Wow, just wow. I'm not a big fan of beauty culture, but I MUST have conditioner and mascara. Takashima has TONS of products packed into a small space. If you don't read Japanese characters, you'll need to bring someone with you who does, or ask one of the salespeople. Thankfully there's a little English on the bottles and pictures occasionally. There are also signs in the store like "Buy 2!" without any further English. "Buy 2" and what?! Get one free?! I don't know! It IS pricey, but I found what I wanted: a Samourai Woman rose conditioner made by an Alain Delon, which I thought was pretty cool. I guess Alain Delon is popular in Japan? Or was in the '60s when Le Samourai was released? This store has good products, some odd ones, and kitsch! Bring cash or be aware of the $25 minimum for credit cards. read more

This is the only place in Southern California where I can find some of my much beloved and missed products from Japan. Mitsuwa now carries Mangosteen products, but they didn't until just a few months ago, and this place is where I went to get them. I now go to Mitsuwa cause its about 7 dollar cheaper, but y'know...I paid the jacked up price at Takashimaya before then. The mascaras, powers, and eyeshadows I like are all here. Unfortunately they do not have many hair styling products for women (no hair cologne, a very limited selection of Ma Cherie, no Lux or Ke-pu (cape) brands. They also don't have the wonderful powdery, non-scented spray-on Japanese deodorants. I've yet to find either of those products anywhere in the US, but otherwise this place is very good. It's about twice the price you would pay in Japan, though. To be honest there are many online stores that will sell the same products for much cheaper (usually with free shipping) so if you don't need the products ASAP I'd suggest going through those instead. But if you either have money to burn, or ran out of something and need it ASAP, then come here. Not many Japanese people shop here, in fact even though I am white I had to translate the back of labels for some customers who were shopping near me and were struggling to figure out what they were buying. I don't really understand why you would come here if you cannot read what you're buying and don't already know the product you like, but to each their own. I got what I came all the way to San Gabriel for, and I will surely return when I run out of my supplies. I personally did not see any Hello Kitty paraphernalia or any other "cute plastic" stuff as everyone else they are saying they saw, or even anything that can be labeled as "cute". All I saw were skin care products and cosmetics, so I'm not sure if I missed a whole section or what, but cosmetics is all I came for so I was very please with my visit. The staff was nice to me, didn't follow me around the store, and was moderately helpful; the problem is that they can't read Japanese so if you are looking for something you have to read it all off to them first- do not expect them to be able to properly translate anything. I asked a lady to get me a volumizing mascara from behind the shelf, and she tried to give me the elongating mascara. I told her this said "lengthening" and had to write down "volume" in Japanese for her to find the right one behind the glass counter. Kind of sad but you can't find it anywhere else so I wasn't that tiffed about it. Just be careful that you know (or don't care) what you need before you come or risk getting the wrong product. read more

It's been a while since I've come here, and for sure, most likely all the employees from the last time have moved on. Sadly in general the customer service leaves something to be desired - but you can still get help. This store has differently motivated employees - to get the best service, you better wait and see who's proactively approaching customers rather than ask anyone on your own. Recently I went to the store, and experienced this myself - the first associate that I chased down was confused, but the second who actually came to find me, was extremely forthcoming with offering me as well as many other customers help with selecting items. Try looking for Regina if you need help. Still one of the best places to experience Japanese and Taiwanese and Korean products first hand and get advice on product. Not one of the most cost effective ways to do so, but I consider the few dollars premium as kind of a concierge tax that I willingly pay to learn about what I need. read more

I love this place because it has everything...I mean everything cute and adorable and straight from japan. It's got all the products that are so hard to find anywhere not online or directly in Asia! They have a huge selection of false lashes...in fact HALF their store is dedicated to eyelashes. The other half is shared for makeup, hair, and skin products. I come mainly for my quick dolly eyes look. They have the best selection of eyeliner pens, products that last and work better than Sephora brand eyeliners which dry out on day two. These eyeliner pens have lasted me a good year still dark and wet as I first bought it. Go for Teary brand they work the best. Now the bad thing is that these items are imported so prices are going to be a bit high but $16.99 or so is average for each item and honestly that's pretty good considering American brands charge just as much if not more. Also if you scout online it'll be roughly the same with shipping. Come knowing what you want and also come with complete lack of expectations for service. The rest of the yeppers are right. These girls are lazy, gossip all the time, eat all over the cashier counter, and hardly speak English nor willing to leave the counter to assist anyone. I mean I know the store is cramp but come on, you're a 20 something stick of a Taiwanese chick that can probably maneuver around the barely there aisle better than the average person. I've met the owner a couple times and he's very nice and kind and HELPFUL so I have no clue why he hires people who aren't! read more

After reading all d bad reviews on their customer service and their high prices, I walked in here last night HOPING to find some Etude products. After an hour of searching n trying to guess what the products were for, I asked n the girls were very helpful n NICE, they even referred me to a second, larger location then they even showed me products similar to what I was looking for. They were very sweet n smiled! If I'd known this I would of asked sooner! Anyways, I thought the prices were fine! I spend twice as much at Sephora. Anyone know where I can get Étude's peach collection? read more

Overpriced pink heaven. The display window drew me in and well, it left my guy friend feeling awkward and standing outside the door. I have gone here twice because I like the quality of Japanese makeup and they have an extensive collection, but WTF Takashimaya, why is everything here so damn expensive? I was so disappointed with the girls working here. I can read a little bit of Hiragana and Katakana, but these girls can't read it at all. I would not recommend asking them for help. Maybe they should include English labels on the back of these products like Mitsuwa and Nijiya. read more

I love this store, there's such a great selection of Japanese and Korean brands. The prices are a bit high so if you are a frequent shopper I'd highly recommend getting on their VIP list so you can continuously get 10% off! Giving 3 stars though since the workers didn't tell me about the VIP discount until AFTER I asked them about it. (I didn't ask about the card/get a discount until after I asked about the card even though I bought $160 worth of makeup) I'm not sure why everyone calls the workers fake skinny *itches. They weren't that skinny, none of them looked like a J-Pop star (even though they do work in a SoCal cosmetics store), and I didn't see any of them sitting on each other's laps. They were just standing around by the cash register while all the customers were looking around by themselves. I was kind of confused as to why all 3 workers had to stand around on a busy Sunday afternoon but hey, guess that's the way management rolls at Takashimaya. I guess I'm just really surprised by the service since every other J-Pop cosmetic shop has such friendly service. read more

Overpriced Japanese goodies! Think twice before you buy anything here. Please, please check out ebay or Amazon before you considering your purchase. Tip: check out adambeauty and gmarket. They stock ton of the items found here for a fraction of the price, and usually FREE SHIPPING! Those two sites might be hard to navigate since they're Japanese/Korean, but there are English versions and tutorials online. The girls here dont speak much English and are either nice or extremely unhelpful depending on their moods. Good luck! Note to self: Learn Japanese and/or Chinese. read more

4 words: JAPANESE BEAUTY PRODUCTS GALORE!!!! 5 stars since this place is by far the least expensive of the bunch + most of the staff are really helpful and friendly! read more

A garish, sugary sweet little storefront tucked into a small corner in the midst of the azn-infested sonic wonderland that is Focus Plaza. Takashimaya is a wet dream come true for people like me--a bewildering array of shiny, pretty, hard-to-find Japanese cosmetics mixed in with a huge selection of cute/useless plastic crap. This is a good place to do your Christmas shopping because everything is just so weird. Weird, and overpriced. The solar-powered bobblehead owl that I bought for B. (as a gift) cost well over $30, but it was so cute that I just couldn't resist. The service is outrageously bad, but were you really expecting anything otherwise? Four stars for appealing to my inner (or not-so-inner) 5-year-old, Hello Kitty-humping, useless plastic crap-loving self. read more

Its a nice place for asian beauty products Pros -Large selection -has something for everything you need Cons -very cramped small store -lacking in customer service -most items with really bad translation -little overprice ^^^even tho a lil overpriced i factor in that its convient for me to shop here so not to bad its not bad ill stop by if im in the area( i work right across the street) and only if i really need something like face wash or something read more

I have been a customer for them for 3-4 years already. The store has been remodeled recently and it serves it well . Before it was so cramped and small it wouldn't be wise walk with a large purse because the purse would knock down everything in the aisles . The selection is always large and they have tons of really hard to find Japanese cosmetics and hair care products . The Girls who work there have always been a little distant and observant but not bothersome . They will warm up after a while and be happy to help . Sadly they dont carry and Gyaru magazines anymore . I m still a fan. read more

Okay, I must say, my sister LOVE this place. I thought it was alright but their selection is great and they have guy stuff too and those Japanese Asian stuff for the car. The place is a bit compact but full of goodies! If you are a typical Asian girl then you will love this place, either by their beauty products from the head to toe or the cute accessories, keychains, Japanese household items, stuff toys... whatever you can find. read more

I've been meaning to write a review about Takashimaya for the longest time, but I just never got around to doing it because I always forget to grab a business card when I am there. For all the ladies (and little girls) out there, this is the place to go to when you want to relive your childhood. The have neat little trinkets, stationary, and stuff animals. Some you can get at a cheaper price from other stores like Focus or the Artbox. Some you can only get at a cheaper price if you buy a $800 plane ticket to Asia. I remember when this place first open, it was just Sanrio stuff all over the place. Over the years, they've added snacks, sticker pic cameras, jewelry (some flown in from Japan & Taiwan), and cosmetics (also imported from abroad). I feel like I've just walked into one of those SaSa or Bonjour stores in Hong Kong, but the products are just stacked neater. They now carry the Hisamitsu masks that I've had to order online for the past year, Dr. Ci-Labo, Ettu Sais, and Labo Labo. Now if the prices were a little lower, I can give them that 5th star. read more

Customer service... the cashier charged wrong. I bought 43$ worth, she put 80$ and told me "you know you can look at the receipt to confirm right?" When I tried to reason with her. Yes of course I know! But I have to pay to confirm? And your store does not allow returns? Next time find out what's wrong before pointing at customers. The other employee was also ridiculous and rude, looked like she didn't want to be there and looks at you then walks away. read more

Well. Don't come unless you, your sugadaddy, or your generous parents are employed. $8+/falsies read more

Asian store filled with Chinese, Japanese, and Korean products. I love walking into this store. It's full of cool make up, shampoo, and anything required for beautification you could think of. The store used to sell stuffed animal and Sanrio brand stuff with some beauty products mixed in but it seems they have gotten rid of all that and is now a full blown beauty product store. The place is tiny but they do manage to cram in a huge selection. The variety is bigger than Focus Department Store the next block over but the price is also higher for most items. Sometimes I would go to both places to check out the price before I buy. I wish they would have some sort of translation for their product descriptions. Most products are Japanese and I can't figure out what the heck I'm buying. read more

"Tiny!!!" That was my first thought. I always go to the Rowland Heights location because it's so close to home, but I've heard the beauty selection at this location was better with more variety. They were right! Best part~ Large selection of beauty products! They are all over the first floor! They had some items I really wanted to try that I couldn't find elsewhere unless I ordered it online. Difficult part~ Finding what you want. They have so much, that it's difficult to find what you want, compare, and choose. If you do know what you want, then it's easy because you can ask the salesgirls for help. Biggest Problem~ Sooo tiny! It's really cramped and difficult to walk around when other people are there. With my big purse I was afraid of knocking into something or somebody. If there are people in the aisles you want to walk through, you have to detour around. A little troublesome. read more

I swear. Everytime I step in this place I can't control myself!!! Everything is so pricey and I end up leaving with hundreds of dollars worth of stuff lol My reasoning: "I was gonna buy this online anyway... Now I don't have to pay for shipping..." I am so glad I don't live in the vicinity! I'd go broke lol but this place is great! They have stock on a lot of products that are hard to find in other asian markets (and even online). Various brands from overseas including the top selling bb creams. This shop holds so many various items, the aisles are extremely narrow. Try to avoid the busy hours and weekends if you can! One on one asistance from employees is also difficult during busy hours as well. As there is usually 1-2 employees present daily. So to avoid knocking products (and people) over, sucking your gut in and stiffening up like a board going through aisles and to get adequate consultation on the products avoid the busy hours! Though the lines are all great, they are expensive and you want to make sure you're spending your money on what will work best for YOU~ (^3^) read more

Huge selection of Asian beauty products. Sure the mark-up is high when compared to the retail prices in Asia but hey, we are not in Asia right now, are we? Also carries a bunch of Snoopy, Hello Kitty, et al trinkets. Pay $5 and you can get a lifetime VIP card which entitles you to a 10% discount on all purchases. Minimum purchase for credit cards is $20 and they only take Visa and MasterCard. This place is not affiliated with the Takashimaya Dept Store. read more

So my son & I ventured in this store after we escaped getting massages from a place that's one block down & wreaked of intestinal gases. By the way, my 2 sisters were in there getting their massages & breathing it all in, basking in the glorious scent for a whole hour. HAHA! This store is small. I mean really small & tight in between aisles(bigger people, stay out or you'll knock something down) filled with Japanese beauty stuff....Double Eyelid Stuff(sticky tape thingies to put on Asian eyelids to achieve big, beautiful Caucasian eyes!), Anime-inspired contact lenses, back hair remover wand, face de-fuzzers, nose bridge massager(to achieve a narrower nose), Japanese makeup, toiletries, car scents, and a lot of other interesting things. I love it!!! I think I'm gonna start my diet before I come back here though to avoid knocking stuff off their shelves. read more

My shopping experience in here has improved because of the Fivestars app. I get more notifications about their products. The store associate gave some shopping tips, and I ended up find the face lotion I had used many years ago! It's a good product and my skins get better! :) read more

Woah. Considering I buy all of this stuff online, to hold the package in my hand and look at it is just fantastic. Though I admit, it's about 30% cheaper online. I can't ready anything in there, and the workers are too busy at the front to be bothered. Pricey, yes. but where else are you gonna get your fobby make-up from ? They have everything, a wall of lashes, dollywink lashes and glue, some hair products, creams and this is the only place I've found refills for my little cue ball car air fresheners. They even have Japanese pads and an upstairs mini-hello-kitty store. read more

Typically I am very hesitant going into an Asian store only because there is a lack in customer service, hence I used the word TYPICALLY. I am beyond glad I found this little Asian cosmetic store when I was in the area. Never have I been inside a store where I felt their associates were interested in my personal needs versus pushing a product for me to try ( just so they can make their sale). I am the very typical Asian where I have been blessed with a monolid, I just have to work that much harder to achieve that eyeliner and draw my own eyelid. I went and had the best experience with an associate named Cindy. She had a very bubbly personality and truly understood my problem. She recommended this eyelid tape for me since I struggle to have an eyelid. Not only did she recommend it to me, but she showed me how to use it and answered all my questions regarding safety and how to use it in my daily life; she was even kind enough to share with me her tips on her AMMMMAZING SKIN. Of course tried other some other products to! all in all, I had such a pleasant experience with her, I've made it a point to at least stop by in that store every 2-3 weeks to try something new! If it wasn't for Cindy's help and enthusiasm I'd still be the same boring girl with no eyelid. Thanks so much! read more

The employees were on their phone the entire time. I was not greeted at all. When I asked for help finding something they told me they didnt have it and then went back to playing on their phones. Very poor customer service. read more

This store is just like those in Shibuya, lots of products. Super cute Snoopy, Totoro, and Kiki's Delivery Service. Bathroom products and tea sets! I didn't think the import prices on their general products were too bad. Some things were cheaper than Mitsuwa some were more. Overall not bad..it's worth it just to go and find all the little cosme accessories they have. They also have the smaller yearly planners I can't seem to find outside of Japan, other than Strapya. read more

I went there today, the employees are so useless , they did not offer any help at all,when you asked for the price , she was like I don't know , you check the price on the label or shelves. If there was a price on the label I wouldn't have asked you . Idk why the boss hire them for ?i found the stuff I wanted to refill , guess what , I rather buy it somewhere else other than there . read more

Recently I visited the store, I think their system has been changed. Employee's attitudes are much better and well explain the products to me. It's getting much much better right now! read more

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Great variety but with terrible terrible costumer service!!! Never been this pissed off going to a store to make a purchase and being ignored. Service sucks!!!! read more

The reason I come to Takashima every couple of month is because I am running out of Rabbico car freshener and they are the closest store to my house, I know they carry many Other stuff but I don't even bother, why? Because of the terrible customer service. With zero fail, every time I am there shopping, the girls there will NEVER greet or smile at me or ask me if I needed help. They will ALWAYS busy chit chatting or on their cell phone, so when I am there 2 days ago to buy the SAME thing Rabbico air freshener (my favorite car freshener!!) I walked straight upstairs ( they have 2 stories ) grab what I needed, head to the counter, of course the young lady is playing on her cell phone :) NEVER fail!! Lol... As soon as she give me back my change, she turn her back not completely but like side way so she can block me from looking at her cell phone? And getting "busy"again, I whisper in my gut "you're welcome for my business and have a nice day :) " read more

They might have the most complete Japanese makeup products available, but their customer service is TERRIBLE at all times! I If you want to buy Japanese cosmetics, make sure you do your homework before coming in, and do not expect the pretty full makeup chics are gonna assist you in anyways. They are either arrogant or just who cares about customer service, people is gonna come in buy anyways! But sure what a bad resemblance of the Japanese's friendly culture! read more

I actually liked this store! I was in search of a Korean beauty place without going to Koreatown and this place delivered. They were quick to help me and didn't follow me around the store and make me feel uncomfortable. I purchased some sunscreen and they even had testers. The two ladies at the front were very helpful. I will return. read more

Every time I go LA, I must visit this place because I love Japanese cosmetics. I don't know why people say the customer service is horrible, but at least they were very friendly and answered all my questions patiently. read more

I definitely have an unproven/unjustified faith in Asian cosmetics stores, so I accept the expensiveness of the items in this store. 1) I love the small and tight space between aisles. That's how stores should be (or are... in Asia) 2) I love the fact that I can't read the labels in Japanese. So I think they're more effective... lol. I mean, Asian countries are always leading in the skincare and cosmetics world, right? I pay a visit to this store every time I come back to the 626 area. They have almost everything you'll need, from skincare to cosmetics. If you're a frequent (or somewhat frequent) customer, you should also get their membership card. You get 5% (i think) off every time you buy regular price items, even though you have to pay $5 for the card. I mean, it's totally worth it. read more

Love this store! I always come here to get my ViVi magazines. I also bought my hair dyes here. I've tried both Prettia and Palty brand. Prettia works wayyy better than Palty. Overall, cute store, prices kinda high, but they do carry almost every Japanese cosmetic brands. I'm a fan :) read more

Okay, I am not going to lie. I am writing this review pretty pissed off! I just got back from this store and I just found out two things!: 1. Not all the workers are bitches! Finally a nice girl named Lei helped me today after I've been coming here for nearly two years to purchase Japanese products that I cannot find else where. What a relief it is to have such a friendly face! Before, all the other snotty wanna be Japanese girls with fake hair, eyes, lashes, and everything had the worst unhelpful attitude ever. They would always just sit around the computer or stand around the store not asking if I needed help. And when I make the first move and ask these girls for help their tones are so harsh and they just make you feel unappreciated as a customer and unwilling to help me find a certain product. Today, Lei was such a relief to work with. Helpful, friendly, kind and really caring! She actually helped get more items from the back when they didn't have more in the front, something I am very POSITIVE the other lazy tall skinny *itches would never do! If you ever go to this store, be sure to check and see if LEI is there and ask any questions. Even my boyfriend has commented that she's the first nice person we've ever encountered in the store (and FYI- we've came to this store at least 5 times in the past month!) 2. They have a VIP card? WTF? Are you kidding me? After years of coming here those snotty girls never told me there was a VIP card (10% off all purchases, 20% off on your birthday). Again, LEI helped me with this and I got my card. Imagine all the money I could have saved, and the anger! With that said, yes, they do have a fairly expensive pricing on the items, but this is expect from importing foreign goods especially cosmetic products. They have a ton of products and things to choose from. The store is overall very cute, a bit cluttered, but whatevers. I can deal with that. Parking is free in the back of the store and of course, plenty (A+++!). Overall, good products, good location, bad service with bad attitude (with the exception of LEI). PS. Also, note that my last review for this store was in 2009!!! Over a year ago. Never complained about the service and though it was just me, the first time, but after coming recurringly, I beg the differ. read more

I would rather shop at The Face Shop (korean brand cosmetics shop) . All the Face Shop stores that I've been to, have knowledgeable employees who rly know their stuff about the products-unlike this place. read more

This place has pretty much every Hello Kitty item imaginable and puts Sanrio Surprises to shame. They also have a massive selection of Japanese skin care products and cosmetics (if you've been to Asia, this place is like SaSa). My only gripe is the fact that the employees always follow me around the entire store as if I'm going to steal something. read more

They have almost everything that I needed. These product is nice and all from asian. The price is a little high but recommented w quality.

I like this store for the wide selection of Japanese beauty products. The store is crammed wtih SOOOO many items and it makes it especially hard with the narrow aisles and steep stairways. I like the quality of Japanese makeup and they have an extensive collection, but be ready to open up your wallet as everything here is sort of pricey. if you are looking for a one shop stop this is the place to go from items ranging from hair care, mascara, skin care, sunscreen--lots of variety with LOTS of different brands to choose from. What I don't like is that you buy a product that you've never seen and you end up liking it and goto the store the next time to find out that they don't carry this anymore and you don't know where to get it! read more