The benefits of globalisation have been discussed at length; a rhetoric that members of the beauty cognoscenti and industry insiders are very much familiar with. After all, the last few years have proved that there are numerous advantages of appealing to an international market—from yielding heightened sales and influence to conquering a segment of the market previously thought impossible. K-Beauty, for one, serves as an undisputed success story, with Korean skincare and make-up having an integral presence in most South-East Asian countries. This, however, begs the question: who’s next? Judging from the recent implosion of Douyin beauty, we’d say it’s safe to hedge your bets squarely on Chinese make-up brands.
Much like J-Beauty or K-Beauty, Chinese make-up labels comprise a distinctive look and feel that prove to be particularly enticing for this new age of beauty consumers. That is, an enhanced emphasis on packaging, formulas, and values that tell a story. Companies such as Florasis and Catkin, for one, aim to showcase Chinese heritage through the crafting of intricate, ornate casings and products that reflect the traditions and wisdom of their culture. Then there is Judydoll, Carslan, and more—all of which tout bold, adventurous experimentation in the form of unique pigments and textures.
Intrigued just yet? For those looking to dip their toes into Chinese make-up, Vogue Singapore has you covered. Below, a roundup of the most notable Chinese make-up labels to add to cart—alongside a curation of their star products to know of. Get those credit cards out, stat.
1 / 10
Little Ondine
Is it any surprise that this trend-focused brand is also leading on the innovation front, too? Beyond collaboration collections with the likes of Junji Ito, Line Puppy Maltese and Tamagotchi, Little Ondine is also recognised for their cutting-edge formulations encased within brilliant packaging. Case in point: their double-ended Multi-Use Make-Up Sticks which are equipped with a silicone tip on one end to allow for seamless blending. Their Essence Foundation Stick, too, adopts the same design principle, with one end comprising a pigment stick and the other a fluffy brush that makes flawless application on-the-go a breeze. Another added bonus: the inclusion of skin-nourishing ingredients that hydrates and smooths to deliver on a luminous-appearing visage for hours on end.
2 / 10
Red Chamber
If there was a single product that effectively captures the essence of this season’s muted blush moment, it’s Red Chamber’s New Haruki Multi-Purpose Cream. A highly-blendable, velvety-smooth cream, it is crafted with the brand’s principles of minimalism and efficacy in mind; a philosophy that shows in every single one of the products. Think no-fuss, easy-to-apply textures in versatile colours that work across a wide spectrum of skin tones and types.
3 / 10
Cheeryep
It’s experimental colours galore at Cheeryep. Perfect for adventure-seekers with a penchant for vivid and vibrant hues, Cheeryep leans into the maximalist aesthetic with their neon eyeshadows, blinding highlights and more. Just a light touch is all you need for these pigment-packed formulas to stand out. Star products include the Soft Glow Freeze-Dried Blush and the Crystal Glossy Rouge, with the former having acquired cult-favourite status quickly upon release due to its one-of-a-kind texture that provides lit-from-within-glow which dries down to a powdery finish . A must-have for the summer season? No doubt about it.
4 / 10
Flortte
Whimsicality is at the forefront for this C-Beauty brand. With an emphasis on sweet, girlish packaging alongside collaborations with revered animated characters, Flortte is the embodiment of coquette-core that is equipped with formidable formulas, to boot. Star products include their I Am Super Beauty Lip Gloss Serum—which furnishes pouts with just the right amount of luminosity and colour—as well as the Heart Attack Liquid Eyeshadow. The latter, in particular, is a mainstay for Douyin beauty girls thanks to its hydrating, lightweight finish that boasts impressive staying power.
5 / 10
Girlcult
Beauty, reimagined. Established in 2018, Girlcult has catapulted into mainstream consciousness due to their innovative packaging and one-of-a-kind products. Think dark, vampy blushes, green glitter pearlescent glosses, and more. A staple for e-girls and goth make-up mavens alike, some of their pigment-packed eyeshadows are encased within unique packaging that bear a resemblance to the evil eye; a powerful amulet said to ward off signs of malevolence and envy. The sun, moon, and stars also act as common motifs within their comprehensive range of products; a mythical—and fantastical—addition to any vanity.
6 / 10
Florasis
Built upon the pillars of Chinese tradition and artistry, it’s clear to see that Florasis is a brand that knows itself and holds a deep awareness of what their consumers want. This is evidenced in how each product is developed and crafted with utmost intention and care—for instance, their Love Lock Lipsticks that are encased within a grandiose, gold-embossed case harbouring nifty configurations and chains. This is meant to mimic the structure of ancient Chinese locks. Not only was it designed by Chinese locksmiths to ensure utmost accuracy, each lipstick bullet even harbours a delicate engraving of motifs from classic Eastern love stories such as white snakes and floral blooms. The brand has also since tapped in on wood carving masters, silversmiths, and revered ceramic artists to work on their product packaging, resulting in a series of visually stunning face powders, eyeshadow palettes, and more.
7 / 10
Flower Knows
Victorian influences run rampant within this C-Beauty brand, but that’s not to say the label doesn’t pay homage to its roots. While blush pots, eyeshadow palettes, and the like are encased with Victorian baroque detailing, each item conceals Chinese influences in the form of shade names that stem from the traditional Cí pattern—a form of poetry in Mandarin—as well as the incorporation of plum blossoms within its design, which is recognised as the national flower of the Republic of China. Enthralling additions to your vanity aside, Flower Knows is also known for its pigment-packed formulas that cling on even after long hours of wear. Look to their Strawberry Rococo range for a glimpse of their transfer- and humidity-proof properties.
8 / 10
Catkin
Established in 2007, Catkin has since gained global recognition for marrying innovative formulas with intriguing packaging. Case in point: their Fairy-Tale Liquid Lip Gloss, which is encased within a sleek flacon and harbours a spherical, wavy-shaped topper meant to represent a water droplet; a physical manifestation of the product’s hydrating capabilities. Their full range encompasses the best of modern-day inventions such as cushion complexion products, tone-up primers, and even make-up sponges adorned in time-honoured Chinese icons such as dragons, cranes, and the fenghuang.
9 / 10
Perfect Diary
Regarded as one of the major forces spearheading the global C-Beauty movement, Perfect Diary has established itself as a brand to watch thanks to the strategic partnerships they have made. They have worked with the Beijing Animal Protection Fund, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the British Museum since its conception in 2017, launching make-up drops that embody its superior quality as well as sustainable values. The label is especially committed to the protection of endangered species, with the sales of specific best-selling explorer palettes going to fundraisers and charities dedicated to doing so. It’s likely that you’ve glimpsed their viral Explorer Eyeshadow Palette 14 Butterfly on TikTok; a 12-pan pastel dream comprising pearlised pigments and a versatile double-headed make-up brush.
10 / 10
Judydoll
Arguably the brand of choice for Douyin users, Judydoll has catapulted to fame within China based upon their interesting utilisation of colour. Their Judydoll Monochrome Blush goes beyond shades of coral and pink, extending out to hues of blueberry, mint green, and even mauve. Their Soft Cloud 4 Colours Eyeshadow Palette, too, provides a unique take on neutrals by offering a moss green shadow amongst its line-up of soft browns and terracotta. Its playful and audacious offerings are sure to make a natural fit for the next season of Euphoria—as well as for more intrepid make-up users.
