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 point makeup! And if you’re more interested in base makeup, check out the base 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 (and men) all over the country contribute reviews to @cosme. Image via Magnific
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 point makeup.
What the Ranking Says About Japanese Point Makeup
From no-foundation makeup to gyaru-inspired looks, the world of Japanese makeup is as varied as their products. This age (hyped) makeup look comes from gyaru culture! Image via Instagram
Point makeup is generally used to refer to the makeup applied to certain points or areas on the face. Like we mentioned, the general Japanese makeup trend is a cleaner, glowy aesthetic that is all about the “my ~ but better” feel as opposed to a full glam.
Think a natural flush, with the “hangover flush” being popular right now; subtle yet vibrant lips; and an overall glow with bits of shimmer in the eyes and highlight. For everyday eye looks, a more brown look with a subtle shimmer is favored as it helps the eyes standout a bit more.
However, for going out (or if you have a free dress code office), a bit more color is how you show your own style in both your eyes and lips. Current Japanese makeup trends are making great use of color for uniquely gorgeous looks. Now, on to the products!
Best Point Makeup Rankings
Best Shadows
Eyeshadow Palette: Excel Skinny Rich Shadow N
A lot of Japanese folks love a functional product, so shadow palettes like that go together to build one whole look are always popular. Image via Instagram
Starting with eyeshadows, the Excel Skinny Rich Shadow N is loved by the @cosme users for several reasons. It has a moist, gentle texture that goes on and stays on easy. It also has an amazing color and smoothness that builds to create an easy gradation look using the colors from this palette. It’s also versatile for any situation.
Single-Color Shadow: Suqqu Mono Look Eyes e
Single-color looks are also well-loved in Japan, so a stunning single shadow product also stands out here! Image via Instagram
For a single-color shadow, Suqqu Mono Look Eyes is the standout so far. With a soft, fluffy gel texture, it’s easy to pick up and apply with the swipe of a finger and lasts throughout the day. It also has fine lamė that gives it a gorgeous shine with a moist-looking finish, giving more depth to the eyes with ease.
Best Eyeliner: Minum Punyu Grip Liner
These liners took a note from Japan's top stationery products and put a grip on their already super cute liners. Image via Instagram
Minum is a fresh, new brand, whose parent company Yutori only started about eight years ago, and they made this year’s most loved eyeliner. This liner is known for its “Punyu” soft grip that makes it feel like you’re holding a no-slip pen.
Plus, it has excellent color that blends well into the skin while being thin enough to draw a precise line that you can build. And it’s water resistant, including sweat and tears, for a long-lasting look.
Best Mascara: Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Neo Lash
There's quite a few affordable drugstore brands on the list, proof that a beautiful makeup look doesn't have to cost a bunch. Image via Instagram
Majolica Majorca is a great drugstore brand known for its dark academia aesthetic and affordability. And to our surprise, their Lash Expander Neo Lash beat out even Heroine Make’s Long Up Mascara (which won third place).
It’s popular thanks to its long-lasting formula that comes off easy with warm water but is still resistant to sweat or moisture. It also has a fine brush for perfect application with proper separation and no clumps.
Best Brow Mascara: Dejavu Sheer Color Brow
Dejavu isn't as well-known as Heroine Make overseas, but it's a well-loved brand here in Japan and is great for perfecting an eye look! Image via Instagram
Dejavu is another brand that leads the eye makeup game with fabulous mascaras in sleek 3D packaging. They won the brow mascara category with a sheer coloration that brings out the natural brows for a naturally polished look. Plus, users love its moist texture that leaves a soft finish–no hard brows. It also has a fine brush with short bristles so it’s easier to keep the mascara on the brow and not on the skin.
Best Eyebrow Pencil: Kate Eyebrow Pencil Super Slim 0.8
Kate Tokyo actually dominated the mid-2026 rankings, winning three categories on @cosme's base makeup list and three on the point makeup list. Image via Instagram
Kate is another popular drugstore brand that stands out for just how stylish and boundary-pushing it is. And somewhat surprisingly, it beat out high-end makeup in three categories.
Kate’s Eyebrow Pencil Super Slim 0.8 won thanks to its thin wick that feels like you’re drawing on each individual hair one by one for a natural brow look with a full, 3D feel. And with the strong base, it’s durable and difficult to break while still only needing a light touch to apply. Plus, it’s long-lasting and resistant to sweat and smudging!
Best Under-Eye Makeup: Kate Super Sharp Liner (Lamé Pencil)
Kate's pencils and liners have especially excelled this year, taking up two out of the three liner categories. Image via Instagram
Next up is Kate’s second appearance. While some Japanese makeup trends are ever-changing, many young women still love the undereye bag look, also known as the Aegyo Sal look.
This variation of the Kate Super Sharp Liner won thanks to its soft wick that goes easily onto the skin while leaving a subtle lamé finish with just the right amount of sparkle. This sparkle actually helps to make the eyes look brighter and more youthful. It’s also loved for just adding a bit of sparkle to everyday looks, even at the office.
Best Color Lip Care: Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil
Dior's also been a standout this year with their luxurious base makeup and lip products. Image via Instagram
We all know Dior. It’s one of the powerhouses of luxury beauty and has won the Color Lip Care category with their Addict Lip Glow Oil. It made its way to the top with a weighty texture that manages not to be sticky while providing hours of moisture. And with a high-quality lamé and subtle color, it can create a perfect MLBB look or go perfectly over a lipstick for a stunning finish.
Looking at Japanese products, the number 3 spot (behind the NARS Glow Lip Balm N) is La Mer’s The Lip Treatment. It made it to the list with its smooth, mild application with a light texture that’s easy to apply. People also love how it keeps the lips nice and hydrated all day and is even great for dry lips. It also has a sheer color, so you can use it whether it’s going over lipstick or on bare lips.
Best Lipstick: MAC Powder Kiss Hazy Matte Lipstick
MAC is another popular brand that has gained a lot of popularity in Japan, adding variety to the Japanese makeup world. Image via Instagram
If you don’t know MAC, I assume you must be completely new to makeup as it’s an icon in the beauty world. Their Powder Kiss Hazy Matte Lipstick earned just its spot by being a great matte lipstick without being dry or drying out throughout the day. It also manages to have a super light texture that goes on smooth while filling (and hiding) the lines in the lip. And with a soft, almost blurred color, it’s great for a stylish look!
Looking at a Japanese brand, the number two spot was taken by Addiction’s The Lip Stick Glazed Bomb. It’s highly rated for its voluptuous, thicker texture that goes on easily while creating a smooth, plump glossy look that does a good job of hiding the wrinkles of the lips. It’s also highly moisturizing and prevents dryness for long-lasting hydration. Plus, it has a refined color that improves the appearance of the face’s natural complexion.
Best Liquid Lipstick: Kate Lip Monster Crystal Pod
Kate's Lip Monster series is already a popular series, but the Crystal Pod has been a really popular way for a vibrant MLBB look. Image via Instagram
Kate is back on the list for a third time with the Lip Monster Crystal Pod! This product in the Lip Monster line stands out for its color which has a bit of transparency to it, meaning it blends into the skin naturally. It has a plump gloss to it that leads to long-lasting moisture, preventing dryness. And the tip helps to create a smooth application and texture with color that doesn’t fade even after eating or drinking.
Best Plumping Lip Makeup: Decorté Rouge Decorté Tint & Plump
Like we mentioned, the MLBB look is popular in Japan, so a plumping tint is perfect for a natural, full makeup look! Image via Instagram
Decorté is best known for its high-quality, high-end skincare but also sits at the higher end in the makeup world. Their Rouge Decorté Tint & Plump is known for its amazing application, going on like a lip cream, as well as its somewhat sheer color. The colors create a natural flush look for the lips, brightening the appearance of the face.
Plus, the color and moisture of this tint lasts for a long time without degrading to an unnatural color. As for its plumping effect, it has a mild, refreshing feel that makes the lips look fuller!
Best Blush: Suqqu Complexion Face Color
A good blush blush (or cheek as they call it in Japan) is a must for many Japanese women, especially those who prefer a natural, no-foundation look. Image via Instagram
Suqqu is back on the list with the Complexion Face Color winning best blush. It has a nice, moist texture that creates a beautiful blurring effect that doesn’t smudge. It stacks on top of foundation without fallout but with a lasting color that creates an easy flush look that blends easily into the skin. You can even stack highlight or another blush over it thanks to its natural flush and transparency, making it multi-functional.
Best Lip & Blush: MAC Powder Kiss Lip & Cheek Mousse
MAC made it to the list again with a versatile, multi-use blush and lip product, perfect for busy folks or those who want a monochromatic look. Image via Instagram
MAC is back with their Powder Kiss Lip & Cheek Mousse! (Wow–the Powder Kiss line must be really good.) This product is versatile as both a lip and a blush, making for easy uniform looks. It has a super fluffy souffle-like texture to it that you can easily blend with your finger and adjust the color vibrance.
It has a matte finish but with a moisturizing feel on the skin, to the point where many users say how good it feels to wear!
Best Face Palettes: Fujiko Multi-Easy Palette
Last, we have another multi-use product, that can be used to make a whole makeup look on its own with the right application. Image via Instagram
Last, let’s get into the best face palette which is taken by Fujiko’s Multi-Easy Palette. Fujiko is best known for their hair care powder and hair contour. However, this palette is super popular for the fact that you get an eyeshadow, brow color, blush and more, all in one palette. From silky powders to glossy balms, this palette plays with texture while using gentle colors for a lovely natural look. It’s also the perfect size for travel, taking on the go or for quick fixes!
And that’s the end of the Point Makeup Rankings! To check out base makeup, from UV protection to setting spray, check out the Base Makeup Mid-Year Ranking guide!
By the way, we know that we don't have all of the items on @cosme's Mid-2026 list, but we actually have a way to request items that you want! Just check our Contact Page and click on the Product Request Form button to make a request! (You can also message our chatbot or use the Contact page directly for requests!)
