Inside the Mind-Blowing Skincare Routine of a Japanese Model

It's no secret that we're big fans of J-beauty here at Byrdie HQ. With amazing brands like Koh Gen Do, Shiseido, and SK-II available to us, how could we not be? Plus, we love the ideology behind Japanese beauty and skincare. It's all about "fewer steps and greater intention," according to marketing consultant at Puig and former VP of Marketing at Shiseido, Frances Grant. That's something that we can definitely get behind, and we wanted to learn more. To do so, we talked to Rola, a Japanese model, to get the inside scoop on her everyday skincare routine.

Rola is an icon. That's evident from her five million followers on Instagram. In addition to having a successful modeling career, she's also a TV host, actress, and even an author, so it's no wonder she's gained such a following. The 28-year-old also happens to have incredible skin. Fortunately for us, she didn't hold back on revealing her tips for achieving a stunning complexion. Read on to learn just how she does it.

When it comes to skincare, Rola's mantra is "whatever your routine is, don't skip it!" she says. "Even if it's inconvenient, I always try to do my morning and nighttime routines. Consistency the most important aspect," she continues.

Rola follows the traditional Japanese skincare steps: cleanse, apply a lotion, apply a facial essence or toner, and hydrate. "Sometimes there are more steps," she adds. "Sometimes I use a cleansing oil before my face wash and thicker night cream after the moisturizing lotion, depending on the time of day and the general feel of my skin. You have to listen to your body. If your skin feels dry, you add the extra moisturizing step, especially at night!"

Pola B.A. Basic Set $65.00

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Rola has been using this line from Japanese brand Pola for years now. "I just love the texture and smell of this line in particular. And it's definitely effective," she raves. "I let my American manager use them a few times, and now she's been buying them ever since if that tells you anything!" This particular set includes the whole line: a cleansing cream, wash, lotion, serum, milk, cream, and massage cream.

Aēsop Fabulous Face Oil $59.00

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Aside from her holy-grail Pola products, Rola is also a fan of the luxury skincare brand Aēsop and this face oil in particular. "I love the natural scents they use and high-quality texture. It feels luxurious, but it's all-natural. I love it!" she raves.  

HealthKit MCT Oil Capsules $17.00

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Part of Rola's skincare routine involves being conscious of the food she consumes. "I eat vegan whenever I can. I've been doing that for a little over a year now, and I've really noticed the difference in my skin quality," she explains. "I also take a women's multivitamin and MCT oil supplements," Rola continues. 

Another tip? When she's not working, Rola makes an effort to go suppin-kao, which means bare-faced. "I don't wear makeup that much when I'm not working. If I'm not going out at night or working, I'm almost always suppin-kao!" she reveals. With such glowing skin, we don't blame her. 

Shop Our Favorite J-Beauty Products

Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Makeup Color Base $52.00

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Beauty editor and Byrdie contributing writer Erin Jahns is a fan of this yellow-tinted primer which diffuses dark spots and discoloration. 

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil $15.00

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"It simply has everything you'd want in a cleansing oil: It removes makeup and grime from the skin super effectively, and moisturizing ingredients like vitamin E and olive oil leave my face super soft after use but never greasy," contributing writer and Byrdie's former feature editor Amanda Montell raves. 

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence $235.00

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Multiple members of Team Byrdie sing the praises of this essence and its ability to brighten, soften, and improve skin elasticity. 

Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen $68.00

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Another tried-and-true Team Byrdie fave, this sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection without leaving the skin feeling clogged, greasy, or chalky.