Beauty & Empowerment: Shiseido’s Journey From War to Wellness
They say beauty is only skin deep, but Shiseido turns that wisdom into a full‑throated empowerment mission.
Post‑War Beginnings
- Right after WWII, the company dropped its Spots Cover line, aimed at turning those wartime burns and scars into the nicest wallpaper you could call a face.
- The goal? Not just to hide blemishes, but to heal the hearts of people who felt self‑conscious about their skin.
- Talk about turning trauma into confidence—like flipping a sad story into a glow‑up!
Fast Forward Fifty Years & In
Fast‑forward a half‑century, and Shiseido isn’t stuck in the past. Hatch, hatch—Shiseido Life Quality Center (SLQC) is the new star.
Why the SLQC Rocks
- Its Singapore launch in May 2019 sparked a community that goes beyond skincare. Think about it: a place where science meets daily life, translating pigment‑spots care into everyday wellness.
- “You’ll go from “where’s my cast” to “what’s my next spa session” in less time,” says a delighted visitor.
- It’s not just about covering up— it’s about elevating life’s quality, one serene plucky brushstroke at a time.
The Bottom Line
Shiseido’s long‑standing commitment to “beauty as empowerment” shows that a brand can evolve from merely fixing wartime scars to creating a holistic lifestyle hub. And who knew a post‑war product line could inspire a 21st‑century wellness center that’s all about community, confidence, and a touch of humor? You can always find Shiseido turning each little “ouch” into a big “wow!”
Free personal consultations for those with skin concerns
<img alt="" data-caption="At SLQC, customers receive detailed tips and recommendations on makeup techniques to manage their appearance concerns.
PHOTO: Shiseido” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”9329ea1d-966f-41b3-a387-bd8a1cb12688″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/shiseido1.jpg”/>
Shiseido’s Skin Power‑Up: Free Consultations for Cancer Survivors
Why This Matters
Many people dealing with melanoma, breast cancer or other therapies end up with skin dullness, pigmentation, and even missing eyebrows—think of it as the cosmetic version of a bad hair day that sticks around. Shiseido’s SLQC (Skin‑Lifting Consultation) team is here to tackle those glitches and help folks look and feel their best again.
What the Consultations Offer
Each session is a personal 1‑to‑1 chat where customers voice their worries and get a hand‑crafted makeup play‑book to smooth, brighten, or fill in those spots. Sessions include:
- Skin‑specific advice (how to use foundation to match tone)
- Eyebrow tricks for the bald‑eyed savant—painting a guide so the makeup doesn’t look uncanny
- Collaboration with medical clinics and support groups for deeper education
- Free workshops for those craving group learning
Real‑World Impact
It’s not just about covering up; Shiseido reports that breast‑cancer patients who adopted these beauty strategies reported:
- Fewer moments of self‑ache (like “Why me?”)
- Lower levels of anxiety and depression
- A boost in confidence during social events
Going Forward
Rush to the bedside because the pandemic paused the sessions for a bit (no one wants to combine an in‑person cozy chat with a new virus). But Shiseido plans to restart the program once it’s safe, and they’re also encouraging company staff to volunteer their time with skill‑based outreach. It’s all about empowerment—talk, look, feel good!
Skills-based volunteering: Employees contribute time and expertise
Shiseido’s Heart‑On‑Hand Community Work
Shiseido’s staff have been rolling up their sleeves to give back way before it became a buzzword. The company not only shares its tech expertise at the SLQC but also laces up for a bunch of local workshops and talks, always hunting for fresh ways to leave a positive mark on the world.
What the crew really does
- Skill‑sharing at the SLQC: Employees teach the next generation of beauty tech insiders cutting‑edge techniques.
- Hands‑on volunteering: From art classes to computer skills, they dive into community projects with ease.
- Ever‑ready for the next gig: Fang, the spokesperson, says “if it feels meaningful, we’re there.”
Case in point: December 2019
Shiseido teamed up with Gladiolus Place— a sanctuary for teens at risk— to brighten their days. Around 50 employees stormed the home to run skincare, haircare, and personality‑profiling workshops, leaving smiles in their wake.
They didn’t stop there. The team handed out thoughtfully packed goodie bags brimming with Shiseido products, and gave the library and computer room a fresh new look with a splash of paint. By the end of the day, the atmosphere felt a lot more vibrant—and the girls had a better day, thanks to the team’s spirit.
<img alt="" data-caption="Shiseido employees volunteering at Gladiolus Place in December 2019.
PHOTO: Shiseido” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”dfa4bee7-0042-4bc9-89ad-011f22d60b6d” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/Group%20Photo%20Informal.jpg”/>
Shiseido’s Charitable Fiesta: A Day of Good Vibes and Great Giving
Picture this: a sunny afternoon turned into a whirlwind of fun, laughter, and heartfelt generosity. Our team gathered, not just for a quick coffee break, but to rally around a meaningful cause. Everyone—despite juggling deadlines, meetings, and the ever‑present to‑do list—jumped in, proving that Shiseido truly cares about making the world a little brighter.
The highlight? Our super‑cool goodie bags. According to Fang, the girls practically ran after them, their excitement buzzing louder than the office intercom. It was a moment of pure joy, a reminder that even a tiny treat can spark big smiles.
- Team Spirit: Everyone came together, shining a light on the value of community.
- Excitement Over Flowing: The goodie bags were a hit—like pizza at a party.
- Shiseido’s Mission: Concrete steps toward a better world were done, one event and one bag at a time.
All in all, it wasn’t just an event—it was a testament to the fact that when people unite for a purpose, they can make a meaningful splash in our world.
Champions of Good
Shiseido Shines in 2024’s Champions of Good
When the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) rolled out its Company of Good list this year, Shiseido was already a front‑liner in the social impact arena. No shock there—Forty–seven years of beauty and brains meet a whole lot of good deeds.
The Tradition of “Champions”
Created in 2017, the Champions of Good award shines a spotlight on organisations that not only keep their own lights on, but also help others do right by turning stakeholders into allies and setting an example that sticks. 2024 was a gold‑mine of inspiring stories, from Earth‑friendly eateries to tech‑savvy marketplaces.
A Motley Crew of Winners
- Iron Nori—the F&B social enterprise stirring up sustainable cuisine with a side of community support.
- Carousell—your go‑to online marketplace that keeps the local economy humming.
- Shiseido—the beauty giant rolling out the “Sustainable Beauty Initiative” to champion diversity and respect even amid a pandemic‑tainted 2020.
- Unilever—the consumer goods titan focused its 2020 CSR on frontline heroes and the pandemic’s hardest‑hit folks.
Why It Matters
Shiseido told the press that receiving the accolade was “a great recognition and encouragement.” Their mission? To keep building a society that embraces diversity through respectful self‑care, holistically linking beauty with responsibility.
Humorous Take
Picture Shiseido as the “office superhero” who says, “We’ll keep you looking fabulous while we keep the world looking good.” It’s the kind of punchline that makes the corporate world go undercover and, you know, actually care.
Making a difference one care package at a time
Unilever Goes the Extra Mile for Singapore’s Community
Dave Ingram, the Chief Procurement Officer and head of Unilever’s Singapore hub, makes it crystal‑clear: “We’re here to make a real difference in the communities we’re part of.” That mantra didn’t stay on the wall— it rolled out into action during the pandemic.
500,000+ Essentials Delivered
Like a superhero with a delivery truck, Unilever sent over 500,000 essential items—think hand sanitizers, soaps, and skincare—to places that needed them most. Partners? Plenty. We’re talking the Singapore Red Cross, Loving Heart Multi‑Service Centre, Food Bank, and even the Healthcare Services Employees’ Union. Ingram says the company teamed up with NGOs, local businesses, and government bodies to make sure cleaning supplies and personal care products found their way into the right hands.
#ThankYouHawkers: A Clean‑Up Collaboration
In a playful nod to the beloved hawker culture, Unilever joined forces with the National Environment Agency to assemble 14,000 hygiene kits. These kits, featuring Sunlight soaps, CiF products, thermometers, and handy cleaning guides, were handed out to stallholders across 114 hawker centres. The goal? Keep the food stalls fresh and the traders studying a laugh‑and‑own resilience over the humid Singapore nights.
Key Takeaways
- Community‑first mindset— Unilever genuinely wants to lift up those around them.
- Large‑scale aid— 500k+ products shipped in a pandemic‑time surge.
- Collaborative spirit—NGOs, businesses, and regulators all rolled together.
- Hawker‑friendly—14,000 kits for the bustling street‑food sites.
In short, Unilever’s Singapore chapter didn’t just talk the talk—it stepped up, delivered, and left a tidy, helpful footprint—showing the world that corporate boot‑strap‑in-doers can do justice while keeping it human, humorous, and heartfelt.
<img alt="" data-caption="Care packages by Unilever and the National Environment Agency for Singapore's hawkers. Contents include trusted Unilever cleaning products, a thermometer, log book, and cleaning guides.
PHOTO: Unilever” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”78b9d736-269e-4cbe-8297-83c7eb8b0dcd” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/1%20%281%29.jpg”/>
Unilever’s Kitchen‑ware Crusade: Rallying Hawkers & Migrant Workers Across Singapore
Power‑Up Partnership: How FoodXervices Plugged the Gap
FoodXervices, the local distributor that zips Unilever goodies across town, played a key role in getting those essential kits to hawkers on the fly—thanks to the sharp coordination of Ingram.
Why the Hawkers Matter
- They’ve Got the Scene: Hawkers are the heartbeat of Singapore’s street food culture.
- UniESCO Recognition: The United Nations already declared them intangible cultural heritage.
- Community Impact: Partnering up with hawkers showed that corporate power can support the people who keep the city’s flavors vibrant.
Choking Down the “Migrant Workers” Issue
- Essentials Delivered: Unilever shipped hundreds of thousands of shampoos and oral‑care kits straight to the Migrant Workers’ Centre.
- Keeping in Touch: A spontaneous fundraiser raised $100,000+ to buy SIM cards so workers could stay connected during quarantine.
- Teamwork with NGOs: The initiative teamed up with Transient Workers Count Too to get the cards to the hands of those who need them most.
- Planting Pride: Ingram expressed “immense pride” in the effort, proving that business can feel good too.
Final Takeaway—Why We Cheer All the Time
When a big brand like Unilever turns its gears toward community, every hawker, migrant worker, and local distributor can see the full picture: a city that cares, one that’s alive with flavor, and a brand that’s genuinely backing the folks who make that city tick.
Tech clinics for seniors
<img alt="" data-caption="A Unilever volunteer teaching a senior how to access digital services and use apps as part of the Infocomm Media Development Authority's initiative, Seniors Go Digital.
PHOTO: Unilever” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”362ce4c8-4a8b-4c5e-8b97-f4d7a11e1ed4″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/6_7.jpg”/>
Unilever Turns the Digital Age into a Senior Social Club
How the Big Cola Maker Helps the Elderly Stay Connected
While the world is adjusting to a new normal, a segment of Singapore’s older citizens is still feeling the pinch of digital isolation. That’s where Unilever steps in—no, not with a fresh soda flavor, but with a fresh set of skills.
In partnership with the Infocomm Media Development Authority, Unilever champions the Seniors Go Digital initiative. The goal? To keep seniors busy, empowered, and most importantly, connected to family and friends.
- Half‑day clinics staffed by Unilever volunteers teach the basics of cybersecurity.
- They walk folks through pandemic apps like TraceTogether and Zoom, turning tech challenges into triumphs.
- Every lesson is delivered with a side of friendly laughter—because learning is better when you’re smiling.
Speaking about the “Champion of Good” title, the Unilever spokesperson (not to be confused with an actual champion) said:
“We know we can’t do this alone. As COVID‑19 keeps on marching, we’re doing what we can to safeguard lives and livelihoods in Singapore. We’re looking forward to teaming up with other like‑minded groups, organisations, and individuals to support our city’s vision of becoming a true City of Good.”
The Champions of Good 2020 list is already hot—check out the spotlighted winners at companyofgood.sg and see how others are shaping the future. (No links, but you’re on the right track!).
And that’s all from Unilever, delivering more than just tasty products—now we’re serving up a dash of digital hope.
