I love a good deal, and one place I go for belly dance essentials is Daiso Japan. These cute little budget stores are filled with all the kinds of household goods you would expect at a dollar store. Almost all of the items on their shelves are from Japan and so it transcends the typical discount store vibe and feels more like a cultural import store. Items start at $1.50 unless otherwise marked. It can be a little overwhelming at first, so let me tell you what I regularly buy!
Microfiber Towels
One of the ways to improve the efficiency of your makeup cleanup routine is to swap out traditional wash clothes for microfiber towels. There is some magic in the quality of the fiber that really picks up the makeup. My trick is to use oil, my preference is for grapeseed oil, warm water, and a microfiber towel. It saves time and money. It’s also better for the environment than using disposable makeup wipes and cotton, and because it’s so efficient at cleaning your skin, you’ll use less water too! I take these towels and cut them in half and finish the edges, so this pack of two is transformed into four.
Zip-top Laundry Bags
I have a fairly good-sized collection of costume pieces made from modern assiut. I machine launder my robes and shawls on a gentle cycle, warm water, and protected in a zip-top lingerie or delicates bag. My all-time favorite products is this mesh bag from Daiso. At only $1.50 each, I buy one for each of my assiut pieces and I use it for storing the assiut between performances, and it’s easy to find when it’s time to do the laundry.
Packing Cubes
When I’m packing for performance, I like to keep my case organized using packing cubes. This is the perfect size for me to keep an assiut robe and two shawls. I purchased this one to replace a broken bag. Although the brown and white polka dots is not my favorite pattern ever, for a mere $1.50, I don’t mind.
Small Bags for Zills and Jewelry
Although I didn’t buy this one today, Daiso sells some very well made and sturdy drawstring bags for keeping small items like zills and jewelry contained and protected in your gig bag. Small bags are the kind of thing that I think to myself, “Oh, I could make that.” But for a mere $1.50, and with lovely heavyweight fabrics and colors, I really couldn’t make it for that price.
False Eyelashes
Daiso Japan has one of the most remarkable, and affordable selections of false eyelashes. This is a great place to experiment with different sizes and shapes on a budget. At $1.50 for a package of three, you can get a pair for about .50 a pair! I have quite a large back-stock of lashes at the moment so while I was tempted on this shopping trip, I decided to take a pass. This time!
Shopping Discount Stores
Next time you are shopping at your local discount store, keep an eye out for great deals on the kinds of support items that make it cheaper and easier to live the belly dancer life!
Happy Shopping,
Dawn Devine ~ Davina
May 16, 2018
PS: True Confession, I also love to shop their stationery department for cute stickers, flags, pens and more.