During my trip to Japan last fall, I tried to keep an eye out for the most popular cosmetics (specifically, I was mainly interested in face masks and sunscreens). Biore UV Aqua Rich Water Essence was definitely one of the most commonly spotted products on many shelves, so it seems like it’s pretty popular.

Gatsby is a Japanese-based brand that makes hair gels, shave gels, and other men’s grooming products. When I heard about this brand in the past, I always wondered it if was indeed an ode to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s famous novel, The Great Gatsby. It turns out that it really is: read the company’s about page to read the full story, but basically, Gatsby’s founder was inspired by the lifestyle of the novel’s title character.

Along with Michaels, Bed Bath & Beyond was one of my favorite stores as a teenager. (Yes, I’m what some might call a “nerd” or an “old soul.") The “beyond” includes Harmon Face Values, a division of the company that sells health and beauty products—not only name brands but also their own generic versions. I picked up a three-pack of Harmon Face Values sunscreen lip balm the other day. It looks like a dead ringer for ChapStick’s moisturizing lip…