Best beauty and skincare shops in Tokyo – updated

Not to be confused with the artisanal gin of the same name, Botanist is an eco-friendly range of hair- and skincare products made with plant-derived ingredients. They are not only kind on the environment but also gentle enough for everyday use by those with the most sensitive of skin. Aside from their renowned botanical shampoos and treatments, there are hand creams, body soaps, room fragrances and fabric softener, all featuring the brand’s signature natural fragrances, including green apple and rose, citrus and musk...

True to its moniker, Beauty Library Aoyama is very well-organised. This organic cosmetic shop offers a more refined form of retail therapy with a calm atmosphere and a free sample of herbal tea upon arrival. Besides international brands such as Shigeta and Weleda, you can also find domestic ones, including Chant a charm, Naturaglace, Hana Organic and Biolab.

Don’t forget to check out the event space at the back as it hosts a changing roster of (irregular) workshops and pop-ups featuring some of Tokyo’s and Japan’s foremost authorities in beauty and skincare. The onsite café serves up organic grub like salads, smoothies and herb tea.

Tucked away in the back streets of Aoyama, Three Aoyama is so much more than just a beauty store. The entire complex is also home to a luxurious spa and a healthy-eating restaurant called Revive Kitchen, where you can grab gluten-free sweets, vegetarian lunch plates and cold-pressed juices. Three is well loved for its minimal packaging design, and the beauty range covers everything you’ll ever need, from skincare and makeup to nail polish and hair styling products. We love the brand’s naturally-derived cleansing oil, balancing lotion and fluid foundation...

Located at a corner directly across from the popular Shinjuku mall Lumine Est (Shinjuku Station East Exit), Ainz & Tulpe is brimming with an extensive array of beauty and skincare products across its three levels. The ground floor stocks Japanese and international makeup brands (Excel, Rimmel London, Canmake, Visée etc), fragrances, adorable hair accessories, loungewear as well as special seasonal beauty and skincare products. In the basement you’ll find hair products along with foot masks (perfect for those tired feet after a day of shopping), fluffy socks for the winter, the latest trend in beauty souvenirs plus snacks and medications. There’s a great onsite café on the second floor...

Cosme Kitchen is your go-to shop for a holistic natural and organic lifestyle. Aside from cosmetics and skincare, you can stock up on products for your home as well, including aromatherapy oils, herbal tea and environmentally-friendly cleaning products. What’s more, it also has a massive selection of both Japanese and international labels.

This particular Cosme Kitchen in Daikanyama is conveniently attached to the station, making it an ideal stop if you’re tight for time...

At this natural and organic cosmetic store inside Shinjuku's Isetan, there are more than 100 brands including supplements, health food, Chinese traditional medicine and beauty products. Head to the spa corner for a pick-me-up treatment.

The latest import from South Korea, Style Nanda is filled with trendsetting Korean skincare and makeup products along with a selection of reasonably priced wearables. There's even a photo area where you can pose with oversized lipstick tubes and other crazy items. 

The towels are organised according to 'touch' – from 'crispy' and 'silky' to 'mother' and 'pastoral' – at this bathroom goods specialist in Roppongi Hills. Browse though a selection of luxurious household items including soft towels and beauty products for the entire family. Their textiles are made with premium materials while the beauty products on offer are stylish and comfortable on your skin.

If you like the idea of using the same kind of beauty brushes loved by Hollywood’s celebrity makeup artists, then head to this store. Their brushes are handmade by skilled craftsmen using real animal hair. The facial brush with its fine pore-cleansing bristles makes an excellent gift.