9 Makeup Collabs From Asian Brands That Became Collectors’ Items

Makeup lovers know the thrill of limited collections, and some collaborations go far beyond a seasonal trend. Asian beauty brands have teamed up with designers, artists, and pop culture icons to release products that fans still treasure today. From anime-inspired palettes to character-themed packaging, these collabs turned everyday cosmetics into collectibles that are hard to let go of.

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MAC × Kakao Friends

When MAC joined forces with Kakao Friends, the result was a lipstick collection that immediately caught the attention of both beauty fans and character lovers. Each lipstick featured vibrant shades paired with packaging designed around beloved characters such as Ryan, Apeach, Muzi, and Neo. Limited quantities and regional availability meant these quickly sold out, leaving many wishing they had grabbed an extra tube.

Collectors prize this collaboration because it blends two passions—K-beauty trends and Korean pop culture icons. The packaging is playful yet sleek enough to display, which adds to its lasting charm. Even years later, unopened boxes from this collection fetch high resale prices online, proving just how much of a collector’s gem it became.

Shiseido ANESSA × Pokémon

Shiseido’s ANESSA sunscreen is already a household name in Asia, but the Pokémon collab turned it into a must-have item. Bottles featured adorable designs of Pikachu, Eevee, Piplup, and more, instantly making a practical product feel like a collectible. Fans lined up to buy them, and many chose to keep the packaging long after the sunscreen was gone.

The popularity of Pokémon ensured these products never sat on shelves for long. Beauty lovers who grew up with the franchise treated the sunscreen as both skincare and memorabilia. Over time, the unique packaging became harder to find, creating a thriving resale market among both Pokémon collectors and beauty enthusiasts.

KATE Japan × Jujutsu Kaisen

KATE tapped into the massive popularity of the anime Jujutsu Kaisen by designing products that spoke directly to fans. The collection often highlighted eye makeup, aligning perfectly with the show’s focus on intense character expressions. Each piece featured striking artwork tied to the anime, which turned the products into instant display pieces.

This partnership blurred the line between fandom and cosmetics. Anime enthusiasts viewed the packaging as a way to show off their favorite series, while makeup fans appreciated the wearable colors. Limited runs ensured the items became scarce, and today unopened boxes are sought after by collectors who value both the brand and the anime connection.

&be × Pokémon

The Japanese brand &be released a special line of cosmetics and sunscreen that showcased Pokémon designs, tapping into the timeless appeal of the franchise. With playful packaging and limited color coding, the collection became an instant hit among young adults and nostalgic fans alike. It wasn’t unusual for shoppers to buy multiples just to preserve one as a keepsake.

Collectors loved that the products had practical use but still looked like souvenirs. Pokémon collaborations rarely last long, which made this edition even more valuable. Over time, unopened sets became prized items, often exchanged between collectors as part of larger Pokémon memorabilia collections.

Florasis Beijing Opera Palette and Art Editions

Florasis is known for its elaborate packaging, but the Beijing Opera Palette took things to another level. The design drew inspiration from traditional Chinese opera, complete with vibrant colors and symbolic motifs. Each palette felt more like a miniature work of art than a makeup product, which appealed to both beauty users and collectors of cultural items.

These limited-edition pieces were produced in small batches, instantly driving demand. Many buyers kept the palettes unused, treating them as display pieces. Their ornate cases and detailed etching made them difficult to part with, and as a result, resale prices often surpassed the original retail cost.

Shu Uemura × Takashi Murakami

Shu Uemura’s holiday collection with Takashi Murakami brought the artist’s famous smiling flowers and vibrant pop-art style into the world of beauty. Palettes, lipsticks, and cleansing oils all featured his signature motifs, which made the packaging instantly recognizable. The collaboration felt more like owning a piece of Murakami’s art than simply buying makeup.

Collectors valued the mix of high art and cosmetics. Owning one of these products offered bragging rights, as the limited release sold out quickly. Even secondhand, the colorful designs retain their desirability, making them staples in both beauty collections and Murakami memorabilia circles.

Tonymoly × Moschino

When Korean brand Tonymoly joined hands with fashion house Moschino, the result was as flashy as expected. Products came in packaging shaped like handbags, phone cases, and clutches, blurring the line between accessory and cosmetic. This playful concept made the collection stand out from typical beauty releases.

Collectors loved that the packaging doubled as a conversation piece. The collab gave makeup fans a chance to own a slice of Moschino’s high-fashion aesthetic without the usual price tag. Limited runs meant pieces quickly became scarce, and those who kept theirs intact now hold onto items that rarely surface on resale sites.

MAC × Pony

Park Hye-min, better known as Pony, is one of Korea’s most recognized beauty influencers. Her MAC collaboration included lipsticks, highlighters, and palettes that reflected her signature aesthetic—soft glam with versatile shades. Fans of her tutorials were eager to own something tied directly to her artistry.

The collection became a milestone for influencer-driven beauty releases in Asia. Products sold quickly, and many buyers refused to use them, keeping them in pristine condition as collectibles. The MAC × Pony collection remains a reference point for how powerful influencer collaborations can be in shaping trends and driving long-term value.

Beauty Creations × Tokidoki

Beauty Creations teamed up with Tokidoki to create a Japanese-inspired line filled with sakura themes and collectible charm designs. The packaging was bright, playful, and true to Tokidoki’s signature aesthetic. Products looked just as suited to a display shelf as they did to a makeup bag.

Collectors found this collab irresistible because it combined the fun of character art with the usability of cosmetics. Fans who bought early sometimes held onto unopened sets, and those items became rarer as time went on. Today, they are popular among collectors of both Tokidoki merchandise and limited-edition beauty.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.