5 of the Best Japanese Beauty Products for Those 'Ngarag' Moments

What does "ngarag" mean? It's when each item on your to-do list is a high priority. For Pinay moms, it pretty much describes a typical day of, well, constant movement, beginning at dawn to 11 p.m. (if it ends at this time, it's a pretty good day). Lack of sleep becomes a byproduct, but putting on makeup can sometimes be too much of an effort. The solution: take your cue from Japanese women who always effortlessly look beautiful. So what are their secrets? Meet your new beauty best friends, moms. 

#1 Kosé Suncut Sunscreen UV Gel

This sunscreen from Kosé is part of the famous Kosé skincare line and has a refreshing water-based formulation that withstands sweat and excess oil. It offers maximum UVA and UVB protection and helps prevent wrinkles and freckles. The gel glides on smoothly and lasts all day! It is a drugstore staple in Japan that international skin care experts highly recommend. Where to find: Rustan’s Beauty Source and Lazada, price starts at P850.00 

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#2 Lu Lu Lun Moisture Balance Masks

In the Philippines, facial masks are sold in single packs. In Japan, however, many brands offer 30 facial masks in one pack. One of the favorite choices of beauty enthusiasts is Lu Lu Lun Moisture Balance Masks. They have several varieties of 30 pre-soaked masks that are gentle enough to use every night to help restore softness and moisture to your skin. Where to find: Beauty Bar, P995.

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#3 Rohto Lycee Eye Drops

Japanese eye drops are the stuff of legend! The formula immediately whitens your eyes even if you’ve only had a few hours of sleep. It does “burn” for a tiny bit, but that’s just the menthol sensation. Go for Rohto's pink Lycee variant above for a "gentler" formulation. Where to find: Tupped Beauty Store (Uptown Mall in Bonifacio Global City) and Lazada, prices start at P499

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#4 Majolica Majorca Lash King

Asian mascara is the best for Asian lashes, and Lash King by Majolica Majorca is mascara royalty. It both lengthens and volumizes, making lashes appear thicker and longer, so you get a nice “feathery” look. Where to find: Shopee and Lazada, P680 

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#5 Canmake Cream Cheek

This small cream blush is versatile makeup find! The creamy formula glides on smoothly and blends in beautifully to give you the prettiest of glows. The best part is it doesn’t melt off in hot weather or humidity. The color delivers a nice flush and can be used on your cheeks, lips, and even the eyes. Makeup artists in the U.S. have been known to hoard this little versatile cream blush. Where to find: select branches of Watsons and Personal Care Exchange, SM Makati, and Landmark (click for stores here), P490

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