ABOUT BENI

Home / ABOUT BENI

Beni - A Special Red Color Extracted
from Safflower

Beni is a red pigment extracted from safflower petals. The key ingredient of beni is the safflower, said to be native to the Middle and Near East, and introduced to China via the Silk Road. The safflower and the extraction method for beni are believed to have arrived in Japan sometime around the mid-3rd century. Safflower petals contain only around 1% red pigment. Extracting beni is a time-consuming task and sophisticated skill and knowledge are required to produce beni-based dyes. In Japanese Heian period, the color made from repeated dying with safflower was a special color reserved for high-ranking people.

Moreover, since ancient times, Japanese people have associated the color red with the sun, fire, and blood, therefore believe it symbolizes life. As such, red has taken on ritual significance. One example is that the red of beni was believed to be effective in improving blood circulation, therefore seen as a form of medicine protecting the body from illness. As such, red dye, makeup, and food coloring were used to add color to major life events, such as childbirth and marriage.

Amulets
Mid-19th century - Early 20th century

Charms to avert smallpox
Ittōsai Yoshitsuna (circa 1848-54)

Iridescent Green Glow Is Proof of a High Quality

Some beni used in makeup shines iridescently when dry. This iridescence is said to be proof of a high quality, and the technique to achieve this has been kept a trade secret by the respective beni merchants so as not to be leaked to outsiders. The principles behind this iridescence are still unknown to modern science. With all of its mysteries, beni appeals to people all the more.

During the Bunka-Bunsei era (1804-1830), a popular style was to apply this iridescent beni in multiple layers on the lower lip to create a metallic green shade called sasabeni (sasa means bamboo grass). But people of lower status in society could not afford this high-end beni. A technique was devised of applying a base coat of black ink on the lower lip and then adding dabs of small amount of beni over it to achieve a similar look.

Komachi-beni－Traditional Rouge
since the Edo period

Watch video

Isehan’s Komachi-beni is traditional Japanese rouge made purely from rare beni. The key ingredient is the highest-quality safflower grown in Yamagata Prefecture. Made with great care using a technique handed down since the Edo period, beni shines iridescently and turns a vivid red color the moment it is dissolved using a moistened brush. This Komachi-beni that has attracted people since the Edo period and been used for major life events is being faithfully preserved in an unchanged state by Isehan today, and will continue to do so tomorrow. It is an item through which the people of today can still freshly sense the beauty technique mastered in the Edo period. When you use Komachi-beni, no doubt it will be a special occasion that fills you with great elation.

"Formidable - looking, from the series Twelve Views of Modern Beauties"
Keisai Eisen

How to Use

step1

Moisten the lip brush. Remove excess moisture by stroking on the rim of container.

step2

Tilt the container to prevent water from flowing.

step3

Dissolve a small amount of beni at the rim of its container. (The amount of usage is about 5mm square.)
The color of beni turns red when it touches water.

step4

Apply beni on your lips.

Depending on the amount of water and the number of applications, you can enjoy the color of Komachi-beni from light pink with transparency to vivid deep red, and also the iridescent green glow.
Unlike the usual oil-based lipstick, Komachi-beni is light and comfortable to wear and colored to reflect your own individual lip color. Therefore, even if the same Komachi-beni is used, there are many different shades. You can enjoy your own beni shade.

How to use as blusher: 1. Apply water to the cheek with a sponge.; 2. Take a small amount of beni on the brush tip, and apply it to the cheek.; 3. Blur beni patting with your finger softly, you will have a clear and ruddy cheek.

Warning

-Store Komachi-beni in the accompanying box avoiding high temperature, humidity and direct sunlight.
-The iridescent green glow would turn red as time goes by since Komachi-beni contains the natural ingredient only. This color change doesn’t affect the quality.