Recently, Japanese beauty culture, or "J-beauty," has been gaining attention worldwide. High-quality Japanese cosmetics are very popular overseas. The place that is now attracting attention as a spot to easily get Japanese cosmetics is the drugstore. They are not only convenient for cosmetics but also for daily necessities and snacks, making them a great place to drop by while traveling. This time, we visited "Drugstore Cosmos" to report on the front lines of Japanese drugstore cosmetics! We will introduce a lot of information on noteworthy cosmetics and recommended products.
Additionally, there is a coupon for up to 19% off that can be used at Drugstore Cosmos, so please read until the end.
Why are Japanese Cosmetics Popular? What Are Their Characteristics?
One of the reasons Japanese cosmetics are loved worldwide is, after all, their high quality. A key characteristic is that many products are made with skin-friendly ingredients, making them safe for people with sensitive skin. Skincare items are also highly regarded for their excellent moisturizing and penetrating power.
Japanese-made cosmetics are also known for their delicate finish. They reflect the unique Japanese aesthetic that prefers natural, translucent makeup, and there are many products that make the skin look beautiful with just a light application.
The Charm of Drugstore Cosmetics. What's the Difference from Department Store Cosmetics?
When you think of drugstores, you might picture medicine and daily necessities, but they actually have a great selection of cosmetics and skincare products. In Japan, cosmetics you can buy at a drugstore are called "dorakosu,"(ドラコス) and many of the popular, affordable cosmetics you see on social media and in reviews fall into this category. They are popular with a wide range of generations due to their accessible prices and high quality.
Compared to department store cosmetics, called "depakosu"(デパコス) in Japanese, dorakosu are more affordable, making it easy to buy and try a variety of items you're curious about. As cosmetic options continue to expand, drugstores, which offer a great selection of high-performing products you can try without breaking the bank, are a must-visit for beauty lovers.
Just a 5-Minute Walk from JR Shinjuku Station! We Visited Drugstore Cosmos Kabukicho 1-Chome Store
The store we visited this time was "Drugstore Cosmos," which has over 1,600 locations mainly in Western Japan. It's a large store recognizable by its pink sign, offering a wide range of products from medicine and daily necessities to food and cosmetics. The Kabukicho 1-Chome store is in an excellent location, about a 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station, making it convenient for tourists to stop by.
The biggest feature of Cosmos is its "Everyday Low Price." It doesn't have special sales, as prices are always set at a great value, allowing customers to shop with peace of mind.
Furthermore, a coupon offering up to a 19% discount is being distributed to international tourists. This is a very welcome perk for people who plan to buy in bulk.
The store is equipped with four registers, allowing for smooth service even during busy times. In addition, staff who can speak English and Chinese are always on duty, so international travelers can shop without worry.
It's also convenient that they accept various payment methods, including credit cards and Alipay. Of course, tax exemption is available!
How to Use Testers! The Convenience Unique to Japanese Drugstores
In Japanese drugstores, testers are available for many cosmetics such as lipsticks, foundations, and eyeshadows, and you are free to try them out. Being able to check the color and texture before purchasing is a major advantage.
Many stores also provide cotton pads, cotton swabs, and cleansers, showing consideration for hygiene. Be sure to try any items that catch your interest.
Must-Know Before Shopping! Popular Cosmetics & Skincare Items at Drugstore Cosmos
The cosmetics section is located on the basement floor (B1), offering a wide lineup. From skincare items to makeup products, it is a space that is enjoyable to browse even just by looking around.
Now, let’s take a look at the popular cosmetics and skincare items at Drugstore Cosmos!
Must-Buy Japanese Cosmetics at a Drugstore!
LIP MONSTER (KATE)
The shelves at Cosmos are lined with cosmetics that are trending on social media. One of the most talked-about is the "LIP MONSTER" series from KATE.
Its popularity stems from its long-lasting, vibrant color, which stays beautiful for hours. It has a moist texture that resists drying, and there's a wide variety of colors. On the day of our visit, all colors were in stock! If you find a color you want, grab it without hesitation. This is an item you'll want to get before it sells out.
Visée Color Duo Trick Concealer (Maison KOSÉ)
This concealer is perfect for covering up blemishes, dark circles, and acne scars. Its biggest feature is the set of color-correcting shades, such as red and green.
These complementary colors have the effect of softening the opposing color, creating a natural finish. By first blending the color corrector into your skin and then applying the beige shade, you can avoid the unnatural paleness that can often happen with concealers. This item is also getting a lot of attention from Japanese influencers and media.
Heroine Make Series (KISSME)
The Heroine Make makeup series is themed around "becoming the heroine of a shoujo manga (girls' comics)." The impactful heroine illustrations on the packaging make it easy to spot.
The mascara is particularly popular. It's an excellent product that holds a curl without smudging and can be removed easily with just hot water and a face wash. This item has also topped popularity rankings on Japanese cosmetics media.
There are many other excellent yet affordable products at drugstores, so if you find something that interests you, be sure to buy and try it.
Must-Buy Japanese Skincare at a Drugstore!
DERMA LASER Series (QUALITY 1st)
This is one of the hottest trending skincare items in Japan right now! The highly adhesive sheet, which is saturated with a generous amount of beauty serum, fits snugly against the skin and helps with absorption. It's available in several types to address specific concerns like moisturizing, brightening, and pore care. This high-performing skincare series has earned high praise in cosmetics review magazines. At an affordable price of ¥770 for a pack of 7, you can use it whenever you want without worrying about the cost.
ELIXIR (SHISEIDO)
ELIXIR is an anti-aging care brand that caters to the concerns of mature skin, helping to create beautiful skin with a "tsuya-dama"(pearl glow). It offers a full lineup of skincare products that provide deep hydration while enhancing firmness, translucence, and smoothness.
One of their most popular products is ELIXIR The Serum, which has won 35 awards from beauty magazines and cosmetic award shows. Its luxurious texture quickly penetrates the stratum corneum to provide moisture and a firming sensation. With each use, your skin feels plump and you can experience the "tsuya-dama" glow that reflects the light.
Curél (Kao)
Curél has a loyal following among people with sensitive skin, thanks to its hypoallergenic formula that focuses on the function of ceramides in the skin. It effectively prevents dryness and skin irritation while protecting the skin's moisture. The lineup includes products for the face and body, as well as shampoo. Its gentle formula is also safe for babies, making it easy to incorporate into the whole family's skincare routine.
Look out for KOSE and SHISEIDO's Drugstore Cosmos Exclusive Skincare Items!
Drugstore Cosmos offers a wide selection of skincare items. The exclusive products from major Japanese brands like KOSE and SHISEIDO are a must-see.
"INTELLIGÉ EX" Series
The "INTELLIGÉ EX" series from KOSÉ is exclusively available at Drugstore Cosmos. It's a full-fledged skincare line that contains carefully selected beauty ingredients to address the signs of aging.
We especially recommend the "Melting Balm Double Cleanse." In addition to its smooth, balm-like texture, the gentle rose fragrance is soothing with every use. The tube packaging is hygienic and convenient for travel, making it an excellent product.
The "24+ Treatment Lotion", as well as the morning-use "24+ Day Emulsion" and night-use "24+ Night Emulsion", are also popular. They keep your skin moisturized for 24 hours, making them perfect for those with dry skin. Skincare lovers will also appreciate that they can be used together as a complete line.
"SKIN CREATOR" Series
The "SKIN CREATOR" series, born from SHISEIDO's cutting-edge dermatological science, is another notable skincare line. The "Concentrate Serum a" and "Concentrate Cream a" are particularly popular.
The "Concentrate Serum a" is highly recommended as a time-saving product that acts as a lotion, emulsion, and serum all in one after cleansing. It's perfect for busy mornings or days when you want a simple skincare routine.
Cosmos exclusive products are also sold in sets, making them excellent as gifts or souvenirs.
Check Out Also Medicines ! Take Advantage of Tax Exemption for Bulk Buys
The appeal of Drugstore Cosmos isn't limited to cosmetics. They also have a wide range of medicines, including cold medicine, stomach medicine, pain relievers, eye drops, and poultices.
Large-value packs are sold as well, which are great for stocking up or sharing with family and friends.
Popular supplements also fill the shelves, offering a wide selection for health-conscious shoppers.
One especially popular item is "Mukumi Pakkun" which helps reduce swelling in the face and legs is apparently in very high demand and sells out as soon as it's restocked. If you see it, be sure to grab it!
Also, an Surprising Variety of Alcohol and Food!
With a selection of everything from snacks to alcohol, the store feels like a supermarket. They also have local snacks from all over Japan, which are perfect for souvenirs.
Among them, "KitKat" is especially popular. The flavors change monthly, so there's always something new to discover with every visit.
The alcohol section is also impressive, lined with various brands of sake and plum wine from different regions of Japan, making it feel like a specialty store. These are great for both souvenirs and personal enjoyment.
Get Even More Savings with The Discount Coupon!
Drugstore Cosmos offers great coupons for international tourists, allowing you to get up to a 19% discount when combined with the 10% tax exemption. You can find everything you need for your trip, from daily necessities and medicine to souvenirs, all in one place, so be sure to stop by.
How to Use the Coupon
Valid stores: Kabukicho 1-Chome Store, Dotonbori Store, Hiroo Station Store, Tenjin Daimarumae Store, Shinsaibashi Minami Store (five locations)
- 5% discount on purchases of ¥10,000 or more
- 7% discount on purchases of ¥30,000 or more but less than ¥50,000
- 9% discount on purchases of ¥50,000 or more
Drugstore Cosmos Kabukicho 1-Chome Store
Address: KU Building 1F, 1-5-2 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Access: Approximately a 5-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station
- Hours: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Closed: None
- Official Website: Click Here
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