The 6 Asian-Founded Beauty Brands That Everyone Should Have In Their Cupboards
BRB, just adding everything to our carts.
While focusing on inclusivity and acceptance in the beauty industry has been of increased note in recent years (and rightly so), it’s no secret there’s still more that needs to be done. At Gritty Pretty our Inclusivity Pledge guides everything we do, but we know that there are still steps we can take to change, improve and ensure everyone feels equally represented and heard. In the wake of a number of anti-Asian hate crimes, particularly in the US, during which Asian-Americans have faced Covid-related attacks, now more than ever we wanted to lend our support to this community. You too can lend your support by shopping from Asian-founded beauty brands now and always.
In an effort to bring a greater focus to the issue, we have rounded up a list of our six favourite Asian-founded beauty brands taking the world by storm. Because whether you’re a bonafide beauty junkie or are just starting to dip your toes in, you’ll be familiar with the fact that the beauty industry would be nothing without the influence of the Asian beauty market—and the proof is in the pudding.
Glow Recipe
Founded by ex-L’Oréal executives Sarah Lee and Christine Chang, Glow Recipe has quite literally changed the skincare game. Think fun packaging, delightful scents and (best of all) ultra-effective products. Pooling together the knowledge that their Korean grandmothers passed down to create their brand, the duo launched with their iconic Watermelon GLOW Sleeping Mask and haven’t looked back since. Now seven years old, the brand is an undeniable powerhouse in the skincare space.
Abhati Suisse
Vegan. Natural. Swisse. That’s the slogan of Anju Rupal’s skincare line, Abhati Suisse. Founding the brand in 2015, Rupal’s point of difference is her consistent and measured approach to protecting natural resources. Creating products based on the learnings of her Indian upbringing, the brand not only houses luxurious and sustainable products but is also committed to empowering women and championing environmental education. We particularly love the Calming Shampoo Bar which gives you all the nourishment without the plastic packaging.
Tatcha
A household name for a reason, Tatcha is the epitome of where luxury meets efficacy. Founded by Victoria Tsai after she suffered from acute dermatitis, the brand’s philosophy stems from her learnings of classical Japanese beauty secrets passed down for generations. With each product containing anti-ageing superfoods, green tea, rice and algae, you can’t really go wrong. Our hot tip? The Dewy Skin Cream under your favourite foundation is an unbeatable combination.
U Beauty
Slotting in perfectly to the Australian vocabulary, U Beauty was founded by Tina Craig in 2019 to fill the gap between luxury skincare and sustainable business practices. Producing fewer, smarter products to streamline your skincare routine and create conscious consumption, the brand is also aligned with One Tree Planted, to plant one tree for every U Beauty product you purchase. Good for you and the planet!
Ellis Brooklyn
As a New York Times beauty columnist, Ellis Brooklyn founder Bee Shapiro has seen many-a fragrance come across her desk. Disappointed at the chemicals and nasty ingredients in most, the Brooklynite set about creating her own clean fragrance line. Now with nine eau de parfums in the range, Shapiro’s brainchild shows no signs of slowing down. And we understand why—after all, who doesn’t want another chic fragrance for their mantel piece?
Sunnies Face
Founded by Georgina Wilson and Martine Cajucom in 2013, Sunnies Face brought fun, playful and easy-to-use makeup to the forefront of the beauty sphere. Nailing the brief of products that are both practical and stylish, the line wants to make it easy and accessible for everyone to be able to play with colour—and we can’t get enough of it.
Glow Recipe
Founded by ex-L’Oréal executives Sarah Lee and Christine Chang, Glow Recipe has quite literally changed the skincare game. Think fun packaging, delightful scents and (best of all) ultra-effective products. Pooling together the knowledge that their Korean grandmothers passed down to create their brand, the duo launched with their iconic Watermelon GLOW Sleeping Mask and haven’t looked back since. Now seven years old, the brand is an undeniable powerhouse in the skincare space.
Abhati Suisse
Vegan. Natural. Swisse. That’s the slogan of Anju Rupal’s skincare line, Abhati Suisse. Founding the brand in 2015, Rupal’s point of difference is her consistent and measured approach to protecting natural resources. Creating products based on the learnings of her Indian upbringing, the brand not only houses luxurious and sustainable products but is also committed to empowering women and championing environmental education. We particularly love the Calming Shampoo Bar which gives you all the nourishment without the plastic packaging.
Tatcha
A household name for a reason, Tatcha is the epitome of where luxury meets efficacy. Founded by Victoria Tsai after she suffered from acute dermatitis, the brand’s philosophy stems from her learnings of classical Japanese beauty secrets passed down for generations. With each product containing anti-ageing superfoods, green tea, rice and algae, you can’t really go wrong. Our hot tip? The Dewy Skin Cream under your favourite foundation is an unbeatable combination.
U Beauty
Slotting in perfectly to the Australian vocabulary, U Beauty was founded by Tina Craig in 2019 to fill the gap between luxury skincare and sustainable business practices. Producing fewer, smarter products to streamline your skincare routine and create conscious consumption, the brand is also aligned with One Tree Planted, to plant one tree for every U Beauty product you purchase. Good for you and the planet!
Ellis Brooklyn
As a New York Times beauty columnist, Ellis Brooklyn founder Bee Shapiro has seen many-a fragrance come across her desk. Disappointed at the chemicals and nasty ingredients in most, the Brooklynite set about creating her own clean fragrance line. Now with nine eau de parfums in the range, Shapiro’s brainchild shows no signs of slowing down. And we understand why—after all, who doesn’t want another chic fragrance for their mantel piece?
Sunnies Face
Founded by Georgina Wilson and Martine Cajucom in 2013, Sunnies Face brought fun, playful and easy-to-use makeup to the forefront of the beauty sphere. Nailing the brief of products that are both practical and stylish, the line wants to make it easy and accessible for everyone to be able to play with colour—and we can’t get enough of it.
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