As a Chinese American shopping writer, I know one thing for sure: Where and who we buy from matters.
And as we enter Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month (May 1-May 31) — which celebrates the history, culture, and impact of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders across the country — there’s no better time to elevate the AAPI-owned brands I already love and have sitting in my cart.
AAPI-owned brands are as diverse as the Asian American experience: a little something for everyone. Think setting sprays, shoulder bags, midi skirts, ice makers, and house plants from brands like Béis, Cadence, Our Place, and Sandy Liang. Basically, the world is your abalone.
Spend your money meaningfully this month and beyond. I’ve curated a list of the best 20 products from AAPI-owned brands that should be on your radar — and prices start at just $3.
My Top Picks from AAPI-Owned Brands
- JW Pei Carly Saddle Bag, $89; amazon.com
- My Deserted Island Item: One/Size by Patrick Starrr On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray, $32; sephora.com
- Lowest Price: Rael Beauty Collagen Facial Sheet Mask, $3, target.com
- Always in My Purse: Emi Jay Big Effing Clip, $36; emijay.com
- Pink Moon Over the Moon Gua Sha Duo, $85 (orig. $95); pinkmoon.co
- Hearth and Hand with Magnolia GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker, $350 (orig. $500); target.com
- Eadem LeChouchou Lip Softening Balm, $24; eadem.co
- Béis The Summer Tote, $128; nordstrom.com
- The Sill Fern Friends Duo, $119 (orig. $158); thesill.com
- BonBonWhims Gold Chubby Heart Necklace, $74; bonbonwhims.com
JW Pei Carly Saddle Bag
In case you missed it, saddle bags are in right now. Compared to more expensive alternatives like the Polo ID Calfskin Mini Shoulder Bag, this one goes for under $90. Made of vegan embossed leather, the purse has an adjustable strap (for shoulder or crossbody styling), gold hardware, and an interior slit pocket for stashing your credit cards and ID.
One/Size by Patrick Starrr On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray
If there was one item I could take with me to a deserted island, it would be this setting spray — perhaps not my wisest move, but my beat would be flawless. Worn by Beyoncé during the Renaissance Tour and Simone Biles during the 2024 Olympics, this mattifying setting spray is always the final step in my makeup routine and guarantees protection from water, sweat, and smudging.
Formula ingredients like green tea extract help to tighten your pores, while witch hazel absorbs excess oil. The product also settles onto the skin like a lightweight film, so there’s little to no dry-time required. From rainy nights to pool parties, and even during balmy weddings, this setting spray keeps my makeup pristine.
Rael Beauty Collagen Facial Sheet Mask
Let’s face it, skincare can be a pricey selfcare practice. Luckily, Rael Beauty is known as much for its affordable prices as for its clean ingredients. This moisturizing mask combines hydrolyzed collagen, wheat amino acids, and licorice root — an ideal combo after heated workouts and long plane rides.
Emi Jay Big Effing Clip
I refuse to cut my hair short, but always wear it up. So, I find myself in the predicament of sourcing cute hair accessories that are strong enough to hold up my locks.
Enter: the Big Effing Clip. At four inches long, the clip allows wearers to play with buns, twists, and half-up, half-down styles. The acetate material is durable without appearing utilitarian. My favorite design is the rhinestoned Night Fairy clip, but while it has a waitlist, there are plenty of other hues to choose from like baby pink, cherry red, lavender, and pastel blue.
Pink Moon Over the Moon Gua Sha Duo
Introducing a gua sha into my skincare routine has been a game changer. When I massage the tool over my jaw, temples, and neck, it releases tension (from grinding my teeth) and encourages lymphatic drainage.
I currently have the Plantifique Gua Sha, which does the job, but I’ve been eyeing the Pink Moon one for ages. Not only does Pink Moon’s kit come with a rose quartz gua sha, it includes a facial oil made with moringa and rose oils, which help to soothe inflammation and moisturize, and a beginner’s gua sha guide.
Hearth and Hand with Magnolia GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker
New York City offers minimal counterspace, so I’ve never had an ice maker. But eventually, I’d love to buy this one from Joanna Gaines’ brand. The machine produces nugget ice (a.k.a. flaked ice compacted into chewable spheres). Full batches can be ready in as little as 10 minutes.
Eadem LeChouchou Lip Softening Balm
Word on the street is that this non-sticky lip balm could potentially usurp my long-time beloved Laneige Lip Glowy Balm. Of the five hues, I’m most excited about the Fig Sauce (a rosy brown), since it most closely mimics Laneige’s Berry color. Also, its metal tip applicator offers a cooling sensation, which is a nice touch.
More AAPI-Owned Brands You’ll Love
- A Closet Staple: Sandy Liang Axew Jersey Midi Skirt, $195; nordstrom.com
- Azalea Wang Bayleaves Sandal, $49; nordstrom.com
- Glasvin Universal Wine Glasses (Set of 2), $79; wineenthusiast.com
- A Better Treat Freeze-Dried Organic Pumpkin Dog and Cat Treats, $15; amazon.com
- Phlur Missing Person Eau de Parfum, $32; nordstrom.com
- Blogilates Starter Fit Kit, $40; target.com
- Kulfi Heirloom Satin Lipstick, $30; sephora.com
- Our Place Always Pan 2.0, $100 / $125; fromourplace.com
- Customizable: Alterre Clay Croc Point Slide and Marilyn Strap, $245; alterreny.com
- Cadence Build Your System Capsules, $98; keepyoucandence.com
Keep scrolling for a summer-ready tote bag, customizable necklace, verdant house plant, and more worth adding to your cart during AAPI Heritage Month and beyond.
Béis The Summer Tote
The Sill Fern Friends Duo
BonBonWhims Gold Chubby Heart Necklace
A Better Treat Freeze-Dried Organic Pumpkin Dog and Cat Treats
Kulfi Heirloom Satin Lipstick
Our Place Always Pan 2.0
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