The 30 best japanese makeup brands in 2026
Shiseido, Canmake and Laduree lead our ranking of 30 japanese makeup brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Japanese Makeup brands, ranked
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1
Shiseido
Shiseido’s creed is to stand out from the pack. Founder Arinobu Fukuhara had carved a path for himself when he set up a district pharmacy in Ginza. It was Japan’s first taste of Western-inspired pharmaceuticals. With more customers queueing outside the store each day, the pharmacy began to develop into the powerhouse it is today. Known for its clever fuse of Eastern and Western styles, the brand now serves customers worldwide.
Website: shiseido.co.uk |Brands like Shiseido
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Canmake
Can make is a Japan-based beauty brand. The collection includes a huge variety of items for base makeup, lips, nails, cheeks, and eyes for people with different skin tones. The official webpage even provides a category for makeup tutorials for a proper makeover. The other features include a diagnostic quiz that makes the user's choice more reasonable.
Website: canmake.com |Brands like Canmake
Popularity 8.9/10
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3
Laduree
If the sweet tooth speaks French it craves French desserts, then explore Laduree. Inspired by the Parisienne café culture, the establishment was founded in 1862 by Louis Laduree. He also introduced the famous Laduree macaron. Later on, they introduced other delicious desserts and fragrant candles. They cater to special moments like marriages and birthdays. Their delectable website showcases the goodies and is available in their stores worldwide.
Website: laduree.fr |Brands like Laduree
Popularity 5.9/10
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4
Kanebo
Kanebo Cosmetics is a personal care product manufacturing company based in Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan. They formulate beauty and makeup products that will allow us to feel the skin we want. Their product category includes skincare items, makeup products, and virtual makeup platforms. They offer to untie our inmost allure and bring about the splash of colors on our faces. Their products will have minimal damage to your skin with the proper and quantified use of ingredients and formulations. The concept behind launching this brand is the act of women's empowerment. It heightens hope and positive gesture toward our skin.
Website: kanebo-global.com |Brands like Kanebo
Popularity 4.6/10
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5
Daiso
Daiso is a Japanese retailer that sells a wide range of merchandise. They prioritize providing an elevated product at an affordable price. They offer customers various options available, including online shopping and physical retail locations, for their favorite products. With your exquisite sense of humor, you may discover anything from stationery to kitchenware, cosmetics, and much more at a price that is always kind to your pocket. Daiso has almost 1,000 stores worldwide as of August 2017, with over 550 in Japan alone.
Website: daisojapan.com |Brands like Daiso
Popularity 4.5/10
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6
Excel
Excel Medicine is a medical practice specializing in preventative health care. They can tackle the root causes of disease rather than just its symptoms by emphasizing prevention. Through natural, specialized treatment regimens that are made to match each patient's individual needs, they help their patients live better and feel less pain. Excel Medicine is dedicated to offering doctors, patients, and the community compassionate, top-quality care. They provide a wide range of services, including preventive care, examinations, diagnoses, treatments, and care plans tailored to each patient's specific requirements.
Website: excelmedicine.com |Brands like Excel
Popularity 3.5/10
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7
Jill Stuart
Jill Stuart is a beauty startup from New York. The brand is centered around fine-quality make-up, bath and body, fragrances and skincare that attract the eyes. Jill’s fashion product line started when she was 15, and since then, she has expanded her collection towards the cosmetic industry. The brand Jill Stuart Beauty is widely renowned for its quality and affordability. Rouge Lip Blossom, Loose Blush, White Floral Eau de Parfum, etc., are some of the brand's bestsellers.
Website: jillstuartbeautyusa.com |Brands like Jill Stuart
Popularity 3.3/10
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8
KOJI
All Cozy Honpo products are made with a blend of naturally derived components. Their goal is to create makeup become art for everyone, allowing for unlimited self-expression. Cozy Honpo feels that beauty can be defined in many ways. Bold to subdued, eccentric to wacky, every day to the glam queen is their mantra! They are here to ensure that you have a great time with their makeup because they are a company that believes in empowerment.
Website: koji-honpo.co.jp |Brands like KOJI
Popularity 3.1/10
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9
MUJI
MUJI brings a wide variety of high-quality products so that you live a life of comfort. Founded in Japan in 1980, the company runs with three core principles: Selection of materials, Streamlining of processes, and simple packaging. They offer stationery,...
Website: muji.us |Brands like MUJI
Popularity 2.7/10
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10
DHC
The top direct-sale manufacturer of cosmetics and beauty goods in the world is DHC. DHC makes nearly 400 goods in its facilities, including shampoos, hair care products, skincare products, cosmetics, and accessories, all at competitive costs. You may look, feel,...
Website: dhc.co.jp |Brands like DHC
Popularity 2.7/10
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11
KOSÉ
Kosa is a hair salon that offers a variety of treatments to people all over the world. Their hair repair program helps them keep healthy hair and scalp by providing hair and scalp treatments such as premium cuts and color...
Website: kos-hair.com |Brands like KOSÉ
Popularity 2.5/10
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12
Shu Uemura
Shu Uemura is a cosmetic company range that specializes in makeup and skincare. All the products are made with the finest ingredients. Good materials ensure that the cosmetic range can sit well on your skin and cause no irritation. A...
Website: shuuemura-usa.com |Brands like Shu Uemura
Popularity 2.5/10
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13
POLA
Cosmetics are the products used for increased beauty. Pola is a cosmetics company whose products mainly focus on men and women. Their main product is the facial cosmetics items, although the hair care, healthy foods, and beauty foods are also...
Website: pola.com |Brands like POLA
Popularity 2.5/10
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14
PAUL & JOE
Not following trends and creating timeless fashion pieces is what PAUL & JOE believes in. For more than 25 years, PAUL & JOE has dedicated itself to creating fashion pieces for the independent and chic woman. The brand is known...
Website: paulandjoe.com |Brands like PAUL & JOE
Popularity 2.4/10
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15
Koh Gen Do
Koh Gen Do, reared on film sets, mixes the world's most delicate plants with Japanese care technology to nurture and safeguard its clients' complexions' potential ability to grow. Koh Gen Do is still a favorite among trained makeup artists and...
Website: kohgendocosmetics.com |Brands like Koh Gen Do
Popularity 2.3/10
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16
MAKE UP FOR EVER
Makeup Forever is exactly what it sounds like. The company was founded in 1984, and they have been making cosmetics for all kinds of people. The company is dedicated to the industry, and they always come up with new beauty...
Website: makeupforever.com |Brands like MAKE UP FOR EVER
Popularity 2.3/10
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17
Bobbi Brown
The only objective of the makeup line Bobbi Brown is to enhance one's inherent attractiveness. You may feel confident in showcasing your beauty thanks to the selection of products and colors that have been made specifically to complement Indian skin...
Website: bobbibrowncosmetics.com |Brands like Bobbi Brown
Popularity 2.1/10
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18
Anna Sui
Avail the best of Anna Sui’s New York fashion apparel at your convenience. Since the 1970s, Anna Sui has been bringing the creative and innovative fashion persona to the world and has catered to consumers worldwide. Choose from varieties of...
Website: annasui.com |Brands like Anna Sui
Popularity 2.0/10
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19
IPSA
IPSA is a Chinese cosmetic company manufacturing skin care and other beauty products. It is based in Hong Kong and provides products according to an individual's skin tone, color, and other specifications. The company also offers online consultation and lets...
Website: ipsahk.com |Brands like IPSA
Popularity 2.0/10
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20
Koyudo
Japanese brands have made many strides toward makeup and calligraphy products for a decade. Koyudo is a highly successful marketplace that focuses on makeup accessories and has even introduced calligraphy brushes inspired by their rich history from the Edo period....
Website: koyudo-collection.com |Brands like Koyudo
Popularity 1.8/10
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21
Tom Ford
A premium lifestyle company called Tom Ford supports contemporary notions of sexuality, femininity, and gender. It provides a wide variety of goods, such as garments for men and women, shoes and bags for men, and cosmetics and scents for both...
Website: tomford.com |Brands like Tom Ford
Popularity 1.6/10
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22
Laneige
Laniege was founded over 25 years ago. They are known as true hydration experts. This is the perfect spot for people looking for a hydrating solution for their skin. Laniege claims that the secret to great skin is hydration, and...
Website: us.laneige.com |Brands like Laneige
Popularity 1.6/10
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23
Virgo
Virgos Lounge was established in 2008. The aesthetic that the brand follows is vintage. The love for vintage clothing has pushed the brand to create classic vintage styles of dresses. It is based in London, and they mainly focus on...
Website: virgoslounge.com |Brands like Virgo
Popularity 1.4/10
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24
The Body Shop
The Body Shop is a brand that works with nature providing you with its best, purely vegan beauty! Discover an array of fragrances in body mists and Eau Da Parfum, with their musk scent being the customer’s favorite. The company...
Website: thebodyshop.com |Brands like The Body Shop
Popularity 1.4/10
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25
Clé de Peau Beauté
Clé de Peau Beauté is a Japanese company founded in 1982 in an attempt to go beyond the full potential of skin cell science. The company’s scientists soon discovered that human skin naturally distinguishes positive stimuli, such as nutrients and...
Website: cledepeaubeaute.com |Brands like Clé de Peau Beauté
Popularity 1.4/10
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26
Too Faced
A meaningful cosmetics line that redefines you is Too Faced. Too Faced creates and produces innovative products for a range of skin types and tones with the ultimate objective of making every woman feel attractive. Additionally, they are dedicated to...
Website: toofaced.com |Brands like Too Faced
Popularity 1.4/10
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27
SUQQU
In makeup-artist and professional circles, SUQQU is a respected and trusted name for creating high-quality and user-friendly makeup and skincare infused with new and developed properties that are professionally recommended and used in red carpet events, as well as film...
Website: suqqu.com |Brands like SUQQU
Popularity 1.4/10
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28
Ben Nye
The brainchild of Hollywood makeup artist Ben Nye Sr., Ben Nye is an internationally trusted makeup brand of color cosmetics used and recommended by experts in the field. Their legendary products are their translucent powders that come in a range...
Website: bennye.com |Brands like Ben Nye
Popularity 1.4/10
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29
Hello Kitty
Want to gift yourself or your loved ones some Hello Kitty themed gifts and accessories? If yes, then Red Sakura can help. Hello Kitty embodies the kawaii or cuteness culture that has taken the world by storm. Red Sakura's Hello...
Website: redsakura.com.tw |Brands like Hello Kitty
Popularity 1.1/10
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30
Sanrio
Sanrio is the ever-popular Japanese brand that licenses, designs, and produces products emphasizing cuteness. The brand aims to bring smiles to people’s faces through its products. Incidentally, the brand was founded in 1960, an era of straight-laced practicality. Hoping to...
Website: sanrio.com |Brands like Sanrio
Popularity 1.1/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shiseido | shiseido.co.uk | /shiseidoginzatokyo | shiseido | – | shiseido |
| Canmake | canmake.com | /CANMAKE.TOKYO | canmaketokyo | @CanmakeTokyo | キャンメイクCANMAKE |
| Laduree | laduree.fr | /MaisonLaduree | maisonladuree | – | – |
| Kanebo | kanebo-global.com | /ads | – | – | – |
| Daiso | daisojapan.com | /daisojapanusa | daiso_usa | @DaisoJapanCA | Daiso USA Official |
| Excel | excelmedicine.com | /excelmedicine | excelmedicine | – | – |
| Jill Stuart | jillstuartbeautyusa.com | /jillstuartbeautyus | glowwithjill | @glowwithjill | – |
| KOJI | koji-honpo.co.jp | /kojihonpo | dolly_wink | @DollyWink_koji | UCwi98WH9eAQTGGXSrLGdVZg |
| MUJI | muji.us | – | – | @mujiusa/ | – |
| DHC | dhc.co.jp | – | – | – | – |
Japanese Makeup Buying Guide
Japan has long been known as a leader in the beauty industry. Its innovative products and techniques have gained a global following, and Japanese makeup has become a staple in the arsenals of many beauty enthusiasts. From skincare to cosmetics, Japan offers a wide range of makeup products that cater to different skin types, preferences, and budgets. But with so many options available, how do you know which products to choose? In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to Japanese makeup, covering its history, beauty standards, popular brands, and must-have products, to help you make informed purchases.
History and Beauty Standards
Japan's beauty culture traces back centuries to the Nara period, where women adorned their faces with white powder called 'oshiroi' to signify their social status. During the Edo period, 'ikitsuke,' or makeup art, became a popular practice among commoners, who used it to enhance their features and express their identities. Since then, Japanese makeup has evolved with the times, adopting new techniques and styles that reflect modern beauty standards.
Today, Japanese beauty standards still uphold the traditional preference for clear, smooth, and youthful-looking skin. Unlike Western beauty, which often emphasizes dramatic or bold features, Japanese makeup focuses on subtle, natural-looking enhancements that accentuate the eyes, lips, and cheeks. This preference for understated beauty is embodied in the concept of 'maquillage naturel,' which translates to 'natural makeup.'
Popular Japanese Makeup Brands
Japan boasts of an extensive library of beauty brands, ranging from drugstore to luxury. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Shiseido: One of the oldest and most renowned Japanese beauty brands, Shiseido offers a vast range of skincare, makeup, and fragrance products that cater to a diverse range of skin types and concerns. Its product line includes bestsellers such as Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate and Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation.
- Canmake: Known for its affordable yet trendy makeup products, Canmake is a go-to brand for those on a budget. Its product line includes lip tints, blushes, and eyeshadows, all available in a plethora of colors.
- Etude House: A Korean beauty brand that has gained immense popularity in Japan, Etude House offers playful and girly makeup products that cater to younger audiences. Its product line includes mascara, lipsticks, and BB creams.
- DHC: A skincare brand that has recently upped its makeup game, DHC offers high-quality makeup products that emphasize skincare benefits. Its product line includes lip creams, mascaras, and eyeliners.
- Kanebo: A luxury beauty brand that prides itself on its high-end skincare and makeup products, Kanebo is a favorite among Japanese celebrities and elites. Its product line includes anti-aging creams, foundations, and lipsticks.
Must-Have Japanese Makeup Products
While there are countless Japanese makeup products to choose from, some stand out for their unique formulations, high quality, and popularity. Here are some of the must-have Japanese makeup products:
1. DHC Lip Cream
Known for its moisturizing and anti-aging properties, the DHC Lip Cream is a cult favorite among beauty enthusiasts. Enriched with olive oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E, this lip cream nourishes and protects the lips, leaving them soft and supple. Its non-sticky formula makes it perfect for everyday wear.
2. Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
The Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler is a staple in many makeup kits. It is widely considered the best eyelash curler in the market, thanks to its ergonomic design and gentle yet effective curling mechanism. This eyelash curler ensures that your lashes stay curled all day long, without damaging them.
3. Heroine Make Long and Curl Mascara
The Heroine Make Long and Curl Mascara is a holy grail among mascara lovers. This water-resistant mascara is humidity-proof and smudge-proof, making it perfect for rainy days or long events. It also lengthens and curls the lashes, giving them a doll-like appearance.
4. K-Palette 1 Day Tattoo Real Lasting Eyeliner
The K-Palette 1 Day Tattoo Real Lasting Eyeliner lives up to its name, as it can last for up to 24 hours without fading or smudging. Its pencil-like tip allows for precise application, and its waterproof formula ensures that it stays put all day long. This eyeliner comes in various shades, making it suitable for everyday wear or bold looks.
5. Canmake Cream Cheek
The Canmake Cream Cheek is a cream blush that adds a natural-looking flush to the cheeks. This long-lasting blush comes in various shades that range from soft pinks to vivid oranges, making it easy to find a shade that suits your skin tone. Its creamy texture blends effortlessly and gives the skin a healthy glow.
6. Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation
The Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation is a foundation that adapts to your skin's environment to provide a flawless and natural-looking finish. Its intelligent formula adjusts its coverage accordingly, depending on the skin's hydration levels and temperature. It also offers SPF 30 protection and stays in place for up to 24 hours.
Where to Buy Japanese Makeup
Fortunately, getting your hands on Japanese makeup has never been easier, thanks to the rise of e-commerce and international shipping. Here are some of the best places to purchase Japanese makeup:
1. YesStyle
YesStyle is a popular online retailer that specializes in Asian skincare and beauty products. It offers a wide range of Japanese makeup brands, and its prices are competitive. YesStyle also offers free shipping for orders above a certain amount.
2. Rakuten Global Market
Rakuten Global Market is an online shopping platform that connects buyers to Japanese retailers. It offers a vast selection of Japanese makeup brands and products, and its prices are reasonable. Rakuten also offers a points system, where buyers can accumulate points for future purchases.
3. Amazon Japan
Amazon Japan is a popular e-commerce platform that offers a wide range of Japanese makeup brands and products. Its prices are affordable, and its delivery options are fast and reliable.
4. Official Brand Websites
If you want to purchase directly from the source, many Japanese makeup brands have their official websites where you can buy their products. This option may be more expensive due to shipping costs, but it ensures authentic products and customer support.
Tips for Buying Japanese Makeup
When purchasing Japanese makeup, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get the best products for your needs. Here are some tips:
1. Know Your Skin Type
Before buying any makeup product, it is essential to know your skin type and any underlying skin concerns. Japanese makeup brands offer a wide range of products that cater to different skin types and concerns, so it is crucial to choose products that are suitable for you.
2. Research the Products
Before purchasing any makeup product, do some research to learn more about its formulation, performance, and reviews. Look for photos or swatches of the product to get an idea of how it will appear on your skin. Japanese beauty bloggers and YouTubers can provide helpful insights and recommendations.
3. Don't be Afraid to Experiment
Japanese makeup offers a wide range of colors and finishes that can help you achieve different looks. Don't be afraid to experiment with new products or shades to find what works best for you.
4. Check for Authenticity
Due to the popularity of Japanese makeup, there are many counterfeit products in the market. To ensure that you get authentic products, purchase from reputable retailers or official brand websites. Look for product codes, expiration dates, and packaging details to verify authenticity.
Conclusion
Japanese makeup offers a world of possibilities for beauty enthusiasts, from innovative formulations to unique shades and finishes. By following this Japanese makeup buying guide, you can navigate the vast array of products and brands with confidence, and find makeup products that not only enhance your natural features but also nourish and protect your skin.
