What is J-Beauty?

What is J-Beauty? Do you know what J-Beauty really is?

Have you ever searched the meaning of J-Beauty on the internet, only to find articles written by non-Japanese people and felt not sure what is real?

Then, you are in the right place!

In this post, I’m going to share my view on J-Beauty as a Japanese woman (born & raised).

K-Beauty seems to have taken the world by storm but I recently, I have noticed people started to be aware of the power of Japanese skincare products. I would say it’s about time 🙂

Japanese people are quite shy compared to other nations in general, so you might’ve not heard their actual voice and opinions on beauty regimes. But, believe it or not, Japanese women consume MORE beauty products than any other women on the planet and the industry is HUGE. So what are the unique characteristics of J-Beauty?

Intro:  Japanese Cosmetics Market Worth

That’s right! it is HUGE.

The fact is Japanese women go the SUPER EXTRA mile (probably extra x100) to maintain their youthful look for as LOOOOOONG as possible, and they do whatever it takes. It is crazy 🙂

For them, it is almost like a mission for life or an obsession.

They are very open-minded to try not only Japanese products but also Korean, French or any other brands. It is more about finding which products suit their skin and creating a tailor-made routine for themselves.

As typical as it may sound, I, as a Japanese girl, have tried many products from various brands over the past two decades, including well-known western brands like Chanel and Estée Lauder.

Having lived in Europe now for 15 years, I clearly see what makes Japanese skincare unique, and I do think there is a lot to learn (I’m still learning!).

While J-Beauty means Japanese beauty or skincare products from Japan, below points are what I believe lies at the core of J-Beauty that gave birth to the reputation of Japanese skincare products 🙂

5 Secrets of Japanese Beauty Products

High Quality & Efficacy

The Japanese love high efficacy and quality. After I tried other famous skincare brands, I have to say I tend to come back to Japanese ones because they are better quality even if they are reasonably priced.

Japanese people are REALLY FOCUSED on producing high-quality products. The Japanese are relentless when it comes to improving, experimenting and perfecting anything (it’s called Kaizen “改善”Shinka “進化” or Shinpo “進歩”). This philosophy also goes to skincare products.

For instance, Japanese shampoos are noticeably better than any other brands I have ever tried over the past 20 years. I feel my hair goes quite dry and coarse when I’m not using Japanese ones. I can feel the difference in quality.

Another good example would be cotton pads. Cotton pads made in Japan are really high quality meaning much softer and gentle on the skin. Being gentle with your skin is very much an integral part of Japanese skincare. Japanese women pay close attention to whatever they put on or touch their skin.

The quality of Japanese products is well recognised by neighbouring countries like China or Korea. Some of them are in fact crazy about Japanese skincare products.

This summer, when I was visiting Japan, I was utterly shocked to see so many Chinese tourists were flocking into pharmacy (drug) stores to buy Japanese shampoos, conditioners, beauty products etc. in huge quantity. There were ten cashiers, and 9 of 10 were for Chinese tourists (duty-free)… lol

Sensitivity

Japanese women are very sensitive to ingredients in their skincare products. They would go the extra mile to be assured that the new product is to be trusted (visiting the actual store for trial, trying samples before purchasing, reading and educating themselves about the latest product or ingredient).

The Japanese love details.

They love paying attention to details. They love making small details beautiful.

I believe they can produce high-quality products because they have the sensitivity. I often feel this is being translated into the texture of skincare and beauty products. Mostly, it’s never too harsh nor chemical for your skin.

Art & Science

When I do my usual skincare routine, I feel like it’s an art form in and of itself. I really enjoy taking very good care of my skin, paying attention to my skin’s needs and wants and modify the usual steps to meet the needs accordingly.

If I can listen to my skin well, the steps to include/exclude and which products to use would come about naturally.

Respecting my skin’s needs has always been paramount in my skincare ritual. This means to turn to the scientific side of skincare products. Understanding and studying the ingredients would pay dividends in the long run. I still continue to educate myself by reading skincare and health research from various sources.

Japanese consumers are extremely sophisticated and well informed about the chemical formulations in products. In recent years, Japanese women are demanding natural ingredients and organic formulations with higher efficacy, so there are never-ending innovation and competition in the market.

Tradition

I respect and love everything about K-Beauty. Personally, though, and honestly, I really think Japanese skincare products are SECOND TO NONE 🙂 The tradition even goes back to around 1,000s. We have a very long history of inventing and innovating beauty products.

I do use Korean serums, creams etc. sometimes but I tend to see them as more of demand-based. It’s like a fling to me (wink!). After a while, I find myself going back to Japanese products as the texture is SO gentle on the skin, and it feels they are more DELICATE.

Japanese Beauty prefers sticking to rituals that last and help prevent ageing in the long run.

Their rituals and routines are part of their life, and they are taught from their young age by their mothers or grandmothers.

The wisdom and knowledge have been passed on through generations. My Japanese skincare routine also derives from my mother and I developed mine over time with her help.

J-Beauty is Humble & Respectful 

If I add anything to the meaning of J-Beauty, I would say Japanese women (men too!) are humble and discreet. The culture is not about me me me look at me.

It is more about living in harmony, respecting others and stay humble. Maybe that’s why J-Beauty has been sort of under the radar compared to K-Beauty.

This does not mean they do not have self-love, but it is more directed inwards and in some way, stoic. Behind their humbleness, there lies a great deal of respect and dignity. It is their strength to stick to their inherited routines and traditions while welcoming new things from outside.

This translates into continuous innovations and creativity. That is why you see a VAST RANGE of beauty products, tools (ok, some are really weird!) and skincare products in Japan.

Literally, SO MUCH available. I will be sharing a post about that later too.

I hope this post could give you a better understanding of what J-Beauty is about and if you enjoyed, why not give the traditional Japanese Skincare Routine a go :)?

Remember: Be gentle, be patient and respect your skin!