Biteki Best of 2008

So, for those of you who don't know, I'm way into japanese makeup and skincare - well, all asian makeup and skincare, but since I live across the street from a japanese market, it's much easier for me to find the japanese stuff. This market also sells magazines - I have subscriptions for CanCam (the best fashion mag ever made), Maquia (a good makeup magazine) and Biteki (my addiction, my favorite, and the one magazine I would still find money to buy even if I was living on the street.)

So, in any case, Biteki, in their february issue of 2009, has come out with the best (most popular) products of 2008 - everything from skin care to hair care to makeup. This is basically my list of what I'm going to be buying for at least the first half of 2009! However, I know that some people may not have access to this most holy of holy lists, and even if you do you may not be able to read it. Well, never fear! I'm here to translate!!

So without further adieu, I present...

The Biteki Best of 2008

Overall skincare favorite 20

1. Albion Essential Skin Conditioner - surprisingly, this is a toner, NOT a moisturizer as the name might imply.

2. Otsuka Pharmaceutical Inner Signal Rejuvenate Lotion

3. Shiseido Haku2 Melanofocus whitening essence - a serum that includes hyaluronic acid and 4MSK complex which helps inhibit the production of melanin.

4. Kose Cosme Decorte Moisture Liposome - a moisture serum. I think.

5. Clinique's Moisture Surge Cream

6. SK-II Facial Treatment Essence - A toner that isn't called "lotion"!

6. Estee Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher - A serum that wishes it was a primer. In fact, I used it as such with good results!

8. Ayura Bicassa Face Serum & Massage

9. DHC Olive Virgin Oil - Used as a moisturizer, this is basically cold-pressed olive oil.

10. HACCI 1912 Honey Soap

10. IPSA Preparing Clear Lotion EX1

12. Albion Exage Moist Innovation Milk

12. Kanebo Impress Brightener - A serum

12. Kinari Mask Gel - The subset of this looks to be Inhamahou, I think? I've never heard of this brand at all!

15. Estee Lauder Perfectionist CP+ Wrinkle Lifting Serum

16. SK-II Signs Treatment Totality - A cream

17. SK-II Whitening Source Derm-Revival Mask - A sheet mask

17. L'Oreal Revitalift Essence - This is a serum that is NOT sold in the US!

19. Pola Aglaira Lotion Lift Essence

20. Lancome Renergie Morpholift R.A.R.E Lotion - Also not sold in the US, this is toner.

In the next posts, we'll have the top 5 skincare items in each category - cleansing, washing, lotion, masks, essence (serum), milk, cream, and massage - as well as the top items in makeup, hair care, body care, healthy living, even perfume! With this list, you too can be up to date on the latest and greatest in japanese beauty!