23 China Makeup Brands That Are Worth The Hype

From high quality cosmetics to drop dead gorgeous packaging (have you seen the iconic Florasis eyeshadow palette with intricate phoenix engravings?!), Chinese makeup brands have earned themselves a strong following over the past few years. It’s time to make space on your vanity table for some of the best China makeup brands if you’ve yet to hop on the #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt trends. 

Not sure where to start when it comes to the whole new world of C-beauty? Check out our makeup reviews on some of the best Chinese cosmetics brands like Florasis, Judydoll and Flower Knows below.

Overview of popular China makeup brands (2024)

Popular China makeup brands worth the hype

1. Florasis 花西子

We can’t talk about the best Chinese cosmetics brands without doing a makeup review on Florasis. Just look at the details on their makeup packaging! Also known as Hua Xi Zi (花西子) in Chinese, Florasis places a strong focus on traditional Chinese style and culture.  This can be seen both in their intricate oriental packaging and ingredient list. To cater to the Asian market, Florasis beauty products are made from natural floral extracts and herb essences suitable for Asian skin.

Our recommendations for this China makeup brand: 

While we are tempted to review every makeup product at Florasis, the item that stands out the most from this best Chinese makeup brand is the Florasis Floral Concentric Lock Lipstick. Each lipstick is encased in a lock-shaped sleeve, but we especially love what’s inside! The lipstick bullet is intricately engraved with a scene from the ancient Chinese love story of Zhang Chang drawing his wife’s eyebrows. Aww, we are not sure if we’d ever bring ourselves to use these lipsticks.

Another luxurious beauty product we will recommend in this Florasis makeup review is the Florasis Eyeshadow Palette with Peony and Moon Relief. Like the lipstick, a scene from the Chinese folklore, A Hundred Birds Paying Homage To The Pheonix, is intricately engraved into the shadows. This instantly gives the palette an air of elegance! Even if you’re not a fan of bold shadow hues like bright red, gold and midnight green, the palette is still a worthy splurge for the collection. Wondering where to buy Florasis in Singapore for your fellow beautyholic? You can shop for Florasis kits that come as a bundle with special merchandise and freebies online on Shopee Singapore.

2. Perfect Diary 

While western beauty brands have been dominating China’s beauty industry for years, Perfect Diary made a breakthrough by taking the top spot in 2019. This makeup brand in China is known as the hidden gem of makeup with its wallet-friendly prices and holy grail quality. The brand made its mark on the global beauty scene with its iconic Cardcaptor Sakura collection, and continues to offer unique co-branding collections for makeup lovers all around the world.

Our recommendations for this China makeup brand: 

The most popular series Perfect Diary launched, is the irresistible collection of Animal Eyeshadow Palette, featuring different animals like fox, leopard and carp. Within the palette, you will find complementing shades that match the vibe of the animal. For example, the leopard palette contains stronger colours like yellow, gold and black to help create a bold look. Meanwhile, the red fox palette contains closer shades of warm tones to help create the gradient foxy look. 

The perfect combi with your eye makeup would be the ReadMe Lipstick Series. With different textures available, you can choose either a matte finish or a dewy gloss! This Perfect Diary lipstick has a card-like design, making it easy to carry around and touch up whenever you need. The best part: you can dab some on your cheek and use it as a blush, creating a perfectly cohesive makeup look! 

3. Flower Knows 

Baozi and Hana are no strangers to avid cosplayers. The duo are some of China’s top cosplay celebrities with over 387 thousand followers on Facebook. They have since retired from cosplay and became founders of Flower Knows, a China makeup brand known for its over-the-top lolita packaging. Moreover, every Flower Knows product is amped up with kawaii vibes — it’s nearly impossible to resist! 

Our recommendations for this China makeup brand: 

The Flower Knows Strawberry Rococo Series Glowy Lipgloss has set our standards high when it comes to the packaging of beauty products from China cosmetic brands. Inspired by vintage perfume bottles, it features a dual-layered acrylic packaging that gives it a delicate look, while also ensuring its sturdiness. The pink and purple hues give it a romantic touch and femininity to the bottle. With a new and improved formula, it is non-sticky and fast-filming giving you that glorious, jelly-like shine that is long-lasting. 

There’s something about the dreamy colours of a sunset that captivates us, and makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Taking inspiration from this, the Flower Knows Moonlight Mermaid Series Jewellery Blush features a jewel-shaped casing embossed with a mermaid sitting on the moon, with a sunset coloured blush. This whimsical collection uses a cashmere-like powder that picks up and spreads easily, giving your cheeks a matte air-brushed look. The tri-colour combo is not just for aesthetics, the different colours act as highlights and blusher, giving you a more defined look. 

4. Colorkey

Founded in Guangzhou, Colorkey is one of the best cosmetics brands in the beauty industry. Catering to young adults, Colorkey boasts a vibrant makeup style with its collaborations with some of our favourite childhood cartoons! Think Doraemon, Hello Kitty and even Pokemon. Colorkey has also taken on a sweeter and feminine edge with their newest Barbie collection.

Our recommendations for this China makeup brand: 

The Colorkey X Barbie 9 Colors Eyeshadow Palette offers a vibrant array of nine shades, blending both matte and shimmer finishes to create versatile eye looks. Inspired by Barbie, the palette features bold pinks, soft nudes, shimmering golds, and deep purples – delivering highly pigmented, long-lasting colour with smooth blendability. Its playful packaging and range of textures sure cater to both everyday and dramatic styles!

Let’s not forget the Colorkey Butterfly Lip Mud Series that’ll make a wonderful addition to your vanity. From a light mauve-pink shade to a raspberry red shade, you’ll be spoilt for choice with these Colorkey lipsticks! The best part about this set is how these lipsticks have a buildable formula. So whether you’re going for a casual tint or a night out, they will come in handy for any makeup look!

5. Judydoll 

Can’t justify spending close to a hundred bucks on high-end branded makeup? You can still create similar looks with Judydoll, one of the best makeup brands in China known for producing insanely good dupes of highly-raved cosmetics at budget prices! In addition, Judydoll does not shy away from bold colours. Think lime green, tomato red or even aqua blue eyeshadows. If you’re a fan of artistic makeup, this is the perfect brand to look out for!

Our recommendations for this China makeup brand: 

One of the most popular dupes that Judydoll has created is the Judydoll Starlight Highlighting Powder. This highlighter brick glides on with a dazzling shine similar to the famous BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector – but at less than a fraction of the price! 

Other worthy purchases include the Judydoll Multi-Functional Makeup Palette. The palette comes with a spectrum of fun shades and can be used for eye makeup or as blusher, contour or even highlight!

6. Focallure 

Makeup beginners who are starting to expand their makeup collection will love Focallure, one of the best Chinese makeup brands for its holy grail products at incredibly affordable prices. $3 for an eyeliner that’s known to be as good as CLIO’s pencil liners? Take our money! Focallure also focuses on producing multi-purpose makeup products that are straightforward to use. As a result, makeup beginners have no need to fret as they can freely experiment with Focallure’s products and find their style!

Our recommendations for this China makeup brand: 

For flawless, one-stroke eyeliner magic, look no further than Focallure Waterproof Ultra-slim 1.7mm Gel Pencil. At only 1.7mm thick, you’ll never have to worry about overlining your lids anymore. It is also available in 11 colours, ensuring you find the right eyeliner to compliment your eye makeup.  

Looking for an all-in-one concealer kit that can neutralise redness and hide those pesky dark circles? The FOCALLURE High Coverage Water-Proof Longstay Lightweight Concealer Cover Plate is a dream come true. Made up of a combination of five concealing and colour correcting hues (think pink, green and orange), you can easily mix and match the shades to create your very own unique concealer that works for different needs!

7. O.TWO.O 

O.TWO.O is another best Chinese makeup brand that should be on your radar – especially if you’re into budget-friendly, western-inspired makeup products. Despite being a makeup brand in China, O.TWO.O takes on more of a western flair with bold colours, full coverage makeup that’s perfect for a sexy, sultry look.

Our recommendations for this China makeup brand: 

Natural, fluffy eyebrows are all the rage right now, and you can easily recreate these 3D brows with the O.TWO.O Waterproof Eyebrow Cream.  The handy eyebrow brush is conveniently stored in the cap, ensuring both ease of use and hygiene. Furthermore, with our eyebrow guide, you’ll effortlessly craft your perfect brow shape every time.

Eyelash growth serums are the secret to long natural lashes. However, eyelash serums can easily set you back close to a hundred dollars per tube, which can be an expensive splurge for those on a budget. Fortunately, you can achieve visible results with the O.TWO.O Eyelash Nourishing Essence – at less than $6 (say what?!). Formulated with natural botanical ingredients, all you have to do is apply the serum onto the root of your lashes twice a day and voila! Say goodbye to falsies and eyelash extensions once and for all!

8. CHIOTURE

Introducing the trendsetter in the Chinese makeup industry – CHIOTURE. Established in 2009, CHIOTURE started off as a skincare brand focused on harnessing the power of natural ingredients. But in 2014, CHIOTURE expanded its line of products by adding makeup to create a more holistic beauty range. Since then, this best Chinese cosmetics brand has been known for producing various viral beauty products year on year – including a popsicle shaped lip glaze and a super compact Air Cushion Blush. 

Our recommendations for this China makeup brand: 

The CHIOTURE Lipglaze Ice Cream is truly deserving of its name – chio. With a creamy texture, it is soft and buildable, helping you create the gradient lips effortlessly. The highlight to this CHIOTURE lipstick is its packaging. The ice cream design makes it seem like you’re digging into an icy cold treat every time you apply the lipstick!

Other than adorable lip products, CHIOTURE is also known for its blushers, like the CHIOTURE Air Cushion Blush. Made with convenience and portability in mind, it is small and easy to carry around. The packaging itself includes a powder puff, that is separated from the blush itself, keeping it clean. This adorable CHIOTURE blusher is bound to get many envious looks as you can just dab dab on the go, keeping you looking lively all day!

9. FLORTTE

Make way for the newest kid on the block! FLORTTE started out somewhere between late 2018 and early 2019. But what drew our attention to this Chinese cosmetic brand is their irresistibly cute packaging. Think eyeshadow palettes with pretty keychains and eyeliners decked in colourful doodles – FLORTTE’s product designs are bound to make your day! Aside from packaging design, this Chinese makeup brand wowed us with its superb quality. 

Our recommendations for this China makeup brand: 

FLORTTE definitely has a penchant for replicating stationery with their makeup products and their Salade De Fruits Liquid Eyeliner is a prime example. Boasting a similar fun vibe, their Ultra-Fine Eyebrow Pencil looks just like multi-coloured scrapbooking pens! While we may mistake these eyebrow pencils for pens, you will notice a difference when you’re doing your makeup. The formula glides on smoothly as you perfect those hair-like strokes. Plus, it’s not just about looks—the formula is enriched with ginger, which stimulates hair follicles and promotes brow growth. The vitamins in ginger also strengthen each strand, helping to prevent hair loss.

Eye products aren’t all FLORTTE has to offer. The FLORTTE First Kiss Love Stick Series features lip balms that are bright and lightweight. Thanks to its formula, this FLORTTE lip balm dries off without leaving a sticky finish. You don’t have to worry about tackiness or greasiness. In fact, enjoy the feel of this lip balm as it moisturises your lips from the inside out. 

10. HEDONE

American TV series, Euphoria, has swept the beauty community up with its avante garde makeup looks packed with vibrant colours, glitter and theatrical eyeliner. And HEDONE is China’s answer to this crazy makeup trend that many Gen Zs are obsessed with. This is the best cosmetics brand in China that has been born to defy beauty norms, proving that makeup is for self-expression rather than self-perfection. It comes as no surprise that HEDONE uses a mix of male and female models for their brand – simply because makeup is universal and knows no boundaries.

Our recommendations for this China makeup brand: 

Express your individualism with the HEDONE Jello Lip Sip that comes in a total of 14 shades! There’s a beautiful pale pink that’ll enhance the natural colour of your lips, and a bright red that’s a must-have. With a moisturising formula that has a glossy finish, this is one Chinese makeup brand you can trust a lipstick with zero transfer.

Aside from lipsticks, HEDONE has also received many positive reviews for the HEDONE Contour Highlight Palette. This palette contains both powder and cream formulas for different contouring needs – cream for the sides of your face, powder for the nose and chin. There’s also a matte white highlighter (this is quite rare to find as most highlighters have glitter or shimmers in them) to create contrast against your contours, enhancing your face dimensions to a tee!

11. Cheerflor

With more than two decades of experience in the makeup industry, Cheerflor is the next makeup brand from China to get your hands on! This Chinese cosmetics brand has some of the best eyeshadow palettes, lipsticks, nail polish and more. Their designs take inspiration from the Victorian era, with elaborate floral patterns that are intricate and opulent.

Our recommendations for this China makeup brand: 

The Cupid Angel Eyeshadow Palette is a truly exquisite cosmetic treasurer! Adorned with delicate cupid angels and floral designs, it exudes elegance. Featuring a range of warm, peachy tones perfect for a summery glow, this palette offers a highly pigmented and buildable formula suitable for any occasion. Each shade is whimsically named after a delectable dessert, with hues like Almond Cream, Crème Brûlée, and Creamy Apricots. Plus, the long-lasting formula ensures your eyeshadow stays fresh and crease-free throughout the day.

This best Chinese makeup brand’s blush is just as to-die-for. The Cheerflor Angel Blush boasts a pigmented formula that’s very buildable. You can easily use the blush for a subtle pop of colour on your face or pack it on for rosier cheeks. The best part is how this Cheerflor blush isn’t cakey at all, so there’s no need to worry about any creasing even as you apply more blush.

12. Girlcult

Girlcult is an avant-garde Chinese brand made for Gen Zs. Their brand keywords are “weirdness, romance and adventure” – very fitting of the rebellious generation. They incorporate lots of trendy, metallic elements into their packaging, along with their sun logo. Their unique aesthetics makes them extra recognisable and will definitely stand out amongst your other makeup products. 

Our recommendations for this China makeup brand: 

The Girlcult Emo Blush gained popularity due to one peculiar shade – the invisible rosy (黑福娃). Don’t be fooled by the pitch black colour of the blush, upon swatching it you will see it magically turn into a romantic shade of wine red.

Determined to be different, they have a vast selection of shades and colours that are made to help you stand out from the crowd and be yourself. The Girlcult Unreal High Shine Lip Glaze is the epitome of dare to be different. Each colour is unique down to the shimmers, adding a touch of mystic to your look. The formula is nourishing, which ensures your lips stay moist, and it is long lasting. With a high-shine finish, it gives you an ethereal look.

13. Carslan 

Level up your makeup game with Carslan, one of China’s most luxurious domestic makeup brands. In 2021, Carslan teamed up with renowned designers, who have worked with high end brands like Dior and Hermes, to amp up their packaging design. Now, that’s something we’d definitely splurge on! This best China cosmetic brand also invests heavily in their research and development. Carslan had apparently spent years perfecting a lipstick formula in their lab. No wonder almost every Carslan product is a hit on the market!

Our recommendations for this China makeup brand: 

The Carslan Oil Control Liquid Foundation is a godsend for those with oily skin types. Infused with pure black truffle with powerful antioxidants, this featherlight matte foundation stays on flawlessly for up to 24 hours without oxidising. Psst, there’s also a moisturising version for dry skin girls!

Another hot-selling product on the Carslan Official Store is the Carslan 10 Colors Multifunctional Eyeshadow Palette. The multifunctional eyeshadow palette consists of 10 complementing colours with different textures, like matte and shimmers. How multifunctional? You might ask. It is an eyeshadow palette, a blush and a contour palette all in one. There are two palettes to choose from, one consisting of warmer colours, while the other is a cooler palette. 

14. ZEESEA

While ZEESEA may be relatively newer to the beauty scene compared to many of the best Chinese cosmetics brands here, they have quickly gained popularity across the globe. The brand has brought about a new wave of makeup trends to the market with never seen before collections. Case in point: Their Enchanting Egypt and Forbidden City collections started a makeup craze that’s anchored in history and culture! ZEESEA is therefore perfect for those who are tired of cutesy makeup products and would like to try something different.

Our recommendations for this China makeup brand: 

The ZEESEA x British Museum Egyptian Loose Powder is a popular item amongst Chinese netizens. It comes in three different finishes, velvet, glowy and matte, each giving your makeup a smooth finish. With 14 shades to choose from, you will find a suitable shade, whether you have a yellow or pink undertone. The highlight of this product is its long lasting oil control, ensuring your makeup looks fresh and flawless all day long!

Want to achieve the perfect no makeup look? Check out the ZEESEA Base Primer Cream. Depending on your skin type, whether you have dull skin, or redness, this correction primer can help correct the imperfections and brighten your skin tone instantly. The purple primer is for those with yellowish skin. Upon applying the product, you will see an instant change whereby your skin will be brighter and more pinkish. The green primer can also be used to correct any redness or blemishes. Last but not least, the beige primer is for those who have clear skin and are just looking to have a brighter, more natural base makeup.  

15. Catkin

Step into a world of oriental packaging and top quality products with Catkin. As one of the leading China cosmetic brands in the country, Catkin is a household name among C-beauty lovers. And it’s no surprise that they have over 6,000 counters alone in the domestic market! The blending of intricate Chinese motifs with European designs is what draws so many to Catkin. It has led to the creation of regal-looking makeup, like the Catkin Summer Palace collaboration, that sold out in less than 24 hours after launching! 

Our recommendations for this China makeup brand: 

Undoubtedly, the first thing you’ll have to try from this Chinese cosmetic brand is the Catkin Summer Palace Lipstick. This lipstick is the reason why the Summer Palace Collection sold out so quickly. And it’s thanks to the beautiful Chinese engravings on the lipstick! The lightweight and buildable formula to this lipstick is also a bonus. While one layer is enough for light tints, you can also go over your lips again for a bolder look. And the best part is how it’ll feel like nothing on your lips! The formula even nourishes your lips due to the presence of hydrating ingredients like jojoba seed oil and castor oil.

Be sure to also transform your complexion with the CATKIN 3-Colors Loose Finishing Powder! This magical powder trio is a game-changer for achieving flawless skin. With its vibrant blue, purple, and pink shades, you can effortlessly correct and brighten your skin tone. The blue powder cools down redness and adds a radiant glow, while the purple powder neutralises yellow undertones for a luminous finish, and the pink powder delivers a fresh, rosy touch. Lightweight and blendable, this finishing powder is your new secret weapon for a stunning, long-lasting look!

16. LEEMEMBER

LEEMEMBER is redefining the beauty game with its irresistibly charming and playful approach to makeup. Originating from a passion for merging functionality with whimsical design, LEEMEMBER has quickly become a favourite among beauty enthusiasts who appreciate a touch of fun in their cosmetic routines. This best Chinese cosmetic brand is all about blending high-quality formulas with cute, imaginative packaging that turns everyday beauty rituals into delightful experiences.

Our recommendations for this China makeup brand: 

Available in three beautiful shades—Peach, Grape, and Almond—this LEEMEMBER Milk Factory Series Powder Blusher Cream caters to a variety of skin tones and preferences. The Peach shade offers a warm, natural flush, perfect for adding a touch of sun-kissed glow. Grape provides a vibrant pop of colour that can enhance any look with a playful yet sophisticated touch. Almond delivers a more subtle, nude finish, ideal for a soft, everyday look.

Similarly, the LEEMEMBER Bica Stick Two-in-One Lip Pen is a versatile tool that combines practicality with playful design. This multifunctional pen features a lip gloss on one end and a lip liner on the other, making it an essential for those who value both convenience and style. Whether creating a precise lip line or adding a glossy finish, this lip pen proves to be a handy addition to any makeup bag.

17. Little Ondine

Little Ondine (小奥汀) made its debut in 2013 and has been captivating beauty enthusiasts ever since! With a mantra of “Express Your True Colours,” the brand is all about celebrating your unique self while diving into fun, daring makeup looks. Little Ondine transforms your beauty routine into a playground of creativity, offering innovative products that surprise and delight. From concealers to dazzling lip colours, this best Chinese cosmetics brand helps you push boundaries and discover your signature style.

Our recommendations for this China makeup brand: 

Little Ondine 2-In-1 Double End Pearlescent Highlight Natural Eyeliner has quickly become a favourite among the ladies. The pearlescent highlighter end adds a stunning, radiant glow to your brow bones and inner corners, giving you a fresh, luminous look that’s perfect for both daytime and evening. On the flip side, the natural eyeliner provides smooth, precise lines that stay put all day without smudging. The dual-ended design is incredibly convenient, making it easy to switch between highlighting and lining without needing extra tools.

On the other hand, the Little Ondine Highlighting Contour Liquid (小奥汀液体修容) excels at sculpting and enhancing facial features with its matte formula. This contour liquid blends effortlessly, allowing for precise application on areas like the nose and tear troughs. It provides a natural contour that subtly refines and highlights features, concealing imperfections with a sophisticated finish. 

18. Out Of Office

Out of Office is making waves in the beauty industry with its innovative approach to makeup, seamlessly blending practicality with high-performance results. This Chinese makeup brand is dedicated to simplifying the beauty routine while delivering exceptional results, making it an ideal choice for busy individuals who want to look their best effortlessly. 

Our recommendations for this China makeup brand: 

Their Oh Wild Liquid Blush is a perfect example of how innovative design can elevate a beauty staple. The bushy brush applicator is a game-changer—it allows for effortless, precise application that ensures an even distribution of the liquid blush. This smart design delivers quick, brightening results, giving the complexion a fresh, radiant glow that’s ideal for a natural, everyday look.

Similarly, the Out of Office Double-Ended Contour Pen is a must-have for anyone serious about contouring. With a contour shade and a highlight shade in one sleek tool, it simplifies the sculpting process. What really stands out is the pencil tip—it’s perfect for precise application, allowing for detailed contouring with ease. This design makes it incredibly easy to define and enhance your features, giving you a flawless finish with minimal effort.

19. UHUE

Drawing inspiration from the concept of GIRL POWER, UHUE blends sweetness with a touch of mystery to create a distinctive aesthetic. In addition, this Chinese cosmetics brand embraces the idea that beauty is not about choosing one path but exploring the creative tension between contrasting elements. Their innovative designs, unique craftsmanship, and meticulous product development reflect the brand’s commitment to celebrating the intrinsic elegance and feminine charm of every individual.

Our recommendations for this China makeup brand: 

The UHUE Lip Glaze 6D Mirror Lip Gloss provides a dazzling, water-like shine that enhances the lips with a high-impact, mirror-like finish. The 6D formula ensures a multidimensional gloss that not only looks stunning but also keeps the lips hydrated and plump throughout the day. It’s perfect for achieving that coveted glossy, high-shine look with a smooth application that feels as good as it looks.

For a stunning eye look, the UHUE Monochrome Eye Shadow is a must-have. This eyeshadow is crafted for easy application and smooth blending, allowing you to create a striking, shimmery finish easily. Whether opting for a delicate hint of colour or a bolder statement, their eyeshadow delivers rich, vibrant pigment that enhances any look with ease and sophistication.

20. JILL LEEN

JILL LEEN has established itself as a leading name in the beauty industry, particularly famous for its exceptional range of blushers. Since its inception, the brand has been dedicated to perfecting the art of blush, offering products that are celebrated for their quality, versatility, and performance.

Our recommendations for this China makeup brand: 

The JILL LEEN Blush collection stands out with its impressive array of 40 different colours, catering to every skin tone and personal preference. From soft, understated pinks to vibrant, caramel hues, each blush is formulated to deliver a flawless finish, enhancing the complexion with natural, radiant colour. JILL LEEN blushes are known for their lightweight, airy texture that creates a fresh, dewy glow; with a waterproof formula, it’s designed to ensure your blush remains intact and vibrant.

Complementing their blushers, the JILL LEEN Makeup Fixing Spray is an important addition for setting your look. This fixing spray helps to lock in makeup, ensuring it stays fresh and vibrant throughout the day. Consequently, it provides a seamless finish that enhances the longevity of your makeup, making it a reliable choice for maintaining a flawless appearance the entire day.

21. AKF

AKF is all about bringing vibrant colours and dynamic makeup looks to life, helping consumers recreate those cherished moments from their memories. This brand is perfectly attuned to the pulse of today’s youth, offering a diverse range of products that cater to various scenes and occasions. With a fast-evolving product lineup, this best Chinese cosmetics brand stays in sync with the ever-changing tastes of younger consumers.

Our recommendations for this China makeup brand: 

For a flawless base, the AKF Isolation Cream Primer offers an excellent starting point. This AKF primer is available in two distinct colours to address different skin concerns. The bright purple primer is perfect for brightening dark or yellow-toned skin, giving it a luminous and even appearance. The green primer, on the other hand, is designed to neutralise redness and create a more balanced complexion. Both options ensure a well-prepped canvas, enhancing makeup application and providing a radiant, fresh look.

On top of that, the AKF Long-Lasting Oil-Control Setting Powder is a staple for anyone looking to maintain a flawless finish throughout the day. Infused with jojoba seed oil and macadamia seed oil, this AKF loose powder not only controls excess oil but also provides a nourishing touch. Enriched with Vitamin E, it helps to prevent breakouts and clogged pores, ensuring a clear, smooth finish. 

22. JOOCYEE

JOOCYEE views cosmetics not just as everyday essentials but as an extension of fashion and an embodiment of life’s art and aesthetics. By blending practicality with artistic design, JOOCYEE aims to create trendy, high-quality “designer cosmetics” that go beyond the basics.

Our recommendations for this China makeup brand: 

The JOOCYEE Essence Lotion Pad is a testament to this philosophy. Designed for deep hydration, these toner pads provide a moisturising boost without leaving any dryness behind. Infused with collagen, they help to plump and rejuvenate the skin, making them an essential part of a skincare routine that promotes a healthy, glowing complexion.

The JOOCYEE Glazed Rouge Water Gloss Lipstick takes lip colour to the next level with its long-lasting formula. This JOOCYEE lipstick not only delivers a stunning, glossy finish but also features a formula that hides lip lines and doesn’t stain, ensuring a vibrant look throughout the day. It’s perfect for achieving a flawless, attention-grabbing pout that remains fresh and beautiful from morning to night.

23. INTO YOU

INTO YOU is a trailblazer in the makeup industry, celebrated for its innovative approach, particularly with its unique lip textures. The brand’s signature Lip Mud stands out from traditional velvet lipsticks with its solid texture that provides full coverage. Unlike other formulas, INTO YOU lip mud offers a smooth, silky feel and a non-greasy matte finish, delivering a surprisingly pleasant experience.

Our recommendations for this China makeup brand: 

Furthermore, the INTO YOU Air Lip Mud works wonders on both your lips and cheeks. It glides on effortlessly, delivering a flawless matte finish that stays put without any sticky residue. It’s the perfect addition to your beauty routine for a polished, refined look!

Another gem from this Chinese cosmetics brand is the INTO YOU x POP MART x POP BEAN Air Cushion Powder Blusher. This POP MART collaboration brings a playful twist to makeup with its monochrome matte rouge. The air-cushion formula delivers a lightweight, buildable colour that enhances the cheeks with a soft, natural flush, perfect for a sophisticated and youthful appearance.

Why is there a rise in China makeup brands?

One might think that the pandemic may have affected consumers’ desire to wear makeup under the mask. However, that’s not the case for the Chinese beauty market. These Chinese makeup brands have been booming ever since the outbreak. China makeup brands are growing in popularity in both the domestic and international beauty scenes and there are a few reasons for that. In comparison to western, Japanese and Korean cosmetics, China cosmetic brands are offering their products at affordable prices – all without scrimping on quality or aesthetics. 

In addition, many of these brands are investing heavily in popular brand ambassadors like Troye Sivan, Du Juan and Justin Huang while engaging key opinion leaders with strong following. Think Li Jiaqi, the renowned Lipstick King with 40 million fans on Douyin (China’s version of TikTok). It’s no wonder beautyholics of all ages are getting to know about these makeup brands in China! 

Chinese brands also use an aggressive strategy called co-branding to target consumers who are loyal to other brands. For example, ZEESEA has worked with the British Museum for their  Egyptian collection, while Colourkey launched an adorable Barbie collection last year, with popular C-pop artist Sherry Kong as the ambassador. These co-branding launches never fail to impress with their stellar product presentation, thus catching the attention of makeup addicts all over the world.

Are Chinese makeup brands safe to use?

Before hopping on the bandwagon, it’s important to know if the beauty products you’re using are safe for your body. While each product and brand can use different ingredients, you should always do some research before applying anything on your skin. This applies to any Korean, Japanese, western or Chinese makeup and skincare products.

When it comes to shopping from China makeup brands, we suggest patronising well-established brands that have passed the safety assessment by China’s Cosmetics Supervision and Administration Regulation (CSAR). Most of these best Chinese cosmetics brands will feature safety certificates on their websites. It’s also worth contacting the brand directly for more information if you can’t find the safety certificates.

Are Chinese makeup brands cruelty-free?

Wondering if these best Chinese makeup brands are cruelty-free? According to Humane Society International (HSI), China makeup brands manufacturing “ordinary” cosmetics (makeup, skincare, hair care, nail polish and perfumes) are no longer required to provide samples of new products for animal-testing from 2014. Instead, they are allowed to conduct their own product risk assessment or any non-animal test methods that are internationally recognised. However, it is worth noting that although animal testing is no longer required, it is still legal and not banned in China. In addition, special cosmetics (sunscreen, hair dyes, hair perm solutions, anti-hair loss products, whitening products and cosmetics created based on new innovations) are still required to go through animal testing.

Achieve a new glow with these best Chinese beauty brands

These underrated best cosmetics brands in China are your answers to affordable beauty products with holy grail standards. Continue to ride the C-wave with the most popular Chinese dramas and best Chinese variety shows featuring your favourite mainland actors and actresses. You can also have a taste of China’s vibrant food culture when you munch on these yummy Chinese snacks! 

This article was updated on 11 Sep 2024. Additional research done by Shermyn Tan.