I’ve been thinking about this recently, so I posed this question on Facebook and received a good response with some good suggestions. So I wanted to open this up to you on the blog, because I know not everyone is on every social media platform.
I have noticed a bit of a boom in local, Malaysian cosmetics in recent years. I am, as you will know, Malaysian and based here in Malaysia. I may be grumpy about how things are run, but I am patriotic. There is a difference. However, be it due to my not being of the target market, or perhaps, just being a snob (ha!) I am quite unaware of, and unfamiliar with, the local brands and products that are out there.
This is where you come in! If you use or know of a reputable local cosmetics brand, or perhaps you own one, please feel free to share, and reach out.
In past years, whenever I came across a local brand, I was always happy to offer my support. I have found 2 local scented candles brands this way (Sanctuary and Lilin & Co), that I am very impressed by, and that I have bought more from. They smell lovely, and they are affordable so they don’t burn a hole in my wallet. I enjoy my Jo Malone and my Diptyque, but I am just as happy, if not happier, to burn a Lilin & Co candle! 🙂
But I realised after a while with beauty, that there was a problem with longevity, quality, packaging and marketing. The quality and crappy marketing issue bugged me the most. Then came the onslaught of repackaged OEM products, and recently krim kilo, and I ran screaming for the hills, and pretty much stopped looking at ANY local brand. I could never be sure of the quality.
Those of you who know me well enough, will know that I do not and will never recommend a product that I won’t put on my own face or body. 90% of the pitches I receive, I reject, for I have no confidence in the brand or product.
Do you wonder why you don’t see a certain brand on my blog that might be on most other blogs? This is why. I am very particular about what goes on my skin, and I am quite confident with my preferences, skin type and what will or will not work for me. I am, to put it mildly, discerning and critical, and many people don’t like that.
I am also today, trying more niche beauty brands than before, and I think it would be nice to discover something local and niche, that is (hopefully) more affordable, well packaged and most importantly, effective and impressive. Affordability is a little subjective, I’d agree. So my key criteria is efficacy. Ingredients, texture and formula are key.
So, I’m turning this over to you. If you are using or have used a local cosmetics brand or product that you think I might be interested to try, or that you think is impressive, please leave a note in the comment box. If you are a brand owner, please feel free to reach out. I’m open to all suggestions – skincare, makeup, bath and body etc. I’d just like to know what are the local cosmetics brands out there, and perhaps, even have a go at them.
But please keep them legitimate. I am not prepared to consider any ol’ Ali, Muthu and Ah Kau brand ok? 😀 If it can be found in a pharmacy, or store or a legitimate website, I will take a look. I don’t do products that are sold only on a social media platform, or that have no online presence, or are just dodgy as a RM25 bill.
Do you use a local cosmetics brand? Are you interested in using or learning about them?
I admit wholeheartedly to being a snob. But I also realise that quality appears to have improved in recent years, so I’d like to have another go. So, hit me up. I know you guys know what’s what! 🙂
Paris B
I think Elianto is local? And Bloop? But I’m not exactly sure. I haven’t explored local brands as much because I am a little skeptical where they come from or how they are manufactured. Especially skincare. I am a bit more willing to try makeup though.
Yes, last I know Elianto is local (although they now brand themselves as Korean so maybe it’s changed?) and previously so was Bloop. But The quality of their products in both these brands I felt were rather suspect. I’m all for affordable makeup, but a RM5 shadow does give me the creeps a little. Makes me wonder what is really in there, and if I won’t buy a cheapy shadow from China, why would I put this on my skin? LOL! I guess I’m just paranoid. But with skincare, it’s so tricky. I have noticed many new brands popping up recently though, that look more credible, or at least make an attempt to. But I think for the most part, we have spoilt it for ourselves.
How about starting with Daya Botanica home spa products?
They’re sold alongside Sanctuary candles online and in-store 🙂
I cross DB off my list because they do not list ALL the ingredients of their products. As a user, buyer and consumer, this is a major pet peeve.
Ouch. Major manufacture FAIL 🙁
That’s interesting Joy. I took a look at their website, and they list their ingredients. Is that not the complete list? I would be peeved as well, if it isn’t, because I feel that to be very important today when consumers are so much more educated about ingredients and what goes into products.
Hey PB. I took a look as well and it seems they updated it because previously they only listed the key ingredients. My mistake. Sorry about that. >.<
Ah, that’s good to know they finally worked it out and put up a proper ingredient list! Did you like anything from the brand or have you tried Daya before?
Thanks YZ. I remember seeing that in a magazine. For some reason, I feel like local brands do better for bath and body than for skincare. The skincare market is pretty much spoilt by all the crappy nonsense that’s being peddled out there. Have you tried anything from Daya?
Not yet. I have bought Sanctuary candles though 🙂
I hope you liked them! 😀
drugstore wise, I believe Safi is a legitimate local brand, backed by valid R&D and certification. I’ve never used them but I have heard really good reviews of people using them, especially the range called Safi Rania and Safi Rania gold.
I totally agree with you on the iffy local brands without proper background of R&D and testing. Don’t even bother putting on your skin or consume anything without knowing the long term effects.
Thanks Juan. Yes, I have actually heard that Safi is a decent pharmacy brand. I think it’s made by Unza, the people who make Eversoft etc. I have been seeing some new brands pop up in recent times, that look decent, but I’m just highly suspicious. Don’t know if I want to waste my time checking them out, or if I just want to write them off altogether. But I think in the spirit of investigation, I should take a look. It’s only fair right? But I think locally anyway, there isn’t much desire to really come up with a good, high quality brand of products, nor is there anyone who is truly passionate about skincare doing it. Everyone only wants a quick buck.
Hey PB. You should definitely check out Indochine Natural. They’re foreign own but based in Penang. Their face cleanser cleared, stopped and healed the breakouts I had from using a face wash from a certain local brand (this brand is pantang to me now).
Indochine Natural is a great brand. The products are formulated by the founder himself, an Australian scientist (Dr. Mike). They’re super helpful and friendly.
Another is The Seeds Natural and they have a legitimate website. I love the face serum, soothing mist/toner and aloe moist. Packaging is attractive too.
Hi Joy, thank you for the suggestion about Indochine Natural 🙂 I did try one of their soaps many years ago, but I’m not into soaps so I never bothered to stay in touch with the brand. I have to say though that I had a bit of a uncomfortable dealing with the brand, which led me to write them off. I can’t remember what it is now, since it was so long ago, but I remember the name haha! 😀 I think I saw The Seeds Natural at M+ Pharmacy. I will take another look when I’m next there! Thanks for vouching for them 🙂
Oh, I see. No worries there regarding Indochine Natural. I don’t use their bar soaps too. The face wash works on me so I just buy it for the sake of my skin.
By the way, you can check out Serasi as well. I used their face serum and recommended it to a friend. It faded her pimple scars and mine brown spot but I think the formula will not be hydrating enough for dry skin type.
Jeanie Botanicals is great as well =D
Thanks for the recs for Serasi and Jeanie Botanicals 🙂 I’ll be sure to look them up! My “problem” with many local brands is their focus on using essential oils, which in many ways I feel is taking the easy way out in terms of formulation. There are so many scientific methods and ingredients that are effective, that I’d like to see in a good skincare product, but I can’t find that locally. Also the natural formulations tend to be quite simple and basic as well. I believe it might be to do with the ingredients we can source locally, and also cost. But that’s my gripe 🙂 Thanks again for the rec!
I’m actually quite happy with Silky Girl lip crayons. I use them alongside Dior, Chanel, theBalm, etc.
I’m also very happy with a homemade facial oil I bought from a lady of Facebook. Apparently 100% natural essential oils. It was the only thing that worked on my rosacea flare up. I had tried everything! I don’t usually use products not backed up by a proper company but this works for me better than the tiny 10g/ rm200 tube of dermatologist-prescribed Protopic. Desperate times that was!
off*
I think I tried one of the Silkygirl crayons. Not bad. Silkygirl is truly a homegrown, cheap and cheerful brand. I was using their liquid eyeliner for a spell till it dried out. Decent stuff! And I remember you telling me about the face oil. Happy you found one that suits your skin and more importantly, that works for your skin right now! I know how frustrating it is to not be able to address a skin problem. I do still have trust issues with buying off Facebook or Instagram LOL I mean, I realise that might be the future, but so many of them have such dodgy looking pages 😛 (not the one you buy from, I mean, just in general)
Can you share the Facebook page please?
@ Rosie: Sure! I hope Paris B doesn’t mind that I link here.
m.facebook.com/Plant-Origin-1690259391008444/
I love the Calming Oil!
No worries, thanks for sharing! So happens, it’s someone I’m acquainted with! An ex-blogger 😀
Small world, Paris! I’m so happy with her products I just spent nearly RM400 on my second order. I think she makes great essential oil blends for people with sensitive or problem skin. I’ve never met her in person, I think she retired from blogging to focus on her family and make these fab products.
Yes that’s what I heard. Most people do (retire) eventually LOL!
I love using the Neesya range of skincare. I was introduced to it since a few years ago through a beauty bag that I subscribed to. So far, I have used their cleansing milk, toner, essence, day cream, night cream and Age Defence Moisturizer. I don’t like their UV Shield though because it leaves a white cast on my complexion. Price range is very affordable and I am very happy with the results. Can be purchased at Watsons outlets or online at 11st.
Thanks for sharing ML. I think I remember Neesya. They were quite aggressive when they first launched, I remember, and I remember also they contacted me, but I wasn’t interested as they focused on skin brightening. It’s that Asian curse, and I think I might have been more interested if they had focused on moisture instead. That said, thank you for letting me know that they are decent, and that you are happy with it. I know you are no stranger to skincare 🙂
Does Silkygirl count? 😀
It’s so scary to see all these krim kilo and other dodgy brands being sold so openly! And people actually use them without worrying about the fact that some of the ingredients are harmful with short- and long-tern effects!-and because of their unverified status, if anything happens to the customer it’s so hard to lodge any complaint!
I also don’t get why so OEM factory brands can advertise themselves along the highway with sketchy claims…
Haha yes Silkygirl is probably our best representation of a legitimate local makeup brand haha! 😀 Like you, I am terrified about all these krim kilo nonsense being peddled, and all these celebrities jumping on the skincare and beauty bandwagon. Most of them don’t actually care what they endorse or what they are selling, because they go off and show off fancy skincare gifted by brands anyway! The irony 😛 And omg i don’t even know who buys the stuff that’s sold along the highway! I see ads for products I have never seen in my life! What on earth…
Hi Paris. I like coming here (to your blog) because I get to expand my beauty vocab everytime. 😛
I recently discovered Claire and their Kurokami hair care soap helped with my itchy scalp problem. They have more to offer – skincare, body care, EO, etc. but I think I’ll limit my usage to that one product for the time being.
I like Tanamera for their home & living range as well. I prefer wood as they don’t break easily compared to porcelain or crystal (read: my toddler and the cat break stuff all the time). It beautifies my house, not too sure about my skin, does that count?
Hey Laura 😀 Thanks for sharing the brands you’ve tried. I’d come across Tanamera as well, but because I’m not big on using soaps, there has been little to hold my attention from the brand. Well, except maybe for their other products like massage oils. I do like their use of local ingredients though. I feel we have so much to offer by way of ingredients, it’s a pity that so few brands are leveraging on it.
Cosmoderm! A local brand which i just come across last few days, got their tea-tree oil series cleanser and pimples treatment cream! Quite decent after using for several days, at least i found their pimples treatment cream works better on my skin thab the famed O brand pimples treatment cream. Also tried their exfoliating gel which decently remove my dead skin!
Shall get one in pharmacy after finishing the sample.
Btw, this is the very first local brand i have tried!
Thanks for sharing Ed! 🙂 I’d come across the brand before, while browsing at the pharmacy, but didn’t realise it’s local 🙂 Good to know that it’s an effective pimple cream!
Daisy Sky Malaysia is pretty good! I am a fan of the Rose Alba Hydrosol and Bulgarian Rose Gel. Their products are certified organic too so you can check them out.
Thanks Kye Lin! I’ll look into Daisy Sky. I think I came across some pictures of it on Instagram a while back but didn’t quite pay a lot of attention LOL 😀
I love Sendayu tinggi cosmetics and Silky girl… Skincare would b Loreal and Nurish and also Safi..
Thanks for sharing Shija! 😀 I was a big Silkygirl user myself, and I actually liked their liquid eyeliner. Cheap and good!
1)Personally, I have no interest in local beauty brands. I find the mushrooming of matte lipcolours from local brands/celebs unoriginal.
2)At the moment, I’m not using any products from local brands. However, I think Silkygirl is a decent brand that’s affordable. I LOVE the duo blusher! ?
There goes my say! 😉
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Hanna 🙂 I actually feel the same way you do about the matte lipstick trend. Can we get over it already? Most of them aren’t even flattering! And after I found out that you can just buy them in bulk and just put your own name on them, I was very wary of quality. Silkygirl is one of the more decent local makeup brands I’d agree. Cheap and pretty decent.
Nutox by Tohtonku (Follow Me brand), Safi, Eversoft, and Aiken by Unza are the brands I grew up with along with Silkygirl. Thankful for Elianto too for that unforgettable pigmented RM5 eyeshadow and blusher pans which my friends and I hovered upon seeing them. Elianto now has a store in IOI City Mall where I got to redeem a made-in-Germany eyeshadow stick. Surprised, cause I was expecting China made products. These are the established brands which I trusted for their quality assurance lab (especially efficacy, irritancy, microbs) and willingness to invest in R&D.
Most local brand started off by soap and aromatherapy enthusiast which naturally they move on to lip balms and oil blends. Some went further by melting waxes and oil with zinc oxide/titanium dioxide to make basic sunscreen. They thrive on naturals, non-toxic, no nasties in their marketing. There are growing a lot lately thanks to online cosmetic making lesson and reseller from Formula Botanica and Soaplab,
Thanks for the suggestions. Most of those you mentioned have been around so long! I guess there’s a reason why 🙂 Actually both Silkygirl and Elianto have Made in Germany eyeliners and shadow sticks. I think it’s because that’s where most of it is made. In fact, most international brands are Made in Germany too. Maybe that’s the only factory haha! I’m told there really aren’t many cosmetics factories out there, so everything more or less comes from these few factories. Maybe just different formulations, depending on how much the brand is prepared to pay. I have come across many home made brands too. While I’m fine with cleaning products, I draw the line at DIY sunscreen. The problem for us I feel, is that ingredients must be imported, and they aren’t cheap. So even homemade products, especially natural ones, aren’t that cheap.
I actually kinda like Clinelle products. They smell nice and are gentle 😀
Thanks for sharing Lace!
i bought 3 Malaysian brands liquid lipsticks
1. Nita Cosmetics – long lasting on lips and worth the price . Would definitely repurchase other new items from their line. Also, their eyeshadows are very pigmented as well.
2. Breena Beauty – it does not last long on lips at all and really drying. When you wear it throughout the day suddenly the colour runs down to your chin :O Got it for RM30 as it was on sale but really2 not worth the money
3. Alapnian – gorgeous colours and very2 long lasting and hard to remove also. However i had an allergic reaction to this. My lips was swollen and looked like Angeline Jolie *cries*
Thanks for sharing Kiandra. For some reason, Malaysian cosmetics brands are so big on matte liquid lipstick. Having seen some very dubious practices and companies offering these, I’ve sworn off all of them because it is highly likely they come from the same factory and I don’t trust them 😛
Try Mary Jardin products! The founder is a doctor who is specialised in dermatology. Eventhough you didn’t like soap bar, you can try the face mist 🙂