We speak to her about why she loves the smell of olive trees, hiding make-up from teachers at school and why she is optimistic about the future
The Dazed Beauty Community is our ever-expanding encyclopaedia of creatives and emerging talent from across the world who are redefining the way we think about beauty. From supermodels to digital artists to makeup prodigies transforming themselves in their bedrooms, these are the beauty influencers of tomorrow who embody everything Dazed Beauty is about. Discover them here.
One look at Mariko’s Instagram and you are immersed in a graceful fantasyland of delicate make-up looks inspired by the beauty of the natural world. “I feel most beautiful when I feel something related with the law of nature, something primitive,” the make-up artist and self-described face decorator says. Mariko’s artistic sensibilities started at a young age. As a child, she would draw anime characters and animals, while at beauty school in Tokyo she was fascinated by her art history classes. Dividing her time between London and Tokyo, Mariko takes inspiration from her childhood in Japan, and often works with unusual materials unusual, from rocks and flowers to fruit and pasta. “I really like images which have a kind of illusion where you can’t see how it was made. I try to recreate that in my work.” We speak to her about why she loves the smell of olive trees, hiding make-up from teachers at school and why she is optimistic about the future.
What’s your career highlight?
I don’t know, honestly. I think it hasn’t come yet.
What 3 beauty products are in your bag right this second?
Kiehl’s lip balm and that’s all.
What’s your earliest beauty related memory?
When I was in junior high, my school was very strict on grooming and appearance which meant we couldn’t wear make-up – even plucking our eyebrows. But I used to do my eyebrows and hide them from the teachers. That’s my earliest memory.
Describe your beauty aesthetic in 3 words.
God is in the details.
What’s your favourite smell and why?
The smell of a fragrant olive tree. It reminds me of my childhood. There were olive trees planted in my primary school and these years were my most impressionable age.
Which fictional character do you most relate to and why?
Jiro in the animation film “The Wind Rises” by Studio Ghibli. He is an aviation engineer and I like his way of working. I look up to him.
What does beauty mean to you?
It is something that touches people’s minds. It mightn’t be an object. It is something about the spirit. I grew up in a Buddhist society so I feel I have a grasp on that idea but I’m still learning.
What beauty product would you take with you to the moon?
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream and Yonka Creme 83 – I love these smells and they will help me to stay fresh, happy and healthy in life at space.
What does the future of beauty look like?
Beauty will be more strongly connected with different kinds of subjects like science, mathematics or thoughts.
Are you optimistic about the future?
Yes, definitely. I have lots of things I would like to do. And also I’d like to keep finding my own way.
What do you think the world will look like in 100 years?
The world will change but I think people won’t change. I hope humans are still crafting things with their own hands.