Six Japanese Beauty Products Certain To Impress

Which J-Beauty goodies make memorable gifts for you or someone you love? Save this post to get a head start on your shopping list.

While we dream of traveling to our favorite destinations, indulge yourself and your loved ones with J-Beauty products – the perfect social distancing (or anytime) pick me up! To me, the ideal beauty souvenir is something original which you wouldn’t find easily in the West and is relatively inexpensive.

If you’ve ever walked into a Japanese department store or pharmacy, you know how overwhelming they can be. But luckily, you’ll have this list of ideas as you shop virtually or if you’re fortunate enough to have a Japanese pharmacy or boutique close to your home. And, of course, save it for that next trip to Japan!

Steam Eye Masks

These single-use eye masks heat up when you remove them from their packaging, and release warm steam around your eyes for about 20 minutes. So relaxing! I never board a long flight without one in my carry-on: on top of being super comforting, they also help block out light and make me forget I’m on a plane with hundreds of other passengers.

Popular brand Kao MegRhythm comes in a variety of scents like lavender (my favorite!), chamomile, rose, and yuzu, or unscented if you just want the calming steam effect minus the aromatherapy component. For an extra Japan-y feel, look for special cherry blossom versions! The masks come in boxes of five (around ¥500 / $5) or twelve (around ¥1,000 / $10), which make a sweet gift. I like to pick up mixed scent boxes of 20 (around ¥2,000 / $20), to use at home and on trips.

View this post on Instagram

💆 Our current Sunday MOOD: relaxing with a #KAOMegrhythm steam eye mask on!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Don't forget, we are giving away a FREE box of KAO Megrhythm Eye Masks for orders $50+ on GlowieCo.com! Each box comes with 14 of these soothing and self-heating eye masks. Unwind with gentle heat that envelops your eyes to relieve stress and relax strained eyes.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Ends 12/31!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📷: @megrhythmsg⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #japaneseskincare #japanesebeauty #jbeauty #selfcaresunday #glowieco

A post shared by Glowie Co 💜 (@glowieco) on Dec 29, 2019 at 8:15am PST

Beautytap Advisors (aestheticians, facialists, makeup artists, and beauty professionals) recommend this diamond facial mask.

Skincare Mini Sets

Aside from being super cute, skincare mini sets are a great way to try out a brand or product without committing to purchasing (and carrying around) a full-size version. Last time I was in Tokyo, I bought a Hada Labo Gokujyun set which included travel versions of the brand’s oil cleanser, foaming cleanser, cult-classic lotion (toner), and moisturizing milk; but I’ve also seen sets from other brands like Sekkisei, MINON Amino Moist, Curél, ELIXIR, and SENKA. Just keep your eyes peeled when you hit the drugstore. Convenience stores are also a good place to find minis! Depending on how many products sets contain, they usually cost between ¥1,000 ($10) and ¥2,000 ($20). They’re amazing for overnight trips, or as gifts for friends!

View this post on Instagram

【#KOSE さまの#雪肌精 #スキンケアセット 】 セブンイレブン @seven_eleven_japan さまにて限定の#ドラえもん デザイン、やっとGETできたー🙌 パッケージ:★★★☆☆ 香り:★★★★★ 使い心地:★★★★★ 洗浄力:★★★★★ コスパ:★★★★★ お泊まりのタイミングで初めて購入したホワイト洗顔クリームが思いのほかよかったことから、いろいろなアイテムでお世話になっているシリーズ🧴 おうち用に通常サイズを購入済みでしたが、週末の帰省に合わせて開封♡ すごくかわいい♡…がよくよく見たら、ポーチの印刷が雑な箇所が複数散見されたので、★2つ減らしました😨 でも中身にまで#ドラちゃん がいて、しかも名称が手書き風なところがツボです✍️ 薬用#化粧水 と#美白 #乳液 は初めて使用しましたが、ベタつかず使いやすい(^ ^) 通常サイズのボトルが小さめなのが気になりますが、スキンケアセットのボトルに移し替えさそうな感じなので、リピートも検討したいです🤔 #コンビニコスメ #ドラえもんコラボ #cosmetics #instacosmetics #beauty #instabeauty #skincare #skincareproducts #スキンケア #美 #美意識向上委員会 #読者モデル #プチプラコスメ #置き画くら部 #スキンケアマニア #スキンケア好き #お洒落さんと繋がりたい #スキンケア好きさんと繋がりたい #コスメ好きさんと繋がりたい #美的クラブの人と繋がりたい #美容好きな人と繋がりたい #美容家になりたい

A post shared by Keiko.M (@moke_beauty) on Feb 6, 2020 at 4:28am PST

Beautytap Advisors (aestheticians, facialists, makeup artists, and beauty professionals) recommend this skincare set

Sunscreen

I can’t recommend Japanese sunscreens enough, and although many can be ordered online, most pharmacies and department stores in Japan provide testers, which are the best way to get an idea of a formula’s texture and finish before committing to it. Because I really, really prefer Japanese sunscreens to anything I can easily find here in North America, I feel absolutely no guilt whatsoever about bringing multiple tubes back from Japan. I also like to pick up a few for my fellow skincare-enthusiast friends. Many of my favorite sunscreens cost under ¥1,000 ($10), which also makes them a budget-friendly option.

View this post on Instagram

I’m constantly on the hunt for sunscreen products that make reapplication easy throughout the day. I picked up the Shigaisen Yohou Make Keep Capsule In UV Spray in Tokyo, and here is what I like about it: ⠀ ☀️It offers SPF50+ / PA++++ protection. ☀️It can be applied directly onto the face. ☀️The mist is super fine and doesn’t feel sticky once applied. ☀️It’s waterproof. ☀️It is also a makeup setting spray. ☀️The product is small enough to slip into a purse. ☀️It’s free of colourants, fragrance, mineral oil, and alcohol. ⠀ I really had a hard time finding a UV spray whose instructions didn’t suggest first spritzing the product into the palm of your hand before applying it to your face. But what’s the point of using a UV spray on your face if you can’t apply it directly?! I’m not sure why there aren’t more sprays like this out there. It would really make it easier to convince people to reapply their sunscreen if there were options that made sense for everyday life (including when you’re wearing makeup, and not just lounging by the pool or at the beach). ⠀ How do you reapply your sunscreen? ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #byminoue #madewithpaper #jbeauty

A post shared by beauty by Minoue | Marieve (@by.minoue) on Jul 8, 2019 at 9:11am PDT

Beautytap Advisors (aestheticians, facialists, makeup artists, and beauty professionals) recommend these sunscreens.

Sheet Mask Packs

Sheet masks are super popular in Japan, and have been a skincare staple there for years. You’ll find individually packaged sheet masks as you’d expect, but there are also resealable pouches that include multiple masks. The pouches containing 3 to 10 masks (around ¥300 / $3 to ¥1,000 / $10) make great gifts, but if you find a kind you like, why not grab a box of 20 or 30 (around ¥1,500 / $15) for yourself? Already on my shopping list for my next trip: Hada Labo Koi-Gokujyun Perfect Masks. I tested the waters with a pack of five the first time around, and have been coveting the box of 20 ever since! LuLuLun is a popular Japanese sheet mask brand which offers a slew of different kinds of masks, including limited-edition regional versions that can only be found in certain parts of the country—a fun concept if you’re looking for a unique skincare souvenir.

View this post on Instagram

It took me forever to draw (the design is so elaborate!), but I really, really enjoyed this pack of 5 Hada Labo Koi-Gokujun Perfect Masks, which I picked up at Ainze & Tulpe while doing some beauty shopping with @yayayayoung back in April. Since I love the Hada Labo Gokujun Premium Hyaluronic Acid Lotion so much, I figured I’d give what is basically the sheet mask version a shot. And it didn’t disappoint! ⠀ My notes: ⠀ ⭐️It contains 4 types of HA, as well as squalane, and ceramides. ⭐️It is free of fragrance, colorants, mineral oil, and ethanol. ⭐️The sheet is really thick, and the fit works quite well for my face (SWIPE 👉🏼to see). ⭐️The claim is that this one sheet mask can replace your entire skincare routine (toner, serum, emulsion, cream, mask), although I still use toner under it and a lightweight moisturizer after removing it. ⭐️I love how moisturized and plump it leaves my skin… and I’m kicking myself for not buying an extra pack (or three) for myself before I left Tokyo (although I did bring back some as souvenirs for other people 🤦🏻‍♀️). ⠀ I’ll definitely repurchase these next time I’m in Japan. I tend to use sheet masks while working, and often leave them on for much longer than recommended on the packaging… Do you time yourself when using masks in general, or do you just play it by ear? ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #byminoue #madewithpaper #jbeauty

A post shared by beauty by Minoue | Marieve (@by.minoue) on Jul 3, 2019 at 4:35pm PDT

Beautytap Advisors (aestheticians, facialists, makeup artists, and beauty professionals) recommend these sheet masks.

Silicone Masks

I discovered silicone masks in Japan a few years ago, and still use them regularly. Recommended uses include over a sheet mask to help keep it in place, reduce essence evaporation, and prevent it from drying out (bonus: it also keeps the nose pads of my glasses from getting sticky), or worn alone while taking a bath to create a face steaming effect. They come in different varieties including full-mask versions, split in two (I like to use just the top portion over eye masks), and cute animal-inspired versions. You’ll find them at Daiso for just ¥100 ($1), with more elaborate versions available in other stores for up to around ¥800 ($8). I’ve purchased many of these as inexpensive gifts for friends—unlike regular sheet masks, they can be washed and reused many times, which also makes them a lasting souvenir. I own two or three, with varying fits: my favourite is the Darling Trendy House Slim Neko Mask. Aside from its cat face design and ears (was it created specifically for me?!), it fits my face nicely, without the ear loops pulling or being uncomfortable.

View this post on Instagram

😸❤可愛いネコちゃん❤😻／ #スリムネコマスク ドバッと発汗しておうちでフェイスエステ✨ 💆ゲルマニウム 💆トルマリン 💆コラーゲン がシリコン素材に練りこんで配合されてます❤ ＊ ＊ しかも😸😸ズレにくい立体構造のシリコンマスクでピタッとフィット！ 😋リラックスしながらフェイスサウナ🔥✨ お風呂でもOK⭕お部屋でもOK⭕ インパクト大！な可愛い黒ネコちゃん😻😻 ㅤㅤㅤ シートマスクと使えば蒸発を防いでしっかり保湿💖 パック効果UP⤴️です！ おうちで、楽しくキレイになりましょ〜💖 🌟 ・ ・ #スリムネコマスク ¥780（メーカー希望価格） ＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝ オンラインショップ @cosmedecute でも販売中♫ ＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝ #スリムネコマスク #小顔にニャりたい #美容 #小顔 #お風呂 #スリム #ねこ #シリコンマスク #トレンド #素敵 #雑貨 #インスタ映え #女子力 #おうちエステ #サウナマスク #ネコマスク #写真好きな人と繋がりたい #お洒落さんと繋がりたい #fashion #かわいい #メイク好きさんと繋がりたい #コスメ好きさんと繋がりたい #cat #siliconemask #cosmetic #cosme #beautyworld #facemask #sheetmask #este YM

A post shared by ビューティーワールド✨ 【美容・ネイル・コスメ】 (@beautyworld.jp) on Feb 15, 2018 at 12:10am PST

Novelty Items

Think anime-themed makeup and skincare (hello, Sailor Moon compact-shaped lip balm and The Rose of Versailles face masks!), bath bombs with cat figurines inside, and that famous Kanebo Evita Beauty Whip Soap, which dispenses foaming facial cleanser in the shape of a rose. Japanese beauty aisles are literally brimming with fun, nostalgic, cute, and wacky products that make original souvenirs!

View this post on Instagram

This post about @kaneboofficial Evita Beauty Whip Soap 🇯🇵 has (literally) been months in the making, but I’ve finally put everything together—including a new blog post with my thoughts on the product [link in bio ☺️]. SWIPE 👉🏼 for a photo and video! Have you ever tried it? What did you think? 🌹 • • • • • #byminoue #illustratorsoninstagram #illustrationart #digitaldrawing #productjunkie #asiancosmetics #abeautycommunity #コスメ #스킨케어 #뷰티케어 #아름다움 #인스타뷰티 #뷰티블로거 #skincareluxury #skincareaddict #化粧品 #スキンケア #beautycommunity #skincareproducts #instaskincare #jbeauty #beautyillustration #abcommunity #skincareroutine #kbeauty #koreancosmetics #evitabeautywhipsoap #japanesecosmetics #japaneseskincare #animationart

A post shared by beauty by Minoue | Marieve (@by.minoue) on Sep 20, 2017 at 1:43pm PDT

What is your favorite beauty item you’ve purchased abroad (Japan, Korea or elsewhere)? I’d love to read about your best discoveries while travelling in the comments!