My first encounter with MUJI (and many, many more after that) was in Japan 9 years ago when I used to work and live there. I was drawn to the minimalistic concept of the products and would often drop by the store to check out their stationery, storage goods and even snacks. The thing was, and still is, I just wish they weren’t so darn expensive!
You see, to me, they’re like Kikki K. Absolutely gorgeous stationery and accessories that I really want, don’t need and yet can still get cheaper alternatives like Typo and even Officeworks. 🙂
When MUJI finally came to Australia in November ’13, I was stoked. I was even more excited to find out that their first store would be at Chadstone Shopping Centre, which is practically my second home 😛 . I was also very curious to see what their prices are like and if the markup is going to be crazy. So I picked up a few items of stationery and one beauty product, which is what I’ll be reviewing today. MUJI has a small range of skincare, haircare and makeup and typical of the brand, the packaging is very simple and minimalistic. They don’t have the full range of beauty products here like they do in Japan.
As I haven’t tried any of MUJI’s skincare before, to play it safe, I picked up just one item and that’s the Cleansing Oil.
This cleansing oil reminds me very much the ones by DHC and Shu Uemura (the original yellow bottle). It’s thick and gluggy, which again, is similar to DHC and Shu Uemura’s yellow bottle formula. When I realised how thick it was, I was worried because I hate gluggy oils and don’t like the ones by the other two brands either.
However, when I applied it on my face, it’s a whole different story. It’s actually not that bad. Yes, it’s thick on the face but once I spread it out and massage the skin, I can feel the gunk lifting off the skin. Makeup removal is very easy with this cleansing oil, it doesn’t irritate the skin nor does it sting my eyes. It smells like a mixture of olive oil and nuts, which is actually quite interesting.
On the other hand, it also feels heavy on the skin prior to washing off (I don’t usually experience this with other cleansing oils other than DHC and Shu Uemura’s yellow formula). I also find that I need quite a lot of it to cleanse my face alone.
So, what’s the verdict of this cleansing oil? Well, I don’t hate it because it does do a good job in makeup and gunk removal but I don’t love it beauty it’s so thick. If they have a lighter formula, I think this would be a winner. At least it will in my books.
I’ll use this up (a girl’s gotta keep her face clean) but I won’t be repurchasing it. Happier to stick to other cleansing oils and balms instead. Still, I’m interested in checking out the other beauty products by MUJI despite this being just meh.
MUJI’s Cleansing Oil retails at AU$19.95 in Australia and 900 yen in Japan. When converted to AUD, that’s approximately $10 which makes this double the price in Australia. Meh.
What I like about it: Removes makeup easily, not harsh on the skin
What I do not like about it: Very thick formula, doesn’t spread very well on the skin.
I love MUJI stationery but this seems like a pass. I’ve never tried any of their cosmetics, but now I’m curious…
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Their beauty products are pretty non-descript. They look like plain bottles of lotion, which is easy to miss. But I have to agree, they have really good stationery. And they’re not expensive in Australia (price is comparable to Kmart), fancy that! 😛
I never tried the beauty products, but just remember how lovely all the empty bottles were you could buy there (we don’t have one in Adelaide, so am remembering from back in London). I don’t think I ever actually used one that I brought from there though lol.
Oh, and thank you for reminding me of DHC, a name I had completely forgotten, but now remember really liking 🙂 Cheers! 🙂
Haha happy to remind you about DHC! I haven’t used any of their products in years. Wonder how they’re doing now.
Oh I love the empty bottles from MUJI! They’re only slightly more expensive than DAISO here but I find the quality better.
I love their Toning Water. 🙂
Ahh something for me to check out the next time I’m there! 🙂
I was really excited to find Muji in SG on a holiday there, and was even happier when they opened in my country! Thanks to those I was able to try all their cleansing oils. What you got is the grey label which is for sensitive skin, the original one (red label) and mild one (green label) have a thinner texture. I’m currently using the green one but I find it to be a bit drying after it gets washed off.
Phwoar … you get that many ranges for cleansing oils?? We only get the yellow one! 🙁
I never knew Muji sold skincare! My only experience with Muji was when I was in HK a couple of years ago but I was in love! I still have their stationery today cos I don’t have the heart to throw it out haha. Did you see the clear makeup drawers that every youtuber has there? interested to see how much it is. Hope it isnt double like the oil cleanser…
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I saw the clear makeup drawers. Definitely not cheap for something so small. They’re much smaller than the ones offered by the Makeup Box (I think that’s what they’re called? Can’t recall right now) and Officeworks. It’s almost $40 for a small chest of plastic drawers. One good thing about their plastic storage is that they’re stackable so you can create a bigger storage solution to your liking but at a high cost. I’m happier to stick to the clear file drawers from IKEA. They’re large and less than $20. 😀
I got the same cleansing oil some years back and like you, found it to be too heavy for my liking. Nowadays I tend to prefer micellar waters than oils so I am not sure what to do with the cleansing oils I’ve stashed in the past 🙁
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Hmm use it to clean your hands? 😛
Sounds like something I would love… I like my cleansing oils thick. I used numerous DHC and Shu ones….I suppose I associate such a thick texture with being able to take off lots of dirt and makeup. A thin consistency feels like water and can’t do much but I know this is not the case for some thinner cleansing oils.
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Haha that’s good because this will definitely be cheaper in Japan than it is here. I don’t like the ones like water either ‘cos I end up using too much product. Gee I’m hard to please. 😛
Discovered MUJI skincare on my last trip to NY. The cleansing oil reminds me of the one from MAC. I also like their moisturising lotion which is more like a body oil.
http://www.muji.us/store/health-and-beauty/skin-care/organic-skin-care-moisturizing-lotion-6-76-fl-oz-200ml.html
Ooh the moisturising lotion is good, eh? I’ll keep a lookout for it on my next trip to MUJI!
I bought the Muji facial scrub and the moisturing milk. The milk is very light and absorbs quickly. I highly recommend it. I bought the travel size and it only costs 500yen.