Japanese Beauty Products You Need!

Planning a trip to Japan? Or maybe you’ve been eyeing those dreamy Japanese beauty products that keep popping up all over your social feed? Whatever the case, this blog is your perfect starting point into the world of J-beauty. From skincare staples to cult-favorite makeup, I’ve rounded up the must-have products that will help you achieve that effortless, glowy look we all swoon over.

And yes — I’ve actually tried these products myself, so you’re not just getting some random list pulled off the internet. These are the real MVPs that have earned a permanent spot in my routine (and suitcase).

SKINCARE

“Every stunning makeup look starts with the right skin prep, and the best part? These budget-friendly products will give you the glow-up you deserve without breaking the bank.”

First: TONER

First, toner — it moisturizes your face and gives off that healthy glow from within. Japanese toners (often called lotions) are designed to hydrate and balance your skin, offering a refreshing boost of moisture without the dryness that some toners can leave behind due to being alcohol-heavy.

This is the “Hado-Labo Premium Gokujyun Toner”, my favorite toner I have ever tried, and I have finished 3 bottles of this. This toner is a game-changer, especially for dry or sensitive skin. The Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Lotion is packed with multiple types of hyaluronic acid that work together to deeply hydrate and lock in moisture. It’s designed to provide long-lasting hydration with a formula that penetrates the skin on multiple levels. The result is soft, plump, and radiant skin that feels balanced and refreshed. What I love about this one is its rich, slightly sticky texture, which makes it perfect for layering. It absorbs beautifully and leaves your skin feeling dewy without any greasy residue. Plus, it’s free from fragrances, alcohol, and colorants, making it gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin types.

There is a milk and lotion option : the lotion version is lightweight and perfect for daily hydration, leaving your skin smooth and dewy without feeling heavy. Meanwhile, the milk version is richer and more nourishing, ideal for very dry or dehydrated skin, providing extra moisture and a soft, supple finish. Personally, I prefer the lotion version as it’s lighter on the skin, but I’ve tried both, and honestly, they’re both incredibly moisturizing. If your skin is on the dry side like mine, the lotion will give you just the right amount of hydration without feeling too heavy. However, if your skin tends to be very dry, the milk version might be a better choice since it provides that extra layer of moisture.

Second: MOISTURIZER

After toner, the next step in prepping your skin for makeup is moisturizer. While some people might swear by using a serum next, the toner I recommended already provides that serum-like hydration, so we can skip straight to locking everything in with a good moisturizer. This step ensures your skin stays hydrated, smooth, and ready for makeup application.

Honestly, there is so much good Japanese moisturizer out in the market, each catering differently to each skin concern. But, in this blog, I will focus on recommending based on the two main skin types : oily and dry.

This is the “Sana Namerakahonpo Extra Moist Gel NC,” one of Japan’s favorite moisturizers, perfect for oily/combination skin. It’s formulated with fermented soybean milk and soy isoflavones, which deeply nourish and hydrate the skin, leaving it plump and smooth without any sticky residue. Additionally, it’s free from fragrances, parabens, and mineral oils, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Priced affordably, it’s a great choice for those seeking effective and budget-friendly skincare solutions.​

This is “Naturie Skin Conditioning Gel,” This gel is perfect if you’re looking for something that feels light, fresh, and gives your skin a nice hydration boost without weighing it down. Made with Job’s Tears (also known as Hatomugi), it helps calm and condition the skin while keeping it soft and comfortable throughout the day. The texture is smooth and cooling, almost like giving your skin a drink of water — and it sinks in fast, which is great if you’re layering other products or heading straight into makeup.

I actually picked this up originally to use on my body because I have pretty dry skin — but one day, I was rushing and needed something quick to moisturize before doing my makeup. This gel was sitting on my makeup desk, so I tried it on my face… and wow, I was seriously impressed. My makeup went on so smoothly, and my skin stayed hydrated all day without feeling greasy. The texture is super refreshing — lightweight and cooling — and it absorbs fast, which makes it perfect for layering under makeup.

Third: Sunscreen

Now that your skin is prepped and moisturized, it’s time for one of the most important steps — sunscreen. Even if you’re staying indoors or it’s cloudy outside, sunscreen is non-negotiable. It protects your skin from UV damage, helps prevent premature aging, and also creates a smooth base for makeup. The great thing about Japanese sunscreens is how many varieties there are to choose from; it just depends on what type of sunscreen you are looking for. My recommendations are going to be based on what most people usually look for in a sunscreen, which is basic everyday use and a tone-up/color-correcting sunscreen, which Japanese people love.

If you know anything about the Japanese beauty world, then you’ve definitely heard of “Biore Sunscreens” — the ones everyone raves about. And trust me, the hype is real. Biore offers several different formulas, but let’s talk about the star of the show: the Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence (yep, that’s the one in the picture above 👆). This sunscreen is a total game-changer. It’s super lightweight, blends in effortlessly with zero white cast, and doesn’t have that heavy, greasy feel a lot of sunscreens leave behind. It’s also fragrance-free, so it won’t clash with your skincare or makeup. Honestly, once you try it, you might forget you’re even wearing sunscreen — which is kind of the dream, right?

Another sunscreen I highly recommend is the “Skin Aqua Tone-Up UV Essence” — yep, the one I mentioned earlier. You can see the main three variations in the photo above; each one has a different tint designed to color-correct and brighten your complexion while still giving you solid sun protection.

Personally, I use the blue-yellow packaging on the left, which comes out as a soft green tone. It’s perfect for neutralizing redness, which I deal with pretty often. On days when I’m in a rush or just don’t feel like doing a full face of makeup, this is my go-to. It evens out my complexion, tones down the redness, and gives me SPF coverage all in one step. Super convenient, super effective, and honestly? A total lifesaver.

MAKEUP

“Now that your skin is prepped and glowing, let’s dive into the makeup products that will keep that fresh, dewy look all day long.”

PRIMER/COLOR CORRECTOR

While primer is totally optional, in Japanese makeup routines, it actually plays a pretty important role — especially tone-up and color-correcting primers. Rather than just prepping the skin for foundation, these primers are often used to subtly brighten, even out the complexion, or neutralize redness before any base makeup goes on. It’s all about enhancing your natural skin tone with as little product as possible, which fits perfectly with the minimal, fresh-faced look that J-beauty is known for.

This is one of my favorite makeup products in general, not just for primer. It is the “Pate Smooth Color Base” It has a soft-focus effect that helps minimize the look of pores and texture — perfect for that flawless-but-natural finish. Compared to other primers, it has the ability to do a little bit of everything: brighten, blur, and lightly color correct depending on the shade you choose (there is pink and green). Whether you’re trying to cancel out dullness or just want your skin to look a bit more awake, this primer sets the stage perfectly for any light foundation, BB cream, or cushion compact. Plus, it wears well throughout the day, helping your base stay put without feeling greasy or too matte.

Personally, I use the pink shade — and honestly, it’s one of my favorite makeup products ever. I struggle with redness that’s hard to fully cover, even with foundation or concealer. And when I do manage to cover it, my makeup can end up looking a little too heavy or cakey. But with the Pate Smooth Color Base, it’s a totally different story. It evens out my skin tone, cancels the redness, and smooths out texture so well that I often skip foundation and concealer altogether. On low-effort makeup days, this is all I use — and my skin still looks calm, radiant, and put-together.

FOUNDATION

Now, in everyday Japanese makeup, foundation is often optional. The focus is usually on achieving a natural, healthy glow — what many call the “mochi skin” look. Instead of full-coverage foundations, J-beauty leans toward lighter, more breathable options like BB creams, CC creams, or cushion foundations that let your skin breathe while enhancing its natural radiance. So just keep this in mind when checking out the products I’m recommending — or if you’re thinking about trying any Japanese foundation at all. If you’re into natural radiance and lightweight coverage, J-beauty might just be your new holy grail. 💖

My first recommendation is the “Shiseido Revital Essence Skin Glow Foundation,” This is a bit more on the expensive side compared to typical drugstore options, but if you’re looking to treat your skin and level up your base game, this is it! the holy grail of Japanese foundation, it delivers that radiant, glowy finish J-beauty is known for, while feeling super lightweight and skin-friendly.

The texture is lightweight and smooth, providing light to medium coverage with a luminous glow that feels fresh and refined. It’s perfect for those who prefer a polished, natural look — think dewy skin with a soft, hydrated finish. If you’re aiming for that signature J-beauty glow, this foundation is a must in your makeup collection

Another recommendation is the “Missha M Magic Cushion SPF50+/PA+++”, This cushion foundation is a budget-friendly gem that doesn’t compromise on quality. The formula provides buildable coverage, allowing you to achieve a natural, radiant finish that aligns perfectly with the J-beauty aesthetic. Similar to the Shiseido foundation, it’s lightweight and breathable, making it ideal for daily wear.​ It blends effortlessly and doesn’t cling to dry patches or feel cakey — perfect for fresh, natural makeup days.

It’s super popular — and for good reason, as one of the standout features is its high sun protection factor — SPF50+/PA+++ — which shields your skin from harmful UV rays. Additionally, it’s enriched with skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide and witch hazel extract, which help to brighten and soothe the skin while controlling excess oil. ​If you’re new to cushion foundations or just want something that combines quick, affordability, quality, and the coveted dewy finish, this one’s a no-brainer.

BLUSH

A good blush can make all the difference, The right formula brings warmth, dimension, and just the right touch of color to your skin — whether you’re going for a barely-there look or something a little more glowy. From silky powders to creamy textures and even luminous finishes with a hint of shimmer, there’s a blush out there to suit every mood, skin type, and makeup style.

In Japanese makeup, blush plays a much bigger role than just adding color. It’s often used to bring a natural warmth to the face, create a more youthful, fresh look, and subtly enhance facial features without heavy contouring or bronzing.

These are the prettiest pressed powder blushes ever, they are called “CANMAKE Powder Cheeks” and they look like hearts which are so cute. The formula is silky, buildable, and blends beautifully into the skin for a soft-focus, airbrushed finish. Some shades even have a subtle sheen that gives your cheeks a healthy glow without being glittery.

If you love a dewy, second-skin finish, this one’s for you. The “CANMAKE Cream Cheek” is super lightweight and blends like a dream — whether you’re using fingers or a sponge. It melts right into the skin and gives that youthful and smiley kind of flush. Best part? You can layer it under or over powder and it still looks good.

This one’s actually my personal favorite. The colors are gorgeous — fresh, flattering, and super wearable. It’s pigmented just enough to show up beautifully without being overwhelming, and it lasts all day. Works well over foundation, BB cream, or even bare skin. It’s seriously one of the most effortless blushes I’ve ever used.

For those who love a bit more ✨drama✨ or just want a luminous pop, the “Glow Fleur Cheeks — Glitter Type” is your match. It has the same beautiful pressed floral design, but with more shimmer. It gives your cheeks a pearly glow that catches the light without being over-the-top. Think of it as a blush and subtle highlighter in one.

POWDER (pressed powder)

In J-beauty, the focus is always on achieving natural, flawless skin that looks fresh and effortless. When it comes to setting makeup, pressed powders are a go-to product. Unlike heavy powders that can leave the skin looking cakey, J-beauty powders are all about creating a smooth, airbrushed finish while still allowing your skin to breathe. Whether you want a matte finish, a bit of luminosity, or a flawless blur, pressed powders in J-beauty give you a lightweight and natural finish that lasts all day.

If you’re looking for a flawless finish that’s lightweight and natural, the “CANMAKE Marshmallow Finish Powder” is a must-have. This powder is perfect for beginners because it’s super easy to apply and gives a gorgeous, airbrushed effect that blurs imperfections without any heaviness. It’s finely milled and gives your skin a velvety soft finish, making it feel like a second skin.

One of the things I love about this powder is how user-friendly it is. Whether you’re using a fluffy brush or the puff that comes with it, it blends beautifully and instantly sets your makeup. It’s not just about mattifying — it also gives your skin a soft, radiant look while keeping everything in place all day. CANMAKE Marshmallow Finish Powder comes in multiple shades, including variations that lighten the skin and brighten the complexion. This makes it a fantastic choice if you want to even out your skin tone or give your face that fresh, lit-from-within glow.

Plus, it has a decent-sized mirror inside the compact, making it super convenient for quick touch-ups throughout the day. Whether you’re at home or on the go, this added feature makes it easy to keep your makeup looking fresh and flawless.

This is the “Shiseido Baby Powder” which is a Japanese cult favorite and for a reason. Known for its ultra-soft texture, this pressed powder offers a smooth, velvety finish that works perfectly to set your makeup while maintaining that fresh, radiant look. It’s ideal for anyone who loves a soft-focus effect without feeling heavy on the skin.This powder is known for its ultra-fine texture that blends seamlessly, setting your makeup with a soft, matte finish — you can use it to set foundation, on bare skin, or even as a midday touch-up powder.

Without breaking the bank, It controls shine effectively without making your skin look dry or cakey, and it gives that clean, soft-focus look that J-beauty is known for.

MASCARA

When it comes to J-beauty, mascara isn’t just about volume or drama — it’s about enhancing your natural lashes in a way that looks soft, defined, and effortlessly pretty. The goal? Long, fluttery lashes that open up the eyes without clumping or weighing them down. Whether you’re going for a no-makeup makeup look or a more dolled-up vibe, the right mascara can tie everything together and give you that signature clean, fresh Japanese eye look. I’ve tried a lot of mascaras over the years — especially with my Asian lashes, which are naturally short, straight, and hard to curl. So when I say these next two are my personal holy grails, I really mean it. These mascaras not only hold a curl all day, but they also lengthen, define, and open up the eyes without feeling heavy or clumpy.

This is the “MAJOLICA MAJORCA Lash Expander,” hands down one of the best lengthening mascaras I’ve tried. It grabs onto every lash and stretches them out with these tiny fiber-like bristles (almost like lash extensions in a tube), giving you instant length that looks natural but still impactful. What I love most is how well it holds a curl — even on lashes that normally droop right after using a curler. It gives that lifted, wide-eyed effect and makes your lashes look fluttery and doll-like all day.

The brush is a thin, comb-like wand, which might take a second to get used to, but trust me — it makes all the difference. It lets you coat and separate each lash evenly without clumps, giving that clean, fanned-out finish that looks so soft and pretty. So if you have short, straight lashes like me, this mascara is a total game-changer.

This is the “CANMAKE Quick Lash Curler,” hands down one of my secret weapons when it comes to lashes. It’s a mascara and lash primer in one, and it does exactly what it promises: keeps your lashes curled all. day. long. Everytime I wore this mascara, my friends thought I was wearing falsies/fake lashes, because it literally lifts them from the root and locks that curl in place for hours. Plus, it somehow manages to make your lashes look so long and defined, even on its own.

The wand is a slim, curved comb, perfect for grabbing every lash — even the tiny ones in the corners — and making sure they’re fully coated. It’s also great for lower lashes, giving that separated, fluttery look without smudging or flaking. Whether you wear it alone or use it as a base, it’s a must-have for lashes that won’t stay curled.

Thanks for Reading 💕

I hope this little J-beauty roundup helps you find your next makeup fave (or three). Whether you’re going for soft and natural or a little extra glam, there’s something magical about Japanese products that just gets it.

If you’ve got a favorite I didn’t mention, spill the tea in the comments — I’m always on the hunt for more beauty gems ✨

Stay glowing, stay soft, and I’ll see you in the next post 💋

With love & a pop of blush,

Your Glow Up Sister 💋

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