Written by Morgan Leet
Representation across all industries is always something to celebrate. The beauty industry specifically has long been influenced by Asian techniques and traditions, but far too often without proper recognition. Some of the most popular and beloved beauty methods are derived from Asian culture and then appropriated by American businesses; rice water, jade rollers, turmeric, and the list goes on. Within the industry that co-opted much of their heritage, Asain women are then simultaneously under-represented.
Every day there is more inclusion and acknowledgment across industries, but there is also still an incredible amount of work to be done. Supporting Asian owned and operated brands is an essential aspect of making change as a consumer. There are countless brands to choose from, but here are a few that I personally love for their products and what they stand for.
Kulfi Beauty
Kulfi not only is Asain owned, but also celebrates the rich South Asian culture and communities. It was founded by Priyanka Ganjoo, who named the business after the South Asian ice cream, Kulfi, which carries a joyful nostalgia of her childhood memories. The brand as a whole reflects this playful and bright theme. They work to showcase and support the community, and also give back through donating to mental health organizations.
Glow Recipe
The idea for Glow recipe came one night as the founders, Christine Change and Sarah Lee, were doing sheet masks over a glass of wine, and inspiration hit. What started as a curation of other brands, where they showcased K-beauty trends, is now their own skincare brand. What they have now is an accumulation of years of industry knowledge, and every aspect of it reflects the night they had the idea; colorful and fun. Their products make you want to have a spa night with friends and recently they partnered with a national recycling organization to ensure sustainability across their entire business.
Peach & Lily
This is the brand known for all things Korean beauty. They have their own skincare line and also carry other high-quality brands. The founder, Alicia Yoon, suffered from eczema growing up, which fuelled her drive to become an esthetician in Korea. She decided to dedicate herself to studying the skin and she wanted to help others fight their skin concerns too. Because of her own battle with skin, she brought a pasion to make products that actually work. She now has over 20 years of experience and continues to study new techniques in Korea and the United States, bringing her knowledge to her brand.
CTZN Cosmetics
One of my favourite things about CTZN is the story of how it was founded, by three sisters, Aleena, Aleezeh and Naseeha Khan. The sisters noticed one day while shopping the striking lack of representation for models who looked like them. The makeup products themselves were inherently biased, suited to only certain skin tones as well as often just one gender. So the girls decided to work together and create the products they wished they saw. What is now their business markets to, represents, and is made for all genders and all races, while being cruelty free. The company’s values are clear throughout every aspect of the business, and their products are equally as beautiful.
Blume
The power of sisters coming together seems to be undeniably strong, as the founders of Blume happen to also be sisters, Taran and Bunny Ghatrora. Their brand encompasses the full scope of a women’s health, aimed to not simply make you more beautiful but to make you healthier on the inside too. They’re hyper-focus on self-esteem and self-love and carry a mix of period, skincare, and wellness products. Their Meltdown Acne Oil is one of their most well-known products, and one that I love for it’s all-natural ingredients that I can feel feeding my skin in the best way.
Cocokind
Motivated by her own skincare concerns, Priscilla Tsai became passionate about holistic wellness and beauty. The theme of female entrepreneurs motivated out of necessity is clear throughout these brands, and it sets them apart in pure passion and drive to make the best. Priscilla did exactly this, and started Cocokind on the values of similticy, consciousness, and affordability. The value of affordability is especially imperative in the beauty industry, to give access to everyone, and is one of the many reasons why this brand is amazing to support.
Aavrani
The luxury Indian-inspired brand has all-natural ingredients, draws from ancient rituals and places a focus on philanthropy. The co-founders, Rorshy Roy and Nina Davuluri’s, goal is to bring beauty back to a place of authenticity. They produce all of the necessities for an ideal skincare regime; serums, washes, and creams. The calming blue theme across their brand and product represents this return to simplicity; in ingredients and mindset.
We love trying out new brands, experimenting with products and mixing up our regimen. If you’re like us, have a look at our Editors Beauty Choices, for more.