Shopping for makeup in Japan can get a bit overwhelming, especially if you step into one of the branches of the famous Matsumoto Kiyoshi or Don Quijote, where products are stacked like they’re preparing for the apocalypse. Plus, the country has a lot to offer in the beauty department—it's hard to decide which one to take home!
To make the task less daunting, we’ve compiled a checklist of Japanese cosmetics to make a beeline for. These are makeup products that are either hard to find in Manila or more affordable in Japan. Feel free to browse other goodies that are not on this list, of course, and make your own J-Beauty discoveries! Meanwhile, here are some of our picks:
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Isehan Kiss Me Heroine Make Long and Curl Mascara
It makes sense that this mascara is called heroine—it’s the Wonder Woman of mascara! It gives you longer, curlier, and thicker lashes minus the clumping (even when you layer it on) But its real superpower? It stays put even in the PH’s sauna-like climate!
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D-UP Eyelashes Fixer 552
This heavy-duty water-, tear-, and sweat-proof falsies glue is made for warfare. Top MUAs swear by it! And when the professionals are the ones hoarding it, you know it’s legit.
Available in Don Quijote
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CanMake Cream Cheek
If you’re a fan of the natural flushed look, use this highly pigmented cheek tint that comes in a variety of shades. It doesn’t melt off in humid weather, giving you a pretty glow from morning till night. It also comes in tiny compact cases that you can take with you wherever you go. ~whispers~ Get them all.
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓Available in Matsumoto Kiyoshi
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Shiseido Perfect Foundation Brush
This foundation brush has reached cult status, which is what we’d expect from one that actually has the word “perfect” in its name. It works with almost all kinds of foundation—liquid, powder, gel, or cream—and helps provide an even and complete coverage.
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓Available in Takashimaya Department Stores
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Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation
Here’s another cult favorite from Japan that makeup junkies swear by. It gives you great coverage without feeling too heavy or turning cakey. It evens out your skin tone and gives it a fresh, dewy look.
Available at Ainz and Tulpe
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Shu Uemura Eyelash and S Curlers
Ask any MUA and they’ll tell you that Shu Uemura is the holy grail of eyelash curlers. And now that the brand has left our shores for good, this should definitely be on your makeup must-buy list! Their classic eyelash curler hugs the contours of Asian lids without tugging the lashes, while the S Curler is for all eye shapes and sizes.
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Available in Takashimaya Department Stores
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K-Palette Lasting Eyebrow Tint
When it comes to eyebrow pens and pencils, K-Palette is top of mind. And for good reason: It has given many a kilay-less girl hope and, well, eyebrows. It works like a temporary tattoo: You draw in your brows freehand or use the stencils that come with the kit, leave the goop on overnight, peel them off in the morning, and voila—pretty, defined arches that last for five days!
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓Available in Don Quijote and Matsumoto Kiyoshi
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Kate Tokyo Rouge HG
Meet Kanebo's younger sister, Kate. The Rouge HG lippies are moisturizing without being thick and heavy. And with 15 pretty colors to choose from, there’s bound to be a hue that’s perfect for you.
Available in Matsumoto Kiyoshi
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Nars Orgasm Blush
Little known fact: Nars was acquired by Shiseido in 2000. So if you’re a fan of their often sold-out Orgasm blush, Japan is where you can buy as much as your baggage allowance will let you. It’s widely available there, and it’s more affordable, too!
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓Available in Isetan Department Store
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Opera Sheer Lip Color Gloss
We discovered this tinted lip gloss while checking out different drugstore makeup in Japan and it was love at first swatch. It’s a light, non-greasy, and non-gloopy gloss that’s perfect for everyday use. It gives your lips a subtle hue and an irresistible sheen.
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓Available in Ainz and Tulpe
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Three Angelic Symbiosis Foundation
This Japanese luxury cosmetic brand uses natural and organic ingredients in its products. Their Angelic Symbiosis Foundation delivers medium to heavy coverage. It glides on like powder once applied to your skin, giving it a flawless and velvety matte finish—just like an angel’s!
ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓Available in NEWoMan Shinjuku
Shops directory:
Ainz and Tulpe
1F B1F, Harajuku Quest Bldg.
1-13-14, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Don Quijote
3-6-3 Sanno Ota-Ku Tokyo, 143-0023
28-6 Udagawa-cho Shibuya-ku Tokyo, 150-0042
Isetan Department Store
3 Chome-14-1 Shinjuku, Tokyo
Matsumoto Kiyoshi
1-26 Roppongi 6 Chome, Minato-ku
NEWoMan Shinjuku
4 Chome-1-6 Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0022,
Takashimaya Shinjuku
5 Chome-24-2 Sendagaya, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-8580