Cover David Yi is the founder of Good Light Cosmetics and an advocate of LGBTQ+ visibility (Photo: Instagram/@seoulcialite)

Here for queer and love beauty? From KimChi Chic Beauty to Patrick Ta Beauty, here is how you can be an ally for Pride month and beyond

June is Pride month, and what better way to celebrate than by supporting queer-owned businesses? While many people hop on the “rainbow train” temporarily to express their support, one of the more tangible ways to be a consistent ally is to contribute to companies with roots firmly in the LGBTQ+ community.

For many people in this community, beauty and make-up is a form of self-expression and a way to celebrate their identity. It’s hardly surprising then that more and more beauty brands are being founded by queer people and their allies. And, for a double dose of inclusivity, we have rounded up businesses run, not only by queer people but, by queer people of Asian descent.

Here are five make-up and skincare brands owned by Asian and queer founders to shop and support all year round.

Read more: 5 impactful beauty brands owned by Asian women you should know

1. Good Light

Good Light is a gender-inclusive skincare brand founded by Korean American author and advocate, David Yi. Besides his devotion to fight for LGBTQ+ rights, Yi is also committed to addressing social issues, and one of the ways his brand pitches in is by donating 1 per cent of sales to True Colors United—an NGO that helps homeless LGTBQ+ youth in the US.

Yi also ensures Good Light’s products prioritise clean formulas. The brand steers clear of harmful ingredients such as parabens, mercury and microbeads. Instead, it uses plant-based ingredients. For example, seaweed for hydration in its Cosmic Dew Water Cleanser and meadowfoam seed extract for its inflammatory properties in its Moon Glow Milky Toning Lotion.

2. Patrick Ta Beauty

As one of Hollywood’s top make-up artists, Patrick Ta calls the likes of Gigi Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski among his clients and is known for creating the dewiest of looks. If you want to recreate those glowy looks, simply look to Ta’s eponymous cosmetics brand, which was founded in 2019 and offers a portfolio of products perfect for the dewy aesthetic. A fan favourite is his Major Glow Balm, a moisturising gloss that can be used on the face or body for an iridescent glow.

The Vietnamese American artist credits much of his success to his mother, sister and female friends, who accepted his sexuality early on, which gave him a safe space in which to experiment with make-up and eventually pursue it professionally.

In case you missed it: Pro tips from make-up artists you need to know now

3. Tanaïs

As a Bangladeshi American, Muslim, queer, femme person, Tanaïs juggles many identities, all of which are celebrated through their US-based eponymous beauty and fragrance brand.

Founded in 2021, the label provides a channel for Tanaïs to express their memories through fragrance, beauty and lifestyle products. Take, for instance, the In Sensorium perfume, which contains notes associated with Bangladesh, such as nutmeg, saffron, Mysore sandalwood and attar, an aromatic oil of Middle Eastern origin. With Tanaïs, you can celebrate sensuality and South Asian heritage.

4. Allies of Skin

Founded by Singaporean entrepreneur Nicolas Travis, Allies of Skin provides clean and cruelty-free skincare solutions to help all people, regardless of gender identity, to feel empowered in their own skin.

The brand’s ethos is a reflection Travis’s own skincare journey and struggles with severe acne while growing up, and his desire to launch a skincare line that gives people good skin and the confidence that comes with it. Today, celebrities like Henry Golding and Liv Lo swear by his bestselling products such as the CE15 Bakuchiol Firming Oil and the Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream—even incorporating them in their skin preparation routine for big nights such as the Met Gala.

5. KimChi Chic Beauty

Korean American LGBTQ+ advocate and drag queen Kim Chi is an established name in showbiz, and even a finalist on RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2016. Soon after finding widespread fame on the reality television competition, she launched her own make-up line KimChi Chic Beauty.

For Kim Chi, “[the] face is a canvas to create art”, and that means for everyone. Her brand KimChi Chic Beauty provides base products in 40 shades with various undertones, colourful eyeshadow palettes and heart-shaped blushes to help anyone create any look, including the larger-than-life looks that Kim Chi is known for.

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