What is Japanese Beauty?
Simple.
Thoughtful.
Innovative, yet traditional.
J-BEAUTY (Japanese Beauty) is a collection of beauty products (skincare + cosmetic) originated, inspired and or made in Japan. The J-BEAUTY standard (or, in other words, skin goal) is a term referred to as Mochi Skin, Mochi Hada, Rice Cake Skin. It's all about having smooth, supple, youthful, plump skin through proper cleansing, hydration, nourishment and protection. The philosophy is less is more, simple ritual that works to strengthen your skin and allow it to do its job well. The more gentle and nurturing you can be with your skin, the better.
THE ESSENCE OF JAPANESE BEAUTY IS DETERMINED BY 4 CONCEPTS: SABI, WABI, SHIBUI AND YUGEN.
Sabi can be translated as "the bloom of time". It is the celebration of naturalness- beauty that comes with age. Wabi is about the beauty of simplicity and functionality. Shibui is about striking a balance between simplicity and complexity to constantly find new meanings that cause its aesthetic value to grow over the years. Yugen by definition means "a profound awareness of the universe that triggers feelings too deep and mysterious for words" or in other words, being self aware.
THE JAPANESE SKINCARE RITUAL:
1. Cleanse
2. Hydrate
3. Nourish
4. Seal
5. Protect
In the morning, a gentle cleanser will do. At night, a double cleanse is a must. The first step in a double cleansing process begins by removing makeup with an oil cleanser. The second step uses a water-based mild facial wash. These are often foaming formulas to protect the skin from harsh friction.
EXFOLIATORS - In Japan, it's important to slough off skin without harsh abrasives or chemicals. Preferred delivery methods include peeling gels, creams, and powders that gently scrub to reveal fresh, healthy and glowing skin.
In Japan, toners are called lotion (Kesho-Sui) and are the most important step for achieving plumpness, while hydrating the skin with ingredients like hyaluronic acid. There’s really no western equivalent to a Japanese lotion, but the closest would be somewhere between a toner and a light moisturizer.
Serums (Biyoueki) roughly translates to “beauty liquid,” and targets specific conditions like dark spots, wrinkles, or dullness. These products tackle many of the same issues as lotions, but in a more concentrated formula. Nourishing your skin can also include oils and gold face masks. (This is usually an optional step base on your skin need)
Moisturizers can range from oil-based products to creams and milks which act as a seal to keep in all the beauty ingredients from the previous step. Traditional moisturizers include sonbahyu, which is a rich horse oil, Job's Tear (barley), and squalane, which comes from olives.
Sunscreens (Hiyakedome) is the single most important step in the morning routine and J-Beauty ritual. Therefore Japan has developed some of the most light weight formulas with maximum protection. Textures range from transparent gels to milky, and matte formulas.