For those in the US who are interested in Japanese beauty products but are put-off by resellers (reselling for profit is actually prohibited by most brands in Japan without authorization, this includes online and shipping to other countries!), long waits, and crazy mark-ups, I present you 2 brands: DHC and FANCL (pronounced as “fahn-kehl”).

DHC and FANCL are Japan’s top-selling mail-order companies with retail shops throughout the country. They are best known for cosmetics but they actually carry supplements, food, household items, and even lingerie (yes!). They’re also the only ones with an overseas setup and an official online shop in English, albeit much smaller catalogue — about 90% of their products are still Japan-only (check out DHC’s Japan online shop andFANCL’s Japan online shop).

FANCL products are free of all additives including preservatives, making them very popular amongst those with sensitive skin. If you’re the type that like experimenting or switch things up, take note! FANCL products have a very short lifespan. Shelf life for unopened products is only a year and once opened, they’re need to be used up within 2 to 4 months to avoid bacterial growth!

DHC products are also additives-free but with preservatives to extend shelf life. Their products contain olives (as oil or leaf extract) or olive-derived ingredients. If you’re allergic or sensitive to olives, take a look at FANCL instead.

Price wise, they are only slightly marked up compared to Japan’s retail prices. I even spot a few products on DHC’s US online shop that are cheaper! Everything from DHC and FANCL comes with money-back guarantee and often with sample packets thrown in for you to try.

If you’re looking to try something from either companies but don’t know where to start, I can thoroughly recommend a few things that are available on their US online shops:

1) DHC Lip Cream, $7.50 USD or 735 JPY. It is ranked top 5 for lip balms on @Cosme and one of the cheapest around in Japan. It moisturizes and keep dry, chapped lips at bay while leaving them silky, smooth.

2) FANCL Mild Cleansing Oil, 120ml for $26 USD or 1785 JPY. A staple of mine for almost a decade even after several reformulations. See my Best Pick review.

3) DHC Eyelash Tonic, $13 USD or 1260 JPY. I use waterproof mascara daily and I use this nearly every night to keep my lashes healthy and soft. I have experimented with other brands but none worked as well to strengthen my lashes as well as this.

4) FANCL Washing Powder (Moisture), 50g Bottle for $19.50 USD or 1260 JPY. See my Best Pick review.

5) DHC Mild Touch Cleansing Oil, $14 USD or 1200 JPY. I had the opportunity to try this over the summer and I actually quite like this — which is surprising since I despise their Deep Cleansing Oil (sorry DHC!). It is just as effective when used on wet skin, making this a time saver as it can be used in the shower.

DHC has provided me an exclusive free shipping offer on any orders over $25 when you click HERE. (Offer only available through the link and it ends Dec. 31, 2011). Order on Monday (Nov. 28, 2011) and you also get 10% off all orders (One day only).

FANCL also offers $10 off when you spend over $75 — quote TGD11 at checkout when you order from HERE (Offers end Nov. 28, 2011).