Small StepsJapanese skin and hair care products, really J-Beauty in general, is often overshadowed by the K-Beauty wave. But you are missing out! Japan has made some high-quality reliable products and are a key believer in “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” While K-Beauty tends to focus on marketing and innovation, J-Beauty is all about keeping things simple and effective.
Check out the Cosme award winners here and here before your trip to find out what items you’d like to buy during your stay. Most of my recommendations have been or are currently on that list and I have had great experiences with them. Often times products will have a sticker if they are a Cosme winner so they are easy to spot. Keep scrolling to see the best Japanese beauty products to buy on your trip!
Tsubaki Oil (Camellia Oil)
Used for centuries, Japanese camellia oil, often referred to as tsubaki oil, is a traditional beauty staple in Japan. Known for its rich benefits for both skin and hair care. It is prized for its lightweight texture and high concentration of oleic acid, which closely resembles the natural oils found in human skin. I personally love using this as a body oil. However, it’s a little too heavy for my fine hair. Most oils are – but my skin loves it! It absorbs quickly and moisturizes beautifully.
I tried both the Oshima and Kurobara brands and both work well. I didn’t notice a difference so I would get whichever is cheaper (typically Kurobara). The Oshima may be just slightly lighter weight, but it wasn’t enough for me to choose one over the other.
Botanist Hair Care
BOTANIST hair care products, specifically their shampoo and conditioner, are well-known for their plant-based formulas, which are both gentle and nourishing for the hair. Infused with natural botanical extracts, they help to deeply hydrate and cleanse the scalp and hair. This promotes healthier and shinier locks without using harsh chemicals. BOTANIST products are free from silicones and sulfates, making them ideal for sensitive scalps while still providing a rich lather. BOTANIST is a popular choice for those seeking a more natural, mindful hair care routine. I personally like the smooth and clarifying lines.
The best part – Japanese shampoos and conditioners are often available in small samples for around $1 each. These samples can be found at convenience stores, drug stores and Don Quixote. My personal favorite was the Botanist line, but many popular ones include: Shiseido Tsubaki, &Prism, and &Honey. Grab a few and give them a try for your unique hair texture.
Most fullsize bottles can be purchased from yesstyle and other Asian retail sites when you return home to the states. In fact, a majority of the best Japanese beauty products can be found online. So no need to buy in bulk for your return home if you find one you love.
ETVOS Mineral Sunscreen
You’ll often see chemical sunscreens recommended in Japan, but I personally prefer to use mineral sunscreens whenever I can. In fact, I’ve tried so many I wrote an entire article: Rating the Best (and Worst) Mineral Face Sunscreens.
Coming in first place is my absolute favorite, ETVOS Mineral UV Aqua Serum in Natural Pink. This sunscreen is smooth and moisturizing. It goes on well with a very faint white cast. Most days I don’t notice anything, especially in the natural pink version. It also gives a nice, dewy finish.
Excel, Canmake, & Kate Eyeshadows
Japanese eyeshadows are often overlooked, but they stand out for their smooth, creamy formulas that provide colorful and even application. In contrast, Western and Korean eyeshadows can be a bit more powdery, with Korean options leaning towards softer, more subtle finishes. If you’re looking to explore Japanese brands, I highly recommend checking out Excel, Canmake, and Kate for their impressive quality and beautiful color range. You’ll find almost every store has samples out so you can personally get a feel for the colors and textures of these incredible eyeshadows.
Heroine Mascara
Most mascaras lose their curl quickly, especially on my straight lashes. However, the Isehan Kiss Me Heroine Mascara is one of the only ones I’ve tried that actually keeps my lashes curled all day! I have not experienced any flaking or smudging with this mascara, plus it’s waterproof! It’s a cult-favorite for a reason. Be sure to get the Isehan Heroine Mascara Remover as well since even the best cleansing oils can struggle removing it.
PAIR
For “spicy pimples” as I like to say a.k.a those nasty inflammed pimples that haven’t come to the surface yet. PAIR is formulated with ibuprofen, this gives pain relief to the area and reduces the inflammation. I like to apply it overnight and in the morning the pimple is no longer painful and often it has shrunk significantly in size or it’s not even there anymore! Pure magic!
Hair Sticks & Hair Mascaras
If you’re fed up with baby hairs and flyaways ruining your sleek, slicked-back bun, then these products are exactly what you need! They effectively tame flyaways without leaving your hair greasy or stiff. Just use the mascara-like wand or glide the bar over your baby hairs to keep them perfectly in place all day. There are plenty of options available, including some great finds at Daiso (the Japanese dollar store), which offer surprisingly good quality at an affordable price!
My personal favorites are: Utena Matomage (the blue one) and Plus Eau Point Repair Mascara.
