Discovering Japanese Beauty Products: Sunscreens and Scalp Care
IN THIS ARTICLE
Hey there, everyone! Welcome back to But More Importantly, your go-to spot for skincare and dermatology chatter. This is a first-of-its-kind article. I recently had a delightful journey to Japan, where I explored Tokyo, Kyoto, and Fukuoka. As you might expect, I couldn't resist diving into Japanese skincare products along the way.
I focused my shopping on the viral, best-selling products in Japan, and I've got some robust thoughts about what I picked up. A note of caution, though: these products are fragrant, so they might not be my top recommendations. However, I'm excited to dive into discussing the texture, feel, and overall experience of using them.
Japanese Sunscreens
Ready to dive in? Our first product on the list is a big hit in Japan: the Biore UV Aqua Rich Protection Lotion SPF 50. I saw it in every store I visited. It's accompanied by a companion spray for reapplication throughout the day. This sunscreen is incredibly watery, making it challenging to apply, but the result is an invisible, dewy look. I noticed that if you don't shake the bottle before use, the product separates, leading to a less-than-ideal experience. The fragrance is fresh and noticeable, but not overpowering. Despite its popularity, I found this product to be merely okay; it didn't wow me as much as others seemed to be.
The reapplication spray, though, I found very practical, especially given the intense heat in Japan. Just remember to close your eyes and hold your breath before spritzing! One common mistake people make with sprays is failing to rub them in. I've seen peculiar sunburn patterns as a result, likely from the spray not being evenly distributed. Surprisingly, this sunscreen does a good job adhering, despite being a spray. The scent is pleasant to me, although fragrance is subjective. Initially, the spray has a strong alcohol smell, but it's not as intense as some others that resemble spraying vodka on your face.
As a reapplication, it performed well and dried quickly, which might be due to the alcohol content. It does leave a slightly tacky feel, somewhat mattifying, even more so than the water gel. While it wasn't my absolute favorite, I didn't dislike it. I'm still on the hunt for the perfect reapplication spray, but overall, this one is pretty good. I'd recommend it over the water gel.
Scalp Care: The Game Changer – Shiro Fragrance Matcha Scrub Shampoo
Now, onto a product you may not have heard of: the Shiro Fragrance Matcha Scrub Shampoo. This shampoo is much more than just a cleanser; it's a mechanical scrub for your scalp. It has a distinctive fragrance that I like, which is surprising coming from me as I generally avoid fragranced products.
This shampoo is reminiscent of a sugar scrub. After a long day out, using this product feels like a treat and I've been using it regularly. It effectively removes the residue from the heavy styling products I use. Whereas I usually have to shampoo multiple times to fully cleanse my scalp, this product leaves my hair feeling clean without overly drying it. I highly recommend the Shiro Fragrance Matcha Scrub Shampoo. I'm not sure if it's available in the United States, but if you can find it, give it a try.
The Wonder Stick: Shiseido Clear Sun Care Stick
Next, let's discuss the Shiseido Clear Sun Care Stick. It's SPF 50, PA+++++ and claims to be very water resistant. Shiseido also sells this product in the U.S. I've been using quite a few sunscreen sticks recently. This one feels heavy at first, but it's actually not. Here we have a unique hybrid sunscreen unlike any other available in America. What's unique is that it's water-resistant, but not based on zinc or titanium. I've found this sunscreen to be very user-friendly and I'm particularly fond of it. It's transparent, easy to spread, and application is a breeze.
What makes it especially noteworthy for travelers or anyone spending a long day outdoors, is the stick format. I've come to appreciate how convenient these are, especially when you're out and about without easy access to wash your hands. The stick format allows for quick and easy reapplication, regardless of how hot or sweaty you might be. The product is fragrant, and the application spread is excellent. It was my go-to for reapplication during my trip to Japan. It seems kids too prefer stick applications over lotions so this could also be a great option for children, given its great water resistance. Shiseido, the brand behind this product, has an excellent reputation, so you can trust the quality and effectiveness of their products.
Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Mild Milk SPF 50
Moving on, we have the Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Mild Milk SPF 50, designed specifically for sensitive skin. This product was highly visible on billboards all over Japan, which piqued my interest. This sunscreen has a higher viscosity than the previous one, giving it a creamy and soothing feel. It applies lightly and has a matte finish. However, it does leave a dewy residue and requires a bit more effort to work into the skin compared to the Biore one. There's no visible cast, making it an excellent option for those desiring a hydrated and glossy skin appearance.
Though the store informed me it contains no fragrance, I can smell a subtle scent. I also noticed that it transitions from a dewy to matte finish rather swiftly throughout the day, perhaps due to oil absorption properties. Despite its popularity, I prefer the Shiseido stick.
The Reigning Champion? Canmake Tokyo Mermaid Skin Gel UV Plus
Lastly, I am excited to talk about the Canmake Tokyo Mermaid Skin Gel UV Plus. This SPF 50 sunscreen for face and body was the best-selling product in Japan during my visit. It was absolutely everywhere in their equivalent of Sephora. We'll discuss this product more in upcoming articles. It has a lightweight texture with a very slight fragrance. Some users mentioned a change in the formula, and I'm eager to try this new version. It appears to be quite different from the predecessor.
Our Personal Favorites: The Verdict
As for my favorite, I'm caught between the sunscreen stick and the scalp scrub – two vastly different products. The sunscreen stick wins because of its practicality and ease of use when I'm on the move but I'm excited for you to try the scalp scrub for an immersive spa-like experience in the shower.
As always, thank you all for reading. Please remember to like, comment, and subscribe. Let us know your thoughts and what you'd like us to review next.
About the Author: Caolan
With over a decade of international experience, Caolan's passion lies in simplifying the complex. His innovative thinking and audience-first approach have made significant impacts across the creative industries. Now, as the founder of But More Importantly, he applies these talents to the world of cosmetics, aiming to unmask marketing hype and provide readers with the truth about beauty products. His mission: to help you make informed choices and discover what truly enhances your beauty routine.
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