I love America, but our oldest and best kept traditions are only a couple hundred years old. The best Japanese beauty products, on the other hand, are grounded in Japanese beauty secrets that date back centuries. Hundreds of years of skin care knowledge have led to an explosion of genius ingredients and innovative formulas that, until recently, were nearly impossible to get your hands on stateside.
Asian beauty companies are currently at the forefront of the skin care and beauty game, and thanks to the internet, the rest of the world is finally jumping on the bandwagon. Japan in particular is known for its trend-setting looks, which is why certain products have started to pick up a cult following on sites like YouTube and Reddit. Many Japanese products also contain plant-based natural ingredients (which is something I can definitely get on board with), and the vast majority of them are suitable for even the most sensitive skin.
Best of all, since Amazon is the greatest retailer ever IMO, you can finally get these foreign gems shipped straight to your door. If you're looking to add something different to your skin care regimen, check out these amazing Japanese beauty products that are backed up by hundreds of glowing reviews.
1These DIY Sheet Masks You Can Use With Your Favorite Toner, Serum, Or Even Tea
MUJI Compressed Face Mask Sheets (20 Pack), $7, Amazon
Japanese skin care guru, Chizu Saeki, recommends doing a lotion mask for three minutes per day, every day. If you haven't heard of a lotion mask, it's a popular Japanese skin care ritual that involves soaking cotton pads in your favorite toner — which are called "lotions" in Japan — and applying them to the face and neck area. These Compressed Face Mask Sheets make lotion masks beyond simple.
The compressed masks look like a tablet, but expand into full-size sheet masks with the same eye, nose, and mouth holes that you're used to seeing when soaked in liquid. Place these DIY sheet masks in your favorite toner, serum, or even get creative with ingredients like green tea or coconut oil for an easy at-home facial!
2This Extremely Gentle Hydrating Toner That Leaves Skin Dewy
Imyu Hatomugi Skin Conditioner (Toner), 500ml, $12, Amazon
Toner is a standard step in any Asian skin care routine, but it's a also a step that's often neglected or deemed unnecessary in the U.S. Many Western toners contain harsh ingredients that can dry out and irritate the skin, which exacerbates conditions like acne or chronic dryness.
Asian toners, however, are meant to hydrate the skin by preventing moisture from evaporating after cleansing. Some also contain mild exfoliating acids that allow the products applied after your toner to be better received by the skin. The Hatomugi Skin Conditioner is a crowd favorite because it leaves the skin dewy and hydrated, without feeling oily or sticky. Many reviewers labeled this toner as an amazing dupe for the popular Albion Essential Skin Conditioner, which retails for 10 times the price.
3Wash Away Makeup, Build-Up, And Sebum With This Cleansing Oil
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, $26, Amazon
While it might seem counter-intuitive to wash your face with oil, this DHC Deep Cleansing Oil has a cult following for a reason. It uses skin-loving oils that bind to makeup, residue, and sebum, washing it all down the drain much more easily than your average cleanser — which makes it a great choice for all skin types, even acne-prone. It's also loaded with nutrients and vitamins, to help your skin stay healthy, balanced, and breakout-free.
4These Travel-Friendly Powder Face Cleansers That Come Individually Packaged
Kanebo Suisai Beauty Clear Powder (32 Pack), $22, Amazon
The Kanebo Suisai Beauty Clear Powder is a gentle but thorough cleanser that comes in powder form. Each set has 32 little individual packages that remove oil, makeup, and build-up, and are a cult favorite because they leave skin feeling soft and fresh. They're also especially convenient while traveling or if you're afraid of leaking liquids.
5This Sunscreen That Leaves Skin Silky Smooth And Matte
Shiseido Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen, $71, Amazon
This Shiseido Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen is waterproof and guards against both UVA and UVB rays with SPF 50 protection. It's also infused with hyaluronic acid to ensure that skin is hydrated and soothed, and people say it leaves your face and body silky smooth and matte instead of oily.
6These Unbelievably Soft Cotton Squares That Will Make You Wonder How You Ever Used Ones From The Pharmacy
MUJI Facial Cotton, 180 pieces, $8, Amazon
Cotton pads are one of the handiest and most under-appreciated beauty tools. You'll need them for applying toner, micellar water, essence, or makeup remover — and they make fixing makeup mishaps way easier. And if you're thinking that all cotton squares and rounds are created equal, you definitely haven't tried a good one yet!
These incredibly popular cotton facial pads are thin enough not to absorb all of your product, soft enough not to cause skin irritation, and they won't leave those annoying white fuzzies all over your face like some other brands do.
7This Soap Made From Activated Charcoal
SUMI HAIGOU Settuken Charcoal Bar Soap, $9, Amazon
Incredible when it comes to oily skin or breakouts, the SUMI HAIGOU Settuken Charcoal Bar Soap uses activated charcoal to pull impurities out from your pores and absorb excess sebum. This one comes in a pack of three, and even though it has a clean scent and a mild lather, it won't leave your skin feeling dry or flaky.
8This Huge Box Of Sheet Masks For A Dewy, Glowing Complexion
LuLuLun Rich Moisture Face Masks (32 Pack), $24, Amazon
People are absolutely in love with these LuLuLun Rich Moisture Face Masks. They come in a pack of 32 and have 12 moisturizing ingredients that help promote elasticity, heal dry skin, and leave you with a dewy, glowing complexion. They also come individually wrapped, pre-soaked, and complete with eye and mouth holes.
9A Thick Lather To Protect Skin While Thoroughly Cleansing It
Shiseido Perfect Whip Cleanser, $7, Amazon
People are flipping over this Shiseido Perfect Whip Cleanser, which creates a luxurious lather that protects skin while it's being washed. It's an awesome option for those with dry, acne-prone skin, because it cleans impurities while remaining gentle. "I was expecting to like this, but am very taken aback at how much I LOVE it," says one reviewer. "The texture allows it to sink deep enough into skin to really cleanse thoroughly and clear away any makeup without drying out your skin."
10This Extremely Nourishing Oil From The Camellia Flower
Oshima Tsubaki Camellia Oil, $16, Amazon
Considered one of the most well-rounded all purpose oils in Japan, this Oshima Tsubaki Camellia Oil is made from pure oil from the camellia flower and is totally packed with nutrients and oleic acids. It can be used to clean or condition hair, but it also makes for an awesome moisturizer for dry, sensitive skin.
11Gently Exfoliate Even The Most Sensitive Skin
Natural Aqua Gel Cure, $26, Amazon
Called Japan's number one exfoliator, Natural Aqua Gel Cure uses natural plant extracts to remove dead skin and clogged pores without any harsh chemicals. It's great for sensitive skin, and instead of making dry skin dryer, it's actually surprisingly moisturizing. "This is a miracle product!" says one reviewer. "My skin has been baby smooth and this has also helped clear some of my acne by getting rid of the buildup of gunk and dead skin on my face."
12If You're Looking For Length, Curl, Definition, And Hours Of Wear, This Is Your Mascara
Isehan Kiss Me Heroine Make Waterproof Mascara, $10, Amazon
Easily one of the most popular mascaras, Isehan Kiss Me Heroine Make Waterproof Mascara is extremely voluminous and insanely waterproof. It's the best option if you're looking for definition, length, and curl, and reviewers are saying it goes on easy, stays separated without clumps, and can outlast any amount of sweat or oil.
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