You’re curious about the best Japanese mascara, aren’t you? We were, too. That’s why we researched and reviewed the top five mascaras in Japan, plus others recommended by those in the know.

It turns out there are three types of Japanese mascara: volumizing, extending, and curling. The results are so spectacular that it may look as if you got extensions.

Then, there are different brush types designed for each type of mascara. Forget the standard spoolie because there are brushes for curling, thickening, lengthening, and so on.

Although most Japanese mascara brands only come in black and brown, many are waterproof and oil-resistant. Amazingly, several of these long-wear formulas remove easily with warm water at the end of the day.

Is there a difference in how to use Japanese mascara? Let’s find out.

How to apply Japanese mascara

For best results, take the time to curl your eyelashes first.

If you choose a Japanese eyelash curler, you’ll find that it is perfect for flat faces and almond-shaped eyes. If you have a different facial structure, try a standard eyelash curler. We added both kinds to the bottom of the article.

Next, a mascara primer isn’t necessary but can improve the mascara’s performance. Let it dry completely before applying the mascara.

Finally, avoid clumps by removing the brush slowly from the tube and wiping off excess mascara before applying it to the lashes.

Best Japanese Mascara in 2022

Now, let us show you the best mascara from Japan.

HEROINE MAKE Long and Curl Mascara Super Waterproof

What is the number 1 selling mascara in Japan? We heard it was Heroine mascara. But it turns out there are two versions. We dug a little deeper and found that the Long and Curl is slightly more popular than the Volume and Curl.

Although you can walk into any drugstore in Japan and purchase this product, it’s sought after around the world. Fortunately, it’s affordable, and thanks to the wonders of the modern world, can be shipped straight to your house.

What makes the Kissme Heroine mascara so amazing? For one, it contains tiny fibers that literally lengthen the lashes. It would be like extensions if they came in a bottle.

Happily, it comes with an angled brush that makes it easy to curl the lashes upward as you apply it.

Next, it’s waterproof and long-lasting. The polymer in the formula ensures that it won’t smudge or budge as it resists sweat, tears, and body oil. The same ingredient also maintains the shape, so if you’ve curled your lashes, they stay that way.

It dries to a glossy finish that isn’t just for show. Behind the scenes, argan oil, camellia, wild rose, and Royal jelly are conditioning each little hair. Wearing this mascara doesn’t just make you look good short-term; it can improve the health of your eyelashes long-term.

We saw multitudes of reviews where enthusiastic users were thrilled at how nice the mascara looked at how well it stayed put.

HEROINE MAKE Volume and Curl Mascara

The difference between this mascara and the one above is that it volumizes and curls instead of lengthens. That’s not to say that it doesn’t make the eyelashes look longer. In fact, if you have straight lashes that point downward, it’s perfect. It’s going to give them a nice curled appearance that lasts for up to ten hours.

Moreover, it’s waterproof and smudge-proof. Even if you forget and rub your eyes, you won’t turn into a raccoon.

Users suggest following the directions on the back to apply it perfectly. Don’t worry if you don’t read Japanese because the steps are illustrated.

DHC Mascara Perfect Pro Double Protection

DHC is another of the best-selling Japanese mascaras. It’s pricier, but J-beauty fans swear that it’s worth the investment.

This water-resistant mascara has a unique polymer formula that lengthens lashes and resists smudging. Furthermore, it doesn’t clump or flake. The fine-bristled applicator ensures that each lash is evenly coated right up to the tip.

Here’s some advice if you need more volume. Contrary to what you might think, it’s better to start with only a small amount of mascara on the brush. It’s buildable, and it may take two or three layers to achieve the desired look.

At the end of the day, however, it’s easy to wash off. And over the long term, the conditioning ingredients are likely to improve the health of the lashes.

Opera My Lash ADVANCED

We hate it when our lashes look stumpy. Here’s a solution that’s often touted as the best mascara for Asian eyelashes. It’s won multiple awards, including one from Cosme, the most influential online beauty community.

For starters, it doesn’t clump. It comes with a slim brush that that simplifies applying mascara from the roots to the tips. It’s even easy to do the bottom lashes with it. You’ll end up with much more volume than when you started.

The mascara dries quickly then it won’t smudge. Even though it’s long-wearing, it washes off with warm water.

Furthermore, it contains several delicious botanicals like rosemary, peach, and apple that nourish the hairs.

D-UP Mascara Volume Extension

You’ll have the best-looking eyelashes in your hot yoga class because you won’t be afraid to use this super resistant mascara.

Like many others in Japan, it’s described as a “film and fiber type”. That’s because it uses polymers to coat each lash and maintain the shape. It also has fibers to add bulk and length without clumping.

We checked the ingredients, and it’s paraben-free. The manufacturer also points out that there are ten kinds of beauty serum in it. Highlights include panthenol, hydrolyzed silk, beeswax, castor oil, and ginkgo.

Shiseido Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Long Long Long

Lengthen your lashes and lift them with this excellent waterproof Japanese mascara. It makes thin, short eyelashes look stunning. Plus, it’s waterproof and long-wearing. (It’s so durable that you’ll want to use makeup remover – we added a Japanese oil cleanser for it at the bottom of the reviews.

The mascara contains 4mm fibers to extend lashes and strengthen them. Meanwhile, ingredients like macadamia nut oil keep them shiny and hydrated.

The curved applicator brush is perfect for the job as it directs the fibers into position while curling each eyelash. There’s no clumping, either.

Dejavu Fiberwig Ultra Long and Tiny Sniper Mascara Set

The names are funny, but this is serious eye makeup. It’s a kind of mascara that you can wear swimming or to the gym without it melting or running. There will be no panda eyes with this one.

We’re fascinated that it’s waterproof but comes off with warm water. That’s right, no makeup remover is needed.

So, why the two-piece set? One tube is customized for upper lashes, and the other for lower. The upper lash brush has soft fibers that curve and taper to shape each hair to perfection. Both tubes feature the same creamy formula that moisturizes and adds length without clumping.

KOJI DOLLY WINK Volume Mascara

When they call this a “very volumizing” mascara, it’s an accurate description. It’s high drama in a tube.

The waterproof formula coats each eyelash, thickening it and adding a glossy sheen. At the same time, it adds length, solving two problems at once. Go easy on the lower lashes, however.

Users highly recommend curling the eyelashes before applying the mascara. Once it dries, it resists tears, sweat, and rain.

CANMAKE GOKUBUTO Mascara

This brand offers both black and brown mascara. Both withstand tears, high humidity, sweat, and sebum.

The volumizing formula is also very good at keeping the eyelashes curled. Go easy as you apply as it’s buildable and quite thick to begin with. Even one layer is enough to maintain the shape.

Before bed, it washes easily with just warm water and no scrubbing. Seriously, can any chemists explain this magic to us?

Dazzle Carat Gloss Black Long & Curl Mascara

This mascara promises to lengthen your eyelashes 124%. Plus, if you’re a fan of the youthful, dewy complexion, there is a surprise in it for you. It contains diamond and platinum particles to make your eyes glisten.

It’s also packed with eyelash conditioners like keratin, peptides, and ginseng.

EYEMANIA Mascara Long & Volume

We hate clumpy mascara. (Did you know that the older the mascara is, the more likely it is to clump? Get yourself some fresh mascara today).

This one comes in an ergonomic tube that it’s pleasant to hold. Of course, what really matters is the mascara itself.

Reviewers say they love it because it doesn’t smudge easily or clump yet comes off quickly without makeup remover.

Like many other Japanese mascaras that add volume and length, this one contains little fibers to bulk up and extend the lashes. On the downside, they may present a challenge for contact lens wearers.

Shiseido Imperiallash Mascaraink

Flaky mascara is the pits. This one doesn’t crumble or blur or irritate sensitive eyes. Instead, it makes lashes look long and luscious. It’s resistant to transferring and smudging, too.

The applicator has a unique design with flexible silicone bristles. It’s shaped to reach the smaller lashes at the corners of the eyes and take good care of the bottom lashes, too.

Shiseido Full Lash Volume Mascara

We despise sticky mascara. This one sets to a silken finish even as it adds volume and helps maintain the curl. We saw reports that it even stands up to eye rubbing.

If you already have thick eyelashes, it’s helpful in that it separates and fans them out till they look like extensions. Therefore, you can add definition to the list of benefits. Part of the effect comes from the radial brush that reaches all the way to the roots.

PDC Pmel Essence Mascara Base

Now that you’ve seen all the best Japanese mascara brands, here is a little something to boost their performance even further. It’s primer. If you’re having a no-makeup day, it’s ideal because it will give you perfect-looking lashes.

The transparent formula maintains the shape of the lash. Yet, the clear coat is invisible as long as you haven’t applied too much. Users recommend removing excess from the applicator since it picks up a lot from the tube.

What’s more, is that you can apply it on top of mascara to make it waterproof and long-wearing.

Japanese Kissme Blue Grey Long And Voluminous Eye Lash Makeup Base Cream

From the same brand that brought you KissMe Heroine mascara comes this eyelash primer. Curl them, apply a coat, and put mascara on top.

Yes, you’ll need the mascara because this primer is bluish-gray. (On the other hand, perhaps a little color is what you really want?) In any case, just like mascara, it’s waterproof yet comes off with warm water.

SHU UEMURA EYELASH CURLER

Is there truly a difference between a Japanese-made eyelash curler and a Western one? Compare them, and you’ll see what we mean.

This one is shaped for hooded eyes and short eyelashes. It comes with an extra rubber refill, too.

e.l.f Pro Eyelash Curler

This inexpensive eyelash curler is suitable for most non-Asian users. Moreover, it comes with an additional pad.

KOSE Softy Mo Deep Treatment Oil

Throughout the Japanese mascara reviews, we pointed out that most wash off easily with warm water even though they are waterproof. Still, you might prefer an oil cleanser to dissolve longwear makeup. It has additional benefits as it deep-cleanses pores and never leaves the skin dry. Instead, your face will feel squeaky clean and soft.

The cleanser is made for all skin types and won’t sting sensitive eyes. Don’t be surprised if it helps get rid of blackheads as well!

Conclusion

We highly recommend Japanese mascara to anyone who will listen to us. Some of the best-performing eye makeup we’ve ever used comes from Japan.

Even the drugstore mascara made in Japan offers superior benefits and performance. Every detail is taken into consideration, from the ease of application, the type of brush, and the skin-friendly ingredients.

If you’re picky about how your eyes look, you’ve got to give it a try. We’re sure you’ll be pleased with the results.