Love K-Beauty? It’s Time To Give J-Beauty A Try


We all know the basics of K-Beauty: 10-step routines, dewy skin, snail-slime everything. But as complexity starts to get replaced with a more minimalistic approach to beauty, there’s a new Asia-inspired regimen that’s starting to pop up: J-Beauty.

 

What Is J-Beauty?

 

Short for “Japanese Beauty,” J-Beauty is on the rise for its simplicity, accessibility (do the names Shu Uemura, Shiseido, or Bioré ring a bell?), and thoughtfully-curated formulas that give your skin the same radiant glow as your beloved K-Beauty tools.

 

“Japanese beauty is consistent with the Japanese approach to food, aesthetics, and philosophies—there is a devotion to the inherent beauty of what is essential, stripping away the excess,” Vicky Tsai, founder of cult-favorite Japanese beauty brand Tatcha, tells COOLS. “The formulas are very spare, meaning the quality and precision of each ingredient is paramount. J-Beauty also takes a very different approach to the practices I grew up with: Instead of harsh scrubbing or alcohol-based cleansers, traditional Japanese ingredients and rituals work with the skin to purify, polish, plump, and protect.”

 

Tsai says to think about Japanese beauty like sushi—it’s sophisticated and beloved by so many people, yet only features a few high-quality ingredients (think: rice and green tea extracts and aloe vera) and takes minimal time to put together.

 

We know you’re read to stuff your (beauty) bags with J-Beauty goodies, but why stop there? Spread the skin-cleansing cheer this holiday season by gifting these best-selling J-Beauty sets and items to everyone on your list.

 

The J-Beauty Holiday Gift Guide

 

Tatcha Kyoto Kisses Mini Lipstick Trio

 

The J-Beauty Holiday Haul 8J-Beauty isn’t limited to just skincare. These mini lipsticks are packed with smooth silk extracts and 24-karat gold to give your pout a luxurious look and feel.

 

Boscia Charcoal Jelly Ball Cleanser

 

The J-Beauty Holiday Haul 7

Don’t let this little black ball fool you—it has a gentle jelly texture and is filled with a charcoal-infused cleanser to wash away pore-clogging dirt and grime. Plus, it’s adorable enough to hang on your tree!

 

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

 

The J-Beauty Holiday Haul 6

This cult-favorite isn’t your ordinary eyelash curler: Its unique almond shape helps grab each and every lash without pinching or pulling.

 

Shiseido Best-Sellers Set

 

The J-Beauty Holiday Haul 5This set is basically a J-Beauty 101 guide. It’s filled with some of this iconic brand’s most sought-after products—yes, even the fan-favorite Urban Environment UV Protector.

 

SK-II Holiday Welcome Kit

 

The J-Beauty Holiday Haul 4The SK-II Facial Treatment Essence is a J-Beauty godsend. Plus, this kit comes with some mini extras to supercharge skin.

 

Skin Inc. Holiday Dew

 

The J-Beauty Holiday Haul 3This season, give the gift of dewy skin with this mini duo. A moisture-retaining hyaluronic acid serum, paired with a nourishing clear jelly mask, will help even the driest of skins  feel completely moisturized.

 

Tatcha The Silk Canvas Protective Primer

 

The J-Beauty Holiday Haul 2This best-selling primer is loved by every beauty guru, influencer, and celebrity makeup artist for a reason: It really freakin’ works. This priming balm hides every wrinkle, enlarged pore, and blemish on your skin to reveal a smooth, radiant complexion.

 

DHC The Classic Cleanse Gift Set

 

The J-Beauty Holiday Haul 1This mini gift set is a great introduction to the Asian double-cleansing routine. It features DHC’s cult-favorite cleansing oil and a mild facial soap bar that’ll keep your skin calm and cleansed, even during the hectic holiday season.

 

Tatcha Akari Gold Massager

 

The J-Beauty Holiday HaulWhy give a spa gift certificate when you can give this multi-use tool? Inspired by Japanese acupressure, this gold leaf-covered massager helps with lymphatic drainage (which can ease inflammation and help detox skin) and revitalizes skin.

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