been told since I was in elementary school that my complexion was poor, have regained my vitality.

I wondered how many decades it had been since I felt this mix of happiness and embarrassment, but I realized I’ve been reclaiming that for the past two years. I bought dresses and skirts, and even got my ears pierced. I’m in my late 50s, but I deeply feel that it is truly a blessing to be able to experience these sensations.

The lipstick proposed was an unexpectedly plain color… or so I thought, but it was perfect once I put it on!This is the color I wanted!!
The color name is 'Sepia Mauve.' It’s a purple-toned color with a hint of brown. The lipstick I owned was rose-toned, but this blends in better. I felt this was a suggestion tailored to my skin tone and lip color.

Are you monitoring my brain or something? Almost every color is exactly what was suggested, and I'm proceeding with great satisfaction...

Finally, highlighter. This was also an unknown world to me.I mostly had an image of pearl or glittery things being for 'gals'.My image was too limited... I apologize here for being so disrespectful to all parties involved.
'Pearl and glitter are our allies! They can scatter light, so even beginners can do it well and it adds both luster and transparency.'

I use a brush to sweep it onto the high points of my face. From the forehead to the bridge of the nose and the chin. It adds definition, and the full makeup is complete.

Looking back at the various cosmetics I bought, they all claim to have a light-diffusing effect.
'Those who master light and shadow master makeup'—I really thought this was true...
And my skin texture is refined and glossy (by my own standards)! I can't go back now.

7. The problem of makeup disappearing online

The main theme was to have makeup taught to me and to have suitable colors suggested, but I also consulted about the 'problem of makeup disappearing on an online screen.' What does it mean that even when I think I've applied quite a bit, it looks like I'm bare-faced on screen?!

'If you don't use a light, your face gets dark, and if you do use a light, the makeup tends to wash out. I also apply colors quite strongly when I'm online.'

I see... Verde-san looked like she had proper makeup on when she was online. That was because her makeup was conscious of colors washing out due to the light. I, who have been wearing almost no makeup until now, should probably apply colors with the feeling of 'I'm about to stand on the Takarazuka stage!'

Exaggerated? I've posted photos of myself actually trying out the makeup at the end of this article. Please judge for yourself if you'd like.

8. Hoshino obtained items

Here are all the cosmetics I bought with excitement!

I'm glad I didn't try to act tough and say I'd buy department store cosmetics... As someone facing a move, being wallet-friendly was also important. After trying it out this time,I was surprised at how well-stocked affordable cosmetics are, and I felt relieved knowing I could choose things that suit me.

Verde-san is deeply knowledgeable about fashion and makeup, but she is also someone who has experienced the hardships of life. That is precisely why she didn't blindly recommend only expensive things, butprepared herself to be able to make the best suggestions within the given conditions.I was also able to convey at the beginning that 'I'd like to shop for affordable cosmetics.'

Thanks to this alignment, I was able to spend a rich and fun time, andbeing able to remember this happy feeling every time I put on makeupis the greatest gift of all.

9. I tried reviewing at home right away

Since I learned it, I must practice! So, the next day, I looked in the mirror with nervousness.
I layered the cosmetics, keeping each one very thin.

For the eyeshadow, after putting a bright color as a base, I completely ended up thinking, 'What was I supposed to do next...?' I layered the colors relying on my faint memory. When I tried to apply it to the part near my eyelashes,sadly, the sagging of my skin got in the way and it didn't go as planned. I intended to put the dark color on the lash line, but it ended up being separated and becamea mysterious makeup style that looked like kabuki makeup! I thought I was being quite bold, too...Eye makeup isn't built in a day; practice is everything.

The eyebrow pencil ended up patchy with my own eyebrow color. It seems it's better to apply it more overall.

I wish I could have practiced with young skin (sad).Also, presbyopia is the enemy of makeup...I sincerely thought about buying a makeup mirror (one that can magnify and is bright!).

For reference, I am posting my bare face, my light makeup, and the makeup I did while trying as hard as I could, as if I were in the Takarazuka Revue. (Please forgive the clumsiness of my eye makeup.)

Because I had been using matte powder until now, there was no glow at all, but my face looks healthy. I am still shy about blush... I am doing my best to apply it by using the healthy flush of my cheeks after a bath as a reference.

This is what happened when I turned on Zoom with my carefully applied makeup.
The reason my face looks vertically compressed is that the top three photos were taken with a selfie (wide-angle) lens, which distorts the image. In other words, this is closer to my actual face.

I applied my makeup with the mindset of a Takarazuka or Peking Opera actor, but...surprisingly, the redness of my skin has vanished and it looks yellowish!!Are you serious...
However, it has become clear that I am wearing makeup. I see... this also requires practice.

10. Summary

Applying makeup by following the steps properly also means looking closely at your own face.

When you observe, you begin to understand where to apply what. This is because each cosmetic product has a purpose. Since there is also asymmetry in the face, you need your own ingenuity. That is something I will be doing through trial and error from now on, and it is something I look forward to.

This time, I borrowed verde-san's observant eye and learned the basics of makeup. The only thing I applied to my entire face was sunscreen. I am wearing proper makeup, but I am not using thick layers to hide anything.Even though the moles and shadows on my cheeks are the same as before, they stopped bothering me after I put on makeup.

Until a little while ago, I only noticed the parts of myself that I disliked. Therefore, when it came to makeup, the desire to hide the parts I disliked outweighed the desire to express myself. I couldn't go out in public without makeup. And as I aged, the parts I wanted to hide only increased. Yet, I spent my time wearing sloppy makeup. I think I had given up, telling myself, 'You can't wear makeup without money, and you can't hide things unless you use expensive cosmetics.'

Trying full makeup this time, I realized that a different emotion was budding.
I felt as if the made-up version of myself was encouraging me, saying, 'Look, you're okay.'

There are times when I encourage myself in my heart, or by saying it quietly out loud. I have also written it down by hand in my notebook. However, this time I felt a significant effect from being encouraged by the version of myself in the mirror. Even if it is not every day, taking the time to apply makeup and being a version of myself that is 'okay' is the first step toward connecting with people with a smile.

I don't wear makeup because I'm embarrassed to be seen as I am, but rather to connect with people with a smile. Fashion is a powerful helper for me to keep smiling. I had been dismissing the important act of keeping myself in a good mood and being an 'okay' version of myself as a luxury until now...

Furthermore, I wasn't alone for this shopping trip.
I am an only child, and my life during high school and college was far from fashionable. Since then, I have grown older and have sons, but no daughters. I usually did my own shopping alone.

It was truly fun to go shopping with verde-san, who is the same age as me, and try various things together!My feelings were completely those of a high school girl. To think that I could fulfill a major unfinished business from my youth at this age... (tears).After we finished coordinating, we went for tea with that same momentum, and the two of us also went to the Sunawachi pop-up store that was being held in Harajuku. I felt verde-san's kind consideration everywhere.It became an unforgettable day.

This month, I am leaving the Kanto region to begin a new life in the northern part of Hiroshima Prefecture.
I am so glad I was able to learn how to apply makeup at this time, just as I am about to start interacting with many people as a part-time pharmacist. Thank you, verde. And thank you to everyone who read this long report.

Supported by a version of myself that is okay, I will go on living among others.

Regarding this personal shopping session, verde has posted a report written with all her heart. It is a massive volume overflowing with love, including explanations of individual cosmetics, how to apply colors, her assessment of Hoshino, and much more.
Combined with this article, it is 20,000 characters (sweat)... but I promise you won't regret reading this far! Please enjoy it.