Korean Cosmetics

January 28, 2010

Korean Cosmetics

Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on January 2010 When it comes to cosmetics, Japanese women are like kids in a candy store. In recent years, low airfares to Seoul have allowed consumers to go on weekend shopping sprees for Korean cosmetics, which can cost less than half their Japanese counterparts. This fad has been helped by […]

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Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on January 2010

Photo courtesy Skin Food

When it comes to cosmetics, Japanese women are like kids in a candy store. In recent years, low airfares to Seoul have allowed consumers to go on weekend shopping sprees for Korean cosmetics, which can cost less than half their Japanese counterparts. This fad has been helped by transgender makeup artist Ikko, who advocates the Korean lifestyle of regular detox of both body and mind, which in his opinion gives Korean women better skin than Japanese. Now, with a string of newly opened shops, the goods are available without a trip through Narita. A newcomer in the crowded cosmetics market of Harajuku is Skin Food. The name is to be taken literally, as the company uses natural ingredients such as pumpkin, apples and rice to create facial masks, creams and toners designed to replenish the skin with vitamins. A short walk away is Banila Co., which has marked its entry to the Japanese market with the launch of the “Tokyo Scandal Collection,” a very pink line in cute packaging that is sure to appeal to local shoppers An established brand here is Missha, one of the more popular makers of B.B. (blemish balm) cream, an all-purpose cosmetic that supposedly fights aging, acne, dry skin, UV damage and can also be used as a foundation and concealer. Missha carries creams for various skin types at reasonable prices. Another brand relying on natural ingredients is The Face Shop, which is well known to Korean shoppers and has been gaining fans here for the past few years. With all these shops opening in Tokyo, travel agents should start worrying about a drop in passengers on shopping spree trips to Korea.

  • Skinfood: 6-31-21 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. 11am-8pm. Tel: 03-6427-4371 www.skinfood.co.jp
  • Missha: 12-10 Udagawamachi, Shibuya-ku. 11am-9pm. Tel: 03-5728-5448 www.misshajp.com
  • Banila Co.: 6-10-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. 10am-9pm. Tel: 03-5778-9079 www.banilaco.co.jp
  • The Face Shop: 2F Marui City, 1-21-3 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku. 11:30am-8.30pm. Tel: 03-3770-7339 www.thefaceshop.co.jp