Greetings from Japan! This is what I learned in my 24 hours in Kyoto: the Kanji for ‘long-winded’ takes sixty four strokes (oh, the irony), Japanese purple potato soup is a breakfast dish, and most importantly, the best face washing powder is from Yojiya, a beauty store located in the Gion district of this picturesque city.
Powders & me…
If you’ve read this blog or followed me on Instagram, you know that cleansing powders are my jam. Coincidentally, the Rice Enzyme powder from TATCHA was my very first guest post before launching omgbart.com. Over the years, many famous formulas have been a constant in our shower, including the AMOREPACIFIC Treatment Enzyme Peel and dermalogica daily microfoliant. Since they weigh next to nothing and obviously aren’t liquid, they make for ideal TSA-approved solutions.
While the intriguing logo (it’s a woman’s reflection in the hand mirror but could also be Samara from The Ring if you ask me) of blotting powders is what got me through the doors of Yojiya, the small white bottle with dome lid and subtle image of papaya fruit had me immediately asking if it’s what the Geishas use. I never did find *that* out because English is not a thing here. So, I decided to (literally) take matters into my own hands and… hauled.
What is it?
Wish I could tell you… Since there is nothing but Japanese on the bottle, I will guess that it’s mostly rice or bamboo powder and I hope to all the local gods I didn’t get duped into buying a bottle of cornstarch. The powder is so ultra fine, it puts all others I’ve used and loved to shame. The brand was founded in Kyoto in 1904, a town of people with flawless complexions, and the brand’s retail location is quite a destination. I’m going to go with: this is legit. What were the chances of me stumbling into this store? Pretty cosmic. #blessed
If you’re new to face washing powders, fear not: they can’t be any more user friendly. Wet your hands. Pour out a quarter teaspoon, work up the dreamy lather, and massage it onto your face. If you practice double cleansing, use it as the second step.
Personally, I love it in the morning before shaving. Since Papain is a plant enzyme, it digests every trace of dead cells off skin’s surface without triggering redness nor irritation. While technically considered to be a cleanser, it very much exfoliates, which makes for a great daily option for those who lean to the oily side. If you’re dry/normal, reach for it only every other day.
After a quick online investigation, Yojiya appears to be a pretty well kept secret and its sparse amazon availability doesn’t fall under Prime. If you do happen to find them online, bear in mind that a small bottle of the face washing powder retails in yen for approximately ten dollars.
The hauntingly gorgeous blotting papers, known as aburatori-gami, are the hero product. After speaking with the sales associate, I learned that the hand cream is the #2 best seller, so I snagged the largest jar. My Yojiya indulgence plan also includes their lip balm, face mist, and solid perfume. Because Gaysha.
Have fun at www.yojiya.co.jp and amazon.com!
And if you’re not planning a Japan trip, my other favorite face washing powders are:
- AUTEUR Definitive Enzyme Cleanser
- Tatcha Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder
- dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
- BABOR Refining Enzyme and Vitamin C Cleanser
Great post Bart. I’ve been watching your Japan trip on insta stories and it’s literally OMG. Btw I bursted in laughter when you said samara from the ring. Now I can’t seem to see any different. Can’t wait to have you back home. ❌💋
Love this post! Papaya facial powder sounds like my dream
I’m in Kyoto standing in the store now. Google searched, found your post and buying the face powder now. If it sucks you’ll hear from me! If it’s great you’ll never hear from me again but know that I am eternally grateful. 😉
Author
I hope I hear from you either way! Let me know what you think in the rare case you don’t like it! I am still indulging nightly in the jar of hand cream from there – such a treat! Oh, how I wish I were there, too… There is an insanely good ramen place a couple of blocks away!
Hello,
I was in Japan last summer.
Bought this product at the airport, and was desperately looking for some instructions online haha
Very helpful thank you very much! I can try it now without worrying about burning my skin or whatever.
(sorry for the mistakes, I’m French)
Author
Thank you so much for leaving a comment! I was at that store in Kyoto googling and nothing would come up so I am beyond thrilled my blog post keeps showing up for those who google Yojiya!! I love that powder and really enjoy the hand cream. Missing Kyoto everyday…