In the world of high-end cosmetics, the true test of a beauty campaign is its ability to marry technical precision with raw, human authenticity. SIDE EYE, a compelling new editorial project from Also Journal, achieves this balance by stripping away the artifice often associated with traditional beauty photography. By centering the work on extreme macro portraiture, the imagery invites a closer look at the intersection of pigment and skin. The creative vision is brought to life through the skillful hand of makeup artist Natsuki Oneyama, whose work leans into bold, graphic sensibilities. Whether it is a sharp stroke of crimson liner or a painterly sweep of matte lavender across the lid, the application is intentionally precise yet grounded by the subject’s visible pores, freckles, and inherent texture. The project excels in its embrace of editorial minimalism, relying on soft, even natural light to emphasize the translucent quality of the skin rather than obscuring it with heavy filters. By focusing tightly on the eye area, the photography captures an intense, direct dialogue between the viewer and the subject. This collection functions as an intimate study of modern color palettes, where geometric accents and vibrant mascaras are framed by an aesthetic of quiet, clean elegance that feels both immediate and timeless.
