Unnecessary Pairings: Japanese Skincare + Studio Ghibli Films
For skincare and Ghibli lovers~
Originally published March 10, 2024
This is a story I randomly pitched to Into The Gloss ages ago.
At the time, I'm pretty sure Glossier and Into The Gloss were going through a few structural changes, so I like to think that's why it didn't get picked up (cope). However, I love ITG’s Unnecessary Pairings series and have always wanted to do my own, so I thought why not publish one on my Medium (Republished to Substack).
There are not a lot of posts in this series on ITG. I think, at max, maybe four. However, if I were to recommend one, you should definitely read Rom-coms and Beauty Treatments by Emily Ferber.
Since Studio Ghibli’s newest film The Boy and the Heron is up for several accolades this award show season, I thought it was the perfect time.
I have not seen all the Studio Ghibli films BUT I have seen enough to write this article. Strangely enough though, I have not tried enough Japanese skincare products for all the movies I have watched.
(*) = Denotes affiliate links
Rohoto Mentholum Vitamin C Serum + Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
So Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is a Studio Ghibli movie that took me ages to watch (I watched it recently), and I am so mad it took me so long because I absolutely adore this movie.
The movie takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where, due to an ecocide, humans are at the mercy of a poisonous polluted forest and the giant mutant bugs that occupy it.
I decided to pair this movie with the Rohoto Mentholum Vitamin C Serum, which is one of my favorite vitamin c products of all time. Vitamin C is a great ingredient to help protect the skin from UV damage, pollution, neutralize free radicals, and more.
This movie centers heavily on the effects of ecocide and pollution, so Vitamin C is definitely a product I would be carrying around if I was in the movie (along with sunscreen of course!).
I particularly love this serum because it has a nice light formula. I would even go as far as to say its consistency is watery.
I also really like the packaging of this product. The applicator tip is very tiny and the bottle is a little stiffer, which really allows you to control the amount of product you dispense. However, it can be annoying if you like applying a lot at one time.
Where to buy:
YesStyle*: https://shrsl.com/4f0vh
Rohto Mentholatum Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Face Wash + Castle in the Sky (1986)
Castle in the Sky is probably the third Studio Ghibli film I ever saw. I randomly asked for the dvd one year for my birthday. I got it, watched it, and loved it.
While Nausicaa Valley of The Wind focuses more about the disastrous effects of climate change at the hands of humans, this story focuses more on the natural world and what came before humans (I think).
I chose this face wash because I think Sheeta and Pazu (the main characters) are very young. That is something I took that into account when I was choosing products because it helped me differentiate which product goes where. I am pretty sure Sheeta and Pazu are in their teens, which is usually the time people start exploring skincare.
I thought this was a really nice pairing because, like I said earlier, the first movie was more about intense pollution, so you will need a strong product like vitamin C, whereas this movie feels gentle. I thought pairing it with this face wash would make it, you know, more subtle and softer.
This is one of my favorite face washes due to its foaming consistency. The face wash is not overly drying. But because it is foamy, it might be too drying for super dry, sensitive skin. However, if you just have sensitive skin, I would recommend this. On top of that, it’s scentless.
As an oily skin girl, I liked this and would repurchase.
It’s also good if you are looking for a no-nonsense face wash.
Where To Buy:
US Amazon*: https://shopstyle.it/l/b739l
YesStyle*: https://shrsl.com/3wqw4
oo35mm: https://bit.ly/49zChhd
Shiseido Senka Perfect Whip Cleanser + My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
For this movie, the Shiseido Perfect Whip Cleanser was the perfect product.
The story follows two young girls move to the countryside with their father to be closer to their mom, who is recovering in a local hospital.
I tried Perfect Whip a long time ago. It was probably one of the first Japanese skincare products I ever tried, and I loved it! Not only because of how good it is but because I am obsessed with the consistency.
It is literally this surreal whipped, light foam consistency where a little goes a long way. I honestly thought it was really fun and almost whimsical.
I thought this was the perfect pairing with this movie because I think My Neighbor Totoro is a very whimsical, imaginative movie.
Where To Buy:
US Amazon*: https://shopstyle.it/l/b738V
YesStyle*: https://shrsl.com/4f0wf
DHC Lip Cream + Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
The DHC Lip Cream is literally one of my most favorite lip balms on the planet. It is my go-to lip balm before I do my makeup. I like to apply it during prep, and by the time I make it to my lips in my makeup routine, it has already dried down.
I decided to pair this with the movie Kiki’s Delivery Service. I mentioned it was hard to choose which product was perfect for which movie. For some of them, it was an outstanding yes. Then for some of them, it was like an unsure okay.
This lip balm is one of the only two lip balms I have on this list, and I like to think this is the mature one compared to the next lip balm I’ll mention. The DHC Lip Cream is definitely a more practical, functional lip balm for me, even though it still has a very glossy sheen.
In Kiki’s Delivery Service, Kiki is transitioning from being a young girl to an independent young adult as part of her witch training. She is learning about the world while becoming secure and confident within herself.
When she is flying around and delivering things, she just doesn’t have time for a full skincare routine. Honestly, I don’t even think she has a sink at her place. It’s a lip balm and go!
Where To Buy:
YesStyle*: https://shrsl.com/4f0wm
DHC Website: https://bit.ly/42VFCp3
Keana Nadeshiko Rice Sheet Mask + Only Yesterday (1991)
This movie is not as popular as the other Studio Ghibli movies on this list. However, I did have the opportunity to watch it and really enjoyed it.
This movie is about a woman recalling certain memories from her past. So it's not a traditional movie with one overarching conflict/plot. There is a small one, but it is not the entirety of the movie.
What is actually causing her to recall these anecdotes is that she's vacationing on a rice farm just to do some rice farming. Like, that's the thing, she decides to use her vacation time to go rice farming. So I thought this sheet mask would be a really good fit.
I got this rice mask on recommendation from Tina Tanaka Harris. She focuses on Japanese and Korean skincare content, and she said this mask is good for pores and oily skin.
I think this comes with 10 sheet masks for like $10-15, which is pretty good. I want to buy more, however, Amazon is inconsistent with its stock.
I generally really like this. If you want to learn more about it, definitely check out Tina's channel. I'll link a video here.
Where To Buy:
Amazon*: https://shopstyle.it/l/b74bk
This is the brand website, it is literally the cutest concept I have ever seen: https://www.ishizawa-lab.co.jp/keananadeshiko/en/
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil + Porco Rosso (1992)
Now this pairing was an immediate connection.
Porco Rosso is a renowned seaplane pilot and bounty hunter. He also has a pig’s head (idk if that is important lol). The movie takes place post-WWI in the Adriatic Sea, which surrounds Italy— think Eastern Europe touching the Mediterranean.
You really get to see throughout the movie how exciting planes are, which is very random. I remember hearing the synopsis, and I was just like I don't really care about planes. Then I watched it, and I liked it so much, I watched it twice in the same week. I think I felt what train enthusiasts feel. There are probably seaplane enthusiasts too, right?
DHC cleansing oil is my favorite cleansing oil of all time. It breaks down my makeup so well and cleanses my skin thoroughly. It’s olive oil-based and is the perfect consistency for me — not too thick, where it is hard to maneuver, and not too thin, where I need to apply a lot.
Ulta has these on sale for its savings event so you can get one for $15 when the normal price is $30. It’s a steal! I usually pick up three, and they last me until the next savings event.
You know, just like planes need oil, I need oil to remove my makeup (?). Pilots and aircraft engineers have grease all over them from working with planes, so I just thought this was the perfect pairing.
Where To Buy:
Ulta*: https://shopstyle.it/l/b74c0
YesStyle*: https://shrsl.com/4f0xh
Amazon*: https://shopstyle.it/l/b74c6
Hada Labo Goku-Jyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion + Princess Mononoke (1997)
This is my favorite Studio Ghibli movie. First and foremost, the soundtrack is spectacular. I put it up there with The Prince of Egypt soundtrack and the Hunchback of Notre Dame soundtrack (if you know, you know).
The movie follows a village prince, who is cursed by a corrupted demon when it attacks his village. In hopes of finding a cure for his curse, the prince travels to The Western Lands, where the demonic beast is from. On his journey, the prince meets a lot of people — and spirits!— including the human-wolf princess San.
The movie showcases the constant push and pull between man versus nature. It also focuses heavily on the conservation of nature and human greed.
Now, the Hada Labo Goku-Jyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion is one of the most popular Japanese skincare products in the world. This product is absolutely beloved. I don’t know any Asian skincare fanatic who hasn’t tried this.
This is not a typical “lotion.” Lotions in Asia range in consistency. So some are not like the lotion people use in The West, which is used as a face cream at the end of your skincare routine. Some are more like essences, or a very light liquid that you apply after you finish washing your face.
This one really stood out to me as an essence because the consistency has that watery flow, however it has very little weight to it. It really is a lovely product to include in your skincare routine if you need more moisture or use a lot of drying products.
Now without spoiling the movie, I decided to pair this product with this movie because there is a certain place in the movie where there is this special healing water, which reminds me of this product.
When I use a lot of drying acne medicine, this product is nice to include in my routine because I think it levels up the amount of moisture to the point where it helps with my acne scars and it keeps me hydrated.
Random note though, this product itself doesn't get rid of acne or scars. However, when it's used in conjunction with brightening products or acne-fighting products, it helps speed up the skin turnover rate.
Where To Buy:
YesStyle*: https://shrsl.com/4f0xs
Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner + Spirited Away (2001)
I adore this movie. I watched this movie with my friend Reem when I was really young and it skyrocketed my obsession with Studio Ghibli.
The Hatomugi Skin Conditioner is another product I learned about from Tina Tanaka Harris. I love watching her videos, but they're very lethal to me because the second she recommends a product, I need to buy it. I have really good purchasing skills when it comes to buying beauty products but when Tina says to buy it, I buy it.
But I love this skin conditioner. It is basically another essence product, so you apply it after you’re done washing your face. The aspect I really love about it is that it has a slight pearlescent sheen to it. It's really subtle, but it's really pretty.
The color of it reminds me of the original Mac Strobe Cream. It’s not that expensive, and it comes with a lot of product. I think it took me about a year to finish it.
I think you can probably tell why I recommended this product to go with this movie. The story takes place in a bathhouse in the spirit world — and the idea of all the herb-enhanced spa waters just told me that this was the right product to pair it with.
Where to buy:
YesStyle*: https://shrsl.com/3wqvx
Amazon*: https://shopstyle.it/l/b8kIY
Naturie Skin Conditioner Gel + The Cat Returns (2002), Whisper of the Heart (1995)
So these two movies are very cute, and I highly recommend you watch them. However, my brain thinks they are the same movie, and it's only because there's a cat character in both of them.
Again, these movies are some of the cutest movies ever, especially if you're into cats. Now, The Cat Returns is more about cats. It's a very nice, light, feel-good, kid-friendly watch. I would watch this in the morning while eating breakfast, and if you have kids or are around kids, I would definitely watch this movie with them.
The Whisper of the Heart, now that I think about it, isn't really about cats. There is this cat character that's significant, but you're going to look at it and be like, “That's not what I was thinking when Laila said cat.”
This movie centers around the song Country Roads Take Me Home, which was the most out-of-pocket song choice for this movie. Like, I remember watching this movie for the first time and hearing that song, and I was just like what is happening?
The settings of these movies are a lot lighter, and the color palettes are brighter and warmer. Specifically in The Cat Returns, I feel like the movie has a lot more sunnier vibes. It’s such a light-hearted movie. I was shocked after watching it because I felt like it went by so fast.
I chose the Naturie Skin Condition Gel to pair with this movie. It is, again, another product recommended by Tina *surprise*.
All the main characters in the movies are very young, in high school, and moving into adulthood, and the overall coloring is bright and warm, so I just thought this gel cream would be a good product. Like Tina. I actually used to use this to shave my face, and it is good, but I prefer oils.
Regardless, it is a lovely lightweight gel moisturizer for summer days or oily skin.
Where to buy:
Amazon*: https://shopstyle.it/l/b8kKo
YesStyle*: https://shrsl.com/4fdr6
Exfoliating Wash Cloth + Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
Okay, so if you've seen this movie, you definitely know why I chose this product for this movie.
Howl's Moving Castle centers around a young woman named Sophie who works in a hat shop. One day, she is rescued by the infamous Wizard Howl, and because of this encounter, she's approached by a notorious witch who puts a curse on her. Then the story follows Sophie trying to get rid of that curse — and guess what — Howl comes back.
This is a Japanese exfoliating washcloth. I don't have like a specific brand. I’ll link below the one that I am using right now, but I thought this would be a funny pairing.
If you don't remember, in the movie, there's a scene where Howl freaks out after something happens to his bathroom. He runs downstairs with just a towel and starts throwing a tantrum.
Now Japanese washcloths are longer, so they're good for scrubbing your back. I actually really like these, and I feel like they last long. They are similar to African washcloths too.
Where To Buy:
Amazon*: https://shopstyle.it/l/b8kOi
Rohto Mentholatum Water Lip Balm + Ponyo (2008)
For this movie, I decided to pair it with one of my favorite Japanese skincare/makeup products ever. It is the Rohto Mentholatum Water Lip Balm.
Now, when you think of the movie Ponyo —which follows a little fish who becomes human and befriends a small boy—one of the first things you probably think about is water. The setting of this movie takes place in a seaside town, where a lot of residents work on boats and piers. The movie is very cute. It kind of reminds me of The Little Mermaid.
But back to the lip balm. I honestly believe this is the most beautiful lip balm I have ever used in my life. It has a nice consistency, it's not sticky, and it hydrates really well. BUT, It has the most beautiful watery, glistening finish. When I think like mermaid-core or just a very shiny aesthetic, I think of this lip balm. It is honestly one of my favorites.
Where To Buy:
YesStyle*: https://shrsl.com/4fdtm
Selena Multi-Layer Cotton Puff + Arrietty (2010)
This is a movie I forgot I watched ngl.
The movie follows these tiny people called Borrowers (think Thumbelina and Ratatouille), who live in the floors and walls of an inhabited house. One of these tiny people is a girl named Arietty. She often goes with her family members into the human house to steal necessities they needs to survive. One day she befriends a young (normal-sized) boy named Sho.
Now, I've been talking about these cotton squares for such a long time. These are the only cotton squares, rounds, and puffs that I can use on my face.
The reason why is that they have a very nice surface area size and they're the only cotton product that doesn't break apart or leave small fibers. They also come in multiple layers so you can pull them apart and use one layer or you can add them in together and create a thicker layer.
If you're someone who has thicker facial hair or just a rougher skin texture, and often deals with cotton puffs leaving behind fibers, then I highly recommend these puffs.
A random fun Japanese skincare technique I love to do is to use one of these puffs, drench them in your favorite essence, and then pull them apart and put them on your face. You're basically making a makeshift sheet mask. It's really nice if your face doesn't fit in an average sheet mask like mine, or you are trying to finish up essences.
Where To Buy:
Amazon*: https://shopstyle.it/l/b8kPP
YesStyle*: https://shrsl.com/4fduc
Hatomugi Skin Conditioning Milk + From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)
So this movie low-key had me at the edge of my seat because of the random twist in the middle. It starts off like “cute” and then it's like “huh?” and then it's like “okay” and then I am like “aww, all right.”
Now this movie, like Ponyo, takes place in a seaside town. But unlike Ponyo, you get to see a bit of the reality of a seaside town, which I really like.
For some of these movies, I was looking at the Wikipedia page to write the premise, but honestly, all you need to know about this movie is girl meets boy, boy likes girl, and things happen. It's actually a very sweet movie.
I decided to pair this with the Hatomugi Skin Lotion, which is like an actual lotion people use in The West. It is the sister product to the skin conditioner I talked about earlier.
I like it because it is super lightweight and hydrating. Really nice for summer.
Where To Buy:
YesStyle*: https://shrsl.com/3wqvy
Daiso Compressed Sheet Masks + The Wind Rises (2013)
For this movie, I decided to pair it with the Daiso compressed sheet masks.
These sheet mask aren't normal sheet masks that come pre-soaked in an essence or liquid. Instead, these are known as compressed face masks since they come in small pellets that you drench in your own essence (or whatever liquid you have). They expand and turn into your own makeshift sheet mask.
These are super super nice if you're trying to finish up skincare products or you're really into making your own sheet masks. If you're someone who likes to use kitchen ingredients to make your own masks — tomato, yogurt, milk, etc.—I think these are actually nice to have on hand, especially if you're using very liquidy ingredients that drip on the skin.
I actually had to go back and read the synopsis of the story, but basically it follows the life of an aircraft engineer named Jiro Horikoshi. The story is mainly fictitious and based on novel called The Wind Has Risen.
It is a bittersweet movie, and it is probably the saddest one on this list. But it is still is a great watch.
This was also Hayao Miyazaki’s final film for Studio Ghibli before his retirement (spoiler: he comes out of retirement lmao), so I thought it would be a fitting ending to this post.
Where To Buy:
Amazon*: (Couldn’t find Daiso, but here are some from MUJI) https://shopstyle.it/l/b8WFU
Daiso: Have to buy from store
Thanks for reading!
I hope you enjoyed this post. I have been working on this for a month, along with other things. Sadly, like I said, I have not watched the latest Studio Ghibli movie yet, but I’ll get there! (Memo: I am actually in the middle of watching it right now)
Follow me on Instagram and TikTok! I also have a Twitter, but I never post. However, you can go through my likes, they are kind of funny. (Memo: RIP twitter likes. Now I can’t stalk my crush).
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Till we meet again ❤
Best,
Laila