14 Best Japanese Makeup Products of 2026: @cosme Mid-Year Award Winners
The @cosme Best Cosmetics Awards 2026 Mid-Year New Product Awards have officially revealed the most exciting makeup launches in Japan during the first half of 2026.
Recognised as one of Japan’s most influential beauty rankings, the @cosme Awards are based on reviews and ratings from millions of Japanese beauty consumers. The 2026 Mid-Year Awards spotlight the standout products released between January and June 2026, showcasing the latest trends shaping the Japanese beauty market.
This year’s winners highlight a clear shift toward effortless beauty: blurred lips, naturally flushed cheeks, glossy hydration, soft-focus eyeshadow and lightweight long-wearing formulas. From luxury favourites such as SUQQU, DECORTÉ and Dior to affordable Japanese drugstore brands like Kate, Excel and Majolica Majorca, these award-winning products represent the best new makeup releases of the first half of 2026.
Below, we explore all first-place winners from the Makeup Category of the @cosme Best Cosmetics Awards 2026 Mid-Year New Product Awards.
Best Lip & Cheek
🏆 MAC Powder Kiss Lip + Cheek Mousse
A new multi-use color product that transforms from an airy whipped mousse into a soft-focus powder finish. Designed for both lips and cheeks, it delivers a natural flush of color while maintaining comfort and hydration.
Why It Won
- Multi-use lip and cheek formula
- Lightweight whipped texture
- Soft matte finish
- Natural, effortless color payoff
Best For
- Minimal makeup lovers
- Travel-friendly makeup bags
- Soft blurred makeup looks
Best Multi Palette
🏆 Fujiko Multi Cheek Palette 01 Impulse Pink
This all-in-one palette combines eyeshadow, blush and highlighting shades in a compact format. Perfect for quick makeup routines and touch-ups on the go.
Why It Won
- Multiple functions in one palette
- Compact and travel-friendly
- Easy coordination of colors
Best For
- Beginners
- Everyday makeup
- Travel makeup
Best Plumping Lip Makeup
🏆 DECORTÉ Rouge Decorté Tint & Plump
A moisturizing tint lip color that enhances the lips with a naturally flushed look while creating a fuller appearance.
Why It Won
- Natural-looking tint effect
- Elegant glossy finish
- Long-lasting hydration
Best For
- Dry lips
- Natural makeup lovers
- Daily wear
Best Blush
🏆 SUQQU Blurring Color Blush 01 UBU-IRO
One of the most talked-about Japanese blush launches of 2026. Its liquid texture melts into the skin and creates a subtle, watercolor-like flush.
Why It Won
- Moisturizing liquid texture
- Seamless skin fusion
- Natural radiance
Best For
- Mature skin
- Dewy makeup lovers
- Natural Japanese makeup looks
Best Colored Lip Care
🏆 Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil 077 Rosy Candy
The latest Lip Glow Oil combines lip care and glossy color in one product. Cherry oil helps keep lips comfortable while delivering a plump, juicy shine.
Why It Won
- Gloss and lip care in one
- Long-lasting shine
- Comfortable wear
Best For
- Dry lips
- Gloss lovers
- Layering over lipstick
Best Lipstick
🏆 MAC Powder Kiss Velvet Blur Slim Stick
A lightweight matte lipstick that creates a soft-focus effect without feeling heavy or dry.
Why It Won
- Soft matte finish
- Comfortable texture
- Long-wearing formula
Best For
- Everyday matte lip looks
- Blurred lip trends
- Comfortable matte wear
Best Under-Eye Makeup (Aegyo-Sal Makeup)
🏆 Kate Super Sharp Liner Glitter Pencil PK-1
Inspired by the continuing popularity of Korean-inspired under-eye makeup, this glitter pencil creates subtle brightness and dimension.
Why It Won
- Fine glitter finish
- Easy application
- Long-lasting wear
Best For
- Aegyo-sal makeup
- Brightening the eye area
- Soft glam looks
Best Liquid Rouge
🏆 Kate Lip Monster Crystal Pod CP01
The newest addition to the Lip Monster family delivers sheer color, hydration and impressive longevity.
Why It Won
- Hydrating liquid formula
- Sheer glossy finish
- Long-lasting color
Best For
- Lip tint lovers
- Everyday wear
- Comfortable glossy lips
Best Brow Mascara
🏆 Dejavu Eyebrow Color Sheer Taupe
A lightweight brow mascara designed to enhance natural brows without stiffness or heaviness.
Why It Won
- Soft translucent color
- Natural finish
- Resistant to sweat and oil
Best For
- Natural brows
- Soft makeup looks
- Everyday wear
Best Eyebrow Pencil
🏆 Kate Eyebrow Pencil Super Slim 0.8
Its ultra-fine 0.8mm tip allows users to mimic real brow hairs for a highly natural finish.
Why It Won
- Ultra-precise application
- Natural hair-like strokes
- Long-lasting performance
Best For
- Sparse brows
- Detailed brow work
- Natural makeup
Best Eyeliner
🏆 minum Puffy Grip Liner
A beginner-friendly eyeliner designed with an ergonomic grip for improved stability and control.
Why It Won
- Easy-to-hold design
- Smooth application
- Strong color payoff
Best For
- Makeup beginners
- Everyday eyeliner
- Precise application
Best Mascara
🏆 Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Neo Lash BK909
A Japanese drugstore favorite known for creating beautifully curled lashes while resisting humidity and smudging.
Why It Won
- Excellent curl retention
- Long-lasting wear
- Easy removal with warm water
Best For
- Straight lashes
- Humid climates
- Long-wearing makeup
Best Eyeshadow Palette
🏆 Excel Skinny Rich Shadow N SR02 Foggy Brown
Excel's beloved brown eyeshadow series returns with updated textures and improved blendability.
Why It Won
- Easy-to-use brown shades
- Smooth layering
- Suitable for everyday makeup
Best For
- Office makeup
- Neutral eye looks
- Makeup beginners
Best Single Eyeshadow
🏆 SUQQU Mono Look Eyes MS-01 KINUSA
A sophisticated single eyeshadow featuring delicate shimmer and a soft gel-like texture.
Why It Won
- Elegant luminosity
- Excellent adhesion
- Versatile everyday shade
Best For
- Japanese luxury makeup lovers
- Minimal eye looks
- Mature makeup styles
Makeup Trends Shaping Japan in the First Half of 2026
Looking across the winners of the @cosme Best Cosmetics Awards 2026 Mid-Year New Product Awards, several key trends stand out.
Soft-Focus Makeup Continues to Dominate
Japanese consumers are increasingly choosing products that create a blurred, naturally perfected finish rather than heavy coverage or intense color.
Multi-Use Products Are More Popular Than Ever
Products that simplify beauty routines, such as lip-and-cheek colors and all-in-one palettes, continue to gain popularity among busy consumers.
Hydration Remains Essential
Many winning products combine makeup with skincare benefits, offering long-lasting moisture, comfort, and a healthy glow.
Natural Color Is Replacing High-Impact Pigment
Instead of bold, dramatic makeup, Japanese beauty trends in 2026 favor sheer, buildable color that enhances natural features.
Long-Wearing Yet Lightweight Formulas Win
Consumers increasingly expect makeup to resist humidity, sweat, and oil while still feeling comfortable throughout the day.
The winners of the @cosme Best Cosmetics Awards 2026 Mid-Year New Product Awards offer a fascinating snapshot of the makeup products, textures, and beauty trends defining Japan during the first half of 2026. Whether you're looking for the best Japanese lipstick, blush, eyeshadow, mascara, or brow products, these award-winning launches are excellent additions to any beauty collection.
