Well now, you young folks wanna know where to buy them face pretties in Japan, huh? Let me tell ya, it ain’t that hard. Japan’s got all sorts, from the cheap stuff to the fancy stuff, enough to make your head spin.
First off, Drugstores are Your Friend
You know, them drugstores, they ain’t just for pills and cough syrup. They got aisles and aisles of makeup and skincare stuff. Lots of brands, some I can’t even pronounce, but they work good, or so them young girls say. This is where you find everyday kinda things, you know, like face wash, sunscreen, lipstick, the works. And the prices? Not bad, not bad at all. You can fill up your bag without emptying your wallet, that’s for sure. I hear tell some popular brands are Hada Labo, that’s supposed to be real good for keeping your face from getting all dry and wrinkly, and Shiseido, though that one has fancier stuff too.

- Hada Labo: Folks say it’s the number one skincare brand in Japan. Keeps your face nice and moist, they say. Never used it myself, mind you, good old soap and water is enough for me.
- Shiseido: Now this one, they got everything. Cheap stuff in drugstores, fancy stuff in them big department stores. Been around a long time, so they must be doing something right.
Department Stores: If You’re Feeling Fancy
Now, if you got a bit more money to spend, or just wanna feel like a queen, you gotta go to them department stores. Big, shiny places, with ladies all dressed up spraying perfume and smiling at ya. That’s where you find the high-end stuff, the brands with the fancy names and the fancy prices. Stuff like Shu Uemura, I hear it’s real popular, especially their oil for cleaning your face, and their eye curler thingy, makes your lashes all pretty. They say it’s even better than Shiseido’s. And them pencils for drawing on your eyes, better than that Clio stuff, whatever that is.
Airport Shops: Last Chance for Goodies
Don’t forget the airport! If you’re leaving Japan and suddenly remember you need more face creams or something, the airport shops got you covered. Sometimes, you can even get things a bit cheaper, especially that Shu Uemura stuff, they say it’s cheapest at the airport. And if you’re lucky, the money thing, you know, the exchange rate, is good, so you can get even more for your money. It’s like getting a little extra treat for yourself.
Why Japanese Cosmetics Anyway?
Now, you might be wondering, why all the fuss about Japanese makeup and skincare? Well, I hear tell they use good stuff in them, not too many weird chemicals like some of them other countries’ products. Them Korean things, too many smells and funny ingredients, or so I’ve heard. Japanese stuff, it’s simpler, they say. And their sunscreen, it’s the best, keeps the sun from turning you into a prune. They’ve been doing that PA++++ thing for a long time, whatever that means, it must be good for blocking the sun. Folks say Japanese brands are known for being innovative, using good quality stuff, and having ways of doing things that have been around for a long time and really work.
So, Where Should You Go?

Well, that depends on what you’re after and how much money you got. If you just want everyday stuff and don’t wanna spend a lot, go to the drugstore. If you want the fancy stuff and don’t mind paying for it, go to the department store. And if you’re at the airport, well, have a look around, you might find a good deal.
And that’s about all I know about buying face pretties in Japan. Now you go on and make yourself beautiful, or whatever it is you young folks do these days. Just remember, real beauty comes from the inside, though a little bit of lipstick never hurt nobody. Oh, and one more thing, Shiseido, they sold a whole lot of stuff last year, eight billion dollars worth! That’s a lot of face cream, I tell ya. So they must be doing something right. Go on now, git!