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It’s Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, a celebration of the rich cultural history and contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Here at ELLE, we believe AAPI month is every month. Our dedication and support of Asian beauty brands and founders goes beyond the 31 days in May. To celebrate AAPI month, we asked ELLE editors to share their favorite beauty products from AAPI-owned brands. From pore-blurring blushes to the best sunscreens you can buy, our list features the best in beauty from large legacy brands like Shiseido to indie brands, including Tower28 and Kulfi. If you are looking for new and exciting AAPI brands to shop, like Seadrop, you’ve come to the right place! Whether you are interested in skincare, haircare, makeup, or nails, this list will have a product perfect for you. Ahead, the best beauty brands (and products!) to shop now and forever, according to ELLE editors.
Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 42 with Hyaluronic Acid
This oil-free formula contains hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture while protecting you from the sun. If you are acne-prone, customers say that this sunscreen won’t cause breakouts. The only downside to this formula is the white cast it leaves, so we would not recommend it for darker skin tones.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, spf, spirulina energy essence
“My Asian mom swears by Shiseido products and specifically this sunscreen. I wear it every day, whether or not it’s sunny outside.”—Claire Stern, digital director
Tower 28 Beauty SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray
If you are acne-prone, Tower 28’s dermatologist-tested facial spray is exactly what you need to soothe your skin. The next time you break out, skip the makeup and spray this throughout your day to minimize inflammation and redness. The formula contains hypochlorous acid, a compound naturally produced by our bodies, which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Alcohol-free and fragrance-free, this facial spray won’t irritate sensitive skin. Throw this in your gym bag for a refreshing post-workout treat and spritz your way to acne-free skin.
Key ingredients: Hypochlorous acid, water, sodium chloride
“I love everything I’ve tried from Tower 28, but my holy grail is the SOS Rescue Spray, an anti-inflammatory toner that's meant to provide relief for “angry skin.” My skin loves to freak out in a number of environments (e.g. if I’m too hot, too cold, too dry, too sweaty), and this spray seems to keep its temper tantrums at bay, soothing redness and breakouts.” —Madison Feller, digital deputy editor
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Face and Body Lotion SPF 60+ Sunscreen
Fun fact: The sun is the leading cause of premature aging. S0, yes, you need sunscreen daily. Shiseido’s Ultimate Sun Protector has SPF 60 for longer protection against the rays and licorice root extract to alleviate inflammation for acne-prone skin. The lightweight formula has a serum-like texture that quickly melts into your skin. The sunscreen blends out clear, making it perfect for all skin tones.
Key ingredients: SynchroShield technology, spf, licorice root extract, green tea extract, sophora angustifolia root extract, saxifraga sarmentosa extract, rose apple leaf extract
“I’ve been wearing the same sunscreen brand for three years and this formula instantly replaced it and has become a part of my daily skin care routine. The formula is lightweight, not greasy, and easily absorbs into my skin. This doubles as a great primer, I’ve applied this several times and forgotten to add a primer—my makeup still eats.” —Danielle James, digital beauty director
If you’re a lipstick lover but suffer from dry, chapped lips, put down your matte lipstick and pick up Lip Treat. It’s a nourishing lip balm formulated with shea butter and collagen that delivers hydration and color.
Key ingredients: Shea butter, collagen,
Shades: 8
“I rarely ever finish lipsticks, but I’ve worked down tubes of Sunnies Face’s Lip Treat down the nub several times. Hailing from the trendy Philippines-based brand, this product is a moisturizing lip balm with a perfect texture and tint: it’s not too matte, not too creamy, and leaves just the right amount of subtle color on your lips. I use it every day (there are two in my bag at all times), effectively replacing my chapsticks and other lip balms at this point. You’ll be feeling maganda with one swipe.”—Erica Gonzales, senior culture editor
These lightweight lashes are safe enough to sleep in. And you just might as you once you try these lashes out, you will never want to take them off. They are easy to apply; once you do, they last up to two weeks. This style easily goes from day to night and is great for everyday lashes with a little extra pizzaz. No matter the length you choose, they all cost the same size.
Lash lengths: 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 16mm
“Although I love the look of falsies, I have two major problems with them: they’re often too heavy on my eyes, making them look smaller, and I can’t seem to get fake lashes to stay on no matter what I do. Thankfully, Lilac St.’s offerings rescued me with thin, lightweight lash bands and a unique application system—which includes a primer, glue you apply directly to your lash line, and sealant—that promises to keep lashes on for up to 10 days. The ones I’m wearing here are the 12mm Midnight style, which I like for more drama and special occasions, but the 12mm Prism lashes are my favorite for everyday. I also love that the falsies come in small clusters instead of a fully formed, “one-size-fits-all” lash that I have to trim.” —Carol Lee, associate beauty commerce writer
Described as a “functional fragrance,” Biology Fragrances is more than just scent. The brand wants to take you on a journey—no passport needed. Each fragrance is created with high-quality, natural, and organic ingredients. Deep is a warm, relaxing, floral that comforts you like your favorite blanket. A portion of the proceeds from sales goes to several charitable organizations, including, Stop AAPI Hate, Feeding America, and UNICEF.
Notes: Cinnamon, tonka bean, geranium, cedarwood
“Full disclosure, Steven Sun, the founder of Biology, is a personal friend of mine—our shared interest in the Chinese diaspora is what bonded us over a dinner—but I didn’t know he had a brand until he mentioned that he created a scent inspired by his mother (Fragrance 2: Calm, for those who are wondering). It led to a broader conversation about scent memories, but of all of Biology’s options, I landed on Fragrance 8: Deep. I love a scent that feels unexpectedly sexy, and this one has notes of cinnamon, tonka bean, geranium, and cedar wood, so it feels warm, but fresh. I typically wear it on my nights out, when I want a bit of an olfactory confidence boost. And since it comes in a handy rollerball form, it fits into the smallest of my purses!”—Dale Arden Chong, senior fashion commerce editor
This is the perfect handwash for a children’s bathroom to encourage them to wash their hands after each visit. One pump and the cutest foamed flower appears in your hand to wash away dirt and germs. This bottle is refillable, and this richly textured foam handwash contains vitamin C from Japanese yuzu and rice water.
Key ingredients: Japanese yuzu, rice water, water, glycerin
“My Kirei by Kao has quickly become one of my favorite personal care brands. It’s an innovative company with great products. My introduction to the brand was this handwash. It instantly perks me up when I pump a flower into my hand. It’s so fun! It has a citrusy, invigorating scent and leaves my hands feeling soft and clean. If I had a kid, I would put this in their bathroom to encourage handwashing and make it more fun.” —Danielle James
Soft and finely milled, the matte Better Than Cheek blushes have a pore-blurring effect and come in a variety of carefully curated warm and cool hues.
Shades: 9
“Rom&nd’s products are so beautiful and easy to use that I’d pay a premium for them, but I’m glad I don’t have to. My only complaint is that they don’t have shades pigmented enough to suit my deeper-complected friends.” —Carol Lee
This glossy formula not only leaves your lips with a high shine but is also nourishing with a combination of oils to prevent dry, cracked, lips. It’s not sticky and is uber hydrating. They recently launched a shimmery version of chill in a collaboration with Ouai that smells like their popular scent, St. Barths, but it quickly sold out.
Key ingredients: Apricot kernel oil, raspberry seed oil, rosehip oil
Shades: 12
“I’ve had a long, tumultuous love-and-hate relationship with lip glosses, usually because they’re too sticky; too plumping (and thus uncomfortable); or too dry. The Tower 28 Lip Jelly is my one true holy grail lip gloss. I can wear it over anything—lip pencil, lip crayon, lipstick, lip stain, or just my own bare lips—and it always feels light, juicy, hydrating, and with just enough gloss to add a little glamour to my everyday makeup. I sometimes put it on right out of the shower to restore some moisture to my lips; it’s truly the one product I refuse to leave my apartment without.” —Lauren Puckett-Pope, ELLE.com culture writer
PERFECT ONE FOCUS All-in-One Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover & Pore Cleanser
Yes, we all want our waterproof mascara to do its job, but when you are ready for it to come off, you don’t want to sacrifice your eyelashes in the process. Perfect One Focus Smooth Cleansing Balm does it all—it acts as a 6-in-1 cleanser, including removing waterproof makeup and gently exfoliating your skin while leaving it nourished and hydrated. Bergamont gives it a bright, citrusy scent, and the gentle formula is great for all skin types.
Key ingredients: Complex collagen EX, purple root extract
If you find your stubborn waterproof makeup difficult to remove after just one cleanse, then double cleansing with a melt-away balm may be the solution for you. The texture is buttery soft and glides along the skin with ease, plus it has a lovely citrus scent! Using this as a second cleanse leaves the skin soft and doesn’t dry it out like most facial washes might after cleansing. —Leah Romero, senior digital designer
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