Must-Buy Taiwanese Cosmetics in 2025 | 12 Top Beauty Recommendations + 4 Essential Drugstores

If you're planning a trip to Taiwan, don't miss out on the local drugstores—they're a treasure trove for beauty enthusiasts! We've handpicked 12 of the hottest Taiwanese beauty products for you, ranging from affordable drugstore makeup to high-quality medical skincare. These must-have items come from beloved local brands like 1028, MKUP, Dr.Wu, and many more. Dive into our 2025 guide to the best beauty buys in Taiwanese drugstores!

If you're on the hunt for standout products from Taiwanese drugstore makeup brands, the 1028 Visual Therapy Long-Lasting Eyebrow Tint should be at the top of your list. This product has won over many with its silky texture that makes application a breeze, helping you achieve natural, well-defined brows effortlessly. Thanks to its unique tinting formula, it delivers rich color that stays put for up to 24 hours, keeping your brows looking flawless from morning to night. Plus, it comes in a range of natural shades to suit various skin tones.

If you're on the hunt for a foundation that truly delivers, look no further than the "Long-lasting Flawless Glow Foundation" from 1028! This gem is a favorite among beauty enthusiasts, thanks to its innovative 4D Locking Technology. It offers four fantastic benefits: it sticks well, gives a radiant finish, adds dimension, and lasts all day. Say goodbye to pores, fine lines, and other pesky imperfections. Plus, it controls oil, keeps your skin hydrated, and provides sun protection. With this foundation, your makeup will stay perfect, no matter how long your day is. Choose from three beautiful shades: Fair, Pink Beige, and Natural.

If you're aiming for mesmerizing eyes, MKUP's Mega Volume Mascara is a must-try. The specially designed tapered brush head makes it a breeze to coat your lashes from root to tip, giving you a bold, voluminous, and perfectly curled look. Plus, its smudge-proof and easy-to-remove formula guarantees that your makeup will stay flawless all day!

Hailing from Taiwan, Solone is a drugstore cosmetics brand that has made waves with its impressive gel eyeliner pencil. Building on this success, the brand has also introduced a customizable single eyeshadow and souffle sponges, all of which have been met with rave reviews. Solone has managed to expand its reach to ten countries across the globe! Their star product, the "Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencil," features a silky texture that glides on smoothly, ensuring long-lasting, waterproof, and sweat-proof wear without any smudging. It's perfect for creating striking eyeliner looks and achieving a rich, dimensional eye makeup effect.

Ideal for those watching their budget! Shiseido's Refreshing Oil-Control Powder boasts a super fine texture that quickly soaks up any excess oil on your face with just a light sweep, leaving you shine-free in seconds! Its sleek and portable design means you can easily freshen up your makeup on the go, making it a must-have for keeping oil at bay during the summer months!

If you’re looking for a standout local Taiwanese skincare product, check out Unicat Face Changing Cat. Their "Oil-Free Cleansing and Makeup Remover in One - Calendula Cleansing Mousse" is a game-changer. Packed with calendula extract, this mousse effortlessly removes makeup and cleanses your skin. Its gentle formula tackles dirt and excess oil, refines your pores, and leaves your face feeling fresh and clear.

Let's talk about Guangyuanliang Winter Melon Water, a true gem from Taiwan. This product has been around since 1905, making it over a century old! Made from winter melon seeds, this water boasts a refreshing, hydrating texture that your skin will love. It's super versatile too – you can use it as a toner, lotion, makeup primer, or even an aftershave. Suitable for all ages and priced at under 100 New Taiwan Dollars, it's an absolute steal for such a time-tested skincare staple!

23.5°N is quickly becoming a favorite in Taiwan's skincare scene, thanks to its focus on natural ingredients and formulas free from additives. One standout product from their lineup is the "Rice Soothing Active Yeast Gel Mask." This top-seller is perfect for tackling dryness, itching, redness, and other unstable skin issues, thanks to its potent yeast extract that boosts skin absorption. You can use this mask in two ways: go for a "thick rescue" treatment or a "light overnight application," depending on what your skin needs at the moment. Although the brand is priced a bit higher than other Made-In-Taiwan (MIT) options, its chic packaging makes it a great choice for both gifting and personal pampering.

Meet Dr. Satin's Caviar Oxygenation Cleansing Foam, your new skincare essential! This foam dives deep into your pores, banishing dirt and excess oil with ease. It not only unclogs pores and rinses off effortlessly but also delivers fantastic hydration. No wonder it's a favorite with such a high repurchase rate!

If you're diving into Taiwanese skincare, Dr.Wu is a brand you simply can't miss. Renowned for its safe and effective products, Dr.Wu is especially celebrated for its "VC Micro-Derma Whitening Series" and the "Mandelic Acid Exfoliating Series." These lines are fantastic for tackling pigmentation and acne scars. You'll find Dr.Wu counters in Cosmed and Watsons, where prices are a bit friendlier compared to specialty stores. One standout product is the DR.WU Hydrating Repair Capsule Mask. Packed with the nourishing essence of 1.5 bottles, this mask is a quick fix for dry skin, delivering a hefty dose of hydration and leaving your skin feeling refreshed and moisturized!

When it comes to Taiwanese mask brands, My Beauty Diary is a name you simply can't miss! With over 15 years in the game, this brand has truly set the standard for Taiwanese face masks. Known for their natural botanical ingredients, My Beauty Diary offers a wide range of masks to suit various skin needs. Two of their standout products are the "Ultra Hydrating Collagen Mask" and the "Black Pearl Brightening Mask." These masks are fan favorites because they leave your skin feeling incredibly soft and glowing. You can easily find My Beauty Diary products at stores like Cosmed, Poya, and FamilyMart. Plus, they’re super affordable, making them a great bang for your buck!

Morita Pharmaceutical Cosmetics is a popular MIT skincare brand from Taiwan that's making waves for its budget-friendly and natural products. Their range includes everything from face masks and toners to creams and other basic skincare essentials, all crafted to be gentle and non-irritating. The "High Moisture Essence Mask" is loaded with rich moisturizing essences that dive deep into your skin, delivering long-lasting hydration for those with dry or dehydrated skin. It's even safe for the most sensitive skin types! You can grab these masks at stores like Cosmed and Poya, where there are often deals like buy one get one free or half-off the second item. Thanks to its great value, it's a hit among students and those looking to save money without compromising on quality.

Chances are, you've heard of Watsons. It's the top dog in the health and beauty retail scene across Asia. With over 500 stores scattered throughout Taiwan, Watsons offers an impressive selection of more than 25,000 products. Whether you're looking for skincare, cosmetics, personal care items, health supplements, or everyday essentials, they've got you covered. Plus, Watsons loves to keep things exciting with their promotions. Every Saturday, members get special discounts, and you can often find deals like 20% off your second item or buy-one-get-one-free offers. It's definitely a shopping hotspot!

If you're wandering around Taiwan, you'll easily spot Cosmed by its bright orange signs. This popular chain is a go-to for medical beauty products, and it's actually one of the biggest drugstore chains in the country. With over 400 brands on its shelves, you'll find everything from skincare and cosmetics to health supplements and products for moms and babies. Cosmed is also known for its beauty festivals, where you can snag some fantastic bundle deals and take part in fun promotional events. Plus, they offer free consultations to check your blood pressure, body fat percentage, and skin type, giving you access to professional health advice while you shop.

POYA stands out as one of Taiwan's biggest names in personal beauty and lifestyle products. Stepping into any POYA store, you'll be greeted by a spacious and welcoming shopping environment filled with an extensive range of items. From beauty and skincare essentials to over-the-counter health products, they have it all. You'll also find a great selection of socks, lingerie, and accessories, along with top-notch home goods, snacks and beverages from around the globe, vibrant jewelry, and brand-specific counters. It's truly a one-stop shop where you can find everything you need under one roof.

If you're on the hunt for authentic Japanese health products, the Japanese Medicine Store is the place to be. This shop is your go-to for a diverse array of medicinal and wellness items straight from Japan. Every store has a knowledgeable pharmacist on hand, ready to offer expert advice on any medication queries you might have. Keep in mind that some items are only available when the pharmacist is in, so it's a good idea to check their hours before you visit. Besides medicines, you'll find a fantastic selection of Japanese cosmetics and everyday essentials. The store's traditional Japanese decor creates an ambiance that transports you right into a classic Japanese pharmacy!

Make sure to keep this updated shopping list for 2025 handy! To get the best deals on your beauty buys in Taiwan, it's a good idea to compare prices and look out for special promotions.