Japanese drugstores are not for everyone. They are packed from floor to ceiling with thousands of products, harsh light and crazy jingles playing on repeat. The small aisles don’t make them the easiest of places to browse and try products, and for many the wide choice of products is just too overwhelming. But if you want to start exploring the world of Japanese beauty products in a more calm and relaxed environment, I think I have found the perfect place to start shopping.
Located on the gorgeous B1 beauty floor of the ShinQs lifestyle store in Shibuya’s slick Hikarie building, nestled between the escalators and the Clinique counter is AP by American Pharmacy.
One of the first things you will notice is, that by Tokyo standards, the store is big on space. The aisles are roomy and the shelves finish at eye level, making a big difference to your shopping experience. Although the store is always busy, it is a calm environment that makes it easy to take your time browsing and trying products without feeling like you are in the way.
The AP by American Pharmacy store is clearly set out by category, with English signage product, and the product range is edited really well. A great mix of the most popular American, French and Japanese beauty products across the skin care, cosmetics, hair care, body care, health and natural beauty categories. There are even imported snacks (Tim Tam’s, Skittles, Jelly Belly and Pringle’s) and laundry products (imported and natural) and other sundry items.
The best thing about AP by American Pharmacy is the fantastic mix of the most popular, Japanese drugstore cosmetic and skin care brands. You will find that for some brands, AP by American Pharmacy only sell one or two of the best products in their store. So it’s a great place to introduce yourself to Japanese drugstore beauty products and brands for the first time.
Big global cosmetic brands Maybelline, Revlon and L’oreal have large wall displays, alongside popular Japanese cosmetic brands Ettusais, Susie N.Y, Canmake, Maquillage, Aube and Primavista. Japanese Mascara and eyeliner have their own dedicated section with popular brands Mote, Deja Vu, D.U.P and 1 day Tattoo offering a great selection of the best drugstore products available.
The selection of Japanese skin care is small but good with brands like DHC, Obagi, NOV, Astralift, Dr. Ci Labo, and Tunemakers on range. The selection of sheet masks includes LuLuLun, Babyish, Minon and a selection of interesting new “bubble” masks.
Without a doubt, the best thing about AP by American Pharmacy is the fantastic edit of the most popular, Japanese drugstore cosmetic and skin care brands.You will find that for some brands, AP by American Pharmacy only sell one or two of their best products in the store. So it’s a great place to introduce yourself to Japanese drugstore beauty products and brands for the first time, knowing that all of the products on offer are best sellers.
Imported products and brands that you can’t always find at Japanese drugstores like French pharmacy brands: Nuxe, Bioderma, La Roche Posay are also available.
AP by American Pharmacy is the perfect place for buying and trying Japanese drugstore brands and products without the craziness of a Japanese drugstore.
AP by American Pharmacy
Shibuya Hikarie ShinQs B1F
Shibuya 2-21-1, Shibuya-ku
Phone: 03-6434-1775
Open 10:00 to 21:00, 7 days a week
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