It’s that time of year again. The cicadas are buzzing, the sun is shining and everyone is trying their best to stay cool. But more importantly, it’s time for the @cosme ranking, where they release their report of the top products for the middle of the year, cluing everyone in on what’s hot this year and what potential newcomers to look out for.
Can’t read Japanese? Don’t worry! We compiled the information in @cosme’s Mid-2026 Report their report in one easy guide. We broke it up into two parts: Base Makeup and Point Makeup, because both of them together was way too long.
So, read on to learn more about what @cosme is, why its rankings matter and what it says about trends in Japanese base makeup! And if you’re more interested in point makeup, check out the point makeup guide here!
And if you get the urge to try some of Japan's top makeup brands, check out our huge selection of Japanese Beauty Products!
Why do people care about the @cosme rankings?
This mid-year ranking is made with data from just under 129,000 reviews. Image via @cosme
Some folks hear “@cosme ranking” and think that it is just some rating by a publication, but really, @cosme is actually like the Rotten Tomatoes of the Japanese beauty industry. Tons of products of a huge variety are listed on the site and they are rated by hundreds (or even thousands) of people who have actually used those products.
That means that you’re not just getting a standard rating from one or two people. You’re getting a rating based on tons of voices, all sharing their experiences and opinions, all so that you can make an informed shopping decision.
And the ratings don't just come from beauty influencers or industry professionals. Women all over the country contribute reviews to @cosme. Image via Instagram
That’s why seeing the mid-year and year-end rankings is so interesting. It’s a window into what is truly popular, what is worth your money, what to avoid, and what are the current trends of J-beauty.
So, let’s get started looking into the list by starting with the trends in Japanese base makeup.
What the Ranking Says About Japanese Base Makeup
Japanese women love a base with a natural radiance and light coverage. Image via Instagram
Japan generally takes a skincare-first, “my skin but better” approach to the makeup base, leading with proper hydration and moisture care and following it up with a light coverage base. And with Japan’s general clean girl aesthetic, the general barely there feel starts from the foundation and goes into all steps, including concealer, highlight and powder.
This general Japanese makeup trend hasn’t changed much, with the 2026 selections generally focusing on lighter coverage, light textures and a more dewy, moisturized finish. Plus, a lot of these base makeup products include skincare ingredients to help preserve the skin barrier.
International brands, like TirTir, Paul & Joe, and Estee Lauder are also allowed on the list as they're reviewed on @cosme as well! Image via Instagram
You’ll also notice that there are international brands in the top spots too. @cosme is a resource that talks about the most popular beauty products in Japan, so international brands are always in the running.
However, because we’re here to talk about Japanese makeup, we’ve included any 2nd or 3rd place runner-ups that are from a Japanese brand.
Best Base Makeup Winners
Best Sunscreen: Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Gel
Many Japanese sunscreens pride themselves in doubling as a makeup primer, which is part of why this first option is so popular. Image via Instagram
If you’re on any part of J-skincare social media, then you know Anessa, Shiseido’s popular sunscreen line. This time, their extra moisturizing Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Gel has come out on top with its great moist texture that goes on smooth for a hydrated feel. People love the long-lasting moisture, max UV protection and the lack of whitecast or awkward pilling.
Best Skincare Base: Givenchy Prisme Libre Care & Color Serum Primer
As an international brand, Givenchy's Prisme Libre primer is a popular option worldwide for many skin types. Image via Instagram
Givenchy is just one of those brands that is all about luxury and their Prisme Libre Care & Color Serum Primer is no exception. This primer has earned a lot of love with a texture that spreads smooth like a serum, creating a natural tone-up thin film on the skin.
This primer helps to correct discoloration and redness while helping to conceal pores and provide moisture to the skin with niacinamide.
In the number 2 spot, we have a Japanese product–the Allie Chrono Beauty Flat Smooth Filter UV. Allie is popular for their UV care products, and this primer features maximum UV protection while also maintaining moisture in the skin without being sticky. It also has a yellow tint that helps to deal with redness and discoloration while covering pores.
Best Foundations:
Best Powder Foundation: Kanebo Melty Feel Wear II
The Kanebo Melty Feel Wear II was really popular among influencers on social media as well, praised for its texture! Image via Instagram
Kanebo is one of the skincare giants of Japanese beauty, and their Melty Feel Wear II foundation is the mid-year best in powder foundations. The high ratings come from the texture that melts into the skin for a moisturized feel, not feeling like a powder foundation. It does a great job of covering pores, creating a perfect “my skin but better” look that lasts all day.
Best Liquid Foundation: Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup
Estee Lauder is another international powerhouse in the beauty industry and is one of those products perfect for a variety of skin tones. Image via Instagram
Estee Lauder is a beauty industry giant and it brings its A-game in Japan, which is why their Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup is the best liquid foundation. Users love this foundation for how long-lasting it is without cracking or wiping off. Plus, Japanese women love the smooth texture that covers discoloration.
It’s also a high-coverage foundation that doesn’t feel thick or heavy on the skin, spreading more like a thin film.
Best Gel Foundation: Kate Tokyo Jelly Foundation
Kate Tokyo apparently brought their A-game this year and have several products on both the base makeup and point makeup lists. Image via Instagram
Kate Tokyo is known as a drugstore brand that stands out for how stylish and effective their products are. So, it’s no surprise that their Jelly Foundation took the best gel foundation spot. With a gel texture that feels like it spreads forever, it fits to the skin well with a natural coverage and a hint of glow. It’s also long-lasting, affordable and strong against dryness and smudging.
Best Cushion Foundation: Paul & Joe Protecting Veil Compact
Paul & Joe, another international brand, has really made a name for itself in the Japanese beauty world, with plenty of fans! Image via Instagram
Paul & Joe is a huge brand that makes tons of clothing, cosmetics and more, and they made one of the top cushion foundations according to users. It has a moist texture that doesn’t feel thick or heavy that leaves a natural, “no makeup” glow finish. It also offers great UV protection and a long-lasting, durable base.
For a Japanese alternative, the runner-up is the &be Glow Cushion Foundation. It has a natural glow finish that goes on as a thin film as opposed to a heavy foundation. Despite its light feel, it covers discoloration and pores with comfort. Plus, with moisturizing power, it creates a long-lasting base without any dryness. And users love that it comes off with a bit of soap and water.
Best Mesh Cushion Foundation: TirTir Mask Fit Ruby Mesh Cushion
TirTir really has taken over the world, and Japan is no exception, with their foundations being super popular here! Image via Instagram
It’s hard not to know the K-beauty icon that is TirTir, which made a name for itself on social media for its foundation. Japan hopped on the TirTir train with the Mask Fit Ruby Mesh Cushion winning this category. People love how well it applies even with a small amount. And with a perfect amount of coverage (and an amazing glow finish), some report not even needing concealer.
The Japanese alternative is the second place winner, the Kansosan Moisturizing Skincare Cushion Foundation. Kansosan is all about hydrating and moisturizing the skin, and this foundation is loved for its moist texture that locks in moisture for hours on end. Plus, it’s easy to create a natural glow just by patting it onto the skin. Also, the light texture is long-lasting without putting a burden on the skin.
Best BB/CC Cream: Decorté UV Comfort Tone Up CC Cream
Tone-up products are really popular in Japan and often make for a great color-corrected base for your makeup. Image via Instagram
Decorté is a great brand that offers a more affordable level of luxury here in Japan, and their UV Comfort Tone Up CC Cream is a mid-year winner. It has a moist, light texture that goes on smooth while also offering a tone-up effect with a hint of glow. It’s great for minimizing the appearance of pores and dullness while also offering max strength UV care.
Some users use this and then a powder for a light makeup base!
Best Concealer: Kate Tokyo Jelly Concealer
Kate Tokyo really is a leading beauty brand with plenty of young women praising their bold, fun products! Image via Instagram
Kate Tokyo is back on the list again, winning best concealer with their Jelly Concealer. Users praise its range of colors, making it perfect to fit their own skin needs. It has a moist texture that’s similar to a gel serum and spreads like butter on the skin, creating a thin veil that fits to teh skin and creates a natural glow. People also love how long it lasts without drying out. Some report even using this as a blush instead of a concealer.
Best Face Powder: Milano Collection GR Face-Up Powder 2026
Besides how great their face powder is, Milano Collection is also well-loved for how gorgeous the packaging is every year. Image via Instagram
Milano Collection is actually one of the brands under the Kanebo label and has a redesign every year with fabulous packaging. And this mid-year, the line’s GR Face-Up Powder 2026 is the best face powder. It’s already a well-loved brand for over 10 years, but this product stands out for its moisturizing ability, which is great for those worried about dryness. It also does a great job in covering pores to create a long-lasting flawless finish.
Best Highlight: Paul & Joe Face Color Highlight
The packaging for their Face Color Highlight also has space for their Face Color Blush, making it easy to keep both in one cute package. Image via Instagram
Paul & Joe made it to the list again, beating out two K-beauty brands for the top spot with their Face Color Highlight. The Japanese netizens of @cosme loved this product for the fine pearl inside of it that melts into the skin, creating a natural, high-quality glow. Even when you touch it to apply it, it has a moist texture that means it won’t clump or dry out on you. Plus, a lot of people love the packaging, saying it even helps to improve their mood!
Best Contour: Fujiko Deco-Shadow
Contour in Japan is most often used for a "small face" look, meaning that it's mostly applied around the hairline! Image via Instagram
Fujiko is known for its amazing hair powder, but they apparently make a mean hair contour too. The Fujiko Deco-Shadow is a hair contour that helps to create depth and fullness. Users love the way you can easily create a natural-looking shadow with natural-looking coverage, all with a tap of the cute puff.
The puff also does a great job of preventing powder fallout and helps to blend the product in so well, regardless of hair color. Apply it around the hairline for that Japanese “small face” look!
Best Setting Spray: Kate Tokyo Makeup Topcoat Mist
Kate really put in work this year. Who knew that a drugstore brand would be mentioned more than the top luxury brands? Image via Instagram
Let’s close out our list with the best setting spray, which brings Kate Tokyo back for a third time! Their Makeup Topcoat Mist is their mid-year top choice. Users rave about the super fine mist that spreads across without any unevenness. It dries right away without leaving any stickiness, even though it’s made with hyaluronic acid to help maintain long-lasting moisture.
And with its sleek packaging and citrus floral scent, Japanese users love to take this on the go with them for long days out.
And that’s the end of the Base Makeup Rankings! To check out point makeup, like shadows, lip products, and liners, check out the Point Makeup Mid-Year Ranking guide!
