PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE RESPECTIVE BRANDS
Japanese pharmacies have some of the best skincare if you know what to look out for. There’s a vast selection of accessible products and if you’re not sure where to start, here are five viral J-beauty skincare favourites #TeamBB discovered on TikTok. And with nothing over SGD40, you can try them all out without any regrets.
01 - Attenir Skin Clear Cleanse Oil Aroma, SGD33.80 for 175 ML
Our nightly double cleanse usually begins with a cleansing oil. But they aren’t all built the same. For days when we are grappling with dull and dry skin, this Cosme-favourite is our current go-to.
Besides effectively removing makeup, it goes the extra mile to deliver anti-ageing benefits that the Fancl-owned brand is known for. Infusing eight botanical oils, it brightens, cleanses pores and tackles blackheads while balancing skin’s barrier. Plus, its rich texture and relaxing aromatherapy blend of bergamot, orange blossom and lavender makes it a sensorial joy to massage on. ATTENIR
02 - Excel Day Skin Comfort SPF32/PA++, SGD36.90 for 43 G
Lazy days call for products that require the most minimal effort. For us, that would be this multitasking face cream that’s a serum, cream, makeup base and sunscreen rolled into one.
Despite its unassuming tub, this is one hard-working daytime cream that contains vitamin C, retinol and a mix of ceramides. Though lightweight in texture, it manages to keep skin moisturised throughout the day. Plus it plays well with makeup too. EXCEL
03 - Ihada Tone Up UV SPF50+/PA++++, SGD25 for 30 ML
Never skip sunscreen and it is always good to try different formulas. This latest find from Shiseido’s Ihada brand works great for our oily skin and offers a host of benefits.
In addition to cutting out UV rays and blue light, the very liquidy formula protects skin from pollen, dust, PM2.5 pollutants and other fine particles, while balancing skin’s moisture and sebum levels. It also has a beige tint that’s great for when you just need a little something to even out your skin tone for the day. IHADA
04 - Melano CC Intensive Anti-Spot Essence, SGD18.10 for 20 ML
If you’re looking for a no-nonsense dark spot treatment, consider this reasonably priced option. Packing skin-brightening vitamin C and hydrating vitamin E, this essence with a lightweight oil-like texture works to reduce blemishes and melanin production, while minimising pores and brightening skintone.
You can use it on the entire face as you would with an essence, but we like to use it as a targeted treatment on areas like pesky dark spots and pimple scars. MELANO CC
05 - Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner Lotion, SGD10.90 for 500 ML
We recently incorporated this watery lotion into our skincare routine for an extra dose of hydration. Fragrance-free and gentle on skin, its active ingredients include 12 types of amino acids, as well as hatomugi (coix seed) plant extract.
The no-frills product that you can use on both face and body comes in a generous size that will last a long time. For a dewy glow, we apply three layers of the product. Firstly, pat some on the entire face with a cotton pad. Then saturate a cotton pad and leave it on drier areas, such as the cheeks, for five minutes. Lastly, pour some in your hands and press it in before going in with a cream. NATURIE
For more information, do visit the brands’ respective websites
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE RESPECTIVE BRANDS
