What is the difference between going to a counter and going to a cosmetics store to buy cosmetics in Japan?

First of all, in Japan, most cosmetics brand counters are in department stores. There is no need to explain why it is expensive. Since the price is more expensive than elsewhere, we have to find a balance for consumers from other places. So, the prototype and the packaging appeared. Cosmetic stores can also be so-called drug stores. It is not a specialized store specializing in the same cosmetics, so it will not do special promotion for a certain brand. As for the quality, you can rest assured. It is difficult to buy fake goods in Japan. If you want to buy it for yourself, go to a drug store. If you are buying it as a gift and want it to look good, go to a counter.

Everywhere you can buy things in Japan, as long as they are the same, the quality is the same and there is basically no difference in price.

Drug stores may generally have some promotional items and prices, which are more suitable, but you should choose 2-3 stores to compare.

Main differences:

1. Drugstores sometimes give away samples, but they are not necessarily the ones you buy.

2. There are no counter bags.

3. The prices are not exactly the same and sometimes are cheaper than those at counters.

4. The activities carried out at the counters will basically not be carried out simultaneously when you go to the cosmetics store to buy them.

In addition, some products are only sold at counters. If they are sold in drug stores, I feel that drug stores are cheaper. There are relatively few activities at the counters, and there are many discounts in drugstores. But you still have to go around more, maybe you can get a big advantage.