By: Sherry Tenorio
It’s no secret that Japan is a haven of uniqueness. There, they do things differently but effectively. We look up to their sheer discipline, politeness, cleanliness and respect for traditions that come coupled with their strong sense of modernity and innovation – allowing them to create things we do not even think we would need (but we really need).
Thankfully, in the beauty world, we’re able to discover the skin-friendly beauty buys that the Japanese have been yapping about. These classic and cutting edge products – tried and tested throughout the years – will definitely change the way you look at Japanese beauty brands.
This oil-based makeup remover is a game changer. It makes you like the feel of the oil on your skin – the olive and rosemary oils with Vitamin E – as it hydrates and nourishes your face. It melts away the traces of dirt and makeup, even the waterproof mascara and eyeliner. And, it doesn’t leave a hint of oil on your face since it has a unique water-soluble formula that rinses thoroughly.
What is it famous for? One bottle of DHC Deep Cleansing Oil is sold every 10 seconds worldwide – can’t argue with this number that speaks well for its effective results.
From the mother ship of luxury brand Shiseido comes the more affordable range, Senka. Known to offer a full line of skin care and body care, Senka has facial cleansers, makeup removers, moisturizers, body soap, sunscreen and more. Our favorite among its fabulous lineup is the smoothing foam that promises pore-less, flawless face: the Senka Perfect Whip.
What is it famous for? This highly dense ‘marshmallow-like’ foam penetrates into pores to clean impurities and excess sebum, thus leaving skin clean, soft and hydrated.
The budget-friendly Lululun Sheet Mask is a beauty item that the Japanese women won’t sleep without applying on their faces. To be used every single night, the serum-soaked masks come with an abundant mix of natural ingredients including hyaluronic acid, acacia honey, avocado extract, aloe vera leaf extract, coryza ceramide (which is supposed to be very close to the skin’s natural ceramide, therefore penetrates well into skin), bilberry leaf extract, ginseng root extract, mandarin orange peel extract, neem leaf extract and plantago major seed extract.
What is it famous for? Known to be the #1 bestselling mask in Japan, the Lululun Sheet Mask leaves a lasting moisturizing effect on the skin.
Made with natural plant extracts, the Cure Natural Aqua Gel is Japan’s most notable exfoliation cleanser. It is fragrance-free, color-free and preservative-free. Gentle enough even for the most sensitive skin, this popular exfoliator removes dead skin, and fosters skin metabolism.
What is it famous for? With a bottle sold every ten seconds, Cure gives the best skin exfoliation solution through its activated hydrogen water formula.
Kose Medicated Sekkisei Emulsion Excellent
Japanese women swear by the excellent results that they get from the Kosé Sekkisei line. A widely favored item is the Kose Medicated Sekkisei Emulsion Excellent – a quick absorbing, lightweight moisturizer with highly emollient formula that brightens and softens skin. Perfect for all skin types, it deeply hydrates the skin, regulates melanin production and evens out skin complexion.
What is it famous for? This beauty buy is known for its natural and moisturizing ingredients that include herbal extracts from coix seed, moutan bark, melothria, angelica and elecampane.
Kanebo Suisai Beauty Clear Powder
A favorite among the tourists and locals, this cleansing powder is one of the most popular beauty drugstore items in Japan. It comes conveniently in single-use capsules that one can bring handy especially when travelling or on-the-go. Both effective and gentle, this award-winning cleansing powder doesn’t strip the skin’s natural moisture hence resulting to clear, bright and firm skin.
What is it famous for? Aside from having been voted as #1 in Japan’s @cosme Best Cosmetics Awards, this beauty buy boasts its two gentle enzyme formula that exfoliates (lactic acid), hydrates (hyaluronic acid) and brightens (tofu extract and royal jelly) the skin.
Shiseido Baby Powder (Pressed and Medicated)
This is not a skin care item but nonetheless a must-know! Beauty forums all over the internet swear by the effective results that this baby powder provides. It is perfect for controlling oil on the face, and setting the makeup. It blends well with liquid foundation, and ensures a shine-free look that lasts for hours.
What is it famous for? Though meant to be a baby care powder, this affordable Shiseido range has become a buzzword for being an alternative translucent face powder that meshes well with the skin.
KISS ME Heroine Make Volume and Curl Mascara (Super Water Proof)
Considered to be a cult fave, this non-skin care Japanese beauty brand is something that every woman must have in her makeup bag. The KISS ME mascaras use film-tubing technology, and come with a formula that makes it extremely waterproof and smudge proof, but easily washes off.
What is it famous for? Well, it remains true to its promise. This fiber-in and pure black mascara adds volume and keeps the lashes curled for hours. It is also sweat, grease and tear proof. Most importantly, it melts away with any cleanser so it is easy to remove.
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