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Coming of age - again :)
This season let me remember of "At 25:00 in Akasaka" - an continuation of the story after they had "their happy ever after" moment... But this season focuses on personal growth especially for Natsume. At the end of season 1 he became chief of the store and he has now to struggle to be the best chief possible. With it come challenges he did not expect. And quite early in the season there is the gloomy feeling over all the stories because Toma got offered an apprenticeship in Paris by the #1 Romy makeup-artist and this will take three years.I like that the couple has several really heartwrenching moments, they talk out their problems and it feels really grown up between them both. Of course there is some comic relief in the person of Tomas father (played my "Mama" from "Therapy Game"), who suddenly appears to make Toma furious because he doesn't want him in his life. Natsume also got furious because the father sees no value in Tomas work and for Natsumes normal subdued appearance he "explodes". That was a pivotal moment to strengthen their bond even more.
And in such moments you can look at their partners faces and really feel how proud and full of love they are. So the acting is also imho better than in season 1. Production quality was also top notch, there is really nothing to complain about.
Many viewers do not like that season that much, because a) there is no real drama in it, b) it's slow and c) imho it went from a BL to a queer series. I enjoyed it at lot, because it is outside the norm we normally get to watch. That we got two shows of such a kind is remarkable. Also many expected there might be a time-jump "after Paris", but there isn't. So there is a chance we get either a special which will resolve that or even an unheard season 3. For me that was even better than the first season, but that maybe just me and I have to recommand it :)
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This review may contain spoilers
The life and times of Romy
I loved the first season and survived the second. It's not bad, just boring. It's not Toma and Natsume. They hadn't changed which was beautiful. It's the story itself.What to watch: Episodes 1-3 and 8-10.
What not to watch: 4-7
Reason: Cosmetic Playlover turned into a recruitment and training ad for Romy. Either skip or use it lull you to sleep at night.
The addition of Toma's family perked what was turning out to be a flat and unadventurous script. The hyped up emergencies that clearly anybody could solve was so not necessary. While I do understand Japanese culture, the parade of perfect smiles became tiresome. I was grateful everytime Toma was on, at least his seriousness helped balance it off a bit. They succeeded in making Atsushi even more irritating. There was a time we saw more screen time of Toma and him than Toma and Natsume. As I said Toma and Natsume were solid. The 'proposal' brought out the water works a little. The ending was nice. Personally, this should have been six episodes tops and would have been way more enjoyable or do an hour special.
It's had it's moments.
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I think we got played
One of my favorite J-BLs is finally back! That was my immediate reaction when the sequel was announced. Since the prequel was such a success, I was genuinely happy to see Natsume and Toma again. However, the outcome turned out to be somewhat disappointing.At first, I was completely drawn in by their domestic, almost sophisticated life together. The kisses and cuddles were absolutely to die for. But as the episodes went on, it started to feel like the focus drifted too far toward the side characters rather than the main couple.
I understand that this season places Toma’s dream at the center of the story. But if I’m being honest, the addition of the new male BA as a rookie in Mamiya’s store felt unnecessarily prolonged. It dragged on to the point of being quite dull. I get that a new character was needed to help Mamiya grow into a stronger leader, highlighting his firmness despite his overwhelming kindness. But the pacing of this arc was simply too slow. Because of this, the sequel doesn’t come close to the level of the first season, and saying that genuinely saddens me as a fan of the prequel.
Thankfully, the onsen date felt like a turning point, as if the story was finally shifting its attention back to the main couple. It was such a breath of fresh air. Natsume was incredibly cute and endearing, as always. Then we get Tenma again, still the handsome and protective brother of Toma, somehow even more charming this season. And the introduction of Sahashi’s dad was a delight. He added a bit more spice to the dynamics of the main couple.
The selfies at the bridge looked so kawaii and genuinely beautiful. Toma stepping out of his comfort zone to pursue his dream was an interesting direction for the story. However, the drama seemed more focused on heightening emotional tension than on showcasing the couple’s chemistry. And that’s where it falls short. We wanted more romantic moments from Mamiya and Toma; that’s arguably the very reason a sequel exists in the first place.
Nevertheless, I still found moments to enjoy in this sequel. It just wasn’t enough to make me scream with happiness the way I did during the previous season.
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Playlovers is right
It took me two seasons to finally understand the meaning of the title - so, my bad.This show was like watching two prepubescent Twinks *play* at being lovers.
Every week I thought "maybe something will happen this week?"
But, no, they were just a sweet couple, who loved each other and kissed.
The psychological games were interesting, and the boys were cute, but it was so innocent, that it was boring.
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Striving Alongside Your Lover
Sometimes, a surprise second season, while not being strictly necessary to wrap up anything story-wise, is a delight.I considered this second season of Cosmetic Playlover to be a small step above the first in terms of consistency. Not only were the MLs consistently communicating and putting in effort to maintain their relationship, but even individual arcs in career/character growth were well-paced when stretched across more than one episode.
This season was all about tests of endurance and ingenuity. Mutually striving alongside/pushing your lover forward.
I'd not only call them a healthy couple but a realistic one that could be looked up to.
I'd even be ready to watch a third season!
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Growing in their lives together
I loved tis season more than the first one, i love the life after part. It gave me At 2500 in Akasaka vibes and i love that series too. I really hope their will be a third season.This was just a perfect season without any toxidity, just growing in their lives together.
The visuals were great and the music good.
Great acting by the whole cast.
The chemistray by the mains is amazing, and their kisses very good!
I loved the part when they were out on a trip and when they wanted to connect they just put their foreheads together instead of kissing each oter in public. I thought that was such a beautiful moment.
This second season is so good, it makes me want to watch both seasons more often.
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This review may contain spoilers
Cosmetic Playlover Season 2 Final.EP
“What connects two people, even when they are apart?”As Touma prepares for his study abroad in Paris, time quietly moves forward.
Meanwhile, Natsume is invited to join a training program at headquarters, recognized for his positive energy and potential in mentoring newcomers.
Yet, he chooses to remain on the sales floor as a beauty advisor until Touma returns.
Because “the Yurakucho W Princes” is where everything began—
and he wants to protect that place.
Touma may seem like someone who can do everything effortlessly, rarely showing intense passion.
But his driving force is simple:
He wants to be acknowledged by Natsume.
That’s why he aims to grow further as a makeup artist.
To keep being recognized by the person he loves.
…Surprisingly passionate, isn’t he?
Natsume had been waiting—perhaps for a ring, for something tangible.
But in the end, what connects them isn’t a symbol.
It’s something already rooted deep in their hearts.
And that’s enough.
Season 1 showed Natsume as earnest but somewhat immature.
In Season 2, he has grown—he can now see things from a broader perspective.
(Though, he’s still adorably emotional in front of Touma.)
I really love Natsume’s quiet determination—his “I’ll do my best.”
The ending is warm, bright, and filled with genuine smiles from the characters.
A beautiful and satisfying conclusion.
Overall: 🪞💄🪮🌿
A gentle yet emotionally fulfilling finale.
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better than the first season
Overall: I liked the second season more than the first, but wish they had had more screen time together https://kisskh.at/profile/blcompilations/review/380647 - 10 episodes about 24 minutes each. Aired on GagaOOLala https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/6153/cosmetic-playlover-2024-s02e01 (not available in Japan or Korea)Watch Suggestions (to focus more on the couple's relationship)
- watch episode 1
- episode 2 watch 8-9:40, 15:30-23:20
- skip 3 and 4
- episode 5 watch 17:45-end
- episode 6 watch beginning -3:45, 6:30-10:40 and 19-20:50
- watch episode 7
- episode 8 watch beginning-6:15, 15.40-18.30
- episode 9 watch 23:10-end
- watch episode 10
What I Liked
- kiss was realistic for an established couple (ie no dead fish lip press) in episode 1, (there was an odd lack of hands though in the finale)
- sweet and caring moments
- episode 7
- avoided a cliche (they actually communicated with each other in episode 2) and I was happy with the ending
Room For Improvement
- neutral on interspersed flashbacks from season 1
- love rival
- hanging out with the dad when he knew his boyfriend didn't want him to
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