From Valentine's Day in February to White Day and farewell gifts in March, the winter-to-spring season is one of the times of year when there are many opportunities to choose gifts.
From small gifts for colleagues to premium care items for your boyfriend, girlfriend, or significant other, Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 1st Floor Cosmetics offers a wide selection of items for both men and women.

This time, Anna Tashiro, a cosmetics stylist at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 1st floor, will be highlighting three popular gift items chosen by customers at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building hand cream, lip balm, and gift kits. She will introduce recommended products tailored to the "budget" that customers often consult her about.

This guide offers expert advice on choosing the perfect gift from a wide variety of options, tailored to the recipient, and highlights noteworthy items that are sure to please. It's a must-read for anyone struggling to choose the right gift.

1. A moisturizing essential that you can never have too many of! "Hand cream"

Hand cream has become a staple small gift because it's easy for anyone to use, and since it's used multiple times a day, you can never have too many. With such a wide variety of options available, including different scents, textures, and packaging, many people may be wondering which one to choose.

We receive many inquiries about the user experience at our store.
The "Smooth" category features products that offer high moisturizing power while maintaining a smooth, non-greasy feel. These are recommended for those who frequently use PCs or smartphones. The "Moisturizing" category, on the other hand, offers a more pronounced moisturizing effect and a noticeable hydrating sensation through its texture.

In terms of fragrance, refreshing citrus scents are popular with both men and women and are a classic gift choice. For those seeking a calming scent, woody fragrances are recommended, while floral fragrances are ideal for those looking for a more vibrant and cheerful aroma.
If you don't like strong scents, you can use a nice-smelling hand cream instead of perfume. In that case, it's recommended to apply it generously not only to your hands but also to your wrists.

Choose your hand cream based on price and texture!
Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building Recommended Cosmetics Lineup

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Tashiro's Recommended Hand Creams

■If you're giving it as a gift to a man
CIGARRO Hand Cream Golden Frankincense

CIGARRO 's "Golden Frankincense Hand Cream" is popular for its non-greasy texture. Its stylish packaging gives a smart impression even when carried in a business bag. It also makes a lovely gift when presented in the brand's original wooden box (sold separately), along with body wash or other items.

■If you're giving it as a gift to a woman
LA MER The Hand Treatment

LA MER 's "The Hand Treatment" is especially recommended for women. Hands are one of the areas where age shows easily. In addition to skincare, it's a good idea to make hand care a habit early on. There's no woman who wouldn't be happy to receive a hand cream from a luxury skincare brand!

2. Lip balm is a great choice for small gifts, such as an extra item.

Due to its affordable price, it's a popular choice for small gifts, such as a token of appreciation or as an extra item for Valentine's Day or White Day. Since dry lips significantly affect facial appearance, lip care during dry seasons is essential for men as well as women as a matter of personal grooming.
Because it's an essential item, I think many people just pick one without much thought, thinking that as long as it moisturizes, that's good enough. But wouldn't it be nice to receive a slightly special, high-end department store lip balm as a gift on some occasion?

With a range of options from moisturizing, glossy finishes to matte types with less shine, you're sure to find the perfect lip balm for the recipient.

Choose your lip balm based on price and shine!
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Tashiro's top pick: Lip balm

■If you're giving it as a gift to a man
RETOUCH Lip Cream

"Updating the grooming of adult men!" is the concept behind this men's brand created by Eito Miyanaga. With its matte finish that doesn't add shine and a masculine, gadget-inspired design, this lip balm is truly made for men. The luxurious box packaging also makes it a great gift.

■If you're giving it as a gift to a woman
athletia Lip Oil Essence

A lip serum made with carefully selected plant-derived ingredients.
It protects lips from dryness and provides long-lasting hydration. The oil essence contains a selection of natural plant essential oils* with a fragrance that will make you want to take a deep breath. The sweet scent of bergamot and marjoram is complemented by the refreshing aroma of eucalyptus and juniper berry.

3. A "skincare, body, and haircare kit" that you'll be happy to use for everything.

Kits are also a popular gift choice. Many come in boxes, giving them a "gift-giving" feel and making them easy for the giver to select. They're great for trying out products, and the portable sizes are especially useful for business trips and travel, making them a welcome gift. The excitement of opening the box and wondering what's inside is also a delightful surprise.

If you have a close relationship with the recipient and know their skin type and concerns, a skincare set tailored to their needs is a good choice. For someone you want to give a gift to casually, a body/hair kit is recommended.

"Skincare Kit"
Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building Recommended Cosmetics Lineup

Body/Hair Care Kit
Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building Recommended Cosmetics Lineup

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Tashiro's top pick "kit"

■If you're giving it as a gift to a man
Aesop Arrival Kit

This set from the ever-popular Aesop brand features their classic hair and body care items, making it convenient for travel and business trips. It's suitable for all skin and hair types, so you can give it as a gift with confidence. The pleasant aroma is sure to refresh your mood even when you're away from home!

■If you're giving it as a gift to a woman
athletia Basic Kit

This kit, which includes everything from a cleanser that can remove even waterproof makeup to sunscreen, is perfect for women with its well-rounded selection of items. Layering the lotion over the oil-based serum creates a texture similar to applying a cream. Basic skincare is completed in just two steps. The box itself is also recommended for its versatile design!

If you're looking for a gift, please visit the cosmetics section on the 1st floor Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building .

View the Mitsukoshi Isetan Cosmetics Online Store [meeco]

Photo: Tatsuya Ozawa (Studio Mug)