Hey beauties! Welcome back to the blog!
If you’re planning a trip to Japan, I know a visit to Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Don Quijote, or LOFT is at the very top of your itinerary. Japanese drugstores are absolute heavens filled with high-quality, affordable skincare and makeup.
But let’s be real for a second—walking into those aisles can be incredibly overwhelming. With endless rows of beautiful products covered entirely in Japanese, how do you know which one is for oily skin, which one clears acne, or which one is the ultimate cult-favorite?
Don’t worry, I’ve got your back! Today, I’m giving you the ultimate J-Beauty translator cheat sheet. Save this post, screenshot the tables below, and you’ll be shopping like a Tokyo local in no time! 🇯🇵💻
1. The Buzzwords: What’s “Trending” in Japan?
When you’re walking through the aisles, you’ll see giant, colorful stickers on products. These are the “badges of honor” in the Japanese cosmetic world. If you see these characters, it means the product is highly rated by Japanese locals!
| Japanese | English Meaning | Note 📝 |
| ベストコスメ | Best Cosmetics | Often shortened to ベスコス (Besukos). This means it won an award (like the famous @cosme awards). If you see this, just grab it! |