#2: Trail Beauty
Photography: Hikaru Otake, Ai Hino
#2: Trail Beauty
Photography: Hikaru Otake, Ai Hino
When we talk about ultralight hiking, most of the conversation centers on gear, weight, and technique. But what about the everyday care that helps us feel good on the trail—especially for women? Those details often get left out, even though they shape our experience just as much as what’s in our pack.
In this second installment of Mountain Women, Ai Hino reconnects with the women of our Kyoto and Kamakura stores for another honest roundtable—this time focusing on skincare, body care, and the small routines that help us stay comfortable and confident outdoors.
From sunscreen that actually holds up, to how we care for our bodies after days in the sun, this conversation goes beyond the typical gear talk. We hope it offers new ideas, relatable moments, and a little encouragement to hike your own way—with care that feels right for you.
Ayana Nagai, Yamatomichi Kyoto A passionate traveler, Ayana has trekked the John Muir Trail in the U.S., explored Patagonia in Chile, and in 2024, spent 14 days hiking the Walker’s Haute Route from Mont Blanc in France to the Matterhorn in Switzerland. She’s also into marathons, trail running, yoga, and a mostly plant-based lifestyle. Her makeup is always on point—so naturally, we’re curious how she keeps it up in the mountains.
Mayumi Shoji, Yamatomichi Kyoto A born-and-raised Kyoto local, Mayumi traveled through New Zealand in her 20s, worked in cafés, and later joined Yama-shoku-on (山色音), the predecessor to Yamatomichi Kyoto. These days, she mainly hikes in the Kansai region and the Japanese Alps, snowboards in Hokkaido for two months each winter, and practices yoga in her daily life. In spring 2024, she spent 9 days hiking in New Zealand. Her signature blonde hair has been part of her look for over 10 years. She’s especially knowledgeable about care methods and products that focus on recovery.
Tsunoda Yuko, Yamatomichi Kamakura After working at a mountain hut in the Japanese Northern Alps and at an outdoor gear shop, Yuko went on to join Yamatomichi. Drawing from her broad experience with a range of products across different brands, she brings practical, real-world insight to this roundtable. While she keeps her makeup and skincare routine as minimal as possible, she’s thoughtful about choosing gear that feels good on the skin and performs well in the mountains.
Ai Hino, Yamatomichi HLC Staff A freelance editor and designer, Ai is also the editor-in-chief of YON, an outdoor magazine based in Shikoku. Inspired by her experience organizing Yamamichisai on Mt. Ishizuchi, she joined the HLC team, where she now oversees communications and the JOURNAL. She splits her time between Ehime and Kyoto, gradually applying ultralight principles to both daily life and travel. This roundtable sparked a full refresh of her underwear and gear setup — a total UL reset.
Leave the big bottle at home, pack travel tubes
— Mayumi, you featured these travel tubes in another article on repacking cosmetics, right?
Mayumi: Yes! I think most people transfer their skincare into smaller containers instead of carrying full-size bottles, and this one’s been my favorite lately. It’s MUJI’s Polyethylene Travel Tube — perfect for thicker products like sunscreen or toothpaste. The soft tube makes it easy to squeeze, and it holds just enough for a 4- or 5-day trip.
A convenient squeeze tube for repacking skincare and other products. It comes in three sizes: Small holds about 10ml, Medium about 30ml, and Large about 50ml.
Ayana: Isn’t that a bit too little for sunscreen? I’d be worried it wouldn’t be enough. I usually just bring the whole bottle.
Mayumi: Sometimes I’ll fill two of those little tubes with sunscreen and bring both. They’re not bulky, so I’ll keep one in my pocket and the other in my backpack. That way, when it’s time to reapply, I can just pull it from my pocket and quickly dab some on the backs of my hands or the back of my neck. The other one I use during my morning routine and then stash in the pack.
— You bring two of the same tube? That’s a smart idea!
Yuko: And MUJI sells them in sets of two, right?
Mayumi: Exactly—only 100 yen. They also have a larger size, so if you want to bring more like Ayana, that might be a better fit. You can use them for oils or liquid products too—no problem.
Yuko: I’ve tried a few different kinds of travel bottles, but maybe I wasn’t filling them right—they always leaked in my backpack. I hated that, so I started looking for better options and came across this dropper bottle from the Natural Cosmetics Laboratory. It’s tiny and won’t leak unless you squeeze it. I’ve been using it for over a year now, and since switching, I haven’t had a single leak.
A dropper-style bottle perfect for repacking cosmetics or essential oils. The inner plug can be removed, making it easy to refill.
— What do you keep inside that bottle?
Yuko: It’s tea tree essential oil. I use it for everything—moisturizing skin and hair, as insect repellent, and even for bug bites. I usually bring either this or Vaseline (which I mentioned earlier), depending on the trip.
Mayumi: And it makes your tent smell really nice and relaxing too.
Yuko: Some people just bring the small glass bottle it comes in, but I know I’d drop and break it — that’s just how I am. That said, I do carry White Flower Medicated Oil from Hoe Hin Pak Fah Yeow in its original bottle, because the vintage glass is just too cute to leave behind.
A staple in nearly every household in Hong Kong, this all-purpose remedy is used for everything from nasal congestion, headaches, and muscle aches to motion sickness, disinfecting cuts, insect bites, and simply refreshing the senses—a truly versatile item to have on hand.
— Wow, it’s so cute!
Yuko: I picked it up on a business trip to Hong Kong. It’s basically like a liquid version of Tiger Balm. It helps with headaches, muscle pain, itching from insect bites, and even has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. A real all-purpose remedy.
Mayumi: Yeah, peppermint oil is great for headaches. They have similar things in Taiwan too—I’ve bought some as souvenirs before.
— So it’s kind of like the peppermint oil from Hokkaido? (searches) Oh, it’s on Amazon too.
What’s the best sunscreen?
— Let’s get into sunscreen—always a hot topic. Mayumi, what do you use?
Mayumi: I’ve been using this one for years: Anessa’s Mineral UV, which is gentle enough for babies. It’s SPF35+ and PA++++, waterproof, and still manages to wash off with regular soap. It offers strong protection without being harsh.
Free of additives, fragrance, coloring, and alcohol. Thanks to its Smooth Protect Technology Air, it’s designed to feel exceptionally light and gentle on the skin, minimizing irritation.
— Baby formulas are great—gentle on the skin and easy to wash off. Do you wear makeup in the mountains?
Mayumi: Not really. I don’t even bring facial cleanser. I just wash my face with water, slap on some toner, and that’s it. (laughs) Instead, I do a proper skincare routine after I get back and take a bath. So far, I’ve gone up to six days without any special care and been totally fine.
Yuko: Same here—I go without makeup.
— I’m the type who likes to wear at least some makeup. On the mountain, I’ll do sunscreen, brows, and lip color. So I really want a sunscreen I can trust. Ayana, earlier you said you bring the whole bottle—what sunscreen is that?
Ayana: This is the only one I use — Biore UV Athlizm. I’ve tried a bunch, but this one’s made for athletes, so it’s super sweat-resistant. And in my experience, it really protects against sunburn. I want to be able to use it freely, so I just bring the whole bottle and don’t worry about the weight. I absolutely want to avoid getting burned.
Designed to withstand extreme conditions—like 40°C heat and 75% humidity—Biore UV Athlizm offers the highest level of UV protection in the Biore UV lineup (SPF50+ PA++++). It features “Tough Boost Tech,” making it highly resistant to sweat, humidity, and friction. The smooth essence-type formula helps prevent dryness and is suitable for both face and body. Plus, it washes off easily with soap—no special cleanser needed.
— Ayana, even though you’re not covering up with long sleeves or long pants, you hardly look sunburned.
Ayana: Yeah, compared to other sunscreens, this one seriously keeps me from burning. It goes on white, but it doesn’t give that chalky “I’m wearing sunscreen” look—it actually brightens my complexion a bit. And honestly, it just works. I don’t get burned.
— Sounds like it really works. I might give it a go when mine runs out.
Ayana: It’s a bit on the pricey side for something you can get at a drugstore, but I’m okay with investing in it. I even brought two bottles with me on my recent trip to Switzerland.
Mayumi: Seriously? You must’ve gone through a ton of it! (laughs)
Ayana: Also, for protecting my face and neck from the sun, I always use the Only Hood. I wear it while hiking and even while sleeping. It’s a staple in my kit.
— The Only Hood is so light and compact—perfect for carrying around. And in summer, it helps keep bugs away too. Definitely a must-have for me as well.
Can be used as a hood for warmth and wind protection, a neck warmer, or sun shield. Ayana also uses it while sleeping.
What are the best lightweight cleansers and hydration essentials?
— Ayana, do you have any other skincare items you bring along?
Ayana: Since I wear minimal makeup and most of it comes off from sweat anyway, I usually don’t bring cleanser or face wash—if it’s just a 2- or 3-night trip, I just focus on moisturizing. But if I know I’ll be able to take a bath or shower every 3–4 days, I bring this cleansing powder: Uji Matcha Enzyme Face Wash.
An enzyme face wash powder made with Uji matcha. The fine particles of enzymes and matcha act as a gentle scrub, helping to thoroughly remove dirt and impurities from clogged pores.
—Matcha? That’s such a Kyoto-store kind of pick. (laughs)
Ayana: Total coincidence! (laughs) Each packet has one dose of powdered cleanser. I just pour it into my hand, add a bit of water, and lather it up. It’s super lightweight.
Yuko: That reminds me of Kanebo’s Suisai powder—I used to use it after hiking, in the bath. But this one’s packaging looks even thinner and more compact. Really good for backpacking. Powdered cleansers are probably perfect for trails with abundant water.
Ayana: Each sachet weighs just 0.4g, and the packaging is slim, so I bring exactly as many as I need. I used to think enzyme cleansers like this were more for special care—like when your pores are really bothering you—but this one’s great for regular use too. It’s affordable—30 packs for ¥1,320 (tax included), so the price is right.
Mayumi: I’ve never seen this before—nice, I’m intrigued.
Ayana: Other items I pack the same way as Mayumi—repacked into smaller containers. But I’m pretty serious about moisturizing, so I bring a full tube of Heparin Cream. It’s a medical-grade moisturizer, and I use it generously. I usually grab one that’s about half empty to keep the weight down.
Said to have moisturizing and blood circulation–promoting effects, this cream helps relieve symptoms of dry skin, as well as pain and swelling caused by poor circulation. The key detail? It comes in a handy 25g tube!
— So how do you get this stuff? You need a prescription, right?
Ayana: Yes, you do. When I visit a dermatologist, I just say, “My skin’s been a bit dry—could I get some Heparin cream too?”
Yuko: A lot of people use it for beauty purposes because it’s great for the skin, so apparently they don’t prescribe large quantities easily anymore.
Ayana: You have to be specific and say, “The 25g tube, please.” (laughs) Otherwise, they might hand you this big 100g jar!
Yuko: I’ve used it before too. But these days, I keep it super simple in the mountains: no makeup, no cleanser, and just a tube of Kenei Pharmaceutical
Baby Vaseline for moisture. Most drug stores in Japan carry this—it’s refined white petrolatum, super pure, and I can use it on my body, hair, lips—everywhere. So I just go with that.
Mayumi: The lighter your pack, the more comfortable your hike will be!
Fragrance-free, colorant-free, and preservative-free, this Vaseline forms a protective barrier on the skin to shield it from external irritants. It contains fewer impurities than conventional petroleum jelly products, making it suitable even for delicate skin.
Pouch Person or Ziplock Fan?
— Do you pack all these little items in a specific kind of pouch?
Ayana: I rotate between two DCF fabric pouches depending on the hike. For short outings where I’m only carrying the essentials, I use a compact version. For longer trips, I switch to a slightly larger one with a gusset for extra capacity. Both are made by BONCHI HIKERS, a Kyoto-based brand—actually run by a friend of mine. There’s something deeply satisfying about using gear crafted by someone you know. I’ve been relying on these pouches for years, and they’ve never let me down.
— That local vibe is great, and they look super easy to carry around too!
The white version was custom-made for Ayana and isn’t available for purchase, but there are various other options in the lineup—like the blue “DCF Boat-Shaped Pouch.” Many of the pouches use semi-transparent DCF, and part of the charm is watching the crinkly material age and develop character over time.
Mayumi: I use pouches from Kinokuniya. They have zippers, gussets, and they’re transparent—super convenient. I keep two on hand: one for my emergency kit and one for toiletries.
Mayumi’s Trail Essential: Kinokuniya
Slide Zipper Bag (Medium)
Its shallow, wide shape makes it easy to see and grab what you need—super practical for quick access.
Mayumi: They come in different sizes, so I even use one as a wallet. They’re super durable—I’ve been using mine until it’s practically falling apart. (laughs)
Yuko:
I’m not the girly type at all, so I just toss everything into my emergency kit. I use a small ziplock and throw in everything—like my toothbrush and such. For the toothbrush, I use just the head of MUJI’s replaceable-head toothbrush. No cover, nothing—I just pack it as is. (laughs)
A set of two replacement heads for MUJI’s interchangeable toothbrush. Available in three head shapes—Spot, Regular, and Wide—with two brush types: Medium and Soft.
Mayumi: Oh wow, that’s something! (laughs) I use a kids’ toothbrush. The length is just right for me.
Ayana: I snap mine in half… I take an adult toothbrush and just break it, bringing only the head. Sometimes it breaks in weird places though.
Mayumi: Snapping a toothbrush—that’s next level!
Yuko:
You don’t have to go through all that trouble—there are ones made like that already! (laughs)
Hike Your Own Hike
—One last thing about makeup—Mayumi, you’re pretty much no-makeup in the mountains, right?
Mayumi:
Yeah, I just fill in my eyebrows using this pencil from Bibo eyeful Mayuzumi A.
A long-selling eyebrow pencil that’s been around for over 30 years. It’s the kind you sharpen like a regular pencil. Mayumi uses the light brown shade to match her hair color.
—Whoa, that pencil’s pretty short now!
Mayumi: Yeah, I use it at home, and once it gets short enough, it becomes my mountain pencil.
Ayana: What do you use for a mirror?
Mayumi: My phone’s front camera. (laughs) Honestly, by the second or third day, I sometimes don’t even bother with my eyebrows. I just slap on some sunscreen and head out.
— Ayana, how much do you narrow things down when packing makeup for a hike? You’re pretty into makeup in daily life, right?
Ayana:
Yep! On the trail, it’s just sunscreen, brows, and lip color. I use the sunscreen as a base to even out my skin tone. If it’s a chill hiking day, I’ll sometimes use my everyday sunscreen from La Roche-Posay. For brows, my go-to is the classic KATE Designing Eyebrow 3D—can’t go without it.
Ayana uses shade EX-4, a light brown tone. This is another long-selling classic that’s a staple for anyone who wears makeup.
Ayana: I often do my makeup inside the tent using a headlamp and the mirror that comes with the brow kit. For eyebrow products, I think this is about as compact as it gets—including the mirror.
— I totally get that! I use a similar style—Celvoke’s brow powder—which I also use as eyeshadow. The mirror is tiny, but when you tilt it sideways, it’s actually easy to see. What about lip products?
Ayana: I love Nivea’s Rich Care & Color Lip. It gives a really glossy, moisturized finish, has great color payoff, and it’s slim and compact. The only downside is the color fades when you drink water, so I also picked up their tinted version, which lasts longer. Lip color makes such a difference in how your complexion looks—it’s a must for me.
Ayana’s go-to shade is Bordeaux. With a wide range of colors available (currently 8 shades), it’s easy to find one that suits your skin tone.
— You know how putting on a little makeup can really help you feel more like yourself? Does that kind of mood boost matter to you, Ayana?
Ayana: Definitely. Just doing the basics—enough to even out my complexion—really helps with my mood and motivation. In that sense, I sometimes bring a small eyeshadow palette I use in daily life. I once bought a cheap drugstore one just for hiking, but it didn’t lift my spirits at all. So now I bring the one I actually like and use regularly. I also don’t like the idea of piling up extra makeup at home that I never touch.
— Yeah, using your favorite products really does lift your mood. I think it’s important—for both men and women—to take care of themselves and feel good, even while balancing pack weight.
Ayana: I keep my makeup kit minimal, but for longer hikes, I sometimes bring a sheet mask. Just having a bit of color in my face and well-shaped eyebrows makes me feel more confident—like when I meet someone new on the trail, I can speak with ease. It lifts my energy and motivation. I don’t think ultralight hiking has to mean stripping everything away. It’s totally okay to hike in a way that feels right for you.
— That comfort with being yourself probably contributes to your amazing people skills on the trail too.
The ability to care—and to not overthink
—Mayumi, Yuko—do either of you have anything you really prioritize when it comes to makeup or self-care, even while hiking ultralight?
Mayumi: Honestly, at this age, I find myself caring more about recovery than makeup. I’ve really come to love rubbing on something like this CBD balm in the tent and just going, “Ahhh…”—that moment is bliss. (laughs)
A muscle care balm containing 3% CBD isolate derived from hemp (ōasa), formulated in compliance with Japanese legal standards. The menthol provides a cooling sensation that soothes overheated muscles, delivering a refreshing and gentle effect.
— I’ve been curious about CBD.
Mayumi: It has this herbal scent that’s really nice, and even with just a light application, it gives a refreshing tingle. I feel like it helps me avoid carrying fatigue into the next day. Lately, I’ve also been focusing more on recovery—like taking herbal remedies, vitamin C supplements, and GABA capsules to help with sleep. When you’re too exhausted or your adrenaline’s spiking, it’s hard to get proper rest. So I’ve been leaning more into things that improve sleep quality and help me recover. But after hearing Ayana talk earlier, I’m thinking maybe I should revisit lip care and a few other things too.
Yuko: Don’t you get a ton of questions from customers about eyebrows?
Ayana: Totally. My brows are naturally pretty thin, so I fill them in just to keep from looking totally different. But honestly, if someone has fuller brows, I don’t think there’s any need to draw them in.
Yuko: People always ask, ‘What do you do for your eyebrows?’ and I’m like—’I grow them?’ (laughs) I’ll fill them in a little and swipe on some eyeshadow for everyday life, but in the mountains? Nothing. My eye area just kind of… disappears. Makeup feels like too much effort anyway, and it all melts off with sweat. If I follow one beauty rule, it’s this: Don’t overthink it!
— I love that simplicity. I want to get there too.
Yuko: On harder hikes, where you’re walking all day, you’re focused and physically tired, and then at camp you crash after a drink—it’s often like that. I honestly don’t have time for a full skincare routine in my tent. So it’s not that I’m giving up—it’s more like, “Eh, it’s fine.” That mindset matters to me.
— Yeah, with makeup, there’s this whole other layer of “removing it properly,” and if you don’t, you feel this low-key guilt about what you *should* have done.
Yuko: Exactly. This way of thinking makes things feel lighter—mentally and physically. It’s not that I disliked makeup—I just stopped using foundation after dealing with skin problems in my 30s. Then I dropped mascara because it was a hassle, and once I started wearing glasses, I figured I didn’t really need eyeshadow either. So I kind of left makeup behind in my 30s, and instead picked up a “don’t sweat it” mindset.
— That makes so much sense. It’s less about what you bring and more about having a “don’t sweat it” mindset—that might actually be the most ultralight move of all. Perfect way to wrap it up!
— To be continued in #3 —
Yamatomichi HLC Team – Communications / Editor / Designer
Meet Ai, a creative from Ehime Prefecture with a passion for people and place. After cheerleading in high school, she moved to Kansai for college and later worked as a design director in Tokyo and Osaka. In 2014, she returned to her hometown of Saijo, spending seven years in public relations and reconnecting with the region. A hike up Mt. Ishizuchi sparked her love for the outdoors. In 2023, she became the local coordinator for Yamamichisai and launched YON, a magazine focused on Shikoku’s outdoor lifestyle. Through creativity, Ai supports those she admires and brings regional stories to life — always grounded in her love for Shikoku.
