BLISS RATING: ★★★★+
“I’ll make you happy. I promise.” – Quote from Cosmetic Playlover
Undoubtedly, this series is one of the warmest and most genuine stories to come out of Japan in a long time. And unique. Not only in its storytelling, but in its overall presentation. And, for once, it was not afraid to show affection. They kissed – frequently. More importantly, it looked like it was authentic and genuine. How refreshing.
If I am being honest, the Japanese mind completely baffles me. So outwardly polite, formal, and full of decorum. Yet, their insides seem to be torn apart with self-doubt, self-loathing, and a pent-up inner person just waiting to break out. It almost seems like a schizophrenic personality. Concurrently, while they seem to take pleasure in the mundaneness of their lives; they also seem to loathe it as well. Or at least that is how it appears to be in my eyes.
This series, however, shatters two stereotypes I had of Japanese culture. One was in the character himself. Maniya Natsume (Okuno So), ever since he was a child, had set his sights on wanting to be a BA (Beauty Advisor) which is a cosmetic advisor. A career not known to be strived for by many men. I would have thought that society would have assumed and presumed that he was gay. Natsume is a charming, handsome, approachable, and friendly young man. I found that whole concept simply fascinating and intriguing and did not realize the artistry and science that really goes into making someone look beautiful. On the inside, however, Natsume suffers from a feeling of inadequacy and unworthiness. Contradictory, he can clearly and unequivocally see the value, worth, and potential in others.
Sahashi Toma (Toyoda Yudai) is hired as a BA and becomes Natsume’s junior. Sahashi is an astonishingly handsome young man with a certain outward arrogance about him as well as an aloofness. Whereas Natsume is hard working, industrious, and meticulous, Sahashi is nonchalant and seems distant and unmotivated. Yet is a master at makeup and charm with his clients. For Sahashi, behaviors or motivation to show improvements are nonessentials and mere trappings. For him, they are all meaningless. In fact, Sahashi calls Natsume needling him to improve as meddlesome.
Still, there is something within Sahashi that Natsume sees that is hidden waiting to be explored with great potential. He sees efficacy in him that even Sahashi does not. So, when given the opportunity to change his life, Natsume, without hesitation, does so. That act of kindness and recognition rekindles a life change in Sahashi. It also deepens within him a respect for Natsume now goes beyond a professional one. Natsume believes in him without reservation or conditions. That stirs feelings of an attraction. And thus begins their own personal sojourn to a beautiful discovery of love that is unique.
Natsume with his self-doubts and feelings of inferiority and Sahashi with his own inner demons of self-reliance, bitterness towards family, and inability to take life seriously because of abandonment reticulate to create cracks in their relationship. It is interesting to watch as these two struggle within themselves and each other to overcome their own deficiencies and recognize in each other their inherent weaknesses and yet permit all of that to simply make them stronger. They need each other and complement one another.
The second stereotype this series blows apart is when Sahashi’s brother comes into the picture. Saashi Tenma (Oshida Gaku) not only fiddles with Natsume’s vulnerabilities but also tries to trump everything else in life by pulling out that family ties are the strongest and prioritized bond. The beauty of this series is that Toma blows that notion out of the water.
While he tries to reconcile and reconnect with his brother with the encouragement of Natsume, he makes it very clear to his brother and to Natsume directly that his family is NOW Natsume. I found this notion to be startling and simply the right path to take. If you are committing and committed to being a couple, you must ‘see’ your family anew. Differently and with a whole new concept. This is so refreshing and a step in the right direction.
Who really S.T.O.L.E. this series? Harukawa Tomoki (Yonemura Tomoki) did. He is the intern to Natsume’s former boss who moved up in the company. Harukawa, as adorably cute as he is, is as innocently clumsy and awkward. (So relatable). Trying so hard, makes him more nervous and therefore more maladroit. Yet, Natsume, as sympathetic as ever, and empathic, still recognizes his value and his efforts. At the same time, Harukawa sees the relationship between Sahashi and Natsume and is one of the few on the outside to recognize it and support their relationship. His acceptance of it was not just down to earth but spoke volumes as to the kind of character Tomoki was. While he does not have many scenes, he gives a solidification to their relationship that makes it feel like they will make it. It still astonishes me how these minor roles can so effectively do more for the story than volumes of dialogue can. Sometimes just a simple nod or a kind expression that what they have is beautiful enough. He delivered that with such simplistic beauty, I found myself tearing up.
This is an intensely beautiful love story concentrating more on their weakness and how that helps them see each other’s strengths. What makes it so meaningful is that they were not afraid to show the other what hurts. At the same time, they always take fulfillment in the most basic of human experiences as a joyful pleasure. Eating is not just functional; it is a celebration of the two being together. Sleeping together is the joy of holding each other and being in the presence of one another; not just carnal pleasures. They make being together – a gratifying celebration on so many different levels. And they made the simple act of kissing feel sensual. Without wanting to sound trite, they redefine the term soulmates not in any metaphysical sense but simply as life companions.
I loved this series for its simplicity and its slice of life romance about two guys deeply in love with each other. Not afraid to show it and not afraid to say, ‘We are family.’ It is gentle and genteel. Qualities you do not often see together.
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