Lloyd Simmonds, makeup creative director for Yves Saint Laurent Beauté, visited Japan with his Spring 2014 makeup collection, "FLOWER CRUSH." We spoke to him about the new collection and spring makeup. --What are the characteristics of the new collection? --Inspired by various flowers, I created a collection that is as pretty as possible. I created it with women all over the world in mind, and I think it's full of items that can quickly add a glamorous touch to any woman. --The "FLOWER CRUSH" palette features motifs such as peony and rose, and both the eye palette and cheek color are designed to suit a wide range of skin tones. It mainly uses pink and orange, with white and gold accents. I want people to try using multiple colors together, rather than just one color. --What items would you recommend to Japanese women in particular? While I'm sure you'll enjoy all the items, I think warm pinks in particular create a very fresh impression. For lipstick, #32 is an easy choice. If you want to incorporate a more Parisian element, I also recommend #34. If you want to make your eyes your charming point, be sure to try the limited edition dark purple mascara.

--What kind of woman do you find attractive?

I find women with tough, strong personalities who know who they are attractive. I don't have a specific image in mind, but I think the advertising visuals featuring Cara Delevingne truly embody feminine strength.

Japanese women are sophisticated and knowledgeable about fashion and beauty. They're also very conscious of how they're perceived by others.

--What do you value when working in the fashion industry?

I watch all the fashion shows, read magazines, and am always studying fashion. Thanks to that, my eyes have become quite discerning (laughs). My favorite fashion magazine is W Magazine from New York. It's not just commercial, it delves into politics and art as well, making it a magazine that stands out in many ways. I'm inspired by the wonderful work in a wide range of fields, not just fashion, and it helps me hone my own creativity.