If you’re obsessed with all things beauty, you might want to book a flight to Tokyo, stat! Here, we round up seven of our favorite places to shop for products in Japan’s capital:
Matsumoto Kiyoshi
Almost every block in Tokyo has a Matsumoto Kiyoshi branch. If you’re looking for affordable cult Asian beauty products like Lululun, DHC, Shiseido, Hada Labo, Kate Tokyo, Kanebo, FANCL, and more, this is the place you NEED to visit. Almost all of the stores are two to three floors of hair, makeup, and skincare heaven, so you can bet you will spend a lot of time here. Word of warning though: almost everything is in Japanese, so you might find it a little overwhelming. We suggest whipping out your phone and Google translate everything!
Bonus: Some branches are open 24 hours, so you can actually go shopping at awkward hours to avoid crowds. (It gets really busy because they are a drugstore that locals go to.) Also, don’t forget to bring your passport to get tax exemption for purchases above 5,000 yen.
Matsuya, Ginza
Matsuya is one of the most popular department stores in the Ginza district of Tokyo. On the ground floor is the cosmetics section filled with mostly high-end brands like Tom Ford, Clé de Peau Beauté, SK-II, and YSL, among others. This is also where you can spot makeup counters for Ladurée (remember their gorgeous rose petal blush?) and Louboutin (those lipsticks and glosses are UNREAL!). If you’re looking to splurge with on beauty purchases, this is the place for you.
Bonus: Again, don’t forget your passport. Tourists get to enjoy tax-free purchases in most stores for anything above 5,000 yen. (Sometimes 5,400 to 5,500, just ask the sales assistants!)
Don Quijote
One cannot visit Japan and miss the opportunity to visit Donki! The store carries literally everything from food, makeup, skincare, haircare, household items, and even sex toys. Lol! Some of the kikay things you should check out in Donki are: false lashes, colored and doll eye contacts, facial wash, shampoos, deodorant wipes (it’s a thing!), and even beauty tools like epilators, face brushes, and more. You can find a Don Quijote store in most of the major districts in Tokyo. Some of the best are in Asakusa, Shinjuku, and Roppongi.
Bonus: Again, tax-free! *woohoo*
Les Merveilleuses LADURÉE
Yup, the famous French patisserie brand also carries a line of very pretty cosmetics! Check out the Ladurée beauty counters in Mitsukoshi Ginza, ISETAN Shinjuku, and LAFORET Harajuku, and you will immediately feel the need to purchase everything you see. They offer makeup, skincare, and beauty tools that cater to every woman’s needs. We're eyeing those Victorian-inspired blushes and makeup brushes!
L’Occitane Café
Conveniently located in the busy streets of Shibuya, you can take a break from all the shopping and indulge in delicious treats at the L’Occitane Café. Although famous for their hand creams and perfumes, the brand’s café actually serves delectable and healthy food for reasonable prices. Paying a visit to this café will give you more reasons to love the brand. There are several branches around the city, but the one in Shibuya gives diners a great view of the famous Shibuya crossing.
Tokyu-Toyoko, Shibuya
You’ll have no trouble finding this massive department store, as it is right in front of the Hachiko exit at Shibuya train station. The store offers a lot of high-end cosmetics brands, but if you go to the 5th floor, you will find the counter for the world-famous Hakuhodo brushes.
Daiso
Want cheap thrills? Visit Daiso, where everything is priced at 100 yen. While they might not exactly offer the best quality makeup, you can find a lot of handy beauty tools like lashes, lash glue, brush cleansers, and sponges for good prices. You can also do a lot of pasalubong shopping here! (They have a section devoted to matcha desserts, you guys!)
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