Evening Routine
1. Make-up Removal
In Japanese skin care (and Korean as well) cleansing the face involves two steps: removing make-up with a make-up remover and washing the face with soap. This two step process is referred to as "double cleansing." Japanese make-up removers are usually oil-based, but other variants such as water-based cleansers and cleansing balms. When removing make-up, use a cotton pad soaked in whatever product you're using and gently wipe your face in an outward motion. Instead of constantly rubbing your eye area to get rid of stubborn mascara and eyeliner, take another cotton pad with cleanser in it, and apply it over the area with a little more pressure and keep it there for several seconds. It should be easier for the eye make-up to come off once it has been dissolved by the cleanser. If you don't wear any make up, go ahead and skip this step and wash your face. The Japanese term for make-up cleanser is メイク落とし.
Bifesta Cleansing Lotion

I'm the type of person who rarely buys skin care products/cosmetics more than once, since I like to try out new things. But when it comes to make-up remover, I've repeatedly bought the Bifeseta Cleansing Lotion because it's been the best I've tried so far. As I've probably mentioned before, I dislike the feeling of having residue on my skin after using a product which is why I'm in love with this product. Despite having the word "lotion" in its name, it's a water-based cleanser that easily removes even my heaviest coverage foundation with little effort. In addition, the Bifesta Cleansing Lotion is a cleanser and toner combined, so your skin feels moisturized after using it. And honestly, each bottle has a generous amount and it costs less than 1,000 yen making it such a great value. I highly recommend it if you're look for an affordable, water-based cleanser.
Retail price: 850 yen
Where to buy: most drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi; beauty/cosmetics section of Bic Camera, Loft, and Tokyu Hands; specialty cosmetics stores
Bioré Perfect Oil

For those who prefer oil-based removers to get the job done, or if you regularly apply heavy, waterproof make-up, then I recommend this oil cleanser from Bioré. It's widely sold all throughout Japan and parts of Asia and quite a favorite among Asian beauty bloggers. If you're lucky, you can find the limited edition bottles that are decorated with cute Sanrio characters such as My Melody which are available during certain times of the year. If you're looking for a trusty make-up remover that will cleanse deeply and if you don't mind the feeling of oil on your face, then the Bioré Perfect Oil is a great bargain.
Retail price: around 700 yen
Where to buy: most drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi; beauty/cosmetics section of Bic Camera, Loft, and Tokyu Hands; specialty cosmetics stores
Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil
Retail price: 1,700 yen
Where to buy: Fancl boutiques
2. Exfoliate
Natural Aqua Gel Cure

When I usually think of exfoliators, I imagine creams with microbeads (bad for the environment, by the way) or some other particles used to create friction against the skin. So when I saw the word "gel" on the bottle of this exfoliator, I was a bit skeptical of whether it would be able to remove the dead skin cells. I was pleasantly surprised after I washed off the gel and found my face feeling smoother than before. In order to use the Nature Aqua Gel Cure, you put about 3-4 pumps worth of product on your palm and start massaging it onto your face. As you continue to massage, you should start to see little balls forming on your face. After you're done you simply wash off the product from your face thoroughly. This product is very gentle on the skin as it doesn't contain any tiny granules and it's fragrant-free. This product is quite difficult to find outside of Japan or if it's available, the prices are usually comparatively higher than in Japan.
Retail price: 2,700 yen
Where to buy: beauty/cosmetics section of Loft, and Tokyu Hands; specialty cosmetics stores
Detclear Bright & Peel

This peeling gel has a very similar jelly-like consistency with the Natural Aqua Gel Cure and works the same way, for less than half the price. If you like having skincare products that are fragrant, Detclear Bright & Peel Facial Peeling Gels come in different scents such as mixed berries and mixed fruits (they also have a non-fragrant version).
Retail price: 1,296 yen
Where to buy: most drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi; beauty/cosmetics section of Bic Camera, Loft, and Tokyu Hands; specialty cosmetics stores
3. Lotion
4. Face Mask/Pack
Minon Amino Moist Moisturizing Skin Mask
Retail price: 1,983 yen for pack of 5
Where to buy: beauty/cosmetics section of Bic Camera, Loft, and Tokyu Hands; specialty cosmetics stores
Utena Premium Puresa Face Mask Series
Retail price: 700 yen
Where to buy: most drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi; beauty/cosmetics section of Bic Camera, Loft, and Tokyu Hands; specialty cosmetics stores
Kosé Clear Turn White Face Mask Series
Retail price: depends on the amount and product line but a pack of 30 is usually around 800 yen
Where to buy: most drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi; beauty/cosmetics section of Bic Camera, Loft, and Tokyu Hands; specialty cosmetics stores
5. Serum
Obagi C20 Serum

For a serum that does it all, the C20 Serum from Obagi is a great choice because it is made of a combination of Vitamin E and Vitamin C and is effective in pore tightening and removing acne and acne scars. Continued use also promises the fading of hyper-pigmentation and wrinkles.
Retail price: 8,000 yen for 15 mL
Where to buy: most drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi; beauty/cosmetics section of Bic Camera, Loft, and Tokyu Hands; specialty cosmetics stores
Shiseido ULTIMUNE Power Infusing Concentrate

Retail price: 12,960 for 50 mL
6. Eye Cream
Nameraka Honpo Wrinkle Eye Cream
Retail price: 1,000 yen
Where to buy: most drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi; beauty/cosmetics section of Bic Camera, Loft, and Tokyu Hands; specialty cosmetics stores
Hadakiwakami Eye Lift Cream
Retail price: 5,000 yen
Where to buy: most drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi; beauty/cosmetics section of Bic Camera, Loft, and Tokyu Hands; specialty cosmetics stores
7. Cream/Sleeping Pack
Gokujun Koigokujun Perfect Gel

This all-in-one cream is perfect for those who find themselves too busy to apply several products at night or for those who simply can't be bothered to spend a lot of money on separate skin care items. The Gokujun Koigokujun Perfect Gel works as a moisturizer, essence, face milk, face cream, and face pack so it really is a multi-tasking product for people who are short on time in the mornings and evenings.
Retail price: 1,370 yen
Where to buy: most drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi; beauty/cosmetics section of Bic Camera, Loft, and Tokyu Hands; specialty cosmetics stores
Pola Red BA Cream

Pola Skincare and Cosmetics was founded by Japanese businessman Shinobu Suzuki back in 1929 when he made a product that was specially formulated for his wife whose hands would often get severely dry. The Red BA cream works in the evening to moisturize the skin, leaving it soft and supple the next day. It's certainly more of a splurge item, but the brand Pola has won numerous awards for their research and technology in skin care.
Retail price: 16,200 yen
Where to buy: upscale department stores like Isetan and Takashimaya
If you've managed to read up to this far, congratulations! Those were a lot of steps and you may be wondering whether you have the time and patience to go through every single part of the routine. But don't fret, even I don't follow this every night, especially when I have a million of assignments and readings to do for classes. What I've learned is that alternating products throughout the week is a good way to save time while at the same time making sure I'm taking care of my skin. Of course some steps like make-up cleansing and face washing should be done daily, but exfoliating and applying face masks can be done once or twice a week. Just find a routine that works for your schedule and concerns and try to stick to it. And remember to let your skin breathe once in a while; after all, your body is designed to regenerate itself, so let it do its job and give your skin a break from all of the products every so often. I hope this two-part series introduction to Japanese skin care will be helpful for you when shopping for skin care products in Japan!