How do you achieve a lipstick that balances the properties of deep luster and vibrant color? It’s been one of Shiseido’s goals for almost 30 years. Now, the Shiseido Research Center has announced the development of Shiseido’s Lacquer Rouge, which it says offers “an ideal liquid rouge that is perfect in terms of color, luster and moisture—and that will make an impression on women worldwide. The company reports that Lacquer Rouge was developed based on the latest and most advanced technologies of a “three-layer mechanism” formula.

Applying the results of research conducted over many years, Shiseido first developed a “two-layer system” formula taking a totally different approach from previous technologies used for long-lasting lipstick (barely leaves a color mark on cups) that covers the lips surface with a coating ingredient. This “two-layer system” formula is separated into two layers, specifically a “color layer that contains color materials and moisturizing ingredients” and a “luster layer”, when it is applied on the lips. This technology enabled such a contradictory need to be realized. This innovative technology received the Top Award at the 26th IFSCC Congress, held in 2010, whereby Shiseido’s lipstick technology was recognized as the most advanced in the world.

Shiseido then aimed to create a three-layer mechanism formula by advancing the two-layer system formula. In this regard, as a result of repeatedly producing prototypes by combining new ingredients, a new formula (three-layer mechanism) was successfully developed for what Shiseido calls “a revolutionary liquid rouge that separates into three layers by means of lip temperature and pressure when being applied on the lips even though it is evenly mixed before being applied.”

Thus, the “three-layer mechanism” formula offers deep luster, concentrated color and moisture.