Introducing a new blog series titled “J-Beauty Spotlight,” where we interview key individuals in Japan who are passionate about skincare and self-care as well as rituals and practices that are uniquely Japanese. Join us as they reveal their stories and secrets revolving around J-beauty. 

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do.

My name is Yuki, and I was born and raised in Tokyo. I currently DJ under the name Yukibeb and I’m signed to an LA-based label called Soulection. I also have two monthly music events based in Tokyo.

2. How/why did you become a DJ? What do you like most about being a DJ?

I discovered Soundcloud around the time I graduated high school and quickly became addicted to the feeling of discovering new music. I started making mixes and uploading them on Soundcloud and after a year or so, my favorite collective Soulection asked me if I’d like to join their roster. l've always loved to share music that I enjoy amongst my friends so I feel like DJing is very fitting for me. I love the feeling when the music I’m playing is connecting everyone on the same frequency to create a feeling of oneness. 

3. What is a typical day like for you?

A typical day for me is waking up at an appropriate time, depending on whether I had work the night before or not. First, I'll wash my face and then take my vitamins. Lately, I’ve been swimming a few times a week, and sometimes I'll meet up with a friend for lunch afterwards. I also like to find new music in my free time and make mixes when I’m feeling extra inspired. I'll sometimes take a short nap on days I have a DJ gig later in the night.

4. What are some of your favorite beauty products?

I love to start off my routine with a refreshing face mist infused with witch hazel, rose water and aloe after washing my face. Then, I use a product with my favorite Japanese skincare ingredient - hatomugi! It is very good for moisturizing my entire body, not just my face.

After applying toner in the morning, I love using the La Vie Précieuse MOIST A.P.G. Emulsion. My skin feels plump and radiant after just one layer. When my skin feels extra dry, I'll use a thicker face cream on top. 

I also use oil-based products that are proven to reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks, as well as acne scars and hyperpigmentation. I use love to use a daily facial oil/serum made of botanical oils and natural ingredients like ginger root and sunflower oil. It applies very smoothly and isn't sticky. I use this when I want to look fresh and energized.  

5. Why is skincare/self-care important to you?

Since I hit my mid-twenties, I’ve become more invested in skincare - not only products that I apply onto my skin, but also supplements such as vitamins and collagen. I learned that everyone starts losing collagen after a certain age, so I felt like I need to maintain my levels by investing in collagen powder to ingest as well as vitamin B, C, zinc, and fish oil which are all good for your skin. I want to maintain a youthful look for as long as possible, especially since my job consists of being seen. 

6. What are your thoughts on J-beauty?

The great thing about J-Beauty is that it mainly consists of natural products that don’t have too many extra, unnecessary ingredients. Most of the skincare products have close to no smell and seem safe to use on more sensitive skin types. I love how some products use Japanese ingredients like amazake and daizu (soy) which you probably cannot find in skincare products anywhere else in the world. I also appreciate how affordable it is to buy high-quality products, and the fact that it is convenient and easy to purchase them anywhere in Japan. 

7. Anything else you’d like to add?

I feel like the key to maintaining your skin, as well as your life, is consistency. Keep doing whatever makes your skin glow and whatever makes you feel happy, and it will lead you to the best results.