What’s in your bag says a lot about who you are—your personality, priorities, and even your cultural roots. From beauty staples to wellness must-haves, here are 10 South Asian–owned essentials that deserve a spot in your handbag.
1. Lipstick – Live Tinted Huestick
Founded by beauty trailblazer Deepica Mutyala, Live Tinted’s multitasking Huestick works as a lipstick, blush, and eye color. Perfect for on-the-go touch-ups in shades that complement every skin tone.
www.livetinted.com
2. Compact Mirror – Kulfi Beauty Mirror
Kulfi Beauty, founded by Priyanka Ganjoo, celebrates bold, joyful South Asian beauty. Their chic mirror pairs perfectly with Kulfi’s vibrant kajals for a quick refresh.
www.kulfibeauty.com
3. Book – Brown Girls by Daphne Palasi Andreades
Slip a good read into your tote. Brown Girls is a lyrical novel that captures the immigrant experience with warmth, wit, and honesty—a must for subway commutes and travel days.
www.penguinrandomhouse.com
4. Wellness Shot – Golde Superfood Latte Sachets
Brooklyn-based South Asian founder Trinity Mouzon Wofford created Golde to make wellness fun and inclusive. Their single-serve matcha or turmeric latte sachets are handbag-friendly boosts for busy days.
www.golde.co
5. Hand Cream – Ranavat Jasmine Hydrating Crème
Ranavat, founded by Michelle Ranavat, draws on Ayurvedic rituals. This luxurious jasmine-infused hand cream keeps your hands soft and uplifted between meetings.
www.ranavat.com
6. Face Mist – Shaz & Kiks Scalp + Hair Mist
Sisters Shaz & Kiks created an Ayurvedic-inspired line for hair wellness. Their cooling mist doubles as a refreshing pick-me-up for skin and scalp when you’re on the move.
www.shazandkiks.com
7. Protein Bar – ALOHA Plant-Based Protein Bar (Richa Gupta, CMO)
Fuel up with ALOHA’s clean, plant-based bars. With South Asian representation at its helm, the brand combines health, taste, and portability for an everyday snack.
www.aloha.com
8. Notebook – Paperkami Handmade Journals
Founded by South Asian artisans, Paperkami offers eco-friendly handmade notebooks—perfect for jotting down thoughts, to-dos, or moments of inspiration on the fly.
www.paperkami.com
9. Sunglasses – Prive Revaux (Co-founded by Priyanka Chopra Jonas)
Affordable luxury eyewear co-founded by Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Stylish, protective, and practical—because a pair of sunnies always belongs in your bag.
www.priverevaux.com
10. Hand Sanitizer – Jaanuu Protect Hand Sanitizer
Founded by Dr. Neela Sethi Young and Dr. Shaan Sethi, Jaanuu started with modern medical apparel. Their sleek sanitizers are a post-pandemic must-have.
www.jaanuu.com
Whether it’s beauty, wellness, or a good book, these South Asian–owned essentials remind us that what we carry can reflect both style and substance.
