Best Japanese skincare products

Start with DHC Deep Cleansing Oil. It's the one Japanese step almost every routine benefits from: it melts sunscreen and makeup in one go, rinses clean, and suits all skin types — a low-risk way to try the Japanese approach.

Then build around it:

• Hada Labo Tokyo Anti-Aging Hydrator — light gel hydration, the classic "lotion" step, good for oily or humid-weather skin.
• SEKKISEI Supreme Moisturizer II — richer cream for dryness and dullness; the Sekkisei kits are a tidy way to try the line.
• Shiseido Ultimune Eye Concentrate — if fine lines around the eyes are your main concern.
• Curél Deep Moisture Spray — fragrance-free, alcohol-free mist for sensitive or reactive skin.
• Shu Uemura Ultime8 Cleansing Oil — a step up in texture if you like oil cleansers.
• Tatcha Mini Favorites Set — a sampler if you'd rather test several steps before committing.