Brace yourself — the holiday season is upon us! If you’re in need of a gift guide for the beauty lovers in your life, here’s a roundup of thoughtful Japanese beauty gifts for any occasion!
Everything is available on Amazon (and Amazon Japan for my domestic readers). So, even if you’re a meticulous planner or last-minute shopper, I’ve got you covered!
This post contains affiliate links.
Thoughtful Japanese Beauty Gifts For Any Occasion
Makeup & Skincare
Maquillage Dramatic Styling Eyes Eyeshadow Quad
How sweet is this Maquillage Dramatic Styling Eyes Eyeshadow Quad? Available in 12 delectable shades with scrumptious names, each color combination features transitional day-to-night shades that are effortlessly buildable and blendable. These flirty shades are perfect for creating day to night looks perfect for cozy romantic outings and holiday themed-work functions.
Find It On: Amazon Japan
Shiseido VisionAiry Gel Lipstick
Shiseido VisionAry Gel Lipstick is a full-coverage lipstick that packs intense color into a lightweight formula that lasts for up to 6 hours, thanks to “Triple Gel Technology.” The edgy black packaging is ultra-modern and perfectly accents the warm sultry tones of each vibrant color. If you’re stuck on what shade to choose, go with Ginza Red, named after the location of Shiseido’s global flagship store.
Find It On: Amazon | Amazon Japan
Lululun Pure Innocent Bouquet Sheet Masks
Sheet mask brand Lululun is practically synonymous with Japanese skincare. So, it’s hard to believe that a brand that’s only 10 years old has made such a global impact! Lululun Pure is the brand’s 10th anniversary “thank you” edition. It’s also a beautiful way to say “thank you” to the beauty lover in your life! Lululun Pure Innocent Bouquet Sheet Masks come in a fun and colorful gift box that contains 3 packages of 10 sheet masks for a total of 30. The outer packaging is perfect for displaying while the delicate floral scent is wonderfully relaxing.
Find It On: Amazon Japan
SK-II PITERA Power Kit
Good skin is always in! It’s never too late to get into the groove with a skincare routine and products with proven results. When it comes to anti-aging Japanese beauty products, SK-II is at the forefront, and this SK-II Pitera Power kit comes with 4 products that are scientifically formulated to enhance the skin’s visible radiance and reduce the appearance of dark spots and fine lines
Find It On: Amazon | Amazon Japan
Fragrance
Shiseido Zen
Shiseido is Japan’s oldest cosmetics company, but did you know that they have a line of fragrances?
Launched in 2007, Shiseido Zen is a floral woody musk that blissfully blends Lilly-of-the-Valley, Freesia, and Hyacinth. There is a hint of sensual warmth, which comes from patchouli, cedar wood, musk and white musk, amber and frankincense. The bottle itself is a sublime work of art, designed by Taisuke Kikuchi, the creative director at Shiseido..
Find It On: Amazon | Amazon Japan
Masaki Matsushima Shiro
Launched by the design house of Masaki Matsushima in 2010, Shiro is a light and flirty, femimine fragrance that balances Cotton Flower and Cyclamen, Rose, and White Musk and Spruce. Suitable for daily use, this powdery scent is not overpowering and leaves a beautiful impression on those who cross your path
Find It On: Amazon
Shiro Fragrance Eau De Parfum Set
Shiro is a niche perfume brand from Japan that specializes in tastefully simple fragrances. This Shiro Fragrance Eau De Parfum Set features three roll-on versions of the brand’s most popular scents: savon, white lily, and white tea. Savon, despite its naming, has an almost fruity aroma, and its Shiro’s signature scent. White lily, as the name suggests, is a delicate floral scent suitable for everyday wear. White Tea is a crisp scent that blends sweet citrus notes and fresh, lively green notes.
Find It On: Amazon Japan
Books
The Japanese Way of Beauty: Natural Beauty and Health Secrets
There’s a reason why J-beauty has stood the test of time, and it’s all about the harmony between natural ingredients and a simple skincare routine. A while back, I came across The Japanese Way of Beauty: Natural Beauty and Health Secrets. It thoroughly explores the scientific benefits of key Japanese beauty ingredients like Camellia oil, rice bran, matcha, etc. and offers beauty tips and DIY recipes! Unlike self-help books that promise to change your life with “ancient Japanese secrets,” the content in The Japanese Way of Beauty: Natural Beauty and Health Secrets is all about achieving balance between beauty and lifestyle.
Find It On: Amazon | Amazon Japan
The Beauty of Everyday Things
A brilliant book that will have you in awe of the underlying sophisticated beauty in handmade objects, The Beauty of Everyday Things, examines the simple way of life in Japan. Its author, Soetsu Yanagi (1889–1961) was a philosopher and was the first director of the Japanese Folk Crafts Museum. The Beauty of Everyday Things delves deep into his theory of why handmade products have an intangible beauty and why we value them so highly.
Find It On: Amazon | Amazon Japan
Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life
Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life is one of 2 English language books that I read during my stay at Shiba Park Hotel, Tokyo’s Library Hotel. (The second was Wabi Sabi — see below!) I was originally attached to its beautiful hardback cover: I thought it would be a wonderful decorative conversational piece. However, there’s more to this book than its cover! Ikigai profiles several centenarians who share their refreshing views on life and death vis a vis Japanese philosophical concepts. Overall, this book is a beautiful reminder to live in the moment and enjoy the journey.
Find It On: Amazon | Amazon Japan
Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life
Wabi sabi, if you’re unfamiliar with the term, is a concept that goes hand in hand with sado, or Japanese tea ceremony. It’s a meticulous ritual that asks you to be present with all 5 of your senses. Likewise, as a beauty doctrine, Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life asks you to use your 5 senses to observe yourself as you are. Your body, your vessel, will undergo many changes over time — and wabi sabi is all about accepting yourself, your wrinkles, your freckles, your blemishes, your imperfections as you are. Nothing is perfect, not even you, so let go and appreciate all those tiny moments.
Find It On: Amazon | Amazon Japan
Need more gift ideas? Check out these Must-Try Subscription Services in Japan!
Thoughtful Japanese Beauty Gifts For Any Occasion
You must log in to post a comment.