Daiso. If you don’t know what Daiso is, you haven’t lived my friend. Daiso is the Japanese version of the dollar store or poundland- only a million times better. The stores are situated in many countries all over the world (why not the UK yet? I hear you, and I don’t know why, sob), but after Japan, Korea has the highest number of shops. You can literally discover ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING in these stores; one of my most recent useful purchases is a mini toilet brush that curves at the neck to get right into, and clean, the area under the rim of the bowl where the water comes out…yeah they think of all your needs, ever. But the best bit for me? Their beauty section. Here are my top beauty purchases from Daiso- mostly in Korea, but a couple from Japan too, and all of them are under 5000 won (roughly $5/£3.50).
1.Storage drawers
These don’t need much explaining, but they are so useful. I use them to store my makeup (ummm but yeah it doesn’t all fit into just these 6). If you have more space than I do, you can stack them as high as ya like.
2. Cotton pad holder
Okay so you might think this is a little tacky, but it’s a much nicer way to store cotton pads than a plastic bag full sat on my dressing table, and easy to top up. I like it, and it cost me about $2.
3. Nail accessories
Daiso has an awesome selection of nail jewels, glitter, and stickers. They’re not always the best quality, but they’re cheap and cheerful, and definitely look cute. They also change their stock very regularly, so there’s always new bits and bobs to check out.
4. Nail accessories holder
I love to do my nails, and I love to buy nail pieces. But they are a NIGHTMARE to try and store, and so this handy little thing was a life saver for me. It has plenty of little holders for small pieces, plus an underneath area for sheets of stickers.
5. Black nail polish
Here’s what’s up- this is the best black polish I’ve ever owned, and I’ve been through a few. It’s so opaque and it lasts a really long time! The brush is also a great shape, making it easy to neatly paint. I do usually need to add a top coat because its not as shiny as I like, but I do that for all my polishes.
6. Nail tools
Lots of nail stuff in this list I know, but I really do love doing myself a manicure. I’m on a stricter budget than I used to be, which puts regular manicures out of the picture. Gel manis were also slowly ruining my already weak nails. But being that person who can’t leave the house with bare nails, Daiso really comes into play for it’s nail selection. The tools are all under $2 and make it so easy to do a professional style manicure. My favourites are the multi sided nail file, the sponges to do a gradient nail, and the tweezers to pick up jewels and accessories.
7. Eyeliner Coat
We’ve all been there- humid summer day, black eyeliner slopping all over, looking like a hot mess (that’s not just me right?). HERE IS THE SOLUTION, from Japan Daiso. This handy little beauty tool is incredible. You paint a layer over your eyeliner, its clear so doesn’t mess up your colour, and it makes it extra waterproof. Perfect. Love. Amazing. Yes. Thank you.
8. Fan highlighter brush
I’m sometimes a bit of a brush snob. Occasionally. For example, Hakuhodo has my heart. But, this fan brush was a very pleasant surprise. I’m not claiming it’s the best out there, however it does a lovely job of dusting my Nars Albatross powder highlighter across my cheeks, in an even light way. It’s soft and perfect for the finish I want. I’ll take that for $2.
9. Decanting bottles
They have every imaginable decanting thingy available. Seriously. Tiny tubs, macaron themed tubs, ampoule dropper bottles, pump bottles, spray bottles, perfume spray bottles…the list goes on. Vote Daiso, for all your decanting needs.
10. Mask discs
For skincare junkies, with way too many products on your hands, these are your babies. They’re actually plain dry sheet masks, that when soaked in a product of your choice, spread out and can be applied like a regular sheet mask. I find them a fantastic way to use up products I’m kind of over but struggling to throw out. Tip- they take a lot of product to soak fully, so don’t use something you love, it’ll use up so much.
What have been your best Daiso purchases? These are just my beauty finds, if I had time to go into my amazing household discoveries too we’d be here all day…
4 Comments
Oh, I love all of the decanting bottles and jars they have! I didn’t dare try that eyeliner coat, it just sounded too good to be true and I’ve got sensitive eyes. Now I’ll definitely grab one next time I visit Daiso!
They also have a huge blush/powder brush that’s heavenly soft and perfect for soft blending – I’ll have to check out more of their brushes, if they’re all this good…!
Ohhh I hope it works out for you if you buy it! And thanks for letting me know about the blush brush, I’ll defo check it out!
Wow, I haven’t seen the travel bottles at Daiso. I was thinking of getting some from Muji, but may try Daiso first because they are so much cheaper. Thank you for the post and pics!
No problem, thanks for reading. Yeah there’s loads of them (at least at the Korean stores) and soo cheap! Hope you manage to find some!