As part of the “Meiku Project”—a collaborative initiative between ampule and Shinobu Igari—we held “Meiku Classes” at Hiroo Junior High School and Shoto Junior High School in Shibuya Ward. These classes were conducted as part of “Shibuya Future Studies,” a unique educational program implemented at all public elementary and junior high schools in the ward.

In 2025, the program was held only at Hiroo Junior High School (for third-year students), but due to its popularity, we expanded the participating schools and target grades for 2026! We held classes for approximately 60 students—a combined total of second- and third-year students—at Hiroo Junior High School, and approximately 95 third-year students at Shoto Junior High School.

What Are “Me-iku (Comprehensive Makeup Education)” Classes?

In “Makeup Education” classes, students learn not only the techniques and tips for applying makeup, but also how to take care of their faces and bodies, and how to use makeup in a fun way to express their true selves.

Through these classes, students learn how applying makeup can help them like themselves even more and feel confident in finding their own style. It’s important to value the fact that everyone is different and to enjoy finding the makeup techniques that work best for each individual.

Let’s start with the classroom session!

The class began with a lecture on the history of makeup.

The students seemed fascinated by Ms. Igari’s explanation of trends throughout the ages.

Try your hand at some makeup quizzes!

Learning while answering the quizzes gave me an opportunity to think deeply about “what makeup really is.”

Experience makeup through hands-on practice　

Now it’s finally time for the hands-on portion.

The first topic is “sunscreen.”

We learned the basics, such as the difference between UVA and UVB rays, and then practiced how to choose and apply sunscreen that suits our skin types.

Highlights and Shading

I tried out the “nasal root highlight” technique advocated by Shinobu Igari.

Instead of applying highlighter to the entire nose, I tried this technique, which involves applying highlighter precisely to just the small T-shaped area from between the eyebrows to the base of the nose.

Blush

As a recent trend, we also introduced “cute makeup,” which involves applying makeup to the center of the face, such as the sides of the nose.

Techniques have also emerged where you can use lipstick as a substitute for blush or under-eye highlighter, and I naturally developed a flexible mindset that anything is possible with a little creativity.

Lipstick

Enhance Your Look with Lipstick!
Apply it carefully so it doesn’t go beyond the lip line.

We also tried the “dab-dab” technique, where you apply it with your fingers.

Cleansing

After applying makeup, it’s very important to cleanse thoroughly.

We also learned the proper way to remove makeup through hands-on practice.

The two-hour class flew by in the blink of an eye!

Here are some of the comments from the students after the class:

“I don’t usually have a chance to wear makeup, so this was a really valuable experience.”
“It was harder than I expected, but it was fun! I’d like to try it again.”
“I never even used to put on sunscreen, so this was a great learning experience.”
“I learned that adults go through all this trouble to do their makeup.”
“I’d never done this before, but the detailed instructions made it easy to understand.”

We received a variety of feedback like this.

At the end, everyone gathered around Ms. Igari for a group photo!

For this class, we received sponsorship from seven cosmetics brands: Biore, Curel, KATE, Avance, Mediplus, Cezanne, and Canmake.

Thank you to all the brands that supported us.

The circle of activities that Ms. Igari cherishes—which aim to foster the “ability to choose” through makeup—is steadily expanding.

Please stay tuned for her future activities!

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▽Please direct any inquiries regarding Shinobu Igari’s “Me-iku Project” to the contact below.
Contact: Kadomoto
yoshie.kadomoto@trenders.co.jp

Photos by Seiko Kusunoki (Hiroo Junior High School, March 3) and Kaori Ouchi (Shoto Junior High School, March 13)
Text by Kae Kadomoto