Hair and makeup artist Noboru Tomizawa continues to support a variety of artists in editorial work, as well as visuals for music, film, and other entertainment. His exceptionally beautiful creations are popular both in the East and the West. We uncovered the secrets behind Tomizawa's creations, which have garnered constant requests from renowned artists.


Beauty evolves with changing attitudes over time

"My favorite works are photo books by Kevyn Aucoin (the legendary makeup artist who passed away young) and Rudi Gernreich from the 1960s. As for movies, I like things that give me a sense of the future, like Blade Runner."

The delicacy contained within his bold use of color. Every time I see Noboru Tomizawa's meticulously calculated work, I feel a beauty that is both surprising and surprising. "Every era has its own beauty, and the present has emerged through past eras. I believe that creation is about sometimes looking back at the past to sense the present and create the future. Perhaps that's because I feel that the imagination to think a little further ahead is important."

Fashion and beauty movements are always born in close connection with society and the economy. If that's the case, it makes you wonder how Tomizawa's beauty, which is created in response to the rapidly changing times of recent years, is connected to that.

"I always strive to feel and capture the present. For example, I continue to search for what is best for me not only at work but also in my daily life. The same is true for beauty; the current mood is important. Beauty changes with the times."

It's true that the environment around us has changed significantly over the past few years, and even longer ago. This is clear when you consider the damage to the skin caused by ultraviolet rays and stress. I never thought I would be so nervous. He also told us that such skin, and by extension skin care, reflects what is known as fashion.

Skin care is the key to makeup that reflects society and the times

"Skin care has always played an important role in makeup that reflects society and the times. When I do my makeup, I always consider the times when I do it, at the very least when it comes to skin care, which is base makeup."

With that in mind, I was curious about this season's skin. "There haven't been any major changes in the past few years, and the trend is to make it as natural as possible. The important thing is a bare skin look." However, he says that what he values most of all is his own "intuition."

"I'm always trying to pursue new forms of expression, but most decisions, like hair and makeup for photo shoots, are made in an instant. I consider the theme, the model's condition, and the mood on set, but in the end I trust my own intuition when doing hair and makeup. Of course, the end result is sometimes different from what the client expected, but the great thing about makeup is that you can make corrections quickly. You always need to be flexible and able to respond."

So what about color? There are bound to be colors that catch your eye. "I've always loved neutral colors, from light skin tones to dark browns. Gradations from beige-brown are eternally beautiful. As for accent colors, chic earth tones like navy and khaki are in style this season. For lip colors, I still love deep wine tones like burgundy, but adding a touch of vivid color -- such as green, orange, pink or yellow -- creates a whole new level of interest. I also love winter white, especially pure white."

It could be said that it's typical of Tomizawa that he not only does makeup but also hair. This is very unusual for a creator active on a global scale. "I'm particular about doing both hair and makeup because the face and head are not separate but one. By seeing it that way, the range of creations I want to express is broader." However, hair and makeup are technically separate. "That's why it's so difficult, but there's fashion, and then there's makeup and hair to match. I want to create beauty that is seen as a whole, and I value a sense of balance."

The astonishing, overwhelming beauty of his creations, which also evoke his passion, is powerful and vivid. "Some people think of makeup as if it were a painting, but I think of it as a job that involves interacting with people. You probably can't do it unless you love people. I want to cherish what is born from my daily encounters, while also expressing a little bit of the future of the present. It would be great if I could incorporate traditional Japanese beauty into that." --It is his love for people and sincerity that governs the absolute beauty of Tomizawa's creations. Thinking about it this way, a new side of Tomizawa's beauty becomes apparent.



【Profile】
Hair & makeup Noboru Tomizawa:
Based in Tokyo, he works on hair and makeup direction for fashion magazines, advertisements, TV commercials, CD jackets, music videos, runway shows, as well as film and stage productions. He is also active in a wide range of fields, producing nails, eyelashes, hats and more. For KEIICHI NITTA + NOBORU TOMIZAWA "DOUBLE EXPOSURE," released in 2014, he created works with a free-spirited approach, unconstrained by traditional hair and makeup styles. He is constantly evolving while expanding the scope of his expression.