This product came up in almost every single J-beauty haul on my TikTok feed, so the second I spotted it on the shelf, it went straight into my basket. I’ve used it every single day since getting back. The texture is completely weightless, almost water-like, but somehow it still delivers serious hydration. I use it straight after cleansing, patting it either with my hands or a cotton wool pad, and my skin just drinks it up. On days when my skin feels tight, dry or a bit irritated, this is the first thing I reach for because it instantly calms everything down without ever feeling sticky or heavy.
What I really love is how versatile it is. Some days I use it as a simple toner, other days I’ll layer it like a mini hydration treatment, and I’ve even poured it into a spray bottle to mist over my face during the day. It also makes the rest of my routine work better — my serums always sink in so much nicer afterwards. And the bottle is huge, which wasn’t the best for packing in my case, but I’m so grateful it fit!
Best Rice Mask: Keana Nadeshiko Pore Care Rice Face Pack
Fast facts: Rinse-off rice mask; deeply hydrating and plumping; smooths rough texture; great for dry, dull winter skin.
Keana Nadeshiko is one of the most recognisable skincare brands in Japan, and I saw this mask everywhere, especially in pharmacies, which often sell skincare for way cheaper than the big department stores (Japan tip there for you). During my J-beauty deep dive, rice skincare kept popping up, but I’d never actually tried it before. I won’t lie, the texture of this mask really threw me at first. It genuinely feels a bit like porridge going on, but once it’s on, it’s surprisingly soothing. I use it two to three times a week when my skin feels dry or rough, and every time I rinse it off, my skin looks brighter, smoother, and so glowy, with way less texture.
Rice is such a hero ingredient in Japanese skincare because it’s known for hydrating, softening and boosting radiance, and this rinse-off mask is packed with 100% Japanese rice-derived serum to plump and smooth the skin. It’s especially good for dehydration and dullness. My makeup always sits better the day after I use it, and I love keeping it in the fridge so it’s extra cooling. If your skin feels dry, textured or just a bit meh, this is a really good one to have on hand, especially in winter.
Best Vitamin C: Melano CC Age Spot Beauty Essence
Fast facts: Thick hand cream; lasting moisture; instantly softens and smooths dry hands; herbal smell may be too strong for some.
