Shu Uemura

(1928). Cosmetics brand and Japanese make-up artist. The name “shu” means excellence. Born in Tokyo, Shu Uemura started out in Hollywood in 1955. He was the official make-up artist for actors like Shirley McLaine, Edward G. Robinson, and Yves Montand. He returned to Japan and set up Japan Make Up Inc. in 1967 which introduced a series of highly original handcrafted make-up products to the market. In 1982, the company became Shu Uemura Cosmetics, selling aromatherapy-based treatments for the body and face, as well as all sorts of make-up accessories. Shu Uemura is a real pioneer of cosmetics in Japan, where until the 1960s make-up was only used on stage. He is considered an authority in the art of make-up and organized training for new recruits: around 10,000 make-up experts have been trained at his beauty college. For him, make-up should not be a form of disguise, but should bring out and make the most of what he calls “everyday beauty.”