The Japanese Alternative to NARS

Addiction Beauty by Ayako

When Boxer Miya told us about one of her favourite Japanese makeup brands, we made sure to swing by the counter on our afternoon jaunt to the famous Isetan Departmental Store in Shinjuku, Tokyo. We walked right past their beauty counter, thinking it was the NARS makeup counter. However, upon closer inspection, we realized that this was actually Addiction’s counter. Further digging showed that the reason for the familiarity is because Addiction is actually founded by Ayako, the ex-creative director of NARS, so ta-da mystery solved on the similarities between it’s sleek black and white packaging and branding.

Addiction has been a well-kept secret among Japanese fashionistas and  is known for their high-quality and fairly decent pricing. Their primers and bases are what really sell but Addiction also has fantastic lip and blush options; luxuriously pigmented and a wide range of colours to suit every type of complexion.  And wait till you check out their cheek polishes! With names like ‘Revenge’ and ‘Suspicious’, you’ve definitely got some cute options for friends who are beauty lovers and love trying new products.

These are the top items by Addiction but if you wanted to browse the entire range, go to their website and let your Japanese Boxers know what you want or if you’re unsure, get them to tell you what’s hot and trending!

Porcelain Skin Primer
4,104 Yen (34 USD)
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Glow Power Foundation
3,780 Yen (32 USD)
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Dewy Glow Foundation
4,860 Yen (41 USD)
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Limited Edition Eyeshadow Compact (3 choices available)
4,860 Yen (41 USD)
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Liquid Eyeliner (One of the top-sellers!)
3,024 Yen (25 USD)
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Cheek Polish (multiple shades)
3,024 Yen (26 USD)
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Cheek Stick (multiple shades)
3,024 Yen (26 USD)
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Lip Protector & Essence
1,944 Yen (16 USD)
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Lipstick Pure (multiple shades)
3,024 Yen (26 USD)
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Nail Polish (multiple shades)
1,944 Yen (16 USD)
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