
In Honour of The Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, Here Are 16 Japanese Beauty Brands That Need To Be On Your Radar
The best of the best, when it comes to all things “J-Beauty”
Before Korean brands took the industry by storm, Japanese beauty (a.k.a. J-Beauty) reigned supreme.
J-Beauty quickly gained popularity around the world for its emphasis on innovative ingredients and cutting edge technology — although it was mostly those “in the know” such as international make-up artists, editors and models in the naughties who were aware of the benefits of Japanese skincare, haircare and make-up.
Unlike K-Beauty, which often has a minimum of 10-steps in its skin care routine, J-Beauty brands focus on simple yet effective products, boasting cult-like followings on social media. Many brands also value the importance of using natural and local ingredients, such as rice bran, cherry blossom, camellia flower oil, and yuzu plants to help you achieve healthy and glowing skin.
And while we unfortunately won’t be able to visit Tokyo any time soon, Bazaar shares 16 of our favorite Japanese beauty brands that need to be on your radar.
Cure
Cure’s “natural aqua gel” water-based exfoliant is one of the gentlest exfoliators on the market that carefully removes a thin layer of dry skin, leaving your skin visibly glowing and smooth.
Aque Gel 250ml, Dhs181.60, noon.com
Hada Labo
We love a brand that uses hyaluronic acid especially when the products are infused with “super hyaluronic acid, a unique blend of three types of hyaluronic acid” that helps provide your skin with deep hydration and moisture.
All-In-One Gentle Hydrating Cream Cleanser 150ml, Dhs59.25, watsons.ae
Morihata
Morihata’s unique use of Binchotan charcoal in its body scrub towel is a game-changer for us. The fibers of their towel are infused with Binchotan charcoal to help naturally scrub away your entire body. Charcoal naturally draws out impurities from the skin leaving your skin glowing and baby-soft.
Morihata Binchotan Charcoal Face Scrub Towel, Dhs36.73, rikumo.com
MegRythm
MegRythm’s innovative “gentle steam eye mask” not only releases steam to help relax tension and sooth your tired eyes after a long day, but they can also help you fall asleep easier with infused extracts such as chamomile and lavender.
Kao MEGURISM Health Care Steam Warm Eye Mask,Made in Japan, Lavender Sage 12 Sheets, Dhs104, desertcart.ae
Skin Advanced
This J-Beauty brand should be your go-to if you have sensitive skin. Many of their Platinum Watery line products are formulated with mild and gentle ingredients.
Platinum Watery Luminous Cleansing Water Makeup Remover 500ml, Dhs39.50, watsons.ae
Shu Uemura
Shu Uemura was founded by famous Japanese makeup artist, Mr. Shu Uemura. From the brand’s metallic lipsticks and eyebrow pencils to its award-winning eyelash curler, this Japanese beauty brand is an all-time favorite.
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, Dhs78, cosmeticsnow.ae
MAJOLICA MAJORCA
Established in Japan in 2003, this J-Beauty brand’s makeup products are the ideal items for those who want to experiment with colorful, shimmery eyeshadow palettes and different colored eyeliners and mascaras.
Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Long Long Long Mascara Waterproof, Dhs73.46, yesstyle.com
Koh Gen Do
Koh Gen Do’s pioneering Japanese skincare technology and use of plant-based ingredients to help nurture and repair the skin, providing a radiant and dewy complexion “without a single drop of makeup” makes it one of our go-to skincare brands. We especially love their cleansing water cloth that is soaked in mineral-rich thermal water and botanical extracts.
Spa Cleansing Water Cloth Relaxing Aromas Set, Dhs317.81, revolve.com
Y.S. Park
Our list wouldn’t be complete without a J-Brand hair tool that promises to give you next-level hair, and Y.S. Park’s “pro wood styler” collection is a must-try. The brushes are designed with a rubber base that is made from the same rubber as a baby pacifier and bottle, giving the brush a more flexible and softer feel.
Y.S Park G-Series Curl Shine Styler Round Brush, Dhs470, carrefouruae.com
Target Pro
We love Target Pro mostly for its use of the special anti-aging ingredient, “Diamond Sirt” that helps combat damaged skin from environmental stress, dehydration, and UV rays and boost your skin’s defense system.
Hydration Intensive Face Serum 30ml, Dhs54.50, watsons.ae
SK-11
One of the oldest Japanese cosmetics brands, SK-II products are known for their unique ingredient, PITERA, a “clear liquid that is rich in vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids, and promises to dramatically improve the skin’s natural surface rejuvenation process.”
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence 75ml, Dhs305, cosmeticsnow.ae
Tatcha
Tatcha is another favorite of ours that offers “kind-to-skin” formulas and anti-aging superfood ingredients from the Japanese diet.
The Dewy Skin Cream – For Dry Skin 50ml, Dhs299, cosmeticsnow.uae
Shiseido
With its newly defined mission statement, “Beauty innovations for a better world,” Shiseido embodies some of the key elements of Japanese beauty brands.
Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate, Dhs294, bloomingdales.ae
DHC
One of our favorite Japanese skincare products of all time is DHC’s deep cleansing facial oil that removes makeup and cleanses your skin without clogging the pores.
DHC – Deep Cleansing Oil 200ml, Dhs104, yesstyle.com
ReFa
We had to include REFA in our list of J-Beauty brands for its immensely popular and expensive face roller that promises to work wonders on your skin.
ReFa S CARAT, Dhs790, lookfantastic.ae
Transino
Transino is loved for its focus on fighting skin spots, including melasma, acne, and freckles “with medical ideas.”
Transino Clear Wash Foaming Cleanser 100ml, Dhs98, japanesetaste.com
Lead image courtesy of Preen London 2020 Autumn-Winter.