What are the major cosmetic brands?
There are many Japanese cosmetic brands. The most famous ones are Shiseido and SKII, but there are more.
- Shiseido
- SKII
- Kao Sophina
- Kanebo
- Albion
- Kose
- Pola
*Pola and Shiseido both have own R&D. They are rather expensive but really effective.
Affordable makeup/ Drug store cosmetics
There are even more affordable makeup brands. Some are sub brand of major brands: Integrate (Shiseido), Kate (Kanebo), Visee (KOSE) So they have good quality but price range is more affordable.
- MUJI –Muji has great toner and lotion.
- Integrate (Shiseido)
- Kate (Kanebo)
- CANMAKE — CANMAKE “Marshmallow Finish Powder” is really popular among young people
- Visee (KOSE)
- CEZANNE
- EXCEL — “eye shadow palette” is really popular.
Depa-Cos vs Puchi-Pura
Depa-Cos is short for Department Cosmetics. Puchi-Pura is short for Pettite Price Cosmetics.
Some people use luxury brand cosmetics in series.For example, the most luxurious series is Cle de Peau by Shiseido. Their line can get quite expensive. But they are really effective. Other Depa-Cos brands are SKII.
Puchi-Pura are popular with younger generation. Their price range is more affordable so it is good to try new colors with Puchi-Pura Cosmetics. In general, Japanese Puchi-Pura Cosmetics are good quality because we have quite strict rules on cosmetics.
Where to buy cosmetics?
For Depa-Cos, Department stores such as Isetan, Mitsukoshi or Takashimaya. They are generally on 1st floor. (In Isetan Shinjuku, some brands are on 2nd floor) At Department stores, there is a counter with Beauty Advisers (BA) and you can try them. IN popular brands, on busy time (such as weekends) you may have to wait.
For BPuchi-Pura Cosmetics, you can buy at drug stores such as “Matsumoto Kiyoshi”, “AINZ & TULPE”, “Sun Drug” or discount stores such as “Don Quijote”. For MUJI products, please find them at MUJI shop on.
You can also find cosmetics at shops like PLAZA, Its demo where many girls go.
The largest cosmetic shop is “@Cosme Tokyo” in Harajuku. In this shop, you can find both Depa-Cos and Puchi-Pura Cosmetics. If you would like to see both at one place, it’s a good place to go.
Special Collection
In Depa-Cos brands, they often have special collection during holiday seasons. They often have special packages and if you buy certain amounts, there are gifts. They are limited edition so if you have your favorite Japanese brands, you should look out their ads and posts.
Buying Cosmetics Tax-Free
If you buy Cosmetics at Tax-Free shops (Shops that has Tax-Free shops. If you cannot find the sticker, ask the shop before you pay), if you buy more than 5,000 yen before tax in one shop and show your passport, 10% consumption tax is deducted. So, it is better to buy more than 5,000 yen in one shopping. Generally, department stores, large drug stores and large discount stores (such as Donki) are Tax-Free shops and combine purchase in the same store. However, there are two categories: General items and Consumerable items. Consumerable items are Food, Cosmetics, Toiletaries etc that you can consume. General items includes clothes, books, shoes and etc. To be eligible for Tax-Free shopping, you have to buy 5,000 yen in each categories.
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