The K-beauty vs. J-beauty debate continues to swirl, which struck us as the perfect opportunity to do a little digging into the slightly-lesser-known of the two categories. Though it’s been around longer, it’s still harder to get ahold of many Japanese beauty brands in the U.S. (especially the drugstore faves), which means it’s still shrouded in a bit more mystery — and that’s where Reddit comes in.
Reddit is a veritable treasure trove of beauty advice, so we mined the AsianBeauty and SkincareAddiction subreddits for tips on top Japanese skin care products and makeup must-haves. From the must-have oil cleansers to the super-powered hyaluronic acid serums to the adorable mascaras dreams are made of, Reddit users have really come through. Keep reading to meet some of your new favorite J-beauty products.
[ Next: 15 Beauty Blogger-Approved K-Beauty Faves ]
This article originally appeared on TotalBeauty.com
14 J-Beauty Products
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Isehan
Kiss Me Heroine Make Long and Curl Mascara Super Waterproof, $11.89 at Amazon
Glossier's new mascara knocked our socks off, in large part due to the Japanese-influenced fiber formula. This iconic Japanese mascara harnesses similar fiber technology for major lash drama that does not budge. Reddit user Maplebee92 puts it this way: "This will go to the depths of the ocean and back with you."
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SK II
Facial Treatment Essence, $179 at Sephora
Though there are a couple less expensive copycat formulas out there, SK-II's cult-favorite essence still reigns supreme. Reddit user nifu-chan says it's the "only one that truly makes a difference," adding that it makes her pores "look ridiculously small" while seriously boosting her glow.
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Biore
UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+ PA++++, $12.76 at Yesstyle
Biore has a completely different lineup of products available overseas, including this sunscreen, which has inspired many a rave review on Reddit. PomegranateTea complements the product for its gentle, non-irritating formula, also adding that it "doesn't feel like a sunscreen," which is always a bonus for those of us who tend towards the sunscreen-averse.
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Cle de Peau Beaute
Concealer SPF 25, $70 at Nordstrom
This stick concealer is considered something of a holy grail in many circles, including Reddit. Commenter sheerdazzle praises it for the fact that it "doesn't accentuate under-eye fine lines," while spuckett0039 adds, "A $70 stick will last FOREVER...Sooo worth the splurge."
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Hada Labo Tokyo
Goku-jyun Clear Lotion, $11.60 at Amazon
Looking for a new hyaluronic acid serum that's as hydrating as it is affordable (which is to say, very)? This Hada Labo pick is a favorite of the AsianBeauty subreddit, where you can find many fans singing its praises. "It changed everything about my skin," says jacquedsouza. "It went from being dull, kind of dehydrated and dry, to plumper, brighter and much, much softer."
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Canmake
Cream Cheek, $8.35 at Amazon
Canmake's cutesy cream blushes are another cult favorite hit from Japan. "They are so pigmented and glide nicely on my skin," says thisisafancyname. "I always get compliments at work when I wear it." Similarly, dopamints refers to the formula as "HG," also noting that the blushes are "cheap," "blend beautifully" and last all day.
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Rohto
Melano CC Spot Treatment Essence, $14.99 at Amazon
Can't get enough vitamin C? You might just have to add this genius spot treatment to your skin care routine. "Melano CC lightens my PIH considerably faster than normal," writes MsAnthropic. (In case you were wondering, PIH stands for Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation, AKA the discoloration that follows a breakout).
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Shu Uemura
Hard Formula, $25 at Shu Uemura
"This is what girls with no brows have been dreaming of," raves theCuriousAmerican. "It's not too pigmented so you don't end up with block eyebrows." Many praise the shade range, as well as the amount of product you get. Vanityrex says it "lasts forever," which makes it a "total steal."
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DHC
Lip Cream, $9.50 at Dermstore
"It's the only thing that has worked on my forever-dry-and-peeling lips," raves FeelBetterTomorrow. "I apply morning, midday and before bed and am good to go." Reddit user Leoyce agrees, adding "I have been trialing different lip balms/treatments for years and haven't found anything close to this."
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Hakuhodo
J5523BkSL Eye Shadow Brush Round & Flat, $19 at Hakuhodo
Have you heard of Hakuhodo brushes before? The company is actually the mastermind behind the brushes for other luxury brands like Tom Ford. This brush, the J5523bkSL, is considered similar to the popular M.A.C. 217 Brush, though of even better quality, according to Reddit fans. "I think Hakuhodo are the best natural brush hairs on the market," says brnbrnbrn2017.
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Fancl
Mild Cleansing Oil, $26 at Amazon
There are a number of popular cleansing oils in the AsianBeauty subreddit but this one definitely gets its fair share of raves. "Now this is the cleansing oil of my dreams," writes ohwhereismycoffee. "Super, super no frills — no scent, simple bottle, simple ingredients list. Gets the job done, leaves skin clean and not stripped."
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Shiseido
Shimmering Cream Eye Color, $25 at Shiseido
Shiseido's shimmery cream shadows are so, so pretty — and as apidae92 puts it, "they never dry out" (even after six years). She also points out that they're quite versatile and long-lasting: "I use it as a primer but it's beautiful alone."
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Koh Gen Do
Maifanshi Moisture Foundation, $66 at Dermstore
Though it comes in an unassuming simple red tube, this foundation has quite the cult following."Living in a place with dry winters, it's a perfect winter foundation," notes Reddit user 2catsinjapan. She also notes that it wears well with wrinkles and that it "looks good in photos."
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FairyDrops
Scandal Queen Waterproof Mascara, $22 at Selfridges
We'd pick this mascara up for the adorable packaging alone, but it turns out the formula's nothing to sneeze at either: "This keeps my lashes curled and volumized all day long," says Reddit user cheesedoggo.
