The “why” is easy: Asian beauty brands are at the cutting edge of skin-care science and many of the products we now use daily, such as BB creams and cushion foundations, were developed there. As well as innovative and hi-tech items, your local T&T also has a great selection of fun kitsch bargain products. But, in reality, shopping in an Asian supermarket for cosmetics can be bewildering because you’re dealing with unfamiliar brands and, while all products will have French and English ingredient labels, it still might be tricky to figure out exactly what each is for.
Sylvia Lu, buyer for T&T, advises that you dip your toe (or face) in the water with a hydrating sheet mask, since extra moisture is something all of us need. Sheet masks are mainstream now, but T&T has literally hundreds, mostly aimed at brightening and hydration. Another tip: “The best bargains are around Christmas and Mother’s Day, but there are always promotions, samples and gifts with purchase.”
How does T&T stay ahead of the game when there are so many other beauty retailers now? “We’re constantly aware of what’s going on in countries like Korea, Japan and Taiwan, and will immediately bring the hottest products here so Canadians can experience them,” says Lu. “One of the reasons we need to be on top of the trends is because our Asian customer base is very discerning and forward thinking.”
What’s going to be trending next? Lu says that cushion products for the lips, lip tints and oils will be big, and sheet masks are just going to get more popular. “Whatever the next big thing is, we’ll always have it first,” she says. —Aileen Lalor
Biore Marshmallow Face Wash, $11.99. Asian skin-care brands usually advise you to lather face wash on your hands and apply the foam to the skin, rather than rub the product on your face to create bubbles, which can apparently tug at the skin. This Japanese product self-foams so you don’t need to bother with that pesky lathering step at all.
Dr Wu Intensive Renewal Serum with Mandelic Acid, $59.99. This serum from Taiwanese brand Dr Wu contains mandelic acid, which acts as an exfoliant to address acne, acne scarring and hyperpigmentation. Surprisingly gentle for a product that offers a mild peeling effect, it’s still best to use a hydrating serum and rich moisturizer, too.
Hada Labo Goku-jyun Clear Lotion, $23.99. On a trip to Japan a few years back, we saw women buying this hydrating toner by the half-dozen. Extremely high in hydrating hyaluronic acid, you put a couple of drops on your face after cleansing and pat til the liquid is fully absorbed, then apply serum.
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, $249.99. The so-called miracle ingredient in this Japanese essence is Pitera, a rice ferment rich in amino acids and minerals. It was discovered when scientists noticed the youthful hands of elderly sake brewers. Apply a teaspoonful all over your face, morning and night, before serum. Cate Blanchett swears by it for its hydrating, brightening, smoothing properties.
Tsubaki Head Spa Massage Spa Mask, $14.99. In Asia, Tsubaki (Japanese for camellia) is a drugstore hair-care brand owned by beauty juggernaut Shiseido. Its massage mask is designed to revive parched tresses and rebalance dry scalps. Massage into the scalp and down the lengths of the hair, and leave on for 10 minutes, once a week. It’s supposed to be particularly good for coarse, frizzy locks.
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