10 Japanese Drugstore Beauty Products That Actually Work
Japan’s beauty brands aren’t here to play around! Their cosmetics are renowned all over the world for their high quality and innovation technology. With top notch brands like Shiseido and SK-II remaining strong contenders in the beauty industry after so many decades, it is no wonder that Japan is one of the top leaders in this market!
But these luxury brands may not come cheap as well...so we’ve compiled 10 of our favourite drugstore beauty products that are just as effective but still affordable. To check out our list of tried-and-tested recommendations that won’t break the bank, just continue reading!
1. Canmake Cream Cheek | $12.90
Photo credits: Canmake
These cream blushes work wonders. Their unique gel-type formula melts seamlessly on to your skin but dries immediately after application, creating a smooth texture that stays on the whole day!
This is a match made in heaven for those who shy away from thick makeup, as the blush sits lightly on your skin without clogging your pores like heavier cream blushes or fading away like powder blushes. The best thing is that you no longer have to reapply your blush throughout the day because it stays on so well. Personally, for us with combination to oily skin, it works well in both cold and humid countries, ensuring a flawless look even in different weathers.
Additionally, these are so easy to apply with your fingers and they can easily be blended out for a more day-to-day look or built upon for slightly more oomph (without looking too cakey). Either way, they give you the prettiest, most radiant flush that makes you look as if you are naturally glowing from within.
Canmake has also released up to 25 different shades of this blush, so you can play around to find the perfect combination for your skin tone and to suit a variety of looks.
Given their amazing creamy formulation and their long-lasting quality, these Canmake Cream Cheeks are definitely a steal at only $12.90 a piece. Or if you’re headed to Japan, they can be found in stores at an even lower price of ¥580 (~$7.50 SGD), so don’t forget to grab one for yourself!
Where to find in Singapore: Tokyu Hands ($12.90) or Watsons ($14.90)
2. Unicharm Silcot Organic Uru-Uru Sponge | $2.90
Photo credits: Unicharm
If you think that all cotton pads are the same, you obviously haven’t discovered these ones from Unicharm!
At first glance, these cotton pads may seem stiff or rough to the touch. However, they actually feel extremely soft and smooth on your face! Needless to say, this is because they are made up of 100% organic cotton, which ensures that no harmful synthetic materials are coming near your face. In fact, the sturdiness of it actually prevents random cotton residue from sticking to your face when applying toner or removing makeup, allowing for a quick and fuss-free experience.
Perhaps what awed us the most about these cotton pads is that as advertised, it really uses up less product as compared to your usual cotton pads!
Because the typical cotton pad is thicker and fluffier, a lot of product is absorbed into the many layers instead of being transferred to your skin. But this is not the case for these Unicharm Silcot cotton pads, which are absorbent enough to pick up products well but thin enough to prevent excess wastage.
Reducing our toner usage from 3-5 drops to 1 drop per day has been the best cost-cutting miracle ever. Despite the slightly more expensive cost of these cotton pads, it helps to save money on facial products in the long run, making it a worthy deal.
Where to find in Singapore: Cold Storage, Watsons or NTUC Fairprice ($2.90)
3. Kao MegRhythm Steam Eye Mask | $6.50
Photo credits: Kao
Whether you’re feeling tired from staring at your screen the entire day or you simply want to indulge yourself in a little pamper session, this eye mask is perfect for you. Adopting the same technology designed for disposable heat pads, this eye mask heats up gradually upon opening of the package, with the temperature peaking at a comfortable 40 degrees Celsius. When worn, it provides a calming experience that instantly relaxes both your body and your mind.
The mild steam produced also helps to moisten and soothe the eye area, reducing any puffiness and alleviating any tension from behind your eyes. Together with your scent of choice (lavender-sage, chamomile-ginger, fresh rose, yuzu citrus, unscented, et cetera), it feels like a mini spa session, even when you’ve only rested your eyes.
For only $6.50, this box of 5 eye masks offers an extremely inexpensive but surprisingly delightful getaway from your daily stresses, which feels especially well-deserved after a day’s worth of hard work. So treat yourself today with these Kao MegRhythem Steam Eye Masks!
Where to find in Singapore: Tokyu Hands, Guardian, Watsons or NTUC Fairprice ($6.50)
4. Kobayashi Seiyaku Acne Care Spray (Back & Chest) | $17
Photo credits: Kobayashi
If you struggle with acne/rashes on your back or chest, we’ve got you covered. After discovering the Kobayashi Seiyaku Acne Care Spray in Japan, we’ve never looked back!
Our experience with the usual acne creams have largely been unsatisfactory because they are either “too strong”, which has made our condition worse, or are difficult to apply since they physically require you to reach every corner of your back. With this acne spray, application is now easier and faster than ever. A few seconds of spraying and you’re done!
But what completely won us over was the actual effectiveness of the spray. With consistent use over time, this acne spray guarantees visible results. Containing ingredients such as salicyclic acid, which thoroughly cleanses and nourishes skin, as well as allantoin, which moisturises and minimizes redness, it helps to unblock pores and prevent oil buildup for overall smoother skin.
After trying it out for ourselves, we have become fully convinced of its amazing properties! The usual small red or black dots on our backs became lighter and less visible over time, while the big red bumps started to reduce in number. Furthermore, it works especially well on acne containing pus, which usually heal and disappear after 2 consecutive days of day and night application.
This was after a few months of using the acne spray! You can now go about rocking your backless tops and dresses with the confidence of a runway model 😉
In Japan, this acne spray can be obtained for around $15 SGD in pharmacy stores, which are so common that you can find one on almost every street. However, if you’re not planning to travel there any time soon, fret not as these can be found online as well. Simply click on the link below to get yours!
Where to find in Singapore: Shopee (usual price $29, sale price $17)
5. Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Nino Cure Skin Cream | $18.20
Photo credits: Kobayashi
Another product recommendation for our fellow readers out there with sensitive skin is the Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Nino Cure Skin Cream. Created by the same company behind the Seiyaku Acne Care Spray (Back & Chest), this cream aims to heal Keratosis Pilaris, redness or rashes on the arms.
Wanting to eradicate this problem, we went on a hunt to search for the one product that would finally ease our minds. At the advice of a Japanese pharmacist, we purchased this cream and to our amazement, found that it actually works well! Applying just a small amount diligently every night goes a long way in ensuring that you will achieve your clear and smooth skin goals in the long run.
Though still not perfect, we are thoroughly blown away by the results on our arms! After constant application, our rashes have significantly subsided, as seen in this picture.
Again, this product can be found in common pharmacies around Japan for about $18 SGD. To purchase it from Singapore, just click the link below!
Where to find in Singapore: Shopee (usual price $28, sale price $18.20)
6. AVANCÉ Lash Serum Ex | $26
Photo credits: AVANCÉ
This lash serum is a holy grail product that we cannot live without. The results it gives are astounding.
Formulated with active ingredients like silk essence, hyaluronic acid and pantothenic acid, this lash serum helps to nurture existing eyelashes, speed up hair growth, and overall nourish the health of your lashes. Simply applying it every day slowly strengthens your lashes and gives it an evidently thicker and fuller look! Even putting on a coat before your layer of mascara helps to protect them from the harsh and damaging effects that the long-term use of eyelash curlers and mascara can impart.
Additionally, it not only works on the lashes, but also on the brows. After trying it out for only a few days on our originally sparse eyebrows, the growth on them is already extremely impressive! There is a major difference before and after usage, and I can only imagine what the continued use of this serum can do for our lashes and brows.
If you want your very own fix of healthier and longer lashes, you can get the AVANCÉ Lash Serum Ex from the link below. There’s a reason this lash serum is so highly raved about in Japan!
Where to find in Singapore: Shopee ($26)
7. Saborino Morning Facial Sheet Mask | $21.90
Photo credits: Saborino
If you want your skin to instantly feel hydrated and refreshed, just pop one of these on in the morning for 60 seconds! Made to cleanse, tone and prime your skin in just one minute, these masks are such a cheap and quick hack to bring a little brightness back to your face.
One of our favourite things about these masks are that they have a pleasant minty sensation that immediately perks up your skin even after a rough night out. Simply putting one on before your usual skincare routine makes such a difference. Right away, your skin feels softer, dewier and plumper.
These masks are also optimally designed for their purpose. They are smaller in size compared to typical ones, which we find are often too big for most people. The cotton feels rather thick and substantial, allowing the mask to adhere well to your skin. This is unlike most face masks which are flimsy and loaded with too much essence. Because this mask is intended to be worn for only a short amount of time, it avoids excess liquid, which makes for a neat and convenient experience.
Furthermore, this brand may appeal to those who are more environmentally-conscious since one package contains either 28 or 32 sheets (depending on the type), which can last up to a month if used daily! This drastically reduces our waste compared to purchasing individually-packaged face masks. The packaging is also resealable in order to prevent the face masks from drying out.
Overall, these Saborino Morning Facial Sheet Masks provide more bang for your buck. At a much lower price per sheet, your skin can still feel instantly rejuvenated and better than before.
8. Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ | $18.90
Photo credits: Bioré
There is no debate surrounding the importance of daily sunscreen application, even if you’re staying indoors the whole day. Research has shown the benefits towards the overall health and appearance of your skin! Choosing one that suits your individual skin type, however, takes time.
The high water content of this milky formula effectively hydrates your skin while keeping oil at bay, ideal for those with oily or acne-prone skin. Its gel-like consistency also ensures that it glides on smoothly without any stickiness or greasiness, allowing your makeup to set in perfectly for a radiant and flawless look!
This product is very much a fan favourite in Japan, as its advanced micro defense formula ensures that the sunscreen stays on despite any perspiration or sebum. It is lightweight and breathable, leaving a slight sheen on your face without being too slick. Moreover, it instantly moisturises and refreshes your skin for a natural, dewy finish.
In addition, it does not give off any white cast when applied and its light citrusy smell of white muguet is pleasant but does not linger on the skin. Most importantly, its UV protection properties are splendid, as a single layer of sunscreen can last you an entire day out on the beach without giving you a tan at all!
9. Kiss Me Heroine Make Long and Curl Mascara Advanced Film | $21.90
Photo credits: Heroine Make
This mascara is well-known in Japan for being a reliable and trustworthy mascara despite its cheap price. And for good reason! It is well-rounded, helping in lengthening and curling. It is also long-lasting, waterproof and smudge-proof, and it lives up to its name.
Having lived with pin-straight lashes that constantly droop downwards, most mascaras have failed to pass the test throughout our makeup journeys, as they are usually only able to maintain the curl for less than 30 minutes before they start being impacted by gravity. This, however, has helped our lashes last for hours on countless occasions! It is so light that it can hold a curl well without dragging your lashes down. It also contains microfibres that cling to your lashes, helping to naturally elongate them.
This was only after one coat of mascara!
However, a slight drawback is that it is prone to clumping. A tip to overcome this is simply to wipe off excess mascara on the wand before applying! This prevents your eyelashes from looking spidery and allows for smoother and more even application.
Overall, this Heroine Make Long and Curl Mascara has easily been granted our seal of approval. With its magical lifting ability that lasts the whole day, there is a reason why this mascara is so popular in Japan.
Where to find in Singapore: Watsons ($21.90)
10. Cogit Easy Styler USB Sugar Roll | $27
Photo credits: Cogit
Powered by a USB charger or a portable power bank, this mini hair roller is a handy tool for curling your hair on the go. As it heats up very gradually, it can be left on while doing your skincare or makeup, which saves you ample time.
While it definitely does not work as well as your usual hair curler and is not that cheap either, it is still an option to consider when you’re out and about. Its small size and convenience allows you to easily bring it around for touch ups, giving you naturally wavy hair whenever you want.
Do note that this Easy Styler USB Sugar Roll works best for short pieces of hair such as your fringe or the pieces framing your face! It can be bought for ¥ 1600 (~$21 SGD) in Japan in convenience stores and is an alternative for when you’re in a rush.
Where to find in Singapore: Tokyu Hands ($27)
Psst, still eager to learn more about Japanese beauty products? Stay tuned and follow our socials for more news about an exciting article coming soon, where we give our personal reviews on 10 Japanese beauty facial masks! I heard that there’s even a giveaway in the works…😉
We’d love to hear more from you!
Have any top beauty products you’d like us to feature/share your reviews on? Just pop us an e-mail at hello@nani.sg 👋
