The largest cosmetics company in Japan just inaugurated the first Western-style pharmacy in Ginza, Tokyo. With four floors, the idea arose from an interest in bringing together the common elements of interior construction and makeup. “When preparing a wall or floor, first you apply the undercoat, then layers of paint or buffing, and finally a protective topcoat. Make-up follows a similar order: first you apply skincare, then primer and foundation for the base, then touches of color such as lipstick or eye shadow”, explained Nendo, the interior design practice that signed the project.

As well as extending to areas such cosmetics and skin care, the store aims to gather a photo studio, a hair and makeup salon, a cafe and a event space.

The design motif has been derived from a silhouette of the camellia flower, Shiseido’s icon since 1915: “ it appears in the form of columns, resembling sections of bamboo; as cut-outs in the style of kiri-e paper craft; in woven patterns resembling traditional baskets and modeled like traditional papier-mâché hariko.”

But there are also other elements that highlight the identity of the brand: paper made from thinly cotton pads was used on the walls to give off a soft glow, camellia oil was applied to unprocessed wood to give it a beautiful aged finish, eye shadow was layered onto the walls with make-up brushes to give a marble-like finish and nail polish was mixed into the paint used for the ceiling art, giving a subtle shimmer that catches the shifting light.