When it comes to Japanese beauty products, the first thing that usually comes to mind is their premium quality. Having established a fine reputation in stringent quality control and attention to details, big Japanese cosmetic brands like Shiseido and KOSE have been favoured by discerning women for decades. Best part? Quality Japanese products come at all price points: from the ultra-luxe to mainstream drugstores, there is definitely something that caters to every skin type, skin concern and budget.
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However, aside from the big names that we are familiar with, we now have access to more Japanese beauty brands than ever, as a result of the growing presence of large Japanese stores like Don Don Donki, Tokyu Hands and MUJI. These super stores stock countless bath and beauty products from lesser-known brands at accessible price points so you always have an excuse for retail therapy. From espresso-flavoured toothpaste to horse oil-infused face mask, it’s never been easier to test out innovative beauty products without feeling the pinch!
Removing excess facial hair has never been easier with this electric razor. With a frequency of 100 vibrations per minute, this ergonomically designed blade is perfect to eliminating tiny hairs around the brows, above the lips or around the jawline. It also minimises friction and contact against skin to cut down on the likelihood of any abrasion and redness. You can also use it in the shower as it is water-resistant.
Replace your daily morning shot of coffee Breath Palette’s mind-boggling range of flavoured toothpastes. Available in 25g tube, it might take some getting used to as the toothpaste does not foam as much as the usual ones we use, and the flavours are all made of natural ingredients and extracts. Best part, there are 31 flavours to choose from, including espresso, honey and even Indian Curry, so you can be sure that fresh morning breath will never be the same again.
We might not be on our feet all day but it deserves as much TLC as we show the skin on our faces. Daiso’s two-way stone and brush helps in exfoliating the dead skin from the soles of your feet while stimulating circulation to restores elasticity to the balls of your feet. After buffing your feet with the stone, simply brush away the debris to reveal softer, smoother skin. Remember to moisturise after for soft soles.
When you’ve been out and about under the hot sun all day long, what could be better than an ice cold drink to instantly cool you down and quench your thirst? Just like that ice cold drink, this face mask is your skin’s antidote to a hot day, thanks to its instant cooling sensation. It’s also saturated in organic Japanese rice-derived ingredients and fermented sake to replenish skin with much-needed hydration and antioxidants for a healthier, more radiant complexion.
If large pores are your concern, you might need to turn to this gel pack to minimise its appearance. Instead of attempting to squeeze out blackheads via a DIY facial, this warming gel softens comedones and dislodges blackheads so you can just rinse it off to reveal a more refined skin texture with frequent use.
A 3D multi-functional makeup sponge that is suitable for use for every part of the face, including hard-to-reach areas like the corners of the nose or the eye contours. Free of latex, it is suitable for sensitive skin and its firm material ensures smooth application of any base makeup products. Do remember to wash it regularly to ensure it stays bacteria free.
Ditch the visible eyelid tape and create natural-looking double eyelids with KOJI’s glue formula. Formulated to last all day, the application stick does not have any sharp edges that may poke your eyelids. To remove, simply use a gentle eye makeup remover.
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Widely used in beauty products in Japan, horse oil is a rich source of linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid which repairs the skin’s barrier function and improves skin elasticity. Extracted from horses in Hokkaido, horse oil has a similar chemical structure as human skin so it is readily absorbed into skin rather than form an occlusive layer on top of it. In addition, it is also fortified with placenta extract and pearl barley extract to deliver an intense dose of nutrients and hydration to skin for an instantly brighter and smoother complexion.
Designed for everyday use, this hydrating face mask is soaked in hyaluronic acid and rice ceramide to deliver moisture deep into all skin layers for plumper, suppler skin. It is also made of a special microfibre materials which adheres closely to the contours of your face, ensuring maximum contact so your skin soaks up all the goodness in the mask. LuLuLun only uses fragrance-free, artificial coloring-free, mineral oil-free natural ingredients to minimise irritation, especially if you are prone to sensitivity.
Formulated with a cocktail of botanical ingredients like olive oil, camelia extract, apricot oil, shea butter, sakura extract and camomile extract, it instantly drenches parched lips in moisture, leaving behind a high-shine glossy effect. Despite its wet finish, the lip balm stays on for hours on end and keeps lips soft and smooth, even when exposed to air-conditioning.
Banish mid-day shine without smudging your makeup with these handy blotting paper. Made with Japanese paper that consists of linen, it soaks up excess sebum on skin’s surface and feels soft and smooth. Free of artificial fragrances, it doesn’t irritate even the most sensitive of skin and slides into the tiniest of purses for convenient touch-ups while on the go.
MUJI has always been known for its quality products, from smart storage solutions, comfortable apparel, delicious snacks and even beauty products. Applying the brand’s pared-down concept to its beauty products, all skincare and makeup products have a simple, minimalist appeal to them. And particularly, its Sensitive Skin Care series. Our favourite is this moisturising milk, which contains power antioxidant, purslane extract, which strengthens skin against external sources of damage like UV, pollution and dehydration. The formula is also free of fragrances, artificial colourants, mineral oils, parabens and alcohol — perfect for use even on children and those on sensitive skin.
Widely raved amongst skincare junkies all over the world, these powder cleansers are also easy to bring around for staycations and travels. It contains protease, a type of enzyme that eliminates dead skin cells to reveal softer, smoother skin. The formula also includes soy milk, watercress and licorice root extract to hydrate and brighten the skin. Those who are averse to artificial colourants and fragrances will also be glad to know that the formula is free of these potential irritants.
Did you know that as a general rule of thumb, the denser the consistency of a facial foam, the better it cleans our pores? To make the most of your regular cleansing foam, whip it into a luxurious foam texture with this brush. After spreading the facial foam onto your skin, massage your face in circular motions using this brush to further deep-cleanse pores. The massaging motion also improves circulation for a healthy flush. Made of extra-fine Kanegoto fibres, the bristles of this brush feels gentle against skin and dries quickly so you never have to worry about bacteria growth.
Text: Elly Chaw / Additional reporting: Arissa Ha
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