Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with an AAPI Founder Haul

I had such a bonding moment with my mother-in-law when we realized neither of us had our ears pierced. She was astounded by how real my mini hoops looked — so of course I took them off and gave them to her. And then she immediately ordered us four more pairs (including these gorgeous pearl ones and more mini hoops). Aiori’s clip-ons are so comfortable (and secure) and best of all, they don’t scream “clip-on” like the chunky, painful pairs I tried to wear in high school. In this trio, the mini hoops are delicate and close with a sliding spring, while the chunkier huggies use a mosquito coil, and the larger gold hoops have invisible (clear) resin that camouflages with your ear.

As a double cleansing fiend, I so appreciate the spray delivery system for this oil that reduces the amount of product I waste. It also manages to cover my entire face evenly (even that pesky under-eye area). This formula uses blue agave and rosewater extracts to soothe and quench skin.

Rachel and Jiyoon Han — the mother-daughter team behind Bean & Bean — are both Q Arabica Graders (AKA the sommeliers of coffee), so you know you’re in good hands when ordering one of their bundles or subscriptions. This quartet includes Downtown Blend, Peru, Indonesia, and a last surprise coffee. You can choose from nine grind types including whole bean, French press, Chemex, Moka Pot, and more. Visit Bean & Bean at one of their four locations in NYC or NJ.

Everyone loves Dieux’s eye masks, but their (back in stock) eye serum is equally life-changing. The super gentle formula plumps and hydrates with biotechnology-derived algae polysaccharides that visibly reduce the appearance of dark circles. Don’t forget to apply it to your lids, too!

I’m a long-time fan of SEREE’s designs (see my LNY roundup featuring their Year of the Dragon necklace) and so excited to include this natural agate flower necklace. The delicate gold-plated chain is the perfect complement to the red, cherry blossom-reminiscent pendant. Seree does both dainty and chunky so well and this piece marries the two in perfect harmony.

Hyaluronic acid fans will rejoice when they see the ingredient list on this hydrating fluid: It contains no fewer than five molecular weights of our beloved HA. The combination of weights serves to help with below-the-surface hydration. I loved how rejuvenated my skin felt after use — it’s like a gulp of ice-cold water for your face.

When it comes to skincare from AAPI founders, there’s an embarrassment of riches to choose from. The products in David Yi’s good light collection are gentle but oh-so effective — and they have the best names. The Cosmic Dew Water Cleanser is a gel-to-foam formula perfect for light, heavy, and no makeup days, and the Order of the Eclipse Hyaluronic Cream is the perfect follow-up: a drenching, hyper-restoring moisturizer.

Incense immediately sets a zen mood and calming atmosphere. There are no arguments in a room with incense burning. This bundle includes three scents (Still, Halcyon, and Enlighten) with 40 sticks each. As soon as you light one, you’ll feel more intentional.

My new go-to hostess gift is this cozy dopamine decor throw that you’ll want to cuddle up with at all hours of the day. With four colorful designs to choose from, you can stock up and distribute as needed. If you’re feeling especially generous, you can spring for the matching pillow covers ($65).

If you suffer from uneven pigmentation, this melamorin-powered serum can help target dark spots from acne scarring. Melamorin is extracted from morus root, which comes from the mulberry plant. Unlike many dark spot serums, this formula does not have a sticky after-feel — it leaves skin feeling silky.

Kulf is best known for its waterproof Kajal liner, but its blush should receive equally vocal praise. The pigments blend seamlessly into skin and I love how the richness is buildable. The Sandalwood Swirls color is my favorite because the rosy brown complements the undertone of my skin. In honor of AAPI Heritage month, during May Kulfi will donate 5% of proceeds from all Kajal eyeliner sales to Sad Girls Club, a nonprofit providing mental health resources to young women of color.