When Muji opened its 12th and newest store in the Philippines at SM Aura Premier, it did more than expand its retail footprint. The Japanese lifestyle brand also quietly introduced something beauty lovers have long been waiting for: its first makeup collection available in the country.

For fans of Japanese beauty, this is exciting news. But beyond the minimalist packaging and Muji's trusted reputation, the bigger question remains: Is it worth spending your money on?

Manila Bulletin Lifestyle was among the first to try and take home products from the collection during the store's opening, and after putting them to the test, here's what stood out.

The complexion lineup covers the basics, offering pressed powders, loose finishing powders, and color-correcting powders.

The pressed powder comes in four shades with SPF 30 PA+, featuring a finely milled formula that leaves a soft matte finish. It is compact enough for quick touch-ups throughout the day. However, with only four shade options, those with deeper skin tones may find it difficult to find a suitable match. The loose finishing powder, available in Pearl and Natural, also delivers a lightweight finish, but the real standout from the base collection is the color-correcting pressed powder.

It may remind beauty enthusiasts of the popular Canmake Marshmallow Finish Powder, although Muji's version comes in a slimmer, more travel-friendly compact. It is available in Lucent White for fair skin, Honey Beige for morena complexions, and Natural. The subtle luminous finish instantly brightens the complexion, giving the skin that "bring your own ring light" glow.

Even better, the base collection is infused with skincare ingredients that are gentle enough for sensitive skin while helping improve the appearance of blemishes, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone over time.

For eyes, the brand offers a complete eye makeup lineup that includes cream eyeshadows, four-color eyeshadow palettes, eyebrow pencils, eyeliners, and mascara.

Among the standouts are the cream eyeshadows. Housed in adorable single-pan packaging reminiscent of watercolor paint pots, they glide smoothly onto the lids and blend effortlessly. The formula is buildable, making it easy to create anything from a soft wash of color to a more defined look.

They’re perfect for people constantly on the go or those who need a quick makeup refresh before heading to their next appointment. The formula also reminded us of the viral Giorgio Armani Eye Tint, although Muji's version comes in a cream format at a much more accessible price point.

For those looking for the best value, the four-color eyeshadow palettes are an easy recommendation. Each palette contains complementary shades that can take you from an everyday "your eyes but better" look to a soft smoky eye. Unlike highly pigmented shadows that deliver intense color in one swipe, Muji's formula is intentionally sheer, allowing you to build the intensity gradually. The lighter shades also work beautifully for creating an effortless aegyosal effect.

Another favorite is the gel eyeliner. It offers rich color payoff with a smooth application that stays put once set. It gives enough time to perfect your line before drying down into a smudge-resistant finish that lasts for hours. Better yet, the formula is gentle enough even for sensitive eyes.

Meanwhile, the blush palettes feature four complementary shades in each compact and are available in Coral Orange, Rose Pink, and Pink Beige. Blending the different shades together creates a natural, multidimensional flush that looks as though it's coming from within rather than sitting on top of the skin.

The highlighter collection currently comes in a single palette featuring four coordinating shades that deliver a soft, translucent radiance instead of an overly metallic shine. Both the blush and highlighter palettes are versatile enough to double as eyeshadows, making them great additions to a minimalist makeup kit.

The lipstick collection comes in four shades and turned out to be one of the biggest surprises from the lineup. It is richly pigmented, comfortable to wear, long-lasting, and does not leave the lips feeling dry.

Meanwhile, the Lip Essence effectively nourishes, hydrates, and protects the lips. Its only downside is its slightly sticky texture. While it works well as an overnight treatment or for air-conditioned environments, it may feel less comfortable for daily commuters, especially on windy days.

Muji's first makeup collection in the Philippines stays true to what the Japanese brand is known for: thoughtfully designed products, skincare-inspired formulas, and reliable performance wrapped in clean, minimalist packaging.

Not every product will be a universal hit, particularly the limited shade range of some complexion items. However, the color-correcting powders, cream eyeshadows, gel eyeliner, and lipsticks are standout performers that offer impressive quality for their price.

For anyone looking to explore Japanese beauty without stretching their budget, Muji's debut makeup line is a solid place to start. And if this first release is any indication, we are already looking forward to seeing what the brand brings next.