11 Wellness and Beauty Products to Shop This Lunar New Year
The arrival of the Lunar New Year is a time of festivities, food and fun for many families and friends across the globe, especially across the Asian diaspora. This year, the world will welcome the Year of the Dragon on February 10. Characterized by intelligence, tenacity, and an ambitious spirit, the fifth sign of the Chinese zodiac sign symbolizes power and good fortune.
To celebrate, brands pull out all the stops with special product launches. When it comes to the beauty market, some labels release their cult classics enrobed in ornate packaging while others present never-before-seen capsule collections. The idea is to create beauty products that add a hint of festivity to any beauty routine.
Ahead, find the best beauty drops to channel your inner dragon in the Lunar New Year.
Fresh – Limited Edition Kombucha Antioxidant Facial Treatment Essence
Fresh’s Limited-Edition Kombucha Antioxidant Facial Treatment Essence comes in a package decorated with playful dragon illustrations in gold, red and blue accents. Designed to be the first step after cleansing, the product features fermented kombucha — known for its antioxidant molecules and skin protection properties — as well as artemisia flower extract and hyaluronic acid. If you’re looking for a product to smooth, brighten and hydrate the skin barrier, this essence should be on your Lunar New Year wishlist.
Sulwhasoo – First Care Activating Serum Lunar New Year
Recognized for high-quality skincare products, Sulwhasoo has been a Korean household staple for decades. The premium skincare brand launched its First Essence line in 1997 with the First Care Activating Serum. Formulated with ginseng, the serum has since captured the hearts of all generations and skin types — reportedly, one bottle is sold every ten seconds worldwide! To build upon its heritage as a traditionally formulated brand, Sulwhasoo celebrates the Year of the Dragon with a special packing and fine-line dragon artwork etched on the bottle.
Clinique – Lunar New Year Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
After making the rounds online with the viral Black Honey lipstick, Clinique has introduced its audience to another beauty staple: the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. This dermatologist-developed moisturizer balances the oil-water levels in the skin and works to strengthen the skin barrier. In 2024, the best-selling product makes its Lunar New Year debut dressed in red and gold packaging. To ring in the Year of the Dragon, Clinique also offers a special edition of the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion and the Cheek Pop™ Highlighter.
Nars – Lunar New Year Quad Eyeshadow
Since 1994, Nars has made a name as a makeup artist-favorite brand with products such as the Sheer Glow Foundation and the Laguna Bronzer. To welcome the Year of the Dragon, Nars revealed the Lunar New Year Quad Eyeshadow in a glossy red package. The eyeshadow quad consists of soft peach and cocoa eyeshadows with a pop of champagne shimmer. If you struggle to execute the perfect smokey eye consider picking up this palette. The shade range and creamy formulation make festive glam attainable in just a few swipes.
Tower 28 – Kung Fu Panda 4 Cream Blush + Lip Gloss Kit
Partnering with the animated film Kung Fu Panda 4, AAPI-owned brand Tower 28 put a spin on its best-sellers for the Lunar New Year. The clean beauty label released a limited edition shade of the BeachPlease Lip + Cheek Cream Blush, a firecracker red color titled “Dumpling Hour.” Staying on theme, this blush is accompanied by a ShineOn Non-Sticky Lip Jelly Gloss with gold flakes. Both products come packaged in a festive red box and gold accents inspired by traditional Chinese patterns.
Laura Mercier – Lunar New Year Mini RoseGlow Caviar Stick Eye Shadow Duo
Delivering effortless application, Laura Mercier’s Roseglow Caviar Stick Duo is one of the brand’s most iconic products. The set features two highly versatile and buildable rosy-toned eyeshadow sticks that come with a creamy shimmer finish. For the Lunar New Year, the duo gets a revamp with special red packaging adorned with dragon motifs. Laura Mercier also reimagined other fan-favorite items including the Blush Color Infusion and the award-winning Translucent Loose Setting Powder.
Kérastase Elixir Ultime L’Huile Original Hair Oil Limited Edition Year of the Dragon Rouge
Just in time for the Lunar New Year, Kérastase released a Dragon Rouge Limited Edition of its iconic Elixir Ultime L’Huile Original Hair Oil. With attributes like preventing breakage, nourishing follicles, and adding shine, this product is well-liked among hair experts and beauty enthusiasts. The popular elixir blends marula, camelia, and argan oil to maximize the efforts of a singular product. It can be applied on wet, damp, and dry hair to achieve a soft and shiny finish.
Le Mini Macaron Dragon Queen Gel Trio & Stickers Bundle
Le Mini Macaron is among the brands dominating the DIY nail scene with vegan and cruelty-free formulas that deliver salon-quality manicures from the comfort of our homes. To get in the Lunar New Year spirit, the beauty brand curated a set of three polishes and nail stickers. The Dragon Queen bundle consists of bold red, gold, and nude nail lacquers and a sheet of mini stickers featuring Chinese imagery and geometric motifs.
“As an AAPI founder, I’ve always wanted to create a special collection for Lunar New Year,” said Le Mini Macaron founder, Christina Kao, about the launch. “A dragon year symbolizes power, honor, and success. So I created a collection to amplify your year.”
Diptyque – L’Eau Papier Limited edition Eau de toilette
Lauded for the storytelling behind its poetic scents, Diptyque is a go-to brand for fragrance lovers. The cult-favorite French label collaborated with Chinese calligrapher Ao Hei to deliver a special edition of L’Eau Papier — a fragrance that recreates the smell of paper by mixing rice steam, musk and mimosa accords. Dyptique reimagined L’Eau Papier for the festivities with a special bottle adorned with gold illustrations and a red box inked with the Chinese characters for “Dragon” and “Paper.”
Lush Cosmetics – Inner Dragon Bath Bomb
Lush Cosmetics has captivated a large following with unique and environmentally-conscious bath and shower essentials. This year, brand collaborators who observe the Lunar New Year curated a selection of products dedicated to the dragon, the ruling zodiac sign of 2024. The collection features shower gels, shampoo bars and gift sets. However, the Inner Dragon Bath Bomb might be the most representative product. Mixing neroli oil, ginger powder and orange flower absolute, this bath bomb is the perfect purchase to help you step into the New Year refreshed and energized.
From The East Studio – Year of The Dragon Birthdate Candle
Relax and take a moment to breathe with From The East Studio. This indie brand offers customizable soy candles dedicated to all the signs in the Chinese zodiac. Each candle can be individualized with the customer’s name, birthdate and matching sign. The candle corresponding to 2024 blends notes of lavender, chamomile, and cedarwood for a cozy, herbal aroma. Additionally, the Year of The Dragon Birthdate Candle comes with a back label that provides insights into the zodiac sign.
Whether shopping for friends, relatives, or yourself, these beauty products are the perfect addition to a New Year beauty routine and make the perfect companion to a glossy red envelope (angpao).
If you’re on the lookout for more Lunar New Year product launches, check out EnVi’s recap of the most stylish Year of the Dragon collections here.
All products featured on EnVi are independently selected by our editors. However, we may earn a commission from qualifiying purchases.
