The Ultimate Guide to Buying Japanese Skincare Products and Makeup in Tokyo

If you’re a beauty enthusiast or just looking to upgrade your skincare and makeup routine with high-quality products that doesn’t break the bank, Tokyo, Japan is the perfect destination for you.

Japan is renowned for its high-quality and innovative beauty products, and Tokyo has countless beauty and skincare stores, large or small, which cater to all your beauty needs. From department stores to drugstores, convenience stores, and even specialty shops, there is no shortage of skincare or beauty options in this bustling city.

Why Choose Japanese Skincare Products and Makeup?

Japanese skincare products and makeup have gained global recognition for their exceptional quality and effectiveness. The beauty industry in Japan is known for its focus on research, development, and innovation, resulting in products that deliver visible results, yet gentle and safe for sensitive skin.

Japan’s commitment to using high-quality ingredients and advanced technologies ensures that you’ll get the best possible results for your skin and makeup looks.

It’s no surprise that some of the most sought-after skincare and makeup products come from Japan. From cult classics to innovative new products, Tokyo is a great place to find the latest and greatest.

Whether you’re looking for a specific product or just want to explore what Japan has to offer, you’ll be sure to find something that suits your needs, and be surprised by its quality.

Personally, as someone who have used so many products from Europe, the USA, South Korea, and Japan, I was most impressed with the gentleness and effectiveness of Japanese products, and have been using them for years since.

Every trip to Japan always resulted in me dragging back suitcases full of products for myself and my family (I’m not even kidding! I leveled up on my packing skill to ensure space for all the skincare products i bought from Japan).

Therefore, I know a little bit about some of the best places to buy Japanese skincare products and makeups in Tokyo, which I will show you below.

What Are Some of the Best Japanese Skincare Brands ?

Want to create a Japanese skin care routine that works for your needs, and get a list of the BEST AFFORDABLE Japanese skincare products? Read my “Your Guide to Japanese Skin Care, and The Best Affordable Products You Can’t Miss!” post here.

Shiseido

One of the most popular Japanese skincare brands is Shiseido. Founded right in Ginza, Tokyo in 1872, this brand is known for its innovative and luxurious products that are designed to address a wide range of skin concerns.

Their extensive range of products includes cleansers, moisturizers, serums, masks, and more. Their best-selling product is the Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate Serum, which boosts the skin’s immunity and circulation, helps to improve skin’s resilience and reduce signs of aging.

With 1 bottle sold worldwide every 8.6 seconds, derived from 25 years of research, plus 224 beauty rewards up to date, it is hands down the best Shiseido product around.

Shiseido Anessa sunscreens are also some of the favorites, with their natural no-white-cast look, amazing staying power, and sweat-proof and waterproof formula.

SK-II

Another popular brand is SK-II, which has earned its reputation as one of the top luxury skincare brands in Japan.

They offer a wide range of products from facial masks to acne treatments, and their signature SK-II Facial Treatment Essence has become an all-time cult favorite among beauty enthusiasts around the world.

Kose

Kose offers high-quality products that are perfect for everyday use or special occasions. From foundations to mascaras to lipsticks, they have something for everyone.

One of their makeup brands is Fasio, which offers beautiful and sophisticated makeup looks with its foundations, eyeshadows, mascara, and more.

What Are Some Affordable yet High-Quality Japanese Skincare Brands and Their Must-Have Products?

Want to create a Japanese skin care routine that works for your needs, and get a list of the BEST AFFORDABLE Japanese skincare products in the market? Read my “Your Guide to Japanese Skin Care, and The Best Affordable Products You Can’t Miss!” post here.

For those looking for more affordable Japanese skincare products, there are several great options to choose from, to get the best results without breaking the bank :

Hada Labo

My personal favorite, Hada Labo, is a must-try brand for those looking for gentle and effective skincare. Their products are free of fragrances, alcohol, and mineral oil, making them ideal for those with sensitive skin.

Their signature product is the Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion, which helps to lock in moisture and keep skin hydrated throughout the day. It is a cult favorite and has gained global recognition for its ability to deeply hydrate the skin.

Their Hada Labo Gokujyun UV White Gel, which is an all-in-one product combining lotion, moisturizer, sun screen, and makeup base into one. Clean your face in the morning and put on this gel, and BAM, you’re done with your skincare routine and ready for the day.

Another favorite of mine is the Hada Labo Gokujyun All-in-One Anti-Aging and Firming Gel, which is a thicker and creamy mosturizer, which contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, squalane, and shea butter, aids with firming, moisturizing, brightening and anti-aging effects for aging skin.

Hada Labo also offers a range of cleansers, serums, and moisturizers that are perfect for different skin types, age, and needs. With so many options available, you can easily find something that works for you and your skin type.

Biore

Biore is a popular, affordable drugstore brand that offers a wide range of skincare products. Their product range includes cleansers, moisturizers, and masks.

Their signature Biore Baking Soda Cleansing Foam has a gentle yet effective formula which helps remove dirt and impurities from the skin while maintaining its natural balance.

They also have an extensive selection of sunscreens that are perfect for all skin types. Whether you’re looking for something gentle and hydrating or something more intense to tackle your acne concerns, Biore has a product for your need.

With their high quality products and affordable prices, it’s no wonder why they continue to be one of the most sought after Japanese skincare brands!

DHC

DHC is another popular Japanese skincare brand that offers a wide variety of products, including moisturizers, serums, and masks. The company is committed to using natural ingredients in their products, such as olive oil, so you can rest assured that your skin will be getting the best possible care.

Their signature product is the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, which has become a cult favorite worldwide for its ability to deeply cleanse the skin without causing irritation.

Another wildly popular cleanser of DHC, which is also my all-time favorite cleanser, is the DHC Face Wash Powder. The cleanser is in powder form (instead of liquid like in other brands), which you pour into your hand and add water to create foam, then clean your face with it.

The foam is super gentle, yet has this smooth and luxurious feel. And at the end of the cleansing, your face is clean, but not squeaky-clean and dry-feeling like with the other cleansers in the market. This is truly a wonderful product and has been irreplaceable in my daily skincare routine.

With their affordable prices and high quality products, it’s no wonder why DHC is one of Japan’s most beloved skincare brands!

What Are Some Popular Japanese Makeup Brands and Their Must-Have Products ?

Want to know what are some of the very BEST and AFFORDABLE Japanese skincare products you must snatch up during your Japan trip (or online)? Check out “Your Guide to Japanese Skin Care, and The Best Affordable Products You Can’t Miss!” post here, and get yourself some awesome Japanese skincare products! Your skin will never be the same again.

When it comes to Japanese makeup brands, there is no shortage of options. Popular brands like Shiseido, Canmake, Kiss Me Heroine, and Dolly Wink offer an impressive range of products that are perfect for everyday wear or special occasions.

Canmake

Canmake is an excellent choice for those on a budget when it comes to makeup. Their Cream Cheek Blush is designed to give a natural, rosy glow to cheeks, while the Melty Luminous Rouge give a pop of color to lips and helps keep them hydrated and nourished.

Both products come in a variety of shades, making them perfect for any skin tone or look.

Canmake also offers several budget-friendly items such as eyeshadows, mascaras, eyeliners, and lipsticks.

And if you happen to look for a fantastic yet inexpensive color-correcting makeup primer, which also doubles up as a nice sunscreen (one stone hits two birds, baby!), you cannot miss Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV Sunscreen (770 yen, or 5.32 USD). There is a good reason it sells like hot cakes, and has an international cult following.

With so many great products to choose from, Canmake is the perfect choice for those wanting to create beautiful looks without breaking the bank!

Shiseido

Shiseido brand needs no introduction, with a wide range of beauty products. Their wildly popular and must-have Shiseido’s Perfect Foundation is a cult favorite among beauty enthusiasts, among their many other successes.

Kiss Me Heroine Make

This makeup brand is created by Isehan Co in 1935, and since has been the best-selling mascara and eyeliner brand in Japan. Their Kiss Me Heroine Make Long and Curl Mascara is considered as one of the best mascara products in the market, and has its own fan base.

Dolly Wink

Dolly Wink is another great option for those looking for affordable yet stylish eye makeup products like mascaras, eyeliners, and eyeshadows, and is easily found in many places.

Where to Buy Japanese Skincare Products and Makeup in Tokyo ?

Want to know what some of the very best (yet inexpensive) Japanese sunscreen Japan has to offer, and where to buy them in Japan? Read my “The Best Japanese Sunscreens That Are Must-Haves and a Game-Changer to Your Skincare Routine” post here.

1 . Large Department Stores

Department stores are a popular choice for buying Japanese skincare products and makeup in Tokyo. They offer a luxurious and high-end shopping experience, with an entire floor dedicated to skincare and makeup, and a wide variety of brands and products to choose from.

Here, you could pretty much spend an entire day browsing and sampling products. So, if you don’t already have a certain product in mind, and just want to see what are available, large department stores are the perfect place to check out and do some samplings.

Ginza Mitsukoshi

Ginza Mitsukoshi is one of the oldest and most renowned department stores in Japan. Founded in 1673 with its kimono selling business, it has a rich history and is known for its exceptional customer service.

The store’s beauty section has its own floor (Basement Level 1 – B1F), and is known as Ginza Cosmetics World, is a must-visit for beauty enthusiasts. It features major luxury skincare brands like Nars, Chanel, and La Mer, as well as other exclusive Japanese brands.

Isetan Shinjuku

Isetan is a high-end department store chain that offers a wide range of beauty products, including Japanese and renowned international brands. Known for its exceptional customer service, Isetan provides personalized consultations and recommendations.

The store’s beauty and cosmetics section showcases an impressive assortment of skincare, makeup, and fragrance products, featuring both well-established beauty brands and emerging niche labels.

Isetan store’s design combines modern aesthetics with traditional Japanese elements, creating an inviting space that appeals to both local shoppers and international visitors.

Beside its large collection of skincare and beauty brands, Isetan has a vast selection of high-end clothing, accessories, and footwear from international luxury brands to cutting-edge Japanese designers.

Whether you’re looking for makeup, formal wear, casual attire, or the latest fashion trends, Isetan offers a curated collection that embodies Tokyo’s status as a global fashion hub.

Takashimaya

Takashimaya is a popular department store that has been around since the 1800s. It offers an extensive range of Japanese and international beauty products, including luxury makeup brands like Cle de Peau Beaute and SK-II.

Step into Takashimaya’s skincare and cosmetic section showcases meticulously curated collections of premium skincare and makeup brands, blending Japanese traditions with global innovations.

In addition, beauty consultants are present to offer personalized guidance, helping you select products from an array of skincare and makeup products.

2 . Drugstores

Japanese drugstores are full of affordable yet high-quality skincare products and makeup. They offer a wide range of brands and products, making it a paradise for beauty lovers.

Some of the most popular drugstores in Japan include Matsumoto Kiyoshi and Watsons. These stores carry a variety of beauty products at competitive prices. Visitors can find cult favorites like Canmake and Kose Sekkisei, as well as affordable makeup brands like Mandom and Ettusais.

Drugstores also offer a variety of masks from leading brands like Hada Labo, Senka, and Shiseido.

Matsumoto Kiyoshi

Matsumoto Kiyoshi is one of Japan’s major pharmacy chains and a popular destination for beauty enthusiasts. It offers a wide range of beauty items, including skincare, cosmetics, and hair care products.

The store is known for its low pricing and frequent specials and promotions, making it a favorite among thrifty consumers. Its aisles and counters are well-organized and make for an easy shopping experience.

You can easily find these drugstores everywhere across Tokyo and Japan.

3 . Specialty Shops

Tokyo is home to several specialty shops that cater to specific beauty needs, ranging from traditional shops to more modern and trendy boutiques. Some of the best ones are below.

@Cosme

@Cosme is one of the largest beauty product review websites in Japan and also operates an e-commerce platform. It offers a wide variety of Japanese and international beauty brands, along with a large selection of skincare, makeup, hair care, and fragrance products.

Beside their huge online shopping presence, @Cosme has a few physical stores as well. Their largest and most impressive flagship store in located in Harajuku, Tokyo, provides an interactive environment for customers to try out products, personalized skincare advices, and the must-have products recommended by fellow enthusiasts.

Make sure to check out popular and highly rated products that suits your needs by using their amazing customer reviews and rankings.

DHC Stores

If you have decided that you want to shop for DHC skincare products (You should! They are amazing!), then this specific tip is FOR YOU.

Unlike other Japanese skincare products which can be found almost everywhere you go in Japan, only some DHC products are offered widely in big department stores, retail stores (Bic Camera, Yodobashi, etc.), pharmacies, or drug stores. This is what I have observed after the pandemic.

So, if you want a shop that has all of their products, Google ‘DHC store’, and you will find the nearest DHC skincare booth or shop to you. Most of these shops or booths are in a large department store, so it is very easy to find them.

And the staff there is very friendly, knowledgeable, and can help you choose the perfect product for you skincare needs.

This is the best and most time-efficient way to find your favorite DHC skincare product, at the same time avoid going from place to place to hunt for a specific item.

TIP # 1 : There are 14 DHC stores spread out in the Tokyo area, so you can find the nearest one very easily depending on where you stay at (Ginza, Toshima City, Hachioji, Adachi City, Ota, Chifu, etc.).

There are DHC stores in other non-Tokyo regions as well. Google Maps will be your best way to find the most convenient one.

Other skincare products can be found mostly everywhere, so you won’t need to worry much about finding them.

Bic Camera

Bic Camera, my all-time favorite, is a renowned electronics and lifestyle retail store. It offers a wide range of products, including electronics, gadgets, appliances, cameras, cosmetics, beauty appliances and tools, medicine and supplements, household appliances, and more.

Each type of goods, including Cosmetics and Beauty, has its own floor, and is organized and spread out with hundreds of amazing and reasonable priced products.

At Bic Camera, customers can expect an extensive selection of top-quality brands, competitive prices, and knowledgeable staff readily available to assist with any questions. They have English and other foreign language-speaking staff to help tourists as well.

The store provides a one-stop destination for tech enthusiasts, shoppers seeking lifestyle products, and anyone looking for quality goods in a convenient and efficient shopping environment.

Skinholic

Skinholic is a specialty shop located in Koreatown that offers a wide range of Korean beauty brands. If you’re a fan of K-beauty products, this is the perfect place to indulge in your cravings.

The store carries staple Korean beauty brands like Tony Moly, It’s Skin, Innisfree, Etude House, Mizon, and Beauty of Joseon.

The products are conveniently sorted by category, allowing you to compare similar products from different brands side by side.

Tips for a Successful Shopping Experience

Want to create a Japanese skin care routine that works for your needs, and get a list of the BEST AFFORDABLE Japanese skincare products in the market? Read my “Your Guide to Japanese Skin Care, and The Best Affordable Products You Can’t Miss!” post here.

Here are some essential tips to make the most of your skincare and beauty shopping experience in Tokyo :

1 . Do Your Research

If you wait until you arrive at the store, you will be overwhelmed with the variety of products to pick, as well as having a hard time understanding enough Japanese to read product descriptions and labels.

Thus, before heading to the stores, research the brands and products that you’re interested in. Take note of the specific items you want to purchase, and save pictures of them to show store assistants if needed.

2 . Always Have Your Passport with You for Tax-Free Shopping

Many stores offer tax-free shopping for tourists to Japan. Generally, if you purchase 5,000 yen or more of skincare and beauty products, it’s tax-free! So make sure to bring your passport to take advantage of this benefit and save money on your purchases.

3 . Take As Much Time as You Need

Shopping for skincare and beauty products can be overwhelming, especially with the vast selection available in Tokyo.

Take your time to browse, swatch, test products on your skin, and explore different options. Enjoy the experience, it’s a very peaceful one!

4 . Ask for Help from Store Staff

Store staff in Tokyo are very polite, knowledgeable, and eager to assist. If you have any questions or need recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask for their assistance.

They can speak some English, provide valuable insights, and help you hunt down the perfect products for your needs.

5 . Compare Prices

While department stores offer a luxurious shopping experience, drugstores often provide more affordable options.

Compare prices at different stores to find the best deals and value for your money.

6 . Don’t Be Afraid to Try New Brands or Products

Tokyo is a hub for beauty innovation, so don’t be afraid to try new brands and products. You might discover hidden gems that become staples in your skincare and makeup routine.

This was what happened to me when I stumbled on Hada Labo, and it’s now one of my all-time favorites.

Want to know what some of the very best (yet inexpensive) Japanese sunscreen Japan has to offer, and where to buy them in Japan? Read my “The Best Japanese Sunscreens That Are Must-Haves and a Game-Changer to Your Skincare Routine” post here.

7 . Enjoy the Experience

Shopping for beauty products in Tokyo is not just about the purchases; it’s an exciting yet peaceful and immersive experience. It’s time spent alone with yourself. Embrace the joy of self-care and discovering new beauty finds.

If you have any questions or just want to share your own travel stories, I’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to reach out to me at evelyn@japanoncloudnine.com, and let’s chat. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post, and happy travels in Japan!

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