Don’t leave Japan without these skincare staples

2 weeks ago 6

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This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

From someone who's been there a lot

Most of us have that one friend who always brings home quirky snacks, cute stationery, or those limited-edition KitKats from their Japan trip. In my friend groups, that friend is me.

I’ve been lucky enough to visit Japan eight times, and I still get excited like it’s my first with each trip. Every visit, I find myself falling in love with the little details: The convenience stores, the way the simplest products feel well-made, and the sheer variety of stuff you can find. I’ve brought home books, plushies, skincare, and even once splurged on a Tokyo haircut (10/10, by the way).

Over the years, I’ve also developed a soft spot for Japanese drugstore skincare products. I always make space for both new products and refills in my luggage. They’re effective and affordable. They may not scream “souvenir,” but these beauty finds are underrated pasalubongs.

Are they all a hit? Well, not really. Some of these come with a lot of hype, but others have really become a part of my routine that I buy refills for when I come back. But if you’ve regularly explored Japanese skincare forums and websites, you know the ones that are always recommended as “holy grails.”

It’s tricky because “holy grail” products aren’t supposed to be one-size-fits-all, especially when it comes to your personal health and beauty. What works for you might not for me, but that’s also what makes skincare so interesting.

In particular, Japanese skincare focuses on gentle, nourishing ingredients that are easy on the skin barrier. If that’s something you’re looking for, then these products might do you some good.

The best part is that you don’t actually need to go to Japan to get these finds, because they’re readily available online.

Quick note: Consult a dermatologist before trying new skincare unfamiliar with your skin type. What works for others might not work for your skin type. These recos are solely based on popularity and price.