Three Japanese finds I wish were available in the PH
I don't shop much for beauty when I travel, but when I do, I make sure to get only the items I won't be able to find locally. Some are so good though that I wish they're available here, too! Here are some of my faves from Tokyo.
Shiseido Eyebrow Pencil
I think I got this during my third trip to Japan! I love the drugstore Shiseido products, particularly the facial wash and Tsubaki hair line. They should really bring it here but I imagine it isn't as lucrative.
Anyway, this eyebrow pencil is one of those things that everybody asks for pasalubong. I think it's roughly 200 pesos, which is really affordable considering the lovely soft color it gives brows. I have the high-end Shiseido brow pencil and the cheaper one's quality is at par. I'd even go so far as to say that the drugstore pencil is nicer because it's creamier!
This should be available in most beauty drugstores in Tokyo. I got this from Matsumoto Kiyoshi.
Nivea Protect Water Gel SPF 50 PA++
Based on the packaging, which is almost entirely in Japanese, this sunscreen is possibly exclusive to that market. I wish Nivea would bring it here though as it's perfect for our weather! This scentless, gel-almost-liquid high SPF sunscreen is pretty good. It feels like nothing on skin. I don't remember the exact price anymore but I don't think it's past 400 pesos.
AHA Wash Cleansing
The Cosme seal of approval caught my eye first. In Japan, they don't really have a vibrant beauty blogging scene. What they do have though are giant beauty forums, like Cosme! Every year the community votes in the best products and if they say something is great - well, that's likely the case.
I didn't know what this was when I bought it (round P400 if I remember correctly) but I am glad I did. This is an exfoliating facial wash with alpha hydroxy acid from fruit. The AHA helps to chemically brighten the skin, while the water-soluble scrub particles aim to physically exfoliate dead skin.
True enough my skin loves it! This cleanser is harsh, as in my face itches whenever I scrub with it, but that's how we know AHA products work. I only use this once a week or even once every two weeks. That's enough to get rid of that icky layer coming from product build up.
So there you go! When you shop in Japan, look for these and I promise you won't be disappointed. Can't wait for the day when they arrive here too! Do you have favorites from abroad that you wish would also be available here?
