You used to be able to find Shu Uemura at department stores like Bloomingdale's, though nowadays you'll have to get it online. The brand encompasses hair care, skin care and makeup, all with equal panache (also, it has especially good limited-edition capsule collections).

Must-have products: We'd be remiss if we didn't mention the iconic Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, $22, or Shu Uemura High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil Advanced Formula, $69. You'd also do well to check out Shu Uemura Hard Formula, $25, an eyebrow pencil that happens to be very popular on Reddit.

Image via @shuuemura

SK-II has long enjoyed cult acclaim, especially for its SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, $179. Recently, the brand made waves with its #BareSkinProject campaign, featuring Chloe Moretz, Tang Wei and more.

Must-have products: Of course, there's the aforementioned essence — and Ms. Moretz counts herself a fan of the SK-II Facial Treatment Mask, $17 (especially for air travel).

Image via @skii

Though Tatcha was technically founded by Victoria Tsai, a Chinese American woman, it's heavily influenced by Japanese beauty (specifically, by geishas) and incorporates a whole host of traditional Japanese techniques and ingredients.

Must-have products: The popular Tatcha The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder, $65 got an upgrade — now it comes in four different varieties (Deep, Gentle and Calming, in addition to Original). We're also quite excited for Tatcha The Indigo Cream Soothing Skin Protectant, $85, a new moisturizer specially formulated for sensitive skin (it was even accepted by the National Eczema Association).

Image via @tatcha

With its chic, minimalist aesthetic and eye-catching colors, RMK is definitely a Japanese beauty brand worth checking out.

Must-have products: RMK Creamy Foundation, $53, gives skin a gorgeous dewy finish and offers light coverage that still allows your natural complexion to shine through. It's also hard to pass up RMK Lip Jelly Gloss, $22 — so gorgeous, right?

Image via @rmkofficial

Though former tech executive Sabrina Tan first started the business in Singapore, we're choosing to include it in this list since it's predicated on Japanese techniques and ingredients. (The encapsulation technique used on the brand's seminal line of serums actually uses patented Japanese technology).

Must-have products: It's tough to beat the Skin Inc My Daily Dose Custom-Blended Serum Set, $84. Thanks to the Japanese encapsulation technology, it offers a unique way to blend the active ingredients of your choice. We're also loving Skin Inc Pure Serum-Mist, $55 — it's packed with glycerin and hyaluronic acid and is oh-so-hydrating.

Image via @iloveskininc