Latest news with #J-beauty
Graziadaily
13 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Graziadaily
This £16 SPF Is Japan's Best-Kept Secret – Now, It's Available At Boots
Before my recent trip to Japan, I did what any beauty obsessive would: research. I knew I was heading to the skincare capital of the world, where the pharmacies are treasure troves and SPF isn't just for summer - it's a lifestyle. Japanese beauty is big. Really big. Their approach to skincare is about clever innovation, satisfying texture, and, most importantly, long-term results. And while K-beauty might get more hype online, J-beauty is quietly iconic in its own right. It may be characterised by minimalist packaging but be rest assured that it's super-effective - just look at Tatcha's best skincare products for proof. So, in between browsing matcha cafés and convenience stores, I made a pilgrimage to Don Quijote, Japan's chaotic but legendary discount megastore - think beauty aisle meets carnival. It was there, armed with screenshots and a suitcase, that I bought not one but six bottles of Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50, including the spray version. I also loaded up on viral rice masks, lip oils and of course, the Vitamin C serums made famous by TikTok. But let's get back to the sunscreen. When is comes to SPF there is very few I like. There's the Ultra Violette Fave Fluid Skinscreen, £37, Elemis Pro-Collagen Skin Protection Fluid SPF50, £44, and Supergoop! Unseen Suncreen SPF30, £36.50, but that is about it. I was very keen to expand my limited stash and am thrilled to confirm that the the Bioré Aqua Rich is Japan's number one for a reason. Happily, it's finally available in the UK at Boots, so you don't even need to book a holiday to Tokyo in order to get your hands on it. As a seriously fussy beauty writer I can confirm: this stuff is elite. For just £16, you're getting the following: SPF 50+ broad spectrum protection A weightless, watery-gel texture Instant hydration without stickiness A cast-free finish on all skin tones Oil-free formula that won't clog pores Hyaluronic acid (great for aiding moisture) Vegan-friendly formula Suitable for sensitive skin If you've ever skipped sunscreen because it felt greasy, heavy or left an unsightly cast (guilty), this one will convert you. It absorbs instantly, leaving no white cast, no pilling and no weird film; expect fresh, hydrated skin that's ready for make-up. Truly, if I didn't know it was SPF, I wouldn't believe it. I also grabbed the spray version for easy top-ups over make-up when I'm running between meetings. It's really convenient for re-applying every two hours like you're supposed to (we all forget), though I'll be honest: it can get a tiny bit oily if you overdo it; little and often is the trick. Still, in the blazing Tokyo sun, I didn't burn once. It's impressive stuff. The Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence is everything sunscreen should be - light, invisible, hydrating, and genuinely enjoyable to use. No wonder it's a cult favourite. If you're SPF averse or simply looking to upgrade your summer routine, this £16 bottle might just become your new holy grail. I get the hype, I really do. 1. Biore UV Aqua Rich Water Essence Sunscreen SPF 50 50ml What the brand says: 'This is Japan's number one sunscreen. It is iconic for its fresh textures and invisible clean protection. With SPF 50+ UVA & UVB, this feather-light sunscreen spreads easily and absorbs instantly to hydrate and helps protect from UV rays.' What we know: This sunscreen is made with Hyaluronic Acid, known to help boost skin's natural moisture and absorb instantly with a sheer finish and no white cast.** Renee Washington, digital fashion and beauty writer says,** 'Sunscreen doesn't need to feel like you're wearing an actual shield - this one feels weightless on my skin. It's one of the lightest SPF's I've used. It does what is needs to do (protect) while remaining almost undetectable. And that is J-beauty for you. ' Pros Lightweight Hydrating Cast free Good under make-up Affordable Cons Don't get it in your eyes it stings Renee Washington , Grazia's digital fashion and beauty writer, lives online. With a penchant for wispy lashes and streetwear, she writes about the worlds of fashion and beauty from the viewpoint of the modern fashion girlie..
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Japanese Beauty Group Pola Orbis to Dissolve Chinese Subsidiary
The Japanese beauty company Pola Orbis Holdings has decided to shut down Orbis Beijing Inc., the group's China subsidiary in charge of its Orbis brand. The company will also shut down the brand's online retail operations. Its official Tmall store and Douyin store will stop taking orders by June 30, according to Orbis' e-commerce customer service. More from WWD McKinsey Releases Annual Future of Wellness Report, Citing 6 Key Areas of Opportunity, Shifting Shopping Habits and the Different Types of Health Consumers EXCLUSIVE: Pamela Anderson Becomes Biolage's First Global Ambassador How Aora Is Making Plastic-free Clean Beauty Cool, as It Enters the United States With a New Chili-infused Volumizing Lip Serum 'With the Chinese economy stagnating and competition in the e-commerce market becoming increasingly intense, it is difficult to foresee an immediate improvement in profitability, and the group has been compelled to reduce the scale of business,' said the company in a press release. Pola Orbis has yet to determine the dissolution date and will be working with the local authority to complete the necessary legal procedures, according to the press release. As a result, the company will record an extraordinary loss of around 1.3 billion yen, or $8.9 million, in its consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 2025. The loss will be offset by a 1.6 billion yen, or $11 million, in corporate tax deduction, which leaves the company's overall earnings forecast, which was published in February, unchanged. The Beijing subsidiary, established in 2008, has been in charge of operating the Orbis brand in China. The company has suffered a loss for three consecutive years, from 2022 to 2024, leaving the company with net liabilities of 3.33 billion yen, or $22.9 million. Pola Orbis entered the Chinese market in 2004 by setting up a subsidiary for its Pola brand in Shanghai. In November, the company established a new subsidiary based in Japan to oversee its China business. The reorganization comes as the company moves toward its 'Vision 2029' strategy to 'develop the cosmetics business globally; reform and enhance the brand portfolio,' 'create new value and expand business domains,' and 'strengthen research and technical strategy,' the press release noted. The J-beauty giant is not only facing trouble in China, but it is also undergoing a reorganization process to enhance brand value. In recent years, the group axed beauty brands such as H2O+, Amplitude and Itrim to focus on its flagship brands, including Pola, Orbis, Jurlique, as well as newly developed brands such as Three, Decencia, Fujima and Fiveism x Three. For the three months ended March 31, the company reported a 1 percent increase in net sales, but profit attributable to owners fell by 58.1 percent. Best of WWD Which Celebrity Brands Are Next for a Major Deal? Lady Gaga, Beyonce and More Possible Contenders for the Next Corporate Prize The Best Makeup Looks in Golden Globes History A Look Back at Golden Globes Best Makeup on the Red Carpet, From Megan Fox to Sophia Loren [PHOTOS] Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Japanese Beauty Group Pola Orbis to Dissolve Chinese Subsidiary
The Japanese beauty company Pola Orbis Holdings has decided to shut down Orbis Beijing Inc., the group's China subsidiary in charge of its Orbis brand. The company will also shut down the brand's online retail operations. Its official Tmall store and Douyin store will stop taking orders by June 30, according to Orbis' e-commerce customer service. More from WWD McKinsey Releases Annual Future of Wellness Report, Citing 6 Key Areas of Opportunity, Shifting Shopping Habits and the Different Types of Health Consumers EXCLUSIVE: Pamela Anderson Becomes Biolage's First Global Ambassador How Aora Is Making Plastic-free Clean Beauty Cool, as It Enters the United States With a New Chili-infused Volumizing Lip Serum 'With the Chinese economy stagnating and competition in the e-commerce market becoming increasingly intense, it is difficult to foresee an immediate improvement in profitability, and the group has been compelled to reduce the scale of business,' said the company in a press release. Pola Orbis has yet to determine the dissolution date and will be working with the local authority to complete the necessary legal procedures, according to the press release. As a result, the company will record an extraordinary loss of around 1.3 billion yen, or $8.9 million, in its consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 2025. The loss will be offset by a 1.6 billion yen, or $11 million, in corporate tax deduction, which leaves the company's overall earnings forecast, which was published in February, unchanged. The Beijing subsidiary, established in 2008, has been in charge of operating the Orbis brand in China. The company has suffered a loss for three consecutive years, from 2022 to 2024, leaving the company with net liabilities of 3.33 billion yen, or $22.9 million. Pola Orbis entered the Chinese market in 2004 by setting up a subsidiary for its Pola brand in Shanghai. In November, the company established a new subsidiary based in Japan to oversee its China business. The reorganization comes as the company moves toward its 'Vision 2029' strategy to 'develop the cosmetics business globally; reform and enhance the brand portfolio,' 'create new value and expand business domains,' and 'strengthen research and technical strategy,' the press release noted. The J-beauty giant is not only facing trouble in China, but it is also undergoing a reorganization process to enhance brand value. In recent years, the group axed beauty brands such as H2O+, Amplitude and Itrim to focus on its flagship brands, including Pola, Orbis, Jurlique, as well as newly developed brands such as Three, Decencia, Fujima and Fiveism x Three. For the three months ended March 31, the company reported a 1 percent increase in net sales, but profit attributable to owners fell by 58.1 percent. Best of WWD Which Celebrity Brands Are Next for a Major Deal? Lady Gaga, Beyonce and More Possible Contenders for the Next Corporate Prize The Best Makeup Looks in Golden Globes History A Look Back at Golden Globes Best Makeup on the Red Carpet, From Megan Fox to Sophia Loren [PHOTOS] Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
South China Morning Post
15-02-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
J-beauty and K-beauty, compared – but will C-beauty take the crown?
Innisfree is one of the many Asian brands that took on the globe. Photo: Handout J-beauty and K-beauty rose from the East to enchant the world. J-beauty took the minimalist, less-is-more approach, while K-beauty came in full force, all about multi-step rituals and splashy trends. Both reshaped the industry and set the bar for skincare worldwide, but now these once-supreme giants are finding their influence isn't quite what it used to be. Anne Hathaway is a brand ambassador for Japanese stalwart Shiseido. Photo: Handout J-beauty has long been committed to simplicity and effectiveness. David Yu, co-founder of Prossence, a skincare brand developed with inspiration from K-beauty principles, explains that J-beauty 'relies on a few high-quality products with mild ingredients that work well together', an ideal for those who want 'an effective, uncomplicated routine that's gentle on the skin and works well in the long term'. In classic J-beauty style, brands like Shiseido have championed hydration-focused formulas that keep skin healthy without overdoing it – no fluff, just lasting results. At the other end of the spectrum, K-beauty preaches a different philosophy, packing multi-step routines with everything from essences to snail mucin. As Yu points out, K-beauty's 'multi-step routine' turns skincare into a ritual of layering and hydration , where 'fun, effective, visually appealing textures' meet quirky ingredients that have wowed Western markets. K-beauty's edge lies in its constant reinvention – Sulwhasoo, Innisfree and Laneige, among others, have mastered the art of intrigue, rolling out fresh products and driving trends as if skincare were the latest Netflix binge. Jin, from K-pop supergroup BTS, is an ambassador for K-beauty mainstay Laneige. Photo: Handout The global rise of J-beauty and K-beauty can be chalked up to their approaches and rich cultural backstories. With its commitment to quality and tradition, J-beauty became the go-to for those craving authenticity and reliability in their skincare. Brands like Shiseido and SK-II didn't just build products, they built icons: household names that have become revered for their dedication to timeless, no-fuss excellence. On the flip side, K-beauty soared on the wings of trendiness and innovation, with the Korean wave (think K-pop idols and K-dramas) spreading the gospel of flawless skin worldwide. K-beauty's rituals are all about consistently nurturing the skin, in sharp contrast to the West's 'get results now' approach. As Yu explains, 'K-beauty is all about building a healthy skin barrier over time, focusing on gradual results with gentle, hydrating products, unlike Western skincare.' Here, it's all about layering hydration daily to strengthen the skin for the long haul. Yu notes that, in Korea, skincare is seen as a gentle wellness ritual. DamDam Rice Drops. Photo: Handout Together, J-beauty and K-beauty shook up the global market, each bringing a fresh, culturally rich approach to skincare. As Giselle Go, former Harper's Bazaar Singapore editor and co-founder of Damdam, says, K-beauty stands out for its 'playfully innovative products, multi-step routines, and fast-paced product cycles'. It's skincare that's indulgent as well as fun – transforming everyday rituals into personal spa moments.
