Love isn’t a competition, but it can be a transformative force that inspires the people we love to reach the happiness they deserve while we, too, find and hold onto that same joy.

In the drama adaptation of Narashima Sachi’s manga series Cosmetic Playlover, star employees Sahashi Toma (Toyoda Yudai) and Mamiya Natsume (Okuno So) are male beauty advisors who start as rivals and end up as lovers, all while coming face-to-face with their insecurities, their pasts, and what each of them wants from the future–from themselves and each other.

In my initial impression of this series, I mentioned that nothing promises to steal the heart more than the promise of two people who not only manage to fall in love but also motivate each other to be the success they envision for each other. Our relationships should strengthen us as people, even in the weak moments when we question them. The kind of relationships that last are the ones that may require work to keep strong but also manage to strengthen us in the process.

And that’s precisely how Cosmetic Playlover progressed. I’m not sure what I’m impressed by more: how well the series managed to stay directly on course with my initial feelings or how strong the relationship between Natsume and Toma became. Their relationship may have grown from the potential they saw in each other, but it put roots down inside what they ultimately became–an anchor. They anchor each other, grounding themselves in their love while helping each other fly.

And I found myself completely taken in by it.

I have yet to read the manga from which this series was adapted, but I get the distinct feeling that Toma’s character is toned down compared to his manga version. Initially, he comes off as overbearing and harassing, but his growth through his interactions with Natsume is the most significant in the series for me.

Both characters are well-developed, with Toma’s journey being particularly captivating. Toma’s innate need to ‘punish’ Natsume for the sins of those who had hurt him became a love that buoyed him instead. I found this an interesting trajectory that made it hard to look away from Toma. I became as dependent on Natsume’s smiles and encouragement as Toma. I also became as frustrated by Natsume’s critical perception of himself as Toma, which made Cosmetic Playlover a truly immersive experience.

Altogether, the chemistry between the actors and the character and relationship growth that takes place on screen made Cosmetic Playlover a delightfully engaging watch.

For a series that motivates you to reach for your dreams while also making you fall in love, check out Cosmetic Play Lover now on Gagaoolala.

Rating- 4.5 out of 5