Today’s a public holiday here in Malaysia where I’m based (in case anyone has missed that LOL!) because its our National Day or Independance Day. And in the spirit of patriotism here are some brands which are homegrown and the noteworthy items I have tried from them (in no particular order).
Do note however, that there are many more brands out there that are Malaysian owned but I haven’t tried them all. There are also a couple of brands which I have nothing very nice to say so I won’t 
If you know of more noteworthy local brands or products, do leave your comment in the comment box below! 
Beautilicious Cosmetics
The brand seems to have quietened down a little since it was launched. I’m still using the Arch it Right Brow Kit (for the awesome tweezers and brow powders) and the Magic Spell Auto Eyeliner, both of which are definitely worth taking a look into. Also consider the eyeshadow palettes – Alyssa and Smoke Gets in your Eyes are surefire recommendations from me. View availability here.
Silkygirl Cosmetics
The name is a little kiddy and so is the image, but there are a couple of hidden gems in there. The Moisture Max lipgloss isn’t bad for something that affordable, and the Funky Eyeliner pencils deserve a worthy mention.
Stage Cosmetics
Stage is a little hit and miss. I absolutely adore the Burlesque Ball collection from last year. The Gossip eyeshadow palette serves me very well till today (and I always seem to get compliments when I use it) and the Stage Wondergloss is one of the few lipglosses I like and use often. I’m also feeling the love for the Wonderlust lipsticks which I haven’t reviewed yet but which I like for being smooth and not drying, and if you like nail polish, the nail polish in Pretty and Gorgeous isn’t bad.
Isn’t it interesting how they are all called something cosmetics? We aren’t lacking in skincare brands too. Some of which have even captured the imagination of foreign bloggers (see the feature on Ginvera Marvel Gel on Lipglossiping).
Cellnique
I liked the Bio Renewal mask that smells of pineapples, Sebum Gel that helps keep blackheads at bay and Intensive Hydrating Complex for its hydrating qualities. And so do many others apparently. Yes, this is a Malaysian company if you didn’t know that already
Esmeria
The Intensive Body Cream is the sole product I have tried, and I liked it tremendously. That’s not all bad from a homegrown natural product brand I’ll be keeping an eye on this brand in time to come when they get their EcoCert and go organic.
Handmade Soaps and body washes
There are 2 brands I have tried and liked for handmade soaps and body washes – Indochine Naturals and Soapy. Both are based locally yay!
IDI Italy 1858
The company is Malaysian but the products are manufactured with research from Italy. Notable items are the sunscreen and the MultiAction Mask which gets the thumbs up from hypersensitive skins!
In the main, most local brands are relatively inexpensive and affordable for the majority, which is great if they work well or well enough
Over to you. Have you found anything you liked from local cosmetics brands?
Paris B
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[ 30 comments… read them below or join the discussion ]
Twitter: Hannyinefmor
August 31, 2010 at 9:13 am
I’m currently using Stage’s concealer, the one in the squeezy tube ^.^ It works great, and the thing is: I only got it for RM 18!! MUAHAHAHAHA ^.^
Haven’t tried that but read that its pretty good – RM18 is a great price!
O.o I didn’t know Stage cosmetics were Malaysian! I thought they were American or something! Lol! Good job Malaysia! You’re awesome enough to come with make up and skin care that can fool people! *no sarcasm here* =) Seriously…I’m still “wowed” And Stage always seemed like an high-end brand for me O.o
Haha yeah Stage is Malaysian – not bad eh?
Twitter: lipglosseater
August 31, 2010 at 10:03 am
Happy Merdeka Paris!!
Out of the brands you’ve mentioned, i’ve only tried out Silkygirl’s stuff before. And i agree! Although their packaging screams teenie schoolgirl, but there are definitely drugstore gems in there! I love their funky eyelights pencils and nail polish remover!
Yeah I almost feel embarrassed checking out Silkygirl sometimes, but they do have gems in there
Enjoy the break!
Great review! M’sia has some good stuffs huh? Happy Merdeka Day~
Yes we do – something we might not always be aware of
Happy Merdeka!
IDI Italy 1858 is Malaysian? Hmm.. I thought they had a history and roots in Italy dating back yonks..
IDI itself dates back to the 1800s in Italy but the company bringing it to this part of the world is based in Malaysia (it was first launched in Malaysia). In Italy, the products apparently look different because they don’t come under the same umbrella company. Bit complicated eh? I was confused too
Thanks Paris for a good sharing.I also don’t know the Stage is from Malaysia.I think I gotta have a look to this brand.(Support Malaysia product)
I hope you find something from the brand you might like – its quite hit or miss but the lip products wow me
Whoa, I didnt know IDI Italy is a Malaysian brand! Good reveiws i heard..
Its not too bad – a little pricey for something sold at a pharmacy but it works for those with hypersensitive skins
Twitter: samstillreading
August 31, 2010 at 5:52 pm
I love Silkygirl eyeliners- so soft, great colours and so cheap! Always stock up when I’m in the area. Will have to try a lipgloss too next time.
I love the Funky Eyeliners too! I think I’ve run through quite a few
You have so many beautiful and interesting brands in Malaysia! So far, I’ve only had the chance to try a couple of Silkygirl lip products and a blush thanks to a swap and I have to say I really like them. For the price, they are really good.
Oh you’ve tried Silkygirl? Awesome! If you have the chance try the Funky Eyeliner
and we do have a varied number of local brands, some with decent products. We just tend to overlook them 
Silkygirl’s eyeliner! I lovelovelove that they don’t ‘slide’ even after hours of wear and are so easy to draw with – I’m single-eyelidded and almost always get ‘sliding’ eye makeup cos my lids fold inwards. gaah.
Have you tried SimplySiti yet?
Nope I haven’t tried SimplySiti – it doesn’t draw me in for some reason – I think it was the Siti Nurhaliza overkill in the past few years that did me in
simply siti is manufactured in Korea. Since Korean cosmetics is such a hit nowadays, would you consider giving it a try? so far i haven’t come across any review about this product
I’m sorry I haven’t found anything in SimplySiti that catches my eye. Korean cosmetics don’t quite grab me either. Maybe if something does catch my eye from the brand I’ll give it a shot.
Is Definite Cosmetics Malaysian? I quite like a number of their products.
They are a Malaysian-Italian collaboration so I guess yes they are part Malaysian
Some of their stuff aren’t too bad too.
Wow, had no idea that most of these are Malaysian brands! Bought a Stage lipgloss at their warehouse sale recently, but am yet to try it out. Tempted to give Beautilicious a shot now too.
Beautilicious is also hit or miss – check it out at the counters and see what catches your fancy
Paul Penders and Tanamera come to mind as being made in Malaysia.
Unfortunately the Paul Penders cosmetics line is not sold in Malaysia though.
Thanks for the info! Unfortunately I haven’t come across either in a big way. What does Tanamera sell and what’s good from either brand?
i like the paul penders lipsticks, and LOVE their shampoo / conditioner, the only kind that stop my hair from being too frizzy / dry (i’m in an office environment most of the time, really dries my hair out as i don’t use products on it other than in the shower).
Paul Penders mascara has won some awards overseas too i think, but not available here
Here’s the tanamera link : http://www.tanamera.com.my/ – i have heard really good things about them. it’s more like spa products
I’d tried IDI 1.0 for oily acne skin. Before that, I had really terrible skin with lots of breakouts. The pimples even made my cheeks looked flushed and I didn’t even dared to touch any makeup products. I tried IDI and the whole 1.0 set lasted me for half a year and my skin condition got better!
Now that I’ve stopped, my skin has gotten worse. Partially due to exam stress.. Was really surprised when you mentioned that IDI is Malaysian. Good product. *thumbs up*