7 Best Japanese Drugstore Mascaras

It takes more than volume and length to fall in love with a tube.

Though an essential attribute to our daily makeup kit, we ladies can get quite picky over what exactly makes us spend those yen on that one specific mascara. Is it volume? Is it length? Is it design? Or the price?

We asked around the Savvy team for their top picks et voila. You can find these lash-savers at any drug, department or cosmetics store across the capital. 

Helena Rubinstein Lash Queen Feline Blacks WP

Not an easily affordable mascara, but certainly one you’d want to buy on payday, this lash booster (¥4,800) makes your eyelashes thick and black without clumping or adding a kilo of goo to your lids.

Through tears or surprise rainstorms, your lashes will stay intact, while removal is made easy with the normal cleanser you use at the end of the day.

I’m a huge fan of all Helena Rubinstein mascaras, but this one won it for me with its cool design and the extra volume it adds to my eyelashes. — Rika, Sales Director

Where to buy: At all major department stores, including Odakyu and Isetan Shinjuku, Seibu Ikebukuro, Matsuya Ginza, and duty-free stores

Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Edge Meister F

The perfect mascara for short eyelashes, this magic wand (¥1,296) from Shiseido will extend your lashes making everyone around you judge you for wearing falsies. Don’t expect much volume, but do count on length, natural eyelash separation, and curls. All that is achieved by a brush made up of two combs — the main one to lift up your upper lashes from their roots, and a mini one to handle your under lashes.

“I’ve used a lot of mascaras, but nothing can beat this one. The brush is very special, producing my desired length only after a few coats. I’ll never give up on this one.” – Raquel, Senior Account Executive

Where to buy: Drugstores, department stores, Plaza, Loft and other cosmetics stores

Maybelline New York The Colossal Volum’ Express

This much-loved bestseller instantly made it to the top three on everyone’s list. Why? It plumps up your lashes for dramatic volume without clumps and without going on too thick. Plus it’s ophthalmologist-tested and suitable for contact lens wearers. And you achieve that desired volume in only one sweep. It’s also easily a steal at ¥1,200. What more could we ask for!  

“The brush is shaped to curve your eyelashes automatically. Doesn’t dry out and you don’t have to aggressively pump the brush either!” – Jasmine, Senior Staff Writer

Where to buy: Drugstores, department stores, Plaza, Loft, and other cosmetics stores

Maybelline New York Lashionista

Another all-time favorite Maybelline product, Lashionista (¥1,200) is Asia-limited, so if you’re in Japan, don’t miss out. This one will make your eyelashes impossibly long with only a few strokes. To add to that, it never clumps or flakes and the extra fiber additions will make your eyelashes look long and natural, without that spidery effect.

“It makes my eyelashes long and natural. This is my go-to daily mascara and my the best item in my makeup kit so far.” – Suzuka, Editorial Assistant  

Where to buy: Drugstores, department stores, Plaza, Loft, and other cosmetics stores

Dejavu Lash Knockout

Buy this one if you’re in love with inky black eyelashes without the thickness or the “Yamamba” look (unless you’re after that, in which case, you do you). Easily removable with just hot water at the end of the day, this eyelash booster (¥1,500) will curl up and extend your lashes in a natural, classy way. 

“Voluminous lashes that last throughout the day and yet it can be easily removed with water! It’s ideal if you’re lazy about taking off your make up before bed.” – Marcia, Editorial Assistant

Where to buy: Drugstores, department stores, Plaza, Loft, and other cosmetics stores

Visee Lash Volume Mania

This product by Kose (¥1,400) is the perfect mascara for abundant volume and black, black, black lashes that stand out from far away. The amazing thing about this pick is that it’s not thick or heavy and you feel as if you’re wearing nothing. Contains silk protein to help nourish the lashes and create a glossy shine. It comes off easily with warm water, too. 

“I’d give up my husband for a box of these. Sorry!“ – Josephine, Senior Staff Writer 

Where to buy: Drugstores, department stores, Plaza, Loft, Tokyu Hands, and other cosmetics stores

Fasio Curl

We love it when things are simple. This magical item sold for ¥1,200 is perfect for those who want curly eyelashes with a reasonable volume and length. The snake-neck wand helps get all minor lashes on board and curl them up for the perfect “360-degree” feminine look, as the brand claims.

“Cheap, waterproof and super cute! All I need.” – Mina, Sales Support

Where to buy: Drugstores, department stores, Plaza, Loft, Tokyu Hands, and other cosmetics stores

Anything we’ve missed? What’s your favorite mascara? Share with us.

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