8 Japanese Beauty Product Must Haves
Before I left for my trip to Japan, I did some research on popular J Beauty products. I'm talking YouTube videos, blogs, and forums. I wanted to be well versed and make the most out of my beauty hauls. When I got to Tokyo, I hit up the drugstores, beauty stores, Muji and Don Quixote and went to town. I took detailed screenshots of all the products that I was interested in before my trip and simply showed the sales rep what I wanted! If I hadn't done that I definitely would have had difficulty hunting down a few of the products (especially at an over the top store like Don Quixote). After 2 weeks of trying out the products, I put together a list of my favorites. For those of you that are looking for recommendations of what to buy in a Japanese drugstore, scroll down to see the products that made the cut. The best part is that these Japanese drugstore beauty products are all available to purchase on Amazon in case you aren't going to Japan anytime soon but still want to try.
Perfect Whip by Senka
Perfect Whip is a foaming cream cleanser under Shiseido's drugstore line of products. Its affordable, high quality, and is a staple in a Japanese skin care routine. You can find Perfect Whip at drugstores and convenience stores including Lawson's, Family Mart, 7-Eleven and Don Quixote.
This may look like a regular cream cleanser at first squeeze but what it can do is remarkable. The proper way to use it is to squeeze a small amount onto a face net and work the net back and forth to create the foam. When 'whipped correctly', it should resemble meringue or mousse (the kind for your hair). The foam will have a nice little bounce to it and is designed to act as a cushion to protect the skin from harsh cleansing motion. Tip: Pick up a few of the travel sized ones as gifts. Its light and doesn't take up too much space.
Buy here: https://amzn.to/2MxeGaf
Nameraka Honpo Sana
Nameraka Honpo Sana is a soymilk based cream cleanser is one that gets my skin squeaky clean (literally). It has a cult like popularity in Japan and has won several awards! The cream is infused with double soymilk extract and soy protein to provide moisturizing and firming effects. It is free from fragrance and colorants. I use this at the end of the day to get all my makeup off and to keep my skin moisturized throughout the night. If your skin is on the dry side, this might not be for you because it definitely feels like it strips everything off.
Buy here: https://amzn.to/2MQn4yt
DHC Cleansing Oil
Based on the principle that ‘like dissolves like’, plant based oil applied to the skin will dissolve excess oil produced by your skin. DHC's Deep Cleansing Oil is an olive oil based cleanser that dissolves your makeup thoroughly. I use one or two pumps and spread it over my face, eyelids, and lashes - it works like a wonder on lashes. Rinse with warm water and dry with a towel. This is one of my favorite Japanese drugstore beauty products.
Buy here: https://amzn.to/2MjOlgw
Shiseido The Collagen
The ingestible collagen trend started in Japan with Shiseido which has been selling collagen powders, drinks, and supplements for years. In the U.S., the recent bone-broth craze warmed me up to the idea of drinking collagen.
Sipping collagen, rather than applying it topically or injecting it provides the entire body with the building blocks it needs to support the creation and repair of the body's connective tissues—a process that starts to break down once you hit your mid-20s. I picked up a few Shiseido Collagen drinks at a pharmacy type shop at Narita airport and drank it right before my flight.
Suppin Powder
I've never heard of Suppin Powder until my Japan trip. Its a 24-hour skin care powder that does not need to be washed off before bed. The powder keeps oily skin under control for at least 8 hours. The scent is fresh and light (smells reallllly good) and a light layer will minimize the appearance of uneven skin tone and enlarged pores. I use the puff and gently press it into my skin as a setting powder. I also use it throughout the day to keep control of any oiliness. Even though its white, it doesn't make you look pale at all.
Buy here: https://amzn.to/2nJ6WDX
Rohto Cooling Eyedrops
As someone that suffers from severe dry eyes, I've tried all the rewetting drops in the US market and nothing compares to Rohto's Cooling Eyedrops! This is my holy grail for eye drops. It stings for 2 seconds before giving your eyes a blast of coolness and instant relief. It also makes your eyes whiter and brighter after use.
Buy here: https://amzn.to/2MswmUh
Shiseido Eyelash Curler
The Shiseido eye lash curler is one you should definitely buy in Japan because its so much cheaper than getting it in the U.S. Only 700 yen (under $6) versus $20 in the states!
DHC Lip Cream
I've been using my trust Rosebad Salve lip balm for years because I haven't found a worth replacement. The first application of DHC's Lip Cream blew me away! No other lip balm has made me feel this way! It coated my lips in creamy softness. I've noticed less dryness and cracking in the last 2 weeks I've used it. What's great about it is you don't have to apply it frequently throughout the day because its actually healing on your lips. I use it once in the morning to prep my lips and once at night before bedtime. The only downside is that there isn’t much product in a tube and you’ll go through these quickly.
Buy here:
Hope this list comes in handy for you. For those of you that have tried some of the products, let me know in the comment below what you think!
xx,
Teresa