11 of the best Asian-Canadian fashion & beauty brands you need to know — Blume, Three Ships, Monos and more
May is Asian Heritage Month. If you're looking to support Canadian Asian beauty and fashion brands, we're here to help.
Some of these brands are in the early stages, while others have already carved out a space in their industry. But what unites them all is their bold missions and dedication to sharing their stories with the world.
Whether you're looking for a new beauty staple or chic workwear, each brand on our curated list offers something special. Not what you're looking for?
Founded in 1999 by four women of South Asian descent, Vasanti Cosmetics was born from a shared struggle — finding products that looked good for their skin tones. They set out to create a beauty brand that embraces all skin colours and types, ensuring representation and inclusiveness for beauty lovers.
Recommendation: The Sun's Up! Tinted Mineral Sunscreen is a new SPF launch that works as both a sunscreen and anti-dark spot cream to fade spots overtime.
Co-founded by Connie Lo and Laura Burget in 2017, Three Ships is all about keeping things natural. Made with science-backed and sustainably-sourced ingredients, every product is a reflection of the founders' vision for clean, effective and affordable skincare. Plus, it's proudly made in Canada.
Recommendation: The Radiance Ultra-Hydrating Cream is lightweight, non-greasy and offers all-day hydration.
Sisters Bunny and Taran Ghatrora founded Blume in 2018 because of their personal journeys with acne-prone skin. Their goal? Gentle and effective products to make women young women feel comfortable in their own skin.
Recommendation: Blume's most recent launch, the Toffee Tripeptide-1 Lip Tint, delivers all-day hydration with a dash of colour.
Lisa Mattam launched Sahajan in 2015 after a moment of clarity: if she wouldn't use harsh ingredients on her daughter's skin, why would she use it on her own? Sahajan blends Ayurvedic beauty principles with modern science using clean, natural ingredients.
Recommendation: The Ayurvedic Blend Nourish Crème Riche is a cream that targets dryness and fine lines. It works to nourish the skin while brightening it with triphala.
Founded in 2010 by husband-wife duo Arjuna Thiagarajah and Min Kang, Oak + Fort is a minimal fashion brand created with the idea that style doesn't have to come with a steep price. You'll find high-quality, sustainable pieces that are chic and affordable.
Recommendation: This timeless cardigan is a great piece for transitional weather.
Launched in 2018 by a group of childhood friends who love to travel, Monos is a high-end luggage brand built with mindful travel in mind. They offer sleek, minimal designs that are made to last.
Recommendation: The brand's latest addition is the Gesso tote bag made out of 100 per cent cotton canvas. It's spacious and works great as a carry-on travel bag.
Two long-time friends came together to create Frank And Oak in 2012, with the goal of creating durable and quality pieces at a fair price point. Unfortunately, the brand recently announced they're closing their doors — but there are still some great deals to snag.
Recommendation: The Amelia Balloon Pants are chic and effortless, making them a versatile option to take from meetings to post-work cocktails.
When a group of friends from Vancouver found themselves always dealing with wet socks, they were compelled to create Vessi in 2018. The innovative brand features 100 per cent waterproof shoes made from a knit fabric that's soft, flexible and lightweight.
Recommendation: The Market Flat is a sleek loafer-style shoe that is fashionable and functional.
Silk & Snow, a premium sleep and bedding brand, was started in 2017 by two friends inspired by sustainability and comfort.
Recommendation: The Muslin Blankets and Bedding products are gentle and lightweight, making them a great bedding option for summer.
This trending beauty brand was founded in 2024 by Matthew Celestial to challenge the busy and burnt out mindset with a moment of self recovery through skincare — all while championing representation for all skin tones and types.
Recommendation: The Quantum Mud Mask purifies, exfoliates and moisturizes the skin, leaving you with a glowing complexion.
Ghlee was created in 2018 when brother and sister duo Varun and Arati Sharma realized how ghee could combat harsh Canadian winters. It's the first ghee-based beauty brand that blends traditional South Asian remedies with a modern approach.
Recommendation: This popular lip mask is made from ghee, olive squalane and kahai oil to hydrate and sooth dry, cracked lips.
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Buzz Feed
30-05-2025
- Buzz Feed
South Asians On Hollywood Scandinavian Scarf Trend
Note: This post is an Op-Ed and shares the author's personal views. Suppose you've been browsing TikTok looking for inspiration on what to wear to your friend's upcoming garden wedding. If so, you've probably noticed one particular item has been making the rounds on everyone's vision board for the season. Stroll through any women's clothing store and you'll spot it. Every celebrity was wearing it at award shows, and it looks like it's the accessory of the summer. I'm of course referring to those fab little chiffon scarves that the girlies have been draping around their necks. So chic, they've almost been impossible to escape. But if you have a South Asian friend, you might have had to sit through a rant or two on FaceTime where they tiredly explained their frustration with this particular accessory. My friends sure have had to put up with a couple of vent sessions over the past months. But you might be wondering what the actual issue is, if there's any at all. A little background for those who might need it: if your feed looks different to mine, you might have missed the discussion around the ironically named 'Scandinavian Scarf' micro-trend. The discourse has permeated the online cultural zeitgeist of the South Asian community over the past year, and it's been rampant. In case you missed it, here's the rundown. In a since-deleted TikTok video, the Bipty employee attempted to describe the style of sheer scarf worn as a shawl, saying it was 'very European and effortlessly chic.' While some agreed, the video was quickly spread in South Asian circles online, where viewers instantly recognized the style as something pretty distinctly Desi. In South Asian women's cultural clothing, more often than not, a scarf will be worn. This scarf, called a dupatta or a chunni, is a very prominent feature of traditional dress. It dates back literally thousands of years to the Indus Valley civilization, which was around during the Bronze Age. So it's not exactly something new. To this day, dupattas are worn by South Asian women, both in cultural clothing and in everyday life. You'll find them everywhere from Bollywood movies to Naani's wardrobe. They symbolize a lot of different things to a lot of different people, but it's a pretty distinctive marker that ties the community together. At least, that's what it means to me. After the original video went viral, Bipty founder Natalia Ohanesian took to social media to apologize for her employee's actions. 'The fashion aesthetic my teammate was fawning over in that video is very clearly not European,' she said. 'I understand the deeper conversations of cultural appropriation and all of the hurt that comes from these conversations.' 'I'm seeing this as an opportunity to really enrich Bipty's community, so thank you,' she continued. 'We are very sorry to the South Asian communities that were offended.' The video is currently unavailable as of May 2025, and it looks like Bipty has removed their TikTok presence entirely. Since last summer, South Asians online have been poking fun at the 'Scandinavian Scarf' trend and have been using it as an excuse to post themselves in their gorgeous cultural clothing. As they should. But despite awareness of the issue online, the scarf trend has only grown in popularity. Last year, during awards season, we saw a number of celebrities donning a scarf around the neck, and this year was no different. I counted 7 at this year's Oscars alone before I got bored and stopped counting. The style was sported at the SAG Awards, the Gotham Awards, the White House Correspondents' Dinner, and pretty much everywhere else you can think of. Now, I definitely can't claim that there's anything inherently wrong with wearing a floaty piece of fabric around your neck. A number of fashion outlets covered the trend and credited it to certain 'Old Hollywood' moments: most notably Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Grace Kelly in To Catch a Thief, and Princess Diana at Cannes in 1987. While all of these are instances of the style being a Hollywood staple for a while, it's not hard to imagine how the '50s look gained popularity in the West, especially considering that India only gained independence from British rule in 1947. So gems and spices were probably not the only things the Brits took home. Many brands have also been getting a ton of flak for now selling pieces that look distinctly South Asian. Reformation, VRG GRL, and Oh Polly are among the labels that have faced criticism for their recent designs. The Oh Polly one was kind of my favorite, because in what world is that not a sharara? South Asians online have had varying reactions, but the overarching feeling is definitely one of dislike. Some creators have declared that all they want is credit, and that it's fine to wear South Asian inspired pieces as long as they are referred to by the correct cultural names. However, I feel like I'm getting flashbacks to Coachella 2015 when I was fighting for my life on Tumblr, arguing that no, it wasn't okay to wear a bindi and a tikka, yes, even if you were Vanessa Hudgens. As for me, I am of the camp that if you can't pronounce dupatta, there's no reason that you should be wearing one. However, I can't even bring myself to care that much. We really have bigger issues to focus on as a community right now. Have you seen the turmoil that our countries are going through back home? What I'm feeling is exhaustion. After years of the same arguments getting hashed out over and over again, my gut response is just fine, screw it. You win. Wear whatever you want. But I'm also exhausted because I know exactly how this is going to end. The most frustrating part about seeing your culture get co-opted for the trend of the week is knowing that it's on a time limit. With how fast micro-trends run in and out of the social sphere, it's now a matter of minutes before something goes out of fashion. In a year or two, people will look back and laugh about how everyone and their mother were wearing a neck scarf in 2025, and how they wouldn't be caught dead in one now. Meanwhile, my family and I will still be wearing dupattas on Eid, because that's what we do every year. But God forbid I wear one in public, lest someone think I'm following a dead trend. The very idea. Up until literally this year, long, decorated nail extensions were everywhere. Stiletto acrylics were so common that it really seemed like people forgot the origin — which was Black women from the early '90s onwards. At the time, the style was looked down upon as 'ghetto,' but as always, it was adopted by non-Black folks a couple of years on. But now, it seems like it's run its course, as many online creators have been talking about how short, nude nails are here to stay. Now, long nails are outdated. Another cultural look, taken and discarded with little remorse. We can't control trends. I certainly participate in them. And I can't really fault anyone for wanting to wear a scarf around their neck with a pretty dress. It's cute, I get it. But it's tiring, knowing the outcome. Knowing that when something is in, it's in. And when it's out, it's unthinkable. We're not able to change that. But if you see me wearing a scarf with a dress in five or ten years, at least don't act surprised. Check out more AAPI-centered content by exploring how BuzzFeed celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month! Of course, the content doesn't end after May. Follow BuzzFeed's A*Pop on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to keep up with our latest AAPI content year-round.
Washington Post
29-05-2025
- Washington Post
Ask Sahaj: I've never felt worthy of love or attention. How can I start?
Hi Sahaj! I'm 26 years old and ethnically South Asian. I've never really felt worthy of love or attention — romantic or otherwise. Growing up, I didn't feel like I deserved hobbies or interests just for my own enjoyment, and now as an adult, I struggle with prioritizing myself. I'd love to dive into painting, pottery, going to coffee shops or just spending relaxing afternoons at the park (stuff that genuinely brings me joy), but I have a constant fear of doing those things. I can't understand why. I've always put other people's needs above mine, to the point where I feel like I don't even know how to center myself in my own life. I wonder if this is common for women of color? Maybe it's rooted in some deeper cultural or societal messaging I've internalized? At this age, it's starting to weigh on me that I've never been pursued romantically. I've never experienced the warmth and affection of romantic love. Seeing everyone around me enjoying supportive relationships makes me feel incredibly lonely and somehow 'lesser-than.' Deep down, there's a fear I'm unattractive and undeserving because I don't fit into the White, Eurocentric beauty standards that dominate the culture around me. It's making me question my own worth in ways that hurt deeply. How can I begin to believe I deserve love, hobbies and happiness? How can I learn to genuinely love myself and see myself as deserving of being at the center of my own life, especially when the messages around me seem to suggest otherwise? — What About Me? What About Me?: You have been performing 'excellence' as a survival strategy. You may have been taught, implicitly or explicitly, that you owe your family success, stability and credibility in exchange for their sacrifices. This isn't uncommon in South Asian families and in immigrant families more broadly. Over time, this pursuit of excellence becomes entangled with your sense of self-worth. 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Joy is a form of healing, and quite honestly, it's an act of rebellion and resistance. You're not 'wasting time' when you go to a coffee shop or paint for an afternoon; you're rewriting the story that your worth comes from labor or self-sacrifice. I understand this can feel uncomfortable, but start small. Spend 10 minutes once a week sketching, or have a goal to go to one coffee shop in the next two weeks and do nothing except people-watch. It will be so important for you to slowly infuse this joy and creativity into your life; otherwise, you will never do it. Consider bringing a friend or accountability partner along for a pottery class, or journal as you go to process how this feels and what you are unlearning/learning about yourself along the way. Doing more of what you want will also allow you to see yourself in a more positive light. 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I don't believe you need to love yourself to be loved by others; after all, relationships can actually give us agency to discover self-love. So while you wait for romantic love, pursue reparative relationships — where you feel safe, seen and can practice being vulnerable — in friendships and with strangers. Get to know that barista at the local coffee shop you're going to visit. Practice showing up in your fullness. Love that aligns with who you are will come when it comes. And it will not make you more whole; it will simply meet you where you already are. You're not 'less than' for not having had that yet. You're simply waiting for someone who can hold the fullness of your being, which you are just now learning to reclaim for yourself. Let the romantic loneliness remind you that you crave connection not because you're lacking, but because you were made for it. You ask how you can truly believe you deserve love, hobbies and happiness. The truth is: You don't 'convince' yourself. 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Time Business News
24-05-2025
- Time Business News
What Is Oud Hindi? Everything You Need to Know
If you've ever explored the world of fragrances, you've likely heard about Oud Hindi—a luxurious and mysterious scent that has captured the hearts of many perfume lovers worldwide. But what exactly is Oud Hindi, and why is it so highly prized? Whether you're a seasoned oud enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this guide covers everything you need to know about this exquisite aroma. Oud Hindi traces its roots back centuries, deeply embedded in South Asian culture, especially in India and Pakistan. Traditionally used in royal courts and spiritual ceremonies, oud was treasured not only for its captivating scent but also for its symbolic meaning of purity and luxury. Over time, the demand for oud grew globally, making Oud Hindi one of the most sought-after fragrance oils today. Unlike other types of oud, Oud Hindi carries a distinct, rich, and complex aroma profile. It combines woody, smoky, and slightly sweet undertones that create a mesmerizing fragrance. This unique composition differentiates it from other regional oud, like Cambodian or Malaysian oud, making it a favorite among oud connoisseurs. Oud Hindi comes from the resinous heartwood of the Aquilaria tree, which grows primarily in India. When this tree is infected by a particular mold, it produces a dark, fragrant resin that is harvested carefully. The extraction of oud oil is a meticulous process involving steam distillation or solvent extraction, resulting in the highly concentrated essence known as Oud Hindi. You'll find Oud Hindi in various forms: Pure Oud Oil: The most concentrated and expensive form, used sparingly. The most concentrated and expensive form, used sparingly. Oud Attar: A blend of oud oil with carrier oils, perfect for daily wear. A blend of oud oil with carrier oils, perfect for daily wear. Hindi Oud Perfume: Modern fragrances that incorporate oud notes for a lasting scent. From personal grooming to religious ceremonies, Oud Hindi serves multiple purposes: It is a luxurious fragrance that enhances personal charm. Used in spiritual rituals to purify spaces. Many believe it offers aromatherapy benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety. In the world of perfumery, Hindi oud perfume is a symbol of sophistication. Brands use Oud Hindi as a key ingredient in high-end fragrances, often blending it with floral, citrus, or spicy notes to create balanced and alluring scents. Whether for men or women, oud perfumes add depth and longevity that few other scents can match. When it comes to purchasing authentic Oud Hindi, UsmanBaig is a name that resonates with quality and trust. Known for offering genuine oud products, UsmanBaig ensures that customers receive pure oils and attars without any adulteration, making it a top choice for buyers in Pakistan and beyond. The price of Oud Hindi in Pakistan varies depending on purity, concentration, and packaging. Factors like sourcing, extraction methods, and brand reputation also influence pricing. To avoid counterfeit products, it's important to buy from trusted sellers such as UsmanBaig or verified fragrance stores. To spot authentic Oud Hindi: Check the scent: Genuine oud is complex and rich, not harsh or overly sweet. Look for purity indicators: Real oud oil should mix smoothly with carrier oils. Avoid suspiciously cheap products—quality oud comes at a price. Proper care extends the life of your Oud Hindi products: Store in cool, dark places away from sunlight. Keep containers tightly sealed to preserve aroma. Use a small amount to avoid wastage, as oud is highly concentrated. Beyond its enchanting fragrance, Oud Hindi offers several benefits: It can uplift mood and create a calming environment. Wearing oud can boost confidence and leave a memorable impression. It holds cultural significance, connecting wearers with tradition and heritage. Anyone looking to add a touch of elegance and mystique to their scent collection can benefit from Oud Hindi. It's ideal for special occasions, gifting, or everyday use for those who appreciate rich, woody perfumes. Oud Hindi stands as a timeless fragrance that combines nature's mystery with cultural richness. From its ancient roots to modern perfume bottles, it continues to enchant and inspire. Whether you're exploring oud for the first time or seeking a high-quality product, understanding the essence and value of Oud Hindi will help you make an informed choice. Trust brands like UsmanBaig for authenticity and embrace the luxurious world of oud with confidence. Q1: What is the main difference between Oud Hindi and other types of oud? A1: Oud Hindi is known for its rich, complex, and slightly sweet woody aroma, distinguishing it from other regional ouds that may be more smoky or resinous. Q2: Can Oud Hindi be used daily? A2: Yes, especially in attar form which is diluted with carrier oils, making it suitable for everyday wear. Q3: How to ensure the Oud Hindi I buy is genuine? A3: Purchase from trusted sellers like UsmanBaig, check the scent complexity, and avoid suspiciously low prices. Q4: Is Oud Hindi suitable for both men and women? A4: Absolutely, oud perfumes are generally unisex and loved by people of all genders. Q5: What are the spiritual benefits of using Oud Hindi? A5: It is believed to purify the mind, reduce stress, and create a peaceful atmosphere during meditation or prayer. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
