Japanese beauty may not get as much attention as its Korean counterpart, but products from this Far East island country are well worth a look—and space in your medicine cabinet. While Korean beauty routines place an emphasis on as many as 10 steps that require different products for each, the Japanese approach focuses more on ritual and application technique with fewer products to garner great results. Here, a few of our top Japanese imports other than sushi and sake.
The brand: Tatcha
The star product: Camellia Gold Spun Lip Balm
The celebrity fans: Meghan Markle, Chrissy Teigen, Kate Bosworth
Based on Japanese beauty secrets that have been passed down from generation to generation, Tatcha takes an elegant approach to science-driven skincare. The foundation of the line is an ingredient called Hadasei-3, which is inspired by the Japanese diet’s trifecta of anti-aging superfoods: Green tea, rice and algae. The formulations are a treat for the skin—and the beautiful packaging begs to be displayed.
The brand: Shiseido
The star product: Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 50+
The celebrity fans: Ashley Olsen, Allison Williams, Gabrielle Union
Shiseido’s story begins with the opening of Japan’s first Western-style pharmacy in 1872, and more than just a skincare and cosmetics brand, the company has grown to become an international beauty conglomerate since. Driven by research since its founding, the range features products for every skin type and concern under the sun, including aging, acne, discoloration, redness and more. You can even take this simple quiz to discover which Shiseido products are ideal for you.
The brand: SK-II
The star product: Facial Treatment Essence
The celebrity fans: Emma Stone, Katie Holmes, Cate Blanchett
SK-II’s signature ingredient was discovered by accident (as many of the best are) when scientists noticed the soft, youthful hands of older sake brewers. As it turns out, the rice fermentation process yields a liquid rich in amino acids, vitamins and minerals that is now known as Pitera—and this ingredient is the secret to SK-II’s amazing results. The brand is also big on ritual (think geishas and their tea ceremonies) and promotes cleanse/tone, treat, target, eye care and moisturize as the essential steps.
The brand: Shu Uemura
The star product: Cleansing Oils
The celebrity fans: Katy Perry, Liv Tyler, Marilyn Monroe
Founded by Japanese makeup artist Shu Uemura more than 50 years ago, the brand has grown to include skincare, haircare and must-have makeup. With a philosophy of simplicity that blends nature, science and art, the products are formulated with gentle ingredients including mineral-rich seawater and Asian botanicals. In addition to the cult-favorite cleansing oils, the customizable makeup palettes should definitely be on your shopping list.
The brand: DHC
The star product: Deep Cleansing Oil
The celebrity fans: Lucy Hale, Emma Watson, FKA twigs
DHC was born in the 1970s when a businessman decided to combine traditional Japanese herbology with the benefits of organic Spanish olive oil to create advanced antioxidant-rich skincare formulations. The company believes in a philosophy of wabi-sabi, which is finding beauty in imperfection—and helping customers love their skin. In addition to this uncommon way of thinking (especially in the beauty world), DHC also makes a progressive statement with primarily female leadership.
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