Five Top Japanese Beauty Products to Try in September

September marks the official beginning of autumn, which means a new season of trends and, eventually, cooler weather. It's a great time to start switching up your beauty regimen with some new fall colors and more moisturizing products to protect your still against dropping temperatures. Check out our recommendations below.

Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Milk

Although the west has now finally caught onto the benefits of hyaluronic acid in skincare, the Japanese have long known the hydrating and radiance boosting qualities of this “liquid gold” ingredient. Hyaluronic acid is produced naturally in our skin tissues, keeping skin soft, smooth and plump. Unfortunately, as we age production of hyaluronic acid slows, leading to dry, dehydrated skin that develops fine lines and wrinkles. As hyaluronic acid is a humectant (which means it can attract and hold water), use on your skin results in improved hydration, which equals soft, plump, dewy skin. One brand that I have heard time and time again when reading about hyaluronic acid products, is Japanese brand Hada Labo. Hada Labo is famous for its Gokujyun super hyaluronic acid, which combines three different types of hyaluronic acid into one formula.

Recently, I finally tried Hada Labo’s Gokujyun Milk (¥830). This product can be quite difficult to find in the store, as the label is almost entirely in Japanese, but once you have a picture of the product and know the packaging you will see it everywhere. This highly moisturising milk is free of fragrance and alcohol, so it’s perfect for dry and sensitive skin. Gokujyun milk replenishes dry and dehydrated skin instantly, returning skin to a comfortable hydration level, leaving it with a nice hydrated glow. It also absorbs well into the skin so it doesn’t feel greasy. For best results apply this product to freshly cleansed skin after a warm shower, as the humid environment with help the hyaluronic acid absorb the water in the air, leaving your skin extra plump and dewy. Hada Labo Gokujyun Milk is available everywhere in Tokyo (I even noticed you can buy a travel size at Natural Lawson), so it is a great item to try and add to your regime if you are looking for a basic, affordable, hydrating moisturiser.

Puresa Hydrogel Mask- Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides

Hydrogel face masks are made of an thick, clear gel (similar to medical grade gels which are used to treat burn victims) that are infused with serum, and placed over your face the same way you would a paper or cotton sheet mask. The benefit of hydrogel masks is that they create a much stronger barrier between your skin and the air, ensuring that optimum levels of the mask’s active ingredients are absorbed into the skin, and importantly moisture is also tightly locked in. Puresa has a number of hydrogel sheet masks with different ingredients such as vitamin c, collagen, royal jelly, ceramides and (of course) hyaluronic acid. If you need to up the ante of your skin care regime for a special event or if you have quite dry skin, these hydrogel masks really deliver great result and are a bargain at ¥410 per mask.

Suqqu Blend Quad Color Eyeshadow

Another new discovery this month is Japanese Luxury brand Suqqu. Suqqu is is a high quality brand that aims to enhance the natural beauty and confidence of women with its cosmetic and skincare range. Suqqu has just released its fall color story, which includes some beautiful quad eye shadows (¥6,800) that clearly showcase the brand’s refined, classic sophistication. The eyeshadow quad is housed in a glossy black compact, with large mirror and an assortment of mini-brushes and applicators- everything you need for achieving the beautiful fall look at home. The highlight colors for the fall color palettes are bordeaux, khaki and navy, each pared back with two neutral shades that highlight and add depth to the eye. The result is wearable, elegant and polished.

Obagi Derma Power X Lip Essence

After a summer of constant air conditioning, your lips may need a little extra care to keep your pout looking its best. Obagi Derma Power Essence X Lip Essence is packed with vitamin A, collagen and hyaluronic acid to help plump up and revive flaky lips. Lips are smoothed, hydrated and left with a subtle, non-sticky gloss. The lip essence is great to apply just before bed, so your lips can benefit from all of the anti-aging ingredients overnight.

Kose Hadakiwami Powder Wash

Looking for a face wash that will not leak all over your gym or travel bag? Hadakiwami Powder Wash comes in clever, easy-to-carry sachets, perfect for throwing in your cosmetic bag. The Hadakiwami cleansing powder contains rice enzymes that help ensure a thorough clean, but will not leave your skin feeling tight and stripped of moisture. To use, simply pour the contents into the palm of your hand and mix with a little lukewarm water to create a foam. Make sure to take the time to lather the powder into a decent foam, as the foaming consistency helps lift dirt and oil from the pores without rubbing and pulling the delicate skin on your face, and also a thicker paste will be quite strong and drying on the skin. After gently massaging the foam all over your face and neck for a few minutes, carefully rinse away with lukewarm water.