Where to Shop for Beauty Products in Tokyo

Asian beauty is all the rage in the West right now, but the truth is that the multiple-step, skin health first mentality has been prevalent in Asian cultures for a very long time.

When planning my recent trip to Tokyo, and what I would do in my spare time (I was going there for work, after all), I immediately knew my two shopping objectives: skincare products and high quality matcha. Of course, my husband always asks me for booze when I travel, and had his heart set on Japanese whiskey. (Sidenote: if you’ve never had Japanese whiskey, try it out! It’s smooth, clean, and usually had zero bite. It’s best enjoyed neat or on the rocks. 🙂 )

After quite a bit of research, I had a pretty comprehensive list of products worth buying in Japan. These included sheet masks, cleansers, cleansing oils, creams, and a bit of makeup. If you haven’t read my full beauty haul + first impressions, please do!

So when I landed in Tokyo, my main question was: where am I going to find all these things?! Even for people who love big cities, Tokyo can be pretty intimidating with its complex public transportation system and visual overload. Plus, the language barrier doesn’t make it any easier.

Here is a list of different places to shop for skincare/beauty products in Tokyo, each with a different vibe!

 

Matsumoto Kiyoshi 

For those who want convenience and don’t mind feeling [more than] a little claustrophobic

Matsumoto Kiyoshi is an extensive drugstore chain in Japan. Of all the stores on this list, this is the one you’ll be the most likely to find within close proximity of your hotel. It’s not your fancy French pharmacy, but it does stock up on several Japanese (and Korean!) skincare and beauty essentials you’ll want to stock up during your trip. My favorite find at the Matsumoto Kiyoshi across from Roppongi station was a travel size version of Cure’s iconic Natural Aqua Gel, a best selling chemical exfoliator for sensitive skin. At just 1200 yen (about $11) I couldn’t pass it up!

The one I visited had two floors, the second of which was completely dedicated to skincare and beauty. The visual overload is REAL and there are very few labels in English. This is when researching ahead of time pays off: you know exactly what to look for, and any other discovery is a bonus.

 

LOFT

For those who have the time (and willingness) to wander through several floors of products

LOFT (which is in no way related to Ann Taylor LOFT in the U.S.) is a Japanese department store chain. Each store is usually several stories high, selling everything from stationary to cooking tools. If you’re in the mood to experience frenetic Japanese shopping and scout out some products, LOFT is a great option! Their selection is larger than that of Matsumoto Kiyoshi drugstores, so it’s definitely worth a visit. I highly recommend the LOFT in Shibuya, as it’s close to many other great stores and Shibuya is just a fun neighborhood in general.

 

 

Shibuya Hikarie

For the organic beauty junkie who wants to explore Asian and Western brands

To be completely honest, I kind of stumbled upon the Shibuya Hikarie building (as much as you can stumble upon a massive skyscraper). I was walking from Shibuya to Aoyama for tea at the gorgeous Aoyama Flower Market Tea House when I saw it across the street. I had read about it, but didn’t realize it would literally be on my path! Since I had some time to kill before tea anyway,I decided to venture in—and I’m so glad I did!

Like LOFT, this is a multiple floor department store with booths for everything from custom phone cases made with real pressed flowers to boutique gloves. Unlike LOFT, however, Shibuya Hikarie is much more luxe in both the space and the brands that it showcases.

The first floor is an organic beauty junkie’s paradise. Here you’ll find an incredible selection of products from Weleda, RMS, THREE, Acseine, etc.

 

Ainz & Tulpe

For the beauty junkie who wants space, a fantastic selection and expert advice

Ainz & Tulpe was the gem of my beauty shopping experience. It’s a chain that exclusively focuses on makeup and skincare, and it’s several floors of curated products did not disappoint. 

Unlike Matsumoto Kiyoshi and LOFT, products are arranged more neatly and coherently at AInz & Tulpe, and there’s just more space to breather and wander. They also have consultants who can give out product advice based on what your skincare needs. Not everyone is fluent in English, though, so make sure you download the Japanese language pack on Google Translate and ask away.

I visited the Ainz & Tulpe in Shinjuku, and spent about an hour and a half exploring the store’s three floors. I could have easily spent more time there, but I had a meeting to attend in Roppongi and couldn’t stay too long.

 

Have you been beauty shopping in Tokyo? What are your favorite places to shop or your favorite products to buy? Let me know in the comments!

Stay curious,

Nati