In today's world, where the culture of enjoying what you love at any age is spreading, incorporating your favorite characters into your daily life is no longer unusual. Among these, character-themed cosmetics are especially popular—not just as decorative items, but as products that adults can use in their everyday routines.
While character cosmetics are relatively familiar in Japan, they are still rare overseas, making them unique items that showcase Japan's distinctive pop-culture character scene. As a result, more and more people are choosing them as souvenirs when traveling to Japan!
One of the leading creators of such character cosmetics is CreerBeaute, the cosmetics brand from Japanese toy manufacturer Bandai.
This time, we had the special opportunity to speak with Bandai and ask the product developers about their dedication to creating these items. In this article, we’ll introduce must-see items created in collaboration with popular characters such as Tamagotchi, My Melody & Kuromi, and Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon.
Be sure to check out the packaging that expresses each character’s world, as well as the attention to detail that only a toy manufacturer can provide.
*All prices include tax.
6 Character Cosmetics Picks: Tamagotchi, My Melody & Kuromi, Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon
From the character cosmetics lineup by CreerBeaute, we’ve picked out six especially noteworthy items.
We’ll introduce items that combine designs expressing each character’s world with the appeal of being easy-to-use everyday cosmetics, along with insights from the developers.
[Tamagotchi] Custom!! Lip & Cheek
First, we introduce a lip and cheek product inspired by the Tamagotchi device.
The container is designed as a miniature version of the Tamagotchi device, and its compact size makes it easy to carry in your pouch.
There are four colors in total, with the most popular being "Keitama Ichigo Milk (Sweet Pink)." The balm type formula gives a subtle tint and can be used on both lips and cheeks, adding a natural flush of color.
Not only is the design adorable, but the customizable feature is another key highlight of this product.
Highlights from the Developer
“This is a popular series featuring the Tamagotchi shape. In the latest release, we made it possible to change the Tamagotchi display using the included stickers using the included stickers. This idea was incorporated based on user surveys.”
Product Details
- Product Name: Tamagotchi Custom!! Lip & Cheek (4 types)
- Set Contents: 1 Lip & Cheek, 2 screen stickers
- Price: 1,100 yen each
[My Melody & Kuromi] Character Nail Parts
These are highly detailed 3D nail parts that faithfully recreate My Melody and Kuromi in three dimensions—truly a precision product only a toy manufacturer could create.
The back side has an adhesive backing, so you can easily decorate your nails just by sticking them on. The adhesive is strong, so your nails will stay beautiful all day long—another great feature.
Of course, you can stick them on your nails, but you can also enjoy them in various ways, such as placing them inside your smartphone case for a fun decorative touch.
Highlights from the Developer
“The package is shaped like a drink. Since many people post nail photos on social media while holding a drink, we created this package shape to make the nails stand out in photos.”
Product Details
- Product Name: Character Nail Parts My Melody / Kuromi
- Set Contents: 8 nail parts, double-sided adhesive stickers
- Price: 1,320 yen each
[My Melody & Kuromi] Fluffy Face Compact
From the “Fluffy Face Compact” series themed around plush toys, My Melody and Kuromi make their appearance.
Unlike flat prints, These compacts are made soft and three-dimensional, just like plush toys. The texture is so soft and inviting, it feels as if a plush toy has been turned into a cosmetic item.
Each character comes in two different facial expressions, so you can choose your favorite. My Melody features a gentle pink blush, while Kuromi comes with a playful purple highlight—each set includes powder in their signature colors.
Highlights from the Developer
“We added embossed character designs not only to the inside print and powder, but also expressed the world of the characters both inside and out.”
Product Details
- Product Name: Fluffy Face Compact My Melody / Kuromi
- Set Contents: My Melody (Blush) / Kuromi (Highlight)
- Price: 2,200 yen each
[Touken Ranbu -ONLINE-] Pondecouleur Ring-Shaped Multi-Color Balm
Cosmetics inspired by the world of the popular game "Touken Ranbu -ONLINE-" are now available from the Pondecouleur series.
This is a multi-color balm featuring motifs of the crests, outfits, and image colors of the "Touken Danshi" characters. It can be used in various ways, such as for lips or cheeks.
The biggest feature is its ring-shaped design, which allows you to wear it on your finger like a ring. It's also appealing that you can wear it as an accessory when going out to events and enjoy it as part of your outfit.
Pondecouleur is a series based on the concept of "authentic cosmetics where you don't know what you'll get." In addition to being sold as capsule toys, they are sometimes available at variety stores in boxes where the contents are hidden.
Product Overview
- Product Name: Pondecouleur Touken Ranbu -ONLINE- Ring-shaped Multi-Color Balm Vol.1 (10 types in total)
- Product Name: Pondecouleur Touken Ranbu -ONLINE- Ring-shaped Multi-Color Balm Vol.2 (10 types in total)
- Price: 550 yen each
[Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon] Multi-Carry Lip & Cheek
Many people probably dreamed of magical transformation items as children. Now, you can enjoy those nostalgic items as cosmetics with this Multi-Carry Lip & Cheek. The toy-like texture and coloring will bring back the excitement you felt back then.
The lineup features three of Sailor Moon’s iconic transformation items—the "Transformation Brooch", the "Crystal Star Compact", and the "Cosmic Heart Compact"—each with its own distinct color and fragrance.
For those who wished for these items as children, now is your chance to finally own them.
Highlights from the Developer
"Charm cosmetics that can be attached to bags or pouches are very popular these days. We added a ball chain to this item so you can carry it around with you."
Product Overview
- Product Name: Miracle Romance Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Multi-Carry Lip & Cheek (Transformation Brooch / Crystal Star Compact / Cosmic Heart Compact)
- Price: 1,650 yen each
[NARUTO] Chara Pita Tsutsumare Mask
The internationally popular anime "NARUTO" has been turned into a unique face mask.
The lineup includes two types: Uzumaki Naruto and Hatake Kakashi. It’s an item that lets you enjoy a fun skincare routine while being surrounded by your favorite characters as you take care of your skin.
Wearing the mask might just make you want to shout, "Dattebayo!"
I actually tried it myself, and not only was the visual impact impressive, but the mask also left my skin feeling soft and moisturized.
Pay attention to the design on the back of the packaging as well. With its combination of visual appeal and practicality, it’s sure to be appreciated as a uniquely Japanese souvenir.
Highlights from the Developer
“If you look closely, each mask features a quote from the character. To make it enjoyable for overseas customers as well, we incorporated the Japanese text as it is into the design.”
Product Overview
- Product Name: Charapita Tsutsumare Mask NARUTO (Naruto Uzumaki / Kakashi Hatake)
- Price: 660 yen
“CreerBeaute”: A Cosmetics Brand Born from Character Goods Concepts
This time, we spoke with CreerBeaute, a cosmetics brand produced by the Japanese toy manufacturer Bandai.
Many cosmetics manufacturers release character collaboration cosmetics, but CreerBeaute’s concept is “cosmetics where character goods take center stage.”
“While making sure that the product stands as a ‘character good’ above all, we recreate the world of the characters down to the smallest detail, from the product itself to the packaging, using the modeling and planning expertise that only a toy manufacturer can offer,” says product developer Nao Ozaki.
During product development, they conduct user surveys multiple times and repeatedly improve the products by incorporating the voices of fans.
At the same time, they make no compromises on the usability as cosmetics. In Japan, it’s common to choose cosmetics based on personal color types such as blue base or yellow base,
“We adjust the color design so that it’s easy to use for any type of person.”
Furthermore, since they value the enjoyment of character goods, they also make sure that the colors are easy to use even if you choose based on your favorite character.
The fun of character goods and the practicality of cosmetics—CreerBeaute’s major feature is that they value both in their product development.
👉Related Article: What is the Trendy Fashion & Color Diagnosis in Japan?
Where Can You Buy Character Collaboration Cosmetics in Japan?
Japanese character cosmetics can be purchased at a variety of shops. The CreerBeaute products introduced here can also be found at the following types of stores:
- General discount store “Don Quijote”
- Variety shops such as Loft
- Drugstores such as Matsumoto Kiyoshi
- Character goods shops
The products available vary by store, so if you spot them during your trip, be sure to stop by and take a look.
Japanese Collaboration Cosmetics Let You Enjoy the World of the Characters as They Are
When it comes to character cosmetics, the focus tends to be on the package design, but the items introduced here are carefully crafted to offer both the fun of character goods and the usability of cosmetics.
They’re recommended not only for fans of the characters, but also for those looking for uniquely Japanese cosmetics. As a souvenir of your trip to Japan, it might be fun to pick one up for yourself or as a souvenir.
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