No Japan itinerary feels complete without a visit to Don Quijote (Donki for short), the famous discount megastore chain with branches across the country. A Don Quijote store is packed with everything from snacks to household electronics to cosmetics. Beauty enthusiasts will find themselves spoiled for choice among the vast assortment of skin care and makeup products from different Japanese brands!
That said, navigating a multi-floor Don Quijote, with its maze-like aisles, bright-colored signage and endlessly looping theme song, can be a struggle. During my recent Japan trip, I dropped by a Donki store to scout out local skin care products that are worth bringing back home.
Want to make the most of your shopping haul? Here are some editor-approved Japanese beauty products spotted at Don Quijote – and they’re all available at YesStyle so you don’t have to go to Japan to get them!
1. Wash-Off Masks
Wander through Donki’s beauty aisles and you’ll notice an impressive lineup of face masks addressing various skin concerns. While sheet masks dominate the shelves, wash-off masks deserve your attention too. Coming in a thick, paste-like texture, these facial treatments may even contain traditional Japanese skin care ingredients like rice and sake.
One standout is Ishizawa Lab’s Nadeshiko Keana Rice Pack, a long-time cult-fave among both locals and tourists. Made with 100% Japanese-grown rice-derived ingredients, the wash-off mask smooths textured skin while providing hydration, radiance boost and barrier-strengthening care. As the wash-off mask exfoliates without aggravating skin, those with sensitive skin would be pleased. Featuring a slightly lumpy consistency similar to mashed rice, the formula gently lifts away skin impurities without causing irritation. I applied a generous layer onto my face and found the formula gentle on my skin. After 5 minutes, I rinsed it off with water and reveled in my noticeably brighter and plumper skin!
2. All-In-One Face Creams
Whether you’re feeling lazy or in a time crunch, Japanese all-in-one face creams can help simplify your beauty regimen! These multitasking moisturizers combine various skin care functions into one, from moisture-replenishing to skin-balancing to anti-aging, depending on the formulation.
During my visit, I picked up SANA’s Soy Milk Moisture 6 In 1 Gel Cream Enriched, a gel cream that functions as a toner, lotion, emulsion, moisturizer, mask pack and makeup base. Harnessing the nourishing power of soybean milk, soybean protein and soybean seed extract, it soothes, brightens and hydrates skin. The formula’s bouncy pudding-like texture melts into a highly viscous texture upon contact with skin. One layer was enough to intensely moisturize and brighten my skin, so I see how it can replace multiple skin care products. However, its rich texture may be too heavy for certain skin types particularly oily skin, or for those who live in a humid climate. I recommend using the cream during winter when your skin needs extra nourishment.
3. UV Sprays
Want to level up your sun care game? Donki’s extensive collection of UV sprays makes applying and reapplying sunscreen easier than ever. Designed for on-the-go application, spray-on sunscreens offer broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays without leaving a white cast or greasy feel. If you dislike the texture or finish of regular sunscreens, Japanese UV sprays may be for you.
Kao, one of Japan’s leading beauty companies, offers a wide range of SPF products in mist format, like the Biore UV Aqua Rich Aqua Protect Mist. Fitted with SPF 50+ PA++++ and formulated with squalane, it protects skin from the sun’s rays while keeping skin refreshed and hydrated. The waterproof spray dispenses a fine, concentrated mist that can be layered over makeup. For those who are sensitive to scents, just a heads up that the Biore SPF mist is fragranced. The UV spray’s convenient and travel-friendly design makes it a reliable companion for travel, outdoor activities and daily sun care.
4. Vitamin C Skin Care
Vitamin C is a superstar ingredient in Japanese skin care thanks to its antioxidant and melanin-suppressing properties. At Donki, you’ll find plenty of facial serums and essences infused with Vitamin C, including Rohto Mentholatum’s Melano CC Vitamin C Essence.
Chock-full of Vitamin C and combined with Vitamin E derivatives like tocopherol acetate, the Melano CC Vitamin C Essence is also a YesStyle bestseller. It helps inhibit melanin production to fade blemishes and dark spots. White alpinia seed extract in the citrus-scented formula neutralizes free radicals to help achieve radiant, lit-from-within skin. The airtight, light-protected packaging preserves the potency of active ingredients. I like using this essence as a blemish care treatment, as it successfully faded my post-acne marks within two weeks of use. Despite its oily consistency, the formula quickly dries down and absorbs into skin without a sticky feel. Make sure to look for this essence if you’re in need of a budget-friendly Vitamin C skin care!
