In the spring of 2025, ampule, in collaboration with hair and makeup artist Shinobu Igari, will launch the “Meiku” project for parents and children, which aims to promote the correct and safe use of makeup for children, an age group that is becoming younger and younger. In this issue, we report on the first event “Mr. Shinobu Igari x ampule: ‘Make-up Education’ Study Session for Children” held on Tuesday, April 1.Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Igari Shinobu x ampule project, what is “me-iku”?

ampule conducted an independent survey of 600 mothers of children of junior high school age and younger on the theme “What do you think about makeup for children under junior high school age?” one in three mothers (33.2%) responded that “it is important for children to learn about makeup from an early age. On the other hand, 63.7% said they were concerned about safety.

The trend toward younger age groups for makeup is inevitable, and beauty content aimed at educating children is expected to increase in the future. In response to this trend, the “Meiku” project was launched by Mr. Shinobu Igari and ampule.

In December 2024, Ms. Shinobu Igari published a makeup book for elementary school students, “Watashi Watashi Surrounding Me Smiles for Elementary School Students” (Kodansha). She also formed “Team Gonengo” with the goal of nurturing the minds of elementary and junior high school students through makeup, and teaches makeup at junior high schools and other educational facilities.

The “Meiku” project, a collaboration between these two companies, is a comprehensive makeup education program that teaches not only methods and tips for applying makeup, but also how to express oneself in a fun way while taking care of one’s face and body. It is also characterized by its goal of promoting correct and safe kids’ makeup and providing an opportunity for communication between parents and children.

Ms. Igari lectures directly on makeup points.

On the day of the event, Ms. Igari gave a lecture directly to the children on the key points of makeup.

The venue was filled with cosmetics that can be used safely even for kids’ makeup, and the children learned by actually applying the cosmetics to their faces. The children’s faces became brighter and more lively after touching the cosmetics.

1.sunscreen

At the beginning of the lecture, Ms. Igari told the audience to wear sunscreen all year round. In addition to the fact that sunscreen is an important item for preventing future blemishes, she gave a detailed lecture on how to apply sunscreen. She also explains the fun of choosing items while thinking about the skin you want to have and the importance of touching your skin with your hands.

2. lipstick

Lip makeup is next. We will learn about the three parts of the lip: the yama, the midriff, and the corners of the mouth, and practice applying it so that it does not stick out. The upper and lower lips are blended together to complete the process. Pom-pom application technique is also taught.

3. blush

It was fun!” The most common response was “It was fun! Heart stickers were placed on the cheeks, and blush was applied around the stickers to create …… cute heart-shaped cheeks!

After applying makeup to their own cheeks, the children present their mothers with blush-drawn heart marks on their cheeks and hands as well. It is a friendly parent-child time.

4. eyeliner

The last lesson was on how to draw eyeliner. With liquid eyeliner in their hands, the students looked intently into the mirror. The mothers helped the students to complete the difficult parts.

Makeup is important to the point of removal.

After the makeup lecture, we will also tell you about makeup removal. With the motto of “remove makeup properly after having fun,” participants will learn how to remove makeup gently and without rubbing. For children’s skin, which is still delicate, we recommend using emulsion instead of cleansing. To avoid skin irritation, make-up must be removed after each class.

91% of participants were “very satisfied” with the program.

The children who learned to make up said, “That was fun! and “It was fun! Some mothers said, “Even though my children are interested in makeup, I sometimes don’t have the time to teach them. It is nice to have this opportunity to learn about makeup.

In a post-event survey, 91% of the participants responded that they were “very satisfied” with the event, making it a warm and fulfilling event.

We feel that kids’ makeup has the potential to grow out of a trend and become an integral part of society and daily life. Aiming to promote the correct and safe use of makeup for children and to create communication between parents and children through beauty, ampule will continue to hold “Me-iku” class events in which parents and children can participate, as well as disseminate information through a special website.

Photo: Takudai Okamoto