Welcia-Kokumin Haul Alert! Top 10 Japanese Drugstore Beauty Essentials Singaporeans Swear By
Discover why Welcia-Kokumin is every Singaporean beauty lover's Japan shopping destination. From FANCL cleansing oil to KOSÉ Sekkisei, explore 10 must-buy J-Beauty products at prices 30-50% cheaper than Singapore. Tax-free shopping, late hours, and cult favorites await!
Welcia and Kokumin are two of Japan's most beloved drugstore chains that merged to create a beauty paradise for savvy shoppers. With over 2,000 locations across Japan, these stores offer an incredible selection of Japanese beauty products at prices that make Singaporeans do a double-take. Whether you're hunting for cult-favorite skincare or exclusive Japanese cosmetics, Welcia-Kokumin delivers the goods—literally.
Why Singaporeans Love Welcia-Kokumin
Tax-Free Shopping Made Easy: Flash your passport and enjoy instant tax-free savings on purchases over ¥5,000. That's about S$45—easy to hit when you're stocking up on J-Beauty essentials.
Late-Night Beauty Runs: Many locations stay open until 11 PM or even 24 hours, perfect for those post-dinner shopping sprees in Shibuya or Shinjuku.
Exclusive Japanese Brands: Find products you can't get back home, from FANCL to KOSÉ, at prices 30-50% cheaper than Singapore.
Member Rewards: Download the Welcia app for exclusive coupons and points that stack with tax-free discounts. Yes, you can double-dip on savings!
Top 10 Must-Buy Products at Welcia-Kokumin
1. FANCL Mild Cleansing Oil
Why Singaporeans Love It: This cult-favorite cleansing oil removes makeup effortlessly without leaving residue. The preservative-free formula is gentle enough for sensitive skin, making it a holy grail for many beauty enthusiasts.
Where to Find: Available at all Welcia-Kokumin locations, often featured in duty-free sections at Narita Airport.
2. KOSÉ Sekkisei Lotion (¥5,500 / ~S$50)
Why Singaporeans Love It: This iconic blue bottle has been a Japanese skincare staple since 1985. The brightening toner contains traditional Chinese herbs that help even out skin tone and reduce dullness—perfect for tropical climates.
Where to Find: Premium beauty section at larger Welcia stores in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.
3. Cezanne UV Clear Face Powder (¥748 / ~S$7)
Why Singaporeans Love It: At under S$10, this translucent powder with SPF 28 is a steal. It controls oil and shine throughout humid Singapore days while providing sun protection.
Where to Find: Makeup aisle at all Welcia-Kokumin locations.
4. Lululun Face Masks (¥1,980 for 32 sheets / ~S$18)
Why Singaporeans Love It: These daily sheet masks are soaked in essence and come in various formulas for different skin concerns. The price per mask works out to less than S$1—unbeatable value!
Where to Find: Skincare section, often displayed near checkout counters.
5. ANESSA Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk (¥3,300 / ~S$30)
Why Singaporeans Love It: Shiseido's ANESSA is the gold standard for Japanese sunscreen. This water-resistant formula with SPF 50+ PA++++ actually gets stronger when exposed to water and sweat—ideal for Singapore's humidity.
Where to Find: Sun care section at all locations, especially well-stocked during summer months.
6. Rohto Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Lotion (¥990 / ~S$9)
Why Singaporeans Love It: This hyaluronic acid powerhouse holds 1000x its weight in water, delivering intense hydration without the heavy feel. A cult favorite that punches way above its price point.
Where to Find: Skincare aisle at all Welcia-Kokumin stores.
7. Suisai Beauty Clear Powder Wash (¥1,980 for 32 capsules / ~S$18)
Why Singaporeans Love It: These enzyme powder capsules deep-clean pores and remove blackheads without stripping skin. Each capsule is perfectly portioned for one use—great for travel!
Where to Find: Cleansing section, often near FANCL products.
8. Majolica Majorca Lash Enamel Glamour (¥1,320 / ~S$12)
Why Singaporeans Love It: This cult-favorite mascara creates dramatic volume and length while staying smudge-proof in Singapore's heat. The unique formula doesn't flake or transfer.
Where to Find: Makeup section at all locations.
9. Melano CC Vitamin C Essence (¥1,210 / ~S$11)
Why Singaporeans Love It: This targeted vitamin C serum fades dark spots and acne scars without irritation. The tube packaging keeps the vitamin C stable and effective.
Where to Find: Skincare treatment section at all Welcia-Kokumin stores.
10. Canmake Cream Cheek (¥638 / ~S$6)
Why Singaporeans Love It: These cream blushes give a natural, dewy flush that lasts all day. At under S$7, you can afford to buy multiple shades to mix and match.
Where to Find: Makeup aisle, usually near other Canmake products.
Insider Shopping Tips
Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings (9-11 AM) for the freshest stock and shortest queues. Avoid weekends when tour groups descend.
Tax-Free Threshold: Combine purchases with friends to hit the ¥5,000 minimum if shopping solo. The savings are worth coordinating!
Check Expiry Dates: Japanese products often have manufacturing dates instead of expiry dates. Look for products made within the last 6 months for maximum freshness.
Download the App: The Welcia app offers exclusive coupons that can be used on top of tax-free discounts. Some stores also accept digital payment through the app.
Store Locator: Use Google Maps to find "Welcia" or "Kokumin" near your hotel. Major locations include Shibuya, Shinjuku, Harajuku, Osaka Namba, and Kyoto Station.
Where to Find Welcia-Kokumin
Tokyo Hotspots:
- Shibuya Center-gai (open until midnight)
- Shinjuku East Exit (24-hour location)
- Harajuku Takeshita Street
Osaka Must-Visits:
- Dotonbori (near Glico sign)
- Namba Parks
- Umeda Sky Building area
Kyoto Locations:
- Kyoto Station Building
- Gion District
- Kawaramachi Shopping Street
Final Thoughts
Welcia-Kokumin is where smart Singaporean shoppers go to score authentic Japanese beauty products without the premium markup. With tax-free shopping, late opening hours, and an incredible selection of cult favorites, it's no wonder these drugstores are on every beauty lover's Japan itinerary. Stock up on these 10 essentials and you'll have enough J-Beauty goodness to last until your next Tokyo trip!
Pro Tip: Bring an empty suitcase or buy a foldable bag at Don Quijote—you'll need the extra space for all your Welcia-Kokumin hauls!