Renewable Energy at the ALBION Shirakami Research Institute
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3 Must-Have J-Beauty Gifts from ALBION for Valentine’s Day
The world of J-Beauty never stands still, constantly evolving with cutting-edge innovations. This Valentine’s Day, whether you’re searching for the perfect gift for someone special or indulging in a self-care treat, we’ve curated three exciting new offerings from ALBION. This guide features the latest skincare breakthrough from ALBION and two global makeup icons, now part of our collection: PAUL & JOE Beauté and Anna Sui Makeup. Plus, to spread the love, we have a special exclusive offer for you, our customers. The Art of Gifting: Valentine’s Day Traditions in Japan Valentine’s Day is widely celebrated in Japan but with unique traditions that set it apart from how it’s celebrated in the U.S. The holiday, introduced in the mid-20th century by chocolate makers, gained popularity with a distinctive twist—women take the lead in gifting chocolates to men. This tradition began due to a mistranslation in early advertising campaigns but has since become a part of Japanese culture. The most common gifts exchanged on Valentine’s Day are chocolates: honmei-choco (romantic chocolates for a loved one), tomo-choco (friendship chocolates exchanged between friends), and giri-choco (courtesy chocolates for colleagues and acquaintances). In recent years, jibun-choco (self-love chocolates) have become popular, as people want to treat themselves. Chocolate is just one option. Luxury beauty and self-care products, beautifully packaged and carefully selected, are also highly appreciated. At ALBION, we are delighted to offer you several new and exciting beauty products that will make an excellent gift for your loved one or a perfect treat for yourself. The Ultimate in Self-Care: EXCIA Double Key Advanced Serum The ultimate in self-care, EXCIA Double Key Advanced Serum is designed for those seeking high-performance skincare that helps visibly improve the look of aging skin. Infused with 21 meticulously selected beauty ingredients, including antioxidants and enzyme-activators, this luxurious serum deeply hydrates while enhancing skin’s appearance for a smoother, firmer, more radiant look. The innovation behind “Double Key” lies in its dual-formula system, blending a refreshing, hydrating water base with a richly moisturizing oil base in a proprietary 3:1 “golden” ratio. The water base delivers instant hydration, while the oil base seals in moisture for long-lasting nourishment. To ensure optimal absorption, the Advanced Delivery System preserves ingredient integrity, releasing them at the right moment for maximum effectiveness. Indulge in this premium serum as part of your self-care ritual and experience ALBION’s scientific approach to skin wellness. Très Chic + Kawaii: PAUL & JOE Makeup Collection Set For a fun yet sophisticated gift, look no further than PAUL & JOE Beauté—a brand created by French designer Sophie Mechaly that blends French joie de vivre with Japanese beauty innovation. Inspired by its French roots, designed and made in Japan by ALBION, the exclusive Makeup Collection set is perfect for anyone who loves high-quality yet playful beauty. Inside, you’ll find a trio of eyeshadows, mascara, the iconic cat-tip lipstick, and a luxurious hand cream, all in signature PAUL & JOE packaging. Although French in origin, PAUL & JOE Beauté has become a beloved J-Beauty brand across Asia, celebrated for its feminine, cheerful, and timeless chic aesthetic. Every product is formulated with skin-loving ingredients such as organic orange flower water, jojoba oil, and white lily extract, while Secret d’or (champagne gold pearl blend) adds a natural 360-degree radiance. A key ingredient in all PAUL & JOE’s formulations is centuries-old Italian olive oil, sourced from the Cazetta family in Puglia, renowned for its skin-nourishing properties. Whether gifted to a loved one or yourself, this gift set brings Parisian chic meets J-Beauty excellence. Always Rock-n-Roll: A Black Rose Lip Gloss by Anna Sui For a chic gift with an edge, choose Anna Sui’s signature Ring Rouge—a lip gloss and statement accessory in one. Originally launched in 2001, ALBION has now reimagined this beauty icon with Anna Sui’s distinctive black rose motif. The highly reflective glitter-infused formula delivers a sheer, glossy tint for a plumped, radiant look. Shades range from True Red and Charm Pink to Mystic Purple and Humming Orange, allowing you to match the mood or occasion. Formulated with a blend of hydrating plant oils—including camellia, macadamia, sweet almond, and rosehip oils—and mineral SPF, this gloss keeps lips soft, nourished, and protected. Edgy and urban, hip and feminine, Anna Sui’s collection is exploratory makeup with style. As Anna Sui puts it, “I have always loved big antique garden-variety roses. Tea Roses have the most intoxicating smell… And black is always cool, always rock-and-roll.” Exclusive Valentine’s Day Offer At ALBION, we’re celebrating you, our beautiful customers, this Valentine’s Day! Our gift to you—from February 7 to February 14, 2025, spend $100 or more and receive 4 mini samples of Flora Drip ($84 value)—a perfect treat for your Valentine or yourself! This Valentine’s Day, swap flowers for a skincare bouquet—Flora Drip’s botanical-infused formula offers a luxurious, skin-nourishing indulgence that will last beyond the holiday. Happy Valentine’s Day from ALBION ♥️ Valentine’s Day is about more than just gifts—it’s a reminder to prioritize self-love and well-being. True beauty begins with how we care for ourselves, whether it’s a luxurious skincare ritual, a mindful pause, or embracing small moments of joy In Japan, beauty is deeply connected to self-care and thoughtful rituals, favoring balance, quality, and long-lasting results over trends. At ALBION, we design skincare that does more than enhance the skin’s appearance—it turns daily self-care routines into moments of quiet luxury. This Valentine’s Day, take a moment to slow down, reconnect, and nourish both skin and spirit. However you celebrate, we hope your day is filled with kindness, self-care, and a touch of indulgence—whether shared with someone special or enjoyed by yourself.
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ALBION Garden is transforming into your ultimate one-stop beauty destination
As one of the most respected premium beauty companies in Japan and worldwide, ALBION is proud to welcome two global icons into our collection: PAUL & JOE Beauté and Anna Sui Makeup. With the addition of these iconic brands, ALBION Garden now offers not only our beloved ALBION skincare products but also a carefully curated range of premium makeup. From the timeless elegance of Paul & Joe to the daring creativity of Anna Sui, your beauty journey starts here. We invite you to explore the new ALBION Garden—a place where beauty blooms and your personal style shines.
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Oshogatsu-Inspired J-Beauty Skincare Guide: Travel Edition
In Japan, New Year is celebrated with beautiful rituals and traditions that honor renewal, gratitude, and connection. From “year-forgetting parties” to the “big clean” and the ringing of temple bells 108 times, Oshogatsu (お正月) symbolizes a fresh start for mind, body, and soul. As we welcome 2025, it’s the perfect time for new beginnings—in life and skincare. The holiday season means travel for many, and winter combined with travel can wreak havoc on even the best skincare routines. There is no such thing as a vacation for radiant skin! Inspired by Japanese traditions of self-care and balance, we’ve curated a guide to three TSA-friendly ALBION products that will keep your skin glowing wherever your New Year’s adventures take you. Oshogatsu: Celebrating the Japanese New Year Oshogatsu, or New Year, is one of the most significant holidays in Japan, celebrated from January 1 to 3 with meaningful rituals to welcome good fortune and let go of the past. One of the most iconic traditions is the “big clean” (oosouji), where homes are thoroughly tidied to clear away the old and make space for fresh beginnings. Families also gather for “year-forgetting parties” (bonenkai) to reflect on the past year and bid farewell to its challenges. As midnight approaches, temples across Japan ring their bells 108 times—a Buddhist ritual called joya no kane—to purify the soul and eliminate negative desires. The celebrations continue with the first sunrise of the year (hatsuhinode), a serene and spiritual moment believed to bring blessings for the months ahead. Gift-giving is also an important part of Oshogatsu. Families share osechi ryori, traditional New Year foods, and children receive otoshidama, envelopes of money. For beauty enthusiasts, this is a time to embrace fresh skincare goals, experiment with new beauty routines such as J-Beauty, or indulge in meaningful self-care rituals. ICYMI: The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide from ALBION If you’re looking for the perfect New Year’s gift, J-Beauty offers a luxurious option. Whether you’re gifting one of ALBION’s iconic products like Skin Conditioner, Balancing Milk, or Flora Drip, or an ALBION gift set, our Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide has you covered. Of course, treating yourself is always a great idea. Incorporating J-Beauty into your daily rituals is the perfect way to honor the spirit of Oshogatsu—a celebration of renewal, balance, and well-being. New Year, New Destinations: J-Beauty Essentials for Travel As the spirit of Oshogatsu inspires renewal and fresh beginnings, it’s also a time for many to travel—whether visiting family, exploring new destinations, or taking a well-deserved break. For skincare enthusiasts, maintaining your routine on the go can be a challenge, especially during the winter months. Fear not! ALBION’s TSA-friendly skincare essentials are here to ensure your skin stays radiant and hydrated no matter where the new year takes you. From the antioxidant-rich Flora Drip to the multitasking Fresh Herbal Oil and the hydrating Skin Conditioner Face Mask, these compact products are the perfect travel companions. Flora Drip: Dewy Glow On the Go For glowing, hydrated skin no matter the destination, Flora Drip is a travel must-have. This fermented essence combines botanical extracts with antioxidant support to provide multi-layered hydration and protection from travel-related skin stressors. Its lightweight texture absorbs quickly, leaving skin refreshed and dewy without any heaviness—perfect for long flights or changing climates. Flora Drip’s TSA-friendly 80ml size is perfect for carry-on convenience, making it easy to incorporate into your morning or evening routine. Apply after cleansing and balancing milk to restore skin’s vitality and achieve a dewy glow, even on long flights or in dry climates. Whether you’re sightseeing, celebrating the New Year, or enjoying a quiet moment of self-care, Flora Drip is your secret to refreshed, radiant skin on the go. Fresh Herbal Oil: Multitasking Beauty Elixir The ultimate multitasker, Fresh Herbal Oil hydrates, softens, and revitalizes the skin while doubling as a nourishing treatment for hair and body. Infused with botanical extracts, this lightweight, non-greasy oil is perfect for combating winter dryness and soothing travel-stressed skin. The TSA-approved 40ml bottle makes it easy to pack for any trip. Use it as a quick face moisturizer, post-shower body oil, or hair smoother to add shine to travel-weary locks. With its relaxing herbal aroma and luxurious design, Fresh Herbal Oil transforms any moment into a spa-like experience—no matter where you are. Skin Conditioner Face Mask: A Moment of Calm and Self-Care Travel can be exhausting, not to mention drying for skin, so pack Skin Conditioner Face Mask which offers a quick, soothing solution to revive your skin. Infused with ALBION’s iconic Skin Conditioner Essential N, these pre-soaked sheet masks are designed to deliver deep hydration and calming benefits, perfect for refreshing your skin before a long flight or prepping for a special event. Conveniently packaged for single use, these masks are easy to pack and ideal if you need to look your best or want to pamper yourself while away from home. Use one before you leave to infuse your skin with moisture or save it for a quiet moment of self-care at your destination. The cooling sensation and skin-balancing formula leave your complexion plump, smooth, and ready to take on the day. Celebrate Oshogatsu with ALBION As you step into the new year, let the traditions of Oshogatsu inspire your skincare journey. Bring ALBION’s travel-friendly products with you on your adventures to keep your skin radiant and nourished. This holiday season, give the gift of self-care to yourself or a loved one and start 2025 with glowing confidence. From December 11 to December 25, spend $70 or more and receive an exclusive holiday gift set valued at $54. This set includes ALBION’s bestsellers in TSA-approved sizes: Eclafutur serum (10ml), Infinesse Matrix Pump Milk (24g), and Flora Drip (24ml)—perfect as stocking stuffers or to whisk away with you on your adventures as a treat for yourself! Happy New Year and many best wishes from all of us at ALBION!
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