I have to admit that I’m very snobbish about skincare and makeup when it comes to the country of manufacture. Before I even glance at the ingredients, I look for where the product is made. Some countries I trust a lot more than others, and I avoid one in particular completely.
These 4 new-ish watery lotions (aka hydrating toners) from Daiso completely grabbed my attention with their pleasing packaging and easy-to-spot (bilingual) “made in Japan” label. I have tried them all and I have to say that I’m deeply impressed by them for the price — just ¥108 with tax (less than US$1)! The formulas are lovely (no fragrance nor silicones, for those who look out for that) and their ingredient lists rival far more expensive watery lotions! They come in 4 varieties; each having its own unique hero ingredients and slightly different functions, so that there’s one for pretty much every skin type.
Left: Royal Jelly & Honey, Right: Soy Isoflavones (☞ Click on the image for ingredients!)Take Royal Jelly & Honey (yellow-gold cap) for example: it has a rich yet still watery texture, half-toner half-serum, with royal jelly, honey, and propolis that really boosts the skins’ comfort level yet still feel fresh to apply. Or the soy-themed Soy Isoflavones (blue cap) that absorbs readily, leaving skin plumped and supple — I actually like it more than SANA Namerakahonpo’s Moisture Skin Lotion NA that I’ve reviewed. Those with oily skin would enjoy swiping on Hatomugi (mint-green cap), Japanese for Job’s Tears, which leaves the skin feeling wonderfully refreshed and balanced without alcohol. Rice-themed Sake & Rice Ceramide (pink cap), features sake, rice ceramide, rice germ oil, and rice bran oil, it makes skin feels so smooth.
Left: Hatomugi (Job’s Tears), Right: Sake & Rice Ceramide (☞ Click on the image for ingredients!)This range of 4 Japan-made Skin Lotions from Daiso is truly a hidden gem. Priced at just ¥100 for 120ml, it’s practically free and definitely the most affordable beauty pick on the site to date! They’re sold exclusively at Daiso, which is everywhere in Japan — a list of its overseas locations can be found on its English website. You can find them online from eBay but for a very hefty mark-up.