Shopping Guide
HELP / FAQs
Beauty enthusiasts often wonder, “Where can I purchase my favorite makeup products in the country?” Fortunately, it is filled with stores that cater to your skincare and beauty needs! In this article, we will guide you through some fantastic shops and provide detailed information about the types of products they offer. Let’s get started! As of August 2026, all of the stores below still operate nationwide across Japan.
TL;DR
You can buy skincare and makeup all over Japan: drugstore chains like Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Welcia and Kokumin, convenience stores, Don Quijote, 100-yen shops such as Daiso, and beauty specialists like @cosme store, Ainz & Tulpe, Plaza and Loft. Most also sell online, and a proxy service can ship them worldwide.
- Drugstores (Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Welcia, Kokumin) are the cheapest everyday source for J-beauty brands like DHC, Lululun and CANMAKE.
- Don Quijote and 100-yen shops (Daiso, Seria, Can★Do) are best for budget and travel-size cosmetics.
- @cosme, Ainz & Tulpe, Plaza and Loft carry premium and trend brands, both in store and online.
- Many Japanese beauty sites ship domestic-only; a proxy buyer like OneMall forwards them overseas with commission as low as ¥200/order.
If you’re a beginner wondering where to buy cosmetics from there, don’t worry! Pharmacies in the country are true beauty destinations. You’ll find famous brands such as DHC, Maybelline, L’Oréal, and Lululun, among others.
Iconic pharmacy chains like Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Kokumin, and Welcia are widespread across the country.[1] They offer a wide range of medicines, daily necessities, cosmetics, and skincare products, catering to all your beauty and health needs.
Key point: Pharmacies are found throughout the country and sometimes offer discount coupons or special sales.
Convenience stores in the country (also known as “konbini”) don’t just sell delicious snacks and drinks—you can also find small cosmetic products here. Lip balms, Nail polishes, face masks—everything you need is available. Travel kits containing makeup remover, toner, moisturizer, and tissues are also sold. Major konbini chains such as 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart are ubiquitous.
Key point: Konbini are open 24 hours, allowing you to shop for beauty items even late at night.
Do you know the shopping paradise? It’s Don Quijote, or Donki. This store is the version of Big Lots, where you can enjoy the fun of shopping to the fullest. If you want to buy affordable cosmetics and skincare products from there, Donki is the place to be![3]
Key point: Shopping at Donki will leave you amazed by the impressive array of products stacked to the ceiling. Additionally, the store can get crowded on weekends, so it’s recommended to visit early in the morning or late at night to avoid the crowds.
If you’re a fan of Asian dramas or beauty, you’ve probably heard of Daiso, the famous 100-yen shop chain[4] (also known as “hyakkin”). Other popular chains include：Seria and Can★Do, offering refined beauty products at affordable prices. These stores are especially perfect for students. You’ll find quality beauty products, as well as a wide range of everyday items. These shops function like mini department stores, offering a vast selection of products from there at very reasonable prices.
Key point: Perfect for students and those on a budget, these shops offer much more than just cosmetics, including household items and many other things.
One of the most popular beauty stores in the country, available both online and in physical stores. Here, you can find makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance products from both international and local brands.
Key point: The COSME website updates over 15 million product reviews[2], helping you make more informed shopping decisions. Additionally, COSME hosts the annual “@cosme Best Cosmetics Awards,” showcasing the top products in skincare, makeup, body care, and haircare.
Ainz & Tulpe is a must-visit for beauty enthusiasts there. This brand offers a selection of products from over 250 brands[6], available both in-store and online. From high-quality skincare to alluring perfumes, professional cosmetics to health products, you’ll find nearly everything you need. Moreover, Ainz & Tulpe’s products are guaranteed to be of excellent quality and stand out for their uniqueness.
Key point: The greatest advantage of Ainz & Tulpe stores is their pleasant shopping experience. Customers can freely choose their products without being pressured by staff, in a relaxed environment where they can take their time making choices.
Plaza is a specialty store based on the concept of an “American drugstore” and offers a wide range of imported products. You’ll find cute toys, office supplies, figurines, as well as Western snacks and drinks. Additionally, Plaza is a must-visit for beauty lovers. Plaza’s main clientele consists of young women in their 20s to 30s who value quality of life and enjoy treating themselves to cute items.
Key point: Plaza (both online and offline) carries many well-known local skincare and makeup brands, such as Ririmew, &be, CANMAKE, and CipiCipi.
Like Plaza, Loft is a lifestyle store targeted at women in their 30s.[5] You’ll find products from renowned brands such as Bioderma, ETVOS, Sritana, and WELEDA.
Where to buy skincare and makeup in Japan: quick comparison
| Store / chain | Known for | Online & ship overseas? | Price level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Welcia, Kokumin (drugstores) | Everyday J-beauty & pharmacy brands (DHC, Lululun, CANMAKE) | Online store; shipping mainly within Japan | Low–mid |
| Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) | Travel-size & emergency beauty items | In-store only | Low |
| Don Quijote (Donki) | Discount cosmetics, very wide range | Online; mostly Japan | Low |
| Daiso / Seria / Can★Do (100-yen shops) | Ultra-cheap cosmetics & beauty tools | Some online; Japan-only | Very low |
| @cosme store | Reviewed best-sellers & award picks | Online, Japan-focused | Mid |
| Ainz & Tulpe | 250+ curated skincare, makeup & fragrance brands | In-store & online | Mid–high |
| Plaza / Loft | Imported & trendy local brands | Online, Japan | Mid |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the cheapest place to buy makeup in Japan?
Drugstore chains like Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Welcia and Kokumin, plus Don Quijote and 100-yen shops such as Daiso, are the most budget-friendly and often run coupons and sales.
Can I buy Japanese skincare online and have it shipped overseas?
Many Japanese beauty retailers only ship within Japan. A proxy-buying service such as OneMall can order from any of these stores and forward it worldwide, with commission as low as ¥200/order (your first 6 orders are free, then ¥100/order) and up to 90 days of free storage.
What brands can I find in Japanese drugstores?
Popular affordable brands include DHC, Lululun, CANMAKE, Maybelline and L’Oréal. Drugstores stock a wide range of skincare, makeup, medicines and daily necessities.
What is @cosme and why is it useful?
@cosme is Japan’s largest beauty review platform, with over 15 million reviews and the annual @cosme Best Cosmetics Awards, so you can check top-rated products before buying in its stores or online.
Which stores carry premium or hard-to-find brands?
Ainz & Tulpe (250+ brands), Plaza and Loft focus on curated, imported and trendy brands, available both in store and online.
References
- Matsumoto Kiyoshi Cocokara Online — official drugstore site. matsukiyococokara-online.com
- @cosme (istyle Inc.) — beauty reviews & @cosme Best Cosmetics Awards. cosme.net
- Don Quijote (Donki) — official site. donki.com
- Daiso Industries — official 100-yen shop site. daiso-sangyo.co.jp
- Loft — official lifestyle store site. loft.co.jp
- Ainz & Tulpe / AIN (Ain Holdings) — official customer site. ainj.co.jp
Last updated: 2026-08-05.
