Some brands are built on trends. KISSME was built on two centuries. Rooted in the legacy of ISEHAN—one of Japan's oldest cosmetics houses, founded over 200 years ago—KISSME has earned its global reputation through an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, safety, and formulas that simply refuse to quit. From the iconic manga-inspired Heroine Make series to a Mascara Remover engineered to be as precise as the products it removes, every detail reflects a brand that has spent generations thinking about what women truly need from their makeup. This International Women's Day, Kiokii and... sits down with the team behind KISSME to uncover the history, the philosophy, and the relentless pursuit of quality that has made this brand a legend in Japanese beauty.
The Interview: A Conversation with KISSME CEO
1. Which product best represents your brand philosophy, and why?
"That would be the Heroine Make series. Heroine Make was born from the fusion of ISEHAN's 200 years of expertise in cosmetics craftsmanship and its innovative approach to formula development. The impactful packaging design featuring Himeko—reminiscent of a manga heroine—as well as the exceptional durability and beautiful finish of the mascaras and eyeliners, are truly unique. These products directly reflect ISEHAN's purpose: 'The 1st Cosmetics. ISEHAN. Your first will always be our first.'"
2. What was the original problem that inspired you to create this brand?
"One of the greatest challenges in ISEHAN's 200-year history was producing lipstick after World War II. With no containers available amidst the ruins, the owner crafted paper-wrapped, candy-shaped lipsticks using only raw materials, a pot, and a charcoal stove. Even in times of extreme scarcity, lipstick gave hope to women. That desire to provide products that inspire hope continues to drive us today."
3. What does "care" mean to your brand when it comes to formulation and design?
"For us, care means creating products that can be used with complete peace of mind. At KISSME, we offer items suitable for all ages—from babies to adults. Whether it is makeup or skincare, our priority is to ensure products are safe and comfortable for daily use. We focus on ease of use and reliable functionality, aiming to develop items that customers can trust for a long time."
4. Is there a detail in your products that people often overlook but you're especially proud of?
"We take great pride in the quality that ensures our products can be used safely and comfortably every day. In cosmetics, people tend to focus solely on performance—such as the finish or long wear—but maintaining daily-use safety is an equally important function. Even though Heroine Make mascaras offer incredibly strong waterproof performance, our Mascara Remover takes them off easily without stinging the eyes. This isn't a coincidence—it is the result of extensive research to balance high cleansing power with low irritation."
5. What message do you hope women take away when they interact with KISSME?
"We hope that our products help women feel empowered. We want them to think, 'This item gives me courage,' or 'I can apply my makeup with confidence.' Our goal is for our items to inspire hope and support women in expanding their own possibilities."
Kiokii's Top Picks: KISSME Essentials
Ready to meet your new makeup holy grails? Here are three cult-favourite KISSME products currently trending at kiokii.com—each one a masterclass in Japanese precision and long-wear performance.
1. Heroine Make Long & Curl Mascara Advanced Film
The mascara that rewrites the rules. This iconic formula delivers dramatic length and curl with the staying power of a waterproof mascara—yet removes cleanly and effortlessly with warm water, like a film type. No panda eyes, no lash damage, no compromise. Whether you're navigating a Canadian winter or an emotional movie night, this mascara stays exactly where you put it.
Best for: Those who want maximum drama and all-day hold without the difficult removal process.
2. Heroine Make Smooth Liquid Eyeliner
Precision engineered down to 0.1mm. This ultra-fine liquid eyeliner is built around KISSME's signature "Super Keep" formula—a sweat, tear, and sebum-resistant technology that keeps your liner sharp and intact from morning to night. Whether you're drawing a subtle lash line or a bold cat-eye wing, this eyeliner delivers surgical accuracy with zero smudging.
Best for: All liner styles, especially those who struggle with smudging, oily lids, or long wear days.
3. KissMe Heavy Rotation Natural Coloring Eyebrow
The finishing touch that frames everything. Part of KISSME's beloved Heavy Rotation series, this eyebrow product delivers a natural, hair-like finish that fills, defines, and colours in one effortless step. Buildable in intensity and long-wearing throughout the day, it brings the same uncompromising performance KISSME is known for—now to the one feature that can transform an entire face.
Best for: Those looking for a natural, precise, and long-lasting eyebrow solution that works for both everyday and dressed-up looks.
The Heroine in Every Woman
At Kiokii and..., we believe the most powerful beauty brands are the ones with a story worth telling—and few stories run as deep as KISSME's. Two centuries of craftsmanship, a wartime lipstick made from nothing, and a manga heroine who reminds every woman that courage comes in many forms. That's not just a brand history. That's a legacy.
This International Women's Day, we celebrate the heroine in every woman—and the makeup that helps her show up as exactly that.
Ready to explore KISSME's full collection? [Shop now at kiokii.com →](internal link)
Kiokii and... is Canada's premier destination for curated Asian beauty. We bring you the most innovative and trusted brands from across Asia, so your self-care journey is as unique and empowered as you are.
