Chinese makeup brands, commonly known as C-beauty, have rapidly gained attention thanks to social media exposure and bold product innovation. As a makeup enthusiast, I’m consistently amazed by the inventive formulas and beautifully designed packaging these brands offer. Below are some of the best Chinese makeup brands to consider adding to your next beauty haul.
Is Chinese makeup high-quality?
Absolutely. In the past, some might have doubted the quality of “Made in China” cosmetics, but modern Chinese makeup brands are meeting – even exceeding – global standards. Many C-beauty products boast excellent pigmentation, longevity and innovative formulas that rival those of Western legacy brands.
Additionally, since 2014, China no longer requires animal testing for most cosmetics, and many Chinese brands are able to produce cruelty-free makeup without compromising on safety or performance. In short, yes – Chinese makeup can be very high-quality, delivering great results at generally accessible prices.
1. Florasis (花西子)
Florasis is famed for ornate packaging inspired by Chinese art and folklore. Every product feels like a work of art – their signature Blooming Rouge Love Lock Lipstick even comes in a tasselled, engraved case modelled after a traditional Chinese lock. The lipstick bullet itself has intricate floral carvings, highlighting the brand’s attention to detail. Florasis also infuses natural ingredients like pearl powder into its formulas for added skincare benefits. It’s no surprise this brand went viral on Douyin for its elegant East-meets-West aesthetic and quality; Florasis delivers a luxurious C-beauty experience that justifies its slightly higher price tag.
2. Perfect Diary (完美日记)
Perfect Diary is often credited with bringing C-beauty to the global stage. Founded in 2017, this brand quickly became a powerhouse by partnering with renowned institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the British Museum on limited-edition collections. These creative collaborations, along with a commitment to quality and even animal welfare (they’ve worked with the Beijing Animal Protection Fund), have cemented Perfect Diary’s reputation for excellence. The brand offers everything from silky foundations to vibrant lip colours, but it’s best known for its Explorer Eyeshadow Palettes – one pastel butterfly-themed palette went viral on TikTok for its dreamy shades and pro-level pigmentation. Perfect Diary proves that Chinese makeup brands can be innovative, socially conscious, and trend-setting all at once.
3. Flower Knows (花知晓)
Flower Knows is also one of the earliest Chinese makeup brands to gain global fans, and it’s easy to see why. The brand transforms makeup into a fairytale experience – think Victorian-esque packaging adorned with cherubs, lace and roses, yet with a subtle nod to Chinese culture in details like shade names (inspired by classical poetry) and plum blossom motifs. Star products include the Starry Sky Eyeshadow Palettes (also known as the Swan series in White Swan, Black Swan, Pink Swan) and the whimsical Moonlight Mermaid collection, which all come in dreamy collectable cases. But Flower Knows isn’t just about looking pretty on your vanity; its formulas are highly pigmented and long-wearing, surviving even humid days without fading. The popular Strawberry Rococo blush and lipstick line, for example, is beloved for both its antique elegance and its transfer-proof, vivid colours!
4. Judydoll (橘朵)
Judydoll has become a darling of Chinese social media (it’s arguably the brand of choice for Douyin beauty gurus). This playful brand isn’t afraid of colour – its popular Monochrome Blush goes beyond typical pinks, venturing into bold hues like mint green, lavender and even sky blue. Even Judydoll’s eyeshadow palettes will surprise you with an unexpected pop (a moss green among neutrals, anyone?). In terms of innovation, Judydoll gets creative with formats too – they even designed a 3D Curling Eyelash Mascara that uses a slim metal wand for precision, and a micro-tip 18° eyeliner for razor-sharp flicks. As the sister brand of Joocyee, Judydoll delivers trendsetting makeup at affordable prices, perfect for those who love to experiment with new looks.
5. Joocyee (酵色)
Joocyee (pronounced juicy) is a rising star in Chinese beauty, born in 2019 under the giant Joy Group. This brand offers a more romantic, chic take on C-beauty compared to some of its flashier peers. Joocyee’s makeup range – from silky eyeshadows to creamy lipsticks – comes in elegant, minimalist packaging that still feels whimsical and youthful. Storytelling is a big part of the brand’s identity; their collections often have themes that evoke emotions or nostalgia (for example, a “Youth Daydream” palette series). Thanks to a deep understanding of Gen Z trends, Joocyee saw massive success in China and even became one of the top sellers in the lip product category nationally. In 2025, the brand took a bold step abroad, opening its first international flagship store in Singapore’s Wisma Atria mall. This expansion shows how Joocyee is bringing Chinese makeup to the world, and Singaporean shoppers have eagerly embraced its products. With in-house R&D and manufacturing, Joocyee ensures its cosmetics meet high standards while debuting new textures and shades at lightning speed.
6. Flortte (花洛莉亚)
Flortte is the epitome of cute, girly aesthetics in C-beauty. A hit with younger makeup fans, Flortte’s products feature heart shapes, pastels and adorable character tie-ins. The brand’s best-selling Heart-Shaped Lipstick has a unique heart-shaped bullet and cap, often decorated with floral or animal prints. Their Heartbeat Jelly Lipstick similarly wins hearts with a transparent jelly core. For blush, Flortte’s Butterfly Series Cream Blush even comes with a marshmallow-like heart-shaped puff for application – applying makeup has never been more fun! Flortte keeps things fresh by collaborating with popular cartoon characters like Esther Bunny and Mikko (a Japanese mascot) in limited collections. Don’t let the kawaii packaging fool you, though – Flortte’s formulas (from glossy lip serums to liquid shadows) hold their own, offering the shine, colour payoff and staying power that modern makeup lovers expect.
7. Girlcult (少女映画)
Girlcult takes a totally different turn from typical “sweet” C-beauty, diving into a more avant-garde and mystical style. Founded in 2018, the brand quickly gained cult status for its artistic flair and one-of-a-kind products. Girlcult’s packaging is like something out of a surrealist painting – some compacts and palettes feature the evil eye motif or celestial sun, moon and star designs that make each item feel talismanic. This brand isn’t afraid of unconventional colours either. You’ll find vampy wine-toned blushes, glittery green lip gloss, and other edgy shades alongside everyday tones. Despite the quirky themes (many products come with imaginative backstories or mythology-inspired names), the quality is solid: eyeshadows are pigmented and smooth, and lip products satisfy the e-girl in all of us. Girlcult is the go-to for makeup enthusiasts who love a bit of gothic or retro-futuristic flair in their routine – it’s beauty reimagined with an artsy twist.
8. Catkin (卡婷)
Catkin is a pioneer of modern Chinese cosmetics – it’s been around since 2007 – and is renowned for merging traditional Chinese art with modern makeup. If you’re a sucker for gorgeous packaging, Catkin will steal your heart. Their compacts, lipsticks and even makeup brushes are often adorned with classic Chinese paintings or motifs: think elegant cranes, jade-toned mountains, or delicate florals printed on the cases. A great example is the Fairy Tale Liquid Lip Gloss, which comes in a sleek tube topped with a spherical, wavy cap symbolising a water droplet – a nod to the gloss’s hydrating formula. Catkin’s range covers all the basics (cushion foundations, eyeliners, primers, etc.), and the brand ensures high-performance formulas to match the beautiful exteriors. Their long-wear cushion compacts and finely-milled powders are raved about for smooth finish and lasting power. For those who appreciate a blend of heritage and innovation, Catkin offers the best of both worlds, wrapping cutting-edge products in artful tradition.
9. INTO YOU
INTO YOU has made a name for itself with one hero product: the Lip & Cheek Mud. This versatile mousse-like pigment (which comes in pots, squeeze tubes, and even cute tin cans) provides a soft matte wash of colour that’s incredibly trendy right now. The texture is dense yet blendable, giving a blurred velvety finish on the lips that Douyin beauty gurus adore. INTO YOU is proudly vegan and cruelty-free, and it focuses on lip products that are both innovative and long-wearing. The Lip Mud, for instance, comes in a wide range of modern, MLBB (my-lips-but-better) shades as well as bolder options, making it easy to find the perfect tone. The brand also gets creative with packaging – they’ve launched special editions in collaboration with fun brands like Pop Mart toys and Wiggle Wiggle (a quirky design house) to appeal to collectors. If you love soft matte lips or two-in-one products, INTO YOU is a Chinese cosmetics brand you’ll want to check out for its on-trend formulas and playful spirit.
10. PinkFlash (PinkFlash by Focallure)
PinkFlash proves you don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy great makeup. This budget-friendly Chinese makeup brand offers an impressive array of products that are practical, fun, and ultra-affordable. From multi-functional palettes to long-lasting lip tints, PinkFlash has something for every step of your routine. One of its standout hits is the Highlighter & Blusher Multi Palette – a cute all-in-one palette with heart-shaped pans containing eyeshadows, blush, highlighter and bronzer. Fans also love the Waterproof Easy Eyeliner for its smudge-proof formula, and the PinkGarden Moist Lip Balm for daily nourishment with a tint. PinkFlash’s products are easy to use, making them ideal for newbies and busy individuals alike. Despite rock-bottom prices, the quality holds up – perhaps thanks to the brand’s connection to Focallure, its sister brand known for equally affordable yet pigmented cosmetics. (In fact, Focallure’s famous Hangover Red Wine Blusher – a liquid blush that gives you a cute Igari-style flush – is a hit from the same family.) With PinkFlash, you can play with all the latest makeup trends without breaking the bank, making it a favourite Chinese cosmetics brand for beauty beginners and experts on a budget.
Trust these Chinese makeup brands to zeng your beauty routine
Chinese makeup brands have proven their prowess on the global beauty stage. Whether you’re drawn to ornate packaging, experimental colours or wallet-friendly picks, the C-beauty names above offer something for everyone. As a makeup lover, I’ve found that incorporating a few of these brands can really freshen up your routine with new inspiration and styles. And the beauty journey doesn’t stop at China – if you’re curious about other Asian finds, check out the best Thai makeup brands or explore the best halal makeup in Singapore to expand your collection. With so many innovative brands at your fingertips, there’s never been a more exciting time to experiment and find new favourites!
