Good To Know! Beauty Related Japanese Vocabulary And Information

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You might find yourself running into some trouble when shopping for cosmetics or beauty products in Japan because of the language barrier. But don't worry, this helpful guide is here to give you key terms to know to make shopping a breeze!

Written by

miho

東京

Born in Taiwan. Currently living in Tokyo. Currently editor in chief of MATCHA's Taiwanese website. In the past, I worked as an editor for a Japanese fashion magazine, as a Japanese language teacher at a private high school in Taipei, as an interpreter for Shiseido and other Japanese and Taiwanese companies. I've also had experience as an inbound tourism copywriter. My Facebook page 'Tokyo beyond studying abroad' 東京、不只是留學（留学だけじゃなくて）boasts 120,000 followers. Blogger with readers from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Japan, of which 70% are female readers. I have covered over 300 locations and stores in my articles. Writing about the latest trends, places off the beaten path, and traditional culture. Published six books on Japan in Taiwan and Asia. Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/filmmiho/ Instagram → @mihowang47

目元

Reading: Memoto

"Memoto" refers to the area around the eyes. 口元 (kuchimoto) means "around the mouth".

お湯でオフ

Reading: Oyudeofu

An item with 'お湯でオフ' written on it means that this product comes off with hot/warm water. It's commonly found on eye make-up items.

Hand and Foot

指先

Reading: Yubisaki

Fingertips. The tip of your toes are called tsumasaki.

植物エキス

Reading: Shokubutsuekisu

This means it includes plant extract. Each plant extract has a different effect such as moisturizing or whitening.

Some Other Useful Japanese Words when Shopping

ニキビ

Reading: Nikibi
Red spots or acne on your face. This is an international skin problem.

うるおい

Reading: Uruoi
This refers to something that is moist or conveys moisture.

ツヤ感

Reading: Tsuyakan
Glossy looking skin from reflected light. A gloss can make skin seem moist and beautiful.

クマ

Reading: Kuma
The shadows under your eyes. The skin under your eyes is relatively thin and delicate, so shadows can be caused easily by many reasons.

シミ

Reading: Shimi
Small tan or brown spots on the skin. UV light and inflammation are the main causes for them.

シワ

Reading: Shiwa
Small wrinkles around the eyes and mouth, especially those caused by dry conditions.

しっとり

Shittori
Very moist, and smooth skin. We often see this word in skin moisturizers and skin milks.

さっぱり

Sappari
A lighter texture in comparison with shittori.

Simple Terms from English

ノンアルコール

Reading: nonaruko-ru

A non-alcohol based product.

ヒアルロン酸

Reading: hiaruronsan

Contains hyaluronic acid, which is said to have an anti-aging and moisturizing effect.

コラーゲン

Reading: kora-gen

Contains collagen.

アレルギーテスト済

Reading: arerugi-tesutozumi

Allergy-tested; this product has been tested on those with allergies/skin conditions, so those with sensitive skin should be able to use it.

ノンシリコン

Reading: nonshirikon

Non-silicon, this product does not contain or is not made with silicon. Silicon is not good for the environment, and not especially good for your hair/scalp according to some experts.

In Conclusion

Please keep in mind the above kanji and look out for them the next time you go shopping at a drug store. We hope you have fun!
For those already studying, we recommend taking online conversation lessons with CafeTalk (1,000 yen coupon included).

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Written by

miho

東京

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