Is it just me or does it feel like everyone is holidaying in Japan right now?
As much as I’d love to also enjoy the endless feasting and sightseeing, the drugstores are what I dream about.
Seriously, no visit is complete without hitting up popular Japanese drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Sundrug, LOFT, Tsuruha Drug, and Ainz & Tulpe — they’re literally everywhere and there’s so, so much to buy.
But if you’re the type to get easily overwhelmed, don’t waste precious time staring blankly at the endless shelves of sunscreen, moisturisers, and makeup products — just refer to this handy list of 10 highly raved-about Japanese drugstore products that you can also purchase in Singapore.
1. Revlon Jelly Tint LipColor
Tinted lip balms have been all the rage lately, and the Revlon Jelly Tint LipColor is one of the hottest products on the market for those looking to achieve the perfect glossy lip.
These boast a comfortable and long-wearing formula, yielding a juicy, jelly-like texture with a “three-dimensional” plumping effect that’ll have your lips looking luscious for hours.
The best part? They come in super wearable fruit-inspired shades like Glaze Plum, Apricot Sorbet, and Peachy Peach — doesn’t that sound delicious?
Available on Shopee.
2. Rohto Mentholatum Lip The Color SPF 26 PA+++
Looking to get into lip products without going all out? Say no more to dullness and dryness with the Rohto Mentholatum Lip The Color, a “tone-up” lippy that effectively accentuates the natural colour of your lips.
Not only is this lip tint infused with five kinds of oils and shea butter to provide moisture, but it also contains SPF 26 PA+++ protection that prevents sun damage.
Choose from a selection of neutral hues that are perfect for everyday wear — Foggy Shade is the bestselling shade, but we hear Camel Brown makes for a perfect MLBB (my lips but better) moment!
Available on Yesstyle.
3. Cezanne Natural Cheek
If there’s one makeup product the Japanese are known for, it’s blushes. If you’re seeking an affordable yet highly pigmented blush that’s well-loved even in Korea, the Cezanne Natural Cheek is an OG that won’t let you down.
Available in 15 shades, this soft matte powder blush is soft, long-lasting, and blendable, with a natural “second skin” finish that’ll make your skin look like it’s glowing from within. I also personally love how compact it is, so you can easily pop it into your purse for touch-ups on the go.
Available at Watsons and Guardian.
4. MSH Love Liner Liquid
Yet to find your holy grail eyeliner? Perhaps this highly-pigmented, award-winning liquid liner that comes in six flattering shades, the MSH Love Liner Liquid, will be the one.
Those who struggle with eyeliner (like me) will find it pretty easy to use, given that it has an ultra-fine and flexible 0.1mm brush tip for drawing precise and smooth lines. Most importantly, it’s waterproof, smudge-free, and resistant to sweat and sebum — a key factor for us in sunny Singapore.
Available on Yesstyle.
5. Kose Make Keep Mist Ex
I’ll be honest — the wildly popular Kose Make Keep Mist Ex is one of the hardest Japanese drugstore products to find, as it’s almost always out of stock. However, if you swear by the statement “no full face of makeup is complete without a good setting spray”, this is definitely worth hunting down.
One spray of this fine mist will prevent your makeup from smudging or bleeding throughout the day, thanks to its sweat and sebum-proof, and water-resistant formula. It’ll also keep your skin feeling glossy and hydrated, so you don’t have to worry about dryness!
Just remember to shake well before spraying and use an oil makeup remover afterwards.
Available on Yesstyle.
6. ettusais Point Makeup Remover
Speaking of oil-based makeup removers, the ettusais Point Makeup Remover is one of the most underrated drugstore products outside of Japan. It has a non-sticky formulation comprising layers of water and oil that gently removes the most stubborn makeup, be it waterproof mascara or tinted lippies.
Those with sensitive skin need not worry, for this easy-to-use makeup remover is also free of fragrances, colourants, and mineral oil. Believe it or not, it’s also compatible with eyelash extensions that use general glue (cyanoacrylate)!
Available on Yesstyle.
7. Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil
You’ve probably seen this viral product all over TikTok (it’s one I use on the regular) — the Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil.
This bestselling tried-and-tested Japanese cleanser can gently and effectively melt away all traces of stubborn makeup and pore-clogging impurities, all while keeping your skin smooth and moisturised.
Although you technically don’t need to double-cleanse (hence the “speedy” branding), I prefer to still follow up with a water-based cleanser.
Available on Shopee.
8. Visée Essence Lip Plumper
If you’ve always wanted to get your hands on the iconic Dior Addict Lip Maximizer, here’s a less-pricey dupe that’ll work just as well — the Visée Essence Lip Plumper.
It’s become one of the most popular Japanese drugstore products in recent months — some have attributed the hype to Tzuyu from TWICE, one of the faces of Visee Kosé.
This multi-purpose lip plumper can be applied as a lip gloss, lip base (under lipstick) or even lip care, but regardless, you’re in for plump, glossy, and voluminous lips that will make heads turn. Who said achieving the perfect pout was hard?
Available on Yesstyle.
9. Yuskin A-Series Family Medical Cream for Dry Skin
Dry skin is a big no-no, especially when you’re on holiday. Even more so for those who deal with eczema and dry patches.
If that sounds like you, it’s high time you checked out the bestselling Yuskin A-Series Family Medical Cream for Dry Skin, a medicated body cream, designed to heal damaged, dry, chapped, cracked, and rough skin. It’s hydrating, it’s repairing, it’s chock full of skin-nourishing ingredients like vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C – what’s not to like?
But that’s not all. This gentle, non-greasy, and non-sticky formula is suitable even for sensitive skin, keeping it soft, smooth, and supple.
Available on Shopee.
10. NATURIE Hatomugi Skin Conditioner Lotion
Here’s a cult-favourite hydrating toner worth incorporating into your skincare routine if you have dull and rough skin – the NATURIE Hatomugi Skin Conditioner Lotion.
This conditions and absorbs well into the skin (without leaving a sticky residue) with “hatomugi”(coix seed or Job’s Tears), a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient that helps calm redness and acne.
It also helps to soothe redness and hot flashes, especially if you’ve been out in the sun for the entire day. We highly recommend using it before serums and moisturisers if you want to achieve smooth, mochi-like skin.
Available at Watsons and Guardian.
Eager to add these Japanese drugstore products to your list of “must-buys”? Happy hunting!
For more lifestyle updates like this, subscribe to our Telegram channel at @confirmgood.
I'm always feelin' either boozy or boujee ✨????