#BeautyBoss: Kim Chi, CEO and Founder of KimChi Chic Beauty
Kim Chi.
Our latest #BeautyBoss is Kim Chi, CEO and Founder of KimChi Chic Beauty—a line of affordable and high-quality makeup that is accessible to everyone. The popular drag queen and television personality was a former competitor on the eighth season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and the first Korean-American contestant to appear on the show, as well as the first Korean-American drag queen to appear on American national television.
Kim Chi, who has been performing in drag since 2012, wanted to create a line of makeup that would be accessible to anyone regardless of their background or financial situation. In 2019 Kim Chi developed her own cosmetics line in collaboration with Bespoke Beauty Brands by NYX Cosmetics founder Toni Ko. Since its launch, KimChi Chic Beauty has expanded into a full line of cosmetics products that include everything from lashes and lip treatments to stunning palettes for eyes and more.
The brand is also a proud supporter of the Trevor Project and donates 2% of purchases to supporting LGBTQ mental health and suicide prevention, a cause that is near and dear to the brand’s founder. We chatted with Kim Chi, who shared the inspiration behind the brand, secrets for success, wellness tips, and much more.
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When was KimChi Chic Beauty founded and what does the name mean?
KimChi Chic Beauty launched in October 2019. We'll be 4 years old this year! The name is taken from my Instagram handle, but for my drag name I wanted a name that sounded feminine and represented my culture at the same time. Kimchi is the national dish of Korea so it made absolute sense!
KimChi Chic Beauty Get Glow Highlighter Duo ($16) is a two-color combo highlighter and illuminator that comes in several color combinations. Pictured: Hollywood Glow.
What inspired the creation of the brand?
As I started doing drag early on, I quickly realized how expensive buying all the makeup was, so I wanted to create high-quality makeup that was accessible to everyone! I always dreamed of doing an entire face of makeup with my own products—and here we are!
Does KimChi Chic Beauty have a hero product?
Our Puff Puff Pass Set & Bake Powder is our top seller and is used by professional drag queens and makeup artists!
What’s your favorite product from your brand?
You’re asking me to pick a favorite child! I adore all of the palettes, liners, setting powder Puff Puff Pass, lashes and, oh my god, the list goes on. My entire makeup kit is basically all my products!
Where are your products sold?
In the U.S. we're currently sold on our website and in CVS. Internationally, we are at London Drugs, Shoppers Drug Mart, Beauty Bay, Boozyshop, Douglas, Glam Raider, cosmeticcapital.com, Monolith, Beauty Mnl, Belissima, Vorana, and Nuestro Secreto. More to come!
Future plans for the brand?
Expansion! We're hoping to be in even more U.S. and international retailers this year! We also have some amazing new products in the works!
KimChi Chic Beauty Teddy Kim Palette ($34) features 17 playful shadows, two highlighters and two blushes in an adorable teddy bear-shaped palette. Pictured: Girlfriend (Pink).
Who inspires you?
Strong female figures that have achieved success out of hard work and talent.
Secret to success?
Surround yourself with passionate, hard-working people, and always be the most authentic version of yourself.
Beauty secrets?
I don’t think I have any. Maybe consume lots of fiber?
Wellness tips?
Skin care is the easiest form of self-care!
Best advice?
Be kind. It’s the easiest and cheapest thing anyone can do!
How do you like to relax?
By scrolling through TikTok endlessly until I can’t take it anymore.
For more information, visit KimChi Chic Beauty’s website and follow on Instagram: @kimchichicbeauty
[Images courtesy of KimChi Chic Beauty]
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk