Beauty holiday destination #2: Japan

Sorry for the delay with this one (mainly hindered by my inability to read Japanese), here's what to look for if you're jetting off to Japan (and if you are, I'm jealous!)...

Shisedio and Shu Uemura are the obvious ones, but Shisedio also owns many budget and department store brands including Za, Whitia, IPSA and 5S.

Other brands to look out for in Japan include Anna Sui, Jil Stuart, Emma, Kate, Kao, Lavshuca, Kose, Sofina and Kanebo (I've heard especially good things about Kate and Lavshuca). Apparently Skinfood in Korea is good, and Baby Pink and LipIce are glossy lipglosses from Hong Kong.

Further reading for Japan bound beauty addicts: A Touch of Blusher has a wealth of knowledge and a read through her archives will help you find the brands I've no doubt missed out (like that Sony CP, yes that Sony, lipgloss she featured previously), Beaut.ie recently reported on their trip to Japan. Rouge Deluxe is a blog solely devoted to Japanese beauty brands, and Tokyo Mango has general weird and wonderful finds from the city.

Thanks to Emily Tan and TPS for their invaluable comments!

Still to come: How to buy all these products without leaving the country.

Like that? Try this: Beauty Holiday Destination #1: USA | Oh so pretty pick of the week: Jil Stuart | Brand IQ: Suqqu | Japanese 24 Karat Gold Facial

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Comments

You're missing out a really big one: Shiseido Majolica Majorca. (http://www.shiseido.co.jp/mj/) Their 15x Lash Expander mascara is incredible, and they have tonnes of pretty eyeshadows and other stuff too.

Posted by: germaine | August 17, 2007 5:09 PM

Don't forget Jill Stuart! It's extremely pretty, and luxurious. T'estimo is great too. Visiting Japan next year - it is going to be the shopping extravaganza! (Make up wise). Even the drugstore and cheap end Japanese cosmetics are better than the expensive stuff we have over here...

Posted by: Row | August 17, 2007 5:55 PM

omg there's a brand called emma?!

Posted by: Emma | August 17, 2007 7:35 PM

Hi!
I had visited Japan one month ago, and till now I can't stop thinking about this great country. The shopping was amazing. And all the products from shiseido in hotels to all brands in Ginza megashops, like Matzuya and Wako are so interesting... When I was living I tried to get it all with me.

Posted by: Olga | August 18, 2007 1:54 PM

I agree with the first comment "Majolica Majorca" is one of the best cosmetic brands i ever used. I really like Japanese cosmetics because the color looks perfect on the skin and the smell especially for Anna Sui, it smells really good that i want to eat it!!!!. If anyone sees those brands up their, don't forget to try them. They are the best.

Posted by: Amelia | August 18, 2007 2:39 PM

My current favorites are Jill Stuart and Lavshuca.

Majolica Majorca and Kate seem to be many people's drugstore favorites as well...

It is interesting that you mentioned Shiseido's drugstore brands ZA and Whitia. They are less known than Majolica Majorca but well-known in Asia nonetheless. ZA is my personal foundation favorite and one of my friends happens to love Whitia foundations.

One minor thing: I could be totally wrong, but I think Shiseido's 5S has been discontinued. It is a pity, since they had some nice things...

Posted by: PJ | August 19, 2007 1:30 AM

Anna Sui isn't a Japanese brand, it's American. She's Chinese American. But it's true that this particular brand is very popular in East Asia.

Posted by: R | August 19, 2007 8:54 PM

Also RMK and Ayura. They are Japanese brands as well.

Posted by: Sandy | August 19, 2007 10:45 PM

I guess it depends on how people look at it, R. The Anna Sui fashion brand is undoubtedly American. But Anna Sui Cosmetics (not including fragrances) has always been developed and produced in Japan since its launch. (I believe it was first launched in Japan as well.) In many ways, Anna Sui Cosmetics is essentially a Japanese brand.

It is a bit like Jill Stuart. The overall identity (research, development, production, marketing) of her cosmetics line is Japanese even though Jill Stuart is American...

Posted by: PJ | August 19, 2007 11:58 PM

Thank you for all the corrections! Like I said, I'm certainly no expert on this subject, although I'm definitely getting more interested.

As PJ pointed out, I've also missed out Paul and Joe, SUQQU and RMK (like Sandy also mentioned).

Any more mistakes/omissions welcomed!

Posted by: Charlotte | August 20, 2007 9:29 AM

the jill stuart stuff is AMAZING, absolutely beautiful packaging wise, and the prices are decent as well. The anna sui stands are a thing of joy and wonder and I saw quite a few sonia rykiel counters too with amazing colours. The cheapy stuff is wonderful too - all the convenience stores carry brilliant stuff, and stock up on super-cheap stuff from Muji like blotting papers, pencil parers etc.

Now I want to go back.

Posted by: kirstie | August 20, 2007 7:37 PM

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