Shiseido, the brand that’s been keeping people beautiful since 1872, is setting new global standards for the beauty industry. With a corporate mission of curating “beauty innovations for a better world,” Shiseido aims to protect our planet, and its beauty. With water encompassing 71% of Earth, the company has pledged to increase sustainability and respect for our oceans through the Shiseido Blue Project. Launched in 2019, “Shiseido Blue Project is an initiative in collaboration with World Surf League, (home of surfing) and World Surf League PURE, (World Surf League’s environmental initiative, committed to inspiring, educating, and empowering ocean protection). Last week, in conjunction with VANS U.S. Open of Surfing, the iconic cosmetic company hosted Shiseido Surf Week, Presented by Shiseido Blue Project. Surf Week was an ode to our oceans, filled with sustainable activities in partnership with World Surf League, including an oyster restoration and beach cleanup.
Shiseido Blue Project kicked off Surf Week by joining the World Surf League on July 30th with their Oyster Restoration at Huntington Beach, California. The restoration was in partnership with World Surf League PURE, WILDCOAST (an international team that conserves coastal and marine ecosystems and addresses climate change through natural solutions), and Orange County Coastkeeper (“a nonprofit clean water organization that serves as a proactive steward of our fresh and saltwater ecosystems”). Volunteers created new habitats for the Olympia Oyster and marine life by dropping hand-sewn bags made with coconut coir and Pacific Oyster shell onto the coast where the Olympia Oyster can settle and create new homes. The Olympia Oyster is one of the only native oyster species on the West Coast of the U.S. & Canada whose population has seen a very significant decline and threat to their ecology. Oysters increase the abundance of fish and wildlife by creating complex habitats and improving water quality through filter feeding. Oysters also stabilize sediments and buffer erosion and wave energy, which can reduce the impacts of sea level rise.
The Shiseido Surf Week festivities continued with an intimate welcome dinner on Tuesday, August 2nd, at The Bungalow in Huntington Beach. The evening was filled with a vibrant meal, cocktails, and celebrity guests Crystal Kung Minkoff (Real Housewives of Beverly Hills), Scheana Shay (Vanderpump Rules), and Kenia Ontiveros (Larrymania). Guests also learned of the brand’s current launches and efforts in the realm of ocean conservation and sustainability.
August 3rd marked Shiseido Blue Project’s second West Coast beach cleanup, joined by Ian Somerhalder. The actor has long been a supporter of environmental causes and currently serves as Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme. Somerhalder, alongside World Surf League PURE We Are One Ocean grantee WILDCOAST, got down and dirty, explaining the need to care for ocean wildlife and beach preservation.
Shiseido Blue Project will continue “involving as many ocean lovers as possible in protecting and supporting the beaches we love, the oceans we depend on, and the skin we live in.” #WeAreOneOcean
