While the “K-beauty” hype has been influencing makeup and skincare boutique choices lately, it wouldn’t be fair not to mention another East Asian country! Japan beauty products boast innovative ingredients that’ll help protect your skin against harsh elements, while nourishing your skin – ever heard of Japanese makeup and skincare brands like Biore, Shiseido, or Anessa?
Today, we have lined up our top 10 Japan beauty products that are a steal for the price, from magical anti-aging potions to super effective mascaras. So pack your beauty bags, shop your way in Japan, and get glowing!
1. Anessa’s Perfect UV Sunscreen
Touring around the Land of the Rising Sun may lead to sunburns if you stay out too long. Luckily, Anessa’s milky white sunscreen provides you with an excellent shield against the sun’s UV rays.
What makes this sunscreen so perfect? Besides the fact that it takes the waterproof feature seriously, the cream, once applied, feels lighter, with a more natural finish compared to other sunscreens.
- Best feature: SPF 50+ and PA++++
- Cost: ¥1,500
2. Shiseido’s Collagen Drink
Have you ever wondered how most older Japanese women look 20 years younger than their actual age? Shiseido’s product takes your basic anti-aging cream and transforms it into to a conveniently-packaged 50ml fruity vitamin drink.
Drink up and get an ample dose of collagen for healthier skin, stronger nails, and less hair fall. It’s advisable to finish one bottle per day, also available in powdered supplements and tablets.
- Cost: ¥200 per bottle
3. Isehan Kiss ME Heroine Make Long and Curl Mascara
There is no question why this mascara is called heroine – it’s the champion of all mascaras! The product uses its curved-shaped wand and rich ingredients which effortlessly lifts and thickens the lashes.
This is perfect for mascara lovers who absolutely HATE the tendency of clumpy, spidery-lashes. The real kicker, however, is that it’s completely waterproof and ideal for humid weather.
- Cost: ¥1600
4. Kose’s Lip Gel Magic
Say goodbye to the lipstick stains on your soft napkins or on your coffee cups because Kose’s Lip Magic is the ultimate life hack. This magical add-on lip tool provides you a translucent gel ingredient that coats your lipstick and makes your painted lips transfer proof while enhancing color and duration.
- Cost: ¥2,782.88
5) K-Palette’s Lasting Eyebrow Tint
As it turns out, not only can lipsticks be long-lasting, but eyebrow tints too! Just apply once and this K-Palette product promises to give you natural looking eyebrows for a week. It works by applying the liquid onto clean brows. Leave it on for 2 hours or overnight, depending on how dark you want it to be.
To see the results, gently peel off the tattoo. This is suitable for those who are too busy to draw on their eyebrows daily or just want a natural ‘no makeup, makeup look’. K-Palette also provides other color variations and utensils for your all your brow needs. Grab yours now!
- Cost: ¥1885.11
6) Pelican Hindi Deitanseki Soap
An underrated and earthy charcoal soap that is highly recommended for those who want to detox and brighten up their oily or acne-prone complexion. This body cleanser works wonders because it doesn’t scratch your skin, thanks to its supple texture. Those of you with oily skin need to get your hands on this ASAP.
- Cost: ¥742.52
7) Kao’s Merit Shampoo
Japan’s best-selling shampoo, Kao Merit, is not your ordinary wash-and-go hair product. The solution, due to its foamy texture and fruity vitamins, absorbs easily into your scalp and rinses out faster than any ordinary shampoo, while giving a clean and soft texture. This is suitable for those who are on a budget or generally want to save on water.
- Cost: ¥1,240
8) Canmake’s Wink Glow Eyes
Ranked #2 at the Cosme 2017 Mid-year Awards, Canmake’s eyeshadow, brilliantly called ‘Wink Glow Eyes’, is a must-try for any self-proclaimed Asian beauty junkie. This non-oily and long wearing gel will truly let you shine due to its exquisite micro glitter with a pearl finish that contributes to a glossy appearance for your eyelids. They come in pocket-tube sizes for pouches and purses, so you can achieve fluttery lashes on-the-go.
- Cost: ¥1,035
9) MegRhythm Steam Eye Mask
Slap on MegRhythm’s steam mask to unwind while preventing eye bags caused by the stress of a hard day’s work. The product is an easy to use self-activating heating pad that releases warm, gentle, and relaxing steam enough to reinvigorate you for your next day. Choose from lavender, citrus, or unscented varieties to suit your mood.
- Cost: ¥780 per box
10) Biore’s Makeup Remover
And finally, what is the use of acquiring these must-have Japan beauty products without a good makeup remover? Wipe away long-wearing lipstick, eyeshadow, mascara, and other residue with Biore’s oil cotton facial sheets. These sheets are soft and cool to the touch, so you can feel relaxed by the end of the day.
- Cost: ¥4,096
All of these Japan beauty products are cost-effective gems that can only be made and discovered in one of Asia’s most innovative countries. Satisfy your makeup loving heart with these tried-and-tested Japanese makeup and skincare essentials, and let us know which ones are your favorite!
Need more cool shopping or budget tips for your Japan trip? Check out our guides below: