Jump to:
Finding time for an extensive beauty routine can often be a challenge because let’s face it, most of us don’t have that much time to spare in the morning!
Whether you're a busy professional juggling a hectic schedule or simply prefer a more streamlined approach to beauty, there are some really clever Japanese skincare and makeup products that you need to know about that can save you both time and money.
In this article, we'll introduce some of the best Japanese beauty products that have multi-functional uses and are ideal for busy individuals. Discover how to effortlessly integrate these products into your daily routine, allowing you to achieve your desired look while saving precious time.
From ‘one step’ skincare essentials to innovative makeup products, read on to discover the best Japanese beauty products for busy people!
How we decided
- Time-SavingProducts that simplify or shorten the skincare or makeup routine
- Multifunctionaltems that combine multiple steps/benefits in one (e.g., moisturizer + sunscreen + serum)
- Hydration & Skin Care Benefitsroducts that nourish, moisturize, and improve skin texture or tone
- Ease of UseFormulas or tools that are quick, easy, and convenient to apply, suitable for busy lifestyles
Saving Time On Skincare
If you follow a typical Japanese double cleansing skincare routine, you’ll know that there are four steps involved which means four types of skincare products that need applying – a cleansing oil, foaming cleanser, lotion, and moisturizer. By taking a more streamlined approach to your daily skincare, you can save time in the mornings.
Streamlining your daily skincare routine doesn't mean sacrificing results – it's all about maximizing efficiency without compromising on self-care.
Multifunctional Skincare Products
Begin by opting for multi-tasking products that combine multiple benefits in one step, such as creams with built-in lotions and serums or moisturizers infused with sun protection like the below-recommended products.
Rohto Hada Labo Koi Gokujyun UV White Gel SPF50+ PA++++ 90g
If you’re looking for a sunscreen that moisturizes your skin and can also be used as a makeup primer, try the Rohto Hada Labo Koi Gokujyun UV White Gel SPF50+ PA++++ 90g. Its lightweight formula and gel texture means it is easily and quickly absorbed into the skin so you can apply your makeup right on top.
This lightweight Japanese sunscreen includes moisturizing ingredients to nourish skin such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin C and protects your skin from sunlight. This multi-functional product has six roles in one: lotion, beauty serum, emulsion, cream, pack, and sunscreen.
Pros
- 6-in-1 multifunctional gel
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing
- Moisturizes and protects skin
Cons
- Gel texture may not suit dry skin
- Limited anti-aging benefits
Kose Grace One Perfect Gel Cream
There are also several gel creams that have multiple functions and can be used to save time in your skincare routine in the mornings.
Kose Grace One Perfect Gel Cream is a rose-scented concentrated anti-aging, repair gel with eight functions in one product including lotion, essence, mask pack, massage cream, eye cream, and neck cream.
This rich Japanese all-in-one gel cream is formulated with three types of collagen, three types of hyaluronic acid, squalene, and retinol derivative to achieve plumper and firmer skin.
Pros
- 8 functions in one
- Rich in collagen and hyaluronic acid
- Firming and plumping effects
Cons
- Heavier texture for oily skin
- Strong rose scent
Kosé Sekkisei Herbal Gel Multifunctional Skincare Gel
Kosé Sekkisei Herbal Gel Multifunctional Skincare Gel is a great product to try if you’re looking for a gel that both hydrates skin and improves skin tone by removing dullness. This all-in-one gel produces the same results as using several different products including emulsion, toner, moisturizing cream, and facial mask. It also features a combination of Asian herbs that provide deep moisturizing effects to the skin to give your complexion a luminous finish.
Pros
- Multi-tasking gel (emulsion, toner, mask)
- Hydrates deeply
- Improves dull skin tone
Cons
- May feel sticky initially
- Premium, expensive product
Mediplus All in One Moisturizing Hydrating Gel
Another ‘one-step’ skincare product that can be used in the morning or at night to save time on your skincare routine is the Mediplus All in One Moisturizing Hydrating Gel. Featuring more than 66 carefully selected ingredients, this product functions as a toner, milky lotion, beauty serum, and cream.
The Mediplus gel focuses on keeping skin hydrated for up to 24 hours and improves your complexion within 30 days by making skin firmer, smoother, and brighter. Within its formulation, you’ll find many moisturizing ingredients such as thermal hot spring water sourced from Japan, four kinds of hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and two kinds of collagen.
Pros
- Works as toner, serum, cream
- 24-hour hydration
- Brightens and firms skin
Cons
- Slightly thick texture
- Results take time to notice
Imju Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioning Gel
If you’re looking for a skincare product that can be used all over the body and face after cleansing, then try using Imju Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioning Gel. If you suffer from dry skin on various parts of the body this product is particularly effective because it contains job's tears (hatomugi) to deeply moisturize your skin and vitamin C, which have both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. It can also be used as a makeup base saving the need to wait for the moisturizer to be absorbed into the skin before applying a separate primer.
Pros
- Can be used all over
- Soothes dry skin
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits
Cons
- Lightweight; may need extra for very dry skin
- Limited anti-aging effect
Yanagiya Apricot Oil Moisturizer Hair & Hand Milk Cream
Yanagiya Apricot Oil Moisturizer Hair & Hand Milk Cream is a time-saving solution for your hair and hands. This creamy formulation has a silky milk-like texture and a sweet scent of apricot. Whether it's your hair requiring some rejuvenation or your hands seeking relief, this cream is enriched with a moisture-packed formula, making it an effective remedy for dry or damaged hair and dry hands.
In addition to the above skincare products, overnight masks and leave-on treatments can also be effective time-saving products, working their wonders while you sleep.
Pros
- Multi-use for hands and hair
- Moisturizes and smooths
- Pleasant apricot scent
Cons
- Greasy if over-applied
- Limited skin-firming benefits
Multipurpose Makeup Products
Efficiency in your makeup routine doesn't mean compromising on achieving a finished look. Start by investing in versatile products that serve multiple purposes, such as the ones recommended below.
Multipurpose Foundations
Shiseido Anessa All-in-One Beauty Pact UV Powder Foundation
You can streamline your morning makeup routine by using products like Shiseido Anessa All-in-One Beauty Pact UV Powder Foundation. This clever product combines the power of sunscreen (SPF50+/PA+++), makeup base, and foundation in a single compact.
Featuring Shiseido’s unique Aqua Booster Beauty Technology, this 3-in-1 powder adapts to your skin's needs, enhancing its UV protection when exposed to sebum and sweat, ensuring lasting efficacy. The Tone-up Pearl formulation creates a radiant complexion from every angle, whilst Shiseido's special blend of beauty formulas also nurtures your skin, concealing imperfections while providing essential hydration.
This product is ideal if you are spending a lot of time outdoors and are looking for a long-lasting foundation that also offers sun protection.
Pros
- 3-in-1 sunscreen, base, foundation
- Tone-up pearl formula brightens skin
- Long-lasting, sweat-resistant
Cons
- Powder may be drying
- Limited coverage for blemishes
Sana Keana Pate Shokunin Mineral BB Cream Enrich Moist
If you prefer a product that is lighter on the skin, then Sana Keana Pate Shokunin Mineral BB Cream Enrich Moist (or Pore Putty as it is also known) is a time-saving BB cream that removes the need for applying concealer, providing flawless coverage with a single coat. Designed for lasting performance, this BB cream keeps your makeup intact throughout the day. Its formula caters to dry skin, providing coverage, hydration, and sun protection in one step.
Pros
- Combines concealer and foundation
- Hydrating for dry skin
- Sun protection included
Cons
- Lighter coverage may not suit all
- May feel greasy on very oily skin
Dr.Ci:Labo BB Cream Enrich Lift
Alternatively, Dr.Ci:Labo BB Cream Enrich Lift is a multi-functional makeup foundation featuring seven functions in one; beauty serum, cream, sunscreen, makeup base, concealer, foundation, and pore cover. In addition to covering pores and spots, it helps to keep your skin firm, smooth, and hydrated.
Pros
- 7 functions in one
- Covers pores and spots
- Keeps skin hydrated and firm
Cons
- Can feel heavy
- Not suitable for very oily skin
Multifunctional Lip Makeup
Now that we have covered the foundation or base, let’s focus on lip color and eye makeup.
Canmake Tokyo Plump Lip Care Scrub Sugar Lip Scrub
Canmake Tokyo Plump Lip Care Scrub Sugar Lip Scrub is a lip color that also functions as a moisturizer and exfoliator for your lips, gently removing any dead skin cells. Unlike other lip scrubs, the sugar granules in the Canmake scrub are small enough that they naturally melt on your lips after application – reducing any potential irritation.
This lip scrub also comes in three colors of Clear, Clear Pink, and Mikan Yellow that can be used in place of lipstick or lip gloss to add a pop of color to your lips.
Pros
- Exfoliates and moisturizes
- Adds subtle color
- Sugar granules melt naturally
Cons
- Can become too soft or melt
- Cooling may cause irritation
DHC Color Lip Cream Unscented Natural Lipstick Red
Another innovative lip product is DHC Color Lip Cream Unscented Natural Lipstick Red. Its sophisticated red color adds a glamorous look to your lips, and the lightweight and watery texture of the lip cream allows for quick and precise application in a single swipe, saving you time on the application. This lip cream is also enriched with natural moisturizing components that keep your lips hydrated, eliminating the need for additional lip balms.
Pros
- Single-swipe application
- Hydrates lips
- Lightweight texture
Cons
- Less intense color payoff
- May need touch-up
Multifunctional Eye Makeup
You can simplify your eye makeup routine by opting for neutral eyeshadow shades that transition easily from day to night, and long-lasting formulas to eliminate the need for touch-ups.
Kanebo Kate Tokyo 3D Eyebrow Color Mascara
When it comes to brows, Kanebo Kate Tokyo 3D Eyebrow Color Mascara is a mascara for eyebrows that instantly adds color and a fuller finish with a quick brushing motion, thanks to its large-sized brush. Available in six different shades, this product easily helps you to create sculptured yet natural-looking brows that last all day long. The eyebrow mascara is resistant to sweat, sebum, and smudging, eliminating the need for touchups throughout the day.
Pros
- Adds color and volume quickly
- Long-lasting and smudge-proof
- Available in multiple shades
Cons
- Not ideal for very sparse brows
- May clump if over-applied
SANA NewBorn W Brow EX Eyebrow Pencil, Powder and Brush
Another efficient eyebrow product is the SANA NewBorn W Brow EX Eyebrow Pencil, Powder and Brush, a 3-in-1 eyebrow pencil composed of a pencil lead, eyebrow powder, and a brush. No special skills are required for using this product – making it easy to attain professional-level brows for even the most novice makeup artists among us!
Pros
- 3-in-1 pencil, powder, brush
- Easy for beginners
- Creates professional-looking brows
Cons
- Pencil tip can fall out
- Hard texture makes application less smooth
Finally, we recommend investing in high-quality makeup brushes and tools that ensure smooth application and blending, saving you time in correcting mistakes. By strategizing your makeup routine and curating a collection of high-quality tools and time-saving products, you can get ready for the day in no time at all!
