Japanese skincare is really revolutionising the beauty industry. The country is known for its fast-paced life and yet, the people never seem to age. Glass skin might be a Korean concept but the Japanese seem to have quietly come in and mastered the art without making a big hue and cry about it.
Move over 10-step routines involving multiple products. It’s time to follow the less-is-more principle of taking a deep dive to understand what your skin really needs, nourish it and load up on hydration. Aka, the Japanese thought process.
Wondering which Japanese brands are really worth the hype? We gotchu, boo!
Japanese Skincare Brands & Products Worth Investing In
Shiseido
Along with nourishing the skin, the Japanese are also heavily invested in sun protection. It’s quite a no-brainer actually since their sunscreens are considered the world’s best formulations that don’t feel sticky and are fast absorbing and waterproof! Case in point, the Shiseido The Perfect Protector, which really blends into my combination skin and feels like I’ve applied nothing! It works so well beneath makeup, especially during the summer.
Hada Lobo
Hydration and nourishment of the skin are of prime importance for the Japanese. The Hada Labo Hyaluronic Milky Lotion is one of the most sought-after products that’s also got rave reviews. It is known to really sink into the skin to hydrate it from within (thanks to Hyaluronic Acid) and leave it feeling silky and smooth with a light sheen. Sounds convincing? I think yes!
This is difficult to find in India, it is however available to purchase through Instagram resellers like makeup madness & makeup and you. If you’re looking for a bomb, affordable, and easily available alternative to this product, check out the Hyalugel Plus moisturiser.
SK-II
While essences have taken us some getting used to, the SK-II Facial Treatment Pitera Essence really revolutionised the beauty industry. The lightweight formula is meant to be applied directly on the skin after cleansing. The formula is lightweight despite it being extremely hydrating and boosts skin renewal. Since the formula is watery, it penetrates the skin better than any cream really does.
Unfortunately, this one is really hard to find in India, try to stock up when you travel. It is easily available at airports and in most Asian and American countries. If you want to try something similar and affordable, the Missha Time Revolution is a good dupe.
Biore
Remember the whole deal about the essence and how it penetrates deeper into the skin? Now imagine that in sunscreen form. Except that you don’t really have to imagine it because the Japanese managed to turn it into reality. The BIORÉ UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++ is all of that and waterproof. Yes, they even tested it out for proof.
I know I’m getting my hands on it asap because if it’s waterproof, the humidity got nothing on this product!
DHC
They’re also really big on cleansing, which honestly, works for us. Oil cleansing really changed the way I take off my makeup and the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil is a cult favourite and has a permanent spot in my vanity. It melts away makeup seamlessly and even breaks down my most stubborn waterproof mascara with almost no effort and without having to tug, pull or rub my skin the way I used to with a regular cleanser! It’s a 10/10 for me.
Haru Haru Wonder
For someone with combination skin (me), applying creams can be tricky. Yes, they hydrate my skin but also sometimes cause breakouts if the cream is too heavy. But not the Haru Haru Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Cream. When I say it’s smooth like butter, I mean it. With the goodness of black rice extract (a Japanese staple), it is known to hydrate the skin. But it did more than just that for me. It helped restore quietly restore my skin barrier making it feel so plump and smooth to touch again.
Belif
Another product that’s achieved cult status, is the Belif The true cream – Aqua Bomb. As the name suggests, it quite literally bombs your skin with hydration without making it feel sticky or oily, thanks to its gel consistency. It’s been my go-to summer moisturiser ever since it launched in India and I’m not going back from it.
ClayCo
There’s nothing like a mask to really dig deep into the pores and get rid of all the gunk in them. The ClayCo Purifying Matcha Clay Mask does just that. Loaded with antioxidants, it really dives deep into the skin, controls sebum production, unclogs pores, and mattifies the skin making it look and feel rejuvenated. A salon-like treatment at home, if you may!
Lululun
Sheet masks also seem to play a major role in Japanese skincare. Lululun is known for sheet masks that help hydrate the skin and moisturise it thoroughly. The most basic part of any routine, really. It also leaves the skin feeling so smooth, firm and plump while also reversing damage caused by external stressors and UV rays.
Koh Gen Do
With real Japanese spa water as the base ingredient, this micellar water removes even the most stubborn waterproof makeup, leaving the skin squeaky clean. While taking off makeup, it doesn’t leave the skin dry but instead so nourished, you might feel like you don’t need a moisturiser. Plus points for having absolutely no fragrance, making it perfect for those with sensitive skin too!
Tatcha
Anybody with the slightest interest in beauty knows that the undereye area gives it all away. The tiredness and fatigue first shows up on the extremely sensitive skin in the area leading to wrinkles and pigmentation, aka. early signs of ageing. Eye creams are the easiest way to combat this. The Tatcha The Silk Peony Melting Eye Cream works on the skin to even out the skin tone, reverse the premature signs of ageing and keep the skin feeling and looking smooth and refreshed.
Move over K-Beauty, J-Beauty is here to stay!
