Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with an AAPI Founder Haul

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It’s thrilling to see Asian Americans gain a foothold in media and the arts (I’m still not over Greta Lee’s performance in Past Lives), and seeing so many AAPI founders and their incredible companies thrive lends another avenue of (long overdue) visibility to our community. 

All of the AAPI brands in this guide — from skincare powerhouse Dieux to innovative clip-on earrings at Aiori — offer their own unique contribution to AAPI culture. Shop a beloved brand in our guide below or discover something new (maybe a cream blush from Kulfi or incense sticks from Biology)!

Aiori

Everyday Essentials Set

$77
$77
Code:
Copy Icon
Credit: Aiori

I had such a bonding moment with my mother-in-law when we realized neither of us had our ears pierced. She was astounded by how real my mini hoops looked — so of course I took them off and gave them to her. And then she immediately ordered us four more pairs (including these gorgeous pearl ones and more mini hoops). Aiori’s clip-ons are so comfortable (and secure) and best of all, they don’t scream “clip-on” like the chunky, painful pairs I tried to wear in high school. In this trio, the mini hoops are delicate and close with a sliding spring, while the chunkier huggies use a mosquito coil, and the larger gold hoops have invisible (clear) resin that camouflages with your ear.

We like

We don't like

MIXIK

Cleansing Oil

$29
$29
Code:
Copy Icon
Credit: MIXIK

As a double cleansing fiend, I so appreciate the spray delivery system for this oil that reduces the amount of product I waste. It also manages to cover my entire face evenly (even that pesky under-eye area). This formula uses blue agave and rosewater extracts to soothe and quench skin.

We like

We don't like

Bean & Bean

NYC Top 4 Coffee Bundle

$85
$85
Code:
Copy Icon
Credit: Bean & Bean

Rachel and Jiyoon Han — the mother-daughter team behind Bean & Bean — are both Q Arabica Graders (AKA the sommeliers of coffee), so you know you’re in good hands when ordering one of their bundles or subscriptions. This quartet includes Downtown Blend, Peru, Indonesia, and a last surprise coffee. You can choose from nine grind types including whole bean, French press, Chemex, Moka Pot, and more. Visit Bean & Bean at one of their four locations in NYC or NJ.

We like

We don't like

Dieux

Auracle Eye Serum

$44
$44
Code:
Copy Icon
Credit: Dieux

Everyone loves Dieux’s eye masks, but their (back in stock) eye serum is equally life-changing. The super gentle formula plumps and hydrates with biotechnology-derived algae polysaccharides that visibly reduce the appearance of dark circles. Don’t forget to apply it to your lids, too!

We like

We don't like

seree

Kyoto — Flower pendant necklace

$58
$58
Code:
Copy Icon
Credit: seree

I’m a long-time fan of SEREE’s designs (see my LNY roundup featuring their Year of the Dragon necklace) and so excited to include this natural agate flower necklace. The delicate gold-plated chain is the perfect complement to the red, cherry blossom-reminiscent pendant. Seree does both dainty and chunky so well and this piece marries the two in perfect harmony.

We like

We don't like

Thu Brulé

Thursty Skin™ Hydrating Fluid

$185
$185
Code:
Copy Icon
Credit: Thu Brulé

Hyaluronic acid fans will rejoice when they see the ingredient list on this hydrating fluid: It contains no fewer than five molecular weights of our beloved HA. The combination of weights serves to help with below-the-surface hydration. I loved how rejuvenated my skin felt after use — it’s like a gulp of ice-cold water for your face.

We like

We don't like

good light

duality set, the basics

$43.50
$43.50
Code:
Copy Icon
Credit: good light

When it comes to skincare from AAPI founders, there’s an embarrassment of riches to choose from. The products in David Yi’s good light collection are gentle but oh-so effective — and they have the best names. The Cosmic Dew Water Cleanser is a gel-to-foam formula perfect for light, heavy, and no makeup days, and the Order of the Eclipse Hyaluronic Cream is the perfect follow-up: a drenching, hyper-restoring moisturizer.

We like

We don't like

Biology

Incense Bundle

$80
$80
Code:
Copy Icon
Credit: Biology

Incense immediately sets a zen mood and calming atmosphere. There are no arguments in a room with incense burning. This bundle includes three scents (Still, Halcyon, and Enlighten) with 40 sticks each. As soon as you light one, you’ll feel more intentional.

We like

We don't like

Verloop

Flower Stripe Throw

$158
$158
Code:
Copy Icon
Credit: Verloop

My new go-to hostess gift is this cozy dopamine decor throw that you’ll want to cuddle up with at all hours of the day. With four colorful designs to choose from, you can stock up and distribute as needed. If you’re feeling especially generous, you can spring for the matching pillow covers ($65).

We like

We don't like

Acaderma

Star Light Spot Corrector Serum

$78
$78
Code:
Copy Icon
Credit: Acaderma

If you suffer from uneven pigmentation, this melamorin-powered serum can help target dark spots from acne scarring. Melamorin is extracted from morus root, which comes from the mulberry plant. Unlike many dark spot serums, this formula does not have a sticky after-feel — it leaves skin feeling silky.

We like

We don't like

Kulfi

Mehndi Moment Blush

$28
$28
Code:
Copy Icon
Credit: Kulfi

Kulf is best known for its waterproof Kajal liner, but its blush should receive equally vocal praise. The pigments blend seamlessly into skin and I love how the richness is buildable. The Sandalwood Swirls color is my favorite because the rosy brown complements the undertone of my skin. In honor of AAPI Heritage month, during May Kulfi will donate 5% of proceeds from all Kajal eyeliner sales to Sad Girls Club, a nonprofit providing mental health resources to young women of color.

We like

We don't like

Coupon:
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
MIXIK
Coupon:
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At
Bean & Bean
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Dieux
Coupon:
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Thu Brulé
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
good light
Coupon:
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At
Biology
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Verloop
Coupon:
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Kulfi

Aiori

Everyday Essentials Set

$77
$77
Code:
Copy Icon
Credit: Aiori

I had such a bonding moment with my mother-in-law when we realized neither of us had our ears pierced. She was astounded by how real my mini hoops looked — so of course I took them off and gave them to her. And then she immediately ordered us four more pairs (including these gorgeous pearl ones and more mini hoops). Aiori’s clip-ons are so comfortable (and secure) and best of all, they don’t scream “clip-on” like the chunky, painful pairs I tried to wear in high school. In this trio, the mini hoops are delicate and close with a sliding spring, while the chunkier huggies use a mosquito coil, and the larger gold hoops have invisible (clear) resin that camouflages with your ear.

We like

We don't like

MIXIK

Cleansing Oil

$29
$29
Code:
Copy Icon
Credit: MIXIK

As a double cleansing fiend, I so appreciate the spray delivery system for this oil that reduces the amount of product I waste. It also manages to cover my entire face evenly (even that pesky under-eye area). This formula uses blue agave and rosewater extracts to soothe and quench skin.

We like

We don't like

Bean & Bean

NYC Top 4 Coffee Bundle

$85
$85
Code:
Copy Icon
Credit: Bean & Bean

Rachel and Jiyoon Han — the mother-daughter team behind Bean & Bean — are both Q Arabica Graders (AKA the sommeliers of coffee), so you know you’re in good hands when ordering one of their bundles or subscriptions. This quartet includes Downtown Blend, Peru, Indonesia, and a last surprise coffee. You can choose from nine grind types including whole bean, French press, Chemex, Moka Pot, and more. Visit Bean & Bean at one of their four locations in NYC or NJ.

We like

We don't like

Dieux

Auracle Eye Serum

$44
$44
Code:
Copy Icon
Credit: Dieux

Everyone loves Dieux’s eye masks, but their (back in stock) eye serum is equally life-changing. The super gentle formula plumps and hydrates with biotechnology-derived algae polysaccharides that visibly reduce the appearance of dark circles. Don’t forget to apply it to your lids, too!

We like

We don't like

seree

Kyoto — Flower pendant necklace

$58
$58
Code:
Copy Icon
Credit: seree

I’m a long-time fan of SEREE’s designs (see my LNY roundup featuring their Year of the Dragon necklace) and so excited to include this natural agate flower necklace. The delicate gold-plated chain is the perfect complement to the red, cherry blossom-reminiscent pendant. Seree does both dainty and chunky so well and this piece marries the two in perfect harmony.

We like

We don't like

Thu Brulé

Thursty Skin™ Hydrating Fluid

$185
$185
Code:
Copy Icon
Credit: Thu Brulé

Hyaluronic acid fans will rejoice when they see the ingredient list on this hydrating fluid: It contains no fewer than five molecular weights of our beloved HA. The combination of weights serves to help with below-the-surface hydration. I loved how rejuvenated my skin felt after use — it’s like a gulp of ice-cold water for your face.

We like

We don't like

good light

duality set, the basics

$43.50
$43.50
Code:
Copy Icon
Credit: good light

When it comes to skincare from AAPI founders, there’s an embarrassment of riches to choose from. The products in David Yi’s good light collection are gentle but oh-so effective — and they have the best names. The Cosmic Dew Water Cleanser is a gel-to-foam formula perfect for light, heavy, and no makeup days, and the Order of the Eclipse Hyaluronic Cream is the perfect follow-up: a drenching, hyper-restoring moisturizer.

We like

We don't like

Biology

Incense Bundle

$80
$80
Code:
Copy Icon
Credit: Biology

Incense immediately sets a zen mood and calming atmosphere. There are no arguments in a room with incense burning. This bundle includes three scents (Still, Halcyon, and Enlighten) with 40 sticks each. As soon as you light one, you’ll feel more intentional.

We like

We don't like

Verloop

Flower Stripe Throw

$158
$158
Code:
Copy Icon
Credit: Verloop

My new go-to hostess gift is this cozy dopamine decor throw that you’ll want to cuddle up with at all hours of the day. With four colorful designs to choose from, you can stock up and distribute as needed. If you’re feeling especially generous, you can spring for the matching pillow covers ($65).

We like

We don't like

Acaderma

Star Light Spot Corrector Serum

$78
$78
Code:
Copy Icon
Credit: Acaderma

If you suffer from uneven pigmentation, this melamorin-powered serum can help target dark spots from acne scarring. Melamorin is extracted from morus root, which comes from the mulberry plant. Unlike many dark spot serums, this formula does not have a sticky after-feel — it leaves skin feeling silky.

We like

We don't like

Kulfi

Mehndi Moment Blush

$28
$28
Code:
Copy Icon
Credit: Kulfi

Kulf is best known for its waterproof Kajal liner, but its blush should receive equally vocal praise. The pigments blend seamlessly into skin and I love how the richness is buildable. The Sandalwood Swirls color is my favorite because the rosy brown complements the undertone of my skin. In honor of AAPI Heritage month, during May Kulfi will donate 5% of proceeds from all Kajal eyeliner sales to Sad Girls Club, a nonprofit providing mental health resources to young women of color.

We like

We don't like

Coupon:
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
MIXIK
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Bean & Bean
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Dieux
Coupon:
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Thu Brulé
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
good light
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Biology
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Verloop
Coupon:
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Kulfi
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One of my favorite things about writing for TQE is discovering new trends and brands before they become ubiquitous. I hope this guide has helped you discover some new favorites, too.

Shop The Edit

Coupon:
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
MIXIK
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Bean & Bean
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Dieux
Coupon:
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Thu Brulé
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
good light
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Biology
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Verloop
Coupon:
Coupon:
Shop Now
At
Kulfi

Additional Reading

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