In a year that’s been tough on us all, it’s been especially hard on the Asian communities as we witness a rise in hate crimes targeting Asians around the world. While there’s still much work to do (and more stories to share and listen to), we’re shining a much-deserved light on the work of Asian-Canadian beauty and fashion founders. Because now more than ever, we need to support our Asian communities. There’s no mistaking the impact and power Asians have in the world of fashion and beauty (see: K-beauty and J-beauty and Korean streetwear and Japanese avant-garde). With so many amazing Asian-owned Canadian businesses, it’s about time we celebrate Asian excellence in Canada. This list is far from complete, and will be continuously updated.

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With parties and events still on hold, we’re ditching the heels and embracing practicality–without sacrificing style, of course. The Spring 2021 runways proved that sensible shoes can be chic. So, whether you’re looking for a pair to walk to your favourite patio in or to slip on and off for those socially distanced park hangs, there’s a pair waiting for you.

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My first childhood memory of mahjong is from my paternal grandmother’s 80th birthday, when I was 7 years old. I remember all the uncles and aunties standing huddled around the mahjong tables set up at the side of the banquet hall, where my two sets of grandparents were playing. I can still hear the shuffling tiles and intermittent yells from the winners as my cousins and I ran around giggling. To me, the sound of mahjong is the sound of happiness.

You see, when it came to any celebration like Chinese New Year, birthdays or anniversaries, you could be sure that mahjong was being played somewhere in the building. There was no cocktail hour—it was mahjong hour, and it went right up until it was time to serve dinner. Even now, on any given weekend, aunties and uncles of mine play all day and pull all-nighters, sleeping through the day on Sunday. Why? It’s yeet lau (lively) and it’s a symbol of celebration.

To many, mahjong is not just a game. It’s a way of life, especially for immigrant families. It’s a game you can easily play with strangers, but it’s also a time for families to bond, bringing generations together.

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Judging from my circle of friends’ group chat, healthy-looking skin is everyone’s beauty resolution this new year. And since it’s gift-giving season right now, it’s the perfect time to set loved ones up for success by wrapping up some beauty treasures.

Luxe French-inspired Japanese beauty brand Clé de Peau Beauté is the perfect place to start—it not only has magical, gift-worthy packaging (La Crème may as well be a jewel box), it also boasts innovative formulas for every skin type and need, to help them achieve that megawatt-glow.

To help me nail down the most covetable complexion-enhancing treats to give and get this season, I reached out to my beauty-obsessed pal Cher Bai, the Toronto influencer behind @chermycloset. Although the two of us have different skin needs and wants (I’m skincare-obsessed with combination and sensitive skin, while Cher is a makeup enthusiast with dry, dehydrated skin), we have a common goal: To put our best faces forward with the support of products that produce exceptional results.

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