Continued from 2/2.

--There are so many colors and products in cosmetics stores, it's hard to know which one to choose.

When you go to a makeup event or counter, try a makeup look that's the complete opposite of your usual image, like a new eyeshadow or lip color. You might make a wonderful discovery. Unlike tattoos or plastic surgery, makeup can be redone as many times as you like if you don't like it, so keep trying new things and pursue your own style.

--This year's NARS holiday collection is also full of vibrant items.

Aren't they beautiful colors? The matte hot pink blush "4046" can be used to create both a strong color and a soft impression. Of the limited edition eyeshadows, I particularly like the metallic black "2088" and the bright orchid "2087." Applying it to the lash line and pairing it with a smoky eyeliner like black creates a strong eye impact and beautifully accentuates the dark eye color of Japanese women. For lipstick, I recommend the trendy orange-red "9601" or the hot pink "9602." Either way, it's important to wear a color you like.

--This holiday collection is inspired by Guy Bourdin. Like creative director François Nars, were you inspired by Bourdin?

Bourdin had a huge influence on François, and he apparently had magazine clippings like French Vogue hanging on his walls since he was a child. Just as Bourdin influenced him, François was my source of inspiration. He's truly a great man, and I'm happy to have had the opportunity to work with him.

--You're very knowledgeable about fashion, culture, and art. Are you always keeping your ears open?

Of course. Fashion, in particular, is like a universal language in this industry. I talk to photographers and filmmakers. Without that knowledge, it's impossible to communicate with creators. If you work in the fashion or culture industry, the more history you know, the more inspiration you can gain. I'm fortunate to have many opportunities to travel, so being exposed to different cultures and styles is a source of inspiration for me. To work in a field related to beauty, you have to love beautiful things.

--What has inspired you recently?

I'm always interested in the era itself. I'm most interested in how people interpret and express the spirit and trends of the times in magazines, art, and more. For example, the 1970s film "Cabaret" (1972) reinterprets elements from the 1920s and 1930s, and I find this blend fascinating. Sofia Coppola's "Marie-Antoinette" (2006) taught me that you can create something exciting by taking a modern approach, based on historical research, rather than simply rehashing it. Referring to various eras is a technique that can also be used when designing makeup.