Today marks the start of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and what better way to celebrate than by using your dollars for good and supporting brands founded by AAPI women? Here, we’ve curated the best picks of AAPI women-owned products, from delish easy-to-make noodles to your new go-to skincare. Bookmark this roundup and come back to it all year round!
Fashion
The Gen Z-Approved Heart Necklace
Mini Aura Heart Necklace, Buttercup Studio, $24
Looking to switch things up from dainty accessories? Enter your statement era with this glass heart necklace. Handmade in Toronto, it gives a pop of color with five cord color variations and five pendant colors to choose from—so you can make it your own by coordinating with your outfits. Dare we say it’s the accessory of the year?
The Denim Lover’s Handbag
Denim Jolin Bag, ApedeMod, $455
We’re officially (back) in the jean-on-jean era—let’s be honest, we never really left—and this ApedeMod purse is perhaps the most fun way to hop on the trend. Each bag from the New York City-based brand is hand-crafted, drawing inspiration from nature, vintage fashion and architecture. Available for pre-order now!
The Low-Price, High-Quality Bikini
Triangle Top, Blackbough Swim, $30
Founder Jemina Ty started her swimsuit brand Blackbough Swim out of her bedroom. Now, she’s the brand’s web designer, social media manager, marketing director and photographer. It’s not hard to see why her pieces have been worn by the likes of Kendall Jenner, Miley Cyrus and Vanessa Hudgens. This triangle top has adjustable cups and removable padding, while the high-waist bottoms offer comfy coverage.
The Cuddle-Friendly Earrings
Good Luck Nap Earrings Trio, Maison Miru, $250
You know how annoying it is when you fall asleep (or you’re snuggling up on your boo’s chest) with earrings and the backings poke into your skin? These genius studs—made from medical-grade titanium—have a push pin flat back, so you can lay with them comfortably. Seriously, how cute would these sparkly evil eye, lightning and pave moon earrings look as a stack? I’m drooling.
The Tote Bag Worth Getting Excited About
Fafa Paw Tote in Indigo/Lime Linen Jacquard, YanYan, $165
Tote bags are a silent superpower add-on. But with all the lugging around they endure, it’s easy to feel like they’re more functional than fashionable. This knitted iteration takes a new approach. Made in a birdseye jacquard, Italian space-dye linen and super-fine mercerized cotton, its cheery floral pattern and lightweight feel take the classic carrier bag to the next level.
The Earrings That Are Straight-Up Wearable Art
Hana Earrings, Ming Yu Wang, $58
Each of Ming Yu Wang’s pieces are designed with longevity in mind. Based in New York, the jewelry company creates structural pieces that transform artwork into statement accessories. Take these handcrafted earrings, which have a base made of recycled sterling silver and are finished with a glossy polished stone setting.
The Customizable Work Shoes
Moss V Slide + Marilyn Strap, Alterre, $230
We know, we know. Sneakers at the office are de rigueur (if you work in a casual corporate setting), but we’d like to start a petition to officially bring back heels because how stinkin’ cute are these moss green slides from Alterre? These sustainable, interchangeable shoes are designed with comfort in mind, thanks to the 1.5-inch block heel, made from recycled plastic, and the cushioned midsole. Plus, the straps are removable, so you can create over 40 different pairs with just one shoe.
Beauty
The Must-Have Claw Clip
Big Effing Clip in Sugar Blossom, Emi Jay, $48
^ Our apologies if viewing that was too much cuteness to take in. Hair accessories brand Emi Jay is kinda known for that, thanks to her melding a signature pastel pink aesthetic with practical wearability. Take this cult-beloved claw clip, which is big enough for a full head of hair, stays morning to night and never causes a headache.
The Non-Sticky, Oh-So-Shiny Gloss
Tower 28 Beauty ShineOn Lip Jelly Non-Sticky Gloss, Sephora, $16
Introducing: the key to soft colorful lips. Founded by former Smashbox beauty executive Amy Liu, Tower 28 has risen to cult-favorite status, thanks to its commitment to clean ingredients and quality, long-lasting beauty products that are actually inclusive. This hydrating vegan lip jelly is the perfect example.
The Velvety Matte Lipstick For Any Complexion
Code Red Rosso, CTZN Cosmetics, $43
The Khan sisters—three South Asian women who were born in Los Angeles—recall shopping for beauty products and noticing that not a single model looked like them. So, they founded CTZN Cosmetics, a brand dedicated to inclusivity with shades for every complexion. Take the Code Red Lipstick, which comes in six shades that range from orangey-red to rich mahogany.
The Ultimate Beauty Blender
Perfecting Makeup Sponge, Orce Cosmetics, $18
The perfect makeup sponge doesn’t exi—. We spoke too soon. This ultra-soft and durable Orce Cosmetics sponge is not just any beauty blender—it’s a pointed plush sponge that has been ergonomically designed to fit the natural contours of your face. Farewell, concealer smears and foundation smudges!
The Holistic Wellness Ritual Kit
Over the Moon Gua Sha Duo, Pink Moon, $82
By integrating ancient wisdom from Eastern healing practices with daily grooming regimens, Pink Moon is working to revolutionize mainstream ideas of self-care. Take this (award-winning!) gua sha and oil pair that comes with a handy user guide. The 4,000-year-old holistic health massage technique calms puffiness, soothes skin and gives you a relaxing ritual.
Wellness
The Heart-Shaped Cramp Relief
Cheeky Bonsai Cramp Killer Patches, $10
Vaginal health can’t be cute? Cheeky Bonsai would beg to differ. The sexual-wellness brand has the cutest branding we’ve ever seen and is dedicated to opening conversations about vaginal health and period care, with an array of products that support women’s health. Case in point: these adorable heart-shaped patches for cramp relief.
The Sustainable Toothpaste (That Actually Works)
Toothpaste With NHA and Bamboo Salt, Ojook, $18
Sensitive teeth girlies, this one’s for you. This gentle peppermint toothpaste is designed for everyday use without overpowering fragrances or dyes. It reduces plaque buildup, restores tooth enamel, and promotes gum health. Free of fluoride, sulfate and preservatives, this vegan toothpaste also comes in a recyclable tube.
The Tea Rooted In Relaxation
Shangri-La Rose Tea, The Qi, $28
Growing up in the Northeast of Beijing, Lisa Li drank a lot of tea with her grandma—an early, joyous memory of holistic wellness. After feeling burnt out from working over 10 years in the fashion industry, she was inspired to get in touch with self-care. That’s how her tea brand The Qi was born. Look no further than this Rose tea, which is made from whole flowers that were handpicked from the gardens of Shangri-la at 10,000 ft. above sea level.
The Pimple Eraser
Invisible Spot Cover, Rael, $12.99
There’s nothing worse than a pesky pimple that won’t subside. Instead of trying to cover it with pore-clogging concealer, try these Rael daytime patches, which instantly flatten acne and seamlessly fade into your skin. Founded by three Korean American women, Rael’s products use South Korean manufacturing technology to deliver top-of-the-line feminine and skin care.
The Portable Humidifier
Hey Dewy Wireless Facial Humidifier, Hey Dewy, $59.95
Think your office desk can’t feel like a spa? You haven’t tried this facial humidifier. It’s wireless and rechargeable, so you can’t take it from your bed to your car to your office easily. With up to 8 hours of mist on a single charge, it guarantees dewy skin and calming energy anywhere you take it.
Food
The Cinnamon Rolls That Come To You
Bake At Home Cinnamon Rolls, Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery, $55/4 pack
Can we be real for a sec? Cinnamon rolls are one of life’s best little luxuries. And these brioche buns take them to the next level. Rolled with brown sugar and generously smeared with cream cheese frosting, these ship nationwide (!) and come ready to bake. The comforting smell of homemade straight-from-the-oven cinnamon rolls, without the work? Yes, please.
The Weekday Pantry Meal Essential
The Omsom Saucy Noodle Sampler, Omsom, $49
These are not your typical pantry-ready meals. Omsom serves ready-to-eat authentic Asian flavors via sauces, shakers and noodles, curated by sisters Vanessa and Kim Pham. Their noodle offerings alone are mouthwatering. We’re talking soy garlic, chili sesame, garlic black pepper and coconut lemongrass curry. Intrigued? This 10-pack sampler set lets you try all those flavors.
The Next-Level Condiment
Fly by Jing, Sichuan Chili Crisp, $15
Delivering a rich explosion of spice with a crunchy textural delight, Fly by Jing’s chili crisp makes all food taste better. Crafted in Chengdu, China, the recipe is inspired by flavors from the Sichuan province, where founder Jing Gao was born. By design, it’s made to top just about anything, from fried eggs and veggies to mashed potatoes and bread… even ice cream, if you’re feeling wild.
The Refreshing Canned Cold Brew
Cold Brew: Coconut, Nguyen Coffee Supply, $20
Nguyen Coffee Supply is America's first specialty Vietnamese coffee importer and roaster, bringing the ultimate Vietnamese coffee experience to your morning ritual. Case in point: this ready-to-drink cold brew has unique flavor properties that are elevated by refreshing coconut milk. Did we mention it’s dairy-free, gluten-free and only has 7g of sugar? Your stomach will thank you later.
The Unique Flavor-Rich Ice Cream
Signature Ice Cream, Malai Ice Cream, $89.95/4 pints
Malai draws inspiration from South Asian ingredients, aromatic spices, and founder Pooja Bavishi’s upbringing. Its ice creams—which ship nationwide, BTW—offer an explosion of uniquely refreshing flavors, from lemon cardamom to sweet roti. They also have vegan options, ice cream sandwiches and ice cream cake. Can’t decide where to start? This sampler pack has four winning flavors: rose with cinnamon roasted almonds, masala chai, orange fennel and sweet milk.
Home
The Online One-Stop Shop For Houseplants
Bromeliad Red Guzmania Hope, The Sill, $78
Ordering houseplants online can be a risky business, but The Sill continuously stands out as a reliable foliage shopping platform. From large plants to pet-friendly plants to plants for beginners, it has something for everyone at an array of prices. Take this gorgeous Bromeliad Red Guzmania Hope, which arrives in a nursery grow pot with a tailored care guide to make your green thumb thrive.
The Eco-Conscious Ottoman
The Evergreen Ottoman, Sabai Design, $445
At Sabai Design, stylish plans meet sustainable practices. Crafted with non-toxic and natural materials, this statement piece uses hemp upholstery for a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish. Founded by friends Phantila Phataraprasit and Caitlin Ellen, all pieces are produced in ethically-run factories in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Michigan, and can be custom-made.
The Most Adorable Salad Plate
Heirloom Pearl Edge Salad Plate, Society Social, $16.25
Want to be the kind of person who has designated dishware for your greens? Well now, you can. This Society Social salad plate, with an embossed pearl edge, will add a touch of elegance to any table setting. Serve it for an intimate dinner party or use it to spruce up your lunch on a decidedly meh WFH day. With a curated mix of furniture and home decor, that’s the magic founder Roxy Te Owens brings to the table (pun intended).
The All-In-One Cooking Tool
Standard Always Pan 2.0, Our Place, $110
By now, you’ve likely heard of the viral Always Pan—and for good reason. Shiza Shahid grew up in Pakistan surrounded by shared home cooking and co-founded Our Place to forge connections. This magic kitchen tool does the job of 10 (!) pieces of traditional cookware, from braising to steaming to boiling and more. Plus, it’s made with 100% post-consumer recycled aluminum—so you’re investing in sustainably and unlocking a new level of cooking possibilities. Gordon Ramsey is shaking.
The Coolest Curved Candlesticks
Georg Jensen Cobra Candlestick Medium, Jung Lee NY, $169/2 pack
Need a foolproof way to add drama to your dining room table? Look no further than these gorgeous candlesticks. With a swerving body and movement-mimicking design, they add a striking touch to any interior space. They’re the work of NYC-based designer Jung Lee—who has been honing her knack for mixing chicness with function since 2002.
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