Here’s the thing. You won’t find the products that Chinese makeup lovers truly swear by on social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok. Chinese beauty influencers often share their makeup secrets on Rednote (also known as Xiaohongshu or XHS), and if you’re not tuned in, you’re missing out!
While you may be familiar with popular Chinese beauty brands like Judydoll, Florasis and Flower Knows, there are countless cosmetics brands lesser known in the Western world that are currently thriving in China. Keep reading for the scoop!
OUT-OF-OFFICE – Contour & Highlight Duo Pencil
If K-Beauty reigns supreme in lip tints, C-Beauty dominates in all things contour – just look at the perfectly sculpted faces all over Douyin to know what’s up. That’s why I didn’t have a shred of doubt when I saw this highlighter and contour pencil going viral on Rednote. Soft, creamy and blendable, the thick dual-ended pencil is a portable must-have in your makeup bag for contouring over foundation and bare skin alike.
PUCO – Cheek Balm
I was a little skeptical about this blush at first as it appears to leave such a sheer finish, but don’t be fooled – Chinese pro-makeup artists love using the salmon pink shade #SS01 to neutralize dark circles and give cheeks a plump, lively appearance. Apply just under the eyes to achieve innocent vibes. If you’re inspired by the “drunken blush” looks seen in the Igari makeup trend, PUCO’s Cheek Balm is the perfect choice for you.
Girls Crush – Watery Velvet Liquid Concealer
Looking to brighten up dull circles and sallow skin? Add this Rednote-certified secret weapon to your everyday makeup collection. Creamy, lightweight and blendable, the liquid concealer also acts as a subtle highlighter to bring out your inner radiance. Suitable for all skin types, the medium-coverage formula leaves a matte and crease-free finish.
CHIOTURE – Dual-Ended Eyebrow Pen & Eyebrow Tint
If you’re familiar with the Douyin makeup look, you’ll know that fluffy brows are a must-have. This Dual-Ended Eyebrow Pen & Eyebrow Tint covers all your bases: a sharp triangle-shaped brow pencil to draw each brow hair with seamless precision, and a subtle brow tint to blend and pull the look together. Full, soft brows are just a few strokes away!
JILL LEEN – 2 in 1 Contour Palette
Chinese beauty brands are known for being affordable, but JILL LEEN’s products stand out even amongst these budget gems. If you look up beginner-friendly and budget-friendly makeup guides on Rednote, this 2-in-1 Contour Palette shows up on most of them, speaking to its attractive price point and even more attractive formula. It contains two matching shades to finely highlight and contour the face with a seamless and natural finish.
RED CHAMBER – New Haruki Multi-Purpose Cream
Popular amongst Chinese MUAs for its versatility, the RED CHAMBER New Haruki Multi-Purpose Cream is small and compact but full of potential. The easy-to-apply balm formula can be blended with a brush or simply your fingers, leaving a blurry semi-matte finish that lasts all day. Use as you please on your lips, cheeks and eyes. Influencers suggest using it as finishing touches to pull the color palette of your look all together.
It comes in a wide range of shades, so you can find one that fits your undertone to a tee. Is the thought of choosing from almost two dozen colors giving you decision fatigue? Here’s the XHS-approved lowdown: C401 Lekui is a perfect neutral rose shade, C301 Chumei is a gorgeous deep pink, and C302 Liben is an effortlessly chic cool-tone shade.
AKF – Velvet Lip Mud
Can’t get enough budget-friendly goodies to fill your shopping cart? Add this cult-favorite from AKF to your next haul! Striking the perfect balance between matte and glossy lip products, the Velvet Lip Mud delivers a stunning semi-matte finish that blends effortlessly without drying out your lips. Rednote users love M16# Peach Tea, a warm rosy MLBB shade.
Mooekiss – Dual Effect Essence Lip Gloss
Chinese beauty influencers are raving about Mooekiss’s high-shine, high-pigment and totally transfer-proof formula and, well, consider me influenced. This dual-ended product features a vibrant matte lip tint on one side and a shiny lip gloss on the other. The lip gloss is what seals the deal, as it forms a non-drying film that stays budge-proof all day, even after eating and drinking.
